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July 2015

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

A Conversation with Food No of SAVOR Bobi,with Rex Making Organic HealthyHealthy Compromise

more of the regular type of pizzas people organic dairy-free money, of always and health before put options, I will eat;lots were familiar with and a littlepeople bit of do what many that… way around.” this, other thehow never, never and organic we eat. “You’d have a better chance of like healthy zero you think aftereatseeing later,that years find Fiveyou’ll surviving,” they said. to offer better our They saidinwe’d andoffseeing this?” menu our be compromises I thanked them for their candor and I people of pizzas type of the come around more have skeptics theregular success, asked them to listen to my answer. “I will bit of what and aoflittle withplenty and familiar educated were there are to see never make nor serve something that of I don’t chance better a have don’t “You’d who eat. we customers conscious health Q: What led you to understanding the kisses. I will never forget that moment. eat; I will always put health before money, said. they food, surviving,” substandard mediocre, for care One day, we came from the Hudson and never, never the other candor way around.” importance of fresh, healthy food and their quality, and forhigh themfor freshI thanked care but Icertainly Valley to visit a friend in Norwalk and Five years later, after seeing“I zero created the passion you have for it? will answer. my to listen to more. them and asked meats veggies, fruits, organic “For a saw I drove down Main Avenue. compromises in our menu and seeing our My wife, Val, and I grew up in farming make nor serve something that I don’t Rent” sign in one of the store windows. 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with No Food Have You Read What Everyone’s Been A Conversation with Rex Bobi, of SAVOR e Compromis Talking About? Healthy Organic

A Conversation with Conversation with Bobi of SAVOR, Healthy Organic of SAVOR Bobi, RexRex Healthy Making Healthy FoodOrganic with No Compromise

ommunityspotlight

Making Healthy Food with No ommunityspotlight Compromise A Conversation with Healthy Making Rex Bobi, of SAVOR No Food Healthywith Organic Compromise

hat led you to understanding the tance of fresh, healthy food and d the passion you have for it?

A Conversation with Rex Bobi, of SAVOR Healthy Organic

e, Val, and I grew up in farming rdening families back in Kosovo; everyone grows their own fresh nd vegetables, tends to their own s – cows, goats, sheep, horses, ns Sounderstanding we were exposed the you to ledmore. hatand n early age to all-organic food and healthy food of fresh, rtance using manure as fertilizer for it? you have passion theanimal ed me gardens. We simply didn’t know in farming up ife, Val, and I grew ere supposed to eatback anyin other way. Kosovo; families ardening st we matured, traveled around Eufresh their own grows everyone nd came totends America – I came own to their vegetables, andthen mid– 1980’s and my wife came horses,in sheep, cows, goats, als weand came to the that we were exposed Sorealization more. ens re early “otherage ways” people eat.food We to all-organic an We lovemanure a multicultural as fertilizer using animal nmerica. with so much and music; we didn’t know simply Weart gardens. me ted ourselves other way. any However, to eatease. supposed with were uldn’t to the mass-produced, around Eutraveled matured, we adapt As processed way to of America eating. Luckily, I – I came then came and ooking, reading about in wife came my studying andand mid 1980’s on. I never forgot helping my mom

203-939-1666 Now taking orders on line www.savorhealthypizza.com

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contents 14 7 newsbriefs balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal 14 healthbriefs growth, green living, creative expression and the products 17 globalbriefs and services that support a healthy lifestyle. 18 communityspotlight 20 THE FIVE KOSHAS OF YOGA 21 masteringyoga An Ancient Practice Provides 28 wisewords Understanding of Self 17 30 consciouseating 34 inspiredtable 21 MASTERING YOGA 24 48 practitionerprofiles 22 KURE SPA 54 naturallyhealthypet Wellness Center in Spa Disguise 56 naturalpet 32 59 calendar 24 FOOD DEMOCRACY 56 64 classifieds By the People, for the People and Toward a Stronger Nation 65 resourceguide 69 productmarketplace 28 JEFFREY SMITH 70 cosmicrhythms WARNS AGAINST GMOS 70 displayadindex 40 advertising & submissions 30 VEGGIE NATION Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more

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Fairfield County Edition

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REVOLUTION by Judith Fertig

32 MANIFEST MIRACLES

Tap Into the Field of Infinite Possibility by Deborah Shouse

40 LYME DISEASE

Transforming Confusion Into Wellness by Angela Pascopella

46 A WHOLE-BODY

APPROACH TO 53 TREATMENT OF LYME DISEASE by Adam Breiner

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contact us Publisher/Executive Editor Nicole Miale Editor Ariana Rawls Fine Design & Production Kathleen Fellows Erica Mills Contributing Writers Natasha Michaels Mary Oquendo Angela Pascopella Kristen Hallett Rzasa Community Street Team Slyms Bazile Leslie McLean Sales & Marketing Nicole Miale Virginia Trinque Distribution Man in Motion LLC Natural Awakenings Fairfield County 54 Danbury Rd, Ste 323 Ridgefield, CT 06877 Phone: 203-885-4674 Fax: 203-516-2392 NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com eNaturalAwakenings.com NAWebstore.com NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com © 2015 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. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

hen I saw a small line of ants marching across the kitchen floor the other day, I knew summer had truly arrived. Even with my decided preference for colder weather, I do appreciate the freshness and diversity of the fruits and vegetables to be found in our area throughout the summer. We are blessed to live in this area, with such an abundance of food riches. Farmers’ markets abound, new services make it easy to receive farm-fresh veggies straight to the door, and we are surrounded by an ever-growing selection of fantastic farm-to-table restaurants and other healthy eateries. Nicole Miale Unfortunately, all is not so rosy in other parts of the country; drought and other environmental disasters are ruining crops, organic options are not readily available, corporate agribusiness is encroaching more steadily on private farmers, and access to healthy food can be limited. In this issue, we take a hard look at the health of our nation’s food supply and what we can each do to improve a deteriorating situation. “Food democracy” refers to a fair and transparent food system in which people are able to make informed choices and have control over what and how they eat. National food and sustainable farming initiatives are not just for activists, but are of critical importance to a healthy future for all. As you will read, one of the keys to success is an energetic local community and economy; yet another reason I am grateful to live in our area. In this issue, we also spotlight something which has become a scourge of summertime in the northeast: tick borne illnesses, especially Lyme disease. While much has been in the mainstream media about Lyme, there is a lot which hasn’t been said. We asked a variety of local experts to weigh in, including perspectives on prevention, diagnosis, various options for natural treatment of Lyme and strategies for coping with the effects of living with chronic Lyme. It is increasingly important for each of us to act as our own health advocate and proactively seek diagnosis and treatment if you suspect you may have been infected. Don’t wait to find a tick or a tick bite; most people who contract Lyme never know they were bitten! Once again, we should count our blessings because in this area there are a number of practitioners focusing on Lyme and helping people feel better using a wide spectrum of tools. We highlight some of these practitioners in the articles, ads and profiles. I’m excited to announce the launch of our new Mastering Yoga section in this issue! The yoga community in Fairfield and southern Litchfield counties is incredibly vibrant; I’m so pleased to be able to bring more of these resources to you. Thank you to all our advertisers, distributors and contributors who make this community resource possible; please patronize them and let them know you found them in Natural Awakenings!

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Fairfield County Edition

See our advertiser index on page 70. Making it easier to find the resources you need. natural awakenings

newsbriefs Family and Environmental SOPHIA Welcomes New ND; Hosts Medicine Opens Stamford Office Community Appreciation Day

amily and Environmental Medicine has moved its main office to 111 High Ridge Road in Stamford. The practice of Gary S. Gruber, ND, will retain its New Canaan office for consultations, including HeartMath counseling – a tool for self-managing emotions and stress. Family and Environmental Medicine offers regulation thermography Gary S. Gruber services to patients and other healthcare practitioners throughout Fairfield County who would like to offer such services to their patients. The practice treats patients with Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, autoimmune diseases and other inflammatory conditions. In 2014, Gruber received his certificate in biological medicine from the Paracelsus Clinic in Switzerland. As part of his training, he learned to use and interpret computer regulation thermography, a diagnostic tool used in Europe for the past 30 years. AlfaSight 9000 is a device for diagnosing abnormalities of the female breast, peripheral vascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders and other conditions. “With the AlfaSight 9000, we can objectively measure organ dysfunction and conditions that contribute to acute and chronic disease. The value to the patient is that we can prioritize treatments and measure the outcome of such treatments,” says Gruber. For more information, visit DrGruber.org, email Info@ DrGruber.org or call 203-539-1149. Locations: 68 Old Stamford Rd, New Canaan, and 111 High Ridge Rd, Stamford.

rookfield’s SOPHIA Natural Health Center has added Craig Pannone, a Connecticut-licensed naturopathic physician, to its staff. Join Sophia for a community appreciation day on July 10 as they welcome their new physician. Food, tea, chair massages and heart screenings will be offered from 3-5pm and 6-7pm. Pannone will give an informative talk at 5:30pm on BioCraig Pannone Therapeutic Drainage and how it can help your health. The center is also offering patients the opportunity to get a free blood chemistry evaluation. With the more preventivefocused evaluation, the center’s staff examines a routine blood test to see if there are any nutrient deficiencies; liver, kidney or heart risks; or early signs of hormone problems, cholesterol or blood sugar issues. The center will provide this consult at no additional charge for the first time (Pannone is covered by most insurance plans) for existing patients of the practice. Blood is drawn at the office by medical assistants and billed to insurance. A consult is then scheduled to review the results. If you are a new patient or a patient’s family member, a complimentary consult will be scheduled to see if you qualify for a full exam including a blood test, cardio screening and more. To schedule an appointment, for more information and to reserve your space and VIP pass for the July 10 event, call 203-740-9300. See Community Resource Guide listing, page 65.

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July 2015

newsbriefs Ancient Crystal Skull Synergy and Caretaker Coming to Connecticut

Natural Health & WELLNESS CENTER

Individualized Treatment Plans for Acute and Chronic Conditions Osteoarthritis & Joint Disorders • Back Problems Cholesterol Problems • Anxiety & Depression Fatigue, Insomnia & Weight Gain • Diabetes High Blood Pressure • Headaches & Migraine Upper Respiratory Conditions

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

he ancient crystal skull known as Synergy and its caretaker and guardian, Sherry Whitfield, will be coming to New Milford and Ridgefield from Tucson, Arizona, on August 5 and 6 for private sessions and workshops. SynSherry Whitfield and the the ergy and Whitfield ancient crystal skull, Synergy have been featured on History Channel’s Ancient Aliens show and included in numerous books and websites on crystal skulls. Private sessions with Whitfield and Synergy are healing sessions that work on physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels. Clients will experience the energy of Synergy through a variety of shamanistic and energy techniques. Sessions may include shamanistic practices, energy work, working with totem animals, card reading, polarity balancing, past life readings and more. Sessions will be available in New Milford and Ridgefield and are approximately 30 minutes in length for a $75 fee. On August 5 at 7pm, there will be a Meet and Greet with Sherry and Synergy workshop offered in New Milford at Twin Star Herbal Education/Ah Yoga Center, located at 65 Bank Street, New Milford. The pre-registration fee for the workshop is $35 or $45 at the door. On August 6, a longer workshop will be offered; Talk Story Workshop with Synergy and Sherry will start at 7pm at the Redding Center for Meditation, located at 9 Picketts Ridge Road, West Redding. Preregistration is required for a $75 fee. Sherry Whitfield is known internationally for her clairvoyance and healing abilities and has had over 40 years experience and training with alternative healing work. She has conducted about 16,000 sessions with Synergy over the last 14 years. For registration and more information, visit EmbodyTheSacred.net. To register for all private sessions and workshops, contact Deana Paqua at EmbodyTheSacred. net/Contact.html. See ad, page 46.

Crystal Visions Celebrates its First Year

rystal Visions, a spiritual gift shop owned by psychic medium Kimberly Taylor, is nearing its first anniversary in its Sherman location. The shop hosts events and appointments with light workers, such as Reiki practitioners, spiritual counselors and wellness teachers. Taylor meets with clients to connect with their guides and loved ones to promote spiritual healing, clarity, life coaching and balance in all areas of life. Kimberly Taylor Classes are held regularly to encourage enlightenment, clarity, grounding, intention and, above all, inner peace. “It is our sincere and dedicated wish to offer products and services to re-leave the mind, invigorate the body and revitalize the spirit,” says Taylor. For more information, visit CrystalVisionsCT.com, email Info@CrystalVisionsCT.com, call 860-210-9897 or visit our Facebook page Facebook.com/CrystalVisionsCT. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am-6pm. Location: Crystal Visions, 1 CT Rt 37 East, Ste 2, Sherman. See ad, page 14.

Live Danbury Simulcast of 50th Anniversary Grateful Dead Concert

ocal Grateful Dead fans can have a front row seat at Danbury’s Ives Concert Park for one of the band’s last performances. To celebrate Grateful Dead’s distinguished 50-year career, the four original members, Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, and Bob Weir will play five final “Fare Thee Well” shows. Joined by Phish’s Trey Anastasio, as well as Jeff Chimenti and Bruce Hornsby, these last performances will be an historic celebration of the iconic band. The Forever Grateful music festival to be held on Friday, July 3 in Danbury will include a simulcast of Friday’s Grateful Dead concert from Chicago. Gates will open at 3 pm. The festival will feature live performances by Grateful Dead tribute bands throughout the afternoon/evening along with various exhibitors, food and beverages. Prior to the main simulcast performance by the Grateful Dead projected on the jumbo screen at 8pm, live performances by Red Planet, Symphonic Bodega, Father Nelson and the Backsliders, Bobby Paltauf and Shakedown will entertain the crowd from 3pm until 8pm for dancin’ and jammin’ in true Grateful Dead style. Location: Ives Concert Park, 43 Lake Ave Extension, Danbury. Forever Grateful tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. To order tickets visit ForeverGrateful.Evenbrite.com. See ad, page 25.

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eNaturalAwakenings.com

July 2015

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The Cleanest Touch LLC Bringing nature to your home

Your home is an extension of your body and spirit. Shouldn’t it be a healthy, stress-free environment? We are proud to introduce our new HOUSE GREEN CLEANING SERVICES in Fairfield County, CT. We use only “clean” products, including our signature products made with essential oils. For a free estimate, call us at 203-260-3087 www.thecleanesttouch.com Now serving these areas of Fairﬁeld County: Fairﬁeld, Norwalk, Trumbull, Westport, Wilton, Weston, and Darien.

Fairfield County Edition

New Kids Program Nurtures Caring and Compassion for Others

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

Kindred Spirits

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natural awakenings

elly Grich, certified in pediatric massage and relaxation therapy, has combined her years of experience working with young children with her training as a licensed massage therapist to offer two new youth services in Trumbull. She has created Kids in Harmoni Friendship Clubs for toddlers and preschoolers and relaxation sessions for adolescents and teens. Kids in Harmoni – which means peace in Norwegian – nurtures caring, kindness and compassion for self and others through cooperative group games and activities, affirmations, yoga stories, crafts, and gratitude and mindful activities. The friendship clubs also include soulful stories from authors such as Wayne Dyer, Louise Hay, Deepak Chopra and Thich Nhat Hanh, guided meditations and more for both toddlers and preschoolers and their parents. In this fast-paced world, adolescents and teens are often overscheduled and experience social, academic and athletic pressures, along with poor sleeping and eating habits. Grich’s new relaxation sessions combine a Swedish massage with guided meditations that are specific for their ages to help them release stress, reduce anxiety, manage anger, improve memory and concentration and promote positive thinking. During each session, the parent sits close by and the child remains fully clothed; shorts and tank top are recommended. To register or to schedule an appointment, call 203-377-9855, email KGrich@charter.net or visit HarmoniTherapy.com.

Lotus Wellness Center Launches ‘Presence Circles’

ombining meditation, sound healing, exploration and fun, the next Presence Circle will be on July 16 from 7-9pm. This ongoing circle, co-facilitated by Robin Spiegel and Stacey Sherman, will also include energy, aromatherapy and the power of the group to help participants experience peace, self-love, compassion and connection. This summer, the gatherings will also be held on August 6 and 20. “So many of our clients are yearning for a place to connect, to go within and to expand their awareness; we’ve created these circles so that people can come together in a non-judgmental, loving space to experience their potential and for all of us to become more empowered,” says Lotus Wellness Center Principal Robin Spiegel. All are invited to attend individual evenings or on an ongoing basis. No previous experience is required. The cost is $33 per evening or $133 (20 percent savings) for a five-evening card. Register in advance at Info@LotusWellnessCtr.com or 203-531-4784. Seating is limited. Location: Lotus Wellness Center, 46 Pemberwick Rd, Greenwich.

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For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of the students who have completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.Ridley.edu

Readers Enjoy Discounted Yoga Culture Classes

oga Culture, a registered Yoga Alliance Yoga school, is offering 15 percent off semiprivate lessons for Natural Awakenings readers in the month of July. In a semi-private lesson, there are up to six students, which allows for personalized attention and focus on specialized topics. Some of the July offerings include Therapeutic Studies: Exploring a Happier Life, Yoga’s Role in Dealing with Depression, Yoga for Wrist Health and Yoga for Runners. For a list of all July semi-private lessons and workshops, visit the ‘Workshop’ tab on WeAreYogaCulture.com. “There is a difference between learning a pose and mimicking a pose. The core focus at Yoga Culture is to teach beginner to seasoned yoga students the nuances of the poses so they can better understand it and make it their own,” says Jenny Schuck, Yoga Culture’s owner. The primary practice at the school is vinyasa yoga, where movement and breath are coordinated, with the added teachings of Iyengar-style alignment. For more information visit WeAreYogaCulture.com, email Kristen@WeAreYogaCulture.com or call 203-730-0250. Location: Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury. See ad, page 21.

Clinics

Your Partners in Health and Wellness.

The UB Clinics, located on the campus of the University of Bridgeport, are staffed by some of the brightest and most talented healthcare professionals of the future. Open to the public, the UB Clinics offer affordable, high quality care at a fraction of the cost of comparable treatments elsewhere. Naturopathic Medicine • Dental Hygiene • Chiropractic • Acupuncture Call today to find out how you can receive state-of-the-art, patient-centered care at New England’s fastest growing university. Call our UB Clinics at 203-576-4349 to take advantage of this unique healthcare opportunity located in your own backyard.

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eNaturalAwakenings.com

July 2015

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Discover Westbrook Let your child experience the joy and wonder of nature in a safe and loving environment Set on six beautiful acres in West Redding, CT, Westbrook offers Parent-Child and Mixed-Age Kindergarten Programs, Adult Workshops, Playdays and Seasonal Events

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203.975.1000 Go green! 5 Star Printing offers eco-friendly, green printing. When you choose 5 Star Printing, you are not only saving money, you're saving the environment. 5 Star Printing is an eco-friendly printing company, and we offer a choice of recycled paper stocks.

www.5starprinting.com 9 Old North Stamford Rd. Bldg. 35A Stamford, CT 06905

Fairfield County Edition

mail@5starprinting.com

natural awakenings

Coalition of CoCreators, is organized by Victoria and Ron Friedman of Vistar Foundation Victoria and Ron and includes Friedman Beth Leas of Total Life Care Center and Nicole Miale, Publisher of Natural Awakenings Fairfield County. Spiritual leaders and teachers, holistic practitioners, visionaries, musicians, artists, dancers, poets, healers, coaches, evolutionaries, energy workers, change-agents, futurists, singers, mystics, co-creative entrepreneurs, environmentalists, graphic designers, meditation teachers, shamans and all interested people are being called to a gathering on, July 25 from 1-5pm at Maria Fiora’s Dance Studio at 234 Glenbrook Road, Stamford. The Coalition of Co-Creators (CCC) is comprised of individuals and organizations seeking to support inter-community conscious culture. The coalition is co-creating a large, innovative and inspiring day-long event entitled CHANGE – CHANGING – CHANGED. You might participate as a presenter and/or help design, organize or promote the event, as you choose. It is time to collaborate with each other and lead the global movement for a shift in consciousness. Through this event, it is the intention of the coalition to elevate and support local spiritual leaders, practitioners, teachers, healers, change agents and everyone in the spiritual community. We intend to cocreate innovative large and small events that involve, inform, inspire, connect and evolve our communities. Please RSVP to Victoria at Info@ VistarFoundation.org. Location: Maria Fiora’s Dance Studio, 234 Glenbrook Rd, Stamford.

Focus on Fluoride with Holistic Moms Network

n July 8 at 7:30pm, Holistic Moms Network’s Fairfield County chapter will host its monthly meeting with Carol Peringer leading a discussion on the topic of fluoride in municipal water. She is the Fairfield County grassroots leader of Connecticut Families Against Chemical Trespass, better known as ConnFACT. Peringer is a holistic health advocate, speaker and educator inspiring change in the state’s food and water supply. Attendees will learn more Connecticut’s mandate to fluoridate municipal water. “At ConnFACT, we fight to protect Connecticut’s citizens from the hazards of toxic chemicals. Through education and advocacy, we aim to impact legislation that will protect the people of Connecticut from practices that contaminate the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat,” says Peringer. Holistic Moms Network is a support, education and social network of more than 100 chapters for parents interested in green living, alternative health care and responsive parenting. The group welcomes individuals to join wherever you are on the holistic path in an environment that does not judge. The Fairfield County chapter meets the second Wednesday of each month. For more information, visit Chapters.HolisticMoms.org/ Chapters/CT-Fairfield. Location: Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care, 156 East Ave, Norwalk.

SOUND Center Hosts Children’s Arts and Yoga Summer Camps

OUND Center for Arts and Mindfulness is offering YogArts Camp this summer for two weeks only, and for two age group levels. The campers will be engaged with various art and mindfulness activities such as world music, drum circles, daily crafts, yoga and mindfulness using organic elements inspired by nature. The focus for the week will be to encourage campers’ unique creativity and self-expression. They will also be invited to explore the world of energy in and around themselves. YogArts camp will be lead by a certified teacher. Although a healthy snack will be provided, pack water bottles and wear comfortable clothing. Space is limited to 10 campers. For the first session, the camp will take place July 7-10 from 9:30am-noon for ages 6-10. Cost is $150. Session 2 will be held July 13-16 from 9:30-11:30am for ages 3-6. Cost is $120. In addition, SOUND Center for Arts and Mindfulness will offer its Mindfulness, Meditation and Energy camp for ages 12 and older on July 20-23 from 3-5pm. Cost is $115 per child. The four-day summer series teaches the basics of mediation and how to live more mindfully. Campers will learn how to feel, identify and release blocked energy in their body, healthy ways to mange stress and compassion for themselves and others. Campers will also have a chance to experience a sound/vibrational session and encouraged to share their own artistic expression. This summer session is limited to 10 campers and pre-registration is required. For more information, visit SOUNDCenterArts.com. Location: 31 Hawleyville Rd, Newtown.

Connecticut’s Largest Organic Mattress Gallery Every mattress in our Carpe Diem and Terra Bed Collections is made entirely by hand using only natural filling materials. Our mattresses are backed by a 25 year warranty and are designed to offer you a great value and return on your investment. Please stop in and try one for yourself. We think you will be very impressed. Norwalk 508 Main Avenue 203.846.2233

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July 2015

healthbriefs

Social Isolation Linked to Earlier Death

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

ew research from Brigham Young University indicates that social interaction decreases the risk of premature death. Scientists conducted an analysis of actuarial health research from 1980 to 2014 that included more than 3 million people. The study found living alone increased the risk of death by 32 percent, while perceptions of greater social isolation and elevated loneliness showed 29 percent and 26 percent increased risks of early mortality, respectively. The results were consistent among both men and women, but the impact of feelings of isolation or loneliness caused a higher degree of mortality risk for individuals under the age of 65. The mortality rates among the lonely and isolated were comparable to those of individuals that smoked 15 cigarettes a day or were alcoholics. Lead researcher Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Ph.D., further noted, “The effect of this is comparable to that of obesity, something that public health takes very seriously.”

Eating Peanuts Early On Reduces Allergy Risk

eanut allergies in Western countries have doubled during the past decade. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine may help reverse this trend. Researchers found that introducing peanuts during early childhood can actually decrease the risk of developing a peanut allergy later in life. The researchers followed 640 children with a high risk of food allergies, beginning when they were between 4 and 11 months old. Half the children were fed peanuts, while the other half were not given any. All were tested for sensitivities to peanuts prior to and at the end of the study period, which averaged five years. The research found that nearly 14 percent of those that avoided peanuts had a peanut allergy at the end of five years; seven times more than the 2 percent of those that were fed peanuts and displayed subsequent sensitivity.

CHEMICAL-FREE SWIMMING

ummer is the time for soaking in the sun and dipping into the water. However, there are harmful realities associated with swimming in chlorinated pools, including salt water pools. Most of the swimming pools in the U.S. are oxidized and cleaned by chlorine. When chlorine enters the human body as a result of breathing, swallowing or skin contact, it reacts with water to produce acids. The acids are corrosive and can damage cells within seconds or minutes upon contact. Some of the most common short-term health issues are wheezing, coughing, buildup of fluid in the lungs, and skin and eye irritation. Long-term health issues are linked to asthma, tooth corrosion and many forms of cancer. In the past decade there has been a high demand for salt water pools as an alternative to conventional pools. Unfortunately, a salt water pool produces pure chlorine by removing the chemical from the hundreds of pounds of salt added to the pool water. The salt by itself does not have a cleaning ability but produces chlorine as a by-product. Although better than a traditional chlorinated pool, a salt water pool is still a chlorinated pool. Until recently, there wasn’t another alternative for people who wanted to enjoy swimming in a pool; chemical exposure was a necessary evil. In the past two years, however, a new option has become available to the region. Biotop by AquaScapes now offers a chemical-free swimming pool experience. “It brings me great satisfaction that I can offer my clients and loved ones a healthy lifestyle experience,” says Vinny Torcasio of Aqua-Scapes. “Whether it is for relaxation, exercise, entertaining or simply family time, you can be assured that your loved ones are in a healthy environment.” Aqua-Scapes has more than 30 years experience building traditional gunite swimming pools and partners with Biotop – an established European company – to offer living pools, an eco-friendly and healthy alternative to traditional chemical treated pools and the effects of such chemicals. For more information, visit AquaScapesPool.com, email AquaScapeBy@sbcglobal.net or call 203-743-7665. See ad, page 31.

