Natural Awakenings Fairfield County January 2015 by Natural Awakenings Magazine

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January 2015

The Natural Choice – The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center

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

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

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

WholeBodyDentistry.com 203-371-0300

5520 Park Ave., Trumbull / Fairfield town line at Exit 47 off Merritt Pkwy

Doesn’t it make sense to see the authority?

The Natural Choice – The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center Caring Naturopathic Physicians Offering the Best in Holistic Healing

Our integrative approach treats a widerange of conditions including: ADD/ADHD Allergies Anxiety & Depression Autism Brain Injuries Candidiasis Chronic Fatigue (or Fatigue Concerns) Difficulty Concentrating Female Concerns Fibromaylgia

Gastrointestinal Concerns Healthy Aging Hormonal Issues Immune Disorders Lyme Disease RSD Sports Injuries Stress-related Symptoms Thyroid & Adrenal Issues Toxicities Weight Gain

Learn more about our approach. Watch our new therapy videos – all on our website!

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

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Dr. Adam Breiner, ND, Director Dr. Elena Sokolova, MD, ND & Dr. David M. Brady, ND, CCN, DACBN

WholeBodyMed.com 203-371-8258

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) EEG Neurofeedback Acupuncture Chinese Medicine Homeopathy Energy Medicine Electrodermal Screening Metabolic Typing

Functional Medicine Colon Hydrotherapy Natural Hormone Therapy Herbal Medicine Nutritional Assessment Allergy Desensitization FDA-cleared Phototherapy Detoxification Abdominal Manual Therapy

FREE CDs on our Whole-Body approach to Lyme Disease. Call now for details.

Office located on the Fairfield/Trumbull line

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

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Accredited On-Site Programs Accredited On-Site Programs with Weekend Sessions with Weekend Sessions Master of Arts Degrees in: Master of Arts Degrees in:

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eNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2015

letterfrompublisher

appy New Year! Welcome to 2015. I hope your holidays were filled with love, friendship, laughter and grace. While I enjoyed my holidays, they also sped past me, leaving me feeling at times like I was running to catch up with both the calendar and my to-do list. As this year begins, the intention I’m setting for myself is more self-love and positive attention to my own needs, whether my need is physical, emotional or spiritual. The articles in this edition are devoted to supporting just that kind of effort. If any of the goals you’ve set for yourself for 2015 involve regaining your sense of wellNicole Miale being through new choices and lifestyle adjustments, keep this issue close at hand. It contains grounding and empowering articles by national and local leaders about metabolic health, nutrition and fitness. We also feature profiles of local wellness centers, juice bars and practitioners, all of whom strive to help you feel better.

contact us Publisher/Executive Editor Nicole Miale Editor Ariana Rawls Fine Design & Production Kathleen Fellows Erica Mills

To provide an extra special bit of inspiration to kick off the new year, we have a terrific interview with the incomparable Louise Hay. Her book, You Can Heal Your Life, is one of the cornerstones of my personal belief system about health and wellbeing. She is a wise and visionary soul and it is thrilling to include her in this kickoff issue for 2015!

Contributing Writers Natasha Michaels Mary Oquendo Elizabeth Reed Kristen Hallett Rzasa Sales & Marketing Leslie McLean Nicole Miale Francesca Moscatelli Virginia Trinque

Next month is our Natural Living Directory; be in touch soon if you want to be included in the biggest issue of the year. Distributed year-round, the directory issue puts the spotlight on the practitioners and businesses who make this county such a vital and expansive place to be. Don’t miss your chance to be in it! The deadline for the directory issue is January 12th.

Distribution Man in Motion LLC Natural Awakenings Fairfield County 54 Danbury Rd, Ste 323 Ridgefield, CT 06877 Phone: 203-885-4674 Fax: 203-516-2392 NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com eNaturalAwakenings.com NAWebstore.com NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com © 2015 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

I close with an affirmation from You Can Heal Your Life… may this be so for each of you, as you step forward into 2015, the new best year you have ever created for yourself… “In the infinity of life where I am, all is perfect, whole, and complete. I see any resistance patterns within me only as something else to release. They have no power over me. I am the power in my world. I flow with the changes taking place in my life as best I can. I approve of myself and the way I am changing. I am doing the best I can. Each day gets easier. I rejoice that I am in the rhythm and flow of my ever-changing life. Today is a wonderful day. I choose to make it so. All is well in my world.” With love and light,

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $30 (for 12 issues) to the above address. Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

Fairfield County Edition

See our advertiser index on page 75. Making it easier to find the resources you need. natural awakenings

contents balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge 14 6 newsbriefs information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal 14 healthbriefs growth, green living, creative expression and the products 18 globalbriefs and services that support a healthy lifestyle. 36 health&wellnessprofiles 42 naturallyhealthypet 21 LOUISE HAY ON LOVING YOURSELF 43 naturalpet TO AGELESS HEALTH 21 47 petresourceguide 18 48 fitbody 22 VITAL SIGNS OF 53 therapyspotlight WELL-BEING 54 inspiredtable 57 juicebarprofiles 28 IT’S ALL ABOUT 58 consciouseating METABOLISM 43 61 calendar Getting to the Root Cause of Disease 67 classifieds 68 resourceguide 74 cosmicrhythms 34 STAMFORD INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE & 74 displayadindex MICHAEL E. DOYLE Returning to Medical Fundamentals 28 advertising & submissions Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more

by S. Alison Chabonais

by Dina Markind

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by Natasha Michaels

HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 203-885-4674 or email FFCAdvertising@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline for News Briefs: the 12th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline for magazine calendar listings: the 12th of the month. Website calendar listings may be entered at any time. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

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40 ACUPUNCTURE DURING THE THREE STAGES OF WOMEN’S HEALTH

by Jody Eisemann

46 A HORSE IN WINTER Uniquely Suited to Outdoor Fun

by Jennifer McDermott 48 FIND YOUR FITNESS STYLE

Workouts that Suit Your Personality by Wendy Worrall Redal

55 INTEGRATE NUTRITION AND FITNESS GOALS FOR BEST RESULTS

Apply the 80/20 Rule!

by Elizabeth Reed

eNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2015

newsbriefs

NuWeigh Offers Ridgefield Wellness Challenge

xpected to open this month, Halo is a New Canaanbased collaborative community of select personal trainers, wellness experts and healing Halo anchor tenants at the screening of therapists dedicatThe Connection Mind your Body ed to empowering people to lead healthier and more balanced lives. The center will offer individual and group classes, educational programming, nutrition counseling, stress reduction, diagnostic technologies, healing therapies and spiritual support. Halo will feature a juice bar, fitness center, tennis club and store in addition to eleven studios and suites with acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, yoga, dance, BioCored, meditation, personal training, health screenings and aromatherapy – all without membership requirements. Starting in February, Nancy Lochtefeld, owner of Nearwater Pilates, will offer individual, duet and group Pilates and personal training classes. Sung Pak, principal of Bodymechanics, enhances mobility and performance through a combination of massage therapy, strength and conditioning and Biocored in his custom studio at Halo. New Canaan’s Pryority, founded by Julie Pryor in 2008, will also be relocating to Halo. In a customized studio and outdoor meditation garden, Pryority will offer personal training, lifestyle coaching, rehabilitation services, Pilates, Gyrotonic, massage, energy therapies and aromatherapy. Additional practitioners will be joining the community. Select studios, suites and kiosks are available to rent by the hour, day or week.

uWeigh Nutrition & Weight Loss is hosting the Ridgefield Wellness Challenge in January, encouraging individuals to effect positive change for themselves and also have a positive impact on their community. NuWeigh will be hosting educational seminars during the first week of January to introduce those interested to the program. Registration will close on January 3 and the challenge will begin on January 10. Teams of three adults will challenge each other to a 12week weight loss challenge. Teams can be made up of family members, co-workers or a group of friends. The entrance fee is $100 per team member. Proceeds from the team entrance fees will be a 50/50 fundraiser. The team member with the highest percent weight loss in the 12 weeks will take home half of the team’s entrance fee while the remaining half will be donated to the Norwalk River Valley Trail (Nrvt-Trail.com) to be used for the construction of the Ridgefield section of the fitness trail. NuWeigh Nutrition & Weight Loss is a medically designed weight loss protocol that helps dieters to maintain lean body mass and focus weight loss on the fat in their body. The usual $300 administrative fee for the weight loss program will be waived for all Ridgefield Wellness Challenge participants. There will be an initial weigh-in on January 10 to begin the program. Participants will have weekly team coaching sessions and weigh-ins at the NuWeigh office in Ridgefield, as well as access to individual web portals that offer video education focused on diet and lifestyle changes. To support participants, The Gym in Ridgefield is offering complimentary 30-day memberships to all Challenge team members. The complimentary memberships will run from late January through February.

For more information, visit HaloStudios.com, on Facebook at Halo Elevating Health and Wellness or on Instagram at HaloStudiosNewCanaan.

For more information, email Info@NuWeighWellness.com or call 203-403-4187. NuWeigh is located at 90 Grove St, Ste 3, Ridgefield. See ad, page 11.

HALO Wellness Community to Open in New Canaan

When is church not a church?

www.unitycenterps.org 6

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Welcome to Unity, where all faiths are welcome We are a New Thought movement for people who are seeking a posi7ve alterna7ve to tradi7onal religion. We believe that God is good and so are we. We prac7ce prac7cal spirituality to make everyday living be>er. We laugh, we sing, we pray, we have fun, and we like to make new friends. Won’t you become one of them? Sunday “Celebration Service” at 10:30am 3 Main Street, Norwalk For a l ist o f o ur events please see the calendar in the back of this issue.

The Clean Bedroom Launches Eighth Location

he Clean Bedroom recently opened its eighth organic mattress showroom in Brooklyn Heights. The new showroom is located at 145 Montague Street in Brooklyn, New York. “We chose Brooklyn as the location for our newest sleep showroom because it’s a progressive, eco-minded community,” says Chris Chamberlin, co-founder and co-owner of The Clean Bedroom. “Many of our Manhattan showroom customers are from Brooklyn, so we’re excited to now serve them with a location closer to where they live. With the help of our customers, we found a beautiful, easily accessible spot for our Brooklyn showroom on historic Montague Street.” Founded in 2004, The Clean Bedroom is an independent retailer of organic mattresses and bedding products. The brands they carry include Savvy Rest, Naturepedic, Coyuchi, Pacificr Rim and Green Slerep, among others. For more information, visit TheCleanBedroom.com/ Brooklyn-Showroom.htm or call 718-237-1092. The Clean Bedroom showroom in Fairfield County is located at 79 West Putnam Ave, Greenwich. See ad on back cover.

Natural Health & WELLNESS CENTER

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

LISA SINGLEY, N.D. Naturopathic Physician 203.874.4333

We accept most health insurance plans including Husky Health Connecticut

Schedule a consultation and receive 20% oﬀ all recommended supplements

NATURAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER 203.874.4333 2013 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06615 • www.nhawc.com

SOPHIA Offers ‘Cleanse For Life’ Lecture

enneth Hoffman, the medical director for SOPHIA Natural Health Center, will present a Cleanse For Life lecture on January 14 at 7pm at New Morning Market in Woodbury. With more than 70,000 chemicals in use today and prevalent poor quality diets, sedentary lifestyles and excessive stress and sugar intake, our bodies’ natural detoxification systems can break down. All this can lead to a variety of health issues such as insomnia, fatigue, obesity, nutritional deficiency, immune dysfunction, thyroid dysfunction, menstrual irregularities and PMS, cancer risks and more. Using integrative Chinese medicine, SOPHIA Natural Health Center specializes in women’s health issues (anti-aging, hormone balancing, breast cancer prevention), environmental allergies, food intolerances, chemical/environmental toxicity, and chronic inflammation and pain in the body. To reserve a seat, contact New Morning Market directly at 203-263-4868, Info1@NewMorn.com or visit NewMorn. com. New Morning Market is located at 129 Main St N, Woodbury. For more information on Sophia Natural Health, located in Brookfield, email Info@SophiaNaturalHealth.com or call 203-740-9300. See Community Resource Guide listing, page 68.

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eNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2015

newsbriefs

New Mindfulness Program Offered in Newtown

qua-Scapes LLC, a company founded by Vincenzo Torcasio, and BioTop, started by Peter Petrich, are partnering in the U.S. to create BioTop by Aqua-Scapes LLC. Aqua-Scapes LLC brings its expertise in pool building in the U.S while BioTop offers expertise, science, parts, philosophy and techniques in building biological pools. The result can be a traditional looking pool of any shape size or material that is naturally filtered by plants, bacterias and trade secrets. Unlike a traditional pool where the water is sterilized by chlorines and salts, the BioTop pool is so alive it supports the life of plants and bacteria. BioTop pools create a natural ecosystem that will attract frogs, birds, snails and dragon flies. No chemicals are used. The planted filter can be part of the swimming pool or separate to look like a traditional water garden. BioTop is a 30-year old European company that entered the U.S., in 2014. It offers an alternative to the traditional chemically treated swimming pool with a healthier, greener solution free of chlorines, acids and salts. Aqua-Scapes LLC has more than 30 years experience building traditional gunite swimming pools. Located in Bethel, Aqua-Scapes services Fairfield and Litchfield Counties as well as Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties in New York.

uilding on the success of their long-running program in Ridgefield, Mindful Spirit is bringing its Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program to Newtown’s SOUND Center in 2015. In the spring, Andy Lee and Alisha Aum, cofounders of Mindful Spirit, plan to expand further by offering daytime courses in addition to their current evening offerings in both locations. Free introductions to mindfulness and MBSR orientation sessions will be offered in Ridgefield on January 26 and in Newtown on January 29 at 6:30pm with MBSR programs starting the second week of February. Lee and Aum, both long-term practitioners of mindfulness meditation, trained in teaching MBSR at the UMass Medical School Center for Mindfulness. They have been offering MBSR programs in Ridgefield over the past 4 years. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is an 8-week program that combines the art and science of meditation to help reduce stress, promote physical health and cultivate emotional well-being. The program was developed by author Jon KabatZinn over 30 years ago. “We are thrilled to be partnering with the SOUND Center this winter to offer our MBSR Program in Newtown,” says Aum of Mindful Spirit. “The new year is the perfect time to recommit to your own wellness by bringing the benefits of mindfulness and meditation into your life.” A $50 early bird discount for the MBSR program will be offered until the date of the introductory sessions.

For more information, visit AquaScapesPool.com, call 203743-7665 or email AquaScapeBy@sbcglobal.net. See ad, page 16.

For more information, visit Mindful-Spirit.com or call 917972-7291. SOUND Center for Music, Arts and Mindfulness is located at 31 Hawleyville Rd, Newtown. See ad, page 13.

Aqua-Scapes Offers Natural Ecosystem Pools

Start the New Year Off Right! Sat / Sun - Jan 3 & 4 - FREE YOGA CLASSES - $2.00 SMOOTHIES 430 Main Ave - 2nd Floor Norwalk (Wilton Line) (Level Parking Around Back)

203.857.1500

www.Kure-Spa.com 8

Fairfield County Edition

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Leaders Rally Online Together for Green Movement

hrough networking, conferences, education and a new website to showcase local sustainability projects in various Connecticut Live Green CT! and FAME Advisors towns, Daphwith Daphne Dixon and Bridgeport ne Dixon Mayor Bill Finch is creating a virtual space for community members, local government leaders and businesses to come together and share green case studies and resources that provide economic payment and environmental protection. Dixon is the president and co-founder of Fairfield-based Live Green Connecticut! The LiveGreenCt.org website will go live during a press conference January 7 at 2pm at the Fairfield University Accelerator and Mentoring Enterprise (FAME) on the upper deck at 1499 Post Road in Fairfield. The dates and locations of three 2015 Live Green Connecticut! municipal conferences will also be announced at the press conference. The conferences will provide opportunities for green businesses and local governments to collaborate on sustainability ideas and present their projects to the public. Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi, Wilton First Selectman Bill Brennan and John Kydes, chairman of Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling’s energy and environment task force, as well as other dignitaries, are scheduled to attend. “We’ll be showcasing multimillion-dollar projects in seven towns and cities starting with Fairfield County,” Dixon said. “Then we’ll broaden the scope to include web pages for other municipalities in Connecticut. The point is to have community members discover and learn about projects in their own towns and then share these projects with other municipalities, so that all communities can start saving money and making their town’s greener.” For more information, visit LiveGreenCt.com. Press conference location: Fairfield University Accelerator and Mentoring Enterprise, 1499 Post Rd, Upper Deck (entrance on Sherman St), Fairfield.

Just as your car runs more smoothly and requires less energy to go faster and farther when the wheels are in perfect alignment, you perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals and values are in balance. ~Brian Tracy

ɲɧɴɩɾ ˪ɪ ɦɨɷɪɩ Deana Paqua, MA, LMT

shamanic healer, reiki master, spiritual teacher & holistic health educator

Transform trauma, pain and loss... Restore health, wisdom and power.

ridgefield & new milford ct

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deana.paqua@gmail.com Ph. 203.994.5045

PearTree Salon

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pedicure & manicures No need for chemicals

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

Selected as Best of 2014 by Serendipity Magazine

145 Grassy Plain St. Bethel, CT

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

January 2015

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Massage Therapy

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Wellness From Within 10

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

newsbriefs Danbury Meditation Group Forming

estern Connecticut State University’s (WCSU) Institute for Holistic Health Studies (IHHS) is hosting a spring semester meditation series starting on January 14 from 7 to 8:30pm. The Danbury Area Vajrayana Buddhist Meditation group will meet on Wednesdays on WCSU’s Midtown Campus in Warner Hall in room 103. Open to the university and greater Danbury communities, the cost per session is $15 for the general public and by donation for students. Urgyan Zangpo Meditation fundamentally means “to remedy and heal”; it is a vital component of any holistic health methodology designed to support an individual’s multifaceted capacity to transition across growth levels—including spiritually, mentally, physically and socially. This series will comprehensively explore how meditation is an active and creative reaching toward wholeness. Each session will include instruction, discussion and meditation facilitated by Urgyan Zangpo, a Western Buddhist lama in the Vajrayana tradition. For more information, visit Danbury Area Vajrayana Buddhist Meditation on Meetup.com or email Facilitator Urgyan Zangpo at UrgyanZangpo@gmail.com or IHHS Director Robyn Housemann at HousemannR@wcsu.edu. WCSU’s Midtown Campus is located at 181 White St, Danbury.

Awaken Wellness Fair Returns to Tri-State Area

he Awaken Wellness Fair returns to New York City on January 25 from 10am to 5pm at Hotel Pennsylvania. This long-running body-mindspirit-green expo has been educating the tri-state area about all things holistic since 2002. Featuring over 100 exhibitors, healers, speakers and intuitives, the Awaken Wellness Fair offers the latest info on being healthy in both traditional and non-traditional ways. The fair includes speakers all day, with CDs of presentations available. Holistic practitioners and intuitive readers will have their own spaces. The first 500 guests will receive a goody bag with treats and special deals. Entrance is $10 online through January 24 at AwakenFair.com or $15 at the door. After purchasing online tickets, guests can pre-book appointments with healers and readers at a discount. Vendors interested in being a part of Awaken Wellness Fair can find information on the website. For more information, visit AwakenFair.com, email AwakenUSA@ aol.com or call 914-422-1784. Hotel Pennsylvania is located at 401 Seventh Ave (between 32nd and 33rd), New York, NY.

The Graduate Institute Names Michael Pergola as President

ichael Pergola has been named as the new president of The Graduate Institute (TGI) and will succeed A. Harris “Bud” Stone, EdD, who will remain as chancellor. Stone, a life-long innovator of educational programs, founded TGI in 1999 and felt the time was right for the next generation of leaders to Michael provide new energy to take The Graduate Pergola Institute to its next level of development. “The Graduate Institute will continue in its commitment to provide adult learners with not just rigorous academics, but opportunities to change both themselves and the world,” said Pergola. “The institute was founded with the belief that education can inspire people to find creative solutions to pressing challenges. Our team is excited to help continue that mission, as well as make the school’s commitment to education, community, and creative inquiry even stronger.” The Graduate Institute’s mission is to provide adults the opportunity to earn master’s degrees and graduate certificates in contemporary and emerging fields of study such as integrative health and healing, learning and thinking, consciousness studies, organizational leadership, writing and oral tradition, eco-therapy and cultural sustainability, and several coach training programs. For more information, visit Learn.edu or call 203-874-4252. The Graduate Institute is located at 171 Amity Rd, Bethany. See ad, page 3.

Clinics

Your Partners in Health and Wellness.

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

For more information, please visit www.ubclinics.org

Health Sciences Center, 60 Lafayette Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604

Soul Focus’ Pinnacles of Poetry Workshop

ethel’s Soul Focus will host a 4-class poetry workshop in January, designed to empower participants to open their minds and learn to express themselves in a whole new way. Led by Jayson, the class will explore a variety of tools and poetic structures. Classes will occur on January 11, 18 and 25 and February 1, from 1 to 3:30pm. The cost for the program is $95, which includes all classes, materials and handouts. Founded by Mela Rispoli, Soul Focus offers clients a variety of approaches to connect with their inner selves and rediscover who they are. These techniques include meditation, guided imagery, intuitive readings, reiki, drumming circles and more.

Soul Focus

For more information or to pre-register, call 203-570-3868. Soul Focus is located at 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel. See ad, page 9.

We are offering groups of 3 adults the opportunity to challenge each other to lose weight and adopt healthy lifestyle changes. • 12 week Weight Loss Challenge starting January 10th. • Each team of 3 will pay one registration fee of $300. • Fundraiser to beneﬁt NRVT Trail • The Gym in Ridgeﬁeld is offering complimentary 30 Day memberships to all of the participants. Participants will be required to purchase the necessary meal replacements and supplements required to follow the Ideal Protein Protocol.

FREE Weekly Workshops Mondays 7pm

(Must Call To Register) The Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method is a medically designed protocol of 2 key components - weight loss and a healthier lifestyle education.

Not interested in a challenge? Mention this ad and get 50% OFF the Program Administration Fee

($150 Savings. Good through January ‘15)

203-403-4187 | 90 Grove Street, Suite 03 | Ridgeﬁ eld, CT www.NuWeighWellness.com | info@NuWeighWellness.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2015

newsbriefs Dr. Kulveen Virdee Joins Shalva Clinic

r. K. Virdee, a naturopathic physician, has joined the wellness team at Shalva Clinic, LLC. She completed a general medicine residency at Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center, from which she brings specialized training in the treatment of anxiety disorders, attention and hyperactivity disorders and erectile dysfunction. She enjoys working with men and children and describes her mission as one Kulveen Virdee that, “makes women’s lives better by helping husbands and children.” She strongly believes parents play an important role in modeling healthy living to their children and provides fathers the tools necessary to become more active participants in their own wellness. In addition to her naturopathic physician training, Virdee has received training in intuitive craniosacral therapy, a gentle touch therapy that can be helpful in cases of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorders. She also has training in Mayan Uterine Massage, an external abdominal and pelvic massage that she uses for lower abdominal complaints as well as uterine fibroids. For more information or to book an appointment with Dr. Virdee, visit ShalvaClinic.org or call 203-916-4600. Shalva Clinic is located at 260 Riverside Ave, Westport. See ad, page 39.

Greenwich Dentist Offers New Protocol for Headache Sufferers

hronic headache pain is one of the U.S.’ most prevalent health problems and, according to the American Academy of Pain Medicine, 157 million days of work and school were lost in 2013 due to debilitating chronic headache pain. Many people may never have considered discussing their symptoms with a dentist and Greenwich-based neuromuscular dentist Tom Anzalone and The Connecticut Headache and Migraine Relief Center (CHMRC) hope to change that and offer new relief to Fairfield County residents. CHMRC is one of only 300 neuromuscular dentistry practices in the country that has been trained in a patented protocol developed by a dentist and a neurophysiologist who invented the cold laser. The non-invasive and non-narcotic approach presents several benefits that people suffering with chronic headache and migraine pain might not find with traditional solutions. It corrects the nerve and imbalanced muscle function without invasive procedures, pills or injections. The CHMRC program also provides patients with an at-home care kit that helps give them more control over their situation. “It really is incredible to watch a person transform from someone plagued with chronic, disabling pain into a happier, healthier individual. That is essentially what all healthcare professionals strive for, and this breakthrough approach to therapeutic treatment helps us achieve that for our patients,” says CHMRC’s Tom Anzalone, DDS. For more information, visit CTHeadacheRelief.com or call 203-531-5688. The Connecticut Headache and Migraine Relief Center is located at 235 Glenville Rd, Suite 2B, Greenwich. See Community Resource Guide listing, page 69.

