E E FR
HEALTHY
LIVING
Beyond Factory Farms ‘Big Meat’ Carries High Cost
HEALTHY
GUT TALK
Building a Healthy Microbiome
PLANET
Empowerment as Medicine Use the Keys to Your Wellness
July 2020 | Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition | eNaturalAwakenings.com July 2020
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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition eNaturalAwakenings.com The KnoWEwell Collaborative with benefits for all in the “wholistic” health and well-being ecosystem.
203-856-9566 www.203TLC.com
203 TLC
203 TLC is a community of accredited health and wellness providers offering a wide variety of services and products. Founded in 1997 by Beth Leas, the TLC Tribe is Fairfield County’s largest holistic health resource - a vibrant and growing community of over 90 Members, committed to living consciously and offering healthy lifestyle opportunities. We offer high quality private sessions, products, workshops, classes and resources designed to help you live life well. Energy Healing/Meditation/Tarot Beth Leas 25+ Years Experience Private Sessions, Workshops, Events In-person or by phone bethleas.com 203-856-9566
Lyme Disease Healing Gregg Kirk, Lyme Recovery Clinic & Detox Center Heal from chronic illness through all-natural herbal treatments, intensive detox, cleanses & energy healing. 528 Post Rd, Darien Gregg.Kirk@gmail.com 203-858-9725
Spiritual Counseling Katherine Gray Silvan, LMSW Clear Light Spiritual Counseling Interfaith Minister, Reiki Master Inspirational Speaker katherinesilvan.com 203-912-5252
Essential Oils Wayne Leiss, LMT Centering Our Lives Through Touch. dōTERRA Essential Oils and Symphony of the Cells™ Protocols 20 Fifth Ave, Apt A, Danbury Wayne@WayneLeiss.com WayneLeiss.com 203-994-1207
Life Coach/Hypnotist Thea Litsios, CHy Life Coach, Hypnotist, Teacher of Active Dreaming Remote sessions available 203-693-1493
Meditation & Counseling Meg Reilly, MS, CH Counselor, Workshop Facilitator, Writer, Poet Services in person or by phone megreilly360.com 203-952-6272
Salt Cave Salt Cave of Darien Salt therapy, massage, meditation & yoga 555 Post Rd, Darien Info@SaltCaveofDarien.com SaltCaveofDarien.com 203-658-7667
VISIT US
Transformation Coaching/Healing Katie Augustyn, MA, CPC Transformation Coach, Shamanic Practitioner, Spiritual Evolution Trainer, Energy Healer, TV Host TransformationCenterCT.com 203-820-3800
www.203TLC.com www.TribeTLC.com FB: Tribe TLC
Get to know us at TLC’s monthly networking breakfast! Looking for a relaxed group of professionals offering a supportive community, free networking events, many affordable marketing opportunities, and FUN? We meet on the first Tuesday of every month, at Valencia Luncheria, 164 Main St, Norwalk, CT, from 8:30 -10:00am. Come the first time as Beth's guest - and if you find your time with us worthwhile, we invite you to become a TLC Member. Please RSVP to Beth Leas at: 203-856-9566 (call/text) orTLCBethLeas@gmail.com so she can reserve your place.
July 2020
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Your Family From Tick & Mosquito-Borne Diseases
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16 BEYOND
FACTORY FARMS
‘Big Meat’ Comes at High Cost
NATURE’S CUES
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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition
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22 YOUR GUT AND YOU
26 HORMONAL UPS
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14 STEPHEN DINAN
on a Sacred Vision for America
19 FOLLOWING
Ticks have been waiting for a nice day.
Industry Experts Organic Products Family Owned Licensed & Accredited
Contents
30 EARTH-FRIENDLY PETS Our Animals Can Go Green, Too
DEPARTMENTS 7 news briefs 11 eco tip 12 health briefs 13 global briefs 14 wise words 23 fit body
eNaturalAwakenings.com
30 naturally
healthy pet 33 calendars 35 resource guide 38 display ad index
Natural Awakenings is a family of nearly 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.
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Touch of Sedona The Finest in Southwest Goods & Healing Items
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Visit us in Ridgefield and our New Store in Bethel! www.TouchofSedonaCT.com Both Locations 125 Greenwood Ave. 452 Main Street Open Everyday Ridgefield, CT Bethel, CT Until 5:30pm 203-438-7146 475-329-2087
ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 203-885-4674 or email FFCAdvertising@NaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline for News Briefs: the 8th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline for magazine calendar listings: the 12th of the month. Website calendar listings may be entered at any time. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com. July 2020
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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET
FAIRFIELD COUNTY/ HOUSATONIC VALLEY Publisher Nicole Miale
Managing Editor Patricia Staino
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CONTACT US 137 Danbury Rd, #323, New Milford, CT 06776 Phone: 203-885-4674 Fax: 203-516-2392 NicoleM@NaturalAwakenings.com eNaturalAwakenings.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $30 (for 12 issues) to the above address.
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Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines
letter from publisher
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few weeks ago I found a butterfly lying on the ground near my back door, wings intact but obviously weakened and seemingly unable to fly. It clung fiercely to my finger as I carried it over to a crop of pretty purple wildflowers. I gently offered a leaf and, when it climbed on with alacrity, I thought my good deed was done. But I couldn’t stop thinking about that butterfly so I did some research. After a while I checked and the butterfly was exactly where I’d left it, which did not seem right. I inspected its wings; there were no tears to mend, nothing visible to prevent it from flying. I offered my finger; it abandoned the leaf and hopped back to me, but its grip was less firm than before; my sense was that it was weakening. I read they often land on people because the salt on our skin offers needed nutrients. Since it chose me over the leaf, even after I added drops of water to the greenery, I thought it must be starving. I dissolved some sugar in warm water and soaked a piece of reusable dish cloth, which I held next to my finger where the butterfly was still perched, unmoving. What happened next was magical... the previously motionless butterfly suddenly hustled itself over my finger so all its legs could rest on the square of dishcloth. Its antennas started vibrating, first slowly then with rapid force. Its wings, until now folded and barely fluttering, began to flex and flutter with small then larger, more purposeful movements. It stayed on the square for maybe 30 seconds, then moved back to my finger, then moved so half its body was on one and half the other. Its antenna and wings started vibrating so fast I feared I had given it a sugar shock, then suddenly it took off, flying, fluttering, and riding the wind as it ought! It flew over my head, circled back once, then was gone, disappearing into the nearing sunset. After months of feeling impotent, frustrated, shocked and worried in the face of illness and tragedy, those precious few minutes with the butterfly meant the world to me. The encounter gave me renewed hope, for that butterfly seemed to be transitioning and then took off looking vibrant and strong just minutes later. It made me realize anew that in times of sorrow and pain, when we feel at our lowest, a well-timed bit of support can truly make a huge difference. As long as there is a spark and the potential for aid, all is not lost. Whether it’s reaching out to a friend because they’re suddenly on your mind, taking the time to research and educate yourself about COVID-19, racism or an environmental cause, attending a protest or rally, choosing to vote, supporting local farmers and businesses, speaking to your children about current events, or any other myriad of steps you can take, your actions – no matter how small they may seem in the moment – could be pivotal for the well-being of someone or something else. Recognize and use your power for infinite good. The time is now.
Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.
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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition
eNaturalAwakenings.com
news briefs
Virtual Sound Healing for Racial Reconciliation
J
oin sound healer Kelvin Young and breathwork facilitator Lydia McClain for a monthly night of conversation, connection and community in a Virtual Breathwork and Sound Healing Workshop for Racial Reconciliation and Healing. This two-hour monthly workshop was formed with the intention to create a safe space for people from all walks of life, skin colors, genders, orientations, identities and ages to come together as a community and Lydia McClain and Kelvin Young heal. Young and McClain’s home base is the Creative Studio at Tainted Inc in Hartford, where they developed this offering with community activist and founder of Tainted Inc, Andrea Cortez. The event began as a monthly, donation-based community gathering in August 2019 and has now become a virtual experience where all are invited to tune in from across the globe for a night of racial reconciliation and healing on the first Friday of every month. Their next virtual offering is on Friday, August 7 at 7pm. The class begins with a group discussion, followed by a one-hour guided breathwork and sound healing meditation. Breathwork is an active form of guided meditation that utilizes dynamic breath, essential oils and music to safely release stuck energy in the body. The active breath is a two-part inhale followed by an exhale, all done while lying down. McClain guides you through the experience, accompanied by a curated musical playlist designed to open up your heart and stimulate any suppressed emotions in the body. The active breath is followed by a passive resting state, during which Young utilizes crystal and Himalayan singing bowls, gongs, ocean drums, tuning forks, rattles and other healing tools to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. The combination of deep breathing and the vibration of the instruments guides you to drop into a state of deep relaxation to heal the mind, body and spirit. Leave feeling recharged, nourished and with the clarity and focus to show up grounded and energized. Together, these active and passive healing modalities promote healing from chronic/ toxic stress, muscle tension, physical pain, energetic blockages, past traumas, addictive behaviors, PTSD, depression, anxiety, sleep issues and other chronic health conditions. This community class is currently offered on the first Friday of the month in a sliding-scale format ($0 to $50) so everyone can receive healing, regardless of financial limitations. Young and McClain are available to bring this virtual healing experience to organizations, companies, community centers, families and private groups to create a safe healing container for difficult and necessary conversations around race. They are in the beginning stages of forming a non-profit group, dedicated to creating safe spaces for facilitators and communities of color to access mental health care and holistic healing modalities.
CONNECTICUT'S LOCALSUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE DESTINATION IS SUSTAINNE.COM Our actions and decisions today will shape our future. Visit us to get inspired and shop responsibly.
We stand together to fight racism, injustice, brutality and backlash. To the black members of our community: we see you, we support you and we stand by you.
For more information or to reserve your spot, visit LydiaMcClain.com/events and follow the Community Class’ page on Facebook to stay up-to-date on the latest virtual offerings and events. July 2020
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Lectio 360
A Contemplative Practice to Improve Self-Awareness and Serenity
Regular Online 30-Minute Sessions Conveniently Scheduled and Designed to Fit Into Your Day
Learn More and Register at www.lectio360.com
Change Your Story, Change Your Life! Restoring Creativity, Wellness, and Balance Nancy S. Scherlong, lcsw,ptr, m/s Coaching, Psychotherapy, Expressive Arts Workshops HOLISTIC PSYCHOTHERAPY • COACHING • EXPRESSIVE THERAPIES/TRAINING
914.572.3167 | www.wellnessmetaphors.com 898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Suite 7 | Ridgefield, CT 06877
MIND, BODY, SPIRIT EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION MASTER OF ARTS DEGREES
Sixth-Year Equivalent, 30 Credit Planned Programs ONE WEEKEND A MONTH
• Integrative Health & Healing • Consciousness & Transpersonal Psychology • Learning & Thinking • Writing & Oral Traditions • Organizational Leadership Voted #1 Holistic School!
THE GRADUATE INSTITUTE Locations Throughout Connecticut!
WWW.LEARN.EDU • 203.874.4252 8
Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition
news briefs
Western CT State Educators Honored
D
r. Neeta Connally and Dr. Howell Williams of Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) have been recognized by the Board of Regents of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities for their passion for working with students. Connally, associate professor of biological and environmental sciences, was recognized with the system-wide reNeeta Connally search award, as well as a SCSU campus research award. A medical entomologist who teaches and oversees the Tickborne Disease Prevention Laboratory at WCSU, she is known for her work studying blacklegged ticks, which can carry multiple disease-causing agents including the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. Connally’s research is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Howell Williams Protection Agency. For the past 10 years she has spent her summers monitoring tick populations and conducting studies to better understand backyard risk for tick-borne diseases. Connally’s research team includes undergraduate students who learn how to collect and identify ticks, how to properly handle scientific data, and how large-scale research studies work. She and students also collaborate on Lyme disease prevention projects with the Ridgefield Health Department, the Nuvance Health hospital network, Yale Emerging Infections Program, the Connecticut Department of Public Health, and the TickEncounter Resource Center at the University of Rhode Island. Raines, assistant professor of social sciences, was recognized with the campus teaching award for WCSU. Williams is a political scientist who teaches on a range of topics, including American government, political institutions, political theory, and gender and sexuality politics. His classes often use role-playing games to introduce students to historical events such as the Constitutional Convention and Supreme Court rulings. The awards — both campus-based and system-wide — recognize faculty for excellence in teaching or research. The awards are given to adjunct faculty members and assistant and associate professors in tenure-track or tenured positions who have distinguished themselves as outstanding teachers, promote instructional improvements for their departments, and are doing exceptional research, scholarly and/or creative work.
eNaturalAwakenings.com
Hypnotist Adds Life Coaching Certification
T
hea Litsios, CHy, certified hypnotist and teacher of active dreaming, is now adding life coaching to the services she offers. Recently graduated from the Coaching for Transformation program run by Leadership That Works, Litsios will offer life coaching via phone and Zoom. If you are seeking a deeper spiritual experience of life, navigating a transition, want help with starting a new project or are seeking to turn up the volume on your creativity, Litsios can help you with life coaching. As a certified hypnotist, Litsios offers help with stress relief, smoking cessation and past life review. She teaches online Thea Litsios classes in active dreaming (a modern shamanic approach to dreams) and also works with people one on one with their dreams. Litsios offers a free 20 minute consultation to see if her services are a good fit for you. Call today to schedule a free consultation. To contact Thea Litsios, call 203-693-1493, email Thea@TheaLitsios.com or visit TheaLitsios.com. See Community Resource Guide listing, page 36.