Vibrational Medicine To Eradicate Lyme by Andrea Candee

hen someone does not fully and quickly recover from Lyme disease with a round or two of antibiotics, it may be because viruses are also involved. While conventional medications do not affect viruses, viruses do respond to the modality of quantum physics, the science behind vibrational medicine. This type of healing approach is now being used to target and eradicate viral co-infections as well as bacteria in people with Lyme disease. Every living organism has its own signature vibration. When the vibration of a pathogen – a virus, for example – is identified, a natural remedy can be made to dismantle the virus. Think of an opera singer who shatters a champagne glass because both the note and the glass vibrate at the identical frequency. In much the same way, the electrical charge in a vibrational remedy gradually breaks apart the targeted virus without harming the body that surrounds it. Vibrational remedies are gentle and safe and do not interfere with conventional medical treatment. They are delivered orally in drops of water that have been charged and stored in water structured to sustain them for long periods of time. Not yet recognized as a scientific method, the vibrational approach is still considered experimental. Yet the results are speaking for themselves as people who’ve suffered for years from the effects of Lyme disease often see reversal of their symptoms. Andrea Candee, a master herbalist with a practice in Westchester, NY, has been nationally recognized for her approach to addressing chronic Lyme disease. She is an instructor for the NY Botanical Garden and author of Gentle Healing for Baby & Child. Connect with her at 914-967-6080 or AndreaCandee.com.

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July 2015

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PlantPure Nation

Evolving from a profound understanding of human development and the human spirit, Waldorf® Education offers a unique, experiential approach to education through the arts. NOW ENROLLING: Parent-Child Classes through 8th Grade.

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Lady Liberty has a new tagline: a plantbased diet for all. A return to a simple diet based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables is the revolution the founding fathers of PlantPure Nation hope Americans will embrace this Independence Day. Founded by Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D., the grassroots organization PlantPure Nation seeks to promote the powerful health benefits for people and the planet offered by a whole foods, plant-based diet. This July 4, the documentary film PlantPure Nation, directed by Nelson Campbell, Colin’s son, will debut nationwide and start screening in more than 100 cities. It covers a broad landscape of issues, from the politics of food to the science of nutrition, and follows the lives of 16 people in Campbell’s small hometown of Mebane, North Carolina, as they take on PlantPure Nation’s 10-day food challenge. “No issue is bigger than the one of plant-based nutrition,” says filmmaker Nelson. “It’s at the root of our healthcare crisis, affecting the lives of millions of Americans, the vitality of our economy and the solvency of our government.” Learn more in this issue’s article “Veggie Nation Revolution,” and visit PlantPureNation.com for dates and times of screenings.

globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

Fresh Catch

Vermont’s Victory

Community supported agriculture is a growing movement in which subscribers pay farmers for weekly shares of their crops before the growing season starts, benefiting both. The farmers receive an infusion of cash up front and are paid a fair price for the food they produce. Consumers receive fresh food from sustainable, local farms and are often introduced to vegetables and fruits they might not try otherwise. The same concept applies to new community supported fisheries (CSF), which reconnect coastal communities to their local food systems. According to Paul Greenberg, author of American Catch: The Fight for our Local Seafood, 91 percent of the seafood that Americans eat comes from other countries, while one-third of the seafood caught by American fishermen is sold outside our borders. He believes this situation exists because most Americans aren’t willing to pay premium prices for better seafood and domestic fishermen realize better prices overseas. By using the website LocalCatch.org/locator to find nearby CSF programs, pioneering coastal communities can benefit from both supporting sustainable fishing practices and their local environment while still sufficiently feeding their residents.

Court Rules GMO Labeling Constitutional In April, a federal court denied a request by powerful food industry groups to block Vermont’s landmark law requiring the labeling of genetically modified foods (GMO).The plaintiffs, including the Grocery Manufacturers Association, had sought a preliminary injunction to stop implementation of Act 120, which passed in May 2014 and will take effect a year from now. U.S. District Court Judge Christina Reiss’ ruling said that the plaintiffs failed to show that they would suffer “irreparable harm” to warrant an injunction, and that the state had established that the act’s GMO disclosure requirement is constitutional. “This important ruling affirms the constitutionality of genetically engineered food labeling, as well as the rights of Vermonters and U.S. citizens across the country,” states George Kimbrell, senior attorney for the Center for Food Safety and counsel in the case. The ruling came shortly after an analysis by the Environmental Working Group found that industry groups spent $63.6 million last year—triple the amount spent in 2013—to defeat GMO-labeling measures. The general consensus is the Vermont case is likely to go to trial.

Community Supported Fisheries Share Bounty of the Sea

Source: Mother Nature Network

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July 2015

communityspotlight

The Clean Bedroom

A Conversation with Co-founder Chris Chamberlin by Nicole Miale

hen organic mattress and bedding retailer The Clean Bedroom opened their first showroom in Kittery, Maine in 2008 after four years of online sales, co-founder Christine Chamberlin knew it was destined to become something bigger. “We always expected it wouldn’t be small,” she says now, seven showrooms later. “My husband [company co-founder Theodore Duquette] said then, ‘When mothers find out what’s in a regular mattress, they are going to be replacing every mattress in their home.’” When The Clean Bedroom opened that first showroom in Maine, they were the only one in the area offering sustainable, organic mattresses and bedding. Now the competition has increased, but Chamberlin welcomes the challenge and differentiates the company by offering customers education about products being sold. The company focuses on educating consumers so they can make informed purchase decisions about buying a mattress or other bedding items. Training for new and longtime team members is an ongoing process and staff is so engaged that they have

brought original ideas to manufacturers which later turned out to be good sellers. “We are focused on innovating at every level,” Chamberlin says. That approach becomes more important as larger manufacturers jump on the health-conscious bandwagon. Green-washing – the practice of marketing a product as organic or natural even when the definition applies only in the broadest sense – is now common in the bedding industry and it outrages Chamberlin. “There is no regulation,” she explains. “So a company can call its product natural even if only three percent of it is plant-based. The public is really being duped because they are paying more for something they think is better, but it’s not.” Now The Clean Bedroom is taking their passion for clean living into the rest of the home, specifically the dining and living rooms. After a short closure, the Austin, Texas showroom reopened as The Clean Bedroom & Home after a short closure, complete with new furniture offerings. According to Chamberlin, this showroom launch is testing the next concept in growth for

the company and if all goes as planned home decor will be rolled out in some other showrooms. “Our core customer is a family with young children and we are a destination store people will travel to for an hour or more,” says Chamberlin. “People come in from the suburbs to shop at our stores because our products appeal to a specific kind of buyer. To be able to offer them furniture for the home makes us more attractive and makes their trip that much more worthwhile.” Expanding to include living and dining room furniture presented a challenge initially because it turned out there were few manufacturers who could meet their stringent requirements for organic and sustainably sourced goods without toxic flame retardants. After a lot of research, they found a European manufacturer with experience. It’s a collaboration Chamberlin feels good about. “I want to be able to continue debunking the myths about natural and organic products,” she says. “Expanding beyond the sleep shops gives us a chance to give our customers even more options to keep their families safe and healthy.” Nicole Miale is publisher of Natural Awakenings Fairfield County, Connecticut. Connect with her at NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

Discover the Power Within You at Unity Center Discover the Power Within You at Unity Center

The Clean Bedroom has eight showrooms across the country. The local showroom in Connecticut is located at 79 East Putnam Ave, Greenwich. For more information, call 203-2929275 or 866-380-5892 or visit TheCleanBedroom.com. See ad, page 49.

The church with love in it...

Discover the Power Within You! We are a New Thought church for people who are seeking a positive alternative to traditional religion. We believe that God is good and so are we.

Celebration Service Sundays at 10:30 am

We laugh, we sing, we pray, we have fun and we like to make new friends. Won’t you become one of them?

Rev. Shawn Moninger, Minister 3 Main St, 2nd Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851 (203) 855-7922 www.unitycenternorwalk.org

Fairfield County Edition

Open Mic Night 3rd Saturday of every month at 7:00 pm For a listing of our events see the calendar in the back of this issue. We laugh, we sing, we pray, we have fun and we like to make

natural awakenings new friends. Won’t you become one of them?

We laugh, we sing, we pray, we have fun and we

“Education of the mind, without education of the heart, is no education at all.” - Aristotle

Introducing our newest certificate programs...

TransformaTive menTal HealTH • Focus on techniques for healthy adults who wish to grow psychologically, mentally and spiritually • Learn approaches that offer significant gains in functioning, and integrate body, mind and spirit • Go beyond talk therapy • Survey of some dozen approaches providing practitioners with a solid overview of transformative therapies to inform discussions with clients seeking transformation • Dive deep with three approaches and learn tangible skills to apply them • Learn the therapies you should pursue in greater depth

PosiTive PsycHology • Understand how to create the conditions for happiness • Move beyond negative emotions • Experience more satisfaction • Explore the latest understandings about the biology of happiness • Celebrate joy • Study with one of the world’s leading teachers of Positive Psychology, Dr. Enrico Cheli, a visiting professor and author of 27 books and a student of The World’s Great Spiritualities • Choose to complete your studies at a retreat in Tuscany Enroll in onE of our accrEditEd programs MASTERS DEGREES • Integrative Health and Healing • Learning and Thinking • Writing and the Oral Tradition • Consciousness Studies • Organizational Leadership • Conflict Transformation

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Enroll now in one of our degree or certificate programs For more information please visit us online at eNaturalAwakenings.com July874-4252 2015 19 WWW.LEARN.EDU or call (203)

The Five Koshas of Yoga An Ancient Practice Provides Understanding of Self by Carrie Picardi

ithin the ancient practice of yoga lies a holistic system representing all of the elements that comprise you as a living entity. This system is called the five koshas. These five components of yoga make up what can essentially be viewed as a topographical map or landscape of your entire being. As kosha means sheath in Sanskrit, each of the five koshas represents a sheath or layer of the self which is referred to as the Atman. The word maya means appearance.

Annamaya Kosha

This kosha represents the physical body, translating to food body in Sanskrit. This is the tangible part of yourselves that you, for the most part, can see and feel. When beginning yoga, annamaya kosha is often explored first to experience and identify physical sensations and alignment.

Pranamaya Kosha

This kosha represents the breath body, including the circulatory and respiratory systems. By practicing breath work, you are becoming more aware of the 20

Fairfield County Edition

pranamaya kosha. Ultimately, you can begin to integrate the annamaya kosha – the physical body’s movements – with the pranamaya kosha or the breath. It is this harmonious alignment that enables you to balance and integrate the next three koshas.

Manomaya Kosha

This kosha represents the mental body, corresponding to the brain and nervous system. It facilitates your thoughts and awareness and your patterns of consciousness. For most, the mental body is on overload throughout the day, affecting all the koshas. By integrating breath work – such as ujjayi breath – and meditation into your daily lives and yoga practice, you can quiet and expand the mind in order to open yourselves to receive and integrate the next two koshas.

Vijanamaya Kosha

This kosha represents the wisdom body, offering to you the experience of deeper insight into yourselves and the world around you. Vijanamaya kosha can be discovered in yourselves when you truly have balance in the first three koshas. You can feel the spirit within yourselves and how you flow in the environment around you, your connec-

natural awakenings

tion to others and to nature, and a deep sense of understanding of your oneness with everything. This kosha represents the awareness and acknowledgement of your higher self.

Anandamaya Kosha

This kosha represents the bliss body. This final kosha represents the state of wholeness that shines through when all of the other four koshas are integrating in harmony, even for a brief moment. This is the unconditional love, pure peace and joy that is the result of simply being, and not connected to a specific reason, person or situation. The five koshas are interwoven and align mind-body-spirit in each of you. You can explore the koshas to understand how they integrate with one another and how the energy or peacefulness in one kosha can result in harmony or discord in the other koshas. The kosha system is an example of how a holistic understanding of yourself today can be explored within an ancient practice. Carrie Picardi, Ph.D., RYT-200, is a yoga teacher and a Reiki master trained in the Usui lineage, as well as a psychologist and university professor. She is the owner of SoulFulfillment, a private practice that integrates yoga, meditation, crystal work and Reiki energy healing with individual and group support, developmental guidance and coaching. She can be reached at SoulFulfillment. net. See ad, page 21.

Mastering

YOGA

The yoga community in Fairfield and lower Litchfield counties has never been more vibrant! This new section will provide interested readers with connections to studios and teachers in the area, as well as helpful editorial to support their efforts to improve their practice.

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Soulf ulfillment “ Y ou have wings. Learn to use the m a nd fly.” - Ru mi Explore and Realize Personal Potential Through Body-Mind-Soul Balance • Private Yoga Instruction • Reiki • Guided Meditation • Personal & Professional Coaching

Beginners Welcome! 430 Main Ave - 2nd FL Norwalk (Wilton Line)

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Carrie A. Picardi, Ph.D. Psychologist Reiki Master Teacher RYT-200 Yoga Teacher

203-858-4440 carrie@soulfulﬁllment.net www.soulfulﬁllment.net eNaturalAwakenings.com

July 2015

communityspotlight

Kure Spa

Wellness Center in Spa Disguise by Nicole Miale

teven Geoffrion and Greg Lew only knew each other for four months when they decided to go into business together. Introduced by Lew’s wife, the vegan nutritionist and the adjunct Fairfield University professor collaborated over a year’s time to develop the vision for what has become Norwalk’s Kure Spa: a wellness center with a spa feel. “It’s a new concept but people have responded very well to it,” Geoffrion say. “They like our concept of creating wellness and emphasizing health in a luxurious spa environment.” Kure Spa – which includes an organic juice bar, Vibrosaun machines, therapeutic massage and a yoga studio – opened at the end of 2014 and has quickly gained a devoted following. “We’re more of a wellness center than a spa,” Lew says. “Our concept has always been focused on assisting our clients to take charge of their health by providing

products and services not only to reduce stress, but to kick start and empower their body’s own healing capacities. In the U.S., we tend not to prioritize our own health until there is a major problem. The idea here is to take better care of ourselves along the way so the bigger issues don’t need to occur.” Kure Spa’s model and current offerings are based on what they define as the four pillars of health – detoxify, exercise, relax and re-nourish. “Because we usually neglect our physical selves until things break down, we must deprogram our bad habits before we can create the good habits that will be healthier and more beneficial over the long-term,” Lew explains. “That’s the driving principle behind the four pillars. The massage and Vibrosaun detoxify the system, the juice bar re-nourishes the body, and yoga provides balance and realignment of our mind-body-spirit.”

In conjunction with these modalities, Kure Spa also offers chiropractic care, cold laser therapy and Reiki sessions. While the Vibrosaun machine has been widely used in Australia and Europe for over 25 years, Kure Spa is the first Vibrosaun-authorized clinic to open in the United States. The Vibrosaun uses heat and whole-body vibration to stimulate lymphatic and blood flow by dilating blood vessels and increasing circulation throughout the body, thereby reducing inflammation and providing the cardiovascular benefit equivalent to an actual workout, Geoffrion says. A typical session in the machine is 30-45 minutes and the frequency of a client’s visits for detoxification will vary depending on their physical conditions and needs. As with any health and wellness program, the Vibrosaun requires commitment and consistency for

transformative natural healing are you ready for a change? Naturopathic Family Medicine For over 25 years, Dr. Debra Gibson has provided caring, personal treatment in a friendly, comfortable environment to support healing transformation of body, mind and spirit. Her thorough, wellness-oriented approach investigates the root cause of chronic health concerns, and uses effective natural therapies to heal imbalances underlying conditions such as fatigue, overweight, allergy and autoimmunity, hormonal imbalance (thyroid, PMS, menopause), gastrointestinal disorders, and children’s health issues. (thy

100 Danbury Road, Suite 102, Ridgefield, CT Ph. 203.431.4443 22

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Debra Gibson, ND

best results. “Think of the Vibrosaun as an exercise program that needs to be committed to and done regularly in order to see and feel measurable results,” Geoffrion says. The partners are interested to better understand the effects of Vibrosaun on specific conditions and are planning to launch a weight loss program, as well as a Lyme disease trial in coming months. While the spa has a member-based concept, Geoffrion and Lew have designed their offerings to be easily customizable, with flexible options and a la carte pricing. They expect this approach will serve clients well as the center’s offerings expand over time. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, herbs and acupuncture are new therapies to be added in the coming year, along with an elixir bar where herbal remedies will be prepared specifically to aid treatment of specific conditions. Strong advocates of a vegan, plant-based lifestyle, the pair also plans to offer vegan food options in the near future. The wellness center benefited from the closing of the Mrs. Greens location in Wilton earlier this year by enabling them to hire their juice bar manager. She is actively involved in the design of juice cleanse programs, which are very popular, Geoffrion says. Looking forward, Lew is particularly excited about the prospect of offering PEMF to clients. Used for both pain management and cellular regeneration, PEMF actually can help restore damaged cells, creating new hope for relief and even a cure for people suffering from a myriad of ailments. It also addresses the problems arising from the ever-increasing electronic smog surrounding our environment. “In the cyberage, we are constantly inundated by electro-smog from cellphones, laptops, wifi and we can’t get away from it,” Lew says. “Even though we are aware of it, we can’t avoid it and this has vast effects on our bodies at a cellular level, some of which we are still discovering. PEMF can help repair that cellular damage.” Kure Spa offers a popular package called Relax, Renew, Re-Nourish, which provides a sampling of their key services. A Vibrosaun session begins the detox process by warming and relaxing your mind and body, preparing you for the therapeutic massage session to follow. After the 60-minute massage, clients are ready to re-nourish their bodies with vitamins and minerals in the form of an organic juice or smoothie. “This package began as an introductory offer but it was so popular that now we’ve made it part of our regular membership offerings,” Geoffrion says. Geoffrion and Lew would like Kure Spa to become a hub for community wellness activities in Fairfield County. They have monthly lectures and events open to the public and offer the juice bar for groups to meet. “We are the spa of the future,” Geoffrion says. “People may come to relax, but they’re going to get healthier in the process.” Nicole Miale is publisher of Natural Awakenings Fairfield County. Connect with her at NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsmag.com. Kure Spa and Yoga is located at 430 Main Ave, Norwalk. For more information or to make an appointment, visit Kure-Spa.com or call 203-857-1500. See ad, back cover.

145 Grassy Plain St. Bethel, CT

Soul Focus Mela Rispoli 203-570-3868 mrispoli2@aol.com

Massage Therapy

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

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Transformation For Life YOGA MASSAGE FACIALS

Wellness Center 203-617-8228

6 Walnut St, Danbury, CT 06811 TFLwellness.com

Jill Myruski L.M.T., RYT eNaturalAwakenings.com

July 2015

their community, whether animals are treated humanely, if family farmers and other food workers are paid a living wage and can collectively bargain and whether people have access to safe, healthy food—as well as the right to know what is in their food, how it is produced and where it comes from.” Peck believes that if we want a cleaner environment, healthier people and more vibrant communities, “We need to be citizens that care about bringing democratic accountability, social justice and ecological integrity to all aspects of our food/farm system.”

Local Food Strengthens Communities

Food Democracy By the People, for the People and Toward a Stronger Nation by Melinda Hemmelgarn

o more fully understand the concept of democracy, we can look to some past U.S. presidents. Abraham Lincoln defined it as “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” Thomas Jefferson said, “An informed citizenry is at the heart of a dynamic democracy.” Harry S. Truman further recognized that “secrecy and a free, democratic government don’t mix.” By extension, “food democracy” describes a fair and transparent food system in which people have informed choices and control in determining what and how they eat. It’s what happens when we view people as citizens, rather than consumers, and treat food as a human right, reports the Oakland, California-based Pesticide Action Network (PAN). Kelly Moltzen, a registered dietitian in Bronx, New York, and member of the Franciscan Earth Corps, defines it as having the freedom to make choices about the integrity of our food from farm to plate, so that we can support the health and well-being of ourselves, 24

Fairfield County Edition

the Earth and all organisms that inhabit the ecosystem.

Food Sovereignty Feeds Independence

A PAN report on food democracy describes food sovereignty as the international equivalent of the U.S. movement to re-localize control over our food and farming. It’s rooted in regenerating historically autonomous food systems with, for and by the people. John Peck, Ph.D., executive director of Family Farm Defenders, in Madison, Wisconsin, explains that the term “food sovereignty” was coined about two decades ago by the globally active La Via Campesina, comprised of family farmers, farm workers, fishing folks, hunters, gatherers and indigenous communities around the world. “At its most basic,” Peck says, “Food sovereignty is about reclaiming local democratic control over our food/ farm system from corporate agribusiness.” This way, “Everyone has the right to decide what is grown or raised in

natural awakenings

In their report, Deepening Food Democracy, the Institute of Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP), in Minneapolis, describes how U.S. food and farming has increasingly become concentrated, consolidated and controlled by the few. Local food enthusiasts want to take back their food system from industrial, corporate masters that lobby for legislation which denies citizens the right to know how their food is produced or if it contains genetically modified ingredients (GMO). The growing local food movement is as much about returning power to communities, food workers, farmers and farm workers as it is about producing and distributing healthy, sustainably grown food, reports IATP. Anthony Flaccavento, an organic farmer in the Appalachian region of southwestern Virginia, has been working on national food and sustainable farming initiatives for nearly 30 years. In a recent Food Sleuth Radio interview, he described the resulting tremendous, multiple positive impacts of strong local economies, noting that a strong local food system is usually at their center. “Once you have vibrant, diverse local economies,” says Flaccavento, “you have better health, lower crime and incarceration rates—and more civic participation.” Basically, a more democratic food system could help fix many of the maladies ailing our nation today. The steady growth of farmers’ markets, farm to school programs and food policy councils prove that Americans are hungry both for clean food and an enhanced sense of community.

In a food democracy, everyone is a stakeholder. Not only do people have equal access to food, but they’re informed, active, engaged and participating.

Food Independence Resources Bioscience Research Project BioscienceResource.org

Kitchen Gardeners International KGI.org

Corporate Accountability International StopCorporateAbuse.org

National Family Farm Coalition NFFC.net

Fair Food Network FairFoodNetwork.org

National Farm to School Network FarmToSchool.org

Food Co-op Initiative FoodCoopInitiative.coop

Oxfam America “Behind the Brands” BehindTheBrands.org/en-us

While Flaccavento appreciates conscious consumers that support local food providers, he emphasizes, “Just acting locally isn’t enough. We need to re-engage with bigger social and political debates, as well.”

Food First FoodFirst.org

The Seed Library Social Network SeedLibraries.org

Food Sleuth Radio KOPN.org

Table of the Earth EatLocalSimpleSteps.com

Growing Vegetables and Democracy

Food Voices: Stories from the People Who Feed Us FoodVoices.org

Union of Concerned Scientists UCSUSA.org

~Rose Hayden-Smith, author, Sowing the Seeds of Victory

After Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, Jenga Mwendo knew she had to leave her high-powered job in New York City and return to her hometown in the devastated Lower Ninth Ward. “My parents raised me to contribute,” Mwendo explains. “My first name means ‘to build’ and my last name means ‘always progressing’.” In 2009, Mwendo founded the Backyard Gardeners Network (BGN), a local nonprofit organization that restores and strengthens what had once been a thriving, closely knit, self-reliant community, rich with backyard gardens and citizen engagement. Residents went to work, recognizing the potential of community gardens to revitalize their neighborhood and bring affordable healthful food to residents, many of them suffering from obesity, heart disease and diabetes. The BGN both revitalized a community garden and converted a blighted lot into a Guerrilla Garden, where people of all ages gather to grow food, share stories, embrace their cultural heritage and learn how to become responsible citizens. “We bring people together and make decisions collectively,” says Mwendo. “The garden is for our community, by our community.” Understanding the value of involving children and teens, she adds, “Kids know they will be loved here. This is a nurturing environment.”

Food & Water Watch FoodAndWaterWatch.org

Seed Savers Exchange SeedSavers.org

Food Policy Councils MarkWinne.com/Resource-Materials

MARY GILBERTSON MS, BSN, RN, CHHC

Nurse, Nutritionist & Healthy Lifestyle Coach

Prescription 4 Wellness

203-521-4733 Serving Fairfield County! healthylife@prescription4wellness.com www.Prescription4Wellness.com

Grateful Dead Simulcast & Music Fest

FRIDAY, JULY 3 Gates open @ 3:00pm Ives Concert Park, Danbury CT

GRATEFUL DEAD SIMULCAST LIVE FROM CHICAGO ON THE BIG SCREEN

Live Bands Food & Vendors TICKETS & INFO IVESCONCERTPARK.COM eNaturalAwakenings.com

July 2015

Like Mwendo, Stephen Ritz, a top 10 finalist in the Varkey Foundation’s Global Teacher Prize, is reaching youth through food. Based in New York City’s South Bronx, one of the country’s poorest school districts, he and his students are growing vegetables in school, thereby improving children’s diets, health, school performance and future potential. “We are contributing to food democracy by making sure every child we touch, regardless of income, zip code and skin color, faith or nation of origin, has access to fresh, healthy, nutritious food that they help grow,” says Ritz. So far, his Green Bronx Machine community has raised 30,000 pounds of vegetables. “We’re growing justice,” Ritz announced in his March 2015 TED Talk. “My favorite crop is organically grown citizens—graduates, voters and students who are eating [better] and living healthier lives!”