Ask yourself: • Am I ready to open up and accept who I really am? • Am I willing to activate my soul purpose and act on it? • Am I able to take the steps needed to change my story and move forward? Call me to start your journey with an inner/outer "you" LifesPath™ alignment assessment. You will see where your gaps are and what chasms you may have created that keep you from having the joyﬁlled and abundant life you know you were meant to live. If you answered yes to these questions you are ready to take action and go from surviving to thriving in your life.

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Spinning Chakras Devyn Barat Devyn Barat is an artist, a poet and a teacher of metaphysics. He creates his art by painting in reverse and collaging on glass (aka Piralage), a technique taught to him by the late Jace Collins (Coquina Arts). His works are inspired by sacred geometry, esoteric spirituality and the human struggle to reach enlightenment. His paintings can be seen at The New York Renaissance Festival (Coquina Arts booth), his website (MagickalArts.com) and have also appeared in other publications such as Esoteric Source (UK). As a poet, Devyn has published a book of his verse entitled, Dance of a Thousand Muses (Crystal Dreams Publishing/Multi-Media Publications), available through most online book retailers. As a teacher, Devyn teaches classes on Wicca, magick, esoteric and world spirituality for Bergen Wiccan & Pagan Group in New Jersey. View the artist’s work at MagickalArts.com or email DevynBarat@MagickalArts.com.

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January 2015

healthbriefs

Eucalyptus Oil Inhibits Spread of TB

any of the natural compounds in the essential oil of Eucalyptus citriodora may prevent the airborne spread of the tuberculosis (TB) bacterium (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), according to a study from the Institute for Tuberculosis Research at the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy. Several of the compounds in the eucalyptus oil inhibited the airborne spread of the infection by 90 percent, while the major component of the oil was only weakly active, at 18 percent. The scientists used an array of analytical laboratory tests to measure the airborne spread of TB from contagious patients. They also identified 32 active airborne compounds within the essential oil of eucalyptus and studied the impact of the interaction of multiple components in artificial mixtures. The researchers undertook the study because “the rapid emergence of extensively and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis has created a pressing public health problem… and represents a new constraint in the already challenging disease management of TB.”

Fairfield County Edition

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PHOTOTHERAPY REDUCES KNEE PAIN Research from Brazil’s Universidade Nove de Julho has confirmed that pulsed lasers and LED therapy applied during treatment can significantly reduce knee pain. The 86 patients that participated in the study were divided into two groups; one received 12 treatments using super-pulsed red laser and infrared LED phototherapy and the control (placebo) group received 12 treatments using nontherapeutic phototherapy instruments. The patients given therapeutic phototherapy reported feeling significantly less pain, beginning with and continuing after the tenth treatment through a one-month follow-up visit and showed improved quality of life, compared with the study’s placebo group.

Sleeping in the Dark is Best for Breast Cancer

elatonin is a hormone that the body creates at night, when it is dark. Among its many properties, it appears to play a role in cancer prevention by helping to combat inflammation, trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death) and interfere with angiogenesis (the growth of blood vessels to feed tumors). Of importance to the majority of breast cancer patients, it also tends to reduce estrogen production. A recent study on mice, conducted by Tulane University School of Medicine in conjunction with the Tulane Center for Circadian Biology, showed that even a dim light (such as a faint light from under a bedroom door) can lower melatonin levels and interfere with cancer therapy. All the mice were implanted with human breast cancer cells and treated with Tamoxifen. Those who slept with dim light had a tumor growth 2.6 times faster than those who slept in pitch black darkness. Those who had low levels of melatonin were completely resistant to the Tamoxifen. One conclusion of the study was that Tamoxifen requires melatonin to be effective. Although it’s unknown yet how the results of this study may translate to humans, more studies are being conducted to find out. In the meantime, it is wise to keep bedrooms as dark as possible when you sleep. Remove all cell phones, mobile phones and wireless computers. Use alarm clocks without LED displays and cover the LED readouts of television cable boxes and DVRs. Don’t watch television or sit at the computer after 9pm, when the brain normally begins to secrete melatonin. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep. For more information on this or other health and nutrition topics, visit InsideOut-Online.com. Submitted by India Penney of Inside Out Health & Nutrition, Westport.

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healthbriefs

Legumes, Nuts and Corn Cut Risk of Breast Cancer

Harvard Medical School study concluded that eating more peanut butter, corn, nuts and beans, including lentils and soybeans, during adolescence significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer later on. The researchers followed 9,039 young women that were between 9 and 15 years old when the study started in 1996, having the subjects complete diet questionnaires every year through 2001, and also in 2003, 2004, 2007 and 2010. When the women were ages 18 to 30, the number of benign breast diseases that had developed was recorded. The statistics associated a daily serving of nuts and legumes at age 14 with a 66 percent reduction in the risk of developing breast cancer. Just a single serving of peanut butter once every three days at the age of 11 was associated with a 44 percent reduction of breast cancer risk. Intake of at least one serving of corn every three days was correlated with a 39 percent reduction in the disease. Earlier studies by Harvard researchers found that eating pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, soybeans, tofu and other vegetable fats also reduces breast cancer risk.

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study from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that people with low levels of magnesium in their blood have a significantly greater risk of chronic kidney disease. The researchers correlated the blood levels of magnesium in 13,226 people ages 45 to 65 with the incidence of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease among them. Subjects that had blood serum magnesium levels below what is generally considered the normal range (0.7–1 millimole per liter) were associated with a 58 percent increased risk of chronic kidney disease and a 139 percent increased risk of end-stage renal disease. Abnormally low levels of magnesium may result from a number of conditions, including inadequate intake of serum magnesium due to chronic diarrhea, malabsorption, alcoholism, chronic stress and the use of medications such as diuretics. Foods rich in magnesium include leafy greens, nuts and seeds, beans, whole grains, avocados, bananas and figs.

Most End-of-Life Care in the U.S. Neglects Patient Needs

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Low Magnesium Levels Linked to Kidney Disease

The U.S. healthcare system is not properly designed to meet the needs of patients nearing the end of life and those of their families, and major changes to the system are necessary, according to a new report from the Institute of Medicine, Dying in America: Improving Quality and Honoring Individual Preferences Near the End of Life. A 21-member committee has called for more advanced end-of-life care planning by individuals, improved training and credentialing for clinicians, and for governments and private sectors to provide incentives to patients and clinicians to discuss issues, values, preferences and appropriate services and care. Dr. Philip Pizzo, co-chair of the committee, states, “Patients can and should take control of the quality of their life through their entire lifetime, choosing how they live and how they die, and doctors should help initiate discussions with their patients about such decisions.” Susan Heckerman, former dean of medicine at Stanford University, says, “It’s important that healthcare options available to individuals facing the end of life help relieve pain and discomfort, maximize the individual’s ability to function, alleviate depression and anxiety, and ease the burdens of loved ones in a manner consistent with individual preferences and choices.” The report is available at Tinyurl.com/DyingInAmerica.

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An annual report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that up to 33 percent of uninsured people are avoiding needed treatment for economic reasons. Lifestyle changes and natural remedies like yoga and massage therapy can be highly effective when treating conditions such as high blood pressure, depression or aching joints, and groups nationwide are making these modalities more affordable for everyone. At California’s Healing Clinic Collective (HealingClinicCollective. Wordpress.com), in Oakland, women receive a day of free holistic health care—from acupuncture to massage therapy and nutritional counseling— and discounted rates for follow-up appointments. The Third Root Community Health Center (ThirdRoot.org), in Brooklyn, helps arrange for acupuncturists, herbalists, Reiki practitioners and others to treat low-income people in New York City, especially community organizers and activists that are often overworked and lack the resources for these types of care. The Samarya Center (Samarya Center.org), in Seattle, Washington, uses revenue from its yoga studio to provide free yoga to critically ill patients served by the city’s Bailey-Boushay House and the local VA hospital, and also to patients with chronic pain at the Pike Place Medical Clinic, which treats many homeless and lowincome Seattle residents.

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

Smart Solar Japan Floats New Nuclear Alternative Two companies in Japan will begin building two huge new solar power islands that will float on reservoirs, following the inception of the Kagoshima floating solar plant as the country’s largest, which opened in late 2013 just off the country’s southern coast. The new direction comes as Japan looks to move on from the Fukushima atomic disaster of 2011 and meet the energy needs of its 127 million people without relying on nuclear power. Before the incident, about 30 percent of the country’s power was generated by nuclear plants, but Fukushima destroyed public confidence, and with earthquakes highly likely in regions containing reactors, Japan is looking for alternatives. Solar islands could also be a solution for other countries where space or nuclear concerns are an issue. It’s possible that one day a significant portion of Europe’s power could come from use of the technology; experts believe the engineering challenges can be surmounted. Source: DailyGalaxy.com

Fairfield County Edition

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Pristine Protection America’s Huge New Underwater Park

The Pacific Remote Islands National Marine Monument—about 470,000 square miles of ocean surrounding a couple of remote U.S. Pacific islands—is now officially set aside to protect its pristine habitat from deep-sea mining and commercial fishing. Although smaller than the nearly 800,000 square miles of its original plan, the park is still twice the size of Texas. In a final compromise, fishermen will have access to the waters around half of the islands and atolls, while the other half remains protected. Only 2 percent of the entire Pacific enjoys similar protection.

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The Center for Food Safety (CFS) has reached a settlement agreement (Tinyurl.com/FoodSettlement Agreement) with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that sets firm deadlines for the agency to fully enact the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act. A federal court will maintain supervision to ensure FDA compliance. CFS senior attorney George Kimbrell, who led the case, says, “The first major update to our food safety laws since 1938 must now be implemented in a closed-ended, timely fashion. That means safer food for American families.” Congress passed the law to combat the epidemic of food-borne illnesses affecting one in six Americans annually. After repeated delays, the FDA must now comply with the following court-overseen schedule to implement the final rules: preventative controls for human and animal food (8/30/2015); imported food and foreign suppliers (10/31/2015); produce safety (10/31/2015); food transportation (3/31/2016); and intentional adulteration of food (5/31/2016). Source: CenterForFoodSafety.org

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ecotip Tweet Treats Trim a Tree, Feed the Birds

From December 14 through January 5, citizen scientists of all ages will participate in the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count (Tinyurl.com/AudubonChristmas Count), the country’s longest-running wildlife census. Audubon and other organizations use the data collected by volunteers to monitor population trends and guide conservation efforts. Whether or not families plan to help Audubon volunteers keep track of feathered visitors, they might consider providing backyard birds with gifts of food during the winter, when natural food sources can be scarce. Adorning outdoor trees with edible decorations can also help brighten landscapes, reduce kitchen scraps, creatively involve children in nature and make yards more bird-friendly. Salvage citrus rinds for feeders. Poke holes along the edge of hollowed halves of grapefruit and orange peels and run twine through them so they can hang from a branch. Fill with bird seed or suet. Create ornaments from bread heels or stale loaves. After cutting out shapes with a cookie cutter, spread them with unsalted nut butter and cover with birdseed. Bagels, rice cakes and pinecones can be frosted and sprinkled in the same way. Avoid using anything moldy. For more colorful ornaments, hang orange and apple slices. Drape edible garland around tree branches. Thread unsalted popcorn (stale

popcorn strings more easily), fresh cranberries, citrus slices, unshelled peanuts, dried apples or grapes into a garland. Use natural string, wool or raffia for hanging decorations. Wild Birds Unlimited suggests selecting these materials so they can be used by birds as nesting materials in the spring. Collect seed heads and berries to tuck among the branches. According to the National Wildlife Federation, good food sources include seed heads from flowers such as goldenrod, sunflower, coneflower, sumac and mullein; seed heads from grasses such as millet, wheat, foxtail and switchgrass; and berries on sprigs of holly, juniper, cedar, hawthorn and mountain ash. Make sure decorations are hung on a tree or shrub near a window so the whole family can enjoy watching the wildlife they attract. Contributing source: The Humane Society.

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Louise Hay on Loving Yourself to Ageless Health by S. Alison Chabonais

renowned leader of the self-help movement from its early days, Louise Hay is celebrated worldwide for teaching—by personal example and through her bestselling book, You Can Heal Your Life—how each of us can transform our mind, body and spirit by changing the way we think. Her positive philosophy has sparked an industry and her Hay House publishing group. Nourishing mind and body, loving life, learning and growing, giving back and moving ahead—these comprise Hay’s program for creating health, happiness and longevity. At 88, she continues to travel for business and pleasure, embracing vital, joy-filled days with a thankful smile. Her new book, Loving Yourself to Great Health, co-authored with Ahlea Khadro and Heather Dane, explains how she’s taking all she knows to the next level.

Why does first applying love and forgiveness to yourself make a happy, healthy and long life possible? Loving yourself is the foundation for living the life you want. A healthy and happy life is rooted in self-love, and forgiveness is an act of self-love. It all comes down to how you think and treat yourself. What we give out we get

back, so it all starts with us. Remember, no matter what the problem is, there is only one answer: loving yourself. Start with small steps and be gentle. If you start there, magical things will happen.

How do you manage to engage in a stream of loving affirmations 24/7? Practice, practice, practice! Slowly, bit-by-bit, start each day with a loving act towards yourself. Loving affirmations and worrying about things take up the same amount of time; you still get the same things done along the way, but worrying creates stress, while affirmations will brighten your life. It can be exhausting if you fight the shift and make it difficult. If you make kindness to yourself and others a simple part of everyday life, it isn’t exhausting at all.

What are some key elements to crafting a life experience that supports and nourishes ageless being? Choose thoughts that bring love into your life and laugh a lot. Say yes to life and the magic it brings. I trust that life will bring me exactly what I need, and part of that is realizing that I don’t need to know everything, because life brings me people like Ahlea and Heather. A third of our life is spent eating, and it’s essential that we know the

best way to do this. Start your day with water and an act of self-love. Eat real food; seasonal, organic, natural foods are a positive affirmation to your body. Poop every day, figuratively and literally. Learn to listen to your body and its wisdom. Choose exercise that you love and that makes you feel good. Also, go on a media diet. Filter out from your consciousness any messages that say you are not good enough or that separate you from the beautiful and lovable person you are. Surround yourself with like-minded people that share good news and love to laugh.

The core belief founding your lifework is that every thought we have is creating our future. Is scientific research now supporting that? When I began teaching people about affirmations, there wasn’t any science to support it, but we knew it worked, and now studies verify that. I particularly love Bruce Lipton’s scientific research showing that we are not controlled by our genes because the genetic blueprint can be altered through positive changes in our beliefs. I hear reports every day of how people are healing their lives by changing their thoughts through cultivating selflove and personal affirmations. They are seeing healing of autoimmune diseases, obesity, addictions, post-traumatic stress and many other so-called incurable illnesses. It’s amazing what happens when you are kind and loving to yourself.

What is your secret to aging gracefully through the years? It’s simple. It’s about getting your thoughts and food right and having fun along the way. If you are thinking positive thoughts but feeding yourself processed, unnatural or sugary foods, you are sending yourself mixed messages. Feed yourself nourishing foods and think loving thoughts. Any time you don’t know what else to do, focus on love. Loving yourself makes you feel good, and good health comes from feeling good. S. Alison Chabonais is the national content editor for Natural Awakenings magazines.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2015

While physical is fundamental, wellbeing views your emotional, mental and spiritual welfare as being equally as important as your physical health.

TAKE IN

Vital Signs of Well-Being by Dina Markind

ell-being is a more comprehensive way of looking at the state of our lives than health alone is. Vital signs in health care – temperature (T), pulse (P), respiration (R) and blood pressure (B/P) – provide a quick assessment of essential aspects of a person’s health from a medical perspective. Vital signs of well-being pro-

vide an opportunity for you to examine key parts of your life for a snapshot of your overall well-being. Vital signs of well-being reformulates T, P, R, B/P to mean Take In, Put Forth, Relate Positively and Be Present. Individually and collectively, these crucial facets of your life contribute to your vitality, flourishing and well-being.

The key to flourishing is to take in what is nourishing. Filling your life with beauty, gratitude and activities that are important to you is sustaining. Taking in means to absorb, understand and experience; small activities such as sitting and watching the clouds pass can nurture you and contribute to your wellbeing. Through appreciating beauty and savoring the joyful moments in your life, you increase your positivity. According to Barbara Fredrickson in Positivity, an increase in positivity broadens and builds your vision, creativity, and ability to connect with others. Being in touch with your own sense of purpose is what nourishes your soul. You probably have times when you are so busy that you do what is expedient or seems urgent, rather than proceed in a thoughtful way. Perhaps Gregorian chants uplift you rather than the pop rock on the radio or being in nature may be what nourishes your soul. For a deeper connection to what matters to you, set aside a few moments daily to take in and experience what you appreciate about your life, what’s important to you, and your sense of purpose. On a physical level, what you eat and drink and the air you breathe are

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

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also important factors. Eating a healthy diet with lots of vegetables, fruits, protein, complex carbohydrates and minimal fat is essential. In addition to taking in for your bodies and souls, there is what you take in to your mind and through your senses. What information and ideas do you listen to? Notice what you see, hear, taste, touch/handle and smell. Look around your home and work place. Is there something you would like to see be different? Make a change. What is the background noise in your life – music, gossip, news, educational information? Do you enjoy the taste of what you eat? In the broader sense, what are you touching or handling?

PUT FORTH “Put forth” refers to the energy each of us puts forth in the world and the impact we have upon it. Putting forth energy is a powerful way to renew well-being. Paradoxically, some ways of using energy also generate energy and build endurance. There are two main components to putting forth and they can overlap: • Activities associated with daily activities like cooking, maintaining your home, work and physical movement. • Activities that connect you with a purpose you believe in and are greater than yourself provide you with a sense of purpose. It turns out that exercise is the “wonder drug” for health, physical, emotional and mental. Just 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week improves cardiovascular fitness, decreases risks for osteoporosis and diabetes and improves lung capacity. It also improves self-confidence and mood, as well as memory and focus. When it comes to daily activities, your focus can play a big role in how energized or drained you feel. For example, looking at shopping and cooking as an important way to support yourself and family and enhance your daily life can elevate these mundane tasks. With work, focusing on the interesting aspects of the job and the positive impact you have on others can lead to more vitality and a more positive attitude. Putting forth energy into meaning-

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on Earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude. ~Thomas Jefferson

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January 2015

ful activities – those that connect you with your deepest values and purpose and challenge you – often simultaneously renew your energy and provide you with a sense of accomplishment. However, making a conscious effort to balance your care of another with adequate self-care is important. To get more out of the energy you put forth, check in with yourself; what is one thing you do that engrosses you, demands your attention and takes you beyond yourself? Do more of this activity.

RELATE POSITIVELY The quality of your relationships is the single biggest predictor of your wellbeing, and a strong predictor for health. Fulfilling relationships at work, in your community or in your family require good communication; not only expressing and listening to another person but also understanding the feelings, needs and dreams underlying their words. • Cultivate relationships. Put forth thoughtful effort in how you interact with the other person and spending

time together. • Be authentic. Bravado puts people off; genuine interest in the other, as well as sharing of knowledge, stories, ideas and experiences, all contributes to building trust. • Allow for conflict. Discuss ideas and behaviors objectively. Do not personalize or globalize and avoid words like always and never. • Appreciate the positive. Articulate what you appreciate about the relationship and the other person. Letting co-workers as well as family members know you appreciate them strengthens your relationships. Think of a time when you were with a friend, family member or coworker when you felt an especially easy flow between the two of you. What were some of the things that you both were doing that made those moments special?

BE PRESENT When you are in the present, judgment falls away; you can focus on what is and distinguish it from the stories you

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associate with your past or worries about your future. The past is gone and cannot be changed and the future is not yet here; only in the present do you actually have power. Take three slow deep breaths and notice how you become present. These breaths stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system; the one associated with calm in body and mind. In order to influence a situation, you must first acknowledge the situation.

“Yesterday’s the past; tomorrow’s the future but today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.” ~ Bill Keane Being present provides you with an opportunity to be, rather than rush around and do. You have a chance to connect with yourself and, in doing so, you can connect to your sense of purpose and get back on track if you’ve strayed. Being present is a reminder that we are human beings, not human doings. Now that you know where to look, take some time to embrace self-compassion and honestly observe what you Take In, what and how you Put Forth, your Relationships and when and how you are Being Present in your life. If you are thinking about changes you might want to make, it is helpful to put them in the context of your purpose for the change. The more significant the purpose is to you, the stronger your commitment will be to maintain the change. Make small changes slowly, allowing time to develop a new habit over a period of days and weeks. Along your journey of change, keep checking in with these vital signs and see how the modifications impact your state of well-being. Dina Markind, CPCC, ACC, and an RN with a master’s in nursing, is a personal coach and motivational speaker. Connect with her at 203-744-YOU3 (9683) or Dina@HeartofWellbeing.com or HeartofWellBeing.com.

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New Year, New You When ‘Good Enough’ Is Perfect

by Elizabeth Lombardo

oes it sometimes feel like if we can’t do something perfectly, why should we bother doing it at all? Perfectionism feeds on such an all-ornothing approach in following rigid self-imposed rules that can sabotage relationships, health and happiness. Instead, try adopting a “better than perfect” mindset that embraces life’s imperfections without guilt or shame. A clean enough house or a good enough job is in many ways better than perfect. Here are helpful approaches to reframe the internal discussion. Remember what matters. In planning a big birthday party for her husband, one wife was so stressed trying to manage every detail that she had to stop and ask herself: What is most important—having everything look perfect, or having a fun party they would enjoy and remember for the rest of their lives? Thinking about our values keeps things in perspective and perfectionism in check. Perfection isn’t likable. We often try to be perfect to gain other people’s attention and approval, but no one wants to be around a person trying to be someone they aren’t. No one’s life is perfect. Social media often present idealized versions of people’s lives. Few post about fighting with their partner or coping with an unhappy infant; we most often hear about vacation

adventures and baby’s first word or step. We can avoid feelings of dissatisfaction by avoiding comparisons with others. It’s not failure, it’s data. Rather than personalize a perceived failure, take it on as an opportunity. If a New Year’s resolution to work out more isn’t kept, ask why: Is the exercise location too far away or is the class schedule inconvenient? It feels better to adopt a more successful strategy than to beat ourself up about falling short. Perfectionism is a treadmill. People often think, “I’ll be happy when I weigh this or achieve that,” always seeking the next level of self-improvement. Appreciating who we are right now is a path to happiness. Perfectionism is a learned behavior, and anything learned can be unlearned at any age. As we continue to strive for excellence, we can learn to embrace what’s good.

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Take a perfectionist self-assessment quiz at Tinyurl.com/PerfectionismQuiz. Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and the author of Better than Perfect: 7 Strategies to Crush Your Inner Critic and Create a Life You Love plus A Happy You: Your Ultimate Prescription for Happiness. Connect at ElizabethLombardo.com. eNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2015

healingways

off from the flow of energy in your home and become exhausted,” says the Tustin, California, feng shui expert. “When I ask a client to take half of the stuff off a shelf and then ask how it feels, they almost always take a deep breath. The clutter literally chokes off breath and vitality.”

Energy Boosters Four Ways to Recharge by Kathleen Barnes

tress saps energy, and Americans feel stressed more than ever, with 20 percent of us experiencing “extreme stress” at least weekly, according to the American Institute of Stress. Could latenight TV and the ubiquitous presence of electronic devices be the culprits? Partly, according to information published by Harvard Medical School. While all light stimulates the brain, the blue light from electronic devices and some eco-light bulbs disrupt circadian rhythms, prevent production of melatonin and block deep, healthful, restorative sleep. Fortunately, there’s an easy remedy, say Harvard experts: Seek abundant exposure to bright natural sunlight, and then turn off all electronic devices an hour before bedtime. Some experts even suggest wearing orange-colored goggles for the last two waking hours to neutralize the energy-sucking blue rays. Here are a few more energy thieves and ways to neutralize them.

Avoid Energy Vampires Problem: We all know someone that exhausts us, according to Dr. Judith Orloff, Venice Beach, California, author of the new book, The Ecstasy of Surrender. Maybe he or she talks endlessly about personal matters, is incessantly negative, a gossip or a guilt-tripper. 26

Fairfield County Edition

Solution: “Take control. Get in the driver’s seat,” advises Orloff. “Create a circle of positive people around you. Stay calm and centered. Distance yourself from energy vampires and if they’re family, limit time spent with them and establish boundaries.”