Wellness Relief Fund Launches New Fundraising Campaign
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eclamation Ventures, the group behind the Wellness Relief Fund campaign on Go Fund Me to help wellness instructors and practitioners through microgrants, is launching a second round of fundraising to help those in the wellness community impacted by COVID-19. The original fund, which began in June 2019 and ran through early this year, raised $158,000 and helped 76 practitioners. The new fund, which will begin accepting donations this month, will provide members of the wellness community with one month of lost wages, up to $2,500. To donate, visit GoFundMe.com/f/reclamation-impact-grants. To learn more about the organization and the fund, or to apply for a microgrant, visit Reclamationventures.co/relief-fund.
Outdoor Yin Yoga in Stratford
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oin yin yoga instructor Kelly Warters and singer-songwriter Daniela Cardillo for a one-of-a-kind outdoor yin yoga class with live music. The Rhythm and Relaxation class will be held in Stratford on July 11 from 6:30 to 7:30pm. Enjoy the beautiful summer air and get lost in the vibration of the music as you release tension and heal the physical, emotional and spiritual body. Six-foot distancing will be adhered to. The class is limited to 15 participants, so register early to secure your spot. Please bring your own yoga mat and, if desired, a yoga blanket and water. Attendees should arrive 15 minutes before the start of the class to allow for set up and attendance. Rain date is July 12. Cost is $25. The address—the backyard of a private home—will be emailed to attendees after they register. To register, visit JiivaCenter.com/workshops. Location: Stratford.
Thousands of Years of Food Wisdom in Twelve Months
The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition
Offering a One-Year Certification Program in Sustainable Health & Nutrition This Innovative School Integrates the Science of Nutrition with:
Practicing Sustainable Gardening Methods
Preparing Traditional Kitchen Medicine
Learning Kitchen Culinary Skills
Identifying Nutrient-rich Wild Plants
Embark on this life-altering journey and be part of the movement to change the paradigm of our food for future generations. Join our experienced staff one weekend a month as you use hands-on education to delve into and explore diverse aspects of how food and herbs enhance the health of your clients, friends, family, yourself and the environment.
Now accepting applications for 2020-2021 | Call 860-764-9070 today! | West Granby, CT | www.tiosn.com July 2020
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The Gravel Pit Solar Project in East Windsor
news briefs
CT Adds Chronic Pain Qualification for MMP
L
ast month, one of the state’s regulatory committees met via Zoom and approved chronic pain as an addition to the conditions eligible under the state’s medical marijuana program (MMP). More than 41,000 patients receive medical marijuana from dispensaries through the program, and this change in the regulations is expected to open it up to thousands more. “We realized there are thousands of conditions that have pain associated with them and there’s no way that we as a board or the program could think of and approve all of those conditions individually and separately,” said Dr. Andrew Salner, Hartford Healthcare, Medical Marijuana Board of Physicians. Chronic pain is one of 38 qualifying conditions for adults. However, to be eligible, patients must have a diagnosis longer than six months, and it must be associated with an underlying condition. In other words, if someone twists their ankle or pulls a muscle while working out, they won’t be eligible for the program. Even with this change, Connecticut’s program is still considered one of the most regulated in the nation. It’s overseen by the Department of Consumer Protection. For more information on the program, visit Portal.ct.gov/DCP/ Medical-Marijuana-Program/Medical-Marijuana-Program.
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eveloper D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) and project developer North Light Energy plan to seek state approval this year for a massive 120-megawatt solar development in East Windsor, which could be the largest array in the Northeast and one of the biggest in the country. The proposed project, which could generate enough energy to power more than 12,000 homes, would cover 485 acres stretching northeast from the South Windsor town border up to Apothecaries Hall Road. In April, the Board of Selectmen approved a tax stabilization agreement that would provide about $10 million in local revenue over the next 20 years, but the Connecticut Siting Council has ultimate jurisdiction over any new energy projects that generate 2 megawatts or more in power. D.E. Shaw hopes to begin construction between late 2021 and late 2022. Gravel Pit was one of nine solar developments, both in and outside of Connecticut, selected by the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection in late 2018 to negotiate contracts to sell their energy to Connecticut’s utilities. Gravel Pit Solar is expected to become the town’s largest taxpayer. The developer plans to encircle the massive property with a fence to discourage illegal use of the land. There are only a handful of properties with sightlines to the proposed solar panels.
Natural Health and Wellness Center Comprehensive, holistic healthcare SERVICES OFFERED: in a relaxed, nurturing environment. Acupuncture Biofeedback Blending advanced diagnostic testing Craniosacral Therapy with safe, effective, time-honored Freqency Specific Microcurrent Therapy healing arts for you and your family.
Lisa Singley, ND, MS Lorie Gumbs-Tyler, ND
203-874-4333 2103 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06615 www.nhawc.com 10
Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition
Homeopathy Naturopathic Medicine Pain Management Annual Exams Gynecology Exams
CONDITIONS TREATED:
Acute & Chronic Endocrine: adrenal, thyroid, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances Cardiovascular Gastrointestinal Fatigue and Sleep Issues Weight Loss Programs Auto-immune disorders
Schedule a consultation and receive 20% off all recommended supplements. Most health insurance plans accepted. eNaturalAwakenings.com
eco tip
Eco-Friendly Beach Tips
Jack Frog/Shutterstock.com
Maximizing Sun and Surf During Crises
Transforming Flocking to beaches is a normal urge with summer in full swing. While practicing social distancing due to the coronavirus crisis, don’t neglect regular health precautions. It’s more important now than ever to soak up vitamin D to bolster the immune system, and it can also reduce the likelihood of developing heart disease or diabetes, according to the UK University of Warwick Medical School.
Sun Protection
MotherEarthNews.com says we can augment the body’s natural sun protection by increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables that contain vitamins C and B, which are depleted when exposed to the sun. It also recommends natural tanning creams such as a combination of sesame nut oil, anhydrous lanolin and water; the liquid of one large cucumber added to rose water and glycerin; or a blend of fresh mint leaves, water, sesame or coconut oil, one egg yolk, wheat germ oil and lemon juice. Natural sunscreen innovations are emerging: the European Journal of Organic Chemistry reports that synthesizing discarded cashew-nut shells holds promise. Effective UV protection can be attained by donning hats, sunglasses and protective clothing, including
neck-to-knee swimsuits for children. Seek shade, cover up and avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Be extra careful when the UV index is high; check the daily National Weather Service forecast assessing the risk of sun overexposure at Tinyurl.com/ EPAUVWidget, which offers a widget for smartphones.
Respect Wildlife
Respect wildlife that may be present. Be cognizant of designated turtle hatching areas; their prime nesting season continues through October. Also, tell kids not to disturb shorebirds and other winged friends that may be on the sand; some may be resting or eating after flying many miles on a long migratory journey.
Leave No Trace
Don’t leave any trash behind, especially plastic straws or bags; it’s best to use metal or bamboo straws and cloth bags. With a stiff breeze, plastics can end up in the water to entangle and choke marine life or break into toxic microplastics that pollute drinking water supplies. The online journal PLOS ONE estimates there are 5 trillion pieces, or approximately 269,000 tons of plastic, already in Earth’s oceans.
racism A Special Shift Network Facebook Live Series
Transforming Racism features almost two dozen leaders– mostly Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)–who have important perspectives to share on this subject. It’s free and all on Facebook Live. Join us for this special, powerful Facebook live series!
Facebook.com/watch/shiftnetwork
July 2020
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health briefs
In good news for the 10 to 20 percent of people over age 65 that suffer with mild cognitive impairment, research from China’s Central South University, in Hunan, shows that practicing the gentle ancient martial art of tai chi can significantly improve memory, learning, mental speed and attention, the ability to formulate abstract ideas, mental flexibility and visuospatial perception. The research analyzed data from 10 studies that included 1,061 people with symptoms such as forgetting conversations and names, and having difficulty with complex tasks. “As it emphasizes mental concentration, physical balance, full-body stretching and relaxation, and relaxed breathing, tai chi has a great potential for becoming widely integrated into rehabilitation interventions for various medical and psychological conditions,” write the study’s authors.
sylv1rob1/Shutterstock.com
Reduce Cognitive Decline with Tai Chi
Help Recover from Stroke with Ear Acupuncture Acupuncture in the ear can help speed rehabilitation of stroke patients, researchers from the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine have found. In a study of 42 stroke patients, those treated with auricular acupuncture for just six days showed significant improvements in range of motion for arms and legs compared to those given standard acupuncture treatments and conventional rehabilitation.
This Medicine of the Future is Here Now! prp (platelet rich plasma), peptides, and Stem Cell therapy Dr. Henry Sobo offers you these cutting edge technologies: prp - platelet rich plasma A natural and safe, non-surgical method for healing: • PRP for Hair Restoration • PRP for Arthritis/Joints • PRP for Erectile Dysfunction
PEPTIDES
The next revolution in Medicine • Weight Loss • Autoimmune Conditions • Pain Relief-Joints, Ligaments and Tendons • Hormonal Health • Anti Aging - Skin, Thinning Hair • Cardiovascular Disease
Stem Cell therapy • Arthritis/joint problemsavoid steroids & surgeries. • Stem cells for your joints are being used by leading doctors and institutions around the country. • Stem cells are being applied for an expanding list of many other conditions.
Call for your Free ConSultation with Henry C. Sobo, M.D. to see if PRP Treatments, peptides or Stem Cell therapies are for you.
203-348-8805 Optimal Health Medical, LLC | 111 High Ridge Rd. Stamford, CT 06905 | www.drsobo.com 12
Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition
eNaturalAwakenings.com
OSTILL is Franck Camhi/Shutterstock.com
Maridav/Shutterstock.com
KRIACHKO OLEKSII/Shutterstock.com
global briefs
Tree Believers
Forest Loss Leads to Spread of Human Disease
A new Stanford University study published in Landscape Ecology reveals viruses like COVID-19 that jump from animals to people will likely become more common as people continue to transform natural habitats into agricultural land. Researchers found the loss of tropical forests in Uganda put people at greater risk of physical interactions with wild primates and the viruses they carry, with implications for the emergence and spread of infectious animal-to-human diseases in other parts of the world. People have converted nearly half of the world’s land into agriculture. Tropical forests have suffered the most, with some of the highest rates of conversion occurring during the last few decades. Study co-author Tyler McIntosh says, “At the end of the day, land conservation and the reduction of forest fragmentation is our best bet to reduce human [to] wild animal interactions.”
Natural Thinking Spending Time in Nature Increases Cognitive Performance
More of our time is spent indoors than ever before. One of the ways by which nature may improve cognitive function (i.e., the acquisition of and goal-oriented use of knowledge) is by improving memory formation and recall, specifically that of short-term or working memory, and goal-oriented or directed attention; the kind that requires focused effort. By comparing and contrasting 13 studies, a team of researchers has shed light on this complex interaction in research published in Frontiers in Psychology. The studies used the backward digit span task, which requires participants to invert a series of numbers and repeat them back. All demonstrated significantly improved cognition in nature as compared to urban environments. The benefits of studies like this are two-fold: not only are we learning more about how the brain interacts with its environment, but also how to leverage this interaction to lead healthier, more productive and happier lives.
Positive & Nature Based Psychology Promoting well-being and resilience.
Happiness • Strength • Hope • Wisdom • Coping • Flourishing Ann C. Reeves, Psy. D, CAPP Licensed Psychologist
203-451-6208
annreevespsych@optonline.net • www.annreevespsychology.com 3 Hollyhock Lane, Wilton, CT 06897
Live Your Soul's Purpose | Attain Deep Peace Have Balance Around Giving and Receiving Have Loving, Supportive Relationships Have the Career that Sings to Your Soul The Academy for Soul Healing supports the growth and expansion of humanity, individually and on a global scale. "I foresee many students from the Academy becoming the teachers of this integrated way of service."