Kitchen Gardens Nourish the World

Roger Doiron is the founder and director of Kitchen Gardeners International (KGI), an online global community of some 30,000 people in 100 countries that are growing some of their own food. He spearheaded First Lady Michelle Obama’s White House Garden. Doiron’s campaign to bring a food garden back to the White House (presidents John Adams, Jefferson and Jackson all had edible gardens) began in 2008, went viral, took root and the rest is history. Today, the first lady continues to champion garden-fresh food to improve children’s health. From his own 1,500-square-foot garden in Scarborough, Maine, Doiron and his wife harvested 900 pounds of organic fruits and vegetables worth $2,200 in a single season. “Talented gardeners with more generous soils and climates are

National Count of Farmers’ Market Directory Listings

Nationwide tracking of farmers’ markets that listed fewer than 1,800 in 1994 now numbers nearly 8,300 20 years later. Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture 26

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natural awakenings

able to produce even more food in less space,” he says, “but maximizing production is not our only goal. We’re also trying to maximize pleasure and health.” Doiron believes, “Quality food is central to well-being and is one of the best ways to unite people of different countries and cultures around a common, positive agenda.” He’s convinced that kitchen gardens will play a critical role in feeding a growing population faced with climate challenges. On July 4, his organization celebrates Food Independence Day as a way to recognize the role of home and community gardens in achieving self-sufficiency.

Saving Seeds, Saving Democracy

Jim Gerritsen operates Wood Prairie Farm with his family in Bridgewater, Maine. He’s dedicated to using organic farming methods to protect the environment and food quality, provide ample harvests and foster good jobs for the next generation of young farmers. As president of the Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association, Gerritsen led a lawsuit against Monsanto in 2011, challenging the validity of seed patents. In a Food Sleuth Radio interview, he explains, “Patented seeds cannot be saved and replanted. To take that right away from farmers was a terrible mistake on the part of the Supreme Court.” Seed ownership belongs to the people; our seed resource is part of our common heritage. “Genetic engineering was an invention to take away from the commons the ownership of seeds,” he continues. “Regaining control of the seed supply is one of the most pressing battles we have in agriculture.” Gerritsen encourages everyone to plant an organic garden using organic seeds and to advocate GMO labeling. “Let’s let transparency reign, which is a hallmark of a democratic system,” he proclaims. Melinda Hemmelgarn is a registered dietitian and award-winning writer and nationally syndicated radio host at KOPN.org, in Columbia, MO (Food Sleuth@gmail.com). She advocates for organic farmers at Enduring-Image. blogspot.com.

XYLITOL —Advertorial—

More Innovative than Antibiotics The Power of Xylitol Xylitol’s effectiveness in oral health and usage as a sweetener is well-known. New research also shows its usefulness in upper respiratory health. However, people may not know the reason why it is so effective. Xylitol has a unique ability to interfere with bacterial adhesion.

Anti-Adhesion Xylitol’s anti-adhesive effect was discovered by accident in 1996. A British medical journal published a study, which analyzed past research done with xylitol. Researchers found that there was an additional correlation between xylitol and upper respiratory infections—a correlation researchers didn’t see when the studies were performed originally. The 1996 study found that among the children tested in the studies, those who used xylitol chewing gum had 42% fewer ear infections. Researchers performed subsequent research to answer why there was this correlation. These studies supported the discovery of xylitol’s anti-adhesion property. Xylitol’s anti-adhesive effect interferes with bacteria sticking to tissue. In order for bacteria to thrive, they must attach to the cell membrane. There they metabolize and the body senses the bacteria, it reacts with various responses like congestion, runny nose, against bacterial infections using antibiotics, attempting to kill the bacteria. However, the use of antibiotics produces resistant bacterial strains, which leads to more serious problems. Xylitol’s anti-adhesive property interferes with bacterial adhesion, resulting in bacteria not being able to colonize and thrive; eventually they are washed out. This is an innovative way to avoid antibiotic resistance. Instead of them to become stronger and more resistant, xylitol doesn’t allow the bacteria to cling to the cell and start its metabolic processes. Professionals advise people to regularly wash

their hands to prevent illness. But washing with only water isn’t enough; they must wash with soap. Similarly, just as people should wash their hands, they should also wash their nasal passages. A normal saline solution is like washing with only water. Washing with a nasal spray containing xylitol is like washing hands with soap. Bacteria and People Bacteria, like people, congregate together. This is called quorum sensing. When people start coming together, they form a town or city. Bacteria act similarly; as they sense other bacterial “city.” If a group wanted to take over a city, historically they would send in soldiers to subdue the inhabitants so they could then occupy the city. However, there is no guarantee that they would control everyone, and there may be leftover survivors who rally together. But if that particular city were to have an extreme change in environment, the inhabitants wouldn’t be able to cope and they’d have to leave the city. Changing the environment is much more effective in expelling the inhabitants than attacking with soldiers.

What are Some of Xylitol’s Applications? Studies have shown numerous uses for xylitol, many of which deal with its adverse effects on bacterial adhesion. Sinus, ear, and respiratory infections begin in the nose as we breathe in bacteria which attempt to adhere to the cell membrane. With the use of nasal sprays containing xylitol, the bacteria found in the nose cannot stick to the tissue and are to greater probability that they will not infect the body. Nurse Practitioner Sherril Sego, FNPin this aspect. She says, “Saline nasal rinses containing xylitol have been found to be more effective than traditional saline rinses to reduce the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis.” One of the best things about xylitol is that it is 100% natural and 100% safe. It’s no wonder so

Go to xlear.com and look up the patented Xlear Nasal Spray.

Relating this back to bacteria, if we use antibiotics, we are sending in soldiers to between antibiotics and the microorganisms, with both attempting to get stronger. But if we alter the environment in our nasal and sinus passages so that bacteria cannot adhere to the cell surface, and thus thrive, we win the battle.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

July 2015

wisewords The Center for Natural Medicine

Dr. Kulveen Virdee

Jeffrey Smith Warns Against GMOs

Dr. Andrew Cummins

by Linda Sechrist

Are You Looking For A Doctor Who Will Address More Than Just Your Symptoms? • Women’s Health • Hormonal Imbalance • Abnormal Paps • Thyroid Disorders • Fertility • Insomnia

• Men’s Health • Erectile Dysfunction • Prostate Disorders • Anxiety and Depression • Autoimmune Disease • Weight Loss

• Pediatrics • ADD/ADHD • Eczema • Allergies • Asthma • Food Sensitivities

Naturopathic Physician Naturopathic Physician

Beverly E. Lewis

Herbalist & Reiki Master

Tracy Pardo

Integrative Nutrition Health Coach

Shannon D. Reynolds

Dr. Ellen Lewis

Naturopathic Physician, Medical Director 8 Lincoln Street, Westport, CT 06880 260 Riverside Avenue p 203.916.4600 www.ShalvaClinic.org Westport, CT 06880 f 203.916.4601 Info@ShalvaClinic.org Licensed Massage Therapist

Naturopathic Medicine • Massage Therapy C l a s s e s & Wo r k s h o p s

Step Into the Quiet of the Woods at Sticks & Stones to experience this working Farm, Educational and Retreat Center

effrey Smith is the founder and executive director of the Institute for Responsible Technology, author of Seeds of Deception and director of the documentary Genetic Roulette: The Gamble of Our Lives. Smith and his organization’s Campaign for Healthier Eating in America are spearheading consumer rejection of genetically modified foods (GM/GMO) in order to force them off the market.

What basics should everyone know about GMOs?

• Food Vendors: Newly Licensed Commercial Kitchen for Rent

Genetic engineering is different from traditional crossbreeding. In engineering six major GMO crops—soy, corn, cotton, canola, sugar beets and alfalfa—a gene from a virus or bacteria was forced into the DNA of the plants. Derivatives such as soy lecithin, soy protein, high-fructose corn syrup and sugar (unless labeled as cane sugar) are in the vast majority of processed foods.

• Nature Summer Camps, Educational Workshops, Day Retreats Yoga, Drum Circles, Ukulele Club, Foraging & more

How did GMO foods invade grocery shelves?

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201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown • 203.270.8820

SticksAndStonesFarm.com 28

Fairfield County Edition

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Many U.S. consumers mistakenly believe that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves GMO crops only after careful study. Instead, the agency claimed it wasn’t aware of any significant difference from other food crops and declared safety testing unnecessary. In reality, according to FDA documents later made public in a lawsuit, the consensus among FDA scientists was that GMOs were different and dangerous and needed rigorous, long-term testing to prevent allergies, toxins, new diseases and nutritional problems. When the George W. Bush administration ordered the agency to promote biotechnology as a way to increase U.S. food exports, the FDA responded by creating a new position of Deputy Commissioner of Policy for Michael R. Taylor, a for-

mer Monsanto attorney. He later became a Monsanto vice president and is now back at the FDA as the U.S. food safety czar.

Why is Roundup, Monsanto’s weed killer for GMO crops, so toxic? Monsanto portrays Roundup as a benevolent herbicide. This is a lie. Glyphosate, its active patented ingredient, alters biochemical pathways in the body. Scientists such as Anthony Samsel and Stephanie Seneff have linked glyphosate to numerous diseases and disorders, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, gluten sensitivity, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, autism and reproductive disorders. In March, the World Health Organization declared it a probable carcinogen.

How can we avoid unlabeled GMO foods? Eat organic foods, which are not allowed to contain GM ingredients, or products that are labeled non-GMO, or those that don’t contain derivatives of the current nine GMO food crops, which now include some zucchini, yellow squash and papaya grown in Hawaii or China. Any packaged grocery product not labeled “Non-GMO” or “Organic” is likely to contain at least one GMO; this includes meat and dairy products, from animals that have eaten GM feed. NonGMOShoppingGuide.com is a reliable resource that lists about 30,000 non-GMO products. A non-GMO diet is recommended by thousands of doctors, as well as the American Academy of Environmental Medicine.

What more can “we the people” do to eradicate GMOs? We are in control, not government agencies. I believe that promoting a stronger message—that GMOs are dangerous and should be avoided—would better serve consumers and the food-labeling movement. High-profile campaigns will continue educating consumers about the dangers of GMOs and the necessity of rejecting them in favor of healthier non-GMO choices, especially for children that are most at risk. The desired result is that food companies will feel the loss of profits and remove GMOs as a liability. The tipping point in the U.S. is almost here. In 2013, the president of Whole Foods announced that when a product becomes verified as nonGMO, sales leap by 15 to 30 percent. Thousands of natural product brands were immediately enrolled for verification. Now conventional brands such as Post Foods’ Grape Nuts, Target’s Simply Balanced brand, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and Chipotle’s restaurant menu are GMO-free. General Mills stopped using GMO beet sugar in Cheerios. When the rest of the food industry sees these non-GMO-labeled products increase in sales in conventional supermarkets, they will be forced to eliminate GMOs as well, to protect their market share. Visit ResponsibleTechnology.org and GeneticRouletteMovie. com to educate everyone about the dangers of GMOs. Connect with writer Linda Sechrist at ItsAllAboutWe.com.

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July 2015

consciouseating

by Judith Fertig

n 1776, the stirring phrase in the U.S. Declaration of Independence—life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness—became a rallying cry for American colonists seeking these inalienable rights of self-government. In 2015, those seeking a new way of eating for personal wellness, a more vibrant local economy and a healthier environment are fomenting their own kind of rebellion. “You have to make a conscious decision to change for your own wellbeing, that of your family and your country,” according to former President Bill Clinton. In early 2010, suffering from heart disease, Clinton chose to radically change his meat-lover’s diet to a more plant-based focus. “I wanted to live to be a grandfather, so I decided to pick the diet that I thought would maximize my chances of long-term survival,” he says. Clinton is part of a growing leadership group that espouses a more vegetarian approach to eating, including a federally appointed panel of nutritionists. For the first time since its formation in 1983, the federal Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee this year elected to factor environmental sustainability into its recommendations, noting that a diet lower in animal-based foods is not only healthier,

Fairfield County Edition

but has less of an environmental impact. The impetus toward plant-based foods is also stronger than in their last report in 2010.

Exciting Developments

A bold pioneer in the charge for plantbased eating is PlantPure Nation, a grassroots organization founded by Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D., the author of the bestselling The China Study, a book that helped persuade Clinton to make his own dietary change. Today, his son, Nelson Campbell, is at the forefront of this food revolution, most recently producing the independent documentary film PlantPure Nation, set to debut nationwide on July 4. Those enticed by the delicious concept of better health for themselves and the planet can also turn to The PlantPure Nation Cookbook, with more than 150 plant-based recipes by Kim Campbell, Nelson’s wife, whom he names “the chef in the family.” “No issue is bigger than the one of plant-based nutrition,” says Nelson. “It’s at the root of our healthcare crisis, affecting the lives of millions of Americans, the vitality of our economy and the solvency of our government. The food we eat has enormous effects on climate, water and soil resources. Our food choices also affect the way in

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image courtesy of PlantPureNation.com

VEGGIE NATION REVOLUTION

which food is produced and distributed in this country, equitably or not.” Historically, political revolutions tend to be violently adversarial, but a food revolution can take a more nurturing and inclusive course. “The first step people can take is to change their own diet,” Nelson says. “The next step is to help others do the same. The third is to get involved in the movement.”

New Fourth of July Barbecue

A fun way to help ourselves and our friends and family consider making dietary changes is hosting a plantbased Fourth of July get-together. Kim’s recipes for a smoky “barbecue” sandwich, creamy potato salad and a zesty, colorful bean dish celebrate traditional picnic foods with a twist. They’re also perfect for potluck-style entertaining. “We have often branded this idea of plant-based nutrition as such and such a ‘diet’, and then built these brands around personalities. But in order to make this a more mainstream idea, we need to frame it differently. This concept of plant-based nutrition is a fact of nature; a simple idea that’s accessible to all,” says Nelson. In a 2012 Gallup poll, just 5 percent of U.S. adults identified themselves as vegetarians, plus 2 percent as vegans. It’s a start, Nelson contends, and there are other promising signs. “The local-food movement is blossoming, with farmers’ markets springing up all over the United States,” proclaims the National Geographic special publication The Future of Food (Food. NationalGeographic.com). The number has increased dramatically in the past five years. The editors point to the demand for fresh produce and a desire to invest in local economies as driving this growth. “I love the idea of a movement involving millions of people fixing a problem that industry and government have largely caused,” says Nelson. “Our success may show a new way forward for solving other pressing social problems.” Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFoodAnd Lifestyle.blogspot.com from Overland Park, KS.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

July 2015

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Fairfield County Edition

hese are the first words Pam Grout speaks when she rises every morning before dancing her way into the bathroom. She plays a favorite uplifting tune such as Pharrell William’s Happy or Abba’s Dancing Queen and creates a sassy choreography complete with fist pumps, joyous jumps and a little rhythmic strutting. Her easy positive actions take no longer than it would to worry, “How will I get everything done today?” and then trudging into the bathroom feeling fatigued and overwhelmed. Plus, Grout’s playful attitude makes a big difference in the rest of the day’s outcomes. Grout is the author of two internationally bestselling books, E-Squared and E-Cubed. Both offer readers multiple opportunities to experience a disarmingly simple outlook on life. “There is an infinite force of potentiality in the universe that has our backs and wants to interact with us and guide us,” Grout believes. “There is no absolute reality; we create the reality that serves us and places our attention on what we most want.”

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Letting Go of Doubt

Grout’s journey to a life filled with joy and miracles is ongoing. As a freelance writer, she initially struggled with self-doubt, wondering, “What do I, a kid from Kansas, have to offer a New York City editor?” and came face-to-face with fears about money. Even though she was earning a decent living, she was recycling her parents’ anxieties about not having enough. “I’m not good enough” was another party crasher. When she began studying A Course in Miracles, Grout learned that consciousness creates the material world and the importance of self-compassion. She examined her staunch beliefs, questioning if they were true and letting go of the tiresome stories of inadequacy and worry. She began focusing on life’s blessings and noticed how concentrating on the good made life happier and more dynamic. Then she started to lay out simple intentions such as finding a good parking spot or uncovering a lost object. The results were immediate and intriguing.

This seeker of truth realized that to gain real spiritual growth, she needed to become more deliberate, so she designed a scientific framework, set a clear intention, imposed a deadline and noted the results. “The results were so convincing that I decided to see if my experiments would work for other people,” Grout says. Before long, friends and acquaintances were manifesting all kinds of amazing things, and she decided to write about her theories. Ten years later, after a steep learning curve in the publishing world, her work became globally acclaimed.

there, but we need to consciously “plug in” to use it. Grout details powerful spiritual principles that help us make everyday life richer, more meaningful and more fun. Part of her “new curriculum” includes:

Tapping a Joyful Reality of Miracles

n The universe is limitless, abundant and surprisingly accommodating.

“This little book will prove to you once and for all that your thoughts have power, and that a field of infinite possibilities awaits your claim,” the author writes in E-Squared. “It will help you rewrite the outdated thinking that drives your life.” Nine easy energy experiments will prove that the “field of potentiality,” as Grout calls it, is dependable, predictable and available to all. She equates our connection with the field to plugging in a toaster. We know the energy field is

n Reality is waves of possibility that we have “observed” into form. n We are an energy field, connected with everything and everyone in the universe. n Our universe connection provides accurate and unlimited guidance. n Whatever we focus on expands.

“Believe in your bones that the universe is bountiful and supportive,” encourages Grout, asking us to first give the “field” 48 hours to send an unexpected gift. Don’t specify the gift, but just ask to receive and recognize the blessing. Set a deadline and then watch what unfolds.

Making Dreams Come True Making our dreams a reality for us is not only possible, it’s probable. The key is opening our hearts to the beneficent

universe. “If you want to know what will happen in your life, listen to the words coming out of your mouth,” Grout advises. If we are deluged with negative thoughts, stop and notice all that is right in our world. Ask the universe for help in shedding dark ruminations. When we replace poor images with positive affirming thoughts, our lives become more magical and enjoyable. Grout encourages her readers to invoke two words when life feels chaotic and out of control: “It’s okay,” which allows the loving flow of the universe to do the heavy lifting. Concentrating on living our joys equips us to help ourselves and others. Grout queries, “Since we are creating our reality, why not create the possibilities that bring us closer to our life’s purpose and higher self?” For more on Pam Grout’s work, follow her inspiring blog at PamGrout.com. Deborah Shouse is the author of Love in the Land of Dementia: Finding Hope in the Caregiver’s Journey; she blogs at DementiaJourney.org.

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July 2015

INSPIRED

TABLE

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

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inspiredtable Earn a Certification in Sustainable Health & Nutrition at TIOSN

ver the course of one year and 12 weekends, the Institute of Sustainable Nutrition (TIOSN) at Holcomb Farm in West Granby teaches students to plant, cook, ferment, forage, grow and prepare the most sustainable, nutrient-rich food possible, including fermented delicacies that are teeming with beneficial bacteria to heal the gut. “Fermented foods are one of the most important ways to re-establish bacteria in the gut that has been depleted from stress, antibiotics and chemicals,” said Joan Palmer, founder of TIOSN, who also teaches the Art and Science of Eating as part of an accredited master’s degree program at The Graduate Institute. According to NPR, Western diets and modern-day hygiene have wiped dozens of species of bacteria from your digestive tracts. Without these, there are higher incidences of chronic illnesses connected to the immune system. Throughout the course, TIOSN’s staff offers four categories of instruction: the science of food and nutrition, sustainable gardening, culinary skills and kitchen medicine. TIOSN is currently accepting students for the 2015-16 course, which begins in September. For information, contact 860-764-9070 or TIOSN.com. Location: The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition, 113 Simsbury Rd, West Granby. See ad, page 29.

Palmwich Greets First Anniversary with New Seasonal Flavors

arien’s Palmwich Real Food Drive-Thru is celebrating its oneyear anniversary with the addition of new summer items and an expansion of its healthy beverage menu. Encouraging guests to “love what you eat, and let it love you back,” Palmwich offers nutritious breakfast, lunch and dinner options that are packaged for portability. The new summer menu allows guests to create a customized meal, building on healthy bases like warm greens, oatmeal or whole-wheat and flax wraps for breakfast or salad greens, warm grains or wraps for lunch and dinner. Fillings are comprised of fresh vegetables, fruits and cheeses, and scrambled local eggs at breakfast. Sauces and dressings are always made from scratch. This summer, the featured seasonal dishes are inspired by what’s fresh and available in summer markets with ingredients like heirloom tomatoes, figs and sweet summer berries. New beverages refresh the summer palette with flavors like mango, peach, watermelon and avocado added to an existing menu of made-toorder all fruit and vegetable juices and blended juices and smoothies. Palmwich is also adding Shearwater Coffee Roasters’ Cold Brew Coffee to the menu. The full menu can be viewed at Palmwich.com/Menu and online orders are accepted for pick-up at the drive-thru and for delivery in the area. For more information, visit Palmwich.com or call 203-302-7071. Location: Palmwich, 205 Post Rd, Darien.

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Trumbull Farmers’ Market Reopens

Nature’s Temptations

he Trumbull Farmers’ Market closed last year, but reopened at the end of May with 17 vendors. The market is held every Thursday from 3:30 to 6:30pm until October 15. The market will take place at the Nichols Improvement Association (NIA) Green, 1773 Huntington Turnpike. This year’s farmers’ market at the NIA will feature: Smith Acres Farm, Moorefield Farm, Gazy Brothers Farm, Metro Crops, Oxhollow Farm (meats), Wave Hill Breads, Carrot Top (jams, jellies, soup, pickles), Seasonal Sweets and Catering (gluten/nut-free desserts), Cedar Sales (organic iced teas), Fire Pit Pizza (freshly made pizza), Debbie’s Delights (bakery items), Grateful Food (cold-pressed juices and more), Walnut Beach Creamery (ice cream), Next Step Living (guide to home energy efficiency), Molly and Murphy (all natural dog/ horse biscuits), Pepe’s Clams, Plaskco’s Farm (produce and baked goods), BoxCar Cantina (Mexican) and the Buzz Truck (special guest on select weeks). For more information or to become a vendor, call Rob Martini at 203-400-1147 or email RobMartini41@yahoo.com.

Ridgefield Welcomes Andy’s Pure Food

ndy’s Pure Food – a Westchester, New York staple – opened its first Connecticut location in mid-June in Ridgefield. Offering freshly made organic juices, smoothies, vegan and organic food options, Andy’s Pure Food is located in the Copps Plaza, across the parking lot from Swoon gluten-free bakery. Andy’s Pure Food owner Andy Ozgur says local residents can expect a wide variety of organic, raw and vegan dishes that satisfy through flavor and freshness as well as a comprehensive juice, smoothie and cleanse menu for those seeking to get back on track if they eat something unhealthy or want to get more energy. The Andy’s Pure Food mission is to empower people to make positive diet and lifestyle changes. The company strives to meet each customer's individual needs to ensure lasting lifestyle change and success.

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July 2015

The Healing Power of Seeds

Seed to Market Program Benefits All by Katie Irish

ooping through the beautiful hilly roads of rural Connecticut makes one appreciate how gorgeous the state really is, especially when the purpose of the journey is to talk with an herbalist by the name of Lupo Lupo Passero, a community herbalist and flower essence practitioner, is the owner of Twin Star Herbal Education (TwinStarHerbal.com), a New Milford-based school of herbal and energetic studies. She grew up in Newtown and spent time studying herb and

plant life in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina before returning to Connecticut with her plant, herb and natural world knowledge. Passero often collaborates with Benjamin Schwartz, an herb farmer who runs White Pine Community Farm, a short distance away in Wingdale, New York. Passero and Schwartz met at an annual art and music festival, The Wassiack Project, and began a unique business partnership using their combined plant knowledge to

provide healthy agriculture to people who might not have access to organic produce. Twin Star and White Pine Community Farm collaborate to offer the Seed to Market program, which educates students on organic farming, drying and storage as well as offering healthy, chemical-free foods. Seeds are grown and harvested under Schwartz’s supervision at White Pine Community Farm with the assistance of class participants from the Twin Star Seed to Market students. All seeds are grown naturally and become toxic free fruits, vegetables and herbs, which are then sold at farmers’ markets in Bushwick, Bronx and Beacon, New York. “The [Seed to Market program] training involves learning to grow herbs from the seed stage and working with them until a completed final product. An example would be growing calendula [also known as pot marigold] from seed. When the flowers bloom, we make an oil with it and, when the oil is finished infusing, we make a topical salve [medicinal ointment] with it. We then take that product to the farmers’ market to help individuals with eczema or other skin conditions,” summarizes Passero. Twin Star classes range in duration from one day to several months in addition to online classes with fees from $25 to $2,500. The Seed to Market program is a 125-hour certificate course with two prerequisite classes. The Level One Foundations in Herbalism is an eight-month course introducing participants to basic concepts of herbalism by incorporating wild foods and herbal medicine into daily life in addition to a basic understanding of health and nutrition. This class is held at White Pine Community Farm under Schwartz’s supervision.

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The second prerequisite prior to entering the Seed to Market course is the Level Two Program Practices and Protocols of Herbalism. This course explores modern ailments and herbal remedies and applications. After successful completion of these prerequisites, the Level III Program Seed to Market may be taken. “We only accept people into the Seed to Market program that have previous training in herbal medicine because students are required to make all of the medicines that we sell at the market. We also offer community-supported herbalism shares,” Passero explains. “These are similar to CSAs (community supported agriculture), except they’re based in herbal medicine instead of agricultural. So when students have finished their third level of training, they have a great base in herbal medicine, medicine making, growing herbs, and also talking to customers and the community about herbal medicine and how to use it in everyday applications. This is a big part of what the seed to market program provides as students get to interact with consumers at the market and really share their knowledge and love of the plants.” The Seed to Market course also educates participants on herb justice, which is the belief that all communities should have access to high quality locally grown herbal plants and remedies, regardless of race, gender or ethnicity. Another partnership was sparked with Jalal Sabur at the 2008 Growing Power Conference, an urban and small farming event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Sabur, who runs Sweet Freedom Farm in Germantown, New York, started working with Schwartz in 2011 to grow produce for urban farmer’s markets. In addition, Sabur also co-founded Freedom Food Alliance, a collective of small rural and urban farmers who help feed jailed prisoners and their families in Hudson, New York. “Food is connecting; it brings people together,” Sabur notes. He sees giving prisoners and their families access to fresh farm food as a way for people to bond who may not have an opportunity to do so otherwise. Katie Irish writes articles and poetry and has been featured in 34th Parallel Literary Magazine, Connecticut Gardener Magazine, Finger Lakes Magazine and The Ithaca Journal. She lives in Hartford with her Siamese cat, Cleopatra. For more information about upcoming classes, visit TwinStarHerbal.com or call 203-313-7883. Twin Star Herbal Education is located at 65 Bank St, New Milford. See ad, page 35.