Recognize Time Leeches

Problem: We fall into the black hole of Facebook or cute kitten videos. Hours pass and we fall behind in more productive activities and then feel drained and groggy. Solution: Time management is essential to preserving energy, says Orloff. Limit time spent on social media. Check email once or twice a day instead of every 15 minutes. “The Internet is addictive, almost like a drug,” explains Orloff. “When you’re online, your energy is cut off and you become a zombie; you’re not in your body. Take a technology fast. Talk to your mate. Make love. Go for a walk in the woods. See your best friend.”

Get Rid of Clutter

Problem: We all have way too much “stuff,” says Linda Rauch Carter, author of Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life. “If you don’t have room, you shut yourself

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Solution: “Clear out what isn’t needed,” counsels Carter. “Keep a balance by making it a habit when bringing new things into a home or work environments to let go of a comparable number of old things at the same time.” Beware of clutter creep, the slow accumulation of energy-sapping clutter, she says. “I believe the lack of energy so many of us experience is a nearly undetectable, chronic energy drain that seems slight, yet over time becomes a big problem.”

Stop Electromagnetic Pollution Problem: We are all surrounded by energy-draining electromagnetic fields (EMF) from myriad electronic devices and systems in homes and offices, plus cell phone towers and transmission lines. All of these operate on frequencies that can be major energy drains, says Carter. Japanese research physician Ryoichi Ogawa found that 80 percent of his chronic fatigue patients were frequent users of electromagnetic technologies (Omega-News). Solution: Minimize indoor exposure to EMFs by using land lines with corded phones, power strips and shutting off electricity to nonessential appliances when not in use. “I’ve been preaching this for 20 years,” says Carter. Protecting sleep space is a primary consideration. “Make sure no beds are near electrical outlets and cell phones. Get rid of cordless phones, which are like mini cell towers, right there in the house,” she adds. The easiest solution, Carter says, is to put bare feet on bare earth for 15 to 20 minutes a day. “It will pull some of that excess EMF charge right off of you.” Kathleen Barnes is the author of numerous natural health books and publisher at Take Charge Books. Connect at Kathleen@KathleenBarnes.com.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2015

Stepping back from immediate concerns to grasp the bigger picture allows for rethinking the Western approach to health. A perspective that connects all the dots works best, beginning with the foundation of wellness—the functioning of 73 trillion cells that are organized into a variety of tissues, including interconnected systems of organs. Optimally, they function together harmoniously to achieve homeostasis, the overall chemical and energetic balance that defines metabolic health.

The Reign of Metabolism

Many perceive the role of metabolism as limited to determining energy expenditure via the number of calories burned per day, but it does much more. Metabolism actually encompasses thousands of physical and chemical processes that take place in the functioning of every cell, the building blocks of life; healthy cell function produces proper endocrine (hormonal) functioning, influencing homeostasis. This past August, 12 nationally recognized functional medicine experts participated in the country’s first online Metabolic Revolution Summit to discuss the importance of

It’s All About Metabolism Getting to the Root Cause of Disease by Linda Sechrist

ttempts to tender lay explanations of how to attain and maintain better health have become fragmented and compartmentalized, with complex scientific cause-and-effect explanations of disease regularly reduced to isolated infographics and sound bites in the media. But understanding our body’s sophisticated, self-regulating, selfcorrecting and interdependent physiological systems, which work in collaboration with each other and inform us of the body’s status by means of symptoms, deserves a whole-systems frame of reference.

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recognizing the dots that connect the majority of today’s chronic diseases—high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, pre-diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, weight gain, obesity, fatty liver disease, Alzheimer’s, dementia, cancer and even infertility. All of the panelists pointed to the root cause that links them all—the craze for a highcarbohydrate, low-fat diet starting in the 1990s combined with a sedentary lifestyle. When several complex conditions exist simultaneously, medical science refers to them as a syndrome. Regardless of how such intricate interrelationships become manifest, all of these syndromes have early-stage signs that include inflammation, high blood sugar and insulin resistance, which can affect metabolic health.

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A Holistic Approach

Doctors that specialize in functional integrative medicine strive to improve the health and well-being of patients by engaging them in their own healing process. One popular approach is practiced by Durango, Colorado, Doctor of Chiropractic James Forleo, author of Health is Simple, Disease is Complicated: A Systems Approach to Vibrant Health. He starts by educating people about the basic functioning of the major body systems involved in their specific health challenges. “To maintain metabolic health, no one should overlook that the body’s intelligence works 24/7 to solve multiple problems simultaneously, including balancing their metabolism. The more complex the pattern of symptoms, the more systems are involved. Whether a single or group of symptoms indicate metabolic dysfunction, it means that numerous systems that rely on healthy cells are unable to perform their normal functions,” explains Forleo. For example, blood sugar issues, excess circulating insulin and buildup of excess glucose stored as fat can lead to metabolic dysfunction. The pancreas, thyroid and gastrointestinal tract—primary glands in the endocrine system that plays a major role in balancing body chemistry by secreting hormones directly into the circulatory system—are negatively impacted. Well-functioning adrenals are necessary to balance blood sugar and one role of the pancreas is to produce insulin. When four of the eight major organ systems—immune,endocrine, cardiovascular and digestive—are impacted by metabolic dysfunction, a more holistic and systemic approach to health can provide a broader understanding of how they interrelate, and why preventive measures can preclude having to later pursue ways to reverse serious chronic diseases.

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January 2015

Lifestyle Factors

Functional medicine’s integrative approach to metabolic health is based on proper nutrition and regular exercise. “The inflammatory agents present in much of the food consumed at each meal in the standard American diet— high-glycemic refined carbohydrates, high-fructose corn syrup and other sugars, and hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats—are the biggest offenders,” says Forleo, who notes that the body instead needs good fats, such as those obtained from olive and coconut oils. Factors over which we can exercise some control—physical activity, stress, sleep, diet and circadian rhythms—all play roles in metabolic health. Unfortunately, “We are moving further away from our ancestors’ healthier diet and lifestyle. We’re overfed and undernourished because we’re no longer eating for nutrition, but for entertainment,” remarks Doctor of Chiropractic Brian Mowll, the medical director of Sweet Life Diabetes Health Centers in Pennsylvania and Delaware. He characterizes metabolic dysfunction as the ultimate problem because it’s the doorway to many other ailments. “A hundred years ago, infectious diseases plagued humanity. Today and in the future, it’ll be metabolic disorders such as obesity, cancer, metabolic syndrome, thyroid disorders and other endocrine problems, diabetes and Type 2 diabetes,” predicts Mowll.

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Dr. Caroline Cederquist, author of The MD Factor Diet: A Physician’s Proven Diet for Metabolism Correction and Healthy Weight Loss, and founder of Cederquist Medical Wellness Center, in Naples, Florida, conducted a oneyear study of patients to identify their health issues via blood work analysis. Eighty-nine percent of the men, women and children showed evidence of insulin resistance. This often-overlooked metabolic condition affects how the body processes glucose, a simple sugar and the body’s primary fuel, making gaining weight easy and losing it difficult. Treated with proper diet, lifestyle changes and supplements, plus medi-

cation in advanced stages, Cederquist found that metabolic dysfunction is reversible. She explains that long-term insulin resistance can lead to fatty liver disease, high blood sugar and eventually, diabetes. It also directly affects cholesterol levels and can induce triglycerides, high blood pressure, low HDL (high-density lipoprotein, or “good” cholesterol), increased waist circumference and heart disease. In Cederquist’s young adult patients, metabolic dysfunction was also associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome, a cause of infertility. Germany’s Dr. Wolf Funfack, a specialist in internal and nutritional medicine and creator of a well-regarded metabolic balancing program, noted that insulin resistance both increases the production of stress hormones and blocks production of the anti-inflammatory hormones that slow the aging process. Funfack’s all-natural, personalized nutrition plan, backed by more than 25 years of scientific study, is designed to bring hormonal balance, optimize health and lead to long-term weight management. Cardiologist Stephen Sinatra, author of Metabolic Cardiology, goes a step further. He believes that metabolic dysfunction involving cells, hormones and inflammation encompasses the molecular-based essence of all disease. He observes, “Individuals diagnosed with several conditions can leave a doctor’s office with three or four prescriptions, rather than the one solution for reversal and prevention—a healthy lifestyle and non-inflammatory diet to offset and neutralize weight gain, blood pressure elevation and other abnormalities such as high blood sugar.”

Mowll agrees that many conventional healthcare practitioners don’t address the root cause of metabolic disorders or provide lifestyle interventions. “They simply reach for the prescription pad,” he says. This growing problem presents an opportunity to educate the entire populace. Bestselling Virgin Diet author JJ Virgin, who characterizes the human body as a “chemistry lab,” adopts an easy-tofollow nutritional and fitness approach for metabolic health. She recommends eating the types of healthy fats found in wild fish, raw nuts and seeds, coconut, avocado and olives. Virgin prefers the clean, lean protein of grass-fed beef and wild fish, plus low-glycemic lentils and legumes and plenty of low-glycemic fruits like raspberries, blueberries, pears and grapefruits. Low-glycemic vegetables on her list include green peas, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, onion and eggplant. “When you eat this way, there’s a slow release of sugar, and insulin remains at lower levels,” advises Virgin. As in any systems theory, the whole must be understood in relationship to the parts, as well as the relevant environment. Experts agree that it’s paramount to take an expanded, systemic approach to metabolic health, rather than fixating on only one or two aspects at a time. Metabolic health—from basic cells to the most sophisticated of organized systems—can only be achieved and sustained when the whole system is healthy. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings and host of the online Metabolic Revolution Summit. Visit her website ItsAllAboutWe.com for a free audio sample.

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January 2015

HORMONAL BALANCING: A HOLISTIC APPROACH by Lisa Singley

ndocrinology is the study of the endocrine system. Endocrine glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream that regulate the function of other cells and organ systems of the body. The endocrine system consists of separate glands such as the adrenals, thyroid, parathyroids, pituitary and pancreas. The word hormone comes from the Greek word “hormone,” which means “that which sets in motion;” this term was first used by Hippocrates to denote a vital principle. Hippocrates radically changed the way we think about physiology. Before his time, the human body was viewed as an intricate machine with many parts; medical doctors helped their patients by isolat-

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ing and fixing the part that was not working. Hippocrates believed instead that the human body functioned as one unified organism, or physis, and must be treated – in health and disease – as one coherent, integrated whole. Today, we know the endocrine, nervous and immune systems work together to integrate and harmonize growth, reproduction and homeostasis. The endocrine glands produce hormones, the nervous system uses neurotransmitters, and the immune system releases cytokines. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) regulates the stress response. Cytokines act at several levels of the HPA axis to release cortisol and epinephrine, the so-called stress hormones. Cortisol and epinephrine

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act to suppress the immune response, thus forming a negative feedback loop in the body. The hypothalamic-pituitarygonadal axis (HPG axis) regulates the reproductive system. The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to stimulate the pituitary to release luteinizing hormone (LH), which then signals the gonads. This communication pathway ultimately leads to the production of testosterone, estrogen and progesterone from the gonads. The adrenal glands control the stress response via the action of cortisol, regulate water retention with aldosterone, and hormone production with pregnenolone and DHEA. The thyroid gland is located in the throat and covers the front surface of the second to the fourth tracheal rings. It has two lobes and a central isthmus. The thyroid gland maintains energy homeostasis and regulates energy expenditure. It synthesizes T4 (inactive thyroid hormone) and T3 (active hormone). T3 is produced in small amounts by the thyroid; most of the T3 is converted in the liver and the kidneys from T4. The ovaries and testes regulate sexual development and reproduction. Testosterone is the predominant male hormone with the greatest quantity secreted from the testes. Smaller amounts are also secreted in the adrenals and the ovaries. Testosterone promotes male body development and sexual characteristics, male libido and sexual performance. In both males and females, it builds and maintains muscle mass, bone density and strength, maintains healthy skin and immune function, promotes and sustains mental performance and burns fat. Both men and women make testosterone from two hormone precursors, progesterone and DHEA. Estrogen works with progesterone to support female reproduction and develop secondary sexual characteristics. Estrogen promotes proliferation and growth of the lining of the uterus, stimulates breast tissue, increases body fat, causes salt and fluid retention, and interferes with thyroid hormone. Progesterone maintains the endometrium during pregnancy, protects against breast fibrocysts, normal-

izes blood sugar, burns fat, enhances thyroid action and is a natural diuretic.

CHRONIC STRESS = IMBALANCES IN SEX HORMONES Chronic stress can lead to cortisol imbalances, which can deplete pregeneolone and DHEA, and lead to deficiencies in estrogen, progesterone and/or testosterone. Some of the symptoms associated with excess cortisol are anxiety, an increase in belly fat, decreased muscle tone, impaired thyroid function, impaired immune system function, decreased cognitive ability and high blood pressure. With prolonged stress, the adrenals can burn out and are unable to produce enough cortisol; signs of low cortisol are low blood pressure, feeling light headed, reduced ability to handle stress, fatigue, increased pain and inflammation. Prolonged stress can lead to imbalances in sex hormones; estrogen dominance can impair thyroid function whereas elevated progesterone can aid thyroid function. Also, low iron can prevent uptake of thyroid hormone into cells. Women with estrogen dominance and heavy menstrual periods often have signs of impaired thyroid function.

THYROID DYSFUNCTION The best way to diagnose any medical condition is to take a detailed history, perform a complete physical exam, and confirm the diagnosis with appropriate tests. Hormone testing is most commonly done with blood, saliva tests or urine. Blood tests measure the total amount of a given hormone, both the inactive bound and the biologically active free components. Saliva measures free hormone or biologically active hormone levels; many physicians believe a saliva test is a more clinically useful test. Urine hormone levels shows how hormones are metabolized; knowing how estrogen is metabolized can be helpful in evaluating a patient’s risk for certain types of cancers and heart disease. The first part of supporting a healthy endocrine system is healthy lifestyle practices. It is very difficult to have balanced hormones if your life is out of balance. Proper nutrition, adequate rest, stress management and exercise are essential for a healthy mind, body and spirit. Botanical medicines such as ashwandha, Siberian ginseng, and rhodiola help support the adrenals, the nervous system and the immune system to respond more appropriately to stress. Guggul, ashwagandha and kelp are used for hypothyroid patients. Maca, chaste berry, sarsaparilla and black cohosh help balance estrogen and progesterone. For men, ashwagandha, tribulus and maca can increase testosterone levels. Targeted nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies and acupuncture are great adjunctive therapies along with practicing yoga and meditation to help with hormonal balancing. Lisa Singley, ND, is director of the Natural Health and Wellness Center, located at 2103 Main St, Ste #2, Stratford. The center offers comprehensive natural solutions to prevent illness and maintain optimal health for body, mind and spirit. For more information, call 203-874-4333 or visit NHAWC.com. See ad, page 7.

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NATURAL AWAKENINGS

is Everywhere! Y ou can find a copy of Natural Awakenings Fairfield County at more than 1200 locations each month! We’re always adding new locations and welcoming new readers. In 2015 we will showcase a town per month to let you know where to find us.

DANBURY We are currently distributed at 50 locations in Danbury including: • Stew Leonard’s • Barnes & Noble on Backus Rd • West Conn’s Student Center at Dr. James Roach Ave • Danbury Library on Main St • Ridley-Lowell Business & Technical Institute on Shelter Rock Rd • Danbury Train Station

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ne of Dr. Michael E. Doyle’s best tools at Stamford Integrative Medicine is not an expensive piece of equipment or modern technology. It is instead a more basic part of medicine which he believes has been lost over time as dependence on technology and testing have increased. It is listening to and examining the patient. “The basic medical approach that has been taught for over 100 years is very sound,” he explains. “The problem is that we M.D.s have strayed from our core teachings. We are all taught that a diagnosis is usually made primarily by listening to and examining the patient. Unfortunately, after we leave the classroom we are taught that test results are what really matter. It is a tragic distortion of a medical model that has worked for generations.” It was growing frustration with the contemporary approach to medical practice and ineffective or even unsafe treatments which led Doyle to leave his position as a medical director and begin to study alternative medicine instead. As he studied, he began to feel it was his calling to find better approaches to restoring and maintaining health where conventional medical approaches are unsafe or ineffective. While this was a new direction for the Cornell and Georgetown-educated physician, it was not a completely radical shift for him.

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“My transition from strictly conventional medicine to an integrative approach was really a matter of me getting back to my core beliefs,” he says. “My mother had a great influence on me by passing along her interest in natural nutrition. My extended family has contained many doctors including a grandfather, uncles and cousins. So I grew up with a keen interest in health, but I was always a bit of a skeptic. As a teenager, I experimented with various natural remedies and often found fault with the conventional medicine that I saw being practiced. Even my college applications addressed alternative medicine with an essay about the dangers of common medical treatments.” During his research, Doyle discovered doctors who were practicing a type of medicine that made more sense to him. It was safe, effective and helped patients feel better too. He studied the writings of medical pioneers like Sir William Osler, Eugene Hertoghe and Broda Barnes. In addition, he found leading integrative physicians to learn from, including Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, one of the world’s leadings experts on the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, and international hormone expert Dr. Thierry Hertoghe. Hertoghe’s sister, Therese, has been one of the greatest influences on Doyle’s medical career. She is a fourth-generation hormone specialist

who has taught him many of the finer points of natural hormone therapies. He used the combination of conventional training and advanced alternative training to create a different kind of medical practice. Now, after more than 12 years in private practice, he has honed a unique expertise in nutrition and natural hormone therapies that attracts patients from the New York metro area and across the country. “My approach starts with listening to my patients talk about their specific symptoms and concerns as well as their overall health,” Doyle explains. “I then examine them, including both a general evaluation and a specific search for signs of the likely causes of their problems. The next step is to use the most appropriate tests when needed. I want to focus on tests that are actually going to help me take better care of my patients, not just provide numbers. This includes some traditional tests as well as some ‘alternative’ or non-traditional medical testing. I combine all of this information to identify the underlying cause of my patient’s specific symptoms or problems.” Many of his patients come to see

Treatment is geared toward helping patients restore a healthy balance of nutrients and hormones while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Doyle after they have been treated unsuccessfully by other physicians; many of them are frustrated and tired of being told that there is nothing wrong with them after a few perfunctory blood tests come back normal. “In general, I think it’s a mistake to tell patients that they are ‘fine’ when they do not feel well. If they do not feel well, there is by definition a health problem,” Doyle says. “It is either physical or psychological or both. Either way, it’s a doctor’s job to try to help. While psychological issues are very important, I find that the vast majority of people with physical complaints have some physical problem contributing to their symptoms. My job is to help them identify the underlying problems and to relieve their suffering with safe and effective treatments.”

Doyle’s practice emphasizes common and treatable problems such as thyroid, adrenal and other hormonal dysfunction, as well as vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Treatment is geared toward helping patients restore a healthy balance of nutrients and hormones while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This most often involves treating deficiencies with bio-identical hormones or natural nutrients. He follows the patient’s progress, adjusting treatment as needed to restore health and vitality. “Patients should understand that medicine is supposed to be about improving your health and quality of life, not just treating symptoms and improving numbers,” he says. “The best medicine depends on doctors listening, examining, testing appropriately and maybe most importantly – thinking independently.” Michael Doyle, M.D., practices at Stamford Integrative Medicine in Stamford. To schedule an appointment, call 203-324-4747. For more information, visit StamfordIntegrativeMedicine. com. See ad, page 18.

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January 2015

healthandwellnessprofiles BarekMed Lowell B Barek, MD PC 79 Middle River Rd, Danbury 203-733-3680 BarekMed@gmail.com • BarekMed.com

iFloat David Conneely

163 Main St, Westport 203-226-7378 Info@iFloatCt.com • IFloatCt.com

Practice/Business Summary or services offered: BarekMed is an Age Management Medicine practice offering patients bio-identical hormone replacement with exercise and nutritional support. What first drew you to this profession? I started out as an obese, hypertensive and dyslipidemic Age Management patient. I was so impressed with the science Lowell B Barek underpinning the treatment plan and the results I achieved that I switched medical specialties to become a full-time Age Management Medicine physician. Credentials/certifications? I am certified by the Age Management Educational Foundation and completed a year of fellowship at Cenegenics in New York City. What should a client or patient expect from working with you and/or your program? Patients following an Age Management Program can expect to regain and maintain the vigor, libido, lean body habits, stamina, mental clarity and enhanced immune function that they knew as young adults. Are you planning any practice enhancements or changes in 2015? The practice is new in Connecticut; no changes are currently planned. What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your work? Readers should know that I come from a traditional medical background, having graduated from Tulane Medical School and completed a residency at Georgetown University Hospital. I was a clinical assistant professor at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine for 10 years as well as an attending physician at Beth Israel Hospital in New York.

Fairfield County Edition

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David Conneely

Practice/Business Summary or services offered: iFloat is a center for stress reduction and mind education. We offer floatation services and classes in the mental arts. Floating is the process of being suspended in a warm, Epsom salt bath with no light or sound. The reduction of stimulation of light, sound, changes in temperature and “gravity” helps people reduce stress, reduce pain and enhance creativity.

What first drew you to this profession? I became involved in floating through the Mental Arts Network, an organization that offers classes to help people modify disadvantageous patterns in their mind. The classes are based on John C. Lilly’s work, the inventor of floating. My facilitators suggested I float to slow my mind and explore what was going on within. I quickly found floating essential to my mental and physical wellness and eventually made floating and teaching Mental Arts my profession. Credentials/certifications? I am a certified float facilitator and program facilitator for the human biocomputer through the Mental Arts Network. What should a client or patient expect from working with you and/or your program? iFloat’s facility evokes a relaxed state of mind. Our staff is trained to talk to people about their experiences in order for them to get the most out of their sessions. We are very community oriented and we consider clients our “friends and family.” Are you planning any practice enhancements or changes in 2015? We are looking to bring in new staff and offer more classes through the Mental Arts Network. What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your work? Floating is not a “one shot deal.” If someone is serious about eliminating chronic stress and anxiety, they will need to float at least once a month in order to see the benefits.

D&B Wellness Compassionate Care of CT 4 Garella Rd, Bethel 203-909-6869 Info@CCC-CT.com • CCC-CT.com

Practice/Business Summary or services offered: Medical marijuana dispensary What first drew you to this profession? We are driven with a desire to help those in need with a natural alternative medication.

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Credentials/certifications? Medical Marijuana Dispensary License What should a client or patient expect from working with you and/or your program? To be treated with kindness and respect in a loving environment and to receive medication that is legal for those holding a state-licensed medical marijuana card.

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What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your work? We love and honor our patients and wish to help them transition to natural alternative medications in a safe and happy environment.

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January 2015

healthandwellnessprofiles The Lotus Wellness Center Robin Spiegel, LMT

46 Pemberwick Rd, Greenwich 203-531-4784 Info@LotusWellnessCtr.com • LotusWellnessCtr.com Practice/Business Summary or services offered: “Transformational Bodywork” is a potent process of healing created from 29 years of expertise in many modalities including massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, sound and color healing, chakra balancing, energy work and crystal layouts. What first drew you to this profession? From age 12, I had an inner awareness that I was going to create a wellness center. In 1985, I studied my first modality and began a journey of studies and healing for myself. Then I began to share with others and invite others to be a part of the wellness center. Credentials/certifications? Licensed massage therapist, certified reflexologist, certified aromatherapist, certified sound healer What should a client or patient expect from working with you and/or your program? In our peaceful sanctuary, each healing session offers a holistic union of body, mind, emotions and spirit, supporting the client in a process toward optimal health, balance, renewal and transformation. Each session is tailored for the individual. Are you planning any practice enhancements or changes in 2015? The Lotus Wellness Center will be offering a myriad of Wellness Packages to include a combination of transformational bodywork with naturopathic medicine, nutrition, acupuncture, spiritual counseling and myofascial work. We will also be offering wellness days and new empowering classes. What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your work? Our intention is to offer our clients extraordinary skills, as well as our intuition and compassionate hearts with the highest integrity you can trust. Offering empowerment through extremely effective healing services and education is of the utmost importance.

Fairfield County Edition

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Worden Wellness Center Thomas Worden, DC 41 Kenosia Ave, Danbury 203-748-8093 DocWorden@WordenWellnessCenter.com WordenWellnessCenter.com

Tom Worden

Practice/Business Summary or services offered: We offer chiropractic, nutrition, massage and acupuncture services. Through education and awareness, our approach is to provide safe, drug-free, non-invasive therapies with programs such as proper diet and exercise, transformational weight loss, nutritional detox and hormone balancing.