Now Offering Special Rates for Individual Sessions via Zoom with Eilis Philpott Master Healer and Teacher See updated offerings and training schedules at: www.SoulHealingJourney.com www.academyforsoulhealing.com Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com 203-767-5954 Fairfield, CT
Individual, Couples, Group & Spiritual Counseling • Hypnotherapy
WOLF SPIRIT
• Drumming • Energy Work • Traditional & Alternative Modalities
All Ages Welcome Husky and Most Insurance Accepted 203-263-3175 WolfSpiritWellness.org July 2020
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wise words
STEPHEN DINAN ON A SACRED VISION FOR AMERICA by Linda Sechrist
S
tephen Dinan, founder and CEO of The Shift Network, is committed to creating a healthy, sustainable, peaceful and prosperous world, as are the 200,000 members of his worldwide organization. Interested in personal growth and spirituality since his early 20s, Dinan’s core passion has been to shift society, not just the individual. In his book Sacred America, Sacred World: Fulfilling Our Mission in Service to All, Dinan harvests the world’s wisdom and his own experiences to show how humans can grow, evolve and mature psychologically and spiritually, laying out an envisioning process for what’s possible when America achieves its full potential. Positing that envisioning is not only the work of leaders but of all of America’s citizens, Dinan sheds light on a new sacred conversation and overriding vision that can guide us to finding the will and the way to midwife a new chapter in American history.
What is a sacred worldview?
We have a lot of forces pulling us into our separate identities, whether this is as Americans, Democrats, Republicans or identifying as counterculture or mainstream culture. Bifurcations, which happen when we identify with a part of reality and make the rest wrong, bad or problematic, 14
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keep us in a state of suffering. A sacred worldview means living in reverence for all humanity and all life; seeing divinity in all people and things, not just in a few people, a group or political party; seeing the higher, nobler and deeper dimension to all manifest reality that is expressed in humanity’s spiritual and religious impulses. A different way of engaging each other and designing how life works flows out of seeing life as the great mystics do; from a higher vantage point of interconnectedness.
At its heart, what is Sacred America about?
Sacred America, Sacred World is about recognizing our role within the larger whole. It’s about our unity as one human family. When we can redesign our society from this standpoint, we’re fulfilling the deepest principles upon which this country was based. Part of the fulfillment of a sacred vision for our country is building upon our most ancient principles. For example, “E pluribus unum” is a deep metaphysical concept meaning out of many, one. It’s not that all is oneness. This principle tells us that we evolve out of our “manyness” into our oneness, with each of us having a different role. Our manyness, our individuality, the unique flavors of life, different
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cultures and languages, is not something we want to erase. We do want to remember that we share this unitive ground and vision, as well as the powerful founding code of liberty, equality and justice for all. Our country is coded with a mission to lean toward unity, to lean toward oneness. As the melting pot for the world, we integrate more cultures than any other country, creating unity from a great diversity of traditions, cultures, philosophies and religions. This is our shared inheritance. Ultimately, Sacred America, Sacred World is about building a movement of awake, conscious and caring citizens who are powerfully committed to building a new era for America.
How do we do this?
America can fulfill its higher potential and promise in the way that parallels how an individual matures to his or her next level of development. I believe that America’s next level of expression is within each of us, but it requires that we do some internal housecleaning, clearing out the past, letting go of our different political polarizations, being more solutions-focused and more focused on fulfilling our larger mission in service to the globe, rather than just in service to ourselves. We have to go beyond partisan warfare to embrace those with other political views as our deepest allies. They are also part of the team that is here to help America shine; yes, even the people you can’t stand. In short, we need to open to a vision of possibility for our country, one in which we successfully navigate the crises, polarizations and political warfare of today to create a country that reflects our highest ideals and that truly serves the birth of a new, global era for humanity, one that is peaceful, sustainable, healthy and prosperous. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at LindaSechrist.com. To listen to the full interview, visit Tinyurl.com/SDinanInterview.
Why are the largest demonstrations in our history against racial discriminationnot only an issue for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), but also for all of humanity?
Living in a culture that accepts oppression of others holds back the development of everyone. It increases fear, decreases compassion and leads us to think more of personal safety than the good of the whole. If we are to move toward being a global society that honors the sanctity of all life, racism and the effects of racism must stop. Doing so creates a context in which we can all raise conscious children, and black, indigenous and other people of color can have the opportunity to make their full creative contribution to the whole as well.
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BEYOND FACTORY FARMS ‘Big Meat’ Comes at High Cost
High Cost of Cheap Meat
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a push toward greater efficiency created the shift to industrial livestock production. However, attempts to maximize production for higher returns at minimal cost come at a price. For example, a growing body of evidence shows that CAFO leads to the social and economic decline of rural communities.
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“Research has consistently found that living near a CAFO is associated with an array of negative health impacts, including respiratory disease, mental health problems and certain types of infections,” says Keeve Nachman, Ph.D., director of the CLF Food Production and Public Health Program. Everett Murphy, M.D., a retired pulmonologist from Kansas City, concurs, “Not only are the odors from factory livestock farms offensive, but individuals living within three miles of industrial animal operations are at risk for serious, life-shortening illnesses and permanent disabilities.” Concrete reservoirs designed to hold manure present a problem as well, he adds, “They always leak into the groundwater, spreading antibiotic-resistant bacteria and making the source of water to neighboring communities unusable and toxic.” Joan Olive says she is living proof that exposure to air pollution from factory farms is every bit as harmful as scientists and health experts have warned about for years. On one fateful December day 16 years ago,
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Olive was outdoors on her family farm near Spencer, Iowa, when she noticed a strong, sickening odor. Feeling nauseous, she went inside, but later that evening, her tongue swelled, she became disoriented and began shaking and sweating profusely. Olive’s symptoms subsided over the next few days, but since then she has experienced multiple chemical sensitivities, transient symptoms of brain fog, muscle twitching, migraines, and respiratory and circulatory problems. Health experts at the University of Iowa identified the source of the sickening odor as toxic hydrogen sulfide from liquid CAFO waste that had been sprayed on farmland one mile from Olive’s home. In addition to the region’s concentration of hog CAFO, her home sat two miles from 1.5 million chickens. Today, Olive drinks filtered water and eats organic food to protect her health, but she notices that her symptoms return when triggered by exposure to CAFO air pollution and pesticides. In March, Olive moved to Spearfish, South Dakota, where she’s breathing easier and enjoying time outdoors. But she believes she left behind “thousands of rural residents who are having their lives and health destroyed by Big Ag.”
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K
evin Walker, a Michigan State University professor and author of The Grand Food Bargain and the Mindless Drive for More, says, “Meat is the poster child of industrial food gone awry.” Independent animal farmers are disappearing while factory farms are getting bigger, causing more air, soil and water pollution in rural communities nationwide, reports the Center for a Livable Future (CLF) at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Large industrialized farms known as concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) rely on the routine use of antibiotics to both prevent the spread of disease and promote animal growth and weight gain—a practice known to fuel antibiotic resistance and compromise human health.
by Melinda Hemmelgarn
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There Ought to be a Law
“Government oversight and policies designed to safeguard the health of individuals and the environment from these operations have been inadequate,” says Bob Martin, director of the CLF Food System Policy Program. Citing environmental and public health hazards, the American Public Health Association issued a new policy statement last November calling for a precautionary moratorium on all new and expanding CAFO. It advises a complete halt until additional scientific data has been collected and public health concerns addressed.
Bypassing Industrial Eating
Many consumers don’t realize that the majority of beef, pork and chicken sold in supermarkets, served in restaurants and distributed to institutions nationwide comes from the industrial food system. According to the Public Justice Food Project, 85 percent of the meat Americans consume is produced by four corporate giants—Tyson, Smithfield, Cargill and JBS—each accused of hiding labor, animal or environmental abuses behind folksy brand names and packaging images. To shed light on abuses and steer consumers away from industrial meat, the Center for Food Safety created a website that pulls back the curtain on CAFO. It recommends replacing half of the meat
Once you learn how our modern industrial food system has transformed what most Americans eat, you become highly motivated to eat something else. ~Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation, Chew on This and co-producer of Food, Inc. we eat with humane, sustainably raised, grass-fed and organic meat, while replacing the other half with plant-based sources of protein such as beans, peas, lentils, nuts and seeds—a dietary approach that benefits our gut microbes and protects us against a host of chronic diseases.
Meat Alternatives
As concerns mount about the health, ethical and environmental impact of animal products, the food industry has responded with more plant-based, lab-grown meat alternatives. Yet, according to the Food
and Technology 2019 report by the market research firm The Hartman Group, many meat replacements rely on highly sophisticated technologies that hardly meet consumers’ definitions of “natural”. “It’s all about what isn’t on the label,” says Urvashi Rangan, Ph.D., chief science advisor of the GRACE Communications Foundation. According to Rangan, many plant-based and fake meat products are actually ultra-processed foods that contain genetically engineered ingredients and rely on petroleum-based chemicals that are not required to be listed on the label. “The Impossible Burger introduces over 48 new proteins to the human diet without a thorough safety investigation,” warns Rangan. She questions whether these new meat alternatives are better than meat from animals raised on pasture without routine drugs and synthetic fertilizers. There’s a big difference between the health and environmental impact of meat from animals raised in feed lots versus those raised with regenerative agricultural practices. “Industrial agriculture is absolutely harmful,” reports A Greener World, a nonprofit certifier of the trustworthy Animal Welfare Approved label. But thinking we have to go vegan or purchase fake meat to protect our health or the planet is misguided.
Critical Questions to Find and Support Good Food Where does my food come from? Who produced it and under what conditions? Were workers treated fairly and animals humanely? What’s in or on my food? Were pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, genetically modified ingredients or additives used in producing it? Is it rich or poor in nutrients? What might be the unintended consequences of my food and farming choices? How might those choices affect our environment and future generations?
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The COVID-19 health crisis highlights inequalities in how we produce and distribute food. A new bill, the Farm System Reform Act (FSRA), will help to create a more healthy, sustainable and equitable model, by placing a moratorium on new Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (commonly known as factory farms), cracking down on the monopolistic practices of multinational meat corporations and supporting farmers to transition to healthier, pasture-based models and organic farming. To support the FSRA, the Sierra Club has made it easy to contact members of Congress at Tinyurl.com/BlockFactoryFarms.
Eating Less, But Better Meat
“Our bodies are designed to be omnivores, and animal products are part of a diverse, real food diet,” says Rebecca Thistlethwaite, director of the Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network at Oregon State University. Thistlethwaite, author of Farms with a Future and The New Livestock Farmer: The Business of Raising and Selling Ethical Meat, believes in ancestral eating and eating as close to nature as possible. She is mindful of portion size and eats only organic and pasture-raised animal foods to avoid synthetic chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Will Harris, owner of White Oak Pastures, in Bluffton, Georgia, declares, “It’s not the cow, it’s the how.” Harris transitioned his livestock operation from the industrial model to certified humane animal husbandry and sustainable practices that emulate nature. The switch to a pasture-based system yields healthier animals, he explains, and helps take carbon out of the atmosphere and back into the soil. In Cows Save the Planet and Other Improbable Ways of Restoring Soil to Heal the Earth, author Judith Schwartz describes how grazing animals play a key role in restoring soil health, and therefore human health. “Well-managed pastures and grasslands with ruminant animals can sequester more carbon than they emit, improve soil health and increase groundwater recharge,” explains Thistlethwaite. Plus, both livestock and poultry can make use of inedible feeds that humans don’t consume, such as grass and sagebrush.
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Take Action to Stop Factory Farms
Learn More, Eat Smarter Center for Food Safety: EndIndustrialMeat.org Consumer Reports: Tinyurl.com/MeatGetsMakeover Food Print: Tinyurl.com/WhatIsFoodPrint Friends of the Earth: foe.org/resources/from-lab-to-fork A Greener World: AGreenerWorld.org 10 Things You Can Do for the Planet Instead of Giving Up On Animal Agriculture: AGreenerWorld.org/ a-greener-world/10-things-you-can-do Humane Society Food Industry Scorecard: HumaneSociety.org/resources/food-industry-scorecard Keep Antibiotics Working: KeepAntibioticsWorking.org Public Justice Food Project: Food.PublicJustice.net/ communityresources Right to Harm film and resources: RightToHarm.film One Hundred Thousand Beating Hearts film: Tinyurl.com/100000BeatingHearts 18
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Rangan and Harris emphasize that the power of consumer spending can shift the market. However, Thistlethwaite says, “We cannot just vote with our forks, as many people don’t have that luxury.” She urges change at both personal and political levels, favoring incentive-based approaches with fewer subsidies going to the industrial system. “We need more farmers raising high-quality animals in a humane, ecologically responsible manner,” says Thistlethwaite. But we also need more small-scale slaughterhouses and meat processors throughout the country to get quality meat to more of our tables. In addition to farmers’ markets, cooperatives and community supported agriculture, organizations such as the American Grassfed Association and Local Harvest connect consumers directly to farmers using sustainable practices to help rebuild regional food hubs and networks. “Start with small steps,” suggests Thistlethwaite. “Buy milk from a local creamery, eggs from a farmer in your community or one-quarter cow to fill your freezer from a local, grass-fed beef producer. Reward the farms and ranches that are doing it right by purchasing from them, promoting them, supporting them.” Melinda Hemmelgarn is an award-winning registered dietitian, writer and nationally syndicated radio host based in Columbia, MO. Reach her at FoodSleuth@gmail.com. Tune into Food Sleuth Radio at kopn.org.