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July 2015

Backyard Tick Prevention Be Proactive in Controlling Local Tick Populations by Natasha Michaels

ncreased awareness about ticks and the diseases they carry has led to heightened interest in preventive measures people can take for their own property. In Fairfield and Litchfield counties, where densely wooded areas frequently abut landscaped lawns and backyards, this is of paramount importance. “If we all did a little bit to help prevent ticks from proliferating, things would be a whole lot better for everyone,” says DJ Reich, co-owner of Mosquito Squad, based in Norwalk. It is a common misconception that ticks prefer deer as their favored hosts are actually the mice, chipmunks and other rodents inhabiting the forests and suburban and even urban yards. Stacy Skoldberg, co-founder of Milford’s GreenSprays, says mice are the number one carrier of ticks and this year both the rodents and their parasites seem to be reproducing at a higher rate than usual. Ticks are born on the forest floor, where a rodent typically becomes their first blood meal. When they complete that first meal and fall off, they are ready for their next victim; they usually prefer children or other animals over adults. “The key to successful tick pre38

Fairfield County Edition

vention is being proactive rather than reactive,” Reich says. “Eliminate big leaf piles, brush and wood piles that may have accumulated,” he says. “Those are the rodent gathering and nesting places, which is where the ticks will then be.” Ticks are not commonly found in most green grassy lawns, but rather in the brush and leaf piles and stacks of loose wood around the perimeter. Spraying pesticides in the yard has long been an option for homeowners worried about ticks infesting their yards. Of growing concern, however, are the environmental and health impacts of conventional chemical yard-spraying techniques. A number of providers in the area now offer more natural, effective alternatives, including one certified organic option. There is a difference in the offerings, as in other industries where the words natural and organic have been co-opted to mean different things. “The pesticide world as a whole is where the food industry was five years ago; there is a gap where marketers of toxic synthetics are allowed to use the word ‘natural-based’ or ‘organic-based’. It is greenwashing the product and misleading to consumers because 1,000

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gallons of toxic product with 5 ml of an organic oil in it is allowed to be called ‘organic-based; clearly it is not. That said, if buying organic is financially out of reach, spraying a toxic product in my opinion is better than not protecting your property at all,” explains Skoldberg. GreenSprays was launched in 2012 as the first certified organic mosquito and tick prevention company in the area. To become certified organic took three years of testing and a significant financial investment; for discerning homeowners there is a true distinction between other companies offering “organic” or natural options and GreenSprays’ certified organic offering. GreenSprays uses organic cedarwood oil as the main ingredient for tickspraying and all treatment applications are made in Connecticut, sourced from certified organic tree growers. Skoldberg says the number of applications required depends on the size and type of property but that, in general, “you don’t get better results by treating with more product, regardless of whether it is toxic or organic in origin.” She says consumers should ask about the type of sprayer being used, because companies employing backpack sprayers instead of commercial grade hoses may not achieve the right type of coating needed. Synthetic-controlled pesticides have been the industry standard for years, says Mark Delfino of Bridgeportbased Greenskeeper Lawn Care. The company still offers that service and it remains the bulk of their business but increasingly his customers – especially women – are asking for a more natural alternative. “When people call trying to decide what application they want, I ask them three things: do you have pets, do you have children, and are you concerned about the environmental aspects of your application? If the answers are yes to any two of those questions, I steer them toward the natural alternative,” says Delfino. Greenskeeper offers a 100 percent pure garlic oil application, which is diluted to a strength of 2.5 gallons of oil in 200 gallons of water at the time it is sprayed. “Garlic repels ticks but doesn’t actually kill them,” Delfino says. One challenge with the garlic oil is that it

breaks down more quickly than the synthetic, requiring more applications, especially after a heavy rain. It also makes the yard smell like the inside of an Italian restaurant for a few days after application, Delfino jokes. Mosquito Squad initially used garlic oil when they began offering a more natural tick prevention application a few years ago but has now switched to exclusively using cedarwood oil for their non-synthetic applications. Reich says demand for the more natural tick spraying has grown significantly to about 20 percent of his business and the efficacy rate is comparable to the synthetic applications. The company has a re-treatment policy which entitles customers to additional applications at no cost if their contracted yard applications are not effective the first time. Their respray rate, based on actual efficacy data, is about 2 percent – which is less than the industry average. GreenSprays and Mosquito Squad also offer options for treating rodents for their tick infestations. In both “tick tube” products, the insecticide used is permethrin, a “mild pesticide” derived from chrysanthemum oil. These products include cotton soaked in the chemical and left inside a tube, which is placed in strategic areas in the yard. Mice will find them and use the cotton to build their nests. Their use of the cotton and lying in the cotton treats the rodents with the pesticide – much the same way a dog is treated with Frontline – and thus kills any ticks or tick eggs on the mouse or in the nest. All companies offer different recommended protocols for applications and frequency, depending on the product selected, the time of year and the property itself. There is agreement that beginning early in the year in March or April, continuing through the summer and ending with a final spray in the fall is the optimal approach to truly prevent and control tick proliferation in your yard. Skoldberg says spraying in the early fall – September – may be most important to control future tick population growth because that is when ticks are laying their eggs. Natasha Michaels is a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings Fairfield County.

LOCAL RESOURCES Greenskeeper Lawn Care 740 Railroad Ave, Bridgeport 203-696-0278 GreenskeeperLawnCare.com • Serves most of Fairfield County

GreenSprays Organic Lawn Care 105 Woodmont Rd, Milford 203-916-3666 GreenSprays.com • Serves Fairfield County

Greenleaf Services 45 Old Hwy, Wilton 203-563-9559 GreenleafServicesllc.net • Serves lower Fairfield County

Mosquito Squad 15 South St, Norwalk 203-832-9500 SquadCtNy.com • Serves Fairfield and Westchester counties

practitionerprofiles Turtle Moon Health 86 Connecticut Ave, Greenwich 203-869-0001 Info@TurtleMoonHealth.com TurtleMoonHealth.com

Business/Practice summary… services offered: Turtle Moon Health is a familyowned and operated company, founded by Master Alchemist Kimberly DuBois. We provide natural wellness products for everyday use. Is your focus on prevention or treatment of Lyme disease, or both? Our focus is the prevention of Lyme disease through offering an effective, natural tick and mosquito repellent that can be applied without the health risks associated with DEET or permethrin. Is your Lyme disease work focused on managing physical, emotional, energetic aspects or some combination? We feel it is important to educate people about the protection Nature’s Cloak provides so they can confidently enjoy the great outdoors. What training and/or certifications do you have? How long have you been practicing or using the products you provide? Kimberly DuBois, the formulator of all our products, is a renowned practitioner of plant medicine who has been studying the beneficial properties of herbs and essential oils most of her life. If you have developed a product to treat Lyme, how do you formulate your treatment product(s) and/or where are they sourced? Nature’s Cloak was originally formulated for Kimberly’s three-year-old daughter and has since undergone a 13-year evolution. It is created from top quality ingredients, handcrafted and lovingly made in small batches. What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about Lyme disease as it relates to you and your work? Our repellent has five active essential oil ingredients. It has been tested in rainforests, jungles and deep woods with excellent results. Customer reviews and detailed application guidelines are on our website.

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April interview that the virus had previously been rare in humans. However, recent ecological changes have caused the pathogen to spread to the deer tick, which is also responsible for Lyme. Powassan differs from Lyme in that it can be transmitted from ticks to humans much more quickly and is more likely to be fatal, according to the Yale website.

Legislative Progress

LYME DISEASE Transforming Confusion Into Wellness by Angela Pascopella

bout 40 years after Lyme disease first appeared on national shores – specifically in Lyme, Connecticut, it is still a complicated, controversial conundrum for long-term sufferers and doctors. Despite the complexity and debates, some baby steps in research, treatment, and state and national legislation reveal the nation as a whole is beginning to take the tickborne disease more seriously. “It’s definitely a crisis. There is no doubt in my mind,” says Pat Smith, president of the nonprofit Lyme Disease Association (LymeDiseaseAssociation. org). “I’ve been involved with this for 32 years. I’ve seen nothing but numbers going up. And, unfortunately, remedies to combat it have not kept up.” In 2013, the latest final numbers available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that 36,307 people reported Lyme disease nationwide. And 2,925 of them, or 8 percent, were in Connecticut.

Fairfield County Edition

Connecticut ranks fifth in the number of cases, behind Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey, Smith says. As far as the rates of incidents per 100,000 people, Connecticut had the fourth highest incidence rate with nearly 59 people per 100,000 people infected in 2013. However, those numbers are misleading when it comes to this infection. Smith notes the reported numbers are only a fraction at 10 percent of the true cases of Lyme disease; cases have to meet a narrow CDC definition meant for surveillance, not for diagnosis. Fairfield County alone had 434 new cases in 2014, according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, compared to 335 reported cases in 2010. And added to the latest worries of tick-borne illnesses is the Powassan virus. Professor Durland Fish of the Yale School of Public Health – who has studied Lyme and other tick- and mosquito-borne diseases – said in an

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When patients have first tested positive for Lyme disease, they are likely put on an antibiotic regimen for up to a few weeks or a month. That can help rid the body of the disease if it’s caught quickly. But the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) does not believe in long-term treatment of Lyme. “Most cases of Lyme disease are successfully treated with a few weeks of antibiotics. Using antibiotics for a very long time – months or years – does not offer superior results and, in fact, can be dangerous because it can cause potentially fatal complications,” is one of the Lyme points explained on the IDSA website (IDSociety.org). Most medical doctors adhere to these guidelines and “that is the heart of the problem,” Smith says, because long-term antibiotics have been known to help some chronic Lyme sufferers. There is progress. As of mid-June, the Connecticut state legislature is considering a bill that would put $100,000 into education and prevention. BLAST – which stands for Bath after outdoor activity, Look for ticks and rashes, Apply repellants, Spray your yard, and Treat your pets – is a prevention program created by the leaders of Lyme Connection (LymeConnection.org), formerly known as the Ridgefield Lyme Task Force. The bill was awaiting the governor’s final approval in mid-June. Nationally, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey, co-chairman of the congressional Lyme disease caucus, proposed a bill in June in the House appropriations committee that would help fund Lyme research. A total of $5 million has been included in the Department of Defense spending bill. The funding would help military personnel who have contracted Lyme find better treatments. And in May, the energy and commerce committee passed the 21st

Century Cures Act, which is designed to revolutionize biomedical innovation, including key provisions to boost research into Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. More than 120 locations worldwide have confirmed cases of Lyme disease in the military services, Rep. Smith said in a statement. “The advances in research and treatments made on behalf of our men and women in uniform have substantive and beneficial applications for patients in the greater population.”

Research

Answers are coming, albeit more slowly than anyone would like. Dr. Brian Fallon, director of the Lyme and Tick-borne Diseases Research Center (ColumbiaLyme.org) at Columbia University Medical Center, has been conducting research since the early 1990s. Experts know early antibiotic treatment is essential and those with neurological problems often benefit from IV antibiotic therapy, Fallon says. A new brain imaging and treatment study will start soon at the medical center – funded in part by the Global Lyme Alliance – for patients suffering from persistent pain and/or sensory hyperarousal after well-documented Lyme disease. The study will look at pain pathways and circuits, and treat them with agents that adjust neurotransmitters that specifically correlate with pain. “Then we’ll evaluate if they are better after treatment,” Fallon says. “The goal is to see if we can demonstrate the effectiveness of a new nonantibiotic treatment for patients with post-antibiotic Lyme pain – one that modulates the neurotransmitters that mediate pain transmission,” he says. The medical center is also set to conduct a study with Dr. Charles Alexander, a Southport-based psychiatrist who has expertise in Kundalini yoga. It’s available free of charge to people with well-documented prior Lyme who have chronic fatigue or pain. It incorporates Kundalini breathing, guided meditation and light stretching every day for 20 minutes, for eight weeks, with evaluations at different intervals (for more details, call 646-774-8100). Another hopeful sign is a new vaccine for those living in Lyme endemic regions, developed by scientists in

Virginia. It is about to be approved for dogs, and could likely lead to a vaccine for humans in coming years, Fallon says. Gary Gruber, a naturopathic physician with offices in New Canaan and Stamford, has been treating people with Lyme for ten years. “The most im-

portant thing about treatment is personalization. You cannot just give someone a standard off-the-shelf protocol because that’s what you heard could treat Lyme disease,” he says. He looks at how each person’s body regulates itself via the immune (including the digestive

Coping Skills L

yme disease sufferers have a list of tools they use to help alleviate symptoms. A few are listed below, while others include Cat’s Claw and lavender, frankincense and peppermint essential oils.

strange disease to have. It comes and goes. I just got sick and tired of feeling sick and tired.”

Deni Weber, a therapist in Georgetown says: “It takes a village. You have to practice mindfulness so you are living with that pain. That’s about not judging it and just being with it. It’s about the whole degree of acceptance. When you’re fighting it, you’re causing a lot of stress on your body.” n Insight meditation quiets the body and promotes healing (InsightMeditation.org). n The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a psychological acupressure technique. Simple tapping with the fingertips is used to input kinetic energy onto specific meridians on the head and chest while thinking about a specific problem and voice positive affirmations (EftUniverse.com). n Laugh and be silly. Leslie Beech of Stamford says: “Lyme is a very isolating disease, and you feel like you’re dying. It’s a very

n The buoyancy in floating therapy caused by the dissolved Epsom salt provides relief for people who are suffering from various joint and/or muscle pain, (iFloatSpa.com). n Healing with foods that are organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan and raw with no added artificial sweeteners, preservatives or fillers can help your body detox and heal (PuriumCorp.com). n Nutritional Response Testing – also known as applied kinesiology or manual muscle testing – is an alternative approach to detect illness or possible detrimental conditions in the body. Lyme/Yoga study—for free In coming months, Dr. Charles Alexander, a psychiatrist in Southport, is opening a free study to people suffering from persistent Lyme symptoms to study the effects of Kundalini yoga. It involves light stretching and breathing every day for 20 minutes for about eight weeks. Call 646-774-8100 for details.

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system), nervous and hormonal systems. One test he conducts is CRT, or computerized regulation thermography. CRT is an FDA-approved non-invasive method of evaluating a body’s organs. Testing is done by measuring body temperature at different points on the skin, which correspond to specific organs and tissues. Gruber also tests for food allergies, yeast infections, viral infections and heavy metals, which can downgrade the immune system. And he has patients learn how to manage their potentially negative or critical emotions. “I can’t stress it enough,” he says. “Your immune system is tied into your emotions.” And it’s all tied to Lyme in that “dis-ease” means the body is out of balance. He suggests proper diets, including low protein and alkaline foods, and avoiding dairy and meats – which create acidic environments in which bacteria and fungus like to thrive and become virulent.

Chronic Sufferers

Some people with chronic Lyme disease tell similar stories of missed diagnoses and frustration while seeking relief. Deni Weber, 64 of Georgetown, is a licensed professional counselor and certified as a diplomat of comprehensive energy psychology. She runs a support group for Lyme sufferers. She was diagnosed 15 years ago, but likely had been bit years before. Weber first went to a naturopath who told her she was going through perimenopause or menopause. Then she felt flu-like, and her primary care physician told her to get a blood test. “I was one of the lucky ones. I tested positive,” she recalls. Half the time typical blood tests do not test accurately. She took antibiotics for 28 days, which is typical. The fatigue stayed and she just wanted to stay on the sofa and watch television all day. “I don’t watch TV,” she explains. Weber eventually saw a naturopathic doctor and was treated with homeopathic pills, and later oxygen therapy via a mask. She was also treated with Ondamed, which is an FDA-approved biofeedback device for muscle relaxation. It helped her, but she still combats 42

Fairfield County Edition

Tips to Avoid Contracting Lyme Disease n Put on light-colored clothing so you can see dark-colored ticks or bugs on skin. n Wear long pants tucked into socks and shirt with long sleeves. n Shower after a hike or spending time in the yard or outdoors. n Check your skin to ensure no bugs or ticks are attaching. n Try wearing tick and bug-resistant clothing, such as those treated with permethrin, an insect repellant and insecticide. In 2013, the Army’s Public Health Command launched a website about Army Combat Uniforms (ACUs) that have been factory-treated with permethrin. n If you find a tick, pull it out of your skin using tweezers or a special tick remover to ensure getting the head out. Do not squash or burn the tick. Save it and have it tested via your doctor’s office. balance issues, pain in her neck, cognitive impairment, hearing loss and poor memory. “Sometimes when I know what I want to say I feel like I’m in a big cloud and I cannot get the words out,” Weber says. “Memories are very important things in my life.” She was shocked, disheartened and sad to realize she couldn’t remember parts of her son’s birth 28 years ago. Karen Gaudian, co-founder of the Lyme Connection, also treated her Lyme disease – complete with neck stiffness, muscle spasms and debilitating headaches – with bouts of antibiotic treatments interspersed with natural remedies over about five years. “I saw numerous physicians and took a lot of different antibiotics and herbal treatments,” she recalls. “I think I’m recovered. I can say my name and dial a phone.” All four members of her family also had Lyme. “I never found a tick on my kids,” she recalls. For one daughter, it took 12 years for her to fully recover

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after diagnosis. Her husband still battles symptoms and doesn’t work. “It’s a very complex organism, and it’s a sister of syphilis,” Gaudian says. “Some patients are really traumatized from their doctors who might dismiss them, or they send you to psychologists, and insurance won’t pay for it,” she says. “Your spouse might get mad because you’re not functioning, and you might hurt friends because you are cancelling on events. You might make mistakes at work. It’s a whirlwind. And when you come to a support group, there is help and you are not alone and you can get through it.” The group also pushes for legislation and policy changes. Physicians who treat Lyme for longer than 30 days risk being brought up against their medical examining boards in their states as this is outside the recommendations of the IDSA. “This has been a problem specifically with Lyme disease, but is becoming more common with other illnesses as well,” Gaudian says. Leslie Beech of Stamford spent $25,000 on treatments for her Lyme disease. It started in 2005, when she was 35 and had insomnia. It was followed by headaches, shaking and crying fits, mood swings and digestive problems. She couldn’t straighten her leg at one point, and her anxiety grew. She then felt vertigo and had an MRI done. Nothing was found, so she was prescribed medication for migraine headaches. She saw three ear, nose and throat doctors who found nothing wrong. At one point she felt as if bugs were inside her skin. Doctors eventually prescribed Seroquel for sleeping and Lamictal for anxiety and mood swings. In 2008, she sought Chinese medicine and therapeutic massage treatment at Arogya Holistic Healing Center in Westport. It wasn’t until 2012 when Dr. Monique Class of Stamford diagnosed her with Lyme and ordered the Western blot test. She referred Beech to receive vibrational medicine, which included 126 days of herbal remedies and some supplements. She never took antibiotics for Lyme. Beech, who stays away from wheat, sugar and processed foods, lives now with only a few mild symptoms and manages them through diet and

stress management. She uses essential oils to help her sleep, relax, elevate her mood, combat headaches and aid with back or adrenal pain.

Testing

Many Lyme sufferers have suspected Lyme in the past, but simple blood tests show they test negative for the disease. Robert Favicchia, a self-employed horse farrier in Danbury, had blood tests that came back negative. But Favicchia was suffering from intermittent stabbing pains in his arms, memory loss and brain fog; he was convinced he had been bit by an infected tick years prior. Finally, his doctor had a specialty lab called IGenX test 15 vials of his blood, which found he did test positive for Lyme. Favicchia had been likely living with untreated Lyme disease for nearly a decade.

Hope

Smith of the Lyme Disease Association says her youngest daughter suffered from Lyme symptoms for 27 years, including seizures. Her daughter now lives and works in New York City. “She still has problems, but she’s able to

function,” Smith says. “You do need to be patient and realize that oftentimes it is a long road. But stick with it and find a physician who is knowledgeable. Many times people can return to a somewhat normal life where they are able to function in society.” Fallon even believes that in another three to four years new diagnostic tests will be available. “There is so much exciting work going on because of the advances in biotechnology,” Fallon says, including speed and accuracy of newer approaches to molecular genetics, metabolomics and immunology. “The future [regarding Lyme] for people in Fairfield County is going to be excellent in another 10 years. The technology is enabling vast strides both in diagnostics, the identification of promising new treatment approaches, and potentially, in the not-too-distant future, a different and better vaccine.” Angela Pascopella is a 25-year journalist, who also works full-time as managing editor for a national business trade publication. She lives with her husband, Robert Favicchia, in Danbury.

Local Resources n Other resources for information include Tick-borne Disease Alliance (TbDAlliance.org) and the Under Our Skin documentary (UnderOurSkin. com/#Home-Emergence). n Lyme Disease Association Eastern Connecticut Chapter EasternCtLDA@yahoo.com n Lyme Connection Town Hall Annex, 66 Prospect St, Ridgefield 203-431-2745 LymeConnection.org n Gary Gruber, ND Family and Environmental Medicine 68 Old Stamford Rd, New Canaan 203-966-6360 or 111 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-539-1149 ScienceMeetsNature.org n Deni Weber Inner Change Counseling Center for Holistic Health DeniWeber.com

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that reach this stage are often misdiagnosed with other conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, ADHD, depression, anxiety or rheumatoid arthritis. Compounding these diagnostic difficulties is the fact that fewer than 50 percent of patients with Lyme recall a tick bite or a bull’s eye rash. Studies show that the average patient sees more than five doctors over the course of two years before being properly diagnosed.

The Trouble with Testing

Ins and Outs of the Hard-to-Diagnose Lyme Disease Diagnosis, Testing and Co-Infections by Deb Bossio

y many accounts, Lyme disease is the fastest growing vector-borne infectious disease in the United States. Further heightening widespread concern over Lyme is the fact that the disease is so commonly left undiagnosed, or is simply misdiagnosed because of its complicated clinical picture. The grim reality of Lyme is that it is many times more prevalent than is currently reported. As complicated as Lyme disease can be for medical professionals, the likelihood of patient confusion and apprehension is high.

Diagnostic Difficulties

Lyme disease can affect nearly every tissue and organ system in the body, and has been linked with over 100 different symptoms. With such varied symptoms, it can easily be mistaken for other diseases. For this reason, many physicians informally refer to Lyme disease as “the great imitator” as it is often misinterpreted to be another illness. Consider these symptoms: fever, chills, body aches, fatigue and headaches. In its acute stage, Lyme can easily be mistaken for the common flu or other viral infections. However, when early diagnosis and treatment is not pursued, chronic symptoms develop and become even more varied. Such chronic symptoms may include loss of stamina and muscle weakness; brain fog; migrating body pains in the muscles, joints or nerves; light and sound sensitivity; sleep and digestive disturbances; low grade fevers and sweats; mood changes; and changes in vision and hearing. Patients 44

Fairfield County Edition

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One would hope this confusion over symptoms could be made clear with accurate diagnostic testing. Unfortunately, there are no completely reliable tests for Lyme. For this reason, Lyme disease requires a clinical diagnosis, one based on symptoms, medical history and available testing. The test most people receive at their doctor’s office, known as ELISA, is notorious for false negatives – it is estimated to miss between 35-50 percent of cases. The commonly used two-tiered testing approach utilizes ELISA as a screening test, only to be followed up with a Western blot test to confirm a positive initial result. With the ELISA missing so many cases, this seems hardly acceptable. Physicians can improve detection by performing a Western blot with the ELISA in all initial Lyme testing. However, of patients with acute Lyme, 20-30 percent remain negative on Western blot. That is, many patients do not develop the positive antibodies detected by Western blot until four to six weeks after a tick bite. If you test negative soon after an exposure, the test should be redone one month later. The opposite is also true. Antibody tests such as ELISA and Western blot can sometimes lose their sensitivity when patients have carried an untreated Lyme infection over the long term. Perhaps the most confounding of all issues surrounding Lyme testing is that most Western blot tests fail to take full advantage of the technology. Before the Lyme vaccine was discontinued many years ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention modified the guidelines for Lyme Western blot. At issue was the fact that the test was too sensitive, registering positive results when a patient had been previously vaccinated. For this reason, what are known as bands 31 and 34 were removed from the Western blot. Despite the fact that the Lyme vaccine is no longer on the market and that these two bands are particularly effective at detecting Lyme, most Western blot tests still do not include bands 31 and 34. When using a Western blot, you should ask for it to be performed by a lab that reads all of the bands related to Borrelia burgdorferi (the bacterium that causes Lyme). There are a variety of other testing methods available for Lyme which can help shed light on diagnosis when standard tests are inconclusive. Some of these additional tests include PCR (polymerase chain reaction) analysis, culture tests by Advanced Laboratory Services, blood smears through Fry Lab, and T cell response testing via the iSpot Lyme Test from Pharmasan labs. Keep in mind that no lab test for Lyme is perfect; each of these present their own strengths and weaknesses. In the end, the most important thing to remember is that Lyme disease is a clinical diagnosis. It should be diagnosed on signs

and symptoms alone, with laboratory tests only being used to support the diagnosis. No single lab test can definitively rule in or rule out Lyme disease.