Credentials/certifications? Dr. Worden graduated from the New York Chiropractic College as a doctor of chiropractic in 1981 and has been practicing in Danbury since 1982. He is also licensed to practice in NY. Dr. Worden continued his education at Northwestern College of Chiropractic and Texas Chiropractic College. He received his certificate in acupuncture and oriental medicine from New Mexico’s Fellow of Complementary and Alternative Institute in 2007. What should a client or patient expect from working with you and/or your program? We assist in helping patients make choices that will eliminate health conditions and symptoms such as allergies, weight gain, hormone imbalance, fatigue, insomnia, stress-related symptoms, low sex drive and menstrual/menopause symptoms. Each patient is evaluated using many different techniques, including chiropractic muscle testing, bio-identical hormone testing, and standard blood, urine and stool testing. We also analyze for heavy metal toxicity, stomach pathogens and neurotransmitter imbalances to precisely diagnose the cause of your specific health issue. Are you planning any practice enhancements or changes in 2015? Claudia Larsson, LMT, recently joined our practice and offers massage therapy services such as Swedish massage, therapeutic massage, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy and Reiki. What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your work? We will assist you in reaching your maximum health potential by enhancing your own body’s natural ability to heal.

NuWeigh Nutrition & Weight Loss Services, LLC 90 Grove St, Ste #03, Ridgefield 203-403-4187 • Ingrid@NuWeighWellness.com NuWeighWellness.com

Practice/Business Summary or services offered: The Ideal Protein Protocol is a medically derived weight loss method, developed and refined over 20 years. Our dieters receive one-on-one coaching to both motivate and educate them, ensuring they receive the knowledge to confidently make smarter lifestyle choices after dieting. What first drew you to this profession? My husband Dave lost over 83 pounds in 14 weeks and came off his hypertensive medication after using this protocol. It was a game changer for our whole family. I witnessed what it did for him not only physically but mentally. After I lost 20 pounds in 6 weeks I learned how to eat to maintain and feel great. We felt compelled to share this with others. Credentials/certifications? I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Manhattanville College (where I performed my practicum in eating disorders) and worked in the mental health field for over 14 years. I earned my master’s degree in counseling from Western CT State University. I am also a certified personal life coach and Reiki master. My husband works with health care professionals, training and assisting those who want to incorporate the Ideal Protein program into their practices. What should a client or patient expect from working with you and/or your program? Ideal Protein is a structured program. We meet individually for 15 minutes every week. During this meeting, we measure, weigh clients, review food journal, educate and plan for the upcoming week. I blend my counseling and coaching skills as clients work through difficult times. When a client has met their goals, the focus changes to stabilization. We meet throughout the year after they meet their goals to support clients maintaining their new lifestyle. Are you planning any practice enhancements or changes in 2015? We are offering a Wellness Challenge for teams to become healthier while supporting the development of the Norwalk River Trail. New Body Composition Analyzer just implemented into the program to further pinpoint the dieter’s goals while making sure they maintain healthy muscle mass throughout the weight loss. What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your work? To achieve long lasting results, a weight loss program must address unhealthy lifestyle habits and teach dieters how to eat and live better without radically altering their already busy lives. The fundamental philosophy of Ideal Protein is to increase overall well being through sensible weight loss and empower clients to make sustainable, smarter lifestyle choices after they have lost excess weight.

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January 2015

at all are indicators that the energetic meridian flow involved in the menstrual cycle is not coursing smoothly. A Western diagnosis of uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts and endometriosis are often caused by similar energetic issues but can indicate the meridian flow has stagnated further. This can also give rise to varied conditions ranging from pain, fertility issues, migraines, emotional irritability to depression. Western medicine will often prescribe the birth control pill to manage or mask such unpleasant menstrual symptoms. However, the pill will not correct the underlying original hormonal imbalance that gave rise to those symptoms. With acupuncture, often accompanied by the use of Chinese herbs and implementing some lifestyle changes, a woman’s menstrual cycle can be rebalanced and corrected.

Acupuncture During the Three Stages of Women’s Health by Jody Eisemann

s the world’s oldest continuously practiced healthcare system, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) – of which acupuncture is a part – is a standalone medical science with little overlap with Western allopathic concepts. While acupuncture has gained a level of acceptance in Western society, many people are still unaware that acupuncture can effectively treat far more than just pain. Acupuncture is not a biochemical, mechanical or even a structural medicine or technique; it is an energetic medicine. Patients’ treatments are based on TCM diagnostic theory that will treat imbalances of the body by using the movement of energy or qi to correct the condition, whether it is pain, a digestive problem, a negative emotional state or resulting from a woman’s unique gynecological make-up.

Fairfield County Edition

TCM theory places a lot of emphasis on menstrual health as an indicator of a woman’s overall vitality, as well as her fertility and longevity. All women should be able to expect a comfortable monthly menses, successful pregnancies and a relatively easy menopause. Sadly, many women today do not experience such gynecological ease. In such cases, acupuncture and the many tools of TCM may represent a real alternative to pharmaceuticals or surgery. In fact, acupuncture and TCM can often have some remarkable results, especially in the treatment of women’s healthcare issues at all three stages of life: menstruation, fertility/pregnancy and menopause.

MENSTRUATION PMS, early, late or missed periods, heavy or scanty flows or even no period

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FERTILITY/PREGNANCY Acupuncture and TCM have a long history of treating fertility issues in women as well as in men. The reproductive system, which is not necessary for daily survival, can be one of the functions the body can slow down in order to survive stressful ordeals or if an individual is in poor health. In our daily lives in the U.S., many of us overwork, overeat and get little sleep; most people do not realize just how stressed out they are. Sometimes an acupuncture session is one of the few times people can get to destress and relax. Acupuncture and TCM generally have a high success rate with functional infertility like various hormonal imbalances, endocrine disorders and emotional problems as well as some structural infertility issues, including pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis and ovary dysfunction. Additionally, acupuncture can also help improve other fertility risk factors such as elevated follicle stimulating hormone, polycystic ovarian syndrome, fibroids, previous invitro fertilization (IVF) failures, uterine adhesions and more. Acupuncture has also been shown, when used in conjunction with IVF, to increase the successful transfer of the embryo and to aid in sustaining a healthy pregnancy. With consistent treatment to correct underly-

ing imbalances, a woman’s chances of a successful pregnancy are much higher once she has had three normal consecutive periods and barring any structural abnormalities or reproductive issues for her partner. Using acupuncture during pregnancy has been proven to be a safe and effective way to strengthen the uterus for the developing fetus, help prevent miscarriages, correct breech birth positions, alleviate morning sickness, and reduce instances of hypertension, edema and eclampsia. Many practitioners suggest that pregnant women can lower their stress level if they avoid upsetting films and books or negative news reports. Exercise such as walking, swimming, tai chi or yoga classes designed for pregnancy should be mildly invigorating but not exhausting. It is also considered important to rest more often, especially in the later stages of pregnancy, to avoid exhaustion that could negatively affect a woman’s efforts in labor. Additionally, pre-birth acupuncture in the last four weeks of pregnancy has been shown to help prepare women for childbirth. In a large study in New Zealand, it was shown that pre-birth acupuncture offered a wide range of positive benefits from cutting down on the time in labor to reducing the rate of medical intervention during childbirth. Acupuncture can help a mother who has had a previous cesarean to

deliver vaginally (VBAC) and can also induce labor if it is delayed or not progressing. In China, electro-acupuncture can be used instead of anesthesia during cesarean surgery, thereby making the delivery easier for the baby and aiding in a faster recovery for the mother. Once the baby has been born, acupuncture and herbs have proven to be helpful in restoring a new mother’s energy, increasing low breast milk production, healing birth injuries, low back pain and hemorrhoids and dealing with post-natal depression.

MENOPAUSE Menopause represents a major change in a woman’s physiological processes. Traditionally, it represents a time when the children are raised and a woman is now free to pursue her own interests, acquiring new or refining old skills, reflecting on wisdom learned, and teaching and caring for others in a new way. However, in actuality, menopause for many women can be a very stressful time because of symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, night sweats, frequent urination and irritability. Interestingly, there is no word for hot flashes in Japanese because the women of Japan don’t seem to have them — the reason why is unknown. It may be because, but it may be because they eat very little red meat and milk products. While such stressful menopausal symptoms may be common in our culture, it doesn’t mean it is normal.

In the case of menopausal hot flashes and night sweats, acupuncture and herbs can often give quick relief for these debilitating problems. Using a special point in the ear, known as shenmen (“spiritgate”), is calming for any kind of anxiety or irritability associated with “internal heat,” heat that is often common in menopausal women in the U.S. Licensed acupuncturists (LAc) go to graduate school for three years or more, are conversant with Western medicine, trained in TCM theory, diagnosis and application, and sit for a national two-day exam. Licensed by each state, LAcs can provide effective healthcare options for women, men and children. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine have much to offer all people, especially when it comes to chronic low-grade health conditions that have no explanation or real solution other than just managing those symptoms. Acupuncture is an ancient science that is still relevant today and is far more than just sticking needles where there is pain. Jody Eisemann, LAc, NCCAOM, of Acupuncture Healing CT has more than 20 years experience treating with acupuncture. She sees patients in Norwalk and Trumbull. Call 203-216-2548 or visit AcupunctureHealingCT.com for more information. See ad, page 75.

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January 2015

petbriefs DAWS Shoebox Recycling Fundraiser Ongoing The Monthly Naturally Healthy Pet Section Starts Here!

hroughout the month of January, Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) is accepting donations of new and gently used shoes for the ShoeBox Recycling Fundraiser. Shoes of all sizes, shapes and colors will be accepted as long as they do not have holes or mildew and are re-wearable. Athletic shoes, cleats, Timberlandtype work boots, dress shoes, casual shoes, sandals, heels, flats, and cowboy boots are all accepted. Ski boots, heavy winter boots, Uggs, roller blades/skates, ice skates, flip-flops, crocs, bedroom slippers and single shoes will not be accepted. Shoes should be dropped off at the shelter during open hours, which are Monday through Friday 6 to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday 2 to 4pm. For more information, call 203-744-DAWS (3297) or email DAWS@DAWS.org. Location: 147 Grassy Plain St, Bethel.

Fun Photo Sessions with Pets by Sandy Murphy

For information on how you can be a part of a future issue, call

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

Fairfield County Edition

vette Schmitter keeps her dog’s photo sessions short because, “Chance pouts after 20 minutes.” If a large dog looks intimidating, soften its appearance by adding a bright bandana, hat or goofy sunglasses. Liisa Kyle took weekly photos of a pup to show its growth. Joanna Campbell Slan, author of the Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-n-Craft mystery book series, offers several additional tips.

photos courtesy of Liisa Kyle

News, articles, resources, events… all dedicated exclusively to happy, naturally healthy living for our furred, feathered and scaled animal companions.

n Take photos from the pet’s eye level instead of from above. n For a dark-haired pet, use a contrasting background; a colorful blanket or pale wall makes it stand out. n Add texture by layering papers and adding trinkets and creative captions. n Notes from a groomer can make a cute addition. n Catalog the words a pet knows on a designated page. Go beyond the obvious command words.

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A Simple New Year’s Resolution for Pets:

WATER

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by Mary Oquendo

t’s that time of year again. What if there was one simple resolution you could make that would instantly improve the quality of life for your pets? Here it is…

Resolve to add more water to your pet’s daily diet Water is important because it maintains the balance of body fluids that are used in digestion, circulation and body temperature regulation. It reduces muscle fatigue resulting in better performance and more energy for playtime. The skin will be more elastic and the coat healthy and shiny. Ninety percent of the brain is made up of water. Adequate water consumption will boost energy levels and promote mental clarity. This is important because pets can begin to suffer from cognitive disorders as they age. All these factors matter, but the number one reason for ensuring adequate intake of water is to protect the kidneys. The kidneys are your pet’s filtration system; they need a sufficient water supply to work properly. If your pets do not have enough moisture in their diet through food and drinking water, it could lead to dehydration. Dehydration is the loss of normal body fluids, including water and electrolytes. The body’s cells are now deficient in the necessary water needed to perform vital functions. Dehydration can cause permanent kidney damage, heatstroke and shock as well as damage the circulatory system. Untreated dehydration can lead to death in a matter of hours.

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January 2015

There are three ways dehydration can occur. There is a reduced fluid intake, an increase in fluid losses or a combination of both.

Reduced fluid intake • Your pet’s water source is unavailable or unclean • Stressful events and travel reduce your pet’s desire for water. Stressful events include holiday gatherings, moving, and additions to the family. • Dogs and cats require a diet that is 70 percent moisture. Most dry foods are between 8 and 12 percent moisture. If supplemented foods and water do not make up the other 60 percent, then your pet may be living in a state of dehydration. This continual dehydration damages the kidneys. Kidney failure is the number one cause of death in cats and the number two for dogs.

Increased fluid losses • Overexertion and panting due to heat or exercise • Medications can cause your pet to

Fairfield County Edition

urinate frequently • Illnesses, diarrhea, vomiting or fevers • Excessive drooling, which can also be a particular breed issue or an allergic reaction • Large wounds or burns • Recuperating pets need more fluids than normal • Kidney disease and diabetic pets are unable to retain fluids and urinate frequently Young, older, immune-compromised, pregnant and nursing pets are more susceptible to dehydration. When signs of dehydration are apparent, it’s important to go to your vet immediately.

Signs of dehydration include: • Skin loses elasticity. The “pinch test” is a quick way to check for dehydration. Pull up the skin like a tent and let it fall back down. It should return to its original position immediately. This is not an accurate test for obese pets as their skin is already stretched to capacity. • Acting lethargic or depressed

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• Sunken eyes • Dry, tacky gums • Increased heart rate • Slow capillary refill time (normal refill time is two seconds) • Tremors in back legs While physical findings can point to dehydration, it cannot determine the extent. A complete blood count, packed cell volume and total blood protein tests are needed to determine the extent and cause and check for kidney damage. A complete biochemistry profile is recommended.

Dehydration is measured in percentages • Less than 5 percent: Considered mild dehydration. The stretched skin will return to normal quickly. • 6-9 percent: There is a noticeable delay in skin returning to normal position, eyes can be sunken and the gums dry. This range can cause significant health problems in cats. • 10-12 percent: The skin does not

return to normal, eyes are very sunken, pulse is weak and the heart rate is accelerated. This will cause significant health problems in dogs and can be fatal in cats. • 12-15 percent: This is life threatening for dogs. They will be in shock and most likely unconscious. • 15 percent: Death. It does not take long for your pet to go from 5 to 15 percent and any delay in treatment can be fatal. In mild cases of dehydration, as determined by your vet, give your pet fluids by mouth or into the cheek pouch with a syringe. Use Smart Water or unflavored Pedialyte instead of water, as they will also replace lost electrolytes. Do not use flavored Pedialyte or Gatorade as they contain artificial sugars. In more serious cases of dehydration, the pet needs immediate veterinarian intervention and treatment. The vet will determine the proper rehydration dosage using IV fluids. This pet will need monitoring at the hospital. Your vet will also determine and address the cause leading to dehydration. Please remember that untreated dehydration can lead to death in a matter of hours.

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A simple resolution to provide adequate water for your pets may prevent many health risks. Remember, prevention is always better than treatment. Mary Oquendo is a Reiki master, advanced crystal master and certified master pet-tech pet first aid instructor. She is the co-owner of Hands and Paws-Reiki for All in New Milford. She can be reached at HandsandPawsReiki. com. See ad, page 45.

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Since 2008, we have rescued more than 1000pure and mixed breed dogs and cats from death row and placed them in foster and forever homes!

Steps to reduce your pet’s risk of dehydration: • Provide fresh, clean water for them at all times. • Replace their water with Smart Water or unflavored Pedialyte during stressful events or when traveling. • Give water before and during any activities. • Provide your pets with a moisturerich diet.

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January 2015

Uniquely Suited to Outdoor Fun by Jennifer McDermott

ere in the Northeast, winter winds keep us close to the hearth. It is a time of dormancy for most, and, in its most poetic form an introspective time needed for the regrowth that comes in the spring. Like most domesticated animals, horses follow our lead without much of a choice. With the best of intentions, we blanket them, keep them in heated barns, limit their activity, feed to keep extra weight on. Should we be doing so? Can the horse inspire us to have a healthier and happier time this winter both mentally and physically? Is it possible for us to follow their lead and see winter as a time of active exploration and discovery? Horses are migratory animals well suited for all seasons. Winter is no exception and most would argue the colder weather suits them just fine. Nature provided a complex outer shell that takes them in and out of any climate. Their coat is incredibly adaptable, efficiently cooling them in the summer and trapping heat in the winter. 46

Fairfield County Edition

Each tiny hair follicle is engaged in a muscle system that lifts it up and down for warmth and shifts it back and forth to aid in wicking away moisture. The only time a healthy horse may need assistance with the elements is when frigid, sleeting rain and snow beat down. Shelter, plenty of forage to stoke their internal furnace and water is all a horse needs. If one chooses to allow the horse’s coat to function in this natural way after a time of blanketing, the first season should be monitored because the coat system needs to adjust to full functioning after a period of dormancy. The natural “barefoot” hoof is another marvel of function in the snow. The proper balance of frog and bulb allows suction to form and the bars give traction in the snow thus making them far more sure-footed than a shod horse. If one chooses to keep shoes on in the winter, a special, cleated “snowshoe” should be put on to insure safety in the snow. As with humans, the functioning

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Photo Courtesy of Kate Stoupus Photography

A Horse in Winter

of the outer can’t happen without the functioning of the inner. The coat and hoof can’t happen without the functioning of the gut, the source of the immune system. Winter brings on its own stresses with shifting weather patterns, stall confinement, loss of pasture or a poorly ventilated barn. This all affects the horse’s gut health and, therefore, their immune system. Good forage, elimination of fortified feeds, the addition of probiotics and prebiotics and fresh water is the best you can do at a minimum inside the barn. However, nothing can replace getting them outside and active for brain and body. The same could be said for us. The indoor arena is a good substitute but you will see energy and curiosity go up when they venture out. The horseman will find the challenge in learning how to assess their horse’s adaptability and how best to keep their equine friend in the thinking side of his brain while everyone remains safe.

There is only one thing better than looking up into a clear, blue, winter sky and inhaling the crisp air and, that is doing from atop a healthy horse. Or, better yet, doing it at a gallop across a field with newly fallen snow. Some have likened it to skiing powder. The success of your first venture out depends on your preparation. Set yourself up for success and you will open a whole new awareness. Rider, layer as a skier would. Horse, you are perfect. Jennifer McDermott’s exploration of horse energy began while rehabilitating horses in Fairfield County over 12 years ago. With her equine Reiki practice and passion for preventative health, she has embraced the three-pronged approach of foundational rehabilitation: nutrition, bodywork and positive reinforcement teaching. She now lives in Guilford and devotes herself to the rehabilitation of the Off the Track Thoroughbred.

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238 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-762-2006 • Animals-In-Distress.com

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

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504 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-750-9572 • PawsCT.org

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15 Cross St, Norwalk 203-838-7729 • DogGoneSmart.com

Passage East has been dedicated to caring for pets for more than 40 years and makes your dog feel like it never left home. Passage East is a full-service dog boarding kennel. We offer daycare services, overnight boarding and full-service grooming. See ad, page 47.

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VETERINARY SERVICES

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COMMUNITY CATS

PASSAGE EAST BOARDING KENNELS

Fairfield County’s TOP canine center! We have been serving pet lovers in our area for more than 20 years. Our staff of dog trainers and animal behavorists work together to make Dog Gone Smart a loving, safe, fun and happy home away from home for your dog. See ad, page 43.

The Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic is a low-cost, high-volume facility for cats and dogs, the first such professional clinic in Fairfield County. The clinic offers other low-cost services only during the spay/neuter appointment. Nutmeg honors state spay/neuter vouchers at face value from adopted shelter pets and qualified low-income families and offers further low-cost incentives to nonprofit rescue groups. Pit bulls and mixes are welcome at an an even more reduced rate, and the clinic offers spay/neuter and vaccine discounts for feral cats. See ad, page 44.

Passage East Boarding Kennels “Compassionate care for all breeds since 1967”

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email: passage_east@sbcglobal.net eNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2015

Chill WithThat Special Someone

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Find Your Fitness Style

Workouts that Suit Your Personality

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Fairfield County Edition

by Wendy Worrall Redal

hile some people find repetitious workouts boring, others like doing predictable routines at regular locations. Ensuring that our fitness regimen jives with our “fitness personality” is integral to making exercise a consistent part of our lifestyle, a concept that has traction among exercise experts. Jonathan Niednagel, founder and director of The Brain Type Institute, in Mountain Home, Arkansas, and an athletic consultant for professional teams, explains in his book, Your Key to Sports Success, that understanding our inborn brain type can help us to determine which sport is best suited to motivate us. In Suzanne Brue’s book, The 8 Colors of Fitness, she applies principles from the MyersBriggs personality inventory to help readers develop a personalized exercise program. Susan Davis-Ali, Ph.D., in St. Paul, Minnesota, a professional coach for working women, created a Fitness Interest Profile survey for the Life Time

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Fitness health club chain. She points to research that suggests people that engage in activities appropriate for their personalities enjoy their workouts more and are likely to stay with them longer. Identifying our fitness personality can help us find a program that suits our rhythms and interests. Based on composites from growing research, here are six categories that assess and capture the way we may feel about exercise; more than one can apply to any individual. Disciplined and driven. This is an image to which many of us may aspire, even though not everyone fits the mold. These exercisers are self-motivated and goal-oriented. Commitment and consistency go hand-inhand. They like to use devices to track progress, maintain a training log and/ or work with a personal trainer in systematic workouts geared to measure improvement. Disciplined types are often early risers; starting the day with regular exercise is second nature. Compatible fitness regimens include cardio work-

outs, interval and weight training, running, swimming and martial arts. Relishes routine. While these folks are disciplined and driven in some ways, they tend to be more relaxed about regimens. The key to success here is consistency. They like order and familiarity in exercise settings and practice and may enjoy reading or watching a screen during workouts. Whatever the preferred approach, whether it’s a favorite training video, Wii Fit video game, favorite teacher or memorized Pilates moves, these exercisers like to stick with it, even working out at the same time every day—often first thing in the morning or after work—finding that regularity can be habit-forming. Conscious contemplative. Reflective individuals enjoy quiet, solo activities like long-distance running, biking, hiking and swimming, that allow opportunities to look inward, often without thinking too much about the physical details. Exercise offers a chance to clear the mind and renew the spirit while strengthening the body. These types naturally

gravitate to outdoor pursuits, but some indoor practices may also suit them, like yoga, Pilates, tai chi or even karate, which incorporate a strong mind-body component. Workouts are often soothing, rather than intense. Plays well with others. For many people, exercise is best enjoyed with others, combining the social and fitness benefits of both. Connections and camaraderie get them off the couch, revved up and ready to go. Whether it’s a committed group of friends chatting during water aerobics or a highpowered cardio class that compares notes, motivation comes primarily from the presence—and accountability factor—of others. A lunch-hour class at a nearby studio or gym may be a fun break in the workday. On weekends, consider golf, tennis, dance or a local recreation team. Compulsive competitor. While the communal aspect is appealing, the greater gratification for this type comes through the thrill and challenge of competition. Trying to win is the great

motivator, unlike driven and disciplined types that are happy to push through to their personal best. Team sports are a natural outlet, including soccer, rugby, lacrosse, basketball or swimming, plus disc golf, tennis or racquetball matches and running events. Avid for adventure. It’s tough for any formal exercise program to keep the attention of adventurers. They crave freshness and spontaneity in fitness venues, activities that engage their interest and animate enthusiasm. It’s crucial for adventurous types to mix things up and not rely on any one exercise practice. Outdoor endeavors such as snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, inline skating or mountain biking have appeal. They may gravitate to the variables of Nia, Zumba’s high-energy Latin dance groove, kickboxing, exercise balls or hot yoga. A midday exercise escape can break the work routine. Their key to keeping active is to keep things stimulating. Wendy Worrall Redal blogs at Gaiam Life (Life.Gaiam.com), from which this was adapted.