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Power To the People
Fall
Following Nature’s Cues Eat Seasonally for Better Health
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by Brielle Kelly
he natural world is always changing, and the key to living in good health lies in our ability to adapt to this change and go with the flow. Plants and animals instinctively know how to thrive – growing and flourishing in the warmer months, then storing up and settling in for the cold of winter—by living in alignment with the seasons. Living seasonally means to go as nature goes and follow the cues and solutions it prescribes. The foods we eat, the exercise and activities we do and even our daily thoughts and intentions all play a role in harmonizing our health with the seasons.
and activity. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) calls this type of energy yang, and summer represents the peak of yang in the cycle of seasons. Fueled by abundant sunshine and warmth, plants and trees grow and flourish rapidly. To balance the pace and yang of the season, eat yin foods like juicy tomatoes, cucumbers and watermelon to cool and refresh the body. Consuming light meals and more raw fruits and vegetables is also important. Doing activities like yoga, meditation and progressive relaxation can help to calm the mind and improve emotional balance.
Spring
Indian Summer
The season of spring calls for letting go of the old and welcoming in the new. The primary health focus is to keep things moving and promote the flow of qi, the energetic force present in all living things. In the spring, we should eat seasonally available foods like leafy green vegetables, herbs and members of the garlic and onion family. Physical activities like stretching and massage can help to remove any points where qi is blocked and keep our muscles loose and limber. Staying flexible and open-minded in our emotional lives is also important.
In the middle of the seasonal cycle lies Indian summer, when temperate weather and long days of sunlight give way to still and peaceful nights. TCM considers this season to be the balance point between the warm yang of spring and summer to the cool yin of fall and winter. The focus of Indian summer is to build energetic qi and a grounded connection to the Earth. Eating whole grains, complex carbohydrates, and naturally sweet foods like corn and sweet potatoes is ideal. Fresh air and sunshine are also natural sources of qi, and spending time outdoors is a good way to connect to that energy from the Earth.
Summer Summer is characterized by heat, motion
As fall begins, the air turns crisp and cool and nature starts its move toward yin. The harvest season is a time for taking stock of the year’s gains and gathering and storing for the upcoming winter. For fall, the health focus is to keep the body warm and dry and strengthen and bolster immunity. The best foods for this time of year include seasonal squashes, pumpkins and mushrooms, along with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Slowcooked dishes and baked casseroles are especially beneficial. It is also important to engage in yang activities like aerobic exercise and group activities in the community.
Winter The last season of the year, winter is a period for peace, reflection and rest. The pace of life slows, signaling a quiet decline and Nature’s withdrawal into yin. In this season, the main focus is to keep the body warm and protected from the elements by developing and nourishing yang. Eat warming meals like simmered soups and hearty stews that include rich meats and seasonal root vegetables. As winter draws to a close, we slow down and wait for the arrival of spring, and the rebirth and renewal that comes with a new cycle of seasons. Everything has its season. When our health is aligned with nature, our bodies are a direct reflection of our surrounding environment, and we follow its seasonal patterns and rhythms. Our health needs change throughout our lifetimes, from year to year, and even on a daily basis. The most sustainable approach to optimal health is one informed by Nature’s seasons. By changing, adapting and going with the flow, just as the natural world does, we can align ourselves with the seasons for optimal health. Brielle Kelly, L.Ac., Dipl.O.M., is an acupuncturist, herbalist and co-author of What’s Your Season? Healing Principles and Recipes for Your Body Type. For more information, visit WhatsYourSeason.com July 2020
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Build Immunity Year-Round An Ayurvedic Approach to Gut Health
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by Neeru N. Kaushik
he Ayurvedic approach to health and wellness, in any season, is based on maintaining a balance of body, mind and spirit according to one’s own body constitution (dosha). Ayurveda believes that we are all composed of the five universal elements—fire, water, earth, air, space—grouped together to form our doshas: pitta (fire/water), kapha (earth/ water), vata (air/space). Keeping these natural elements in balance is key. When in balance, our immune system is strong and can combat pathogens; when out of balance, our immune system is weakened and illness can result. One of the most important keys to maintaining balance, and keeping the immune system strong, is making sure our digestion is working efficiently so that the nutrients from the food we eat are proper20
ly absorbed. This is especially true during the change of seasons when the weather patterns are shifting and our bodies need to adjust to that shift. Ayurveda identifies the shift from winter to spring as kapha, from summer to fall as pitta, and from fall to winter as vata. The characteristics of vata (cold/dry) and kapha (cold/wet) are especially ripe for the transmission of viruses that cause colds and flu. But summer conditions, or pitta (heat/dry), could lead to weak digestion, and so vigilance is warranted. We can help our bodies adapt to these shifts by choosing foods appropriate to the season. Remember the rule of thumb: “Like attracts like,” so choose opposite foods to balance the seasonal doshas (e.g. for summer, choose cooling foods; for winter, warming foods). For a pitta-pacifying spring/summer
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diet, choose foods that reduce heat and are water-rich. Include fruits such as apples, pears, plums, berries, pomegranates, papayas, pineapples, peaches, mangoes and melons—especially watermelon. Vegetables might include artichokes, asparagus, zucchini, tomatoes, celery, cucumbers, baby bok choy, baby beets and green leafy vegetables, along with bitter greens like escarole, dandelion leaves or broccoli rabe. Staying well-hydrated with water or herbal teas will combat dryness. Adding a half spoon of ghee to food will ensure internal moisture as well. Coconut water with essential minerals like zinc, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and sodium is an essential electrolyte that will keep your system balanced. Adding coconut to vegetables or curries will also rejuvenate. Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory properties, will help ease overheating and ginger tea will soothe stomach discomfort. Avoid hot and spicy or deep-fried foods and raw cold foods or drinks as they impair digestion. Raw cold foods are difficult to digest and will interfere with the digestive fire causing the undigested food to become toxic. Stored toxins (ama) prevent nutrients from reaching the cells and weaken the body’s immune function. Avoid frozen, processed, canned or packaged foods as they also are harder to digest and contain preservatives and other ingredients that create toxins. To adopt a vata- and kapha-balancing diet, choose foods that are warming, cooked and easy to digest so that the digestive fire (agni) will not be dampened. Warming foods to include are root vegetables, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, parsnips, turnips, beets, carrots, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussels sprouts. Hearty soups and stews made with these foods, as well as steamed or stewed green leafy vegetables, will help to build the immune response. Adding warming spices – such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cumin and cayenne—will stimulate the immune system further and help to burn off toxins as well. Baked or stewed fruits—such as apples, pears, plums—with some cinnamon will
add a boost of antioxidants. Whole cooked grains (quinoa, amaranth, millet, barley), legumes (beans, peas, lentils) and ghee (easy-to-digest fat) will boost immunity. It is also advisable to eat your main meal during the middle of the day, when digestion is strongest, and finish eating at least two hours before bedtime to allow your evening meal to be completely digested. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly to aid digestion and increase absorption. Throughout the day, sip warm water and warming teas, such as ginger and turmeric, to keep the digestive fire strong. Immunity is also affected by lifestyle. Reducing stress goes a long way to enhancing immune function. Some stress-reducing guidelines are adopting a regular routine for meals and other activities, making sure you get enough sleep (retiring before 10pm is best before the pitta time of day gives you a second wind), exercising to increase circulation and incorporating a regular meditation practice.
If you do feel a cold coming on, or succumb to the flu, try these 10 tips to ease the symptoms and re-build your immunity: n Gargle with salt water, try oil pulling, use a neti pot or nasya oil for your nos trils to reduce bacteria and clear passages n Sip hot water, tea with warming spices, and clear broths to hydrate, decongest and cleanse n Boil water with a ginger-eucalyptus mix and steam nostrils to clear passages and congestion n Steam clear vegetables: bok choy, celery, kale, asparagus, leeks to hydrate and add nutrients n Avoid sugar and mucous-producing dairy, which interfere with the immune response n Sit in the sun, even if you are indoors, to increase vitamin D3 n Take a warm bath with baking soda and warming essential oils (ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, pine, cedar, clove, juniper) to stimulate circulation
n Meditate, as silence calms the nervous system and increases immunity n Get plenty of bed rest as sleep is restorative n Cultivate a practice of gratitude, as negative emotions reduce immunity The Ayurvedic therapy of panchakarma is especially beneficial as a seasonal detox to help the body adjust to these seasonal shifts. A qualified Ayurvedic practitioner can suggest an individual plan for each dosha profile so that the immune system can be kept at an optimal level. Dr. Neeru N. Kaushik, ND, MS Acup, MS, MA, is a naturopathic physician at the Institute for Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Therapies, 805 Kings Highway East, Fairfield. For more information, call 203-331-9111, email DrKaushik@ AyurvedicInstituteCT.com or visit AyurvdicInstituteCT.com. See ad, page 5.
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YOUR GUT AND YOU
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by Emily Fritz
here are several gastrointestinal conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), antibiotic-associated diarrhea and clostridium difficile infection, that can occur when the microorganisms in the small or large intestine are disrupted. They often are a result of poor gut health. We know that “gut health” is important for a healthy body, but do we know what “gut health” actually means? Gut health refers to the balance of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These microorganisms aid in contributing to a strong immune system, brain health and, of course, GI health. Therefore, it is important to maintain gut health to help prevent disorders of the body. So, how do we maintain gut health? Nutrition through prebiotics and probiotics are prominent sources for enhancing gut microbiota. Prebiotics are nondigestible food ingredients that stimulate the proliferation of certain gut bacteria. In other words, prebiotics provide the “food” for current bacteria in the GI tract to help strengthen 22
the mucosal barrier and protect against GI-related diseases and other alterations to normal bodily function. Looking more closely, prebiotics occur as natural or synthetic sugars. When these sugars reach the GI tract, they are fermented by the gut microbiota to create short-chain fatty acids. These short-chain fatty acids increase electrolyte and water absorption, decrease intraluminal pH, alter cell proliferation and differentiation (which can decrease the risk of colon cancer) and decrease intestinal inflammatory processes, as well as strengthen the immune system. Good sources of prebiotics include fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, Jerusalem artichokes, wheat bran, chicory and soybeans. On the other hand, probiotics are live bacteria that are added to the gut to increase the presence of bacteria. Probiotics technically consume prebiotics for fuel. Furthermore, probiotics are in a sense the opposite of antibiotics because rather than kill off bacteria, probiotics add to the microbiome to provide a strong protective layer that fights for our gut health. Thus, we
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need to make sure that we consume plenty of probiotics when we are taking antibiotics for long periods of time. While probiotics can be found in the supplemental form of capsules or powders, it is not entirely necessary to seek these sources out because probiotics are also found in everyday fermented food products such as yogurts that contain added lactobacillus and bifidobacterium strains, kefir, kombucha (fermented tea), tempeh (fermented soybeans) and sauerkraut (fermented cabbage). Experts recommend starting with probiotics, microbiota-loving foods that will feed and strengthen our current gut bacteria. After all, our gut buddies do a pretty good job fighting off disease and maintaining a homeostatic environment for our comfort and quality of life. Gail Cresci, PhD, RD, is an expert on the gut microbiome and suggests starting out with some of these types of foods to help fortify and strengthen the existing bacteria: • Fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains • Potatoes (boiled and cooled) • Bananas (not too ripe) • Jerusalem artichokes Dr. Cresci explains that while it is ideal to obtain your prebiotics and probiotics from the diet, we may not get enough due to our busy lifestyles. If we need to take supplemental prebiotics and probiotics, she suggests choosing: • Product that has a seal of approval from testing agencies such as Consumer Reports or Consumer Labs • Probiotic capsules packaged with inulin or other prebiotics • Probiotic in spore form, which can survive on the shelf or in the digestive tract Let’s help our army of bacteria by feeding them the fuel they deserve! Emily Fritz is a recent dietetic graduate of the University of Dayton and has recently been accepted into Augusta University to pursue her M.S. in dietetics. Emily truly believes that food is medicine and is working towards becoming a registered dietitian to pursue her passion in health promotion and disease prevention.
Everyday Activity
fit body
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BALANCING ACT Exercises for Strength
and Stability
by Marlaina Donato
G
ood balance is something we may take for granted until an unexpected fall brings our attention to a brewing problem. Slower reflexes, unconditioned muscles and changes in eyesight can all compromise balance. Statistics show at least one in three people over the age of 65 suffer from injuries related to falls, but regular core-strengthening balance training, yoga and tai chi can lower the risk considerably. Marching in place and simple exercises added to a customary after-dinner walk on summer evenings can also go a long way. According to a 2013 study of senior women published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, exercising not only reduces the likelihood of falls by 37 percent, but also the severity of injuries such as broken bones by 61 percent. “Balance is a skill, and like any skill, it gets better with practice,” says Mike Ross, a Chicago-based performance enhancement specialist and author of The Balance Manual. “The problem is people gradually spend less and less time standing and moving around—chasing kids or doing yard work— and spend more time watching television or sitting in front of the computer.”