Co-infections and Associated Ailments

It is also important to test for co-infections. Co-infections refer to the myriad other infectious organisms that can be transmitted with a tick bite. Common co-infections such as Babesia, Bartonella and Ehrlichia are not detected by Lyme tests, nor are they treated with the same antibiotics or natural therapies. If left untreated, these co-infections can be a primary reason why a patient is not improving on Lyme treatment. As with Lyme, however, testing for co-infections can be unreliable, and a patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s symptom picture is the most important means for diagnosing these tick-borne diseases. Many of the symptoms associated with these infections overlap with Lyme symptoms, but thankfully there are some distinguishing features of each. Though the following may be helpful in recognizing the

most common co-infections, consult a doctor with the appropriate expertise in diagnosis and treatment. Bartonella: Depression/anxiety; insomnia; feeling of nervous energy running through the body; sore soles of the feet; digestive upset; nodules under the skin; swollen lymph nodes; purple stretch marks; numbness; tingling; and twitching. Babesia: Cyclical symptoms of night sweats; fever; chills; fatigue; global headaches; rib pain; shortness of breath; and dry cough. Ehrlichia: Rapid onset of illness; high fever; intense, sharp headache behind the eye; sore muscles; low white blood cells; and elevated liver enzymes. In addition to co-infections, patients with chronic Lyme may suffer from other opportunistic infections resulting from a weakened immune system. Such complications include yeast or candida overgrowth, parasites, or reactivation of latent viruses in the body, such as

herpes and Epstein Barr. All of these infectious layers must be addressed in order for the chronically ill patient to recover.

The Road to Recovery

Unfortunately, patients suffering from Lyme disease face a cloudy diagnostic outlook. Thankfully, physicians with experience in this field should be able to help patients navigate these diagnostic pitfalls. Once the proper diagnosis has been made, effective treatment and recovery requires a multi-tiered approach. This will usually include addressing all layers of infection as well as the inflammation and toxin overload that often accompany Lyme disease. Successful treatment typically includes tailored herbal, homeopathic and nutritional regimens â&#x20AC;&#x201C; these are designed to be used in conjunction with appropriate conventional therapies. Deb Bossio, ND, is a licensed naturopathic physician practicing in Ridgefield. She can be reached at 203-431-4443, DrDebBossio.com and Office@DrDebBossio.com.

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A Whole-Body Approach to Treatment of Lyme Disease by Adam Breiner

he conventional approach for treating Lyme disease is to prescribe any of a variety of antibiotics – orally or intravenously – in any number of combinations and rotations. Sometimes doctors also prescribe antiprotozoal drugs to deal with the cystic form of Borrelia bacteria and antimicrobial drugs to remedy the host of possible co-infections. Many times high-dose antibiotics may be essential for treatment, such

as when the myocardium is infected, when there is a rapidly progressing neurological disorder like ALS, or to suppress a serious infection as quickly as possible. However, it is also possible to treat and possibly cure patients with Lyme disease without antibiotics. The body has an amazing ability to heal itself and return to homeostasis. However, the greater number of insults to the body in the form of toxins, viruses and bacteria, the harder it is

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to return to balance. These toxins may include chemicals, toxic metals, pesticides, food additives, drugs, infections and even emotional stress. There comes a time when you may reach your toxic threshold. At that point, the organs of detoxification – like your liver and lymphatic system – become stressed and over-taxed. This is when inflammation, immune suppression and disease symptoms set in. The “final straw” may be coming down with the flu, getting bitten by a tick or suffering a major emotional trauma. From that point forward, it is not sufficient to merely treat the disease. You must address all those factors that are adversely affecting the body. Only then can you build up the immune system and restore health. Not only is it essential to reduce the levels of toxins, but also it is also important to improve the body’s balance using supplements and a proper diet. Nutritional intervention focuses on making the body more alkaline and increasing both cellular energy and mitochondrial output. Most patients will benefit from a low-glycemic diet rich in fresh organic produce. Many people also suffer from hidden food sensitivities, such as to gluten. This should be tested for, and those reactive foods eliminated. Carefully selected homeopathic and botanical medicines are also helpful. Homeopathic remedies can boost the immune system to more effectively fight some organisms and assist various organs in eliminating toxins. Certain remedies support the Krebs cycle and the liver and kidneys. Other homeopathic remedies aid the nervous system, bowels, skin and joints. The remedies chosen are tailored to the individual

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patient and may be updated on subsequent visits as organism levels change. Botanical medicines include antimicrobial herbs specifically designed to deal with Lyme and its co-infections. These may be used so organisms avoid building resistance to the medications. They can also help the various organs eliminate toxins, including those produced as the multiple organisms die. Oxygen therapies – and hyperbaric oxygen in particular – are quite effective at eliminating the Borrelia infection, improving cellular respiration and healing the blood brain barrier. While not all cases of Lyme require hyperbaric oxygen, it is a therapy that should be seriously considered for chronic cases. While it is impossible to cover, in one article, every method used for identifying and destroying the Borellia and its co-infections, it is worth noting that multiple approaches

are available. There are also many ways of addressing detoxification, including using far-infrared saunas, ionic footbaths, lymphatic drainage massage and colonic therapy. It is important to realize that it is not just the Lyme organism which needs to be addressed. The entire body must be made healthy. Only by eliminating toxic influences and rebalancing the body’s chemistry through proper nutrition will our bodies avoid playing host to such pathogens. Using this comprehensive approach optimizes the outcome for patients with Lyme disease. Adam Breiner, ND, practices naturopathic medicine and specializes in detecting and removing the “obstacles-to-cure” for Lyme patients from across the country. He can be reached at WholeBodyMed.com or 203-371-8258. Location: 501 King’s Hwy East, Fairfield. See ad, page 2.

Essential Oils for Lyme Disease Treatment by Kristen Hallett Rzasa

yme disease and its many coinfections have become a widespread epidemic, are difficult to diagnose, and often take many years and multiple practitioners before they are discovered and treated. Antibiotics and even an individual’s immune system have been shown to be ineffective in breaking down biofilm materials, allowing access to the pathogens. Biofilm is not only challenging in Lyme disease but in all chronic conditions. It is the extracellular material which holds the communities of bacteria together in a sessile community. The biofilm composition is often of mucopolysaccharide material, but can also be of extracellular DNA. These communities of varied bacteria and pathogens live, thrive and spread throughout the body with an intelligence to communicate through movement, vibration, sound, electromagnetism and chemical signals. This is called Quorum sensing. While it is necessary to break down these destructive biofilm communities

in order to bring the body back into balance, there is an important order allowing for the body to tap into the healing process. If a person breaks down biofilm, releasing the pathogens in the blood without having the elimination channels working properly, it’s possible to experience the “die off” or what is called the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. For Lyme disease patients, it can be a reaction to antibiotic treatments. It resembles bacterial sepsis and occurs when dead or dying bacteria release toxins into blood and tissues at a startling rate. Kristin VanWey of Essentials First was misdiagnosed and suffered many years with a debilitating case of Lyme and co-infections and turned to essential oils as one key element in her journey to regain her vitality. “Purity, potency and consistency of essential oils are of the utmost importance when working with anyone compromised,” explains VanWey. “I found I received my best results using essential oils and supplements.” Oils that have been proven to dissolve biofilm include oregano, clove, melaleuca, thyme and eucalyptus. “Essential oils have many unique

properties that work synergistically with the body’s own healing abilities. The body is designed to heal itself when given the proper tools and environment. Essential oils have chemical constituents that absorb easily and quickly in to the blood as well as brain chemistry. Because they are natural, they don’t have the side effects that many pharmaceutics have. Oils have the ability to cross the cell wall and blood brain barrier, which creates opportunities not available with a synthetic product. Many viruses and pathogens live inside cells, hiding from the immune system or antibiotics. This is why essential oils are such an effective addition to any protocol,” explains VanWey. Some oils found to be effective with Lyme disease when used at the proper time to support the process are melissa, oregano, cassia, cinnamon, thyme, melaleuca, lemongrass and arborvitae. VanWey believes treatment of Lyme disease requires a whole system approach to wellness to strengthen, nourish, cleanse and restore. She devotes her time to educating those suffering with autoimmune conditions on how to become healthy from the ‘inside out.’ For more information on biofilms, visit Bacteriality.com/2008/05/26/Biofilm. Kristen Hallett Rzasa is the owner of InterPlay Health, a whole-life wellness company in Norwalk focused on fitness, nutrition and fun for women. She is a Jazzercise instructor, health coach, and MELT Method instructor. Connect with her at InterPlay Health.com.

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practitionerprofiles Amanda Placeres, ND

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8 Lincoln St, Westport 203-916-4600 AmandaPlaceres@ShalvaClinic.org

Business/Practice summary… services offered: I work with children and adults mostly with Lyme disease but individualized programs are created for issues like sinusitis, asthma, IBS and others.

Business/Practice summary… services offered: I offer science-based naturopathic medicine and acupuncture with a focus on personalized care and patient education.

Amanda Placeres

Is your focus on prevention or treatment of Lyme disease, or both? My focus is on both prevention and treatment of Lyme disease. I treat patients who have recently been diagnosed and those suffering from long-term complications.

Is your Lyme disease work focused on managing physical, emotional, energetic aspects or some combination? I treat the patient, not the disease. I take into account every aspect that may be affected, which includes the physical, mental and energetic. Why are you passionate about working with Lyme? I have seen many patients with complications of Lyme that could have been prevented with early and appropriate treatment. With integration and education, there can be fewer complications and more effective outcomes. If you have developed a product to treat Lyme, how do you formulate your treatment product(s) and/or where are they sourced? I have not developed my own products to treat Lyme but I look for products that meet or exceed FDA guidelines, as well as follow the best manufacturing processes or have the GMP seal. What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about Lyme disease as it relates to you and your work? There are many options available for treatment. I offer natural and integrated treatments.

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Andrea Candee

Is your focus on prevention or treatment of Lyme disease, or both? My formula for tick prevention can be found in a Lyme article on my website. My practice focuses on addressing the co-infections (mainly viral) that the tick passed on.

Is your Lyme disease work focused on managing physical, emotional, energetic aspects or some combination? When people don’t respond to antibiotics it’s because the tick has passed on viruses, which antibiotics don’t address. My work effectively addresses these pathogens using remedies that cancel out their frequencies. What training and/or certifications do you have? How long have you been practicing or using the products you provide? I am a certified master herbalist for 27 years. Trained in using vibrational remedies for 20 years, I have been successfully working with chronic Lyme disease for most of that time locally as well as throughout the country. If you have developed a product to treat Lyme, how do you formulate your treatment product(s) and/or where are they sourced? The remedies are made electromagnetically by Healers Who Share in Colorado (also located in Norway, Germany, Australia and Canada). The practitioner analyzes saliva to determine what frequencies the tick has passed on and Healers Who Share creates the remedies. What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about Lyme disease as it relates to you and your work? Chronic Lyme disease is not just a bacterial disease. Ticks feed on dogs, mice and other animals, picking up neuroviruses that settle in the central nervous system. These viruses piggyback the spirochete. Antibiotics do not touch viruses.

JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT Turning Point Reiki, LLC Turning Point Healing Arts & Education Center 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield 203-438-3050 JDuncan@TurningPointReiki.com TurningPointReiki.com

Business/Practice summary… services offered: I use Reiki, IET and Reconnective Healing sessions for individuals with cancer, back pain, Lyme disease and other tickborne illnesses. I teach all levels of Reiki. Is your focus on prevention or treatment of Lyme disease, or both? I focus on the treatment of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illJoAnn Inserra Duncan nesses by doing energy work to help boost the immune system; improve sleep; bring deep relaxation to the body, mind and spirit; reduce or eliminate pain; and improve fatigue by filling the client with positive energy. I educate my clients on prevention, testing and treatment options. Is your Lyme Disease work focused on managing physical, emotional, energetic aspects or some combination? Doing Reiki can improve energy flow and release blocked, stagnant energy that can be the result of having an acute or chronic illness. This can help heal physical, mental/emotional or energetic issues. I use cell memory technique to help resolve core issues. What training and/or certifications do you have? How long have you been practicing or using the products you provide? I am a board certified genetic counselor with a master of science in human genetics, a Reiki master teacher, Karuna Reiki master and Integrated Energy Therapy advanced practitioner, among other certifications. What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about Lyme disease as it relates to you and your work? I had Lyme disease and Babesiosis and am totally healed because I took a combination of conventional medicines, herbs, homeopathics and did energy work. Since Lyme and the co-infections are difficult to diagnose and treat, I give my clients accurate information on testing and treatment options to become better advocates for themselves.

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July 2015

practitionerprofiles Judy Apicella

Home Harvested Herbals 155 Squash Hollow Rd, New Milford 917-207-0106 • TudiTaylor@yahoo.com BellaAlpacas.com, look for Home Harvested Herbals

Denise Weber

Licensed Professional Counselor Diplomat Comprehensive Energy Psychology 203-544-6094 DWeber4@optonline.net • DeniWeber.com

Business/Practice summary… services offered: Lyme Be Gone is an herbal remedy that has been getting amazing feedback from clients on how it actually heals the problems associated with Lyme and eczema healing. Is your focus on prevention or treatment of Lyme disease, or both? Treatment Is your Lyme disease work focused on managing physical, emotional, energetic aspects or some combination? Helping to heal the physical pain, the mind fog, the emotional stress and the energetic aspects. What training and/or certifications do you have? How long have you been practicing or using the products you provide? I am a certified master healer and have been so for over 25 years. I use herbs, homeopathy and nutrition in my healing work. It took me over a year to create this remedy and I am so happy to see and share the results. If you have developed a product to treat Lyme, how do you formulate your treatment product(s) and/or where are they sourced? I created this remedy from herbs that I harvest on my land and let them sit for six months before they are ready. What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about Lyme disease as it relates to you and your work? There is help for Lyme, you can feel better.

Denise Weber

Is your Lyme disease work focused on managing physical, emotional, energetic aspects or some combination? The role of mind/body therapy is to reestablish one’s lost power with interventions that not only treat psychological aspects, but also the physiological and cognitive distortions caused by traumatic stress. Stress and pain reduction practices, including mindfulness and Emotional Freedom Technique, help individuals cope with the daily challenges of illness. Practices like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), energy psychology and meridian therapies unlock the body’s pattern of fear, freeing up needed energy for healing. What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about Lyme disease as it relates to you and your work? Disease takes away our power as it penetrates a person’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. Seek counsel as a way to manage the body/mind distress of illness through support, understanding, healing traumatic stress, and learning empowering skills to transform crisis into calm.

Be Creative: Try New Directions to Inspire Connections Advertise in Natural Awakenings’

August Children’s Health & Creativity Issue To advertise or participate, call 203-885-4674 50

Fairfield County Edition

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Business/Practice summary… services offered: As a Lyme-literate integrative psychotherapist, Denise guides individuals on a journey within to claim their inherent value and facilitate wholeness. Working together as a team, using gentle and effective mind/body modalities, she guides people to move beyond the constraints of the past and the stresses and challenges of the present leading to a renewed purpose, sense of wellbeing and emotional balance.

Natural Health and Wellness Center

Lisa Singley, ND, MS 2103 Main St., #2, Stratford 203-874-4333 • Info@NHAWC.com • NHAWC.com Business/Practice summary… services offered: My practice integrates the principles of Naturopathic Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. My goal is to determine the underlying cause of a person’s illness and use safe, effective all natural treatments to restore health and then work toward maintaining optimal health in the future. I work with patients Lisa Singley to develop personalized treatment plans that combine various herbal medicines, nutriceuticals, and clinical nutrition. Is your focus on prevention or treatment of Lyme disease, or both? Both Is your Lyme disease work focused on managing physical, emotional, energetic aspects or some combination? I strongly believe it is important to address healing of the body, mind and spirit. Integrating various treatment modalities such as herbal medicines, nutritional supplements, homeopathy, acupuncture, stress management, pain management and counseling can provide the support patients need to recover from Lyme Disease.

Louise H Sullivan

Weston, CT 203-856-2122 • LHSullivan@aol.com LouiseSullivan.VibrantScents.com Business/Practice summary… services offered: Health & Wellness Educator Is your focus on prevention or treatment of Lyme disease, or both? Healthy eating solutions to heal the body, alternative treatments and therapeutic grade essential oils

Louise H. Sullivan

Is your Lyme disease work focused on managing physical, emotional, energetic aspects or some combination? Physical and emotional

What training and/or certifications do you have? How long have you been practicing or using the products you provide? Holistic Health Coach/Lifestyle Educator; AADP Certified; Institute for Integrative Nutrition; SUNY Purchase College; Metagenics Educational Program What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about Lyme disease as it relates to you and your work? I am a Lyme warrior and have learned to live a full and active life while constantly healing my body from this disease.

What training and/or certifications do you have? How long have you been practicing or using the products you provide? I am a licensed Naturopathic Physician and have a MS degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. I have been practicing medicine for 12 years. I regularly attend classes in herbal medicine and have attended several Lyme Specific Seminars to stay up to date on the most effective and current diagnostic and treatment options. I am familiar with Igenex and Neuroscience Lyme Testing, The Cowden Protocol, as well as protocols developed by Stephen Buhner and Dr. Richard Horowitz. If you have developed a product to treat Lyme, how do you formulate your treatment product(s) and/or where are they sourced? I have not developed my own product, instead I combine herbal medicines. Cases are individual; sometimes the best formulation is a capsule other times the best formulation is made by mixing a unique blend of herbal tinctures or powders. What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about Lyme disease as it relates to you and your work? I am committed to working with my patients to provide support and develop a healing treatment plan that will allow you to recover from Lyme disease.

Whole Foods Market is bringing you natural & organic foods at premium quality, not premium prices. Westport 399 Post Road West, CT 203.227.6858 Greenwich 90 E. Putnam Avenue, CT 203.661.0631 Darien 150 Ledge Road, CT 203.662.0577 eNaturalAwakenings.com

July 2015

Local Groups Support Those with Lyme Disease Lyme Connection

Global Lyme Alliance

For monthly updates about Lyme Connection’s two support groups, seminars, conferences, volunteer opportunities and Lyme events in the region, sign up for the newsletter on Bit.ly/LymeConnectionEmailSignUp. Or email RLDTF@ comcast.net for additional information.

For more information about volunteering or about the upcoming Gala, email Info@GlobalLymeAlliance.org.

Lyme Connection, originally created in 2003 as the Town of Ridgefield’s Lyme Disease Tick Task Force, provides a wide range of free support services, educational events and tick-borne disease prevention programming. Patients with Lyme disease and their families can find information via monthly support groups, seminars, newsletters and health fairs. Lyme Connection’s primary mission is to connect patients, caregivers and professionals in a partnership that helps those impacted by tick-borne diseases make the best possible decisions in their care and recovery. The organization’s volunteers understand the beneficial role wellness activities and validation play in recovery. The group’s May 2015 conference included speakers Dr. Richard Horowitz, Dr. William Lee Cowden, Dr. Eva Sapi and Lyme Disease Association President Pat Smith. Lyme Connection coordinates a team of volunteer health educators who teach the BLAST Lyme Disease Prevention program. The group’s next event will be its fourth Lyme and Mental Health Conference in November 2015 in Ridgefield. Interested psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists and therapists can sign up online.

Last February, Stamford-based Lyme Research Alliance (LRA) and New York City-based Tick-Borne Disease Alliance (TBDA) merged to become Global Lyme Alliance (GLA). The new organization carries on the mission and important work of both LRA and TBDA: to conquer Lyme and tick-borne diseases through research and education. GLA is now the leading tick-borne disease organization in the nation, allowing for greater resources to be applied to research on urgently needed improvements in diagnostics and treatments, while expanding education programs for the general public and physicians. The consolidation of LRA’s research expertise and network of medical experts, physicians, researchers and key medical institutions with TBDA’s grassroots awareness campaigns and national fundraising events has created a dynamic organization to advance the fight to end tick-borne diseases. Plans are underway to move the Stamford office to Greenwich and a new chief executive officer will join the organization in July. GLA is looking for volunteers to serve on committees such as its annual Time for Lyme Gala in Greenwich. GLA plans to hold a major Uniting for a LymeFree World fundraiser event in New York City on October 8 at Cipriani’s 42nd Street.

You Can Make A Difference

BECOME A MENTOR TODAY

For more information please contact

Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Southwestern Connecticut 203-366-3766 or email: info@bbbsswct.org

www.bbbsswct.org 52

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

After stays in guesthouses and hotel rooms, a tiny house felt spacious, so I decided to build my own as a home base.

greenliving

~Lauren Juliff, professional travel blogger

photo courtesy of Pat Capozzi

THE TEENY-TINY VACATION OPTION Mini-Dwellings Make Travel a Lark by Avery Mack

Tiny vacation cottages offer a simple, cozy setting for taking time off together and spell crazy fun—a huge improvement over sterile motel rooms.

ost of us are oriented to a typical American house averaging 2,300 square feet, making it a childlike hoot to step into the petite footprint of a tiny house one-tenth the size. Vacation rentals of “tinies” are available nationwide in all shapes and styles—including treetop aeries. Tree houses range from rustic to luxurious. Marti MacGibbon and her husband, Chris Fitzhugh, spent a romantic weekend at the Out ‘n’ About Treehouse Resort, in Cave Junction, Oregon. “The Peacock Perch is a favorite,” says MacGibbon. “It also helps me overcome my fear of heights.” In Hawaii, Skye Peterson built a tree house from recycled materials in five native ohia trees outside Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. The eco-friendly, solarpowered, passive-energy vacation home enchants guests with firelight at night and breakfast in the morning. For those that prefer ground-level vacationing, glamorous camping, or glamping, offers an outdoor experience with the comforts of home. Yellowstone

National Park’s Yellowstone Under Canvas has summer options for every budget through September 7, including an onsite gourmet restaurant. Tipis offer the basics, while a roomier safari tent adds a wood-burning stove with complimentary firewood. A deluxe suite with private bath sleeps a family with king-size and sofa beds. All face majestic views of mountains, water and wildlife. Rustic Karenville, eight miles from Ithaca, New York, isn’t on any map. Owner and builder Karen Thurnheer and her husband, Robert Wesley, live in a 270-square-foot cabin amidst a small village of tinies next to the 9,000-acre Danby State Forest. The little buildings don’t have running water; some have woodstove heat, electricity if the generator’s running and there’s a composting outhouse. “The houses are silly and fun,” she says. “There’s fresh air and at night a million stars.” Sarah and John Murphy welcome travelers to enjoy urban life with amenities in the heart of Music City via Nashville’s tiniest guest house. With a

complete kitchen and bath, conditioned air and Wi-Fi, its 200 square feet can accommodate four. Rhode Island’s Arcade Providence historic shopping mall took a hit from Internet shopping. Now it’s vibrantly alive as micro-apartments (bedroom, bath and kitchen in 300 square feet) fill the second and third levels, while first-floor stores cater to residents and destination shoppers. The “no vacancy” sign is regularly posted for apartments acting as dorms or pied á terres. On the West coast, near the 150acre Lily Point Marine Park, in Port Roberts, Washington, a secluded gingerbread cottage affords a gas fireplace, solarium and upstairs deck for viewing wildlife. “It’s relaxing and romantic,” says owner Pat Capozzi. Artsy and trendy, Caravan is the first tiny hotel in the United States. Since 2013, guests have enjoyed a choice of its six tiny houses in Portland, Oregon’s Alberta Arts District. Simple-living students, retirees and even families with small children and pets are embracing the concept longer-term. “The best part,” says Macy Miller, a Boise, Idaho architect who built her own tiny of recycled materials at a cost of $12,000, “is no mortgage.” To avoid local minimumsize zoning requirements, her house is mounted on a flatbed trailer. The 196-square-foot space is also home to her boyfriend James, toddler Hazel, and Denver, a 150-pound great dane. Recently, Miller blogged, “I’m designing what may be the first tiny nursery as we expect baby number two!” As Thurnheer observes, “There are lots of silly people like me who love living tiny.” Connect with freelance writer Avery Mack at AveryMack@mindspring.com.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

July 2015

petbriefs July Savings at Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic The Monthly Naturally Healthy Pet Section Starts Here!

rom now until the end of July, Nutmeg Spay/ Neuter Clinic is offering a $20 discount on spay/neuter surgeries for all companion kittens and puppies 4 months of age and under. For their safety, puppies and kittens must be at least 3 months old, and must weigh at least 3lbs for surgery. Surgery must be scheduled before July 31st. Age and suitability for surgery will ultimately be determined by our medical staff. Call 203-690-1550 to schedule over the phone, or visit NutmegClinic.org/ Request-Appointment to request an appointment online. Location: Nutmeg Spay/ Neuter Clinic is located at 25 Charles St, Stratford. See ad, page 58.

Swing Away to Benefit DAWS

anbury Animal Welfare Society, Inc. (DAWS) will hold its 2015 Putt Fore DAWS Golf Tournament on July 22 at the Redding Country Club. Participants can enjoy a round of golf at one of Connecticut’s premier golf courses while supporting DAWS’ animal rescue and adoption efforts. Registration will begin at 11am, followed by a shotgun start at 1pm. The entry fee includes a golf cart, lunch, dinner, and on-course snacks and beverages. The cost is $200 per golfer and $800 for foursome. If you register and pay in full by July 5, you will receive a $10 discount per person ($40 for foursome). Danbury Animal Welfare Society, Inc. promotes responsible pet guardianship and the humane treatment of animals. The nonprofit works toward ending animal overpopulation through education and a variety of programs.

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

Fairfield County Edition

For more information, visit DAWS.org/Events/2015-Putt-Fore-DAWS-GolfTournament. Location: Redding Country Club, 109 Lonetown Rd, West Redding.

No Worries: Cats Naturally Eat Less in Summer

study from the University of Liverpool School of Veterinary Science has found that cats naturally eat less during the summer, indicating that owners can take such appetite swings in stride. The researchers studied 38 cats for four years. Their collars were implanted with a microchip that recorded the amount as they ate as much as they wanted from a dispenser. The team found that cats ate an average of 15 percent less in hot weather. Their eating decreased from June through August and increased from October to February. Eating levels were intermediate in the spring and fall. Study author Dr. Alex German observed, “Cats are more inclined to comfort eat when it’s cold outside, likely to be due to the extra energy they need to keep warm when out and about.”