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January 2015

Coming in February

Fitness Success in 2015! Choose the Right Environment to Achieve Your Goals

2015 Natural Living Directory

by Kristen Hallett Rzasa

For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call

203-885-4674 50

Fairfield County Edition

he new year brings the promise of a clean slate. Freshly crafted resolutions often center on losing weight, hitting the gym regularly and getting into shape. The endless barrage of fitness promotions also begins; for many, choosing the right fitness environment can be daunting and overwhelming. Personal training is ideal for the person who needs guidance and direction, or simply accountability and motivation. A trainer can provide instruction on the correct way to use equipment and appropriate form and technique. “A first-time exerciser or someone new to weights is a great client because I can make sure they learn the correct form on all exercises the first time around and I don’t have to use valuable time trying to fix bad form and habits,” says local trainer Tom Romano. “Another great client is the one who is very intimidated by the big gym atmosphere and allows me to help them not only build up their body, but also their selfimage and self-confidence.” Romano works with clients at a private facility in Norwalk as well as in the privacy of clients’ homes in Fairfield and Westchester counties. Using the services of a personal trainer can be pricey,

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but the education can be well worth the investment for the right person. Group fitness classes can be the answer for those who are energized by being amongst others and are more likely to stay on track when required to show up on a certain day and time. Most traditional gyms offer a full schedule of group classes that offer variety specifically to attract this type of client. “Group training, either in a small setting or in a gym setting, is cost efficient, allowing many clients to achieve their general training goals,” explains Elizabeth Reed, owner of Monroe-based

Local Resources Tom Romano Tom Romano Fitness, LLC Norwalk • 607-423-3111 RomanoTom23@yahoo.com Travis VandeWater iLoveKickboxing Norwalk • 845-399-7569 iLoveKickboxing.com Elizabeth Reed • BodySmart Monroe • 203-767-0623 BodySmart.cc

BodySmart. She encourages clients to “experiment at different facilities and class sizes to find a group class that fits your personality and specific training needs.” Group fitness classes can also be a great choice for those seeking community and fun in their workout routine. Machines commonly found in a traditional gym setting, such as treadmills, elliptical machines and rowers, can be overwhelming. Using these machines can also be an injury waiting to happen if the equipment is not used properly or the settings are not appropriate for the user. Solo workouts on machines at the gym are best suited for the highly disciplined, as well as those who know what to do and how to properly adjust the machines and execute the movements. Specialty fitness boutiques and franchises are popping up everywhere. These facilities typically highlight one type of workout such as spinning, barre classes, kickboxing or pole dancing. Travis VandeWater, owner of iLoveKickboxing in Norwalk, says, “The type of client that is best for our class is someone who is either bored or frustrated by the gym. Our classes offer a personal training type of atmosphere but at a fraction of the cost. What makes our class unique to other kickboxing classes is that here you actually get to hit something. In a cardio kickboxing class you get a good cardiovascular workout but that’s it. By doing the workout the way we do it you are able get both a great cardio and resistance workout.” One advantage offered by these locations is that the instructors are often specialists. This can be valuable if someone wants to perfect a particular skill like kickboxing. Sports leagues for many team sports are available through many town recreation services during different seasons and are a popular option for former athletes and weekend warriors. This is a good environment for people who enjoy being a part of a team and have a competitive spirit. The local town parks and recreation department is a good place to start research into what may be available in your area. Working out at home is a great option for those with tight budgets or limited flexibility, such as a new mom or someone with an unusual job schedule. Working out at home allows the option to define a workable, yet flexible fitness routine schedule. While this option requires discipline, fitness DVDs are low cost and flexible. There is an unlimited range of fitness DVDs on the market, at the local library or rented via services such as Netflix, so there is sure to be something to appeal to everyone. One downside of the home workout can be that there is no one there to correct your form if you stray from the intended posture so, depending on the workout type, it can be important to pay attention to form or invite potential injury. The best environment to meet your fitness goals in the new year? It is the one with which you’ll stick. Experiment and find what works best for you. Kristen Hallett Rzasa is the owner of InterPlay Health, a whole-life wellness company in Norwalk focused on fitness, nutrition and fun for women. She is a Jazzercise instructor, health coach and MELT Method instructor. Connect with her at InterplayHealth.com.

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

SEAFOOD CUCUMBER STACKS WITH LEMON CREAM AND CHIVES (Makes 2 dozen)

These refreshing hors d’oeuvres are equally delicious made with salmon, trout, shrimp or crab, so pick a seafood that’s best for your budget. For vegetarians, a slice of baked tofu is a perfect substitute for the seafood. 1/2 cup light sour cream 1 bunch chives, finely chopped, divided Zest and 1 tablespoon juice from 1 lemon Salt and ground black pepper to taste 1 (4-ounce) package smoked salmon or smoked trout, OR 8 ounces crab meat, OR 12 medium peeled, deveined and halved cooked shrimp 1 seedless cucumber, cut into 24 slices • In a small bowl, combine sour cream, half of the chives, lemon zest and juice, salt and pepper. If using salmon or trout, cut into 24 bite-sized pieces. Arrange a piece of seafood on each cucumber slice then top with a dollop of sour cream mixture and garnish with remaining chives.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2015

therapyspotlight

The Mobility Project

by Kristina Centnere

ave you ever watched the way a baby crawls or how a monkey swings from tree to tree? Have you seen the way a cat will stretch itself out or how a frog can launch itself long distances with power and grace? The one thing the baby, the monkey, the cat and the frog all have in common is mobility. The definition of mobility is the ability to move or be moved freely and easily. Mobility is at the center of every other aspect of fitness, ranging from strength, endurance and flexibility to balance, agility and speed. When the body is able to move in the manner it was originally designed to do, pain and stiffness are reduced while function and performance increase. The human body is one of the most complex and fascinating pieces of equipment ever designed. Imagine that we have the most intricate piece of software, the human brain, paired with the most intricate piece of hardware, the human body. We have the ability to mimic almost any animal movement pattern from climbing, crawling, running,and rolling to swimming, swinging, jumping and twisting. The software and hardware are in place; however, we seem to have lost the manual to our own equipment. This is where problems begin to occur; without the proper manual and instruction to activate and utilize the body to its full potential, we have no clear idea what we are capable of. We go through life accumulating illnesses that affect how we move and, in turn, how we perform, function and feel. In a sense, mobility is the antivirus for your body.

“The body will become good at what you DO, or what you DON’T do. If you don’t move, then you will become good at not moving.” ~ Ido Portal 52

Fairfield County Edition

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When it comes to movement, the best production of force and stability comes from proper mobility in the joint and flexibility through the muscles and connective tissues. Throughout the day, week, month and year, we continue to “load” the joints inside and outside of the gym. Joint distraction is a key part of unloading that tension and stress within the joint. This is always the beginning step to “reprogramming” the body and alleviating tightness and reducing pain. Unloading those stressors is the first part to better movement. In a society where we are constantly on the move from the moment we wake up to the moment we get home, our minds and our bodies are always on. The daily demands placed on our body are strenuous. When pairing the demand with the continued repetition of that demand and the movement, we run into problems. In order to fix these problems, the tendency is to seek out the quickest solution, whether it is surgery, shots or drugs. In some instances, these treatments may be needed, but exploring alternative methods first might be beneficial. To help fill this gap, Chris Kalisz, owner and operator of Norwalk-based Frost Fitness LLC, conceived The Mobility Project. The new workout technique infuses yoga, creative dance movement, martial arts and gymnastics. With a sports athletic background and 12 years as a professional wrestler, Kalisz had come to recognize the invaluable importance of movement and mobility. He believes maintaining proper posture, form and function to make moving as efficient as possible are keys to the “fountain of youth.” The Mobility Project introduces new concepts into the traditional ways of thinking when it comes to fitness, offering participants the ability to actively make a change in the way they feel, the way they move, and the way they view fitness. “I want to help anyone who is looking to improve their lives and reduce any pain, by helping them to improve not only their movement patterns, but understand their own movements and how it ultimately affects the outcome of their health,” Kalisz explains. The Mobility Project is a functional movement and performance enhancement program that is held in a class format; it can also be done in the gym or at home. You only need your own body to get started for the basics. “Chris changed my life after I was scheduled to have surgery on my IT Band this Christmas. I have been a dancer my entire life, and over the last two years have been in extreme pain. After three doctors and four physical therapists, with little to no relief, surgery was offered as the BEST option. I worked with Chris for 5 sessions before going back to college and his mobility project took my pain from a nine out of 10, all the way to a two out of 10. It’s the best I have felt in three years and I haven’t even thought of surgery since,” says Mobility Project client Allie Daut about her experience with the work. For more information about The Mobility Project, contact Chris Kalisz at 203-984-2556 or ChrisKaliszCFT@gmail.com. Kristina Centnere, owner of Ekat Development and founder of Total Wellness Connect, works with top local health and wellness professionals. Connect with her at Kristina.Centnere@gmail.com.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2015

INSPIRED

TABLE

inspiredtable Kids Eat Free at Freshii on January Weekends

estport healthy fast food eatery Freshii is launching a Kids Eat Free program during the month of January, aimed at increasing the number of kids who eat healthy meals as part of their regular diet. During this time, Freshii is offering kids under the age of 10 a free entree from the kids menu on Saturdays and Sundays when their meal is accompanied by an adult entrée (one free kids meal per adult entrée). “We want kids to understand that healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up delicious food,” said Jonathan Blob, owner of Freshii Westport. “We are introducing our Kids Eat Free program because we love seeing kids from Westport and surrounding towns come in and enjoy our fresh, healthy options—and we want to see even more of them!” Founded by CEO and entrepreneur Matthew Corrin, the health-oriented restaurant chain is currently in nearly 50 American cities and eight countries. The goal is to serve “high-quality, healthy food in a casual and convenient way to help people live their best life,” owner Blob explains. He opened the Westport location as his flagship in 2013 and hopes to open five to 10 more locations over the next several years in Fairfield and Westchester Counties. Freshii in Westport is open Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 9am to 8pm and Sunday 10am to 7pm. Free parking is available in Parker Harding Plaza. For more information about Freshii or the Freshii Kids Eat Free program, call 203-222-3599 or visit Freshii.com/US/Locations/Connecticut/Westport. Freshii is located at 19 Post Rd East in downtown Westport.

Greenwich Cheese Company Opens

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

203-885-4674 54

Fairfield County Edition

uilding on the success of their Fairfield Cheese Company, which opened in 2009, co-owners Laura Downey and Chris Palumbo have opened Greenwich Cheese Company in Cos Cob. The new location will offering a wide selection of cut-to-order from larger wheels, artisanal and farmstead cheese from around the world and American artisanal cheeses in addition to small batch handmade charcuterie and specialty food accompaniments. Downey and Palumbo are the only retail owners in Connecticut to be American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professionals (ACS CCP), a certification that only a few hundred people have nationwide. Greenwich store manager Kevin DeFreitas brings 15 years of cheese mongering experience and has worked with such industry pros as Ken Skovron from the Darien Cheese Shop. Greenwich Cheese Company will be offering a series of cheese classes and private tastings. For more information, visit GreenwichCheese.com. Greenwich Cheese Company is located at 154 East Putnam Ave, Cos Cob.

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STEP #1: Decide to make permanent, long-term lifestyle changes instead of short-term goals using fad diets and training routines. By incorporating nutrient-dense, low-glycemic index (GI) meals along with moderate aerobic and anaerobic exercise, it is possible to achieve permanent and positive health and body composition changes. “Exercise and eating well with a low-GI diet go hand-in-hand with feeling good about ourselves. This is a winning combination that elevates your health and physical wellbeing and the foundations for a healthy lifestyle,” states Donna Brown, MS, a clinical nutritionist and the founder of Fairfield-based Nutrition Kitchen.

Integrate Nutrition and Fitness Goals for Best Results

Apply the 80/20 Rule! by Elizabeth Reed

ave you ever wondered why you may not be getting the desired results from your fitness training regime? Many gym-goers try to “out-train their diet” to achieve weight loss and body composition results. At one time, in younger years, you may have been able to maintain your weight and physique this way. However, the older we get, the less our metabolisms are able to compensate to do this. Nutritionists, registered dietitians, health coaches and fitness trainers will usually tell you that to achieve your desired health and fitness goals, 80 percent is from your diet and the other 20 percent is from exercise. The following are four lifestyle changes you can make to align your nutrition and fitness goals to achieve success this year.

STEP #2: Encompass lifestyle behavior modifications by getting enough rest, shaking up your regular exercise routine and eating clean. Get rid of highly processed foods that are heavily laden with unwanted calories, hidden fats and sugars, and are low in nutritional value. Ditch the restrictive shortterm fad diets that remove entire food groups. This can cause food cravings and create sluggish metabolisms that increase unwanted weight grain and impede body fat loss. These fad diets, which can initially cause a drastic drop in weight, eventually backfire and cause rebound weight gain, ultimately sabotaging your workout efforts. In contrast, a low-glycemic index way of eating embraces a non-restrictive diverse food list that guarantees long-term compliance and success. This ensures suitable nutritional support from foods when they are consumed in a proper foodcombining method that maintains blood sugar balance and keeps the body in a fat-burning zone all day long. Furthermore, this type of program does not focus on calorie counting to achieve these goals but rather on combining protein and fiber at every meal (see sidebar for low-GI breakfast recipe: Tiny Omelettes in Muffin Tins). This concept is the cornerstone of keeping blood glycemic levels balanced and body fat at bay. Additionally, proper blood balancing will give you more energy for your workouts. “Diet and exercise go hand-in-hand. One actually feeds the other. If you exercise, it has a direct effect on the food choices you make. On the flip side, if you feed the body unhealthy foods, you feel lethargic, heavy, depressed, and you are less likely to want to exercise,” states Annette Alfieri, MS, a clinical nutritionist and founder of Annette Alfieri Nutrition in Fairfield. When you eat right to balance your blood sugar, you will have more energy in every aspect of your life, better mental clarity, improved energy levels and improved workout results. Seeking out nutritional guidance from a professional is one of the quickest ways to get on track to creating new healthy eating habits. Most nutritional coaches no longer focus on the old way of recording calories. Instead, the focus is now about blood sugar control to manage weight, energy levels and overall health and getting better results in the gym. STEP #3: Forget about the traditional bathroom scale; instead of focusing on actual pounds lost, focus on overall inches and body fat loss. A low-GI-food program can produce a reduction of up to 15 inches, reduction in body fat percentage and a drop in one to two clothing sizes before losing a eNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2015

single pound on the scale. “Body fat percentage is thankfully gaining more popularity as an effective marker of overall health and fitness instead of the BMI index,” says Marc Perry, CSCS, CPT, the creator of BuiltLean. Know when you have reached an appropriate body fat range. Just as too much body fat is unhealthy, so is too little body fat. A healthy body fat range for women is between 18 to 24 percent and for men it is 8 to 20 percent. So lose the habit of weighing in every morning and replace your traditional scale with a tape measure and a bioelectrical impedance scale. For best results, focus should be on fat loss, not weight loss. STEP #4: Shake up your exercise routine. If you do the same routine every time you work out and do not change the intensity, your body will plateau. An effective way to break your training plateau is to hire a trainer and/or add a group exercise class a few days a week. Positive changes can be seen and felt in as little as a few weeks. Try adding Pilates, yoga, pole sculpting, Zumba, or other types of general group training class. Just keep shaking up your exercise routine for the best results. Do not wait to get started. Get the most out of your training efforts by incorporating these four steps to align and rebalance your nutrition and fitness goals for a successful 2015. Elizabeth Reed is the owner of BodySmart, a Boutique Fitness and Weight Loss Studio in Monroe. She is a Clinical Nutritionist, MS, CNS; PMA Certified Teacher and NASM Personal Trainer. Connect with her at 203-7670623 or BodySmart.cc or Facebook. com/Bodysmart.

Resources Donna Brown, MS, Clinical nutritionist Nutrition Kitchen, Fairfield NutritionKitchenUSA.com

Mayo Clinic - Healthy Lifestyle Nutrition and Healthy Eating MayoClinic.org/Healthy-Living/ Nutrition-and-Healthy-Eating/In-Depth/ Glycemic-Index-Diet/Art-20048478

Annette Alfieri, MS Clinical nutritionist Annette Alfieri Nutrition, Fairfield AnnetteAlfieri.com

Marc Perry, CSC, CPT BuiltLean BuiltLean.com

Tiny Omelettes in Muffin Tins Prep Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Ingredients: • Green onion, chopped (optional) • Tomato, chopped (optional) • Onion, chopped (optional) • Cheese, grated (optional) • Green chilies, minced (optional) • 6 eggs, beaten with 2 Tbsp milk (or egg whites) • Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Preheat oven at 400 degrees. Grease your muffin tin. Add vegetables of your choice along with cheese. Pour beaten egg mixture on it. Place muffin pan on the center rack of a preheated oven and bake for 2025 minutes or until muffins are light brown, puffy, and the eggs are set. Let muffins cool for a few minutes before removing from the muffin pan

or cups. Loosen gently with knife if they seem to be sticking. Eat immediately or let cool completely and store in plastic bag in refrigerator or freezer. The egg muffins can be reheated in the microwave. You can add cooked chicken, beef or mince, spinach, sausages, ricotta cheese and more as per your taste. Source: Catherine Yummly

1084 Post Road, Darien • 24 Railroad Place, Westport www.olivettect.com • (203) 621-0643

Fairfield County Edition

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juicebarprofiles Kure Spa & Organic Juice Bar 430 Main Ave, 2nd Flr, Norwalk 203-857-1500 KureSpaSG@gmail.com Kure-Spa.com

Pure Bar

426 Main St, Ridgefield 203-403-3705 Info@PureBar.me PureBar.me Business Summary or services offered: Pure Bar offers 100 percent certified organic, raw, vegetarian, homemade and locally sourced juices, smoothies, ginger, wheatgrass and “cold” shots and teas, as well as hummus, salads and pure dressings. We offer five different cleanses to help clients detox and jumpstart healthy living.

Business Summary or services offered: Newly opened in November, Kure Spa offers four services: massage, Vibrosaun therapy, yoga and an organic juice bar. What process is used to prepare your juices and how are they stored and for how long? All juices are organic and are made fresh to order with a single auger, slow-turning, masticating juicer that is best for maximum nutrient retention. Where do you source your fruits and vegetables for your juices and other products? Our juices and smoothies are made with all organic products. We buy from local farms when available. What types of cleanse/detox programs do you offer, how much do they cost and how do clients receive their products? We will be offering organic juice based cleanses and weight loss plans beginning this spring. Credentials/certifications of any health coaches or other educational personnel? We have a chiropractor on staff as well as certified health and natural nutrition coaches. What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your products? Our unique “4 Pillars of Health” approach was created to promote a place where clients and members can visit on a weekly basis to detoxify and re-nourish their bodies for optimal health.

What process is used to prepare your juices and how are they stored and for how long? All our juice and smoothies are freshly made by demand. We offer bottled juices for cleanses that we store refrigerated for a maximum of 2-3 days. Where do you source your fruits and vegetables for your juices and other products? Certified organic and locally sourced, when possible. What types of cleanse/detox programs do you offer, how much do they cost and how do clients receive their products? We offer five different cleanses: Easy for beginners, Signature for the 2nd round, Fresh for intermediate, Extreme for advanced benefits and Super Greens for maximum results. A 1-day cleanse runs $74.99, the 2nd day is $64.99 and the 3rd day and any day after is $59.99 per day, which includes six juices per day. People can choose the length of the cleanse. We have a special through the end of January for a 3-day cleanse at $130 with a “ginger” shot added gratis (for first-time customers only, mention this profile). We offer free delivery of cleanse juices within a 10-mile radius. What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your products? Owner Vdim and Itay, both originally from Israel, are accustomed to eating healthy and wanted to advance the concept of serving people and helping them get healthy, have energy and thrive. We want you to know Pure Bar, try our juices, foods and cleanses and to join us in being healthy. We also provide juices and cleanses to Basil Yoga in Ridgefield for their staff and students. eNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2015

consciouseating

Hormone-Happy

FOODS The Right Choices Make Our Bodies Hum by Linda Sechrist

ur body’s hormones work like an orchestra. When one instrument is out of tune, the entire production struggles to maintain harmony. Each plays a part in influencing the others and determining how well the whole concert works. Fortunately, our body has masterful conductors, including the endocrine system, which coordinates all of the glands and the hormones they produce. “Players” include the adrenal, hypothalamus, pancreas, pineal, pituitary, reproductive and thyroid/ parathyroid glands. “A healthy endocrine system is essential to making hormones in appropriate amounts throughout our life,” says Theresa Dale, Ph.D., a naturopathic doctor who practices as a traditional naturopath and clinical nutritionist in Oxnard, California, and has authored Revitalizing Your Hormones. “For example, when the ovaries shut down after menopause, the adrenal glands continue producing progesterone and other essential hormones.” Dale, dean and founder of the 58

Fairfield County Edition

California College of Natural Medicine, further assures that contrary to assertions from some conventional medicine reports, the body is able to produce necessary hormones throughout our entire life. Hormones function as chemical messengers that commute through the bloodstream as part of the information superhighway that connects the brain to the DNA managers of the body’s cells. “Hormones communicate with chemicals produced by the brain called neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which greatly influence energy levels, moods and other bodily functions such as moving memories from short- to long-term storage,” explains Dale. For 20 years, she has seen patients with critical hormonal imbalances respond to her recommended three-month, endocrine-rebuilding diet, comprising three daily meals of steamed, sautéed and raw foods, fish, whole grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables, plus two raw vegetable or seed snacks. The

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regimen strives to balance metabolism, cleanse the body, restore immune function and revitalize the endocrine system. Kokomo, Indiana, resident Sylvia Egel, national director of coaching and education for Metabolic Balance, a personalized nutrition plan to balance metabolism and hormones, optimize health and increase energy at any age, agrees that hormones can be restored and balanced via proper food selections. “Our lifestyle and dietary choices strongly affect our metabolism and hormonal health, as do stress levels and sleep patterns. Eating at the wrong time, in the wrong place or in the wrong order, and even poor combinations of healthy foods, can be almost as problematic as eating junk food,” says Egel. She also warns against snacking, emotional eating, eating on the go, skipping breakfast and waiting too long between meals. Diana Hoppe, author of Healthy Sex Drive, Healthy You, an obstetrician and gynecologist in San Diego, California, who leads clinical trials related to women’s health at the Pacific Coast Research Center, also sees firsthand how what we eat directly affects our hormones. She attests that our bodies need a balance of three macronutrients: carbohydrates, protein and fat. “But for 20 years, we have been advised to decrease fat intake in favor of fat-free options that have been detrimental to us, because we need fat to produce hormones and maintain healthy hormone function. Certain fatty acids and cholesterol serve as building blocks in hormone production and cellular function, especially the reproductive hormones of estrogen and testosterone,” says Hoppe. Food can be medicine for hormones. One of the most important hormone-balancing fats is coconut oil, which heals skin, increases metabolism and supplies a quick source of energy. Egg yolks are a good source of choline and iodine, essential to the production of healthy thyroid hormones, plus are rich in vitamins A, D, E and B-complex vitamins. Avocados have lots of healthy fat that helps absorb and utilize nutrients. Nuts and seeds, olive oil and salmon are all rich

in omega-3 essential fatty acids that help stabilize hormone levels. Eating the right foods and incorporating healthy fats into meals increases overall energy, reduces hormonal fluctuations and helps us feel more balanced. Says Dale, “The majority of individuals are surprised to learn that hormone health doesn’t depend on age, but rather on a complex of factors, like the air we breathe, the water we drink, the quality of our diet, good sleep and adequate exercise, plus the relative health of our relationships and emotional life—and that’s just for starters.” Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings.

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January 2015

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

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calendarofevents

markyourcalendar The Best Winter Weather Recipe For Weight Loss and Detox

Magazine calendar events must be received by January 12th (for February issue) and adhere to our guidelines. All calendar submissions must be entered online at eNaturalAwakenings.com: click on “submit calendar” at the very top of the page.