Whole Body Equilibrium Balance training for all ages helps the body to move fluidly as a singular, balanced unit. Stephanie Mansour, a Chicago fitness expert and host of the PBS weekly Step it Up with Steph show, says, “Some people who have hip or back pain may have an imbalance: One side is more developed than the other. Other people may feel wobbly during workouts or walking upstairs, or less agile while getting in and out of cars; doing everyday movements. Balance training will help improve those everyday activities.” Full-body exercises engage core muscles to stabilize movement. “You’ll be surprised by some muscles that are triggered that are otherwise less engaged during traditional exercises. No matter where you start, it only takes a few minutes of balance work a day to make a difference,” says Los Angeles fitness trainer Kollins Ezekh, emphasizing the added benefit of improved posture that naturally reduces lower back stress and resulting chronic pain. Balance training also packs a positive punch for brain health by focusing the mind and improving cognitive function while lowering stress levels.
Being proactive throughout the day and adopting simple habits have far-reaching effects. “Start in the morning when you’re getting dressed for the day and pay attention to which foot you balance on first to put your legs in your pants. Consciously do the opposite. When you’re drying your hair or brushing your teeth, balance on your tip toes,” suggests Mansour. Ross recommends staying active in the daily routines. “Make a point of breaking up long periods of sitting like desk work and [watching] television. Get up and play with the kids instead of watching them. If you can, do your own housecleaning and yard work instead of hiring someone. Find a sport that you can engage in as you age. For instance, you might play tennis in your 20s and 30s and then pickleball and Ping-Pong in your 50s.” No matter what type of training we choose, there’s a way to fit in balance elements. “You can try yoga, where the different poses really challenge your balance strength,” says Ezekh. “When doing weight training, you can do lateral exercises with dumbbells on your shoulders or even squatting movements. You need to use your balance strength to prevent yourself from swaying or toppling over. Even exercises like walking down steps require proper levels of balance.”
A Steady Diet Vitamin B12-rich foods, including wholegrain cereals, plant-sourced milks, eggs, sardines and nutritional yeast, as well as resveratrol-rich fruits like grapes or blueberries, can help improve coordination and motor function. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science reveals that women over 60 with higher serum vitamin D levels exhibit better stability and strength in their lower extremities. Overall, fostering good balance pays off in the long run. Ross notes, “Ideally, the time to start proactively doing activities that stimulate your balance is way before that first fall in your 50s and 60s.” Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a recording artist. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com. July 2020
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W
by Lauren Young
ho is in charge of your life? Can you impact your life or are you just along for the ride? Dr. Julian Rotter is a psychologist who explored this concept back in 1954 and coined the term “locus of control” to describe it. Picture the locus of control as a continuum. One end is external and the other is internal. With external control, you feel that you do not have an impact on the outcomes in your life. It does not matter what you do, because you can control external events. Internal control, on the opposite pole, represents when you feel you can influence your life. The choices you make ultimately can impact your path and outcomes. Are you in the driver’s seat or are you a passenger in your life?
Controlling Wellness
Locus of control has a particularly interesting interaction with people’s health. Can you impact your current health state? Are you in charge of your wellness? Research has revealed several important outcomes. Internal locus of control—being in control of your health—is strongly related to better outcomes. From cancer to cardiovascular disease, studies have shown being personally empowered about your health has a tremendous impact for the better. This is a different concept than placebo,
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which is often confused with locus of control. Placebo is believing your medicine is working and causing good outcomes while locus of control is the belief that you can make your health better. Both have been shown to impact health in a positive way. Believing you control your path and that your path is a healing one can powerfully improve outcomes. Medicine is a quickly shifting landscape. Access to information and misinformation is more prevalent than ever. This has an interesting impact on locus of control. Dr. Google helps us diagnose ourselves with catastrophic diseases and/or we find social media groups that recommend kitchen medicine or anecdotal remedies. It is easy to become overwhelmed with information, building an extensive list of possible solutions…or none at all. Where do you start? While the internet offers resources, it doesn’t help guide your particular path nor does it strengthen your confidence. And if you already felt empowered about your health, it may not offer the most effective resources.
Doctor as Teacher
The old-world model of the doctor as an authority figure who hands you a piece of paper that solves your issue is still pervasive. Although this attitude is shifting and certainly does not describe many physicians, this may be what you are prepared to experience.
Unfortunately, this old model also feeds an external locus of control, where doctors are in charge of your health. Shifting the paradigm in medicine to your doctor becoming your teacher, coach and partner in health creates the opportunity to build an internal locus of control for patients. It helps them take their health back into their own hands. What steps can you take to build a partnership with your doctor? • The best way to shift any relationship is to start with yourself. Set up yourself and your doctor for success: Engage in your health. Ask questions. Invite discussion. Let your physician know you respect their opinion, but you want to understand how a medication works, what the alternatives and expectations are. • Become your own record keeper. Hold on to tests, imaging and notes from your doctor. This will help you feel more organized and empowered.
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• Education is a key component of building an internal locus of control. Learning and understanding how health conditions arise and how they can be improved will help dispel fear and worry, which rob us of control.
Doctor as Coach Researchers have found that internal locus of control positively impacts health outcomes, in part by being associated with improved health habits. It makes sense, doesn’t it? If you feel like you are the driving force in your health, won’t you make healthier choices? Focusing on empowerment when it comes to healthcare allows us to build our internal locus of control and feel more motivated and engaged. Research shows how important patients’ internal locus of control is and medicine needs to start focusing on engaging and educating patients. This can start for you with your doctor during your next interaction. Dr. Lauren Young is the founder and a physician at Collaborative Natural Health Partners, an integrative primary care center in Manchester with satellites in West Hartford and Stonington. For more information, please visit CTNaturalHealth.com or call 860-533-0179.
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Hormonal Ups and Downs
Take Control and Feel Better Now by Patricia Staino
H
mon, and they mean ormonal ima lot of different balance can things—everything wreak havoc from PMS issues, adon your health affectrenal fatigue, PCOS, ing everything from diabetes, thyroid digestion to weight, issues, and more. brain health, ener Typically, gy, mood, memory, hormonal imbalancsex drive, sleep and es are caused by a fertility. Samantha variety of things—it Gladish, a registered could be environholistic nutritionmental toxins, unist and metabolic healthy eating habits, balance weight loss dealing with a lot of coach, wanted to Samantha Gladish stress. Then there’s help women realize a cascade effect: If we’re suffering from there were simple, foundational steps they poor-quality sleep, for example, it will could take to get back in balance, without drive up cortisol, imbalance our insulin, depriving themselves. In her book, The 30-Day Hormone Solution, she helps wom- then lead to food cravings and poor eating choices, which will further imbalance our en learn more about regaining control of insulin, and that cycle will spiral out of their hormones to optimize health. Natucontrol. ral Awakenings’ managing editor Patricia Staino sat down with Gladish to learn more about how hormones work and the What are some common habits we can change to bring them back misconceptions about hormones in balance. in women?
The book is so informative and helpful. What motivated you to write it?
I thought to myself, if I had 30 days to spend with a woman, what would I teach her about her health? What does she need to know to really move the needle and optimize her health? Hormonal imbalances are very com26
For women who still have a regular menstrual cycle, there’s a misperception that if they’re taking birth control pills, that’s going to end PMS symptoms and “regulate” their cycle. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Ingesting any kind of synthetic hormone will cause a lot of hormonal chaos in our bodies. Synthetic hormones shut down our ovaries from producing our own natural
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estrogen and progesterone. Essentially, it’s like the ovaries are getting lazy, and our own natural rhythms are no longer functioning like they should. Instead of taking synthetic hormones, we need to look at the root causes of PMS symptoms: Why are you experiencing an irregular cycle in the first place? Why do you have cramping, bloating, breast tenderness, or migraines during your cycle? The pill isn’t addressing the cause, it’s just masking it. Another misconception is “adrenal fatigue.” That’s a term that gets thrown around quite frequently. What “adrenal fatigue” really indicates is a miscommunication between the brain and the adrenal gland; you’re not going to fix that by taking a supplement. We need to look at our lifestyle, how we react to and manage stress, how we’re sleeping, how we’re eating, how we’re integrating self-care, and that all plays a big role in our adrenal health. One other thought: Post-menopausal women often ask if they can get anything out of reading my book. Absolutely. The chapter on the menstrual cycle may not relate to them, but the rest of it—adrenal health, sleep, detoxification—is all still relevant and will affect the symptoms they experience post-menopause.
Is hormonal imbalance more of a female issue, or do men have issues with hormones as well?
There are definitely a lot more issues with females, primarily because we have cycles and we give birth. Our hormonal issues are a little more complex than those of men. Women are functioning on a 30-day cycle, and men are going through a 24-hour cycle. That’s not to say that men won’t have issues, though. They can experience problems with sleep, cravings, moodiness and weight gain as well.
You offer a diet plan and 60 recipes in the book to help readers get started, but the first half of the book lays out how hormones work, how they are impacted by lifestyle, and how they can be returned to balance. Besides dietary
changes, what other adjustments can women make to optimize hormonal health?
Number one, sleep. That’s an important area that so many women need to focus on. That’s when our body detoxes and rejuvenates, so I recommend all women start to implement healthier boundaries around their sleep routine. Don’t go to bed after 11—10pm should be the cutoff point—and follow this rule every day of the week so you can set your internal clock; your body and your hormones crave that routine. Don’t use bright lights, phone and iPad screens late at night; you want to signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down, which supports melatonin production.
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At the end of the day, I just want women to know that it doesn’t have to be hard. Being healthy doesn’t have to be about deprivation. It’s important they take the time to educate themselves so they can become the master of their own health. Number two is something I think so many women forget about: hydration. Drink more water! Water is essential to detoxing our bodies, supporting our bowel movements and digestion, and lubricating our joints to protect against inflammation. I recommend women drink at least three liters of water every day; if you’re very active and you’re sweating a lot, you may need to drink a bit more. Another little tip is to add a very small pinch of really good quality sea salt to the water, because it is those electrolytes that help hydrate the cells, not just the water alone. Finally, be conscious of your snacking habits. If you’re a snacker or a grazer, try to focus on eating meals instead. That’s what going to keep you satiated and curb your cravings. The more frequently we eat throughout the day, the more we spike our insulin levels. Insulin is a fat-storing hormone, and it can lead to inflammation in
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the body, so it’s important to manage how many times we spike our insulin during the day. The less frequently we eat, the better.
Doing that and getting in your three liters of water a day will curb your cravings, so you don’t feel the need to snack and graze.
So, you don’t agree with the often-recommended idea of eating five or six small meals throughout the day?
What’s the most important thing for women to remember about hormonal health?
When I was in school, we were taught to tell our clients to eat small meals every two to three hours. Now we realize that if you are an elite athlete training at a high level, and your body efficiently handles insulin, it makes sense to eat many times a day to stay fueled. But the average woman who’s working a desk job and isn’t very active, even if she is going to the gym three or four times a week, doesn’t need to snack and graze. Every time she eats, she’s spiking her insulin, which communicates with the adrenals, so cortisol levels go up as well. Both insulin and cortisol are fat-storing hormones and stressors on the body. Those spikes are going to take a toll on fat storage and weight. And it’s not just about fat loss; if insulin and cortisol levels increase, that’s
communicated to the ovaries and causes issues with your sex hormones—estrogen and progesterone. Continuously spiking insulin can stimulate the ovaries to overproduce testosterone, which can cause PCOS, cystic acne, and facial hair growth. So, I recommend just three meals a day, focusing on getting protein, fat and fiber in each meal, which satiates your appetite and balances your blood sugar.
At the end of the day, I just want women to know that it doesn’t have to be hard. Being healthy doesn’t have to be about deprivation. It’s important they take the time to educate themselves so they can become the master of their own health. Focus on sleep, good quality food, simple movement, and simple protocols. It’s really not that hard and it really can be quite delicious. For more information on Samantha Gladish, as well as access to recipes, her podcast, and special deals on her book, visit HolisticWellness.ca. Patricia Staino is the managing editor of Natural Awakenings’ Hartford and Fairfield County editions. Connect at PatriciaStaino@gmail.com.
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natural pet
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The Monthly Naturally Healthy Pet Section Starts Here!
Earth-Friendly Pets Our Animals Can Go Green, Too by Julie Peterson
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@NaturalAwakenings.com
30
A
lthough cats and dogs don’t require much more than food, a cozy napping spot and human attention, U.S. pet owners spent $95.7 billion last year on their furry companions, according to the 2019 National Pet Owners Survey Statistics produced by the American Pet Products Association. That’s a lot of products, all of which require packaging, shipping, shopping, consumption and waste that the environment must bear. Finding eco-friendly alternatives is key to having a pet that doesn’t inadvertently harm the planet.
Proper Playthings Pet toys can be costly to the wallet and the environment. Dogs can destroy flimsy items in seconds and the growing number of cat toys under the couch is money out the window. When choosing a toy, consid-
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er the pet’s play style. Look for non-toxic natural fiber, recycled, upcycled and locally sourced products. Reject plastic and other toxic materials that degrade and leach harmful substances into the pet. Purchase toys that have minimal packaging and remember that it won’t be any fun to play with if it is constantly stuck under the furniture or falls to pieces during the first roughhouse session. Soft toys can be salvaged. Tie them in knots, sew them together or braid them into tug toys. Make soft or tug toys by upcycling old towels or T-shirts. Stuff some catnip in an old sock and let the playing begin. Cats can have as much fun with a paper bag as with an expensive toy. Consider simplicity.
Homeopathic Remedies Many chemicals and pharmaceuticals
can be replaced with simple, natural products. Essential-oil-based insect repellants are safer for pets and people. Apple cider vinegar contains nutrients, vitamins, minerals and enzymes that can be helpful for the treatment of allergies, urinary tract problems, hot spots, dandruff, ear discharge, eczema and stiff joints in dogs, according to Organic Pet Digest. Dr. Marc Smith, a veterinarian at Natchez Trace Veterinary Services, in Nashville, advises, “Apple cider vinegar is a good source of potassium and has excellent antibacterial and antifungal properties to boost the immune system.” A veterinarian trained in traditional Chinese veterinary medicine can often provide natural treatments and preventatives using herbs, essential oils and other natural substances. Find such a practitioner at tcvm.com.
Green Grooming Taking a bath in chemicals seems wrong for both humans and pets. Eco-friendly alternatives are available. “We use shampoos without chemicals, preservatives or phosphates,” says Kim Molnar, owner of Salon Fido LLC, in Cross Plains, Wisconsin. “It keeps the dog from inhaling or absorbing hazardous chemicals and keeps the same from washing down the drain.”
Natural Nourishment A quality diet is good for the health of pets and the Earth. Many companies use local ingredients, sustainable manufacturing and recyclable packaging. Avoid artificial dyes, preservatives, fillers and chemicals. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 56 million cats and 50 million dogs in the U.S. were overweight or obese in 2018. Judicious feeding will trim a pet’s waistline and reduce the amount of packaging and bodily waste a pet produces. “You can reduce the number of products you need by sharing your food with pets. Saving whole-food leftovers reduces waste and helps move pets away from processed food,” says
Molnar. “There’s so much common sense involved. Feed them food.” Dogs love cooked sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, broccoli and eggs. Cats can have cooked eggs, rice, spinach, pumpkin, salmon and chicken. Be aware of which foods are unsafe for pets. Some examples include onions, chocolate, bones, avocado and grapes.
Pooper Scoopers Poop happens. Clean it up right. Kitty’s litter can be nontoxic and kept fresh with regular scooping. Picking up after the pup keeps green spaces clean and limits excess nutrients going to waterways. “If your dog is harboring any type of intestinal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms or whipworms, then the eggs of those parasites can be present in poo and spread worms to other dogs and people,” says Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, CVJ, in Greeley, Colorado. Dogs and cats may seem to tread lightly on the Earth, but their carbon footprint can be heavy. Help them get green by evaluating what they consume and getting them in step with Mother Nature.
pet brief
Virtual Therapy Animals Kids Club Summer Sessions
A
nimal Assisted Therapy Services will hold its popular For the Love of Therapy Animals Club for kids via Zoom this summer. Each weekly session provides four days of animal-focused fun from 10am to 1pm. Children will work with AaTs therapy animals, learn to train their own pets, do yoga, hear from guest speakers, make lunch, enjoy dress-up days and volunteer. Cost for the week is $200. Sessions for ages 12 to 15 are June 29 to July 2 and July 20 to July 23. Sessions for ages 7 to 11 are July 6 to July 9 and July 27 to July 30. For more information or to register, contact Beth.Patella@AATSCT.org or call 203-804-5396.
Julie Peterson writes about wellness and environmental issues. Reach out at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.
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pet resource guide
VETERINARY SERVICES
ADOPTION/RESCUE ANIMALS IN DISTRESS INC
NFSAW
238 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-762-2006 • Animals-In-Distress.com
223 State Rt 37, New Fairfield 203-746-2925 • NFSAW.org
BRIDGEPORT ANIMAL CONTROL
PET ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY INC (PAWS)
236 Evergreen St, Bridgeport 203-576-7727
504 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-750-9572 • PAWSCT.org
COMMUNITY CATS
PET PROTECTORS
PO Box 4380, Stamford CommunityCatsCT@yahoo.com CommunityCatsCT.org
2490 Black Rock Tpke, #453, Fairfield 203-330-0255 PetProtectorsRescue.org
DANBURY ANIMAL WELFARE
RIDGEFIELD OPERATION FOR ANIMAL RESCUE (ROAR)
SOCIETY (DAWS) 147 Grassy Plain St, Bethel 203-744-3297
45 South St, Ridgefield 203-438-0158 • ROAR-Ridgefield.org
FRIENDS OF FELINES INC
STRAYS AND OTHERS
PO Box 8147, Stamford 203-363-0220 Cats@AdoptAPet.org AdoptAPet.org
PO Box 473, New Canaan 203-966-6556 StraysAndOthers@hotmail.com
LOOKING GLASS ANIMAL RESCUE
WESTPORT ANIMAL SHELTER ADVOCATES (WASA)
Ridgefield • LGARinc.org On Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
1 Tower Ridge, Westport 203-557-0361 • WestportWASA.org
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NUTMEG SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC 25 Charles St, Stratford 203-690-1550 • NutmegClinic.org
The Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic is a low-cost, high-volume facility for cats and dogs, the first such professional clinic in Fairfield County. The clinic offers other low-cost services during the spay/neuter appointment. Nutmeg honors state spay/neuter vouchers at face value from adopted shelter pets and qualified low-income families, and offers further low-cost incentives to nonprofit rescue groups. Pit bulls and mixes are welcome at an even more reduced rate, and the clinic offers spay/neuter and vaccine discounts for feral cats. See ad, page 32.
PET ASSISTANCE, INC
PO Box 2015, New Preston 860-355-PETS GetaPet@gmail.com • PetAssistanceInc.org Pet Assistance helps keep pets in their homes in times of financial and medical crises, providing emergency veterinary subsidies to pet owners in financial need. We only give grants for pets that have a good prognosis, unless the knowledge we gain from the treatment or surgery may help future animals in need.
ongoing events All Calendar events must be received by the 12th of the month prior to publication and adhere to our guidelines. Calendar submissions must be entered online at eNaturalAwakenings.com: click on “submit calendar” at the very top of the page.
sunday Satsang Meditation – 9:30-11am. Satsangs are wonderful spiritual and community gatherings of like-minded people. Satsangs with Shanti Mission Healers are filled with music, mantra, meditation, spiritual instruction/discourse and spiritual blessings to help you reset, recharge and get ready for the week ahead. By donation. Muktinath Holistic Center, 731 Main St, Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@ gmail.com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com. New Beginnings in Community Sunday Service – 10am. Join this group of spiritually minded people embracing and honoring all world religions, belief systems, cultures and traditions. Free. Mystics By The Sea, 394 New Haven Ave, Milford. 203-980-6272. NewBeginningsInCommunity.Weebly.com. Family Meditation Program – 10-11:30am. Second and fourth Sunday. Ages 4-13. While the adults are meditating in the main building, young people can connect with others in their age-group, learn about mindfulness, compassion toward self and others. 203-244-3130. MMKeeler@gmail.com. ReddingMeditation.org. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 10-11:30am. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. A simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life. Discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. Celebration Service – 10:30am-12pm. With Rev. Shawn Moninger. Inspiring message supports your spiritual unfolding with thought provoking, soul -healing topics and uplifting music. By donation. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Office@UnityCenterNorwalk.org. UnityCenterNorwalk.org. Naam Yoga Community Class – 11am-12:15pm. Secomd Sunday. 3/8, 4/19, 5/19, 6/14. Using mantra, asanas, pranayama, laughing and music, Naam Yoga works on all aspects of your being, physical, emotional and spiritual. $10/per person; $20/per family. Bethel Municipal Center, 1 School St, Bethel. Deb Clelland: 203-994-5815.
Sunday Albertson Memorial Church Service – 11am-12:30pm. Join us for inspirational sermons, meditation, energy healing and messages from Spirit. By donation. Albertson Memorial Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-637-4615. Info@AlbertsonChurch.org. AlbertsonChurch.org.
monday Vinyasa Yoga – 9:30-10:30am and 11am-12pm. Vinyasa Yoga is a flowing, dynamic sequence of poses that is one of the most popular styles of yoga in the U.S. This type of practice involves synchronizing the breath with a continuous flow of postures. $20. Soul Synergy Holistic Wellness Center and Spa, 1492 High Ridge Rd, Ste 6, 2nd Fl, Stamford. 203814-1355. SoulSynergyWellness111@gmail.com. SoulSynergy.org.
simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life. Discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. Monthly Information Sessions at The Graduate Institute – 6:30-7:30pm. Join us for an info session every 2nd Tuesday of the month at The Graduate Institute. Please contact us to let us know that you’ll be attending. The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd, Bethany. 203-874-4252. Yin Yoga – 6:15-7:45pm. With Jennifer Duncan, Certified Yoga Instructor. 90-minute class while receiving the healing benefits of the Cave. Yin Yoga is a slower paced practice, meditative in nature, where you sink into poses for 3-5 mins targeting the body’s connective tissue. Please bring a yoga mat. $35. Salt Cave of Darien, 555 Post Rd, Darien. 203-658-7667. SaltCaveOfDarien.com. NAMI Support Group – 6:30-7:45pm. Third Tuesday. A place where families and friends of individuals living with mental health challenges can come together in a safe and compassionate forum. Meetings are confidential. Free. Rowayton United Methodist Church, 5 Pennoyer St, Norwalk. 203-428-6864. ClaudiaDevita1123@gmail.com. NAMISouthwestCT.org.
Heart Speak – 11am. Start your week off relaxed and invigorated. Listen to this 2-minute audio which inspires and uplifts, a part of you that speaks inspiration, wisdom, and happiness. Rotate to another GEM each Monday you will feel refueled and refreshed. Contact@heartspeak.life. Heartspeak.life.
Shamanic Healing Clinic – 6:30-8:30pm. Second Tuesday. This relaxing and peaceful method helps clear emotional and psychological hindrances and has been used for thousands of years in all indigenous cultures. Limited sessions available. $20/suggested donation. Transformation Center CT, 7 Reimer Rd, Westport. 203-820-3800. TransformationCenterCT.com.
Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. A simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life. Discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org.
Reiki Share – 7-8:30pm. First Tuesday of the month. With June and Tracy. Come join our circle of practitioners for sharing and caring and healing. All levels of practitioners are welcome. Please RSVP. $20/drop-in. Kindred Spirits, 197 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield. 203-938-3690.
Reiki Share – 7:30-9:30pm. Fourth Monday. With JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT. Practice Reiki in a small group setting. Share experiences and help each other develop in a safe, fun environment while providing a wonderful, relaxing, rejuvenating experience. $20. Registration required. Turning Point Healing Arts and Education Center, 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield. 203-438-3050. TurningPointReiki.com.
tuesday Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 12:30-2pm. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness.A
NOTE TO OUR READERS:
Due to social distancing guidelines in place at press time, we suggest confirming details for all events before attending.
Intermediate Evidential Mediumship – 7-9pm. This class is designed for those who know how to connect to spirit and wish to deepen the connection and get more specific evidence. Once a month we work with the public to gain experience. $20. 135 Clover Hill Dr. 203-344-9311. Reiki Share – 7-9pm. Second Tuesday. Practice and enhance your Reiki healing and grow your intuition. All will receive healing time and practice time. You must have completed at minimum Reiki Level I in order to fully participate. $15/suggested contribution. Muktinath Holistic Center, 731 Main St, Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@gmail. com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com. Reiki Healing Shares – 7:30-9:30pm. First and third Tuesdays. With Gigi Benanti, Usui Reiki Master/ Teacher. For Reiki practitioners only. Includes short instruction and discussion. Must RSVP. $20. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com. Yin Restorative Yoga with Rob Farella – 7:308:45pm. Yin practice focuses on postures that lengthen the muscles surrounding the hips, pelvis, and lower back. Postures are held with support for 3-5 minutes per side to lengthen and stimulate connective tissue that surrounds the joints. $20. Yogaspace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-9642. Yogaspace-CT.com. Info@Yogaspace-CT.com.
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ongoing events
wednesday Power Yoga/Vinyasa – 9:30-10:30am, 11am-12pm & 5:30-6:30pm. Power yoga is a general term used to describe a vigorous, fitness-based approach to vinyasa-style yoga. $20. Soul Synergy Wellness, 1492 High Ridge Rd, Ste 6, 2nd Fl, Stamford. 203-814-1355. SoulSynergyWellness111@gmail.com. SoulSynergy.org. Tai Chi Classes – 6:30-7:30pm. With June Fagan, Tai Chi Instructor. A slow movement meditation for all levels of fitness. Known to reduce stress, increase focus and balance and improve self and well-being. $25/drop-in; $85/1 class per week; $150/unlimited classes month. Kindred Spirits, 1197 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield. 203-938-3690. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. A simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life. Discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Meditation that often includes chanting, music and requires your active participation. All faiths and cultures are welcomed. By donation. Muktinath Holistic Center, 731 Main St, Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@gmail.com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com. Holistic Moms Network Fairfield County, CT Chapter – 7:30pm. Second Wednesday. Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care, 156 East Ave, Norwalk.Home.Homewebs.com/ HMNFairfieldCtyCT. Women Empowering Women Networking: New Milford Chapter – 7-9pm. Second Wednesday. Global, locally based networking community who’s goal is to support, educate and empower women entrepreneurs to live and love their best lifestyle businesses. $10, includes materials and snacks. Ah Yoga, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 203-233-8061. Bskicks@ sbcglobal.net. WomenEmpoweringWomenNow.com. Turning Point S.H.A.R.E. Divorce Group – 7:30-9:30pm. Third Wednesdays. Offering support, healing, advocacy, resources and education for women in the process of, or recently divorced. $20, $150/10-session card. Registration required. Turning Point Healing Arts and Education Center, 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield. 203-438-3050. TurningPointShare.com.
thursday Kundalini Yoga and Music Meditation – 9:3010:30am. With Leesa Sklover, PhD, C-IAYT, Certified Yoga Therapist, Kundalini Yoga Teacher. Experience the yoga of awareness weekly to heal your mind and your life. All welcome. $15 per class/monthly discount. Short Beach Union Church, 14 Pentacost St, Branford. 917-860-0488. DrSklover@gmail.com. LoveLifeProductions.net. Vinyasa Yoga – 9:30-10:30am and 11am-12pm. Vinyasa Yoga is a flowing, dynamic sequence of poses
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that is one of the most popular styles of yoga in the U.S. This type of practice involves synchronizing the breath with a continuous flow of postures. $20. Soul Synergy Holistic Wellness Center and Spa, 1492 High Ridge Rd, Ste 6, 2nd Fl, Stamford. 203-814-1355. SoulSynergyWellness111@gmail.com. SoulSynergy.org. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 9:30-11am. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. A simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life. Discover the benefits of becoming more present. By donation. Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. Gentle Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation – 6:45-8pm. Relax, release and flow into wellness in beginner/ level 1 yoga classes with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility and strength. Modifications suggested and props used when needed. $5/donation per class. Hindu Cultural Center of CT (HCC), 96 Chapel St, Stratford. 203-5210359. HCC.Yoga.Wendy@gmail.com. HCCYoga.org. Reiki Healing Circle – 7-9pm. First Thursday. All welcome. Share and experience Reiki. Please join us while we enjoy a peaceful, powerful night of healing. Hosted by Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master/Teacher. $20. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com, UnityCenterNorwalk.org.
friday Vinyasa Yoga – 9:30-10:30am and 11am-12pm. Vinyasa Yoga is a flowing, dynamic sequence of poses that is one of the most popular styles of yoga in the U.S. This type of practice involves synchronizing the breath with a continuous flow of postures. $20. Soul Synergy Holistic Wellness Center and Spa, 1492 High Ridge Rd, Ste 6, 2nd Fl, Stamford. 203-814-1355. SoulSynergyWellness111@gmail.com. SoulSynergy.org. Reiki Share – 9:30-11:30am. First Friday. With JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT. Practice Reiki in a small group setting. Share experiences and help each other develop in a safe, fun environment while providing a wonderful, relaxing, rejuvenating experience. $20. Registration required. Turning Point Healing Arts and Education Center 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield. 203-438-3050. TurningPointReiki.com. Post-Natal Yoga – 11am-12pm. Improve your posture while strengthening and lengthening the areas that pregnancy, birth and motherhood impact in a friendly, supportive community. Learn breathing skills to help you through the stressful times of this new lifestyle. Adoptive mothers welcome. Mom’s only. $21/drop-in. Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury. 203-730-0250. WeAreYogaCulture.com. Kundalini Yoga – 6-7:15pm. Kundalini yoga moves energy to create a clear and calm mind, strong and resilient body and open spirit. Learn to strengthen and balance your bodily systems, cultivate objective awareness and experience greater clarity and emotional balance. No experience necessary. All levels welcome. $20. Yogaspace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-7309642. Info@YogaSpace-CT.com. Yogaspace-CT.com.
Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition
eNaturalAwakenings.com
saturday Saturday Dharma and Morning Meditation – 7:308:15am. Join us for studies in dharma and meditation. Every week we will discuss various works. Discussion followed by a 30-minute guided breath-based meditation. Proceeds are donated to our charity of the month. $10. Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury. 203-730-0250. WeAreYogaCulture.com. Gentle Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation – 9:3010:45am. Relax, release and flow into wellness in beginner/level 1 yoga classes with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility and strength. Modifications suggested and props used when needed. $5/donation per class. Hindu Cultural Center of CT (HCC), 96 Chapel St, Stratford. 203-521-0359. HCC.Yoga. Wendy@gmail.com. HCCYoga.org. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 10-11:30am. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. A simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life. Discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. New Men’s Group – 10:30-11:30am. This therapeutic support group is designed for men who are dealing with issues related to a relationship from their past, present or future. Limited seating available. $30 per session insurance accepted. Wolf Spirit Wellness and Counseling Center, LLC, 125 Main St N, Woodbury. 203-263-3175. WolfSpiritWellness@gmail.com. WolfSpiritWellness.org. Spondylitis Support Group – 11am-12:30pm. Last Saturday. Led by Dr. Andrew Cummins, naturopathic physician. Having lived with the chronic inflammatory disease Ankylosing Spondylitis for the last 18 years, Cummins understands what living with chronic pain and limited mobility is all about. Group provides education, empowerment, understanding and support. Free. Shalva Clinic, 8 Lincoln St, 1st Fl, Westport. 203-916-4600. DrCummins@ShalvaClinic.org. ShalvaClinic.org. New Women’s Group – 1pm. For women ages 29 through 35 who have difficulty navigating social situations that are interested in making new friends. This group will be working on understanding the nuances of social behavior and how to set attainable goals and boundaries. Space is limited. $20/ session. Wolf Spirit Wellness and Counseling Center, LLC, 125 Main St North, Ste 2B, Woodbury. 203-509-8602. WolfSpiritWellness@gmail.com. WolfSpiritWellness.org. Open Mic Night – 7-9pm, 3rd Saturday. Bring music printed out in your key and Kenneth Gartman will accompany you at the piano for your moment at the microphone. Comedians, poets, writers and musicians welcomed as well. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Office@UnityCenterNorwalk.org. UnityCenterNorwalk.org.
community resource guide
THE INSTITUTE OF SUSTAINABLE NUTRITION
Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email FFCAdvertising@NaturalAwakenings.com to request our media kit.
Board Certified Acupuncturist Valley Spirit Wellness Cooperative 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot 860-619-2788 ValleySpiritCoop.com
Compassionate professional care for those suffering from pain, internal disorders, menstrual issues and menopause, infertility, depression and anxiety, insomnia, addiction, fatigue, tune-ups and more.
AYURVEDA NEERU KAUSHIK, ND, MS ACU, MS, MA Institute for Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Therapies 805 Kings Highway East, Fairfield 203-331-9111 DrKaushik@AyurvedicInstituteCT.com AyurvedicInstituteCT.com
BIOFEEDBACK ROSEANN CAPANNA-HODGE, EDD, LPC, BCN, LLC 898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield Offices in Ridgefield and Newtown 203-438-4848 Info@DrRoseann.com DrRoseann.com
Advanced Bio-Regulation (BRT) is a unique approach to health and wellness that uses Biofeedback and PEMF-based Electromagnetic Technology to help the body better self-regulate, adapt and heal naturally. It is used for chronic pain, depression, anxiety, hormonal issues, Lyme, etc. See ad, back cover.
Safe, painless early detection 71 East Ave, Ste D, Norwalk 203-856-1421 • AlbaThermalImaging.com Thermography can detect breast disease at its earliest stages and monitor and assess pain in any part of the body. Safe, painless, noninvasive, FDA registered.
SOPHIA NATURAL HEALTH CENTER
Ken Hoffman, DACM, LAc, Medical Director 31 Old Rte 7, Brookfield 203-740-9300 • INM.Center Women’s Health: hormonal balancing, breast cancer prevention. Breast and full body thermography screening. Screening and treatment of chronic inflammation using medical infrared thermography (MIT). Safe, painless and non-invasive, thermography can detect early changes in breast tissue up to eight years before a mammogram. FDA-registered, our high-definition camera is the most advanced in the region.
EDUCATION
ENERGY HEALING BETH LEAS
Transformative Healing • Tarot 203-856-9566 BethLeas.com • TLCTarot.com If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels—greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 20 years of intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot. See ad, page 3.
ESSENTIAL OILS WAYNE LEISS, LMT
20 Fifth Ave, Apt A, Danbury 203-994-1207 Wayne@WayneLeiss.com WayneLeiss.com
THE GRADUATE INSTITUTE 171 Amity Rd, Bethany 203-874-4252 Info@Learn.edu • Learn.edu
The Graduate Institute is a state-accredited graduate school dedicated to promoting an integrative and holistic worldview through the study of health, wellness, education, and personal and professional transformation. Enrolling now for 2020 programs. See ad, page 8.
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ELE
I SS
A combination of Ayurveda and Naturopathy is used to create a unique treatment plan to regain and maintain health. Based on one’s particular body constitution (dosha), a plan may include supplements, diet/ nutrition suggestions, lifestyle management, detoxification, hydrotherapy, 0zone therapy, Panchakarma. See ad, page 5.
ALBA THERMAL IMAGING LLC
A
JAMPA STEWART, MSOM, LAC
BREAST THERMOGRAPHY
We offer a unique certification program blending the science of nutrition with the hands-on components of sustainable gardening practices. We use food and herbs to make kitchen medicine, teach basic culinary skills, and practice foraging for and using nutrient-rich wild food. Now enrolling. See ad, page 9.
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ACUPUNCTURE
113 Simsbury Rd, West Granby 860-764-9070 Joan@TIOSN.com TIOSN.com
Centering our lives through touch. Essential oils address
stress reduction, pain relief and overall well-being. They are used in topical, internal CENTERING OUR LIVES and aeromatic applications. THROUGH TOUCH Improve physically, emotionally and spiritually as I teach you about the benefits and uses of massage with natural and pure dōTERRA Essential Oils. See ad, page 3.
We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. ~Dolly Parton
July 2020
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FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE TAMARA SACHS, MD
Functional Medicine and Integrative Care LLC 15 Bennitt St, New Milford 860-354-3304 TSachsMD.com Using Functional Medicine, Dr. Sachs prevents and treats chronic illnesses by addressing their underlying root causes, remaining respectful of the uniqueness, complexity and intuitions that make us human. Trained at Mt. Sinai Medical School and Yale University Hospital in Internal Medicine, in 2003 she opened Functional Medicine and Integrative Care LLC. She has great success with IBS, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, autoimmune problems, toxicity and more, by creating individualized, realistic and comprehensive personalized wellness plans. She consults in her New Milford, CT office, and also by phone or video using telemedicine.
HEALTHY EATING CHEF ELIANA GRUBEL, CHC Licensed and Insured In-home Cooking Services 203-559-8946 CleanFood4UrType.com
As a Board-Certified Health Coach by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners and member of the U.S. Personal Chef Association, Eliana’s passion is her clients’ success. She has been serving CT for more than 15 years and now offers short-term detoxes, meals to freeze, dinner parties, homegrown microgreens and fermented, locally grown vegetables as well as personalized coaching programs. See ad, page 17.
INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE PHYSICIAN HENRY C. SOBO, MD
Optimal Health Medical LLC 111 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-348-8805 DrSobo.com Advances in Regenerative Medicine allow Dr. Sobo to offer cutting-edge technologies such as PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatments and adult stem cell therapy. Dr. Sobo’s integrative approach addresses a variety of conditions such as: food allergies, Alzheimer’s/ dementia, chronic fatigue syndrome, weight loss, hormonal health, fibromyalgia, anti-aging medicine, and MTHFR-Genetic Mutation. See ad, page 12.
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INTEGRATIVE NATURAL MEDICINE SOPHIA NATURAL HEALTH CENTER Ken Hoffman, DACM, LAc, Medical Director 31 Old Rte 7, Brookfield 203-740-9300 INM.Center
Using naturopathic and Chinese medical principles, we get to the source of your health concerns. Diagnostic methods include functional testing such as advanced bloodwork analysis, cardiovascular testing, hormone evaluation and thermography. Our customized treatment program includes acupuncture, herbal and nutritional medicine, diet and lifestyle counseling and more. Most insurance accepted.
INTUITIVE GUIDANCE MARISA DELZIO, SPIRITUAL MEDIUM
By appointment only Ridgefield MarisaDelzio.com MarisaDelzio@gmail.com Connect with passed loved ones to experience healing, guidance, and love. Individual and group readings are available in-person or by Skype/Google Hangouts. prog\
LIFE COACH/HYPNOTIST THEA LITSIOS, CHY
MEDITATION CENTER FOR MINDFULNESS & INSIGHT MEDITATION 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding 203-244-3130 ReddingMeditation.org
We teach and practice Mahasati meditation. Mahasati meditation cultivates self-awareness through attention to the movement of the body and, at more advanced levels, to the movement of the mind. No prior meditating experience is necessary. Ongoing weekly meditation classes, retreats and events. Please check monthly event calendar or visit ReddingMeditation.org for updated information.
METABOLIC OPTIMIZATION MARVIN P. SCHWEITZER, ND Wellness Institute 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-847-2788 DrMarvinSchweitzer.com
We help you unleash your own body’s ability to heal. Cutting edge evaluations and 25+ years experience help to determine precisely which individualized therapies – including energy medicine, oxygen therapies, homeopathy, botanicals, nutrition, allergy/toxin testing and treatment are used to nourish, cleanse, balance and repair. We collaborate with you in a caring environment. See ad, page 21.
METAPHYSICAL STORE
Life Coach, Hypnotist, Teacher of Active Dreaming Remote sessions available TheaLitsios.com 203-693-1493
THE ANGEL COOPERATIVE
Use the power of your whole mind to transform your life: Hypnosis for weight loss, smoking cessation, stress relief, and past life review. Certified teacher of Active Dream work. Individual dream consultations available, as well as workshops and monthly Dream Groups. See ad, page 3. rams. See ad, page 10.
The Angel Cooperative is a unique lifestyle boutique featuring the first and only Shungite room in the USA. Wide selection of crystals, jewelry, candles, essential oils and soaps. Spiritual gifts, statuary, oracle decks and tarot and home décor. Available in The Shungite Room: readings, Reiki, meditation, sound therapy, energy work and workshops. See ad, page 27.
Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition
51 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte. 7), Ridgefield 203-431-2959 TheAngelCoop.com Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube
I simply can’t build my hopes on a foundation of confusion, misery and death... I think... peace and tranquillity will return again. ~Anne Frank eNaturalAwakenings.com
NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN
NEUROFEEDBACK
NEERU KAUSHIK, ND, MS ACU, MS, MA
ROSEANN CAPANNA-HODGE, EDD, LPC, BCN, LLC
Institute for Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Therapies 805 Kings Highway East, Fairfield 203-331-9111 DrKaushik@AyurvedicInstituteCT.com
898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield Offices in Ridgefield and Newtown 203-438-4848 Info@DrRoseann.com • DrRoseann.com
A combination of Ayurveda and Naturopathy is used to create a unique treatment plan to regain and maintain health. Based on one’s particular body constitution (dosha), a plan may include supplements, diet/nutrition suggestions, lifestyle management, detoxification, hydrotherapy, 0zone therapy, Panchakarma. See ad, page 5.
We work with children, adolescents, teens, adults and families around a variety of issues with non-medication therapies. We provide brainbased treatments like neurofeedback, biofeedback, EFT, hypnosis, meditation, etc. Our staff provides non-judgmental support to help alleviate stress and promote wellness. See ad, back cover.
NATURAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER
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Lisa Singley, ND, MS 2103 Main St, Ste 2, Stratford 203-874-4333 Info@NHAWC.com NHAWC.com We use advanced diagnostic testing with safe, effective, all-natural healing modalities and treatment options to treat acute and chronic conditions; restore balance; and treat the mind, body and spirit. Specialists in endocrine disorders, digestive issues, pain management and chronic fatigue. We offer comprehensive solutions to prevent illness and maintain optimal health for body, mind and spirit. See ad, page 10.
MARVIN P. SCHWEITZER, ND Wellness Institute 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-847-2788 DrMarvinSchweitzer.com
We help you unleash your own body’s ability to heal. Cutting edge evaluations and 25+ years experience help to determine precisely which individualized therapies – including energy medicine, oxygen therapies, homeopathy, botanicals, nutrition, allergy/toxin testing and treatment are used to nourish, cleanse, balance and repair. We collaborate with you in a caring environment. See ad, page 21.
PSYCHOTHERAPY
ROSEANN CAPANNA-HODGE, EDD, LPC, BCN, LLC
898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield Offices in Ridgefield and Newtown 203-438-4848 Info@DrRoseann.com • DrRoseann.com Our highly trained and experienced therapists utilize a variety of brain-based tools and techniques that allow the CNS to calm down so one can address their issues without heightened anxiety. We specialize in pediatrics, parenting and supporting individuals with chronic issues. See ad, back cover.
ROBIN ORDAN, LCSW Family, Child, Individual and Couples Therapy Old Greenwich/Stamford 203-561-8535 RobinOrdanLCSW.com
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 17.
NANCY SCHERLONG, LCSW
Coaching/Psychotherapy/Consulting Offices in Danbury and Ridgefield 914-572-3167 WellnessMetaphors.com Manage stress with relaxation techniques. Rediscover your creativity through writing and the expressive arts. Resolve trauma with EMDR, IFS or SE. Or book an experiential workshop! Nancy has over 20 years of experience with children, families, groups, adults and corporate wellness programs. See ad, page 8.
REIKI GIGI BENANTI, USUI REIKI MASTER Angelic Healing Center 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk 203-852-1150 • AngelHealReiki.com
Gigi is an experienced Reiki Master/Teacher. She offers all levels of Reiki training monthly. All classes and Reiki sessions include the latest techniques including Karuna, Angelic and Jikiden Reiki.
TURNING POINT REIKI LLC
JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield 203-438-3050 TurningPointReiki.com TurningPointShare.com JoAnn uses intuition, experience and a deep spiritual connection in her Reiki, IET and Reconnective Healing sessions. Specializing in care for individuals with cancer, Lyme disease and back pain. All Reiki levels taught.
SHAMANIC PRACTITIONER EMBODY THE SACRED
Deana Paqua, MA, LMT Ridgefield and New Milford Deana.Paqua@gmail.com EmbodyTheSacred.net Offering classes, training programs, healing sessions and mentoring in cross-cultural energy medicine and contemporary shamanism for healers, spiritual seekers and the energy sensitive. Learn self-healing, self-empowerment and trauma transformation through the sacred.
SOUND HEALING HUMMINGBIRD SOUND YOGA
Barbara (Bobbi) Soares New Milford • 860-946-9470 BSoares@LightOfTheNewMoon.com HummingbirdSoundYoga.com Facebook @HummingbirdSoundYoga Barbara (Bobbi) Soares, MA, CYT, is a sound yoga and vocal yoga teacher, blues/jazz singer, and Reiki master, certified in several modalities of energy and sound healing. She offers hummingbird sound yoga and sound healing immersions for groups and private sessions. Using earth, dance and symphonic gongs, bowls, tuning forks and humming-for-health meditations, her goal is to help individuals experience becoming “one with sound” to promote a deep relaxation response that balances energy and encourages healing. See ad, page 14.
July 2020
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TAI CHI/QIGONG JAMPA STEWART, MSOM, LAC
Board Certified Acupuncturist Valley Spirit Wellness Cooperative 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot 860-619-2788 • ValleySpiritCoop.com Develop physical and mental fitness and find a new harmony of the mind, body and spirit using these ancient Chinese movement arts. Starting with basic movements, warm-up techniques and breathing exercises, you will learn a set of flowing natural movements done slowly with calmness, balance and awareness. Weekly classes, weekend workshops and retreats. Classes currently available each week online via zoom.
TRANSFORMATIVE HEALING KATIE AUGUSTYN, MA, CPC
Transformation Coach - Shamanic Healer TransformationCenterCT.com 203-820-3800 TransformationCenterCT@gmail.com Katie will assist you in reaching your true potential and heal what has been holding you back. You will experience real self-acceptance and start to live in alignment with who you truly are so you can create a life you love, a life of meaning and purpose. See ad, page 3.
BETH LEAS
Transformative Healing • Tarot 203-856-9566 BethLeas.com • TLCTarot.com If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels—greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 20 years of intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot. See ad, page 3.
WELLNESS CENTER THE ANGEL WING, A DIVINE SPIRITUAL CENTER
Located next door to The Angel Cooperative 49 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte. 7), Ridgefield 203-431-2959 •TheAngelCoop.com Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube The Angel Wing hosts workshops, yoga classes, retreats, energy work sessions, readings, Reiki and guided meditations. It is available to rent on an hourly, daily, weekly or monthly basis. Optional rental spaces include a large open room and/or an intimate private room with massage/ Reiki table. See ad, page 27.
SALT CAVE OF DARIEN
555 Post Rd, Darien 203-658-7667 Info@SaltCaveofDarien.com SaltCaveofDarien.com Our wellness destination offers a rich lineup of therapies: community salt cave sessions, special events with local healers, lunchtime meditation class, coffee chatter sessions and weekly yoga and stretch classes.
SALT OF THE EARTH THERAPEUTIC SPA
787 Main St S, Woodbury 203-586-1172 NaturalSaltHealing.com Combining an array of natural therapies that have been used since ancient times with today’s technology, Salt of the Earth Spa provides a sanctuary for deep transformation, healing and grounding for mind, body and spirit.
SOUL HEALING JOURNEY, LLC Eilis Philpott Fairfield • 203-767-5954 Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com SoulHealingJourney.com
Eilis is a master healer and teacher and certified in numerous modalities as both a practitioner and teacher. She offers soul-level healing, which clears any blocks, obstacles and challenges that are preventing you from living your life to its fullest potential. See ad, page 13.
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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition
The Earth laughs in flowers. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
eNaturalAwakenings.com
display ad index
203TLC 3 The Angel Cooperative/ Angel Wing
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Chamomille 29 Clean Food 4 Ur Type/ Eliana Grubel Country Tick & Mosquito Final Journey LLC The Graduate Institute
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Hummingbird Sound Healing & Meditation
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Insight Counseling
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Institute for Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Therapies
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The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition
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Kleinsleep 28
KnoWeWell 2 Lectio 360
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LifeWorks Wellness Center
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The Market
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Natural Awakenings’ Singles
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Natural Health & Wellness Center 10 Nature’s Rite
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Nature’s Temptation
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Nature’s Way
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New Morning Market
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Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic
32
Optimal Health Medical/ Henry Sobo, MD
12
Passport to Health & Wellness Holistic Expo
15
Robin Ordan, LCSW
17
Ann Reeves
13
Roseann Capanna-Hodge & Associates
40
The Sacred Spirit/Ohempo
25
Nancy Scherlong, LCSW, PTR, M/S
8
Victoria Shaw, PhD
27
Soul Healing Journey
13
Sustainne 7 Touch of Sedona
5
Transforming Racism
11
Wellness Institute/ Marvin Schweitzer, ND
21
Whole Foods
29
Wolf Spirit Wellness
13
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July 2020
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YOU CAN REDUCE & REVERSE
MENTAL HEALTH SYMPTOMS - Neurofeedback & Biofeedback - QEEG Brain Mapping - Advanced Bio-Regulation Therapy (BRT) - Short-term, Intensive Therapy - It’s Gonna Be OK™ Course - EFT/Tapping
- Counseling - Play Therapy - Executive Functioning Coaching / Therapy - Parent Education and Therapy - Behavioral Support - 360° Reboot® Program
Dr. Roseann Associates
Neurofeedback, Evaluation & Therapy
OUR CENTER HAS HELPED THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE If you feel like you have tried everything and don't know what to do, call us today to schedule your QEEG Brain Map to "check under the hood" and get the clear path to help you or your child be focused, calm, and happy.
WE TREAT THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: - ADHD / ADD / Executive Functioning - Anxiety, Social Anxiety & OCD - Autism - Behavioral & Social Issues - Chronic Pain / Fibromyalgia - Concussion / TBI
- Depression / Mood Issues - Learning Disability / Dyslexia - Lyme, PANDAS / PANS & Other Chronic Health Conditions - PTSD / Trauma - Seizures - Failure to Launch Young Adults
RIDGEFIELD OFFICE
203.438.4848 info@drroseann.com 40
www.drroseann.com
Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition
eNaturalAwakenings.com
898 Ethan Allen Highway, Suite 6 Ridgefield, CT 06877 Satellite Offi ce in Newtown, CT