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Protect with products

Protecting Your Pets Against Ticks by Mary Oquendo

hat has eight legs, is smaller than a dime and strikes fear in your heart? If you guessed ticks, you are correct. At least they strike fear in the hearts of many pet owners. Treating tick borne diseases successfully is dependent upon correct diagnosis, as well as early treatment. Just as with humans, the best way to avoid tick borne diseases for pets lies in prevention. Although there is a Lyme disease vaccine available that, in theory, inactivates the Lyme bacteria, there are no available vaccines for the other 13 tick-borne diseases. The clinical signs of any tickborne disease with pets include fever, loss of appetite, stiff joints, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, the symptoms may be mild to asymptomatic and, in others, debilitating.

Protect your outdoor space Treat your property with a child, pet and bee-safe tick deterrent, such as cedar chips and diatomaceous earth (DE). The cedar chips must be made from real cedar, not cedar-scented,

while the DE must be food-grade as pool-grade DE is poisonous for your pets. You can also sprinkle dogs and cats with food-grade DE on their bodies as well. Since shorter grass is drier, keep the grass cut short because ticks prefer moist conditions. Trim bushes away from walkways, as well as remove bushes in pet yards. Ticks can be deposited on bushes as deer pass through. Chickens love to eat ticks and provide fresh eggs. Check zoning and educate yourself on their care before adding chickens to your household.

Check your pets

It is best to conduct daily snout-to-tail assessments as most ticks do not attach immediately; instead, they rather walk around to find a spot with good blood flow. That is why you find more ticks around the head, ears, and neck. By taking the time to go over your pets daily – especially after they come in from a walk, you may be able to remove a tick before it has a chance to attach.

Natural-based tick repellent collars and sprays: There are some effective repellent products developed using herbs and/or essential oils. Several of these products are profiled in this issue (see pages, 47). Many natural repellent sprays contain essential oils that may be harmful for cats so check the labels and do some research before you apply to cats. The con to using natural products is that they need to be applied frequently. Natural internal flea/tick powders: Formulated by Dr. Bob Goldstein, cofounder of Smith Ridge Animal Hospital and Earth Animal in Westport, the Earth Animal line of internal powders are special blends of dark brewer’s yeast, garlic, B vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that work synergistically. Taken orally, the powders produce an odor that is undetectable by humans and is loathed by fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and black flies. The internal powder makes your animal less attractive to infestation. All ingredients are human food grade with no insecticides, chemical preservatives, salt or sugar. This line of products is available at many high quality pet product retailers in the area. Chemical monthly spot-on products: These have been the conventional standard for flea and tick treatment for many years. They can be effective though there are increasing concerns among veterinarians about pest resistance to their primary ingredients because they have been so widely used. If you opt for this type of product, purchase it from a quality pet retailer and avoid less expensive supermarket varieties as many have been linked to serious medical conditions. The con to using monthly spot-on products is you are applying a pesticide directly to your pet’s body. Don’t let fear of ticks ruin your summer. Preventive care will minimize your pet’s and your risk of exposure. Mary Oquendo is a Reiki master, advanced crystal master and certified master pet tech pet first aid instructor. She is the co-owner of Hands and Paws-Reiki for All in New Milford. For more information, visit HandsAndPawsReiki.com. See ad, page 57.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

July 2015

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Fairfield County Edition

by Sandra Murphy

acations bring rest and less stress, a change of pace and for some, a break from caring for the family pet, made possible by a growing number of professional pet sitters. “I have more peace of mind with a pet sitter rather than a friend. Even if they’ve already had a long day, sitters still properly take care of the pets,” says Christina Pierce, a federal examiner of financial institutions for consumer protection in Little Rock, Arkansas. “Many professional pet sitters are trained to respond to potential health and other issues. Especially with small animals, early recognition of a problem is key.” Pierce used to have chinchillas, and now has a cat she rescued and relocated from Dallas, Texas, plus two adopted former foster rabbits. “A sitter may be excellent, but not know your breed,” advises Rae Bailey, a retiree in Georgetown, Texas, who regularly uses sitters for her Scottie when she travels. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

natural awakenings

She notes that dogs are particularly good judges of character, so if one doesn’t like the sitter, simply try another. Pet sitting services use a contract to outline rates, what the sitter will do, the number and duration of daily visits, start and end dates and how the house key is returned when the job is complete. Regular clients may have the sitter keep the key handy. Professional sitters are bonded, insured and background-checked, have experience with a variety of species and breeds, are fairly flexible and love animals. A pre-visit will introduce pets and sitter to each other and address any relationship concerns and individual needs, such as medications. “I had a diabetic Westie, a big consideration,” says Diane Meadows, a retired paralegal in San Antonio, Texas. “It was huge for me to hand over the keys and my trust, but our sitter was dependable and knowledgeable.” During one visit, her sitter also alerted Meadows to

Pet Sitters International provides a localized directory and good questions to ask at PetSit.com/locate.

a possible propane gas leak. At the outset, have the sitter meet all the family pets to ensure mutual comfort. Show the sitter where the leash, toys, treats, food and water dishes are kept, supplies for cleanups, the family vet’s location, hours, office and emergency phone numbers and instructions for any security alarm system. Codes can be personalized and deactivated when no longer needed. Sometimes clients request extra services such as collecting the mail and newspapers, watering indoor plants and leaving lights on. Both young and older Birds, fish, ferrets and dogs need three visits a day to avoid household reptiles are species accidents. Cats are usurequiring special habitats ally fine with one. “Cats like to be pampered. A that dictate a home stay. friendly sitter provides the care she’s used to, in familiar surroundings,” says Anne Moss, whose educational website TheCatSite.com originates near Tel Aviv, Israel. “Kitty’s more relaxed and receives a higher level of care than at a boarding facility,” she notes. A pet sitting service offers the added benefit of backups in case the assigned sitter is sick or delayed. In Huntley, Illinois, Diane Muchow, an adjunct instructor at Computer Systems Institute, explains why she prefers a pet sitting service for her black Labrador mix. “Our first sitter was a one-woman business. One day, she forgot to crate the dogs when she left, and we came home to find the evidence of an accident on our new carpet throughout the house,” Muchow says. “We switched to a professional service.”

Do a trial run with a sitter and pet before a vacation to ensure it’s a good match. Make note of any pet quirks.

She sees the primary advantage of professional help as dependability and flexibility. “The service has a website to order the shifts we need, which are confirmed by email,” she notes. “It’s handy when my husband travels and I work.” A kennel isn’t for all dogs, says Scott Mell, an area manager for JoAnn Fabrics in Affton, Missouri. He recalls his Bernese mountain dog’s first and only trip to the local kennel. Upon arrival, she climbed on top of the car rather than go inside. “She was adamant,” he says. “I hired a sitter the next day. She loved her sitter’s visits.” Whether pets need special attention, daily walks, a midday backyard break or multiple visits while the family vacations, a pet sitter can provide excellent care. Many owners like to receive daily text message updates and may even e-retrieve bonus selfies of their happy pets from home. Connect with writer Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelance Writer@mindspring.com.

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July 2015

petresourceguide 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

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

BULLY BREED RESCUE PO Box 953, New Canaan BBRCT@yahoo.com BullyBreedRescueInc.org

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

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

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

DANBURY ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY (DAWS) 147 Grassy Plain St, Bethel 203-744-3297 FRIENDS OF FELINES, INC. PO Box 8147, Stamford 203-363-0220 Cats@AdoptAPet.org • AdoptAPet.org NFSAW 223 State Rt 37, New Fairfield 203-746-2925 NFSAW.org

Fairfield County Edition

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

TAILS OF COURAGE 1 Pembroke Rd, Danbury 877-63-TAILS TailsOfCourage.org WESTPORT ANIMAL SHELTER ADVOCATES (WASA) 1 Tower Ridge, Westport 203-557-0361 WestportWASA.org

natural awakenings

PET NUTRITION PAUL’S CUSTOM PET FOOD LLC PO Box 794 New Milford 603-706-0739 Paul@PaulsCustompPetFood.com PaulsCustomPetFood.com Nutrition is your pet’s best friend. We create handmade, personalized pet food and treats with ingredients that are organic, free of GMOs, synthetic chemicals, added growth hormones, unnecessary antibiotics, and preservatives. Food is handmade in small batches. See website for details about ordering or customizing for your pet’s special needs. See ad, page 56.

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 only 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 an even more reduced rate, and the clinic offers spay/neuter and vaccine discounts for feral cats. See ad, page 58.

calendarofevents

include guided meditation and exploration through writing answers to questions which will stir things up. No prior meditation or writing experience necessary. $140. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. BethLeas.com.

Magazine calendar events must be received by July 12 (for August issue) and adhere to our guidelines. All calendar submissions must be entered online at eNaturalAwakenings.com: click on “submit calendar” at the very top of the page. WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 TLC Energy Healing Circle for ALL – 7-9pm. We welcome all those new to energy healing and practitioners of all modalities and levels alike. Open with a healing meditation and provide an opportunity to receive and/or give energy work. $20 donation. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. BethLeas.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 2 Spirit Message Circle – 6:30-8:30pm. With Kimberly Taylor, psychic medium. Evening of Spirit connection and healing messages from your loved ones. Call for reservations. Crystal Visions, Sherman Commons, 1 Rt 37 East, Ste 2, Sherman. 860-210-9897. Info@ CrystalVisionsCT.com. CrystalVisionsCT.com. Full Moon Meditation – 7-8:30pm. With Beth Leas. The Full Moon is a time of celebration, of acknowledging your accomplishments. As we give thanks for the blessings in our life, we open ourselves to receive even more. Free. Sponsored by ProMindful. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. ProMindful.org.

FRIDAY, JULY 10 Community Appreciation Day To Welcome Dr. Craig Pannone – 3-7pm. Join us as we welcome our new Naturopath, Dr. Craig Pannone. Refreshments, informative talk and 10-minute chair massage. Free. SOPHIA Natural Health Center, 31 Old Rt 7, Brookfield. 203-740-9300. LHoffman@SophiaNaturalHealth.com. SophiaNaturalHealth.com. Past life Regression with Maria – 7-9pm. Come and experience regression hypnosis that will take you back to explore two past lives and to the wonder of being in your mother’s womb. Find out more about Life Between Lives regression as well. $65. Muktinath Holistic Center, 755 Main St (Rt 25), Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@gmail.com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com. Shamanic Drum Circle – 7:30-10:30pm. Join us to connect with energy, spirit and Mother Earth through sacred Shamanic drumming, rattling and Shamanic healing. All levels welcome, no experience neces-

sary. $20. Hunter Healing Hands, 215 Harbor Ave, Bridgeport. 203-916-8381. HunterHealingHands@ hotmail.com. HunterHealingHands.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 11 Reiki Level 1 Workshop – 9:30am-5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki master/teacher. Learn Western style from an experienced Reiki master (19 years). Includes latest info. Learn Reiki for self-healing and healing others. 4 powerful energy connections, from short (Japanese/Usa) linage, 2 manuals and certificate. $115+ $10/materials. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave (enter office downstairs in back), Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com. Spiritual Psychic Fair – Noon-5pm. Gifted and caring intuitive readers available to help you connect to spiritual guidance. Mediumship and Psychic Readings, Tarot Cards, Pendulum Readings, Past Life Connections, Reiki and Pranic Healing sessions available by appointment. Sessions approx. 25 mins. Readings $45 and up, $30/healing. Albertson Memorial Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. My10Cats@optonline.net. AlbertsonChurch.org.

SUNDAY, JULY 12 Reiki Review and Re-attunement – 1-2pm. Designed to provide support for practitioners who are still new to their Reiki practice, or who need to get a jump-start after some time away, or those who are looking for a Reiki re-attunement. Open to all levels. $40. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. BethLeas.com. Crystal Workshop - Guidelines and Concepts – 1-3pm. Pre-registration is required. $40 fee includes materials. 203-570-3868. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel. Soul-Focus.me.

MONDAY, JULY 13 Women’s Reflective Writing and Meditation Series – 9:30-11am. 4-session series. With Beth Prins Leas. Class designed to create ease through meditation and reflective writing. Each class will

Hunter Healing Hands For Body, Mind, & Soul

Classes Workshops Drum Circles Private Healing Sessions by Appointment

Jessica C. Hunter

Shamanic Practitioner & OM Shamanic Medium & Intuitive Melody Certiﬁed Crystal Healer Certiﬁed Reiki Master Teacher Shamanic, Metaphysical, & Crystal Teacher

203-916-8381

www.hunterhealinghands.com hunterhealinghands@hotmail.com

Pequot Ancestor Ceremonial Drum Circle – 7-9pm. Join us for ceremonial drumming to honor the local Pequot tribe on the anniversary of the Great Swamp Fight. Sacred ceremony and ancestral healing for all victims and perpetrators, including our ancestral ties to these generations. $20. Hunter Healing Hands, 215 Harbor Ave, Bridgeport. 203916-8381. HunterHealingHands@hotmail.com. HunterHealingHands.com.

TUESDAY, JULY 14 Information Sessions – 6-7:30pm. Learn more about programs at The Graduate Institute. The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd, Bethany. 203874-4252. Info@Learn.edu. Learn.edu/Events. Introduction to Essential Oils – 7-8:30pm. With Jennifer Gailey. An Informative class to enhance your health and wellness through the use of essential oils. Free. Transformation For Life Wellness Center, 6 Walnut St, Danbury. 203-617-8228. Jill.Myruski@ gmail.com. TFLWellness.com.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15 Herbal Sleep Pillow Workshop – 6:30pm. Join Ehris Urban for hands-on creation of your own customized herbal sleep pillow, specific to your sleeping issue. Free. New Milford Public Library, 24 Main St, New Milford. 860-355-1191. NewMilfordLibrary.org. Questions & Answers About Reiki – 7-9:30pm. With Gigi Benanti Reiki Master/Teacher. 7-8:30pm; talk about Reiki with Q&A for non-Reiki. 8:159:30pm: talk and Q&A for Reiki-certified Practitioners to inquire about advanced training. Includes latest info on Western Style Reiki. Mini-Reiki sessions included. $5 or $10. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 16 Information Sessions – 5-6:30pm. Learn more about programs at The Graduate Institute. The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd, Bethany. 203874-4252. Info@Learn.edu. Learn.edu/Events. Healing and Clearing the Chakras with Crystal Healing & Guidance from the Spirits – 7-9pm. Learn how to clear, heal and rejuvenate your Chakras with the power of Crystal Healing and Shamanic Healing on the New Moon. Participants

Family and Child Psychotherapy Support and Guidance • Divorce Anxiety • Parent/Child Conﬂict Attachment and Bonding • Trauma • Grief Professional/Executive Coaching

Robin Ordan, LCSW 203-561-8535

www.robinordanlcsw.com Located on the Old Greenwich/Stamford Border eNaturalAwakenings.com

July 2015

calendarofevents

including a meditation with Reiki Master John Robinson. $10 donation for space expense. Crystal Visions, Sherman Commons, 1 Rt 37 East, Ste 2, Sherman. 860-210-9897. Info@CrystalVisionsCT.com. CrystalVisionsCT.com.

will also receive a Chakra Crystal Healing set. $40. Hunter Healing Hands, 215 Harbor Ave, Bridgeport. 203-916-8381. HunterHealingHands@hotmail.com. HunterHealingHands.com.

Indigo Adults Classes I & II – 3:30pm and 6:30pm. Classes for identifying adult Indigo’s and what being an indigo entails. Focus on your life purpose, identifying what that is and implementing it. Call for reservations. Crystal Visions, Sherman Commons, 1 Rt 37 East, Ste 2, Sherman. 860-210-9897. Info@ CrystalVisionsCT.com. CrystalVisionsCT.com.

Jin Shin Jyutsu Self Help for Transformation and Healing – 7-9pm. With Beth Prins Leas. Explore and apply the ancient wisdom of Jin Shin Jyutsu. Learn and experience simple and profound handson energy revitalizing exercises. Receive practical knowledge and experience you can use anytime. $25. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-8569566. BethLeas.com. Metaphor, Myth and Mystery: Rediscovering Your Imaginative Abilities – 7-9pm. The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd, Bethany. 203-874-4252. Info@Learn.edu. Learn.edu/Events. A Presence Circle – 7-9pm. With Robin Spiegel and Stacey Sherman. Evening of meditation, sound, frequencies and exploration to experience peace, self-love, compassion and connection. Registration required. $33. Lotus Wellness Center, 46 Pemberwick Rd, Greenwich. 203-531-4784. Info@ LotusWellnessCtr.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 18 Reiki 1 Certification Training – 9am-2pm. Taught by Beth Prins Leas (20 years). Great starting point for those interested in energy healing and a great adjunct for practitioners/teachers of other modalities. You will also learn hand positions for treatment of others and an attunement into the Reiki System. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. BethLeas.com. Midsummer Night Kirtan with Sitas Light – 7-9:30pm. Come rest your mind and soul and be effortlessly transported to a place of inner peace and tranquility though sacred sound vibrations and simple, repetitive, call and response chanting of mantras. $15/pre-pay, $20/ at the door. Muktinath Holistic Center, 755 Main St (Rt 25), Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@gmail.com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com.

TUESDAY, JULY 21 Super Recharge: The Science of Getting Rich – 7-9pm. 8-week series. Becoming rich is a science that can be proven by applying the principles of getting rich. Each week you will work on the ability to do things in the way you want to do them, notice your resistance, and create a new practice. Love Offering.

Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Office@UnityCenterNorwalk.org. UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

THURSDAY, JULY 23 Poetry Book Reading and Signing – 7-9pm. With Joseph Aldo. Evening of awakening, transformation, love and connection through poetry, as he shares his new book, In An Ecstatic State: Poems of Transformation. Registration required. Lotus Wellness Center, 46 Pemberwick Rd, Greenwich. 203-5314784. Info@LotusWellnessCtr.com.

Ayurvedic Wellness – 6-8:30pm. Ayurvedic prevention and wellness counseling. Ayurveda has solution for all types of illness. Call for appointment and location. $150. 203-857-4123. JmDaptardar@hotmail.com. Norwalk. ActiveAyurveda.com.

TUESDAY, JULY 28

FRIDAY, JULY 24 Spirit Message Circle – 6:30-8:30pm. With renowned psychic medium John Robinson. “Johnny Angel” is a gifted Psychic Medium, healer, Paranormal Investigator and Tarot/Oracle Reader widely sought after for his intuitive capabilities. Call for reservations. Crystal Visions, Sherman Commons, 1 Rt 37 East, Ste 2, Sherman. 860-210-9897. Info@ CrystalVisionsCT.com. CrystalVisionsCT.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 25 Reiki Second Degree workshop – 9:30am-5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki master/teacher (19 years). Learn Reiki 2nd Degree in the Western style. Learn to send distance Reiki healing, deepen use of Reiki for others and yourself. 2 powerful energy connections from my short Japanese/Usa Linage. Two manuals and certificate. $215. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave (enter office downstairs in back), Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com. Information Sessions – Call-in – 10:30-11:30am. Call in to learn more about the Graduate Institute. Call-in number: 712-432-1690, Access Code #583832 or visit Learn.edu/Events. The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd, Bethany. 203-874-4252. Info@Learn.edu. Learn.edu/Events. Aura Photography at Crystal Visions – 11am6:30pm. Come have your Aura and Chakras analyzed with Jan and Jay from Aura Photos Unlimited. Pictures and analysis reports available for purchase. Call for reservations. Crystal Visions, Sherman Commons, 1 Rt 37 East, Ste 2, Sherman. 860-210-9897. Info@ CrystalVisionsCT.com. CrystalVisionsCT.com. Reiki Share Circle – 1-2:30pm. If you are a Reiki practitioner or would like to learn about this Spiritual healing practice, come join us in learning and sharing Reiki,

Essential Oils For Children – 7-8:30pm. With Jennifer Gaily. Learn how to use essential oils to help your children with natural medicine to enhance their well being. Free. Transformation For Life Wellness Center, 6 Walnut St, Danbury. 203-617-8228. Jill. Myruski@gmail.com. TFLWellness.com. Natural Healthcare and Emotional Healing – 7-8:30pm. With Carla Bates Barzetti. Monthly class. Learn about using certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils to raise your vibration as you empower yourself in your own healing process. Free. Sticks and Stones Farm, 197 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. 203-364-6262. Carla@BrilliantSoul.com. SticksAndStonesFarm.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 30 Crystal Transformations: Change Patterns, Habits and Limiting Beliefs with the Power of Crystals – 7-9pm. Learn how to use crystals and crystal healing to transform patterns, habits and limiting beliefs for positive changes and manifestations. Participants will also receive a healing crystal. $40. Hunter Healing Hands, 215 Harbor Ave, Bridgeport. 203-916-8381. HunterHealingHands@hotmail.com. HunterHealingHands.com.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4 Crystals and Gardens: Enhance your Plants, Flowers and Vegetation with the Power of Crystal Energy – 7-9pm. Learn how to use healing crystals to enhance plant growth, health and vegetation production for house plants and gardens. Lecture and techniques for holistic organic gardening combining the metaphysical and scientific will be explored. $40. Hunter Healing Hands, 215 Harbor Ave, Bridgeport. 203-916-8381. HunterHealingHands@ hotmail.com. HunterHealingHands.com.

Personal Wellness Center Inspiring You to Live Your Best Life!

• Integrated Swedish • Sports • Deep Tissue 122 River Road Ext. Cos Cob, CT 06807 203.869.1764 Pangaeamassage.com

Selected as Best of 2014 by Serendipity Magazine 60

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

• Intuitive/Psychic Readings • Mediumistic Readings • Holistic Health Coaching • Health & Healing Program for Cancer Patients

1895 Post Rd, Fairfield Sage Osa 203.767.6237 ~ MyPersonalWellness.com

ongoingevents sunday

monday

tuesday

Angelic Reiki Meditation with Essential Oils – 8-9am. Receive short, hands-on Angelic Reiki, experience powerful techniques to reduce stress and relax. $10. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave (in the back, downstairs), Norwalk. Pre-register: 203-852-1150.

Kids in Harmoni Friendship Club – 9-11am. For toddlers (1 & 2 year olds). Nurturing kindness, caring and compassion of self and others. $30. 103 North St, Trumbull. 203-377-9855. KGrich@charter.net. HarmoniTherapy.com.

TLC Monthly Networking Breakfast – 8:3010am. Looking for a community of healthy living professionals? At TLC Center, we understand the power of networking. Relaxed supportive group of professionals. Grab a friend, your biz cards and join us for a fun morning of connecting. Free. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. Beth@BethLeas.com. TLCCenter.com.

Gentle Yoga Classes – 9:30-10:45am. Work on alignment, flexibility and strength in a way that is correct and nurturing for your body. All abilities welcome. Please bring your own yoga mat. $5 donation. Hindu Cultural Center (HCC), 96 Chapel St, Stratford. 203-521-0359. HCC.Yoga.Wendy@gmail.com. HinduCulturalCenter.org/Programs.html. 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. We come together to share thoughts, experiences and wisdom in a supportive, community environment. Free. Mystics By The Sea, 394 New Haven Ave, Milford. 203-9806272. NewBeginningsInCommunity.Weebly.com. Family Program (Kids and Teens) – 10-11:30am. First and third Sunday. Family Program introducing kids to meditation, metta (loving-kindness affirmations), yoga, art practice, a discussion of mindfulness in everyday life, generosity, compassion, letting go of negative mind states and other basic Buddhist ideas that are common to all spiritual paths. Parents can meditate in the main building. Contact Matt Keeler at MmKeeler@gmail.com. ReddingMeditation.org. Mahasati Insight Meditation – 10-11:30am. Mahasati is a form of Insight Meditation. The Redding Center for Meditation’s mission is to help people of all faiths develop the self-awareness and inner peace necessary to live life in a skillful way. 203-244-3130. ReddingMeditation.org. Celebration Service – 10:30am-noon. With Rev. Shawn Moninger Inspiring message supports your spiritual unfoldment with thought provoking, soul healing topics and uplifting music. Love offering. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl (above Ford dealership), Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Office@ UnityCenterPS.org. UnityCenterPS.org. Albertson Church Service – 11am-12:30pm. Includes an inspirational talk from caring ministers, guided meditation, time to receive healing energy and spirit messages from those we continue to love. Free. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-637-4615. Practicing Meditation – 2-4pm. Introduction to analytical meditation based on the teachings of Stages of the Path (Lamrim) and Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life. Sessions include a brief mindfulness meditation, talk, guided meditation on the topic and an interactive discussion. 6-week class. Free, by donation. DNKL, 30 Putnam Park Rd, Redding. 203-664-1574. Info@DNKLDharma.org. DNKLDharma.org/node/22.

Mahasati Insight Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Mahasati is a form of Insight Meditation. The Redding Center for Meditation’s mission is to help people of all faiths develop the self-awareness and inner peace necessary to live life in a skillful way. 203-244-3130. ReddingMeditation.org. Starting Meditation –7-8:45pm. Introduction to the basics of meditation in three aspects: preparation, being present and engaging in practice. For those who have little or no experience in meditation but are interested in starting a daily practice. 6-week class. Free, by donation. DNKL, 30 Putnam Park Rd, Redding. 203-664-1574. Info@DNKLDharma.org. DNKLDharma.org/node/205. Eckhart Tolle Study Group: A New Earth - Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose – 7-9pm. Take part in this open hearted, supportive group as we dismantle EGO (that anxious, negative, limiting part of your mind) and learn to locate and experience your True Self. Free or by donation. 154 Head of Meadow Rd, Newtown. 203-809-4409. VeronicaMarr4@ gmail.com. NewtownLove.org. Guided Meditation at Sabita Holistic Center –7:30-8:30pm. Give yourself the gift of meditation at Sabita Holistic Center. Internationally known Dr. Levy has worked for over the past 35 years in stress reduction, deep relaxation and meditation. Free. Sabita Holistic Center, 3519 Post Rd, Southport. 203-254-2633. Monday Meditation for Everyone – 7:30-9pm. This is Meditation Guided Imagery for relaxation and stress reduction. It also helps you move forward on your spiritual path. No experience necessary. $20. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel. 203-570-3868. 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. Pilates Blend Class – 8:30-9:30pm. Open for all experience levels. $20/drop-in. New students/30 days for $30. Cafe Ruche, 101 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton. 203529-6886. Info@CafeRuche.com. CafeRuche.com. Gentle Yoga – 9:30-10:30pm. All levels of expertise are welcome. $20/drop-in. New students/30 days for $30. Cafe Ruche, 101 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton. 203529-6886. Info@CafeRuche.com. CafeRuche.com.