“A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION YOU CAN KEEP”

DRS2HEALTH Personalized Cleanse & Weight Loss Challenge TEA-SOUP-SALAD

Thursday, Jan 15 • 3:30-7:30pm

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1 New Year Meditation – 4-5:30pm. Salute the New Year with a guided mediation. Step into the portal of a new beginning together—harnessing the collective energy as we release 2014 and step fully into 2015. Join us for Beth Leas’ guided meditation, sponsored by ProMindful.org. Free. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. Beth@BethLeas.com. Promindful.org.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 3 Reiki I Certification Training – 9am-2pm. With Beth Leas. Learn this ancient healing modality using gentle touch to accelerate and support the body’s natural healing process on all levels. Facilitate healing in yourself and others. Beth is a Reiki Master and teacher for over 20 years. $245. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. Beth@BethLeas. com. BethLeas.com. IET Reiki Practice/Share – 9:30-11:30am. With Deborah Arconti, Nurse, Reiki Master/ Teacher and Advance. Must be at least a Level 1 practitioner. Great practice and fun while you increase your skills, knowledge and confidence. Get and give treatments. $10. Danbury. 203-470-0635. TheLightOfHappiness.com/ReikiShare. Reiki Level 1 Workshop – 9:30am-5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki master/teacher. Learn Western style from an experienced Reiki master (19 years). Includes latest info. Learn Reiki for self-healing and healing others. Fout powerful energy connections, from short (Japanese /Usa) linage, 2 manuals and certificate. $115 + $10/materials. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave (enter office downstairs in back), Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReiki GigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com. Spiritual Psychic and Healing Fair – 12-5pm. Come and receive a reading with one of our gifted and caring intuitives. Mediumship, tarot cards, angel cards, pendulum and astrology sessions approx. 25 minutes Reiki healing available for people and

animals. No appointments. All welcome. $40/and up readings, $20/reiki healing. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. Info@AlbertsonChurch.org. AlbertsonChurch.org. Masters & Mixers Painting & Wine Parties – 6:45-9:30pm. With a paintbrush in one hand, and a beverage of your choice in the other, follow along while an Instructor leads you through the steps to create your own masterpiece based on a featured painting. Reservations required. $35. Georgetown School of the Arts, 25 Old Mill Rd, West Redding. 203-544-8551. GvrBooth@optonline.net. GeorgetownArts.com/Masters-Mixers.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 4 Reclaim Your Sparkle Women’s Half Day Retreat – 1-5pm. Quiet your mind with meditation, create a treasure map to success in 2015, craft your TLC Tarotscope for the year ahead and play with aromatherapy. Join Kristen Rzasa and Beth Prins Leas as we celebrate the arrival of the New Year. $69. Redding Meditation Center, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-856-9566. Beth@BethLeas. com. BethLeas.com. Guided Relaxation with Healing Gong – 1:30-3:30pm. Clear stuck energy and rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit with some very gentle stretching, a sweet guided deep relaxation with healing tibetan and crystal bowls, followed by a gong bath. All welcome. $25. Dew Yoga, 123 High Ridge Rd, Stamford. 203856-5299. Alex@AlexNason.com. DewYoga.net.

MONDAY, JANUARY 5 7-Day Weight Loss Jumpstart – With Tracy Pardo, Certified Health Coach. Lthe tricks to weight loss all without dieting. Choose your start date between January 5th - 31st. Program includes two 45-minute sessions, detailed plan resources, 10% off addon services and unlimited support. $275. Shalva Clinic, Westport. 203-916-4600. TracyPardo@ ShalvaClinic.org. ShalvaClinic.org.

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

Robin Ordan, LCSW 203-561-8535

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

239 Plattsville Rd, Trumbull

For personalized recipe and cooking demonstration using the finest Jamaican herbs and spices.

Registration Required: Call 203-374-5309 COST: $40 • DRS2HEALTH.com Full Moon Meditation with Beth Leas – 7-8:30pm. With Beth Prins Leas. The Full Moon is a time of celebration, of acknowledging your accomplishments. Guided meditation by the light of the full moon. Discover inner peace and harmony, and connect with the rhythm of the universe. $25. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. Beth@BethLeas.com. BethLeas.com.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6 Managing Diabetes – 6:30-8pm, 8-8:30pm. With Lisa Singley N.D., M.S., and Ruth Davenport M.S. Question and answer session. 922 Barnum Ave Cutoff, Stratford. 203-377-3652. NatureWay9@ aol.com. NaturesWayHealthfoods.com.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7 TLC Healing Circle with Beth Prins Leas – 7-9pm. Fun, experiential evening for both curious first-times and practitioners of all modalities and levels Healing circle meditation and then everyone will have the opportunity to give/receive mini-sessions. Open to all. $20 donation. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. Beth@BethLeas.com. BethLeas.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8 Lean and Green Dinner Party – 7-9pm. Meet others on the Take Shape For Life Optimal Weight/ Optimal Health program. Bring friends and family who may want to shed some holiday pounds. Learn to prepare a healthy satisfying meal that promotes fat burning and weight loss. Pre-registration required. Free. 38 Quintard Ave, Norwalk. 203-226-7722. DrTuckKantor@optonline.net.

Prescription4 Wellness

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Call 203-521-4733 today!

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January 2015

markyourcalendar The Pinnacles of Poetry with Jayson Sunday, January 11 • 1-3:30pm Allow your poetic ability to reach great heights by examining the different tools and structures of poetry. Learn to open your mind, giving you the opportunity to express yourself in a whole new way. Four classes 1/11, 1/18, 1/25 & 2/1.

COST: $95 • Includes all Classes, Materials and Handouts. Pre-register by calling Soul Focus 203-570-3868

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9 Shamanic Sound Medicine – 6:30-8pm. With David. Soul sounding is a sound voyage, a journey within. Using crystal singing bowls, Tibetan bowls, drums, and his voice, David offers a vibrational transmission that helps us to reconnect with our Heart Center and melt away perceived limits and obstacles. $65. Saltana Cave, 590 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield. 203-969-4327. SaltanaCave.com. TLC Tarot Fun & Fabulous Friday – 7-9pm. What’s in the cards for you in 2015? Find out during this playful, once a year TLC TarotScope personalized event where we each draw a card for the upcoming 12 months. Everyone gets a reading from Beth Prins Leas! $40. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. Beth@BethLeas.com. BethLeas.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10 Nourish Your Family: A Family Guide To Smart Nutrition – 11:30am-1pm. With Tracy Pardo, Certified Holistic Health Coach. Learn the importance of nutrition and take away easy tips to get started and tasty recipes that the whole family will love. RSVP by 1/9/15. $15. Shalva Clinic, Westport. 203-9164600. TracyPardo@ShalvaClinic.org. Facebook. com/events/1529958617247419/.

Winter Wellness Open House – 12-3pm. With Mary Gilbertson, certified nurse wellness coach and nutritionist. Learn about her new nutrition and healthy lifestyle programs for 2015. Presentation on detox and weight loss, and a group exercise class.

Free with donation to The Monroe Food Pantry. Gaslight Square, 500 Monroe Tnpke, Monroe. 203-521-4733. GilbertsonMary@yahoo.com. Prescription4Wellness.com.

Fairfield County Edition

Speakers, Healers, Vendors and Readers Over 100 exhibitors, 1000 guests!

AwakenFair.com click on “NYC” Exhibitor spots available

TUESDAY, JANUARY 13 Intro to the TLC Master Success Group – 10:30am-12pm. It’s a New Year! Time to get back into your business in a new way and lay the groundwork for a successful and dynamic year ahead. Whether you’re brand to new the business of doing what you love or are already established and ready to grow. 6-week series starts 1/20. Free. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. Beth@BethLeas.com. BethLeas.com.

Oops! Your Body Language is Showing! – 1-3pm. With Carolyn Finch, Body Language Expert. Fun and informative workshop that helps you understand yourself and others. What does touching the ear or nose mean? Understanding body language improves your health and wealth. All welcome. $25. Albertson Memorial Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. AlbertsonChurch@gmail.com. AlbertsonChurch.org. Create a Vision Board for 2015 – 2-4pm. Do you have a vision board? Jack Canfield says they are one of the most valuable visualization tools because they represent your dreams, your goals, your ideal life. Your vision board will lead you to the hidden side of your authentic self. $50. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. Beth@BethLeas.com. BethLeas.com.

Hotel Pennsylvania 401 Seventh Ave (33rd & 32rd Sts) NewYork, NY 10001

Reiki Level 1 Class – 10am-3:30pm. With Deborah Arconti, Nurse, Reiki Master/Teacher and Advance Practice IET. Learn traditional Usui Method Reiki Level 1 in a comfortable, relaxed setting. Small classes provide one-onone attention. Learn Reiki history, hand positions, centering, relaxation and grounding techniques to use for yourself, family and friends. Manuals, Level 1 attunement and certificate. Danbury. 203-470-0635. TheLightOfHappiness.com.

• Licensed Kitchen Rental • Cooking Classes • Yoga & Tai Chi • Moss & Stone

www.sticksandstonesfarm.com

Sunday January 25 10am to 5pm

SUNDAY, JANUARY 11

y y 203-270-8820

…Awaken to Your Best Self…

Crystal and Tibetan Bowls: Music in the Cave – 6-7:30pm. The music Cynthia and Rick make is a combination of the energies present in the venue, the crystal bowls, and the people who attend. In this way, the audience is also an active participant by the energy that they bring with their presence. $65. Saltana Cave, 590 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield. 203-969-4327. SaltanaCave.com.

A forest retreat tucked away in the hills of lower Fairfield C ounty

Available for Events, Reunions, and Weddings

Awaken Wellness Fair

Yoga: Sweat & Sweet – 3-5:30pm. With Jeanine Oburchay. Afternoon of yoga, covering the whole spectrum from a strong powerful asana practice, to a sweet surrender into a more passive, relaxing, restorative practice that will nurture and cradle you in the comfort of props. Some yoga experience recommended. $35/by 1/03, $45/thereafter. Yoga for Everybody, 27 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield. Info@ Yoga4Everybody.net. Yoga4Everybody.net.

y y • Chartre Labyrinth • Moss Stroll • Hiking Trails • Drumming & Ukulele • Nature School Programs

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If 60 is the New 40, How Do I Get There? – 7-8pm. Lecture explaining the synergistic benefits of nutrition and exercise which when combined with hormonal restoration allows one to achieve an extended period of healthy adult living with a minimum of disease or disability. Free. Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St, Ridgefield. 203-733-3680. BarekMed@gmail.com. BarekMed.com.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14 TLC Networking Lunch at Redding Meditation Center – 12-2pm. Are you a holistic practitioner or healthy living professional looking to connect with other like-minded people for support and networking? Joining us for this fun TLC networking event. Bring a brown bag lunch. Free. Redding Meditation Center, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-856-9566. Beth@BethLeas.com. BethLeas.com. Interactive Tarot Workshop: Using the Tarot Horoscope Spread –7-9:30pm. With Cathy Prins. One of the best ways to begin to understand and use the tarot cards is by studying them throughout the

Budgets, spending, saving, earning won’t solve your financial issues. What will?

Discover and heal your relationship with money . . . to the root. To learn more, please visit www.judithbarr.com and click on MONEY IS A CLUE

Judith Barr, LPC, LMhC ... hEaLiNG tO thE rOOt 30 Years Experience • Depth Psychotherapist • Spiritual Midwife Financial Therapist • Professional Training/Supervision • Speaker PO Box 603, Brookfield, CT 06804 • 203-775-5006 • JudithBarr@PowerAbusedPowerHealed.com

markyourcalendar Danbury Meditation Group Forming

WCSU’s Institute for Holistic Health Studies will host a Spring Semester series entitled “Meditating Holistically,” open to the university and greater Danbury communities. All welcome!

Starting January 14, 2015

Wednesdays • 7-8:30pm, Midtown Campus, Warner Hall, Rm 103S Cost Per Session: $15 (Students: By Donation) Urgyan Zangpo (Facilitator) urgyanzangpo@gmail.com Robyn Housemann (Director, IHHS) HousemannR@WCSU.edu

Danbury Area Vajrayana Buddhist Meditation, Meetup.com

year. Prepare a personal template that you can use throughout 2015. Choose a card that will represent the energy for the year and pull cards for each month of the coming year. No experience needed. $45/ by 1/07, $55/thereafter. Yoga for Everybody, 27 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield. Info@Yoga4Everybody. net. Yoga4Everybody.net.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 The Power of Story: How Stories Make Us Human – 6-8pm. With Robin Moore, author and storyteller. Eye-opening look at the many ways our lives are impacted by what neuroscientists are now calling narrative intelligence. Examine five things story can do and explore story’s connection to the five classic steps in the creative process. RSVP required. Free. The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd, Bethany. 203-874-4252. Info@Learn.edu. Learn.edu/Events. Introduction to Reiki – 7-8:30pm. With Beth Prins Leas. This is a great place to start if you’re curious about Reiki or interested in learning more about how to heal yourself and others. Beth will share wisdom from her 20+ years experience using Reiki in this fun, explorative and interesting evening. Free. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. Beth@BethLeas.com. BethLeas.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17 Reiki II Certification Training – 9am-2pm. With Beth Prins Leas. Learn long distance healing and 3 symbols to deepen your understanding of Reiki. Beth’s unique teaching style and 20+ years experience offers a balanced and grounded approach to incorporating the necessary skills into your practice. Small, personalized and experiential class. $345. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-8569566. Beth@BethLeas.com. BethLeas.com. Program Info Session – 11am-12pm. Find out about taking the next big step in your life. You study in a field that lets your pursue both your passion and purpose. Enrich yourself in holistic education, which will give you the power to make a difference in the lives of people and entire communities. RSVP. Free. The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd, Bethany. 203-874-4252. Info@Learn.edu. Learn.edu/Events. Aromatherapy Essentials – 2-4pm. Learn how therapeutic grade essential oils have the ability to support your needs on a daily basis—body, mind, spirit—and practical ways to use them for personal body care, around the house as alternatives

for toxic cleansing products, home remedies and first aid helpers. $40. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. Beth@BethLeas.com. BethLeas.com. Heart-Break to Heart Warrior – 3-6pm. With Greg Barringer. Come explore the ancient teachings of yoga and meditation as they apply to freeing us of our illusions, enlightening our spirit, ending our suffering, and opening our hearts to our true selves and to all beings. $40/by 1/10, $50/thereafter. Yoga for Everybody, 27 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield. Info@ Yoga4Everybody.net. Yoga4Everybody.net.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18 Reiki Level II Class – 10am-3:30pm. With Deborah Arconti, Nurse, Reiki Master/Teacher and Advance Practice IET. Must have completed Reiki Level 1 prior to this level. Learn traditional Usui Method Reiki Level ll in comfortable, relaxed and small class setting. Study Level ll Reiki symbols, cell memory technique and distance Reiki healing to enhance your practice. Manuals, a Level ll attunement and certificates. 203-470-0635. TheLightOfHappiness.com.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20 Program Info Session – 7-8pm. Find out about taking the next big step in your life. You study in a field that lets your pursue both your passion and purpose. Enrich yourself in holistic education, which will give you the power to make a difference in the lives of people and entire communities. RSVP. Free. The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd, Bethany. 203-874-4252. Info@Learn.edu. Learn.edu/Events. Hypnosis Training and Certification – 7-9pm. Imagine actually looking forward to going to work each day. Imagine knowing that you’re on the right path, fulfilling your life’s purpose, making a significant difference in the world and a great income. Free. Mind Matters Hypnosis Center, 12 Waterside Ct, Avon. 860-693-6448. Info@MindMattersHypnosis. com. MindMattersHypnosis.com.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21 Take Back Your Power Screening – 6:30-9:15pm. What is a smart meter and why do you need to know what this technology can do and how harmful it may be. Join three experts in the field that will be answering questions after the film. $11. Fairfield Cinema’s at Bullard Square, 41 Blackrock Tnpke, Fairfield. 203-521-7648. CatchAHealthyHabit@yahoo.com. Tugg.com/events/12488.

markyourcalendar Hypnosis Certification Course

Presented by Lisa Zaccheo, MA, BCH, BCI

March 28 – April 4 or June 20 – June 27 “The best course I’ve ever attended... AMAZING!” ~Rita G, Waterbury

markyourcalendar A Lecture on the Science of “Age Management”

January 13 • 7pm (Snow Date 1/27)

Ridgefield Library • 472 Main St • Ridgefield BarekMed is an “Age Management Medicine” practice offering patients Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement with exercise and nutritional support. Patients following an “Age Management Program” can expect to regain the vigor, libido, lean body, stamina, mental clarity and enhanced immune function they knew as young adults. Dr. Barek has a traditional medical background, including Tulane Medical School and Residency at Georgetown University Hospital. He was a Clinical Assistant Professor at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine for 10 years as well as an attending physician at Beth Israel Hospital in NY.

Discover the Secrets of Your Destiny – 7-9pm. Who are you? Discover how Numerology and Tarot can teach you about your path, add to your selfknowledge and your understanding of your world at large. Gain clarity about the purpose of your life so you can move forward, upward and onward. $50. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. Beth@BethLeas.com. BethLeas.com. Reiki Questions & Answer Session – 7-9:30pm. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki master/teacher (19 years). Includes latest information in Western-style Reiki. 7-8:30pm: Talk about Reiki. Reiki-certified practitioners may ask about advanced training. $5. 8:159:30pm: Mini-Reiki sessions. $10. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave (in the back, downstairs), Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@ snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 Rare Experiential Group Healing at Saltana Cave – 7-9pm. With Energy Healer, Gene Krackehl (The Amazing Healer). Group healing guiding you through a cleansing journey of your Chakra System, encouraging you to let go of your past fears, anxieties and heartbreak. $85. Saltana Cave, 590 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield. 203-969-4327. SaltanaCave.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24 R e i k i P r a c t i c e / S h a re – 9 : 3 0 - 11 : 3 0 a m . With Deborah Arconti, Nurse, Reiki Master/ Teacher and Advance. Must be at least a Level 1 practitioner. Great practice and fun while you increase your skills, knowledge and confidence. Get and give treatments. $10. Danbury. 203-470-0635. TheLightOfHappiness.com/ReikiShare. Holistic Series at Act 11 Counseling – 1/24-1/25. 10:30am-2:30pm. Saturday topics include: Denial, What it is and what can I do about it? Consciousness and our favorite techniques to enhance it. Sunday is a fundraiser for the Sterling House Food Pantry. Pot luck lunch and Gratitude Workshop. Taught by professional counselors. Reasonable fees plus sliding scale. RSVP and call for location: Cynthia Russell PhD. Stratford. 203 377-2421. Psynnie@aol.com.

Call: 860-693-6448 to see if you qualify Mind Matters Hypnosis Centers Avon, Guilford, North Branford Info: MindMattersHypnosis.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2015

Psychic and Medium Circle – 1:30-3:30pm. With Joan Carra. Predictions for the year and tune into messages from spirit. Small group. Please call for location and to reserve. $55. 203 531-6387. PsychicJoan@yahoo.com. Relax into Bliss: Yoga, Deep Relaxation and Live Music – 4-6pm. With Marleen Salko, Kripalu yoga teacher and Frannie Faith Southworth, spiritual singer songwriter and recording artist and certified yoga nidra instructor. Gentle yoga experience accompanied by live music, tibetan bowls and exquisite vocals will wrap you in blissful vibes. Beginners welcome. $40/by 1/17, $50/thereafter. Yoga for Everybody, 27 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield. Info@Yoga4Everybody.net. Yoga4Everybody.net. Kirtan in the Cave – 6:30-8pm. Join Sita’s Light on a journey through the sacred mantra sounds of ancient India. Call and response group chanting creates a unique and unforgettable evening of sound and spirit. The cave will become a part of this experience, creating a very special healing space and feeling for this beautiful practice. $65. Saltana Cave, 590 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield. 203-969-4327. SaltanaCave.com.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 Journey Through the Chakras - An Exploration – 10am-4pm. With Beth Prins Leas. Personalized exploration day filled with movement, meditation, energy healing, aromatherapy, sound, journaling and interactive exercises designed to deepen your experience of self as we demystify the chakras. $135. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. Beth@BethLeas.com. BethLeas.com.

others and yourself. 2 powerful energy connections from my short Japanese/Usa Linage. Two manuals and certificate. $215. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave (enter office downstairs in back), Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@ snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27 Avoiding Low Back Surgery – 7pm. With Mark Joachim. Introduce a new, non invasive treatment for those suffering from herniated or bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, failed low back surgery, spinal stenosis and other serious disc conditions. Associates in Family Chiropractic, 156 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-838-1555. CTSpinalPainCenter.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 Workshop: Beyond Mindfulness – 2-4:15pm. With Michael Pergola, TGI President. Learn techniques and practices that will help synchronize breath and heartbeat, strengthen the depth of your heart, enter more easily the sweet spot for learning, find deeper peace and power, handle higher levels of challenge with ease and grace, choose your emotions, many more to be discovered. RSVP required. Free. The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd, Bethany. 203874-4252. Info@Learn.edu. Learn.edu/Events.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29 Mine Your Own Business Half-Day Retreat for Small Business Owners – 9:30am-2:30pm. With Beth Leas and Kristen Rzasa. Learn some of their most valuable lessons of their 50+ years of combined experience as both corporate leaders and entrepreneurs. Walk away with confidence and tools in branding your message, communication, the marketing matrix, mindset and setting up for success. $149. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. Beth@BethLeas.com. BethLeas.com.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 Heart Disease – 6:30-8pm, 8-8:30pm. With Funda M. Gulmen N.D., M.S. Question and answer session. 922 Barnum Ave Cutoff, Stratford. 203-377-3652. NatureWay9@aol.com. NaturesWayHealthfoods.com.

Program Info Session – 5-6pm. Find out about taking the next big step in your life. You study in a field that lets your pursue both your passion and purpose. Enrich yourself in holistic education, which will give you the power to make a difference in the lives of people and entire communities. RSVP. Free. The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd, Bethany. 203-874-4252. Info@Learn.edu. Learn.edu/Events.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5 Masters & Mixers Painting & Wine Parties – 6:45-9:30pm. With a paintbrush in one hand, and a beverage of your choice in the other, follow along while an Instructor leads you through the steps to create your own masterpiece based on a featured painting. Reservations required. $35. Georgetown School of the Arts, 25 Old Mill Rd, West Redding. 203-544-8551. GvrBooth@optonline.net. GeorgetownArts.com/masters-mixer.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30 Reiki Second Degree workshop – 10am-5pm. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki master/teacher (19 years). Learn Reiki 2nd Degree in the Western style. Learn to send distance Reiki healing, deepen use of Reiki for

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ongoingevents

Transformation and Healing – 7:30-8:15pm. Rev. Ed O’Malley uses a Shamanic Illumination Process which removes heavy energies from luminous energy fields, returning the body and soul to its initial state of wellness. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. 203-268-1272.

sunday

monday

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

Writing to Find Your Self: The Art of Inquiry – 9:30-11am. Discover hidden facets of yourself! Beth creates a cozy environment and serves up thoughtful questions designed to stimulate new ways of looking at yourself and life. This is a provocative and playful process-oriented series of four classes. $160/series. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. Beth@BethLeas.com. BethLeas.com.

CHANTSFORMATIONS-A Chant & Meditation Experience – 9-9:45am. With Andrea Rudolph, Jewish Interfaith Minister. Gather to contemplate and nurture the spirit within through the practice of chant and meditation. No prior Hebrew knowledge required. All faiths. Suggested donation: $10. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. 203-257-1009. InTheSpiritofLife@gmail.com. InTheSpiritOfLife.com. Spiritual Sunday Services – 10-11am. A one-hour service followed by community hour from 11am12pm. The Arc Sacred Center is a non-profit spiritual community center created for the purpose of offering a gathering place for spiritual exploration and teaching, freedom of spiritual expression and healing for the body, mind and soul. Free. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. 203-268-1272. Mahasati Insight Meditation – 10-11:30am. Mahasati is a form of Insight Meditation. The Redding Center for Meditation’s mission is to help people of all faiths develop the self-awareness and inner peace necessary to live life in a skillful way. 203-244-3130. ReddingMeditation.org. Reiki Volunteers – 10am-12pm. Pledge time to volunteer Sundays at various homes for the elderly and nursing homes in Fairfield and Southbury. Receive credits towards Reiki training. Reiki Overtones, 95 Harris St, Fairfield. Reservations, Jim or Jeannette: 203-254-3958. Celebration Service – 10:30am-12pm. With Rev. Shawn Moninger Inspiring message supports your spiritual unfoldment with thought provoking, soul healing topics and uplifting music. Love offering. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl (above Ford dealership), Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Office@ UnityCenterPS.org. UnityCenterPS.org. Albertson Church Service – 11am-12:30pm. Includes an inspirational talk from caring ministers, guided meditation, time to receive healing energy and spirit messages from those we continue to love. Free. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-637-4615. Family Program (kids and teens) – First and third Sunday. Wonderful Family Program introducing kids to meditation, metta (loving-kindness affirmations), yoga, art practice, a discussion of mindfulness in everyday life, generosity, compassion, letting go of negative mind states and other basic Buddhist ideas that are common to all spiritual paths. Parents can meditate in the main building. Contact Matt Keeler at MmKeeler@gmail.com. ReddingMeditation.org.

The Power of Meditation – 11:30am-12:30pm. Thousands of years prove it - Western science backs it. Meditation sharpens focus, lowers blood pressure, relieves pain, reduces stress and opens the door to real and accessible happiness. This 5 class series offers a practical approach and individualized support as you develop a solid life skill. $120. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203.856.9566. Beth@BethLeas.com. BethLeas.com. Gentle Flow Yoga Candle Lit – 6:15-7:15pm. With Aga. Beginners welcome. Bring water bottle and Yoga Mat if you have one. First class free for new students! $15/drop-in. $10/class pass. $100/10 classes. More information: 203-559-9656. Sticks and Stones Farm Retreat, 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. 203-270-8220. SticksAndStonesFarm.com. Yoga – 7-8:15pm. With Charles Sikorski, RYT. Weekly. Charles encourages one to find one’s true self: physically, mentally and spiritually. $13/per session or 5/$60, 10/$110, 20/$200. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. 203-414-6790. The Power of Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Thousands of years prove it - Western science backs it. Meditation sharpens focus, lowers blood pressure, relieves pain, reduces stress and opens the door to real and accessible happiness. This 3 class series offers a practical approach and individualized support as you develop a solid life skill. $90. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203.856.9566. Beth@BethLeas. com. BethLeas.com. Mahasati Insight Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Mahasati is a form of Insight Meditation. The Redding Center for Meditation’s mission is to help people of all faiths develop the self-awareness and inner peace necessary to live life in a skillful way. 203-244-3130. ReddingMeditation.org. The Thought Exchange – 7-9pm. Simple yet profound way of looking at the world, that allows us to understand and experience the truth about who we really are, where we really live, what we really want, and how to have that all the time. At least 10 people needed for the class. $80/4-week class. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Office@UnityCenterPS. org. UnityCenterPS.org. Women’s Holistic Self-Defense – 7-9pm. Weekly program combines martial arts and self-awareness techniques, to build confidence, remain calm and empower yourself in any life situation. Meets in Norwalk. Limitless-Potential.net.

Guided Meditation at Sabita Holistic Center –7:30-8:30pm. Give yourself the gift of meditation at Sabita Holistic Center. Internationally known Dr. Levy has worked for over the past 35 years in stress reduction, deep relaxation and meditation. Free. Sabita Holistic Center, 3519 Post Rd, Southport. 203-254-2633. Monday Meditation for Everyone – 7:30-9pm. This is Meditation Guided Imagery for relaxation and stress reduction. It also helps you move forward on your spiritual path. No experience necessary. $20. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel. 203-570-3868. Reiki Share – 7:30-9:30pm. Fourth Monday. With JoAnn Inserra Duncan. 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. The Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-438-3050. TurningPointReiki.com.

tuesday Pranotthan Yoga Classes – 9-10:15am. For all levels of fitness. Begin from where you are and move towards improvement. A simple, powerful way to support your healthy lifestyle. $120/8-classes, $20/drop-in. Transformation for Life, 80 North St, Danbury. 203-617-8228. Jill.Myruski@gmail.com. LiveYourTransformation.com. Pilates – 9:15-10am. Wth Laura Lehrhaupt, Certified Holistic Health Counselor. Laura is also a certified Spinning, Kickboxing, Balletone and Pilates Instructor. $13/class. $15/drop-in. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. BeWellLaural@ gmail.com. BeWellLaural.com. Tots Yoga for Crawler-17months – 10:15-11am. Partner with your little one for animated yoga poses, games, music and breathing exercises to strengthen coordination and build body awareness. Please preregister for your free trial class. First Presbyterian Church, 1101 Bedford St, Stamford. 203-253-0764. KimberlyMotill@gmail.com. FamilyTreeYoga.net. TLC Master Success Group – 10:30am-12:30pm. With Beth Leas. Group will consist of up to 10 resourceful, inspiring women who help one another take projects, businesses, or ideas to a new place. 6-weeks, meet with your group, complete homework for yourself and for each other, and find an uncommon bond as you grow your business. $350. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203.856.9566. Beth@BethLeas.com. BethLeas.com. Mommy & Me Yoga for Babies 6 Weeks Old Pre-Crawling – 11:15am-12pm. Moms will restore and rejuvenate through stretching and strengthening poses. Babies will enjoy yoga poses to aid in digestion and sleep. Great opportunity to bond with your baby and connect with other moms. Please preregister for free trial at FamilyTreeYoga.net. First Presbyterian Church, 1101 Bedford St, Stamford. 203-253-0764. KimberlyMotill@gmail.com.

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January 2015

ongoingevents Mahasati Insight Meditation – 12:30-2pm. Mahasati is a form of Insight Meditation. The Redding Center for Meditation’s mission is to help people of all faiths develop the self-awareness and inner peace necessary to live life in a skillful way. 203-244-3130. ReddingMeditation.org. BodySmart – 6:15-7:30pm. Semi-private sessions for 2-4 participants. Complete core/body conditioning exercises and stretching utilizing a 9-foot floor to ceiling X-Pole. $45/class-discount with 6+ classes (pre-reg required). BodySmart, 115 Main St, Unit 11, Monroe. Call Lisa for details, additional schedule information and to register: 203-209-7359. Women’s Group: Journey to Discovering Your True Self – 7-8pm. Workshops designed for women to explore their creativity while cultivating their own sense of self awareness and developing their inner spirit. Work from the book The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. $250/12 sessions. Wellspring Counseling Services, Middlebury, 850 Straits Tpke, 2nd flr, Middlebury. 203-758-2296. WellSpring.org. Discover the Power Within – 7-8:30pm. With Reverend Shawn. Using the book Discover the Power Within he explains the universality of vital subjects as: how to succeed, how to pray, how to find confidence, how to overcome personal problems and how to find healing. Love Offering. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Office@UnityCenterPS.org. UnityCenterPS.org. Angelic Healing Group—7-9pm. First Tuesday. Experience the healing energy of the Angelic Realm. Your energy body will be infused with the love and light of the Divine through meditation and hands-on touch. $20. Stevens Memorial Church, 8 Shady Ln, South Salem, NY. 203-438-4893. Reiki Shares – 7:30-10:15pm. First and third Tuesdays. Gigi Benanti Usui/Karuna Reiki Master/ Teacher. For Reiki practitioners only. Exchange ongoing since 1996. Instructions included. $20. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. Pre-register: 203-852-1150.

wednesday Core Yoga – 9:30-10:30am. A class designed to strengthen your core and deepen your practice. With emphasis on proper alignment this class moves slowly through basic postures in challenging ways. Great for beginners or experienced yogis looking to build strength and reduce stress. $17/ drop-in, $150/10-Class card. The Graceful Planet, 7 Berkshire Rd, Sandy Hook. 203-426-8215. Kat@ GracefulPlanet.com. GracefulPlanet.com. Candlelit Yoga Flow – 6:30-7:30pm. With Aga. Beginners welcome. Bring water bottle and Yoga Mat if you have one. First class free for new students! $15/drop-in. $10/class pass. $100/10 classes. More information: 203-559-9656. Sticks and Stones Farm Retreat, 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. 203-2708220. SticksAndStonesFarm.com. Albertson Church Healing Service – 7-8pm. Third Wednesday. Guided meditation, receive healing energy from church-sanctioned healers and the gift of saging.

Fairfield County Edition

All are welcome. Free. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-637-4615. Journaling with Spirit – 7-8pm. By Rev. Shawn Moninger. Journaling is one of the fastest and easiest ways to get in touch with the highest voice within ourselves. First-time attendees receive a new journal. Love offering. Unity Center for Practical Spirituality, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Mahasati Insight Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Mahasati is a form of Insight Meditation. The Redding Center for Meditation’s mission is to help people of all faith s develop the self-awareness and inner peace necessary to live life in a skillful way. 203-244-3130. ReddingMeditation.org. The Pathwork Lectures - 4 Week Class – 7-8:30pm. No class 1/28 & 2/18. With Maria Corsaro, certified 50/50 Pathwork helper and teacher. Each week we will read one lecture and work with exercises which were created to help bring key lecture concepts to the participant’s life. Love Offering. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Office@UnityCenterPS. org. UnityCenterPS.org. Journey Within: Do You Feel Stuck? – 7-9pm. First Wednesday. Need support trying to begin something new? Support, intuitive insight, wisdom. Facilitator: Cindy Miller, intuitive. $20. Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St, Newtown. Call: 203-426-9448. SacredGrounds.bz. TrinityProduction.org. Holistic Moms Network Fairfield County, CT Chapter – 7:30pm. Second Wednesday. Associates in Family Chiropractic & Natural Health Care, 156 East Ave, Norwalk. Home.Homewebs.com/ HmnFairfieldCtyCT. Turning Point S.H.A.R.E. Divorce Group – 7:30-9:30pm. Third Wednesdays. Offering support, healing, advocacy, resources and education for women in the process of, or recently divorced. Redding Center for Meditation, $20, $150/10-session card. Registration required. 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, Redding. 203-438-3050. TurningPointShare.com.

thursday Kripalu Yoga – 9:30-10:30am. With Kat Barton, 500-hour professional Kripalu teacher. Focus on breath and be present. Class is suitable for all levels and will start whereever you are. This class will help center you and relax. $17/drop-in, $150/10-Class card. The Graceful Planet, 7 Berkshire Rd, Sandy Hook. 203-426-8215. Kat@GracefulPlanet.com. GracefulPlanet.com. Thursday Morning Meditation for Moms – 9:3011am. Come and unwind with a Guided Meditative Journey geared to release stress and a healthful more positive understanding of self. $20. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel. 203-570-3868. Wellness Seminars – 5:30pm. Ask questions about your health and hear how naturopathic medicine can help. Brief video is shown highlighting tests not gener-

natural awakenings

ally done in conventional medicine and their usefullness in detecting conditions in the body that would not otherwise be noticed with regular lab work. Sessions may include chair massage, fitness testing, BMI and light refreshment. Pre-registration necessary. Free. 239 Plattsville Rd, Trumbull. 203-374-5309. LewisSenior@DoctorsToHealth.com. Drs2Health.com. Winter Wellness Detox – 6-7:30pm. 15-day detoxification program using the Ayruvedic principles of eating with the seasons. Materials provided include weight loss, toxin elimination and clean eating. We incorporate detox tools, and mind-body modalities to regenerate body, mind and spirit. $129.00. Gaslight Square, 500 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe. 203-521-4733. GilbertsonMary@yahoo.com. Prescription4Wellness.com. Yoga Tea Potluck – 6:30-8pm. Do your own practice, no instruction. 8-10pm. Potluck in barn. Practice together with other yogis. Also open for meditation if this is your main practice. Please prepare food to share. Bring plate, cup and utensils. Tea provided. Information: DesreTarr@gmail.com. Sticks and Stones Farm Retreat. 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. 203-270-8220. SticksAndStonesFarm.com. ADHD Parent Support Group – 7-8:30pm. Join both parents and caregivers to learn more about how to support children and teens with attentional and executive functioning issues. Emphasis will not only be on connecting with others, but about gaining valuable strategies and techniques. Free. The Offices of Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, 898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ste #6, Ridgefield. 203-438-4848. DrRoseannInfo@att.net. DrRoseann.com. EFT Tapping Circle Meetup – 7-8:30pm. Come join us to learn and practice a powerful selfhelp tool using tapping on meridian acupressure points. No experience necessary. $10. Location given with RSVP, near Merritt, Weston. 203-2471318. Robin@RobinFriedman.net. EnergyTools ForDailyLiving.com. Energy Tools Study Group MeetUp – 7-8:30pm. Come learn about your energy body - every month will be a different topic or exercise. No experience needed, all are welcome. $15. Location given with RSVP, near Merritt, Weston. 203-2471318. Robin@RobinFriedman.net. Meetup.com/ Energy-Tools-Study-Group. Reiki Healing Circle – 7-9pm. First Thursday. All welcome. Non-Reiki & Reiki practitioners share and experience Reiki. See details on Unity website. Hosted by Gigi Benanti Reiki master/teacher. $20. Unity Center for Practical Spirituality, 3 Main St, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGiGiB@ snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com, UnityCenterPS.org. Pre-Natal Yoga – 7:30-8:45pm. For all stages of pregnancy. This class will combine yoga postures, breath work and relaxation techniques to help release tension and fatigue and prepare for labor, delivery and the post-partum period. Please pre-register for your free trial class. The United Church of Rowayton, 210 Rowayton Ave, Norwalk. 203-253-0764. KimberlyMotill@gmail.com. FamilyTreeYoga.net. Channeled Messages and Meditations – 7:309:30pm. Fourth Thursday. Through meditation and channeling receive information, energetic atonements and initiations from Spirit. This group is for those who want to develop and expand their energetic vibration. $20. Space is limited. Ridgefield. 203-438-4893.

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saturday

Psychic Tarot Readings – Sunshine Estar Intuitive, Psychic Tarot, Medium Pranic Healer, Reiki II Healer. Free. Black Cat Mystic Shoppe, 143 Bennett St, Bridgeport. 203-414-9786. JohnnyMastri@aol. com. BlackCatShopInBlackRock.com.

A Course in Miracles Study Group – 9:15am. Meets bi-weekly in Westport. Facilitator: Henry Grayson, PhD. Free. To reserve seat and for dates/ location: 203-454-1745.

Yoga & Pilates – 8:30-10am. Fun class combining yoga and pilates. In this class we play with all the toys - using bands, blocks, balls and light weights for a complete workout. Lengthen and tone and end with a restorative relaxation. $17/drop-in, $150/10-Class card. The Graceful Planet, 7 Berkshire Rd, Sandy Hook. 203-426-8215. Kat@GracefulPlanet.com. GracefulPlanet.com.

Reiki Share – 9:30-11:30am. First Friday. With JoAnn Duncan. Reiki shares for those interested in practicing Reiki in a small group setting. Share experiences and help others develop in a safe, fun environment while providing a wonderful, relaxing, rejuvenating experience. $20. Registration required. The Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-438-3050 or TurningPointReiki.com. Student Massage Clinic – 11am-1pm. Relax and enjoy a full-body massage at the Danbury Campus public’s Student Massage Therapy Clinic. Wednesday evenings or Friday mornings available. $30/50 minutes. RidleyLowell Business & Technical Institute, 24 Shelter Rock Rd, Danbury. Call for appt: 203-748-0052. Mommy & Me Yoga for Babies 6-weeks Old-Precrawling – 11:15am-12pm. Mom and baby will practice yoga together! This class is a great opportunity to bond with your baby and to connect with other moms. Pre-register for free trial class. First Presbyterian Church, 1101 Bedford St, Stamford. 203-253-0764. KimberlyMotill@gmail.com. FamilyTreeYoga.net. Teen Meditation – 5-6pm. This is an enjoyable approach to the understanding of self and how you fit into the world in which you can grow with confidence. Come and explore a guided meditative journey that helps to melt away stress and anxiety. For teens and up. $15. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plains St, Bethel. 203-570-3868. TLC Tarot Fun & Fabulous Tarot Friday – 7-9pm. Have fun with Beth with this self-help tool for novices to longtime Tarot friends to explore the Tarot or develop a deeper relationship with your cards. $40. TLC Center Norwalk, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. Discussion with Spirit – 7:30pm. Last Friday. Bring questions, receive channeled information to help understand who you are, why you’ve come to the earth plane and empower yourself with messages from Spirit and loved ones. $35. Private residence, Monroe. Information/RSVP: 203-268-3262. Circle of Life – 7:30-9:30pm. Third Friday. Explore topics such as love, trust, permission and forgiveness as tools in navigating through life’s opportunities, losses and changes. Learn how to bring love, life and happiness. Notetaking welcome and encouraged. $40. Bridgeport location given with registration: 203-268-3262. TrinityProduction.org.

Community Yoga by Donation – 9-10:15am. Enjoy a 75-minute vinyasa flow yoga practice suitable for all levels with 200RYT Jennifer Cranna. This community class is on a monetary donation basis, so all may reap the benefits of yoga. Bring you mat or use ours. By donation. ZenDo JuJuitsu, 80 Park Ln, New Milford. Mahasati Insight Meditation – 10-11:30am. Mahasati is a form of Insight Meditation. The Redding Center for Meditation’s mission is to help people of all faiths develop the self-awareness and inner peace necessary to live life in a skillful way. 203-244-3130. ReddingMeditation.org. The Universal Reiki Plan – 11am-1pm. Third Saturday. Reiki Practitioners. Register for a free Reiki session. Free. Love offerings appreciated. Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant, 85 Ferris St, Bridgeport. Reservations, Jim or Jeannette: 203-254-3958, ReikiOvertones@sbcglobal.net. ReikiOvertones.com. The Universal Reiki Plan – 1:30-4:30pm. Third Saturday. Reiki practitioners only. Workshop and Reiki Share. Free. Love offerings appreciated. Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant, 85 Ferris St, Bridgeport. Reservations, Jim or Jeannette: 203-254-3958, ReikiOvertones@sbcglobal.net. ReikiOvertones.com. In-Depth Exploration of the Tarot – 2-5pm. Deepen your understanding of the tarot as keys to self-understanding and spiritual revelation. Unique 8 week series includes guided meditation, journaling, artwork, interpretation and discussion to awaken your intuition. $800. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203.856.9566. Beth@BethLeas.com. BethLeas.com. Reiki Session – 5-6pm. Offering free Reiki sessions during classes. Students participate as part of class syllabus. First reserved. ReikiOvertones, 95 Harris St, Fairfield. Reservations, Jim or Jeannette: 203-254-3958, ReikiOvertones@sbcglobal.net. ReikiOvertones.com. Planetary Peace Meditation – 7-8pm. With MiniPranic Healing every Saturday. Please call to reserve a space. Free. Black Cat Mystic Shoppe, 143 Bennett St, Bridgeport. 203-414-9786. JohnnyMastri@aol. com. BlackCatShopInBlackRock.com.

To place a Classified Listing: $1 per word. $25 minimum. Magazine deadline: 12th of month prior to publication. Email copy to NicoleM @NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. FOR RENT SPACE AVAILABLE - PT OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE in a holistic educational & healing arts center in a renovated chapel in Newtown, CT. Unique opportunity to rent office space and also be supported by the center. Also seeking local artisans to sell art and teach classes. Workshop/ programs considered for spring 2015. Openings in Jan/Feb. Want team players with great energy. SoundCenterArts@gmail.com.

HELP WANTED DISTRIBUTORS WANTED: for monthly deliveries of Natural Awakenings and other local publications. Perfect for a retired person or stay-at-home mom looking to earn some extra income and connect with their local community. Honesty and dependability are the most important characteristics of our distributors if you don’t have it in spades, please do not apply! Thomas@ManInMotionLLC.com.

HOUSE SHARE DO YOU WANT TO FEEL LIKE YOU ARE ON VACATION EVERY DAY? House share on beautiful nine acre property in Monroe. Large bedroom with walk in closet and private bath. $1,500/monthly includes utilities and biweekly housekeeping. MUST LIKE CATS! 406Nolan@ gmail.com. 203-650-1968.

SERVICES MASSAGE: ARE YOU LOOKING TO GET A MASSAGE AND HELP A STUDENT MASSAGE THERAPIST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED HANDS-ON PRACTICE THEY NEED? Finger Lakes School of Massage in Mt. Kisco, NY offers 75 -90 minute massages to the general public at $40 per session. If you are interested in receiving a massage from one of our current students, please register at FLSM.com via the ‘Student Clinic’ tab. Sessions are held in the evening with occasional sessions offered during the day, on the weekends. Please visit our website for more information and to get registered!

Kirtan with the Bindu Band – 7-9pm. Come join The Bindu Band on their vibrational journey back to the heart. Bring some snacks and beverages to share. Love offerings accepted. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. Register: 203-268-1272.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2015

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide (CRG) in print and online email FFCadvertising@ NaturalAwakeningsMag.com to request our advertising rates. ACUPUNCTURE

BREAST THERMOGRAPHY

INGRI BOE-WIEGAARD, LAc

XTORAYS.COM

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

Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging Suzanne Pyle, MS, CCT 866-XtoRAYS • SuzannePyle@prodigy.net

Ingri treatments help alleviate Pain, Depression, Neck & Back, Anxiety, Headaches, Stress, Allergies, Asthma, Arthritis, Digestive, Menstrual, Infertility and Smoking & Weight Loss Issues. See ad, page 23.

JODY EISEMANN, LAc

Offices in Norwalk and Fairfield 203-216-2548 • AcupunctureHealingCT.com High-quality acupuncture at the most affordable prices in Fairfield County. 20+ years experience, specializing in treating all kinds of pain and general health issues. See ad, page 75.

Get peace of mind with safe (no radiation), FDA-approved breast cancer screening. 8 years earlier detection vs. mammography. Certified DITI thermographer. Conveniently located throughout Fairfield. See ad, page 29.

CANCER TREATMENT ADVANCED MEDICINE OF MT. KISCO, PC Neil Raff MD CNS 37 Moore Ave, Mt. Kisco, NY 914-241-7030 • NeilRaffMD.com

The most advanced natural nutritional treatment and support for all stages of cancer – high-dose vitamin C, European herbals, Iscador (mistletoe), ozone, immune boosters. Specializing in removal of cancer causing toxins. Call for free consultation.

BREAST THERMOGRAPHY ALBA THERMAL IMAGING LLC

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

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

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

Fairfield County Edition

CHIROPRACTIC RISA SLOVES, DC

Associates in Family Chiropractic & Natural Health Care 156 East Ave, Norwalk 203-838-1555 • CtChiropractic.com Dr. Risa Sloves is 1 of 10 Chiropractic Physicians in Connecticut with Board Certification in Maternity and Pediatric Care including Webster and Bagnell Tu r n i n g Te c h n i q u e s . A l s o provided: acupuncture, BioSET Allergy Elimination Technique and the DRX9000 Spinal Decompression. See ad, page 33.

natural awakenings

COLONICS COLONICS

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

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE, LLC

Fairfield/Trumbull town line 203-371-8258 • WholeBodyMed.com Ready to start feeling healthier? Take your first step with this gentle cleansing procedure. Watch our colonic and detoxification videos on our new video website located at WholeBodyMed.com. Call for Free CD on detoxification. See ad, page 2.

DETOXIFICATION ADVANCED MEDICINE OF MT. KISCO, PC

Neil Raff MD CNS 37 Moore Ave, Mt. Kisco, NY 914-241-7030 • NeilRaffMD.com Westchester’s most experienced office for the detection and treatment of toxic metals (lead, mercury, aluminum, etc.), the underlying cause of many inflammatory, immune and digestive conditions. Years of experience with chelation, IV or oral. Call for free consultation.

LIVER MEDIC

800-387-2278 LiverMedic.com Liver Medic manufactures specialized proprietary liver detox supplements. Products are safe and endorsed by physicians. We source only premium raw materials to maximize effectiveness of our unique formulations. All products adhere to strict cGMP guidelines, contain no artificial anything and are non-GMO, gluten-free and vegan when possible. The liver is complex, we make it simple. See ad, page 60.

EDUCATION HOUSATONIC VALLEY WALDORF SCHOOL

40 Dodgingtown Rd, Newtown 203-364-1113 • WaldorfCT.org We develop each child’s unique capacity to engage meaningfully in the world by integrating experiential and artistic learning, academic excellence, respect for diversity and reverence for nature. See ad, page 19.

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

A nature-based education on six acres of trails, streams, and meadows, with an organic garden and natural playscapes. Our curriculum builds physical and emotional resilience, moral awareness and the foundation required for intellectual growth. See ad, page 13.

GREEN LIVING BIOTOP NATURAL POOLS BY AQUA-SCAPES LLC 203-743-7665 AquaScapeBy@sbcglobal.net AquaScapesPool.com

Imagine swimming in cool, pure, healthy, “living” water created by plants, bacterias and 30 years of experience. No more red eye, bleached hair, itchy skin and the many negative effects of chlorine. See ad, page 16.

PUT IT TOGETHER, LLC INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO

Judie Ricciardi, Interior Designer & Owner Middle Quarter Mall, 714 Main St S, Woodbury 203-263-7836 • PutItTogetherLLC@cs.com PutItTogetherLLC.com Create the healthy home of your dreams with beautiful environmentally friendly furniture, fabrics, rugs, interior finishes and paints. Environmental Consulting, “Green” Interior Design and Feng Shui – the perfect balance.

HOLISTIC DENTIST

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE PHYSICIAN

CONNECTICUT HEADACHE & MIGRAINE RELIEF CENTER/ TOM ANZALONE, DDS

BAREKMED/LOWELL B BAREK, MD, PC 203-733-3680 BarekMed@gmail.com BarekMed.com

235 Glenville Rd, Ste 2B, Greenwich 203-531-5688 CTHeadacheRelief.com Connecticut H e a d a c h e and Migraine Relief Center’s ( C H M R C ) approach to headache pain relief actually addresses and treats the sources of the problem. Using techniques that have been proven effective in sports medicine, the CHMRC system targets improper muscle forces in the head, neck, and jaw area that cause painful conditions.

MARK A. BREINER, DDS, FIAOMT

5520 Park Ave, Ste 301, Ffld Town Line Merritt Pkwy, Exit 47 203-371-0300 • WholeBodyDentistry.com Dr. Mark A. Breiner is a pioneer and recognized authority in the field of holistic dentistry. With over 30 years of experience, he is a sought after speaker and lecturer. His popular consumer book, Whole-Body Dentistry, has been sold world-wide. See ad, page 2.

MIND BODY TRANSFORMATION HYPNOSIS

Diane Bahr-Groth, CHy, TFTdx 1177 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-595-0110 • MindBodyTransformation.com Fast, effective methods for weight, stress, fear, pain, smoking, etc.  Certified Hypnotherapist, Thought Field Therapy™, Time Line Therapy™, NLP and Complementary Medical Hypnosis, since 1989. See ad, page 20.

INTEGRATIVE HEALTH

MARY GILBERTSON MS, BSN,CHHC

BLISS NUTRITION & WELLNESS, LLC

Working 1:1 in groups and corporations to develop customized healthy lifestyle plans. You receive tools to optimize your health through nutrition, disease management, exercise, weight loss & stress reduction. 28 years of experience supporting teens & adults in healthy lifestyle. Available for speaking engagements and health events. See ad, page 61.

RIVERSIDE OB/GYN

Russell Turk, MD 1200 East Putnam Ave, Riverside 203-637-3337 Riverside Obstetrics & Gynecology in Greenwich, C T, p a r t o f S t a m f o r d Health Integrated Practices, an affiliate of Stamford Hospital, is a full-service medical practice incorporating traditional and holistic approaches to women’s health. The practice includes one OB/GYN and a naturopathic physician. See ad, page 27.

HENRY C. SOBO, M.D.

HYPNOSIS

HEALTH COACH Licensed RN, Nutritionist & Certified Health Coach 500 Monroe Tpke, Monroe • 203-521-4733 GilbertsonMary@yahoo.com Prescription4Wellness.com

BarekMed is an “Age Management Medicine” practice offering patients Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement with exercise and nutritional support. Patients following an “Age Management Program” can expect to regain the vigor, libido, lean body, stamina, mental clarity and enhanced immune function they knew as young adults. See ad, page 30.

Gail Perrella, MS, CNS 2103 Main St, Stratford 203-710-3925 • BlissNutritionCT.com

BioEnergetic Assessment (BEA) is a cutting-edge, non-invasive tool to measure pathways of energy flowing in the body. Natural healing is increasing harmony between one’s body and the natural environment. BEA provides information which makes it possible to achieve greater health and well-being, naturally.

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

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

Specializing in Natural and Alternative approaches to restoring health. Focusing on underlying causes of illness. Hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalances, nutrition and much more. See ad, page 18.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2015

INTEGRATIVE OPTOMETRY

MASSAGE & BODYWORK ZAK WALKER, LMT

EYECARE ASSOCIATES, PC

Drs. Randy Schulman, Steve Carr, Narvan Bakhtiari, Carl Gruning and C. Lee Mellinger Locations: 6515 Main St, Trumbull • 203-374-2020 139 Main St, Norwalk • 203-840-1991 2600 Post Rd, Southport • 203-255-4005 CTEyeCareAssociates.com We offer behavioral optometry, comprehensive vision exams, contact lenses and vision therapy. See ad, page 17.

Wellness Institute One Westport Ave, Norwalk   203-443-6679 • ZaxWeb@gmail.com I combine elements of Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage, Acupressure and Myofascial Release, according to the goals and preferences of each client. I’m here to help you feel your best!

MASSAGE SCHOOL FINGER LAKES SCHOOL OF MASSAGE

INTUITIVE CONSULTANT

272 N. Bedford Rd, Mount Kisco, NY 914-241-7363 • FLSM.com Join us for a transformative experience as you develop your intuitive and scientific abilities to heal through therapeutic touch. Classes taught to auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners. Financial aid available for full and part-time programs. See ad, page 34.

JOAN CARRA, PSYCHIC MEDIUM 203-531-6387 PsychicJoanCarra.com Facebook.com/PsychicJoan.Carra

Joan is recommended by six books and has 20 years experience. Find solutions, comfort and closure. Specializing in contacting passed loved ones. Available for private sessions, parties and corporate events.

MASSAGE & BODYWORK LAURA CARLSON, LMT

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

ROBIN ORDAN, LMT, LCSW, CICMI Licensed Massage Therapist & Reiki Practitioner Old Greenwich/Stamford 203-561-8535 • RobinOrdanLMT.com

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

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

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN DEBRA GIBSON, ND

100 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-431-4443

Robin has been providing massage and Reiki for over 15 years. Specializing in Swedish, Pregnancy, Trigger Point, Injuries and Infant/ Child Massage Instruction. Sessions are individualized to meet your needs. See ad, page 10.

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Natural family healthcare using nutrition and biochemistry; herbal, homeopathic and energetic medicine; lifestyle transformation and detoxification, to promote well-being of body, mind and spirit. See ad, page 22.

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN NATURAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER

Lisa Singley, ND, MS 2103 Main St, Ste #2, Stratford 203-874-4333 Info@NHAWC.com • NHAWC.com We use advanced diagnostic testing with safe, effective, allnatural healing modalities and treatment options to treat acute and chronic conditions, restore balance and treat the mind, body and spirit. Specialists in endocrine disorders, digestive issues, pain management and chronic fatigue. We offer comprehensive solutions to prevent illness and maintain optimal health for body, mind and spirit. See ad, page 7.

DR. MARINA YANOVER, ND, LAC 1720 Post Rd East, Ste 213, Westport 203-255-5005 • BigAppleHealth.com

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

NORTHEAST NATURAL MEDICINE, LLC Shawn M. Carney, ND 19 Church Hill Rd, Ste 1, Newtown 800-723-2962 • NortheastNatMed.com

Integrative naturopathic medicine clinic and therapeutic massage center for the whole family. Services include advanced diagnostic testing, detoxification programs, personalized nutrition and botanicals. Insurance accepted.

MARVIN P. SCHWEITZER, ND

Wellness Institute 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-847-2788 • DrMarvinSchweitzer.com Family Health Care using all natural therapies for 25 years. Acupuncture, Bio-Identical Hormones, Homeopathy, Chinese/Western Herbs, Allergy/Toxin Testing, Oxygen T h e r a p y, M e r i d i a n S t r e s s Assessment, Nutrition/Enzyme Therapies. See ad, page 49.

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN SHALVA CLINIC, LLC

Ellen M. Lewis, ND, Director 260 Riverside Ave, Westport 203-916-4600 • ShalvaClinic.org Dr. Lewis offers comprehensive holistic care for women including well-women exams, fertility, thyroid and menopause support. She also has a special interest in pediatrics and utilizes a variety of natural modalities when working with patients with ADD/ADHD, autism, allergies, eczema and asthma. Treatments include herbal medicine, functional medicine, biotherapeutic drainage, homeopathy and more. See ad, page 39.

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE, LLC

Adam Breiner, ND, Director Elena Sokolova, MD, ND David Brady, ND, CCN, DACBN Fairfield/Trumbull town line 203-371-8258 • WholeBodyMed.com Using state-of-the-art science combined with centuries-old healing modalities, our caring naturopathic doctors correct underlying imbalances and address issues which may interfere with the body’s ability to heal itself. Treatment protocols or therapies include: Abdominal Manual Therapy, Acupuncture, Allergy Desensitization, Chinese Medicine, Colonics and other Detoxification Protocols, Electro-Dermal Screening, Energy Medicine, FDA-cleared Phototherapy, Functional Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Hormonal Balancing, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Metabolic Typing, Nutritional Assessment, Real-Time EEG Neurofeedback and other therapies. See ad, page 2.

ORGANIC MATTRESSES & BEDDING THE CLEAN BEDROOM

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

PERSONAL GROWTH

PSYCHOTHERAPY

ALZBETA PESKOVA

JUDITH BARR, LPC, CCMHC

I am a life/mentor coach and yoga instructor. My mission is to help people to clarify their dreams, goals, and real potential. Making meaningful changes in our lives can be tough when we try to do it all by ourselves. The professional support, insight, and accountability of coaching can help you make lasting breakthroughs.

Depth psychotherapist Judith Barr helps you grow consciously and safely, heal to the root, reconnecting with your Self. As “spiritual midwife,” she helps you give deeper, fuller birth to your Self. Weary of trying to solve your problems by “managing” thoughts and feelings? You don’t need to resign yourself to suffering. Heal to the root with Judith. See ad, page 62.

NINA ANTOLINO, RYT, RMT, MBA

MARIA C. CASTILLO, MSW, LCSW

Norwalk 203-326-0405 Info@Yoga2LifeCoaching.com Yoga2LifeCoaching.com

Brookfield 203-775-5006 • JudithBarr.com PowerAbusedPowerHealed.com

Certified Empowerment Life Coach, Reiki Master Certified Interdisciplinary Yoga Instructor Founder & Executive Director, Limitless Potential Norwalk • 914-393-9221 Nantolino@aol.com • Limitless-Potential.net A unique, integrative approach which empowers and guides you to create the life you want. You gain the practical tools, motivation and commitment necessary to achieve your goals. I specialize in women’s empowerment and wellness. I blend my business background, holistic training and empowerment coaching to guide women to reach for more than they ever believed possible.

PHYSICAL THERAPY

238 Monroe Tpke, Ste B, Monroe 203-445-8966 • Msisi@aol.com LifeBetweenLivesTherapy.com

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

ROBIN ORDAN, LCSW

Family, Child, Individual & Couples Therapy Old Greenwich/Stamford 203-561-8535 • RobinOrdanLCSW.com Robin has more than 18 years of experience working with families and children. Specializing in Divorce, Parent/Child Conflict, Grief, Attachment/Bonding, Child Development and Parenting. See ad, page 61.

PHYSICAL THERAPY OF SOUTHERN CT

Linda Maude, PT 917 Bridgeport Ave, Shelton 203-926-6997 • PhysicalTherapySoCT.com Specializing in evaluation & treatment of musculoskeletal imbalance & injuries. Results achieved that traditional physical therapy may not. Therapeutic approaches such as manual therapy, cranialsacral, visceral manipulation and vestibular rehab. State of the art facility for strengthening & overall rehabilitation.

PSYCHOTHERAPY

Chill With Your New Soul Mate

DENI WEBER, MA, LPC, D-CEP

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

Join for FREE at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com

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January 2015

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.

DEBORAH GAYLORD, RMT, IARP Ridgefield/Danbury 203-733-4535 DmGaylord@yahoo.com

A Reiki Master since 2001, Deborah has worked with clients from infants to the elderly, specializing in children/teens/ young adults with ADHD, anxiety, and depression.

RIVER’S EDGE REIKI Lori Haggerty Usui Reiki Master Bethel 203-994-8978 RiversEdgeReiki.com

TURNING POINT REIKI, LLC JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT Reiki Master 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.

Reiki Master 203-722-4362 SpiritVibe11@gmail.com Experience the profound impact of bringing your Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual bodies back into balance and embrace the joy in life once again! Usui Reiki sessions - All Reiki levels taught. Ridgefield area. See ad, page 10.

THE LIGHT OF HAPPINESS REIKI AND WELLNESS

Deborah Arconti, LPN, RMT, IARP Reiki Master/Teacher Advance Practice IET™ Danbury • 203-470-0635 TheLightOfHappiness.com Specializing in Reiki and IET™ sessions for mind, body and spirit connections. IET™ “Integrated Energy Therapy” uses angelic connections for soothing results. Teaching all levels of small Usui Reiki classes, experienced in training healthcare professionals.

JEFF FORTE PEAK RESULTS COACHING

2389 Main St, Glastonbury 860-633-8555 • PeakResultsCoaching.com

Feeling the negative effects of a high stress life? Illness, unhappiness, exhaustion? Experience the power of Reiki and how it can restore you physically, emotionally and spiritually. Sessions for adults, children and senior citizens (geriatrics is my specialty!). Reiki training classes offered for all levels.

JILL HILL

RESULTS COACHING

VIRGINIA TRINQUE, USUI REIKI MASTER 844-733-1330, Danbury VirginiasHealthyLiving@gmail.com VirginiasHealthyLiving.com

Want to quickly improve your marriage or personal happiness? Hope is not a strategy for success. Call to learn proven strategies to overcome your life challenges. See ad, page 33.

SOLAR ENERGY PUREPOINT ENERGY

28 Knight St, Norwalk 203-642-4105 • PurePointEnergy.com PurePoint Energy is dedicated to providing quality solar electric projects that make our clients’ lives, our communities and our planet a better place. See ad, page 28.

TRANSFORMATIVE HEALING BETH PRINS LEAS

Transformative Healing • Tarot Offices in Norwalk & Ridgefield 203-856-9566 BethLeas.com • TLCTarot.com

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

If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels - greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 20 years intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot. See ad, page 75.

Have a Stubborn Skin Disorder and Tried Everything Else? Finally there is a solution, try Natural Awakenings DermaClear, a natural, affordable skin repair salve. Our all natural personal skin care product brings comforting relief to sufferers of many skin irritations. DermaClear will simply feel good putting it on. Cooling and soothing, the Calcium Montmorillonite/ Calcium Bentonite clay penetrates pores and open areas of the skin and pulls out toxins and inflammation. The proprietory blend of homeopathics go even deeper, address the root causes and assist to bring even deeper toxins to the surface.

Fairfield County Edition

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natural awakenings

TRANSFORMATIVE HEALING

WELLNESS CENTER iFLOAT

ORGANIC REMEMBRANCE

80 North St, Danbury 860-341-2310 OrganicRemembrance@gmail.com Slyms Bazile, is a Healing Artist and a Certified Reiki Practitioner. She created Organic Remembrance Therapy, a fusion of healing modalities gathered in remembrance of our organic roots. Slyms’s purpose is to help humanity heal mind, body, and soul. She offers personalized healing sessions at Transformation for Life in Danbury. Healing to all!

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

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

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

The Ideal Protein Protocol is a medically derived weight loss method refined over 20 years. The fundamental philosophy is to increase overall well being through sensible weight loss and empower clients through coaching to make sustainable, smarter lifestyle choices after they have lost excess weight. See ad, page 11.

163 Main St, Westport 203-226-7378 • iFloatSpa.net Experience this superior form of body/mind relaxation as you float effortlessly in warm water with high concentrations of Epsom salt. Relieve stress, chronic pain and more. See ad, page 75.

KURE SPA

430 Main Ave, 2nd Flr Norwalk (Wilton Line) 203-857-1500 • Kure-Spa.com Opening in November to provide a place for people to rely on as part of their weekly routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Experience our 4-Pillars of Health for 30-days and we’ll transform your life to one of Health, Healing & Vitality! Offering Vibrosaun, yoga, massage, and an organic juice bar. See ad, page 8.

Join us on Facebook and we’ll directly alert you of upcoming happenings and events.

SALTANA CAVE

590 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-969-4327 SaltanaCave.com Fairfield County’s first and only therapeutic Himalayan salt cave provides relief from respiratory issues such as allergies, asthma, and side effects of smoking and pollution. Salt is naturally antiinflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal.

TRANSFORMATION FOR LIFE 80 North St, Danbury 203-617-8228 LiveYourTransformation.com

Experienced and skilled

Transformation practitioners provide For Life effective and enjoyWellness Center

able massage therapy, facials, healing, nutritional guidance and yoga therapy. Visit our beautiful, retreat-like setting and choose one of our wellness treatments or take a yoga class. Open Tues. thru Sat. See ad, page 10.

Search “Natural Awakenings Fairfield County”

eNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2015

COSMIC RHYTHMS with Alethea Hunt

appy New Year! It’s a great time for new starts that take us in fresh directions with a Mars/Uranus mutual reception remaining in play until January 12. The Hi-Fi vibration of this pairing is all about self-initiated change and social activism, so this is a time to literally “be the change we wish to see.” However, the Lo-Fi vibration can resonate with volatility so make a point to detach from things that get you flustered by depersonalizing, keeping cool and focusing on the proactive changes. Four planets inhabit Capricorn at the beginning of the month, increasing determination and providing a resolute backdrop for 2015 intentions. Your goals may be tested around the Cancer Full Moon on January 4. As feelings run strong at this time, they may tempt you to swerve from your objectives. This is only a test of your resolution’s ability to adapt to fluctuating moods and conditions. If you feel the need to make an adjustment to your plan now, you may do so; the necessity for an alteration doesn’t cause you to give up on your objectives entirely. You may just take a slightly different route to get there. You will become more comfortable with change as the Aquarius New Moon arrives on January 20. New moons are all about new beginnings and this moon may have surprises in store. Saturn adds some grounding energy to the mix. Since this is a popular time to set intentions, this is a great lunation to embrace something that will revolutionize your life in some way. Saturn’s added stability means you should be able to do so in a controlled manner. In particular, you might look at ways of innovating in a career sense. If an opportunity for career expansion pops up from out of the blue now, perhaps it provides a key for liberation. As a side note, growth may be inclined to be slower during this period overall now that Saturn has arrived in Sagittarius for a 2 ½-year stay. This gives you an opportunity to check progress and troubleshoot what is not working. It is important to note that slow and steady is in tune with what the planets throw your way now. Measured growth is also beneficial because it is not artificially inflated. A Mercury retrograde commencing January 21 presents an opportunity to reconnect with friends and to further rethink recent changes that have been implemented. Don’t be afraid to seek ideas and input from others to help induce beneficial shifts in thinking that are truly “outside the box.” Creative perspectives may draw others to your cause now. You might even consider joining or starting a group toward this end once Mercury turns direct and starts picking up speed again circa late February. A practitioner of Western Tropical astrology, Alethea Hunt has been practicing for more than 17 years. Connect with her at 203-917-6312, Alethea@ EmpoweredDestiny.com or EmpoweredDestiny. 74

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

displayadvertiserindex Aqua-Scapes LLC

Acupuncture Center/ Ingri Boe-Wiegaard

Acupuncture Healing of CT/ Jody Eisemann

Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care 33 BarekMed

Judith Barr

Beyond Touch/Roberta Russell

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

2 2

Natural Awakenings’ Singles.com 48 Natural Health & Wellness Center 7 Nature’s Temptations Healthy Food Market

Nature’s Way Natural Foods

Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic

NuWeigh Nutrition & Weight Loss 11 Olivette

Robin Ordan, LMT

Robin Ordan, LCSW

Organic Sleep at Sleep Etc

Pangaea Massage

Passage East Boarding Kennels

Patricia’s Presents

Peak Results Coaching/Jeff Forte

The Center for Naturopathic Medicine/Susan Rzucidlo, ND

Chamomille Natural Foods

The Clean Bedroom

The Cleanest Touch

Personal Wellness Center/ Sage Osa 15

CLH Counseling/Cynthia Haupt

Pleasant Dreams

Compassionate Care of CT

DermaClear

Prescription4Wellness/ Mary Gilbertson

Dog Gone Smart

PurePoint Energy

Michael E. Doyle, MD/ Stamford Integrative Medicine

PearTree Salon

Riverside Obstetrics & Gynecology 27 Robert James/Salon 221

Salon Aponte

Shalva Clinic/Ellen Lewis, ND

Farm2Jars

Simple Scallion

Final Journey LLC

Victoria Shaw, PhD

Fine-Light/Westport Chiropractic

Soul Centered Healing/ Danielle Joffe Hampton

Finger Lakes School of Massage

Soul Focus/Mela Rispoli

Debra Gibson, ND

SOUND Center for Arts & Mindfulness

Embody the Sacred

Eyecare Associates

The Graduate Institute

Green Powder

Sticks & Stones Farm

Eliana Grubel

Juliette Storch

Hands & Paws Reiki for All

Synergy Salon

Healthy Choice Mattress

TLC Dog Trainer

Higher Brain Living Westport

Total Life Care Center

Jill Hill

Touch of Sedona

Housatonic Valley Waldorf School 19

Transformation for Life

Hunter Healing Hands

Twin Star Herbal Education

Ifloat

Insight Counseling

Unity Center for Practical Spirituality

University of Bridgeport Clinics

Valley Vet Hospital

Wellness Institute/ Marvin Schweitzer, ND

Westbrook Nature School

Westport Farmers’ Market

Whole Foods

Worden Wellness Center

Xlear

XtoRays

Yoga Culture

Kindred Spirits Kure Spa

The Last Resort

Beth Prins Leas

Lipo-Light/Westport Chiropractic 30 Liver Medic

Mind-Body Transformation

Mind Matters Hypnosis

Mrs. Greens Natural Markets

Natural Awakenings’ Franchise Sales

Quality Acupuncture at Affordable Prices

Total Life Care Center 152 East Ave. • Norwalk, CT • 203-856-9566 • TLCcenter.com Total Life Care Center is dedicated to holistic health by providing you with highly trained and experienced integrated health care practitioners TLC Center is Fairfield County’s largest holistic health center—with more than 90 independent members —and was founded by Beth Prins Leas in 1997 on the premise that a single candle burns brighter in a gathering. Beth has created a vibrant holistic health and resource center and growing community of people who are committed to living consciously and to offering healthy lifestyle options in the form of private sessions, classes, workshops and special events. Please visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to learn more about how TLC Center can support you on your journey to living well.

Acupuncture Healing CT Really affordable, based on: Small group acupuncture keeps prices down and allows many more to take advantage of this highly effective, ancient healing art. Discounted packages allow for better, faster results and lower pricing. Private sessions also available.

Jody Eisemann

is a CT licensed acupuncturist with 20+ years experience in treatment of all kinds of pain with immediate & effective results.

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

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

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

soulcentered@mac.com

203-292-9869

soul-centered-healing.com

Locations in

Norwalk & Trumbull

203-216-2548 AcupunctureHealingCT.com Call for free consultation

Shift happens...are you ready? SOUL Healing CENTEREDHEALING Transformative INTEGRATED HEALING SESSIONS FOR YOUR BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT

Beth Prins Leas ♥ Eliminate Pain, Clear Anxiety, Balance Hormones, Relieve Stress ♥ CreateTarot a life of deep meaning and purpose. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu,

Fairfield County’s #1 Center

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

For Stress Reduction and Mind Education

♥ Experience more love, health, & peace in all areas of your life.

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

www.bethleas.com 203.856.9566

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

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

January 2015

WHY AN ORGANIC MATTRESS IS RIGHT FOR YOU

While we sleep, our immune system recovers and prepares for the day ahead. If your mattress is filled with airborne allergens and chemical toxins, your immune system will battle these rather than

repair itself. Regular bedding & mattresses are laden with polyurethane foam, toxic flame retardants, and water or stain resistant chemicals.

When we found out what was in our mattress, my husband said, ‘Every mother in the world should know what they are putting their child on at night.’ That was 2004, and the Clean Bedroom was born. —Chris Chamberlin, Co-founder

FIND A HUGE SELECTION OF THE BEST ORGANIC MATTRESSES IN THE WORLD

WHY YOU SHOULD PURCHASE YOUR ORGANIC MATTRESS FROM THE CLEAN BEDROOM We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We research every brand we carry, testing the mattresses and bedding to be sure they meet our rigorous standards for purity and construction. Our extensive product knowledge helps you select the mattress and bedding that is right for you. Our prices 76 Fairfield CountyWe Edition natural awakenings are fair. We listen. recommend. You decide.

TheCleanBedroom The Finest Organic Mattresses & Bedding in TM

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Manhattan at 230 5th Ave | 212.889.1091 Brooklyn at 145 Montague St | 718.237.1092 Greenwich at 79 East Putnam Ave | 203.292.9275 www.thecleanbedroom.com