NA Fun Fact: Natural Awakenings’ free app has been downloaded by more than 40,000 iPhone users and is now available on the Android platform. To advertise with us, call 203-885-4674.

Pranotthan Yoga Classes – 9am. Classes offerered Tuesday-Saturday. Kripalu-influenced, classic hatha yoga for all levels and styles. Personal inquiry and cultivating individual experience is emphasized. $17/drop in, $75/5-class pass, $130/10-class pass. Transformation For Life Wellness Center, 6 Walnut St, Danbury. 203-617-8228. Jill.Myruski@gmail.com. TFLWellness.com. Yoga Therapeutics – 9-10:15am. With Dr. Kathy Sward. Designed for those with chronic pain, health conditions, prevention and other health concerns. Traditional poses are expertly modified to allow the mind to calm, joints to align and muscles lengthen and strengthen. $15. Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-207-1613. Dr.KathySward@gmail.com. DrKathySward.com. Kids in Harmoni Friendship Club – 9-11:30am. For Preschoolers (3-5 year olds). Nurturing kindness, caring and compassion for self and others. $30. 103 North St, Trumbull. 203-377-9855. KGrich@ charter.net. HarmoniTherapy.com. Open Level Yoga – 9:30-10:30am. Open level yoga class for all levels of practice. $20/drop-in. New students/30 days for $30. Cafe Ruche, 101 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton. 203-529-6886. Info@ CafeRuche.com. CafeRuche.com. Mommy and Me Yoga: Tots/Toddlers – 1010:45am. Crawling to 3 years. Partner with your little one for animated yoga poses, games, music and breathing exercises that help to strengthen coordination and build body awareness. Bond with your child, while strengthening their growing muscles. $22/class. Family Tree Yoga, 980 Hope St, Stamford. 203-890-9642. KimberlyMotiil@gmail. com. FamilyTreeYoga.net. Studio Open for Free Meditation – 10:30-11am. Studio is open for free meditation. Free. Cafe Ruche, 101 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton. 203-529-6886. Info@CafeRuche.com. CafeRuche.com. Intuitive Movement – 10:30-11:30am. Come learn how to feel better through this fun “movement” class that is designed to teach better body mechanics, easy stretches and release tension by simply having a great time to music. $10/class. Sticks & Stones Farm, 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. 203-2708820. SticksAndStonesFarm.com. Mommy and Me Yoga: Pre-Crawlers – 11:15amnoon. 8 weeks. Moms will restore and rejuvenate through stretching and strengthening poses. Babies will enjoy yoga poses to aid in digestion and sleep. Bond with your baby and connect with other moms. $22/class. Family Tree Yoga, 980 Hope St, Stamford. 203-890-9642. KimberlyMotiil@gmail.com. FamilyTreeYoga.net.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

July 2015

ongoingevents tuesday Toastmasters – Noon. Interested in public speaking? Trumbull Toastmasters is a chartered club of Toastmasters International dedicated to improving members’ communication and leadership skills. Meets alternate Tuesdays. Call or email for more information. Body Smart, Crescent Village, 115 Main St, Unit 11, Monroe. 203-459-6773. Franny.Hannigan@ charter.com. ToastMastersClubs.org. Mahasati Insight Meditation – 12:30-2pm. Mahasati is a form of Insight Meditation. The Redding Center for Meditation’s mission is to help people of all faiths develop the self-awareness and inner peace necessary to live life in a skillful way. 203-244-3130. ReddingMeditation.org. Teen Pilates Stretch – 3:15-4:15pm. Teen Pilates class for ages 11-15. $20/drop-in. New students/30 days for $30. Cafe Ruche, 101 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton. 203-529-6886. Info@CafeRuche.com. CafeRuche.com. Kids Yoga Ages 6-11 – 4:15-5:15pm. Yoga postures, games and partner poses. Fun, non-competitive environment. Help each child build self-esteem and experience teamwork. Also on Wednesdays at 4:30pm. $22/class. Family Tree Yoga, 980 Hope St, Stamford. 203-890-9642. KimberlyMotiil@gmail. com. FamilyTreeYoga.net. Pilates Mat II – 4:30-5:30pm. $20/drop-in. New students/30 days for $30. Cafe Ruche, 101 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton. 203-529-6886. Info@CafeRuche.com. CafeRuche.com. Introduction to Herbalism – 6-8:30pm. With Lupo Passero, Herbalist. 6-weeks. Get to know over 20 popular herbal remedies including summer skin care and stress support. Twin Star Herbal Education, New Milford. 203-313-7883. TwinStarHerbal.com. BodySmart – 6:15-7:30pm. Semi-private sessions for 2-4 participants. Complete core/body conditioning exercises and stretching utilizing a 9-foot floor to ceiling X-Pole. $45/class-discount with 6+ classes (pre-reg required). BodySmart, 115 Main St, Unit 11, Monroe. Call Lisa for details, additional schedule information and to register: 203-209-7359. Meditating Holistically – 6:30-8pm. Starts with free information session on 2/10. With Urgyan Zangpo, a Western Buddhist lama sharing a rich practice of traditional meditation guidance directed toward holistic integration. Group meditation and discussion, devoted to our mutual innermost truths. $15. Location: ah Yoga, 168 New Milford Tpke (Rt 202), New Preston. 860-868-6707 or Danbury Area Vajrayana Buddhist Meditation on Meetup.com. Energy Tools Tuesdays: Understanding the Power of Your Energy Body and Subconscious Mind – 7pm. 4-week workshop. Learn simple techniques to feel better. Energy body; EFT, the power of the subconscious, visualization and intuition. $40/week, $120 for all. Westport residence, given with RSVP. Robin@RobinFriedman.net. EnergyToolsForDailyLiving.com. Angelic Healing Group—7-9pm. First Tuesday. Experience the healing energy of the Angelic Realm. Your energy body will be infused with the love and light of the Divine through meditation and hands-on touch. $20. Stevens Memorial Church, 8 Shady Ln, South Salem, NY. 203-438-4893.

Fairfield County Edition

Open Level Yoga – 7:30-8:30pm. Yoga class for beginners through advanced practitioners. $20/drop-in. New students/30 days for $30. Cafe Ruche, 101 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton. 203-529-6886. Info@CafeRuche.com. CafeRuche.com. Reiki Shares – 7:30-10:15pm. First and third Tuesdays. Gigi Benanti Usui/Karuna Reiki Master/ Teacher. For Reiki practitioners only. Exchange ongoing since 1996. Instructions included. $20. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. Pre-register: 203-852-1150. Pilates Mat – 8:30-9:30pm. $20/drop-in. New students/30 days for $30. Cafe Ruche, 101 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton. 203-529-6886. Info@CafeRuche.com. CafeRuche.com.

wednesday Pranotthan Yoga Classes – 9-10:15am. For all levels of fitness. Begin from where you are and move towards improvement. A simple, powerful way to support your healthy lifestyle. $17/drop in, $75/5-class pass, $130/10-class pass. Transformation For Life Wellness Center, 6 Walnut St, Danbury. 203-617-8228. Jill.Myruski@gmail.com. TransformationForLifeYoga.com. Yoga For Beginners – 9:15-10:30am or 11am12:15pm. For all levels of fitness. Begin from where you are and move towards improvement. A simple, powerful way to support your healthy lifestyle. $75/5-class pass, $130/10-class pass. Transformation For Life Wellness Center, 6 Walnut St, Danbury. 203-617-8228. Info@TFLWellness. com. TFLWellness.com. Core Yoga – 9:30-10:30am. A class designed to strengthen your core and deepen your practice. With emphasis on proper alignment this class moves slowly through basic postures in challenging ways. Great for beginners or experienced yogis looking to build strength and reduce stress. $17/ drop-in, $150/10-class card. The Graceful Planet, 7 Berkshire Rd, Sandy Hook. 203-426-8215. Kat@ GracefulPlanet.com. GracefulPlanet.com. Open Level Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. Beginners through Advanced practitioners welcome. $20/drop-in. New students/30 days for $30. Cafe Ruche, 101 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton. 203-529-6886. Info@CafeRuche.com. CafeRuche.com. EFT for Weight & Energy Transformation – 7pm. EFT is a simple but powerful technique. Stress decreases, cortisol levels drop. EFT research shows that participants in EFT programs continue to lose weight after learning tapping. New tools taught every month. $30. Total Life Care Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. Robin@RobinFriedman.net. EnergyToolsForDailyLiving.com. Kundalini Yoga – 7pm. With Gina and Alisa. Classes incorporate exercises, chanting, breathwork, meditation, and a deep relaxation & integration with the gong to provide you with tools to help manage the stress in your life and live more gracefully in the world. $15/class. $120/10 classes. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Danbury, 24 Clapboard Ridge Rd, Danbury. 203-312-0132. CassettaWoman@ hotmail.com.

natural awakenings

Albertson Church Healing Service – 7-8pm. Third Wednesday. Guided meditation, receive healing energy from church-sanctioned healers and the gift of saging. All are welcome. Free. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-637-4615. Meditation – 7-8pm. Experience bliss, peace, joy and deep healing. Not your traditional silent or guided meditation class. It is meant to transform you, healing the chakras through the release of long-held negative thoughts and beliefs, stagnant emotions, and discordant vibrations. By donation. Muktinath Holistic Center, 755 Main St (Rt 25), Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@gmail.com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com. Mahasati Insight Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Mahasati is a form of Insight Meditation. The Redding Center for Meditation’s mission is to help people of all faith s develop the self-awareness and inner peace necessary to live life in a skillful way. 203-244-3130. ReddingMeditation.org. Meditating Holistically – 7-8:30pm. With Urgyan Zangpo, a Western Buddhist lama sharing a rich practice of traditional meditation guidance directed toward holistic integration. Group meditation and discussion, devoted to our mutual innermost truths. $15. WCSU, Danbury Midtown Campus, Warner Hall, Rm 103S, Danbury. Danbury Vajrayana Buddhist Meditation on Meetup.com. Journey Within: Do You Feel Stuck? – 7-9pm. First Wednesday. Need support trying to begin something new? Support, intuitive insight, wisdom. Facilitator: Cindy Miller, intuitive. $20. Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St, Newtown. Call: 203-426-9448. SacredGrounds.bz. TrinityProduction.org. Holistic Moms Network Fairfield County, CT Chapter – 7:30pm. Second Wednesday. Associates in Family Chiropractic & 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 Kids in Harmoni Friendship Club – 9-11am. For Toddlers (1 & 2 year olds). Nurturing kindness, caring and compassion of self and others. $30. 103 North St, Trumbull. 203-377-9855. KGrich@charter.net. HarmoniTherapy.com. Kripalu Yoga – 9:30-10:30am. With Kat Barton, 500hour professional Kripalu teacher. Focus on breath and be present. Class is suitable for all levels and will start whereever you are. This class will help center you and relax. $17/drop-in, $150/10-Class card. The Graceful Planet, 7 Berkshire Rd, Sandy Hook. 203-426-8215. Kat@GracefulPlanet.com. GracefulPlanet.com. Thursday Morning Meditation for Moms – 9:3011am. Come and unwind with a Guided Meditative Journey geared to release stress and a healthful more positive understanding of self. $20. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel. 203-570-3868. Tea and Meditation – 9:30-11am. Mahasati is a form of Insight Meditation. The Redding Center for Meditation’s mission is to help people of all faiths develop the self-awareness and inner peace necessary to live life in

a skillful way. By donation. Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. Kids Pilates Stretch – 3:15-4:15pm. Kids Pilates class ages 9-12 . $20/drop-in. New students/30 days for $30. Cafe Ruche, 101 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton. 203-5296886. Info@CafeRuche.com. CafeRuche.com. Empowered Kids Energy Tools Class – 4pm. Give your kids a gift they will use for the rest of their lives – the ability to shift their own energy. EFT (or meridian tapping), visualization and meditation, affirmations, energy exercises, the power of their thoughts and words and more. $20/class. Personal residence, given with RSVP. Norwalk. Alyssa@ IntuitiveChangeAgent.com. IntuitiveChangeAgent.com. Teen Yoga – 4:30-5:30pm. Through the unity of movement and breath, students will become more connected to their inner selves. Improve flexibility and strength and cultivate an overall feeling of peace. Ages 12-14. $22/class. Family Tree Yoga, 980 Hope St, Stamford. 203-890-9642. KimberlyMotiil@gmail.com. FamilyTreeYoga.net. ADHD Parent Support Group – 7-8:30pm. Join both parents and caregivers to learn more about how to support children and teens with attentional and executive functioning issues. Emphasis will not only be on connecting with others, but about gaining valuable strategies and techniques. Free. The Offices of Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, 898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ste #6, Ridgefield. 203-438-4848. DrRoseannInfo@att.net. DrRoseann.com. Energy Tools Study Group MeetUp – 7-8:30pm. Come learn about your energy body - every month will be a different topic or exercise. No experience needed, all are welcome. $15. Location given with RSVP, near Merritt, Weston. 203-2471318. Robin@RobinFriedman.net. Meetup.com/ Energy-Tools-Study-Group. Meditating Holistically – 7-8:30pm. With Urgyan Zangpo, a Western Buddhist lama sharing a rich practice of traditional meditation guidance directed toward holistic integration. Group meditation and discussion, devoted to our mutual innermost truths. $15. YogaSpace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-YOGA or Danbury Area Vajrayana Buddhist Meditation on Meetup.com. Practicing Prayers: Seven Limbs & Six Perfections – 7-8:45pm. Class designed especially for beginners and open to everyone. This class will introduce a meditative practice of Buddhist prayers using three of the most common prayers. 6-week class. Free, by donation only. DNKL, 30 Putnam Park Rd, Redding. 203-664-1574. Info@DNKLDharma. org. DNKLDharma.org/node/219. Reiki 1 Certification – 7-9pm. Once attuned by a Reiki Master, Reiki is like first aid in your hands that you’ll always have as a tool. Energy will flow through your hands whenever you touch with intent. Upon completion, Reiki 1 will enable you to treat yourself and others (including pets). $72. Grounded Holistic Wellness, 785 Main St North, Woodbury. 203-942-0774. GroundedHolisticWellness@yahoo.com. GroundedHolisticWellness.com. Reiki Healing Circle – 7-9pm. Second Thursday. All welcome. Non-Reiki & Reiki practitioners share and experience Reiki. See details on Unity website. Hosted by Gigi Benanti Reiki master/teacher. $20. Unity Center for Practical Spirituality, 3 Main St, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGiGiB@ snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com, UnityCenterPS.org. Pre-Natal Yoga – 7:15-8:30pm. Other times available. $22/class. Family Tree Yoga, 980 Hope St, Stamford. 203-890-9642. KimberlyMotiil@gmail. com. FamilyTreeYoga.net.

friday Love Yourself Fit Meetings – 8:30am. Support for your sacred journey of real weight loss. Meetings offer you a place to be accountable to your highest vision for your healthiest self. $15. Insights Wellness Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. 203-260-9353. ChrisGuerrera@me.com. InsightsWellnessCenter.com.

Pranotthan Yoga Classes – 9-10:15am. For all levels of fitness. Begin from where you are and move towards improvement. A simple, powerful way to support your healthy lifestyle. $17/drop in, $75/5-class pass, $130/10-class pass. Transformation For Life Wellness Center, 6 Walnut St, Danbury. 203-617-8228. Jill.Myruski@gmail.com. TransformationForLifeYoga.com. Kids in Harmoni Friendship Club – 9-11:30am. For Preschoolers (3-5 year olds). Nurturing kindness, caring and compassion for self and others. $30. 103 North St, Trumbull. 203-377-9855. KGrich@ charter.net. HarmoniTherapy.com.

Yoga with Maggie – 9-10am. Class includes pranayama, asanas and relaxation techniques that are appropriate for all levels of fitness. Enjoy the benefits of yoga where each class will be appropriate and uniquely created for those attending. $15/drop- A Course in Miracles Study Group – 9:15am. in (25% discount for first class), $78/6 class card. Meets bi-weekly in Westport. Facilitator: Henry Muktinath Holistic Center, 755 Main St (Rt 25), Grayson, PhD. Free. To reserve seat and for dates/ Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@gmail.com. location: 203-454-1745. RP Natural Awakenings ad.qxp_Layout 1 6/10/15 4:30 PM Page 1 MuktinathHolisticCenter.com.

THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE for movies and the performing arts

Non-profit 501 (c) (3)

Great Shows All Summer Long! 203.438.5795 • RIDGEFIELDPLAYHOUSE.ORG

July 19 Sam Bush Band

August 5 Donavon Frankenreiter

Grammy-winning bluegrass mandolin player – the originator of the Newgrass style.

“Alright,” and “Bend in the Road” will whisk you away to a laid-back Hawian style groove!

August 9

August 12

Boz Scaggs

Rickie Lee Jones 2 time Grammy winner! “Chuck E.’s in Love,” “We Belong Together” and “Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying.”

Famed guitarist and former lead singer of the Steve Miller Band.

August 13

August 16

Jefferson Starship & Jazz is Dead

Galactic

August 22 Cast of Beatlemania

September 25 Pilobolus

Feel the Mardi Gras moment – funk & jam that will whisk you to the heart of NoLa!

Celebrating 50 years of Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead & The San Francisco Sound.

Renowned worldwide for its witty and gravitydefying dance and acrobatics.

From Broadway to Ridgefield - a great family show!

Shakespeare on the Green & Green Expo Aug. 15 @ 12PM Expo/2PM Show Don’t miss this fun Expo & great show The Tempest!

eNaturalAwakenings.com

July 2015

ongoingevents friday

saturday

Yoga For Beginners – 9:15-10:30am. Begin from where you are and move towards improvement. A simple, powerful way to support your healthy lifestyle. $75/5-class pass, $130/10-class pass. Transformation For Life Wellness Center, 6 Walnut St, Danbury. 203-617-8228. Info@TFLWellness.com. TFLWellness.com.

Hatha Yoga – 9:30-10:30am. Hatha Yoga, all levels welcome. $20/drop-in. New students/30 days for $30. Cafe Ruche, 101 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton. 203529-6886. Info@CafeRuche.com. CafeRuche.com. 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. Student Massage Clinic – 11am-1pm. Relax and enjoy a full-body massage at the Danbury Campus public Student Massage Therapy Clinic. Wednesday evenings or Friday mornings available. $30/50 minutes. RidleyLowell Business & Technical Institute, 24 Shelter Rock Rd, Danbury. Call for appt: 203-748-0052. Mommy & Me Yoga for Babies 6-Weeks OldPre-Crawling – 11:15am-noon. Mom and baby will practice yoga together! This class is a great opportunity to bond with your baby and to connect with other moms. Pre-register for free trial class. First Presbyterian Church, 1101 Bedford St, Stamford. 203-253-0764. KimberlyMotill@gmail.com. FamilyTreeYoga.net. Teen Meditation – 5-6pm. This is an enjoyable approach to the understanding of self and how you fit into the world in which you can grow with confidence. Come and explore a guided meditative journey that helps to melt away stress and anxiety. For teens and up. $15. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plains St, Bethel. 203-570-3868. TLC Tarot Fun & Fabulous Friday – 7-9pm. What’s in the cards for you? Find out during this playful event designed for everyone from novices to longtime tarot friends. Explore the tarot or develop a deeper relationship with the cards. Everyone will receive a reading from Beth Prins Leas. $40. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. Beth@BethLeas.com. BethLeas.com. Discussion with Spirit – 7:30pm. Last Friday. Bring questions, receive channeled information to help understand who you are, why you’ve come to the earth plane and empower yourself with messages from Spirit and loved ones. $35. Private residence, Monroe. Information/RSVP: 203-268-3262. Circle of Life – 7:30-9:30pm. Third Friday. Explore topics such as love, trust, permission and forgiveness as tools in navigating through life’s opportunities, losses and changes. Learn how to bring love, life and happiness. Notetaking welcome and encouraged. $40. Bridgeport location given with registration: 203-268-3262. TrinityProduction.org.

Fairfield County Edition

Yoga & Pilates – 8:30-10am. Fun class combining yoga and pilates. In this class we play with all the toys - using bands, blocks, balls and light weights for a complete workout. Lengthen and tone and end with a restorative relaxation. $17/drop-in, $150/10-Class card. The Graceful Planet, 7 Berkshire Rd, Sandy Hook. 203-426-8215. Kat@GracefulPlanet.com. GracefulPlanet.com. Community Yoga by Donation – 9-10:15am. Enjoy a 75-minute vinyasa flow yoga practice suitable for all levels with 200RYT Jennifer Cranna. This community class is on a monetary donation basis, so all may reap the benefits of yoga. Bring your mat or use ours. By donation. Zen Do Ju-Jitsu, 80 Park Ln, New Milford. Pranotthan Yoga Classes – 9-10:15am. For all levels of fitness. Begin from where you are and move towards improvement. A simple, powerful way to support your healthy lifestyle. $17/drop in, $75/5-class pass, $130/10-class pass. Transformation For Life Wellness Center, 6 Walnut St, Danbury. 203-617-8228. Jill.Myruski@gmail.com. TransformationForLifeYoga.com. Yoga For Beginners – 9:15-10:30am. Begin from where you are and move towards improvement. A simple, powerful way to support your healthy lifestyle. $75/5-class pass, $130/10-class pass. Transformation For Life Wellness Center, 6 Walnut St, Danbury. 203-617-8228. Info@TFLWellness. com. TFLWellness.com. Gentle Yoga Classes – 9:30-10:45am. Work on alignment, flexibility and strength in a way that is correct and nurturing for every body. All abilities welcome. Please bring your own yoga mat. $5 donation. Hindu Cultural Center (HCC), 96 Chapel St, Stratford. 203-521-0359. HCC.Yoga.Wendy@gmail. com. HinduCulturalCenter.org/Programs.html. Mahasati Insight Meditation – 10-11:30am. Mahasati is a form of Insight Meditation. The Redding Center for Meditation’s mission is to help people of all faiths develop the self-awareness and inner peace necessary to live life in a skillful way. 203-244-3130. ReddingMeditation.org. Spondylitis Support Group – 11am-12:30pm. Last Saturday. Led by Dr. Andrew Cummins, naturopathic physician. Having lived with the chronic inflammatory disease Ankylosing Spondylitis for the last 18 years, Dr. 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. Buddhist Teachings & Practice Discussion Group – 11:45am-1:30pm. Second and fourth Saturday. Join a relaxed group, in a tranquil environment, and explore some of the core principles of Buddhist practice. By donation. Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 914-763-4639. Jexel@att.net. ReddingMeditation.org.

natural awakenings

Knitting Group-Purls of Wisdom – 6-8pm. With Diane Bustamante. Make prayer shawls. Shawls will be blessed by the Unity community and delivered to those in need of comfort. Bring yarn and needles/ hook, if you have them. Supplies available for purchase. Love offering. Unity Center, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. UnityPurlsOfWisdom@ gmail.com. UnityCenterPS.org/PurlsOfWisdom. 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. $10. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Office@ UnityCenterNorwalk.org. UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

classifieds To place a Classified Listing: $1 per word. $25 minimum. Magazine deadline: 12th of month prior to publication. Email copy to NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. FOR RENT TREATMENT ROOM AVAILABLE Beautiful, private, clean room, tranquil setting. Deposit required. $600 per month. Utilities included. Get Referrals! Call Max 914-263-3352. 725 SQ FT. STREET LEVEL COMMERCIAL SPACE AVAILABLE on newly renovated Cedar St. in Norwalk. Large windows, C/A, renovated bathroom. Busy location for great exposure. Please call 203-952-6131.

HELP WANTED DISTRIBUTORS WANTED: for monthly deliveries of Natural Awakenings and other local publications. Perfect for a retired person or stay-at-home mom looking to earn some extra income and connect with their local community. Honesty and dependability are the most important characteristics of our distributors if you don’t have it in spades, please do not apply! Thomas@ManInMotionLLC.com. DISTRIBUTORS WANTED FOR NON-TOXIC PRODUCTS: If you have a passion for health and non-toxic products, we are looking for motivated individuals now! Email Support@35Again.com.

SERVICES GET HEALTHY THIS SPRING WITH CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH, Danielle Carriera. Specializing in healthy eating and digestive wellness. Call to schedule a free health history with me! 203-209-6276. DrCarriera@gmail.com or signup at BalancedNutritionWithDanielle.com.

WOMEN WALKING PARTNERS DON’T WALK ALONE! Join our “get outside & walk” movement of walking women. Step outside as a walking partner today. WomenWalking@gmail.com. WomenWalking.net.

communityresourceguide 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 (CRG) in print and online email FFCadvertising@ NaturalAwakeningsMag.com to request our advertising rates.

ACUPUNCTURE INGRI BOE-WIEGAARD, LAc

Fairfield, Wilton, Bethel 203-259-1660 • CTAcupuncture.com 25-year full-time practice

BREAST THERMOGRAPHY XTORAYS.COM

Offices in Norwalk and Fairfield 203-216-2548 • AcupunctureHealingCT.com High-quality acupuncture at the most affordable prices in Fairfield County. 20+ years experience, specializing in treating all kinds of pain and general health issues. See ad, page 79.

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, non-invasive, FDA registered.

SOPHIA NATURAL HEALTH CENTER 31 Old Rt 7, Brookfield 203-740-9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.com

As the hormone experts, we specialize in women’s health, natural hormone balancing, breast cancer prevention and thermography utilizing the highest definition camera in the area with interpretations from MD specialists in the field.

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE, LLC

501 Kings Highway East, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-8258 • WholeBodyMed.com

Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging Suzanne Pyle, MS, CCT 866-XtoRAYS • SuzannePyle@prodigy.net Get peace of mind with safe (no radiation), FDA-approved breast cancer screening. 8 years earlier detection vs. mammography. Certified DITI thermographer. Conveniently located throughout Fairfield.

Ingri treatments help alleviate Pain, Depression, Neck & Back, Anxiety, Headaches, Stress, Allergies, Asthma, Arthritis, Digestive, Menstrual, Infertility and Smoking & Weight Loss Issues. See ad, page 16.

JODY EISEMANN, LAc

COLONICS

CHIROPRACTIC

Ready to start feeling healthier? Take your first step with this gentle cleansing procedure. Watch our colonic and detoxification videos on our new video website located at WholeBodyMed.com. Call for Free CD on detoxification. See ad, page 2.

EDUCATION

PETER BRAGLIA, DC

HOUSATONIC VALLEY WALDORF SCHOOL

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

40 Dodgingtown Rd, Newtown 203-364-1113 • WaldorfCT.org

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 County with our unique and gentle approach to health care.

We develop each child’s unique capacity to engage meaningfully in the world by integrating experiential and artistic learning, academic excellence, respect for diversity and reverence for nature. See ad, page 16.

RIDLEY-LOWELL BUSINESS & TECHNICAL INSTITUTE

RISA SLOVES, DC

Associates in Family Chiropractic & Natural Health Care 156 East Ave, Norwalk 203-838-1555 • CTChiropractic.com

44 Shelter Rock Rd, Danbury 203-797-0551 • Ridley.edu

Dr. Risa Sloves is 1 of 10 Chiropractic Physicians in Connecticut with Board Certification in Maternity and Pediatric Care including Webster and Bagnell Tu r n i n g Te c h n i q u e s . A l s o provided: acupuncture, BioSET Allergy Elimination Technique and the DRX9000 Spinal Decompression. See ad, page 9.

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.

Accredited institution offering skilled training in the following fields: Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Medical Admin Assisting, Medical Billing and Coding, Information Technology and Electrical Systems Technician;day/evening classes, Financial Aid (if eligible), free placement assistance. See ad pg 11.

WESTBROOK NATURE SCHOOL 7 Long Ridge Rd, West Redding 203-664-1554 Info@WestbrookNatureSchool.org WestbrookNatureSchool.org

A nature-based education on six acres of trails, streams, and meadows, with an organic garden and natural playscapes. Our curriculum builds physical and emotional resilience, moral awareness and the foundation required for intellectual growth. See ad, page 12.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

July 2015

HYPNOSIS

GREEN LIVING

MIND-BODY TRANSFORMATION HYPNOSIS

BIOTOP NATURAL POOLS BY AQUA-SCAPES LLC.

203-743-7665 • AquaScapeBy@sbcglobal.net AquaScapesPool.com

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.

Imagine swimming in cool, pure, healthy, “living” water created by plants, bacterias and 30 years of experience. No more red eye, bleached hair, itchy skin and the many negative effects of chlorine. See ad, page 32.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE PHYSICIAN

HEALTH COACH MARY GILBERTSON MS, BSN,CHHC

Licensed RN, Nutritionist & Certified Health Coach 500 Monroe Tpke, Monroe • 203-521-4733 GilbertsonMary@yahoo.com Prescription4Wellness.com Working 1:1 in groups and corporations to develop customized healthy lifestyle plans. You receive tools to optimize your health through nutrition, disease management, exercise, weight loss & stress reduction. 28 years of experience supporting teens & adults in healthy lifestyle. Available for speaking engagements and health events. See ad, page 25.

HOLISTIC DENTIST

HENRY C. SOBO, M.D.

Optimal Health Medical, LLC 111 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-348-8805 • DrSobo.com Dr. Sobo provides Natural Hormone therapy, Weight Reduction programs, IV Vitamin/Minerals treatments, Allergy evaluation and treatment, Fibromyalgia care, and treatment for a wide variety of problems utilizing an Integrative Medicine approach.

STAMFORD INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE Michael E. Doyle, M.D. Conventional & Alternative Medicine 22 5th St, Ste 201, Stamford 203-324-4747 StamfordIntegrativeMedicine.com

Specializing in Natural and Alternative approaches to restoring health. Focusing on underlying causes of illness. Hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalances, nutrition and much more. See ad, page 33.

MARK A. BREINER, DDS, FIAOMT

501 Kings Highway East, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-0300 • WholeBodyDentistry.com Dr. Mark A. Breiner is a pioneer and recognized authority in the field of holistic dentistry. With over 30 years of experience, he is a sought after speaker and lecturer. His popular consumer book, Whole-Body Dentistry, has been sold world-wide. See ad, page 2.

CONNECTICUT HEADACHE & MIGRAINE RELIEF CENTER/ TOM ANZALONE, DDS

235 Glenville Rd, Ste 2B, Greenwich 203-531-5688 • CTHeadacheRelief.com Connecticut Headache and Migraine Relief Center’s (CHMRC) approach to headache pain relief actually addresses and treats the sources of the problem. Using techniques that have been proven effective in sports medicine, the CHMRC system targets improper muscle forces in the head, neck, and jaw area that cause painful conditions. See ad, page 17.

Fairfield County Edition

INTEGRATIVE OPTOMETRY

INTUITIVE CONSULTANT KIMBERLY TAYLOR

Crystal Visions, Inc. 1 Rt 37 East, Ste 2, Sherman 860-210-9897 • CrystalVisionsCT.com Kimberly is a psychic medium and intuitive. Readings consist of childhood experiences, present personal and professional relationship paths and future outcomes of major life decisions. Kimberly can also be a conduit for lost loved ones.

JOINT PAIN DONNA MILANA

914-882-9758 DonnaHealthyLife123@gmail.com HealthyLegs123.com Ache joints? Considering a replacement, try “JUSURU LIQUID BIO CELL” The Best Bone, Joint and Skin Product in the world with 7 Patents. Natural cartilage regeneration and lubrication, liquid. Helps to protect, repair, rebuild & prevent deterioration.

MASSAGE & BODYWORK LAURA CARLSON, LMT

Redding/Monroe/Easton 203-885-7353 (SELF) Facebook.com/LauraCarlsonMassageLLC Yo u d e s e r v e t o b e nurtured and time to be still, to breathe and to restore balance. Relaxing and nourishing massage will encourage positive changes in your mind and body. Individual sessions and massage parties available.

ROBIN ORDAN, LMT, LCSW, CICMI EYECARE ASSOCIATES, PC

Drs. Randy Schulman, Steve Carr, Narvan Bakhtiari, Carl Gruning and C. Lee Mellinger Locations: 6515 Main St, Trumbull • 203-374-2020 139 Main St, Norwalk • 203-840-1991 2600 Post Rd, Southport • 203-255-4005 CTEyeCareAssociates.com

natural awakenings

We offer behavioral optometry, comprehensive vision exams, contact lenses and vision therapy. See ad, page 16.

Licensed Massage Therapist & 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 23.

MASSAGE SCHOOL FINGER LAKES SCHOOL OF MASSAGE

272 N. Bedford Rd, Mount Kisco, NY 914-241-7363 • FLSM.com Join us for a transformative experience as you develop your intuitive and scientific abilities to heal through therapeutic touch. Classes taught to auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners. Financial aid available for full and part-time programs. See ad, page 32.

MEDITATION REDDING CENTER FOR 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.

NATURAL FOOD MARKET THE COMMON BOND MARKET 40 Huntington St, Shelton TheCommonBondMarket.com 203-513-8200

The Common Bond Market is a natural food market that provides The Valley with more healthful alternatives than the usual grocery fare. You’ll also find hot food, supplements, and much more. Find us on Facebook! See ad, page 37.

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN NATURAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE, LLC

Adam Breiner, ND, Director Elena Sokolova, M.D., ND David Brady, ND, CCN, DACBN 501 Kings Highway East, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-8258 • WholeBodyMed.com

Lisa Singley, ND, MS 2103 Main St, Ste #2, Stratford 203-874-4333 Info@NHAWC.com • NHAWC.com We use advanced diagnostic testing with safe, effective, allnatural 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 8.

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, Bio-Identical Hormones, Homeopathy, Chinese/Western Herbs, Allergy/Toxin Testing, Oxygen T h e r a p y, M e r i d i a n S t r e s s Assessment, Nutrition/Enzyme Therapies. See ad, page 43.

SHALVA CLINIC, LLC

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. See ad, page 28.

ORGANIC MATTRESSES & BEDDING 79 East Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-292-9275 • 866-380-5892 TheCleanBedroom.com The Clean Bedroom is an organic and all-natural mattress and bedding resource with seven showrooms, including its new location in Greenwich. Through its showrooms and web site, eco-minded shoppers gain insight to create a healthier sleep environment. See ad, page 49.

PHYSICAL THERAPY PHYSICAL THERAPY OF SOUTHERN CT

Linda Maude, PT 917 Bridgeport Ave, Shelton 203-926-6997 • PhysicalTherapySoCT.com

1720 Post Rd East, Ste 213, Westport 203-255-5005 • BigAppleHealth.com

organic is expensive, have you priced cancer lately?

Using state-of-the-art science combined with centuries-old healing modalities, our caring naturopathic doctors correct underlying imbalances and address issues which may interfere with the body’s ability to heal itself. Treatment protocols or therapies include: Abdominal Manual Therapy, Acupuncture, Allergy Desensitization, Chinese Medicine, Colonics and other Detoxification Protocols, Electro-Dermal Screening, Energy Medicine, F D A - c l e a r e d P h o t o t h e r a p y, Functional Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Hormonal Balancing, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Metabolic Typing, Nutritional Assessment, Real-Time EEG Neurofeedback and other therapies. See ad, page 2.

THE CLEAN BEDROOM

Ellen M. Lewis, ND, Director 8 Lincoln St, Westport 203-916-4600 • ShalvaClinic.org

DR. MARINA YANOVER, ND, LAC

If you think eating

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN

Naturopathic Medicine, Acupuncture, Craniosacral Therapy, Natural Face Lift using microcurrent therapy. Specialties include Family Medicine, Women’s Health, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Pain Man-agement, Skin Care. Insurance accepted.

Specializing in evaluation & treatment of musculoskeletal imbalance & injuries. Results achieved that traditional physical therapy may not. Therapeutic approaches such as manual therapy, cranialsacral, visceral manipulation and vestibular rehab. State of the art facility for strengthening & overall rehabilitation.

~Joel Salatin

eNaturalAwakenings.com

July 2015

REIKI

PSYCHOTHERAPY MARIA C. CASTILLO, MSW, LCSW 238 Monroe Tpke, Ste B, Monroe 203-445-8966 • Msisi@aol.com LifeBetweenLivesTherapy.com

Past Life Regression, trained by Brian Weiss, MD. Life Between Lives Hypnotherapy, trained by TNI and Michael Newton, PhD. Traditional psychotherapy with a spiritual approach; Reiki. Connect with your soul self and let your inner wisdom guide you.

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

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

DEBORAH GAYLORD, RMT, IARP

CHRISTINE GUERRERA, LMFT

PsychoSpiritual Therapy & Coaching InsightsWellnessCenter.com 203-260-9353 • ChrisGuerrera@me.com Non-traditional holistic sessions to free and empower yourself on your path of healing and awakening with a blend of psycho-spiritual therapy, energetics and universal wisdom. See ad, page 46.

YUDIT MAROS, LMFT, CHt

100 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-244-5898 • Center4AuthenticLiving.com Author of Apple of My I: The Four Practices of Self-Love. There is hope! Even life-long unhappiness can be helped. State-of-the art psychotherapy for individuals of all ages, couples and families. Trauma resolution, Relationship Clinics, six-week Authenticity Clinics for inner connection.

Ridgefield/Danbury 203-733-4535 • DmGaylord@yahoo.com A Reiki Master since 2001, Deborah has worked with clients from infants to the elderly, specializing in children/teens/ young adults with ADHD, anxiety, and depression..

RIVER’S EDGE REIKI

Lori Haggerty • Usui Reiki Master Bethel • 203-994-8978 RiversEdgeReiki.com Feeling the negative effects of a high stress life? Illness, unhappiness, exhaustion? Experience the power of Reiki and how it can restore you physically, emotionally and spiritually. Sessions for adults, children and senior citizens (geriatrics is my specialty!). Reiki training classes offered for all levels. See ad, page 69.

VIRGINIA TRINQUE, USUI REIKI MASTER Danbury 203-733-1330 VirginiasHealthyLiving@gmail.com VirginiasHealthyLiving.com

PSYCHOTHERAPY ROBIN ORDAN, LCSW

Family, Child, Individual & Couples Therapy Old Greenwich/Stamford 203-561-8535 • RobinOrdanLCSW.com 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 59.

Virginia is a Reiki Master/Teacher with years of experience healing children and adults. Specializing in physical and spiritual pain relief and “body and soul integration” for easier living in this world. Usui Reiki classes offered for Master level, Levels I and II and Teacher Training. Sessions and classes held in a private, serene setting.

DENI WEBER, MA, LPC, D-CEP

Holistic Psychotherapist Comprehensive Energy Psychology Fairfield County 203-544-6094 • DeniWeber.com Within a supportive, empathic relationship Deni guides individuals on their journey of selfdiscovery integrating psychology, Eastern medicine and spirituality to heal suffering from traumatic stress related to chronic illness, disabilities, abuse & PTSD.

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

REIKI TURNING POINT HEALING ARTS AND EDUCATION CENTER JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT – Turning Point Reiki, LLC 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield 203-438-3050 TurningPointReiki.com TurningPointShare.com

JoAnn uses intuition, experience and a deep spiritual connection in her Reiki, IET and Reconnective Healing sessions. Specializing in care for individuals with Cancer, Lyme disease and Back Pain. All Reiki levels taught.

TRANSFORMATIVE HEALING BETH PRINS LEAS

Transformative Healing • Tarot Offices in Norwalk & Ridgefield 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 intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot. See ad, page 71.

CORE RELATIONS

Karin Knoblich, CCEP 522 East Putnam Ave, Ste 8A, Greenwich 1239 Broadway, Ste 1003A, New York, NY Core-Relations.com • 917-548-8689 Transform negativity into positive energy. Release stress, anxiety and depression through the use of breath, movement and touch. Reclaim your authentic self by allowing joy to guide and embody the powerful, loving being you are. Individual and couples sessions, workshops and groups.

ORGANIC REMEMBRANCE

Slyms Bazile 203-479-0417 • BSlyms@gmail.com Slyms Bazile is a certified Reiki Practitioner and certified Medicinal Aromatherapist. She created Organic Remembrance Therapy, a fusion of healing modalities gathered in remembrance of our organic roots. Call now for a free consultation.

WELLNESS CENTER

TRANSFORMATIVE HEALING

WELLNESS CENTER

iFLOAT

SALTANA CAVE

163 Main St, Westport 203-226-7378 • iFloatSpa.net

HEART’S DESIRE METHOD Shiloh@TheHDMethod.com TheHDMethod.com

The Heart’s Desire Method – 7 Steps to making your dreams come true. Bring highdefinition focus on what you want in all areas – work, family, relationships and money. By energizing the healing power of the authentic self, you will lead a happier, more peaceful and fulfilling life.

WEIGHT LOSS NUWEIGH NUTRITION & WEIGHT LOSS SERVICES, LLC/ IDEAL PROTEIN CLINIC 90 Grove St, Ste #03, Ridgefield 203-403-4187 Ingrid@NuWeighWellness.com NuWeighWellness.com

The Ideal Protein Protocol is a medically derived weight loss method refined over 20 years. The fundamental philosophy is to increase overall well being through sensible weight loss and empower clients through coaching to make sustainable, smarter lifestyle choices after they have lost excess weight.

Experience this superior form of body/mind relaxation as you float effortlessly in warm water with high concentrations of Epsom salt. Relieve stress, chronic pain and more. See ad, page 71.

KURE SPA

430 Main Ave, 2nd Flr, Norwalk (Wilton Line) 203-857-1500 • Kure-Spa.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 antiinflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal.

TRANSFORMATION FOR LIFE

Kure Spa rovides a place for people to rely on as part of their weekly routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Experience our 4-Pillars of Health for 30-days and we’ll transform your life to one of Health, Healing & Vitality! Offering Vibrosaun, yoga, massage, and an organic juice bar. See ad, back cover.

Product Marketplace

590 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-969-4327 SaltanaCave.com

Jill Myruski, LMT 6 Walnut St, Danbury • 203-617-8228 TFLWellness.com A beautiful studio in a convenient Danbury location. Offering daily yoga classes, therapeutic massage and essential oil body and face treatments. Owner Jill Myruski has over 18 years experience in therapeutic massage and healing. Free classes on essential oil applications for everyday use. Check website for details. See ad, page 23.

Natural Awakenings has created a forum for meaningful and practical products to be displayed in the magazine. Look to the Product Marketplace each month for gift ideas as well as everyday products which will make you feel and look better!

J’ericka Products, LLC Beauty ~ Naturally

All Natural Handmade

Luxurious Soaps • Fragrant Bath Salts • Soy Candles Exotic Herbal Teas • Whipped Hand & Body Butters Coconut Oil • Soap Samplers Call today for free samples or to place an order

203-545-9329

Retail and Wholesale at www.Jpnaturally.com JerickaProducts893@yahoo.com

Experience Healing From the Inside Out Pain Relief • Weight Loss Emotional Stress • Headaches Digestion • Insomnia

doTERRA

Call today for a free Wellness Consultation

Lori Haggerty

Wellness Advocate / Product Consultant

203-994-8978 www.mydoterra.com/lorihaggerty

YOUR AD CAN BE HERE For more information about advertising your product here contact:

203-885-4674 FFCAdvertising@ NaturalAwakeningsmag.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

July 2015

COSMIC RHYTHMS by Alethea Hunt

wo full moons occur during July – the first taking place in Capricorn on July 1. This lunation favors emotional introspection – specifically looking at how feelings have the ability to transform reality and how they can be used as influential motivational tools for personal empowerment. While it is possible certain emotions may surface and generate discomfort at this time, know they actually serve a higher purpose. They can function as a challenge to see if you can handle them maturely or seek actions to make these feelings more manageable. What can you physically do to shift a situation if you don’t like how you are feeling? There’s also an element of finding forgiveness for yourselves and/or others that facilitates acceptance of the things you cannot change, while providing the courage to change the things you can. Don’t feel bad if you’re processing some emotional stuff around this time and feel as if you might need to pass on the family Fourth of July festivities this year. Instead of yielding to internal or external pressures, just honor and respect your needs or limits. There is no need to be a martyr. In such cases, opting for social activities with friends instead can provide a true blessing thanks to Uranus’ residual contact with both Jupiter and Venus. With this trio still aligned, there should be plenty of other opportunities for parties and social revelry that will entertain and that might even offer unexpected romantic or financial opportunities. You never know who you’ll meet or what kind of doors they could open up for you; so adopt a spirit of inclusivity and make a point of mingling among friends and acquaintances early in July. A Cancer new moon arrives on July 15. If the outset of the month seemed a bit emotionally rocky, this lunation affords an opportunity for stabilization and healing. Family bonds can be strengthened, supported or stabilized. Blockages created by resentments that impede forgiveness, compassion and healing can be released. All you have to do is set the intention and then put in the work. This is also good energy for those looking to build a family. If there have been reproductive challenges to conceive, this is a good time to schedule an appointment to see an ob-gyn or even an alternative healer for advice. Sometimes just releasing the pressure of feeling like the clock is ticking is enough to do the trick - surrender really can be key. Venus retrogrades from July 25 through September 6, presenting an ideal time to re-evaluate relationship and financial matters with an eye toward self-worth and on how confidence can be increased. Perhaps creative ways to capitalize off your innate talents can be found. Dating-wise, keep your vibe warm and sincere, avoid drama-creating or “diva” behavior, and maybe even try giving someone you’ve dated before a second look. Finally, the full moon in Aquarius on July 31 heightens the focus upon social circles, particularly for women. Contrasting viewpoints about issues are possible, so care should be exercised not to volunteer an opinion unless solicited. Even then, voice it in a way that demonstrates care for others’ feelings. On a related note, while this is a great time for fun activities, those who play or would play “leader of the pack” can avoid potential agita by running ideas by a committee first before charging ahead. A practitioner of Western Tropical astrology, Alethea Hunt has been practicing for more than 17 years. Connect with her at 203-9176312, Alethea@EmpoweredDestiny.com or EmpoweredDestiny.com.

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

displayadvertiserindex Acu-Thin/Westport Chiropractic 9 Aqua-Scapes LLC

Acupuncture Center/ Ingri Boe-Wiegaard

Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care 9 Avacen Medical

Judith Barr

Basil Yoga

Big Brothers Big Sisters

The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Medical

The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Dental

The Center for Natural Health

Chamomille Natural Foods

The Clean Bedroom

The Cleanest Touch

The Common Bond Market

Crystal Visions

CT Headache & Migraine Center 17 CT Open DoTerra/Lori Haggerty

5 69

Michael E. Doyle, MD/ Stamford Integrative Medicine

Embody the Sacred

Eyecare Associates

Final Journey LLC

Finger Lakes School of Massage 32 Five Star Printing

Forever Grateful Music Festival 25 The Gallery of Dreams

Debra Gibson, ND

The Graduate Institute

Hands & Paws Reiki for All

Healthy Choice Mattress

Housatonic Valley Waldorf School

Hunter Healing Hands

Ifloat

Insights Wellness Center

The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition

Izzi B’s

J’Ericka Products

Kindred Spirits

Kure Spa

Kure Yoga

Mimi Lagana

Beth Prins Leas

Le Boudoir

Lipo-Light/ Westport Chiropractic

LymeArrest

Natural Health & Wellness Center

Nature’s Temptations Healthy Food Market

Nature’s Way Natural Foods

Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic

Olivette

Robin Ordan, LMT

Robin Ordan, LCSW

Organic Sleep at Sleep Etc

Pangaea Massage

Patricia’s Presents

Paul’s Custom Pet Food

Personal Wellness Center/ Sage Osa

Prescription for Wellness/ Mary Gilbertson

Ridgefield Playhouse

Ridley-Lowell Business & Technical Institute

Salon Aponte

SAVOR Healthy Organic

Shalva Clinic/Ellen Lewis, ND

Simple Scallion

Victoria Shaw, PhD

SoNo Arts Celebration

Soul Centered Healing/ Danielle Joffe Hampton

Soul Focus/Mela Rispoli

Soul Fulfillment/Carrie Picardi

Sticks & Stones Farm

Thrive Meditation

Total Life Care Center

Touch of Sedona

Transformation for Life

Twin Star Herbals/Lupo Passero 35 Unity Center for Practical Spirituality

University of Bridgeport Clinics 11 Wellness Institute/ Marvin Schweitzer, ND

Westbrook Nature School

Westport Farmers Market

Whole Foods

Wholistic Pet Services

Xlear

Yoga Culture

Yoga for Everybody

Total Life Care Center Total Life Care Center is dedicated to holistic health by providing you with highly trained and experienced integrated health care practitioners. TLC Center is Fairfield County’s largest holistic health center—with more than 90 independent members —and was founded by Beth Prins Leas in 1997 on the premise that a single candle burns brighter in a gathering.

TLC Center 152 East Ave Norwalk, CT 203-856-9566 TLCcenter.com

Beth has created a vibrant holistic health and resource center and growing community of people who are committed to living consciously and to offering healthy lifestyle options in the form of private sessions, classes, workshops and special events. Please visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to learn more about how TLC Center can support you on your journey to living well.

SOUL CENTEREDHEALING INTEGRATED HEALING SESSIONS FOR YOUR BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT

♥ Eliminate Pain, Clear Anxiety, Balance Hormones, Relieve Stress ♥ Create a life of deep meaning and purpose. ♥ Experience more love, health, & peace in all areas of your life.

DANIELLE JOFFE HAMPTON M.A., L.AC. Each session utilizes Danielle’s profound skills and 20+ years of practice in Intuitive Counseling, Energy   Medicine, Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine to address the root cause of your issue.   Formerly one of the leading healing practitioners at Canyon Ranch. Sessions are in-person or via phone.

soulcentered@mac.com

203-292-9869

soul-centered-healing.com

Shift happens...are you ready? Transformative SOULHealing CENTEREDHEALING INTEGRATED HEALING SESSIONS FOR YOUR BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT Beth Prins Leas

Fairfield County’s #1 Center

For Stress Reduction and Mind Education Float in warm water with a high concentration of Epsom salt with no light or sound. Amplify slow brain waves, talk to certified float staff, reduce stress, pain, & more.

Schedule your appointments: (203)-226-7378 • ifloatspa.net 163 Main St.,Westport, CT

♥ Eliminate Pain, Clear Anxiety, Balance Hormones, Relieve Stress

Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot ♥ Create a life of deep meaning and purpose.

Experience more love, health, & peace in all areas of your life. Balance your body, ♥find peace of mind, reconnect to spirit...DANIELLE JOFFE HAMPTON M.A., L.AC. • session reduce stress Each utilizes Danielle’s profound skills and 20+ years of practice in Intuitive Counseling, Energy   Medicine, Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine to address the root cause of your issue.   • induce relaxation Formerly one of the leading healing practitioners at Canyon Ranch. Sessions are in-person or via phone. • relieve chronic and acute pain soulcentered@mac.com 203-292-9869 soul-centered-healing.com • speed wound healing • boost immune function • improve memory and concentration • ease anxiety/depression • recover from injury, illness or trauma • raise your energetic frequency to stimulate health and healing

private sessions, workshops, events, in-person or by phone Norwalk and Ridgefield locations

www.bethleas.com 203.856.9566 eNaturalAwakenings.com

July 2015

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings