H E A L T H Y
L I V I N G
H E A L T H Y
feel good • live simply • laugh more
NEW
P L A N E T
FREE
Section
TOUCHING
HEAVEN Proof of Life After Death
GREEN Recovering
Merry-Making Wholeness And A Conscious Holiday Gift Guide
Integrative Healing for Veterans’ PTS
December 2013 | Fairfield County Edition | eNaturalAwakenings.com eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
1
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:
From left to right:
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
Fairfield County Edition
natural awakenings
THINK OF IT AS AN INTERNAL CAR WASH. We’re ALL exposed to environmental toxins that cause fatigue, allergies, weight gain, pain, inflammation and more. For 25+ years, Dr. Schweitzer has precisely assessed, desensitized and carefully cleansed internal environments using remarkable tools like ONDAMED ®, ELECTRODERMAL SCREENING and state-of-the-art NUTRITION. Call to schedule your internal car wash today…
Introductory One Hour
MaSSage or FacIal
Introductory One Hour
HOt StOne MaSSage
DrMarvinSchweitzer.com 2 0 3 . 8 4 7. 2 7 8 8
1 We s t p o r t A v e n u e Norwalk, CT 06851
49 69
$
$
95*
an $89.95 value!
®
MASSAGE AND FACIAL SPA
95*
a $109.95 value!
Enhance Your Massage Experience with Complimentary
Aromatherapy
Choose from: Eucalyptus, *Limit One per customer. Lavender, or Peppermint Expires 12-30-2013.
Newon! ati Loc
BrOOkfIEld 203-775-2244
143 Federal Road In the ShopRite Plaza
Check Out More Great Offers and Services at
handandstone.com
Open 7 days • Extended Hours • Walk Ins Welcome *Introductory offers valid for first time visit only. Not valid for gift cards. **Free Offer valid with any one hour massage. Limit one per customer. No cash value. Expires 12-30-2013. Sessions include time for consultation and dressing. Rates and services may vary by location. Offers may not be combined. Independently owned and operated. ©2013 Hand & Stone Corp. Franchises Available
eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
3
A new year, a new YOU…better than ever!
contents Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue, readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.
22 The Art of
Living Happy
Lisa Jones Connects to Clarity
by Natasha Michaels
Sun., Jan. 19, 2014 10am to 5pm
Hotel Pennsylvania 401 7th Ave. New York, NY 10001
VISIT a whole new kind of wellness fair: It’s social, inspiring, informative and welcoming to all! Awaken Wellness Fair: promoting well-being for your mind, body, spirit — and the environment! BE INSPIRED by over 100 exhibitors including: ❁ Noted speakers ❁ Gifted healers ❁ “Green” experts ❁ Self improvement vendors ❁ Intuitive readers Media Sponsor:
24 A Mindful Shift in
26
Business Culture Indicators from Wisdom 2.0 by Sheila Wall
28
26 Recovering
Wholeness Integrative Healing for Veterans’ PTS by Ariana Rawls Fine
28 NEAR-DEATH
EXPERIENCES Proof of Life after Death
41
by Linda Sechrist
35 Stress-Free Pets
this Holiday Season
by Chris Onthank
41 Superpower Kids’
ORDER TODAY!
Immune Systems
TICKETS: $10 online; $15 at the door www.AwakenFair.com
Natural Health Experts Share How by Jenna Blumenfeld
42 GREEN MERRY MAKING
FOR MORE INFO:
e-mail: AwakenUSA@aol.com or call 914.422.1784
Retro-Fresh Family Traditions by Claire O’Neil
45 Conscious Holiday Gift Guide Presented by PPC Group, LLC
50 PEACE ON OUR PLATES Mindful Eating for a
More Peaceful World by Judith Fertig
4
Fairfield County Edition
natural awakenings
42
WHY AN ORGANIC MATTRESS IS RIGHT FOR YOU
15 7 newsbriefs 15 healthbriefs 18 globalbriefs 32 naturallyhealthypet 18 33 petbriefs 38 naturalpet 39 peteventscalendar While we sleep, our immune system recovers and 40 petresourceguide prepares for the day ahead. If your mattress is filled with airborne allergens and chemical toxins, your 41 healthykids immune system will battle these rather than repair itself. Regular bedding & mattresses are laden with polyurethane foam, toxic flame retardants, will and water healingways While we sleep, our immune 48 system recovers will battle these rather than While repair itself. While While we we we sleep, sleep, sleep, our our our immune immune immune system system system recovers recovers recovers will will battle battle battle these these these rather rather rathe th 38 or stain with resistant chemicals. and prepares for the day ahead. If your Regular bedding & mattresses are laden and and and prepares prepares prepares for for for the the the day day day ahead. ahead. ahead. IfIfyour Ifyour your Regular Regular Regular bedding bedding bedding &&mat &ma m 50 consciouseating and chemical toxins, your immune system and water or stain resistant and chemicals. and and chemical chemical chemical toxins, toxins, toxins, your your your immune immune immune system system system and and and water water water ororor stain stain stain resis resi re Organic Innerspring Mattresses 53 calendar Organic Innerspring Mattresses Natural Latex Organic Mattresses Organic Organic Organic Innerspring Innerspring Innerspring Mattresses Mattresses Mattresses Natural Natural Natural Latex Latex Latex Organic Organic Organic Mat MM Our cotton innerspring mattresses are made with 57 classifieds organic cotton batting and organic wool — free from chemicals and pesticides! Great for those who are 58 resourceguide chemically sensitive or allergic to latex. A good fit
WHY AN ORGANIC MATTRESSWHY WHY WHYAN AN ANORGANIC ORGANIC ORGANICMATTRE MATTRE MATTRE IS RIGHT FOR YOU ISISISRIGHT RIGHT RIGHTFOR FOR FORYOU YOU YOU
advertising & submissions
for families on a budget because an innerspring is generally less expensive than a latex mattress.
Natural Latex Organic Mattresses how to advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 203-885-4674 or When it comes to latex there’s “natural” and then there’s “all natural”. We sell only “all natural” latex email NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. Our cotton innerspring mattresses are made with When it comes to latex there’s “natural” and then there’s so Our Our Our cotton cotton cotton innerspring innerspring innerspring mattresses mattresses mattresses are are made made made with with with When When When it itcomes itcomes comes totolatex tolatex latex there ther th mattresses you are sleep chemical-free. Beware Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month. organic cotton batting and organic wool – free from “all natural”. We sell only “all natural” latex mattresses organic organic organic cotton cotton cotton batting batting batting and and and organic organic organic wool wool wool – –free –free free from from from “all “all “all natural”. natural”. natural”. We We We sell sell sell only only only “all “a
chemicals and pesticides! Great for those who are
Editorial submissions
for families on a budget because an innerspring is Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com. generally less expensive than a latex mattress.
mattress stores online and in your neighborhood selling sosoyou soyou you sleep sleep sleep chemical-free. chemical-free chemical-fre mattresses.
so you sleep chemical-free. Beware mattress stores chemicals chemicals chemicals and and and pesticides! pesticides! pesticides! Great Great Great for those those those who who who are are are “natural” or “green” orforfor “sustainable” foam online and in your neighborhood selling “natural” or This is “green wash” marketing hype. “green” or “sustainable” foam mattresses. Thisonon isa “green forforfor families families families on abudget abudget budget because because because ananinnerspring aninnerspring innerspring isisis wash” marketing hype. generally generally generally less less less expensive expensive expensive than than than a alatex alatex latex mattress. mattress. mattress.
online online online and and and ininyour inyour your neighborh neighbo neighb “green” “green” “green” oror“sustainable” or“sustainable” “sustainable” foam foa f wash” wash” wash” marketing marketing marketing hype. hype. hype.
Deadline for News Briefs: the 5th of the month. FIND A HUGE SELECTION OF THE BEST FIND A HUGE SELECTION OF THE BEST ORGANIC MATTRESSES IN THE WORLD FIND FIND FIND AORGANIC AHUGE AHUGE HUGE SELECTION SELECTION SELECTION OF OF OF THE THE THE BEST BEST BEST ORGANIC ORGANIC ORGANIC MATTRESSES MATTRESSES MATTRESSES INININ THE THE THW MATTRESSES IN THE WORLD calendar submissions Queen$1799 Queen$2439 Queen$2549 Queen$2530 Queen$2875 Queen$1799 Queen$4398 Queen$2439 Queen$1799 Queen$1799 Queen$2439 Queen$2439 Queen$2549 Queen Queen$2549 $2549 Queen Queen$2530 Queen$2530 $2530 Queen$ Queen Que Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline for magazine calendar listings: the 5th of the month. Website calendar listings may be entered at any time. Naturepedic Essentials
OrganicPedic by OMI Duo
Savvy Rest Serenity
Best Seller Oyasumi
Royal Organics by RoyalPedic GreenEssentials Sleep Dolcezza Luxury Naturepedic Naturepedic Naturepedic Essentials Essentials OrganicPedic OrganicPedic OrganicPedic by by OMI by OMI Duo OMI Duo Duo Savvy Savvy Savvy Rest Rest Serenity Rest Serenity Serenity
Best Best Seller Best Seller Seller Oyasumi Oyasumi Oyasumi
Royal Royal Royal Organics Organic Orga
regional markets WHYAdvertise YOU SHOULDyour PURCHASE YOUR ORGANIC WHY WHY WHY YOU YOU YOU SHOULD SHOULD SHOULD PURCHASE PURCHASE PURCHASE YOUR YOUR YOUR ORGANIC ORGANIC ORGANIC products or services in multiple markets! MATTRESS FROM THE CLEAN BEDROOM MATTRESS MATTRESS MATTRESS FROM FROM FROM THE THE THE CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN BEDROOM BEDROOM BEDROOM Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing When we found out what was in our mattress, my husband When When When wewefound we found found out out out what what whw We have an A+ ratingfamily with the Better Business Bureau. Wemagazines serving We We We have have have anan A+ an A+ A+ rating rating with with with the the the Better Better Better Business Business Business Bureau. Bureau. Bureau. We We We Th erating Finest Organic Mattresses & Bedding in franchised of locally owned said, ‘Every mother in the world should know what they said, said, said, ‘Every ‘Every ‘Every mother mother mother ininthe in thew th research every brand we carry, testing the mattresses and research research research every every every brand brand brand we we carry, we carry, carry, testing testing testing the the the mattresses mattresses mattresses and and the World, all in oneand place communities since 1994.standards To place your ad in other bedding to be sure they meet our rigorous for purity bedding bedding bedding toto be to be sure be sure sure they they they meet meet meet our our our rigorous rigorous rigorous standards standards standards forfor purity for purity purity Clean Bedroom was born. Clean Clean Clean Bedroom Bedroom Bedroom was was was born. born bor and construction. product knowledge and and and construction. construction. construction. Our Our Our extensive extensive extensive product product product knowledge knowledge knowledge helps helps helps markets Our callextensive 239-449-8309. Forhelps franchising opportunities —Chris Chamberlin, Co-founder —Chris —Chris —Chris Chamberlin, Chamberlin, Chamberlin C Greenwich at 79 East Putnam Ave |Our 203.292.9275 you select the mattress and bedding that is right for you. Our you you you select select select the the the mattress mattress mattress and and and bedding bedding bedding that that that is is right is right right for for you. for you. you. Our Our call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.
TheCleanBedroom TM
prices are fair. We listen. We recommend. You decide.
Manhattan Connecticut NeweNaturalAwakenings.com York MarketCenter In the Old Sasco Mill 230 5th Ave (@ 27th St.) 1869 Post Rd E Suite 1807, NYC Westport, CT 06880 (212) 889-1091 (203) 292-9275
prices prices prices are are are fair. fair. fair. We We We listen. listen. listen. We We We recommend. recommend. recommend. You You You decide. decide. decide. Manhattan at 230 5th Ave. Ste 1807
| 212.889.1091 www.thecleanbedroom.com
Manhattan Manhattan Manhattan TheCleanBedroom New New New York York York MarketCenter MarketCenter MarketCenter The finest Organic Mattresses & Bedding
TheClean TheClean TheClea The The The finest finest finest Organic Organi OrgaM
Connecticut Connecticut Connecticut InInthe Inthe the Old Old Old Sasco Sasco Sasco Mill Mill Mill 230 230 5th 5th 5th Ave Ave Ave (@(@(@ 27th 27th 27th St.) St.) St.) 1869 1869 1869 Post Post Post Rd Rd Rd EEE in the World, all in230 one place eNaturalAwakenings.com December 2013 Suite Suite Suite 1807, 1807, 1807, NYC NYC NYC Westport, Westport, Westport, CT CT CT 06880 06880 06880 (212) (212) (212) 889-1091 889-1091 889-1091 (203) (203) (203) 292-9275 292-9275 292-9275 www. thecleanbedroom.com
in intheintheWorl theWoW
5 www. www. www. theclea thecle thec
letterfrompublisher “Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.” ~ Chief Seattle, 1855
T
contact us Publisher/Managing Editor Nicole Miale Assistant Editor Ariana Rawls Fine Design & Production Erica Mills Sales & Marketing Nicole Miale Virginia Trinque Distribution Man in Motion LLC Natural Awakenings Fairfield County Phone: 203-885-4674 Fax: 203-516-2392 NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com
eNaturalAwakenings.com NAWebstore.com NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com
he Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce recently convened its new Health & Wellness Council. I am honored to be a member of this diverse group of dynamic professionals who have set the intention to support one another and make a Nicole Miale difference for the wellbeing of the community. The council’s first meeting began with an invocation from Reverend Terry Elsberry, Rector of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in nearby Bedford, NY. His message has echoed in my head since. He spoke of the human journey over centuries of knowledge and medicine, and how our modern interest in more mindful, integrative living is primarily the act of recovering ancient practices and attitudes. Rev. Elsberry emphasized that the root of all healing - regardless of the available spectrum of individual theories, practices, or techniques - has always been and must be love. This resonates with me as I think about this month’s issue with its focus on awakening humanity. It seems almost prosaic to speak of against the backdrop of recent calamity and natural disasters - the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan is still devastating our global neighbors in the Philippines (see page 62 for a way to help), the rebuilding continues on the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy’s rampage through our own region, and another unwelcome anniversary of the tragedy in Sandy Hook is close at hand. If events like these over the past year haven’t already sparked the humanity in us all, well, I would rather not contemplate what else it might take. It seems to me humanity is raw…chafed by situations which challenge our understanding, yet also ignite our passion and compassion. My gut tells me Rev. Elsberry is correct, that as a people we are recovering and to get back to “awake” we must pass back through things which separated us. The way out - the knowable path to starting to heal emotional and psychic wounds – is love, of self, other and species different from our own. No other power I’m aware of can fill the void.
© 2013 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.
This month’s issue contains many articles which support this notion and provide inspiration for clarity and wholeness. There is a more peaceful way of life beckoning to us. It exists inside ourselves, our communities and the greater web of natural life, not in our electronic devices or other diversions.
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.
My wish for you this holiday season is for you to have some time to truly connect, to feel and appreciate the sweet sensation of being truly at home and at peace in your world.
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.
Happy Holidays!
SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $15 (for 12 issues) to the above address. Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.
6
Fairfield County Edition
natural awakenings
newsbriefs Trader Joe’s Opens Seventh Connecticut Store in Stamford
S
tamford’s High Ridge Center is now home to Trader Joe’s’ newest Connecticut location at the former Borders Books. A customerdriven campaign to bring the store to Stamford via a Facebook page titled “Bring Trader Joe’s to Borders’ Location in Stamford” gathered support for the store since 2012 with nearly 450 “likes.” This is the chain’s seventh Connecticut store. Similar to its 374 counterparts across the country, the Stamford Trader Joe’s features art personalized to the city, including images of the Old Town Hall and the Ferguson Library on the walls. “We don’t take ourselves seriously, we wear Hawaiian shirts, we like to have a good time at work and interact with customers,” Michael Thill, store manager or “captain” of the new Stamford store said. “We’re a unique neighborhood grocery store that celebrates good food.” Trader Joe’s in Stamford is located at 1041 High Ridge Rd, Stamford, CT. For more information, call 203-321-8440.
TLC Center Winter Festival Open House
T
Beth Leas
he Total Life Care (TLC) Center in Norwalk will hold its Winter Festival Open House on December 12, 2013 from 4-9pm. The event is co-sponsored by Natural Awakenings as a Community Connections meet-and-mingle opportunity and will feature some TLC community members offering mini-energy balancing sessions, massages, and tarot readings. Last minute gift and gift certificate ideas will also be avail-
able for attendees. Founding Director and Transformative Healer Beth Prins Leas will be offering a free Candlelight Meditation from 7-8:30pm to honor the year that has passed and the holiday season while igniting intentions for the year ahead. Register for the Candlelight Meditation by emailing Beth@bethleas.com. Total Life Care Center is located at 152 East Ave, Norwalk, CT. More information available at 203-856-9566 or tlcCenter.com. See ad, page 31
GET YOUR HEALTH BACK IN BALANCE...
naturally. Are you tired of being tired, unable to sleep, suffering from dry skin or hair loss — unable to lose weight, irritable, depressed or anxious, experiencing muscle pain? You may have an untreated nutritional or hormonal imbalance. Call 203-324-4747 for an appointment with a Board Certified, Georgetown-trained MD who is inclined to treat you... naturally. 22 FIFTH STREET• SUITE 201 • STAMFORD, CT • 06905
Michael E. Doyle, Md • 203-324-4747 • GoToDrDoyle.com eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
7
today!
Fit. Figured Out. Koko FitClub Smartraining. It’s fast, motivating, and so effective, it’s patented!
Call Today For A Free Fitness Assessment. Koko FitClub of Ridgefield ridgefield.kokofitclub.com 203.894.5055
Koko FitClub of Westport westport.kokofitclub.com 203.557.3994
newsbriefs The Graduate Institute Presents Evolving Education for an Evolving World
Eyecare Associates, LLC E�������� P���������� T������ V����� www.cteyecareassociates.com
There’s More To Healthy Vision Than 20/20 Eyesight Eyes Are Important Indicators Of Overall Health • Comprehensive eye exams for all ages • High quality eyeglasses and specialty contact lenses • Exceptional treatment for eye diseases • LASIK and Refractive Surgery co-management • Solutions for dry eyes, computer use, and sports 3 Locations in Southern Fairfield County
6515 Main Street Trumbull, CT 06611 203-374-2020
2600 Post Road Southport, CT 06890 203-255-4005
139 Main Street Norwalk, CT 06851 203-840-1991
T
he Graduate Institute (TGI) will present Evolving Education for an Evolving World from 11 am-5pm on December 8, 2013 as the first program in its Tipping Point Forum Series. The interactive day of learning, discussions and Q&A will include presentations with three faculty members from TGI’s Master of Arts program in Integrative Health and Healing. Dr. Brian Luke Seaward will offer a presentation and showing of his documentary film, Earth Song: Mountains, Water, and the Healing Power of Nature. Dr. Lauri Grossman will speak about Integrative Healing and Homeopathic Medicines for the Holiday Season while Joan Palmer will focus on The Art and Science of Eating. A silent auction will also be held, featuring educational resources, books, artwork and more. The new TGI Tipping Point forum series focuses on activating change. Participants will learn innovative, practical techniques for healing the body, mind and planet. Location: TGI’s main campus, located at 171 Amity Rd, Bethany, CT. Cost: $60 per person (additional donations appreciated) with pre-registration required at EvolvingEducation.EventBrite.com. For more information, contact Shari Specland, Lead Coordinator of the MA in Integrative Health and Healing, at Shari@learn.edu. See ad, page 63.
8
Fairfield County Edition
natural awakenings
Innovative Patavision from Yogapata at Wilton
W
ilton yoga studio Yogapata has launched a new way for beginners and advanced students to be in a Yogapata class from the comfort of their home. Patavision, available through the studio-website YogaPata.com, enables viewers to schedule their yoga class anytime at their convenience with a library of beginner, open level, therapeutic and boutique classes available and expanding weekly. The Patavision subscription is $5.99 per month with a free 3 day trial period available. The studio, founded by Mitchel Bleier and his wife Tracy, offers yoga classes for all levels, including classes focused on specific body parts like Back at It and Bolder Shoulder to the advanced All In. Yogapata is located at 444 Danbury Rd, Wilton, CT. For more information, visit YogaPata.com or call 203-210-7750.
Where there is no struggle, there is no strength. ~Oprah Winfrey
New 3-Part Mindful Living Series
U
nleash Potential co-creators Lisa Jacoby and Caroline Temple are offering Mindful Living: A Holistic, Spiritual Approach to Stress Management, a new series of three 90-minute workshops designed to Lisa Jacoby and Caroline Temple maximize individual potential. The workshops will take place January 16, 23 and 30, 2013 from 10-11:30am in Fairfield. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Using the core concepts of their What I Know to Be True practice, participants explore effective coping and relaxation techniques through teachings and guided meditations with group, individual and dyad exercises incorporating dialogue, writing, drawing and movement. Holistic psychotherapist and certified Holistic Stress Management Instructor Caroline Temple and Human Potential teacher Lisa Jacoby are coauthors of What I Know to Be True. Location: 60 Katona Dr, Suite #19, Fairfield, CT. Cost: $150 for all 3 workshops. For more information, visit WhatIKnowtoBeTrue.com.
Comfort, Not Chemicals Connecticutʼs Largest Organic Mattress Gallery
Starting at $1,099
Sometimes You Long For Something Thatʼs Truly Natural It May Be Closer Than You Think Every mattress in our Carpe Diem and Terra Bed Collections is made entirely by hand using only natural filling materials. It is not the easiest way to build a bed, but the result is unparalleled comfort and support that is healthy enough for you and your children. Visit one of our two Connecticut showrooms this month and receive a free natural pillow with this ad.
Norwalk 508 Main Avenue 203.846.2233
Stamford 55 High Ridge Road 203.323.1509
A Klein Family Tradition Since 1947 www.organicsleep.com eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
9
newsbriefs Eyecare Associates Evolves; Offers Vision Therapy Lecture
Organic Eco-Friendly Beauty Without Health Risk
Visit us online at PeartreeSalon.com for promotions
203-655-7444 • 1950 Post Road, Darien, CT
What if, instead of just resigning yourself to suffering, grasping for bandaids, or trying to escape your suffering . . .
You discovered you could heal your inner wounds fully and to the root? To learn more, please visit www.judithbarr.com
Judith Barr, LPC, LMhC ... hEaLiNG tO thE rOOt 30 Years Experience • Depth Psychotherapist • Spiritual Midwife Professional Training/Supervision • Speaker PO Box 603, Brookfield, CT 06804 • 203-775-5006 • JudithBarr@PowerAbusedPowerHealed.com
MINERALS FROM THE DEAD SEA
NATURE’S BEST KEPT BEAUTY SECRET
Straight from the healing waters of Israel - the oldest spa on earth. Age Defying • Therapeutic • Nourishing Beauty Treatments for Face and Body Half the cost of retail delivered straight to your door from the Dead Sea. Call Aliza Freedman today for a personal consultation in the privacy of your own home. 203.554.5975 alizafreedman17@gmail.com
Nature’s Temptations
Your HealTHY FooD MarKeT
where community and healthy food is our priority
orgaNic • local • SuSTaiNable Produce • Meats & Seafood • Bulk Foods Juice Bar • Cafe • Prepared Foods • Deli Vitamins • Health & Beauty • Well Baby Catering for all Occasions
naturestemptations.com 10
Fairfield County Edition
natural awakenings
W
ith Dr. Carl Gruning and Dr. Lee Mellinger’s retirement announcements, Dr. Stephen Carr and Dr. Randy Schulman of EyeCare Associates welcome Dr. Narvan Bakhtiari and Dr. Brian Rodrigues to their team. The optometrists at EyeCare Associates provide comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages, including treatment for a range of conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye, cataracts and macular degeneration. The practice is offering their VisionWorks A to Z Course on Vision Therapy in their Norwalk location on December 6-7, 2013. In addition, Eyecare Associates has openings for vision therapist and receptionist positions.
EyeCare Associates has locations in Southport, Norwalk and Trumbull. For more information, visit CTEyecareAssociates.com or call 203-255-4005. See ad, page 8.
Natural Healing for Children & Their Families Workshop
A
uthor and Master Herbalist Andrea Candee, MH, MSC, author of Gentle Healing for Baby and Child: A Parent’s Guide, is offering a Natural Healing for Children & Their Families workshop. The event, to be held December 10 from 7-9pm at the Hypnobirthing of CT Prenatal Center in Westport, is geared towards taking care of your family’s wellness naturally. Workshop, attendees will Andrea Candee receive information about home remedies, including specific dosages for adults and children. The workshop will touch upon developing a family herbal first aid kit, the healing powers of everyday foods and herbs, engaging children in their wellness, naturally boosting your family’s immune system during flu season and safe, effective remedies for nausea, heartburn, mastitis and other symptoms. The individual class fee is $45 with a discount for couples. Location: 420 Post Rd West, 2nd floor, Westport, CT (across from Whole Foods). For more information, contact 203-952-7299 or visit HypnoBirthingCT.com/ Natural-Healing-For-Children or AndreaCandee.com.
Holiday Gift Discounts and Skin Care Event at Chamomille Natural Foods
Mind-Body Workshop for Fertility Patients at RMACT Norwalk
C
hamomille Natural Foods in Danbury is offering customers 15 percent off all natural body care products, candles and organic chocolates throughout the month of December. The store is also hosting a skin care demo on Friday, December 6, from noon to 3pm featuring Annemarie Borlind’s award-winning skin care line. “These products combine cutting edge technology with organic ingredients for fast results,” says Hedda Eisenburgh, a Borlind representative. “Anyone who attends the skin care demo can receive free samples and a complimentary consultation and learn about holiday gift ideas.” Shoppers can also browse organic, non-GMO body care products that are free of parabens and sulfates from such companies as John Masters, Nourish, Dessert Essence and Zion Health. Facial care lines sold at Chamomille include Suki, evanhealy and MyChelle, all of which contain pure, organic ingredients for a variety of skin concerns. Chamomille carries Sunbeam Candles, made in a 100 percent solar-powered shop in Ithaca, New York, and Rare Earth Candles, which are the first mineral pigment-colored candles. With shades of cobalt, ochre and amber, they create a stained glass effect when lit. Complimentary hot drinks, such as stevia-sweetened cocoa, will also be on hand throughout December. Location: Rt. 6 Plaza (58-60 Newtown Rd.) in Danbury, CT. For more information, call 203-792-8952 or visit ChamomilleNaturalFoods.com. See ad, page 47.
O
n January 12, 2014, from 125pm at Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT)’s Norwalk location, Melissa Kelleher, LCSW, will host a Mind-Body Workshop to introduce fertility patients to the mind-body connection and techniques that can help reduce stress. Colleagues from RMACT’s Integrated Fertility and Wellness Program will lead an interactive peer support group, Fertile Yoga class and acupuncture demonstration. Although stress has not been definitively proven to decrease the likelihood of pregnancy, several clinical studies indicate that stress management can have a positive effect. RMACT encourages patients to improve their overall health because this improves a patient’s likelihood of successfully getting pregnant. Kelleher works with couples and individuals at RMACT, giving them the tools to handle the emotional aspects of their fertility treatment. She has trained under Alice D. Domar, PhD, a pioneer in the application of mind-body medicine to men’s and women’s health issues. Location: 10 Glover Ave, Norwalk, CT. Cost: $125 per person or $200 per couple. Discounted rate of $115 if registered before December 20. For complete event details, go to Rmact.com.
People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy. ~Anton Chekhov
A place to honor your spirit, your way
ARC Sacred Center
SPIRITUAL SUNDAY SERVICES at 10 AM followed by FELLOWSHIP at 11 AM
Please Join Us as we build community and celebrate Life, Hope, Healing, Love and Spirit. (Visit our website for a detailed description of our Sunday services and for classes & events at the center)
THE ALLIANCE FOR RAISING CONSCIOUSNESS Sharing a Vision of Love and Oneness
... May the energy we create as a loving community, multiply into the universe so that all beings may experience true and divine love. (from the ARC Affirmation)
458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe, CT | 203-268-1ARC (1272) | arcsacredcenter.org | arcsacredcenter@gmail.com eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
11
A forest retreat tucked away in the hills of lower Fairfield C ounty • Chartre Labyrinth • Moss Stroll • Hiking Trails • Drumming & Ukulele • Nature School Programs
• Licensed Kitchen Rental • Cooking Classes • Yoga & Tai Chi • Moss & Stone
Available for Events, Reunions, and Weddings
y y 203-270-8820
www.sticksandstonesfarm.com
Personal Wellness Center Inspiring You to Live Your Best Life! • Intuitive/Psychic Readings • Mediumistic Readings • Holistic Health Coaching • Health & Healing Program for Cancer Patients
1895 Post Rd, Fairfield Sage Osa 203.767.6237 ~ MyPersonalWellness.com
Herbal Hair Color • 100% grey coverage • Ammonia-free • Paraben-free • Oderless • Long Lasting • Gentle on hair & scalp • Improved texture & shine
www.SynergySalonNC.com
Black Rock Holistic Health Center Realigns with Cox Flexion Distraction Table
T
he Black Rock Holistic Health Center has acquired a new Cox Flexion Distraction Table. Center founder Kristine M. DeMarco, DC, is one of a handful of actively certified doctors in the state of Connecticut who have the Cox table. The Cox Flexion Distraction Table Cox technique realigns and restores range of motion inherent to the spine while reducing low back pain, especially in sciatica patients. The Cox Flexion Distraction Table also allows the doctor to treat women during pregnancy in a safe, gentle manner. Dr. DeMarco has been offering a holistic approach to the treatment of acute and chronic pain for the past 12 years and earned the distinction of being voted “Best Chiropractor 2009.” She utilizes alternative therapies such as chiropractic, acupuncture, homeopathy, nutrition, applied kinesiology, Graston technique and cox flexion distraction technique to reestablish the patient’s immune system and musculoskeletal health and balance. Location: 825 Kings Hwy East, Fairfield, CT. Contact 203-333-6544 or visit DeMarcoChiropractic.com. See Community Resource Guide listing, page 58.
Be well Be beautiful
(203)966-5655
newsbriefs
y
y y
Holiday Opening for New Massage Envy Spa Brewster Organic Hair Studio 53 East Avenue New Canaan, CT 06840
A
new Massage Envy Spa, owned and operated by the team behind Massage Envy Brookfield, is coming to Brewster, NY this holiday season. Massage Envy Spa Brewster will be opening the second week in December while Massage Envy Spa Brookfield is now open and available for appointments. The spa offers skin care treatments and massage therapy administered by professional estheticians and massage therapists. With a Massage Envy Spa membership, customers can choose from a variety of monthly massages, including Swedish, Trigger Point, Deep Tissue, Sports, Prenatal and Geriatric as well as one of four Murad Healthy Skin facials. The new spa is located in the Highlands Shopping Center at 100-H Independent Way, Brewster, NY, just over the border from Danbury, CT. For more information, visit MassageEnvy.com. See ad, page 45.
12
Fairfield County Edition
natural awakenings
kudos Meditation Center Receives Buddha Statue
T
he Redding Center for Meditation recently installed a large Buddha statue imported from Thailand. The statue was donated by a group of Thai Buddhists from central Connecticut in celebration of the Meditation Center’s recognition by the American Thai Sangha as a wat, or monastic center. The Meditation Center also now has a second name, Wat Sati-Ma. Meditation Center President Michael Bresnan, stated, “While we are still the Redding Center for Meditation, we also now have a Thai name that indicates our official status as a monastic center. In Thai, ‘wat’ means ‘temple’ and in Pali ‘sati-ma’ means ‘to be mindful.’ It is an acknowledgment of the fact that our principal teachers are ordained Buddhist masters, who are not just passing through, but actually live here at the Center – something that is not all that common.” The mission of the Meditation Center is to provide a place “where people of all faiths can come to learn and practice mindfulness and meditation under the guidance of experienced masters.” The Center is open to the public and hosts meditations, lectures, retreats and other events. Location: 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, Redding, CT (near Ridgefield/ Wilton border). For more information about the Meditation Center and its events, visit ReddingMeditation.org.
Fairfield Nutritionist Opens Studio; Receives Website Accolade
N
utritionist and Fairfield resident Annette Alfieri recently opened a new weight loss and whole living studio at 61 Sherman Street in Fairfield and her website, www.annettealfieri.com, has been awarded a top spot in The Institute for the Psychology of Eating’s 2013 Top 100 Best Nutrition Websites list. The website was recognized in the top 50 out of 100 spots awarded and nominated for its healthy philosophy and topic diversity. Alfieri teaches women and men how to lose weight without dieting, helping clients understand how and why the food love-hate relationship exists and addressing personal habits, exercise, lifestyle, mindset and nutrition. The Psychology of Eating is a one of the world’s leading schools in nutritional psychology. Alfieri offers one-on-one consultations, as well as the Lighten Up! Six-Week Group Weight Loss Program and the DIY Flat Belly Detox, both of which she created. Her studio also offers evening workshops on nutrition, motivation, and awareness.
For more information, visit AnnetteAlfieri.com or contact Alfieri directly at AnnAlfieri@optonline.net or at 203-450-1064.
Do you want to create vibrant health? Do you want to empower yourself & uplift others? Do you want to become heart-centered in business? Do you want to learn about long-term, financial prosperity?
We are a network marketing team committed to changing how the industry is seen and practiced. Join our team! For more information contact: Connie at: TrueHealthTrueWealth@aol.com or call: 203 913 8118
Ready to Heat or Freeze In-Home Prep: personalized menus Home Delivery: Clean Food Prepared in a Farm, Packaged and Labeled. Stamford, Norwalk, New Canaan, and more to come.
Specialty: BloodType/Genotype Diet-SWAMI* (generativemedicine.org ) * by Dr. Peter D’Adamo Licensed/Insured
(203) 559 8946 • ChefElyGrubel.com
Joy Carbino Licensed Massage Therapist CT Lic# 7406 NCBTMB Certified Certified Holistic Health Coach Reiiki Master/Teacher
Healing White Light, LLC
Westport Therapeutic, LLC 37 Franklin Street, Suite 103 Westport, CT 06880 203-470-1226 joy@healingwhitelight.com www.healingwhitelight.com
By Appointment Only
145 Grassy Plain St. Bethel, CT
Soul Focus Mela Rispoli 203-570-3868 mrispoli2@aol.com eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
13
Experience a Himalayan Salt Cave …Now Here in Ridgefield Experience
Saltana C ve
coverartist
the Fairfield County's First & Only Therapeutic Himalayan Salt Cave In a salt cave, you are immediately surrounded by tons of Himalayan salt rocks, just as if you were in a salt mine. Relaxing on zero gravity lounge chairs to soothing music, experience serenity & peace in just minutes Salt therapy is: known to significantly improve respiratory issues in children & adults, asthma, allergies, countering the side effects of smoking and pollution, cystic fibrosis, acne naturally anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal ~ Like us on Facebook ~ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Saltana-Cave/477550062298188
590 Danbury Road,Ridgefield 203-969-4327 SaltanaCave.com
In the Spirit of the Season – May We Walk as One
Beautiful Color Shouldn't Be Hazardous To Your Health
Jody Bergsma
The best thing about our products is what we leave out! No Ammonia • No Parabens No Scalp Staining • No Scalp Discomfort Best Eco Salon
838 Main Street • Monroe • Tollgate Plaza Tues, Wed, Fri 9-5, Thur 9-8, Sat 8-4
203-261-2838 SalonAponte.com
Natural Frontier Market
Stamford, CT Offering the Best in Quality and Price
Purchase over $50 - Get an extra 5% off the total bill! k Organic Produce k Natural Products k Dairy Free Products k Vegan Free Home Delivery Available
k Raw k Gluten Free k Non GMO k Bulk
k Juice Bar k Health & Beauty Aids k Vitamins & Supplements 20%-50% off everyday
Don’t forget to ask for Student and Senior Discount!
203-348-7973 k www.NaturalFrontierMarket.com
Open 7 Days 8:00AM - 9:00PM k 80 Prospect St. Stamford, CT 14
Fairfield County Edition
natural awakenings
Jody Bergsma began creating art at age 3, when her mother suggested that she draw her nightmares to vanquish her fears. Monsters illustrated with pink and green crayons were not so scary, and the budding young artist became hooked. By her mid-teens, Bergsma was selling her fanciful works and she went on to become an award-winning illustrator. In her whimsical, elfin watercolors and detailed, dramatic images of wildlife, the artist often uses aboriginal, native and geometric designs and symbols derived from the beautiful patterns of ancient cultures. By respectfully working with these images, she reintegrates them into our modern ethos. “I propose that all humankind shares a common reality just beyond the range of normal sight,” remarks Bergsma, whose watercolor technique is self-taught. “Each person’s physical adventure is unique, but the abstract language of feelings and realization of existence is our shared experience. “Art is a tradition that helps define who we are and brings us a vision of who we can become,” Bergsma continues. “My painting is my expression and request for a more beautiful, peaceful and harmonious world.” View the artist’s portfolio at Bergsma.com.
healthbriefs
Relax, Enjoy &
Let Your Spirit Shine Thru
Sprinkle Cinnamon to Avert Alzheimer’s
We offer a variety of healing modalities including:
C
innamon is known as an excellent antioxidant that improves fasting blood sugar levels and prevents heart disease. Now new research offers yet another benefit and reason to add this potent spice to our daily diet. Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, have confirmed that cinnamon helps protect against Alzheimer’s disease. They found that the cinnamon compounds cinnamaldehyde and epicatechin help stop the formation of “tangles” of tau protein in the brain, hallmarks of the memory-robbing neurodegenerative disease. The study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, says these powerful antioxidants that give cinnamon its potent flavor and scent defend mental function in a unique way. “Take, for example, sunburn, a form of oxidative damage,” explains Roshni Graves, of the university’s Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. “If you wore a hat, you could protect your face and head from oxidation. In a sense, this cinnamaldehyde is like a cap,” protecting against tau proteins. The findings suggest that sufficient cinnamon consumption might stop the progression of Alzheimer’s or even prevent it.
Cocoa Calms Inflammation
• Meditation Classes • Intuitive Sessions • Reiki • Tai Chi • Rising Star For more info on classes, workshops and events please call, click or email us!
Kindred Spirits A Center for the Mind, Body & Soul New Location in REDDING, CT JTKindredspirit@aol.com
203-938-3690 KindredSpiritsCenter.com
Coming in February
F
ew can say no to a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter’s night. “Enjoy!” say Penn State researchers. They have found that a little bit of cocoa may be a powerful diet aid in helping to control inflammation and ameliorate related diseases, including diabetes. Numerous current studies link obesity to inflammation in the body. Cocoa, although a common ingredient of chocolate, by itself has low-calorie, low-fat and high-fiber content. The researchers fed laboratory mice the human equivalent of 10 tablespoons of cocoa powder—about four or five cups of hot cocoa—along with a high-fat diet for 10 weeks. The control group ate the same diet without the cocoa. Lead researcher Joshua Lambert, Penn State associate professor of food science, says the study results surprised the team, which did not expect the “dramatic reduction of inflammation and fatty liver disease” associated with obesity. Although the animals lost no weight, the cocoa powder supplement reduced liver triglycerides by 32 percent and plasma insulin levels by 27 percent, indicating it might be a powerful obesityfighting tool. But there is a catch: Adding sugar, an inflammatory substance in itself, to healthy cocoa will likely neutralize the benefits. Try stevia as a sweetener instead; it’s been used for decades to lower blood sugar.
2014 Natural Living Directory For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call
203-885-4674
eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
15
healthbriefs
Cranberries Support Healthy Circulation
Button Batteries Imperil Bambinos
R
egularly drinking cranberry juice may help control blood pressure, according to new findings presented at the American Heart Association’s High Blood Pressure Research 2012 Scientific Sessions. Cranberry juice, the researchers note, is rich in antioxidants—naturally occurring molecules that have been associated with the blood pressure-lowering benefit. U.S. Department of Agriculture researchers discovered a moderate systolic pressure reduction—about three points—for people that drank two eight-ounce glasses of cranberry juice every day for eight weeks. Because of the sugar calories in juice, consider the alternative of a whole-food cranberry supplement.
To Get More, Give More
G
iving away money or spending it on others increases the giver’s sense of personal wealth, according to research by Michael Norton, of Harvard Business School, and co-author Elizabeth Dunn, of the University of British Columbia. The latest in a series of studies showed that people that support others, from helping with homework to shoveling a neighbor’s driveway, feel that they had more time in general and that giving time away relieved the sense of “not having enough time,” even more than gaining unexpected free time.
B
utton-type lithium batteries are all around us, powering remote controls, keyless entry devices for cars, flameless candles, watches, greeting cards and other devices. Parents should be aware that these batteries are attractive to small children and if swallowed, can dissolve and cause serious damage to the esophagus in as little as two hours. The National Safety Council reports that the number of children swallowing these batteries quadrupled between 2005 and 2010, to 3,400 cases, yet 62 percent of parents are unaware of the danger.
Listening and Caring Wouldn’t you prefer a doctor who makes time for both?
Naturopathic Medicine Services Offered:
General Family Medicine Acupuncture Dr. Susan Rzucidlo, ND
Facial Rejuvenation– “The Natural Facelift” Pediatrics
Diet & Nutritional Counseling
Anthem, BC/BS, Oxford, Aetna insurance accepted
Botanical Medicine
Conditions Treated: Allergies Arthritis Diabetes Heart Disease PMS Chronic Pain Any many others…
The Center for Naturopathic Medicine, Inc. 3335 Main Street, Stratford • (203) 377-1525
16
Fairfield County Edition
natural awakenings
You must not lose faith in humanity.
Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.
e or m
dh
d
Source: Courtesy of Associates In Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care, P.C., located at 156 East Ave, Norwalk, CT. For more information, visit ctChiropractic.com. See ad page 20.
bu
ublished in the Journal of Philosophy, Principles & Practice of Chiropractic’s October 24, 2013 issue, the “To review the history and research regarding chiropractic, emotional and psychological health” article focuses on the benefits of chiropractic for patients with mental health issues. Author Dr. Christopher Kent, DC, JD, a chiropractor and attorney, reports that, historically, there were several successful chiropractic facilities dedicated to mental health issues, including the Forest Park Sanitarium (originally known as the Chiropractic Psychopathic Sanitarium) established in 1922. The success rate for the chiropractic institutions was much higher than for the public institutions, with the latter facility boasting a 65% cure and discharge rate versus 18-27% for the North Dakota state mental hospital. “The scope of chiropractic is as broad as the scope of influence of the nervous system. Although many chiropractors and those they serve tend to focus on disorders associated with the physical body, it is obvious that abnormal nervous system function may also affect emotional and psychological health,” Kent stated. The paper also reported on several modern research projects involving chiropractic and psychological issues. In one of these studies, a survey was done with 2,818 respondents in 156 practices. It showed strong connections between persons receiving chiropractic care and self-reported improvement in health, wellness and quality of life.
welry • fairy st r je • painting atues e v s an & sil gifts d s gi ng rian cu l st
s xe bo s ft ture p
P
A Unique Boutique with Heartfelt Purpose
stu eq nni ue
Mental Health and Chiropractic Care
a’s
•c
ryst
als • pottery
m •&
uc
h
Gift Cards Available Intuitive Readings Every Weekend Wide Selection of Native American Gifts
203-438-7146
452 Main St, Ridgefield
touchofsedonaridgefield.com Open Every Day Until 5:30
Touch Of Sedona
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 our UB Clinics at 203-576-4349 to take advantage of this unique healthcare opportunity located in your own backyard. Or visit www.ubclinics.org
~Mahatma Gandhi
Health Sciences Center, 60 Lafayette Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604
eNaturalAwakenings.com
UBRIRE380_natrl_Awkngs_Ad color PRINT.indd 1
December 2013
17
4/6/10 4:58 PM
globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.
Genuinely Greenwashed Six Ploys to Avoid in Eco-Purchases
A report by TerraChoice Environmental Marketing exposes these six “greenwashing” marketing ploys to watch out for when shopping: 1. Hidden Trade Off: A refurbished plasma TV might reduce the need of buying new at first but, new or not, such TVs are energy hogs. 2. No Proof: Can a third party verify claims such as “organic” or “all-natural”? 3. Vagueness: Beware of products claiming to be “chemical-free” or “no hormones added”. 4. Irrelevance: Claims that have no relationship to the product or might be made with any other product in the same category, such as [chlorofluorocarbon] CFC-free shaving gel. 5. Fibbing: A falsehood that can’t be backed up, such as “certified organic” for products for which no such certification exists. 6. Lesser of Two Evils: An attempt to put a green twist on a product that’s inherently harmful to humans and the environment, such as organic cigarettes.
Escalating Thirst
Enter the Rewarding World Massage
Endangered Western Tree Habitats
Therapy Our 7 month program is starting Jan. 2014 • Weekend Part–time Program offered annually • Financial Aid & Scholarships for those who qualify • Come visit! Tours available daily
For information on graduation rates, median debt of graduates from this program, and other important information visit our website at www.flsm.com or call us at 607-272-9024.
FOR MORE INFO
TruMantra
18
www.trumantra.com
Fairfield County Edition
A team of scientists at the University of Grenoble, in France, have isolated ultrasonic pops 100 times faster than what a human can hear in slivers of dead pine wood bathed in a hydrogel to simulate the conditions of a living tree. They exposed the gel to an artificially dry environment and listened for the noises that occurred as air bubbles built up, blocking water uptake, similar to what occurs to trees during drought. As leaves on a tree collect carbon dioxide, they open their pores, a process that leaves them particularly vulnerable to water loss. Douglas firs and pine trees can repair this damage as frequently as every hour, says Katherine McCulloh, a plant ecophysiologist at Oregon State University. However, the bubbles are deadly for other species. Today, the typical forest in the often thirsty American West contains an unnaturally high density of 112 to 172 trees per acre. Besides intercepting rain and snow that would otherwise enter the groundwater supply, such an overabundance threatens native species. “Deprived of [the effect of] low-intensity, naturally occurring fires, aspen, lupine, sequoia and fireweed can’t reproduce,” notes Jamie Workman, of the Environmental Defense Fund. “Deer lose edge habitat. Threatened owls and raptors can’t navigate through increasingly dense thickets.” Workman argues that thinning out small trees is the answer. Contributing source: Utne.com
natural awakenings
Arctic Rescue
Finland Calls for North Pole Sanctuary The Finnish government has adopted a new Arctic Strategy that calls for a global sanctuary around the North Pole as one of the key demands of the growing Save the Arctic movement, reversing its long-held position of backing corporate interests over the environment. The populace responded strongly to a series of actions taken by Greenpeace against government icebreaker ships aiding corporate oil exploration in order to heighten awareness of the issue. The new Finnish policy reflects a mounting world citizenry’s view that the Arctic deserves protection. Greenpeace points out that companies can wreck the Arctic with little penalty and the current Arctic Council oil spill agreement does nothing to protect the Arctic or impose liability in this the most vulnerable place on Earth. The hope is that the other seven Arctic Council countries will see the light, as well.
Master’s in Nutrition Online
• Increase revenue possibilities by offering expanded wellness services to patients
• Enjoy the convenience of learning online from your home or office, 24/7
• Curriculum focuses on the role of human nutrition as a preventative and complementary therapy from a functional medicine perspective
• Graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Clinical Nutritionists (CCN) and the Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition (DACBN) exams
To learn more, call 1.888.822.4476 or visit www.bridgeport.edu
Sign the petition and pitch in at SaveTheArctic.org.
Tagging Toxins
Online Database Identifies Safe Products SafeMarkets.org offers a new clearinghouse of information gathered by advocates investigating toxic chemicals in food, baby products, toys, furniture, construction materials and other consumer goods. Families, municipalities, builders and businesses can use it to identify potentially harmful products and find safer alternatives. Hosted by the Workgroup for Safe Markets (WSM), it’s a one-stop shop to provide information for consumers, retailers and manufacturers that are demanding safer products, says Beverley Thorpe, a WSM co-leader and consulting co-director for Clean Production Action. Mia Davis, vice president of health and safety at Beautycounter, who is expecting her first child, sees it as a resource for parents to find a full complement of safe products for their families. “More than ever,” she says, “people understand how important it is to shop with companies they trust and to support businesses working to create truly safe products.”
Are You Looking For A Doctor Who Will Address More Than Just Your Symptoms? • Pediatrics • ADD/ADHD • Diabetes • Food Sensitivities • Eczema
• Asthma • Allergies • Insomnia • Abnormal Paps • Thyroid Disorders
• Women’s Health • Fertility • Hormonal Imbalance • Anxiety and Depression • Weight Loss
Treatments include herbal medicine, functional medicine, biotherapeutic drainage, homeopathy, low-level laser therapy, and detoxification programs.
Shalva Clinic, LLC
Dr. Ellen Lewis Naturopathic Physician
The Center for Natural Medicine 37 Franklin Street Westport CT 06880 p 203.916.460 f 203.916.4601 www.ShalvaClinic.org Info@ShalvaClinic.org
eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
19
globalbriefs
newintention
Intuitive Generosity
Lakota Advice for Life
Spontaneity Sparks Altruism
What makes people put “we” ahead of “me”? To find out, a group of Harvard University researchers enrolled thousands of people to play a “public good” game in which subjects were divided into small groups, given some money and the choice to keep it or contribute it to a common pool that would grow and benefit the entire group. Researchers discovered that those that made their decisions quickly were more likely to contribute to the common good. Taking it a step further, the researchers applied time pressure to the decision-making process. They then found that those faced with making a quick decision most often chose the “we” option, while those that spent more time deliberating ended up giving less money to the group kitty. The Massachusetts research team, which tested thousands of online worldwide participants, concluded that spontaneity and intuition guide people into rapid acts of kindness.
Friend do it this way—that is, whatever you do in life, do the very best you can with both your heart and mind. And if you do it that way, the Power Of The Universe will come to your assistance, if your heart and mind are in Unity. When one sits in the Hoop Of The People, one must be responsible because All of Creation is related. And the hurt of one is the hurt of all. And the honor of one is the honor of all. And whatever we do affects everything in the universe. If you do it that way—that is, if you truly join your heart and mind as One—whatever you ask for, that’s the Way It’s Going To Be. Source: Passed down from White Buffalo Calf Woman and Sapphyr.net.
NATURAL HEALTHCARE ALTERNATIVES FOR YOUR FAMILY Be Allergy Free, Perhaps Even for Life!
Family-Based Chiropractic Care Specializing in infants, children & pre and post-natal women During pregnancy research shows chiropractic helps: • Eliminate back & pelvic pain • Sciatica • Headaches • Carpal tunnel syndrome • Help babies who are breech turn into a better position for delivery
For children research shows chiropractic helps: • Ear infections • Asthma and allergies • Scoliosis • Colic • Reflux • ADHD • Sports injuries • Torticollis
Call Dr. riSa M. SloVES 1 of only 7 chiropractic physicians in Connecticut with Board Certification in Pediatric and Maternity Care. Certified in the Webster and Bagnell breach turning techniques.
Seasonal, food & environmental allergies CAN be eliminated: Conditions like eczema, gastric reflux, IBS, sinus conditions and digestive problems are often due to food & chemical allergies. A revolutionary, noninvasive, child friendly technique is available to eliminate food, environmental and other sensitivities. It is used together with: • Computerized allergy testing & elimination without medication or shots • Enzyme therapy, including nutrition and proper diet • It enhances immune system function & assists the body in the natural healing process.
Visit allergyEliminationNorwalk.com for more information and a
FrEE E-Book Download: “How To Stop Suffering From Food Sensitivities, ‘Allergies’ and Digestion Problems”
Call Dr. Mark JoaChiM for a complimentary consultation. Over 10 years experience as an Advanced BioSET Practitioner.
ASSOCIATES IN FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC AND NATURAL HEALTH CARE, P.C. 156 East Avenue, Norwalk • www.ctchiropractic.com • (203) 838-1555 20
Fairfield County Edition
natural awakenings
ecotip Family Games Generate Goodwill All Year
F
un family games based on cards, trivia and charades are quintessential holiday activities. Now a new generation of games adds fresh dimensions of interest and goodwill. Online games—some are free—extend good tidings to people around the world, as well as our environment. Santa is thrilled. Eco games galore: From determining our family’s carbon footprint to making ethical decisions as a business leader or learning how to help child populations vulnerable to pneumonia, EcoGamer.org is a gateway to enriching experiences. More than 20 entertaining websites employ informative, ecorelated calculations, games and quizzes.
Assist African farmers: Heighten awareness and empathy by experiencing on a virtual basis the immense challenges of life on an African farm, including dealing with disease, drought, a lack of resources and war, at 3rdWorldFarmer.com/About. html. Free trials are available, plus links to international non-
profit organizations and relief groups. Become a citizen scientist: At FilamentGames.com/projects/ citizen-science, players travel back in time to investigate how a lake became polluted and what can be done today to protect our waterways. Developed by the National Science Foundation, in partnership with the University of Wisconsin, it illustrates business, lifestyle and social factors that can harm the environment. Learn and feed: FreeRice.com allows players to automatically help feed hungry people with rice donations through the United Nations World Food Program. Players select from specific subjects: art, chemistry, geography, English, other languages and math. Each correct answer donates 10 grains of rice as participants watch the contents of a virtual bowl gradually fill. Tabletop games: Bioviva (Bioviva.com), Destruct 3 (UncleSkunkleToys.com), ReThink: The Eco Design Game (PlayReThink.com), Xeko (Xeko.com) and Endango (search Amazon.com) are all new takes on the traditional pastime of board games. Some are made of recycled materials, to boot.
eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
21
Lisa Jones Shares the Art of Living Happy by Natasha Michaels
L
isa Jones is a Ridgefield, CTbased author, spiritual medium and former corporate accountant whose life changed dramatically after the death of her first husband. At the moment of his death, Jones was sleeping in a different room. However, she witnessed her husband entering heaven. This “shared death” experience challenged her beliefs about life and spirituality, and radically altered the course of her life. She spoke with Natural Awakenings about her spiritual awakening and offers readers suggestions for what she calls connecting to clarity.
crisis arises we get thrown out of our element and begin to panic, rather than relying on the one thing that can really help guide us and grant us love and support. Connecting to this greater good is how I believe you can experience an awakening. If I had not followed the bread crumbs that were left for me along the way, I would have never woken up and most likely would still be working in the accounting arena and not only be miserable but perhaps physically sick as well. If you aren’t happy, it’s a sign that you are not on your path. Wake up and start living your life with purpose and passion.
Your book recounts the intimate details of your spiritual awakening during an intensely sad and chaotic time of your life. What advice can you give to a reader who is experiencing crisis and may be approaching or experiencing their own awakening? I would advise anyone experiencing crisis to first and foremost start looking for signs and coincidences that are unexplainable. These are clues that you are not alone and there is a bigger purpose for you here on this planet. Then consciously and purposefully start connecting to the greater good and energy that is available to each one of us day or night. Many times when
You discuss in the book some very personal but also universal themes such as feeling like you didn’t have a “place” even in your own family or fearing you might be unmasked as an imposter as you tried new things. Has this changed for you over the past several years? Many people have shared with me similar thoughts about feeling like they don’t have a place in their family or even in this world. I believe this stems from the fact that, as small children, we were all told to “get along,” “don’t show off” or “stop that!” No wonder many of us feel that way; we’re discouraged from being ourselves. This has changed for me over the past several
22
Fairfield County Edition
natural awakenings
years, and that’s because, step by step, I’ve had the courage to step up and step out onto my true authentic path. It started with friends believing in me, then invitations to work with small groups. Next came a request to be on stage in front of over 120 people, then the following year nearly 400 people. I love how once again, by following the breadcrumbs, the exposure just kept getting bigger and bigger. Now I’ve been on CBS and FOX sharing my story as well as dozens of newspapers, radio interviews and blogs. My greatest joy is sharing the “psychic secrets” from behind the curtain. I’m teaching people how to give and receive divine messages from the Universe to help them move forward and to help others. Your experience and your message are striking a chord with many people as you travel and speak about your experiences. Why do you think your deeply personal story is relevant to so many others at this time? Is this a function of the world changing, people becoming more open/accepting, or a combination of both? Being an ordinary person, an accountant who worked at two of the largest accounting firms in our country, Price Waterhouse Coopers and Ernst & Young, lends credibility to my story. I believe most people have had at least one, if not several, “super-natural” experiences during their life and why wouldn’t they, given that we are spiritual beings in physical bodies! So when they see me as a “normal” person coming out of the spiritual closet, they can relate to that and want to be able to talk to me about it. I readily admit in my book that I thought I was losing my mind at times. I was my biggest skeptic and still am at times, as the events that unfolded for me are so spectacular, it’s truly hard to take in. And yet, these events are miracles, and I love having that a part of my life every day! So when people read or see that I’m not doing this for any other reason than to share my story, they can see themselves. I think it helps them make sense of what they may have experienced in their life. What’s also really exciting is that as I use my gifts to help people in their personal lives, their business lives are taking off as well. I’m
now working with many small and large entrepreneurs who have seen huge shifts within their sales and profits. As people see and hear about these results they do become more open minded, as all business people are looking for that competitive edge, which is what I can offer them. You emphasize that your ability to connect with spirit and channel messages is something you believe most, if not all, people can do themselves. Can you provide tips for readers who are interested to pursue this path? Yes, I believe that we are all spiritual beings having a human experience, so therefore we are all able to connect directly to spirit in order to give and receive messages. I also believe that, just like playing the piano or some other type of talent, some of us have more of an innate gift than others, and that some of us need to practice more than others. I have had a lot of practice, nearly twelve years – yes, I am one of those people who needed a lot of active practice. I also had a huge interest in learning more and wanting to improve my ability, so I kept at it and didn’t give up. I’ve now developed a 3-step Connection to Clarity process, where I teach others as to how to connect and channel written messages from the Universe. The three steps are:
1. Prepare – Find a quiet place and time to focus on connecting to these messages. 2. Ask – Ask your __________ (place the term that makes you feel most comfortable, guides, angels, higher self, ancestors, etc.) to provide you with a message. Take a deep breath. 3. Listen – Listen and write down what you hear. This is the hard part, as you’ll think it’s you. You need to be patient and gentle with yourself, and it’s easier than you think. How do you feel about where you are in your own personal journey? I feel as though I went from living a life of black and white, defined by others, to now living a life in high definition, 3D, full color, with surround sound where I get to decide what I do everyday and loving every minute of it. Truly it’s the Art of Living Happy. Lisa Jones lives with her family in Ridgefield, CT. She teaches a four-hour class on how to connect to your individual clarity. Her next class in CT is December 7, 2013 at 1pm at the Oneida Center in Marlborough, CT. For more information about that workshop or to find out where else you can see her, visit ArtOfLivingHappy.com. Natasha Michaels is a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings.
Health and Wellness Coach Marketing Opportunity Intention & Empowerment Coming in our
January 2014 Edition Natural Awakenings recognizes the vibrant and growing profession of health coaching and intends to showcase these professionals who motivate, inspire, and empower us to create new pathways to happier, healthier, meaningful lives. We know each coach is unique, with a different focus, varied training, and expertise. Here is an opportunity to explain who you are and how you work to the more than 50,000 monthly readers of Natural Awakenings Fairfield County!
Deadline Tuesday December 10 Call 203-885-4674 or 203-733-1330 or email FFCAdvertising@naturalawakeningsmag.com to get involved today! eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
23
Wisdom 2.0 Signals a Mindful Shift in Business Culture by Sheila Wall
“There is a shift I think that the world is going to demand that corporations have missions and are mission driven. Profit is not a goal. Profit is the output of a mission-driven organization that delivers a consistent product to their customers. You can’t do that without good employees and investing in them. We can’t have vibrant societies within which to run our corporations if we have people who are not making a living wage and can’t afford the products and services we offer. We can’t continue to evolve as mankind unless we create better people and help them be better people.” ~ Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini at the 2013 Wisdom 2.0 Business Conference speaking about “The Power of Mindfulness in the Workplace: Why This Matters”~
A
t the Wisdom 2.0’s Business conference at Google’s New York City headquarters on September 12-13, 2013, participants gathered to explore ways to live with greater awareness, wisdom and compassion in the modern age. Founded by Soren Gordhamer in 2009, Wisdom 2.0’s mission is merging the paths of technology and wisdom. Conference speakers included New York Times’
24
Fairfield County Edition
natural awakenings
David Gelles, ABC News’ Dan Harris, Huffington Post President Arianna Huffington, CEOs from major U.S. corporations ,including Mark Bertolini of Aetna, Chad Dickerson of Etsy and Scott Heiferman of Meetup, and others such as Congressman Tim Ryan, Goldie Hawn, Actress and Founder of The Hawn Foundation, and Sharon Salzberg, Meditation Teacher and Author. Their talks covered topics such as “The State of Wisdom in the Workplace,” “Real Happiness at Work,” “Fostering Community and Culture in Company Life,” and “Building a Wisdom-based Business Culture,” to name a few. The new business paradigm is here. Increasingly, we are hearing the words compassion, wisdom, loving kindness and mindfulness with the latter in particular entering both individuals and businesses’ lexicons. There is a movement of people who are driven to make this world a better place for all and many believe that mindfulness, meditation, yoga and other contemplative practices are vehicles we can use to get there. Mindfulness as defined by Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program at UMASS Medical Center, is “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment and nonjudgmentally.” MBSR is an evidencebased, 8-week mindfulness program experienced by over 20,000 people since 1979. Mindfulness research has been published for more than 30 years with peer-reviewed scientific studies on mindfulness growing from 77 in 2005 to 397 in 2011. Evidence is mounting that mindfulness can reduce stress and stress-related medical and mental health symptoms as well as enhance emotional wellbeing and quality of life. There is no doubt that reducing stress in the workplace is highly beneficial to both businesses and their employees. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health finds that stress-related ailments cost companies about $200 billion a year due to increased absenteeism, tardiness and the loss of talented workers. Stress is linked to 70%-90% of employee hospital visits while job tension and stress are directly tied to a lack of productivity
and loss of competitive edge. In our technology-driven world, the call to incorporate mindfulness in our daily personal and professional lives has never been greater. People are looking to regain their connection to others and experience a greater sense of connectedness to their inner selves and outer world. Cultivating attention and awareness through mindfulness allows the workforce to live their lives with a greater sense of skill, connection, openness and balance. Mindfulness can help employees by: • Responding, instead of reacting, more appropriately to managers and colleagues that they have previously found difficult • Improving focus, clearer communication and decision making by taking a few minutes of mindfulness at the start of a meeting • Improving teamwork and team relations • Increasing creativity and decreasing burnout • Fostering enhanced self awareness of the mind-body connection • Aiding in mood regulation and immune system management • Improving a wide range of physical and emotional concerns • Monitoring stress levels and taking effective steps to address it Many companies have embraced mindfulness programs into their leadership development and worker health and wellness programs, including on-site yoga classes and meditation workshops. According to Aon Hewitt, an HR consultancy firm, over 25% of employers in the U.S. to date have integrated mindfulness into the workplace, including: Abbott Laboratories, Aetna International, American Red Cross, Ameriprise Financial, AOL Time Warner Inc., Apple Computers, AstraZeneca, BASF Bioresearch, Cargill Inc., Comcast, Deutsche Bank, eBay, Fortis Bank, General Mills, General Motors, Google, Green Mountain, Hughes Aircraft, IBM, Keane, Lucent International, McKinsey, Medtronic, Nortel Networks, Pacific Investment, Prentice-Hall, Procter and Gamble, Promega Corporation, Raytheon, Reebok, Starbucks, Texas Instrument, Toyota, Unilever, United Health, and Xerox. In 2010, Aetna started offering its Mindfulness At Work program as well as a 12-week yoga program, Viniyoga Stress Reduction. These programs are available to Aetna’s 34,000 employees with over 6,000 employees having taken one or both of these programs. Research from the mindfulness programs shows that participants regained 69 minutes per week of productivity, equating to an 11:1 return on investment. Mark Bertolini stated in his talk at the NYC Wisdom 2.0 Business conference that Aetna now offers this program to over 6 million people through their employer-sponsored health insurance programs. There are many mindfulness programs, articles and books focused on secular approaches to using meditation in daily life as a tool for better work and leadership, parenting, teaching, governing and other walks of life and work. Mindfulness meditation is being offered in the military, eldercare,
hospitals, healthcare and wellness industry, national sports leagues and our school systems, from elementary schools to major business universities. And there is even an app for that, including The Mindfulness App, buddhify, Headspace and GPS for the Soul. As Sharon Salzburg stated, “meditation is the ultimate mobile device: you can use it anywhere, anytime unobtrusively.” Sheila Wall, MSW, is principal of In Synchrony LLC in Norwalk, CT, and teaches the MBSR program in Newtown and Rowayton, CT quarterly with new programs starting in January 2014. For more information: smwall@optonline.net or 203-216-6243. Wisdom 2.0 Business Conference You can view all the presentations from the NYC conference in their entirety at http://tinyurl.com/lqnwr4v.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Exercise: ONE-MINUTE MINDFUL BREATH
S
- Stop and Check in with your Head (Thoughts)/Heart (Feelings)/Body (Sensations)
T O
- Take a Breath Directing awareness to Breathing
- Observe how you are feeling in this moment expanding awareness outward
P
- Proceed without expectation, responding rather than reacting to the world around you
• Have there been times when you just needed some “breathing space”? • This practice provides a way to step out of automatic pilot mode and into the present moment. • What we are doing is creating a space to reconnect with your natural resilience and wisdom. • You are simply tuning in to what is happening right now, without expectation of any particular result. • If you remember nothing else, just remember the word “STOP.” eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
25
Recovering Wholeness Integrative Healing for Veterans’ PTS by Ariana Rawls Fine “People with PTSD lose their way in the world. Their bodies continue to live in an internal environment of the trauma. We all are biologically and neurologically programmed to deal with emergencies, but time stops in people who suffer from PTSD. That makes it hard to take pleasure in the present because the body keeps replaying the past. If you practice yoga and can develop a body that is strong and feels comfortable, this can contribute substantially to help you to come into the here and now rather than staying stuck in the past.” ~ Bessel A. van der Kolk, MD Clinician and post-traumatic stress researcher and teacher
A
ccording to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Center for PTSD, the percentages of PostTraumatic Stress (PTS) in veterans is estimated to be 30% for those who served in Vietnam, 11-20% for Iraq and Afghanistan and close to 10% for the Gulf War’s Desert Storm. PTS can be further compounded by traumatic brain injuries, bodily injuries, amputations and other physical and emotional ailments as well as the effects of multiple deployments. Tragically, veterans account for 20% of suicides and veterans of the last two wars are four times more likely to commit suicide than veterans of other wars. According to a Columbia University report, the lifetime costs of treating brain injuries and veterans’ disability payments for the war in Iraq were estimated to be $35 billion and $122 billion, respectively (Stiglitz and Bilmes, 2006). It is imperative to utilize both conventional and complementary medicine modalities to battle this wily killer.
26
Fairfield County Edition
natural awakenings
Symptoms of PTS can include hyperarousal, intrusive deployment memories, avoidance symptoms, anxiety, depression, emotional numbing, insomnia, nightmares and concentration issues as well as other accompanying problems such as chronic pain issues and substance abuse. The stigma of having PTS, being in psychotherapy and reliving the PTS-causing events can deter many active duty members and veterans from seeking help. The perceived stigma was so concerning that the VA recently dropped the use of the word disorder in the name. Commonly known as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), integrative medicine techniques offer tools to alleviate some of the anxiety, sleep, physical and relaxation problems and work in conjunction with traditional therapies and medications when veterans seek help. With the increase in evidence-based research on the effectiveness of various modalities in treating veterans with PTS, more funding and general acceptance and usage of these modalities as part of treatment plans may follow. A 2011 survey conducted by the VA’s Health Care Analysis and Information Group found that the most common CAM modalities the VA referred patients to were meditation, stress management/relaxation therapy, guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback, animal-assisted therapy, music therapy, acupuncture, yoga and hypnosis/hypnotherapy. Chiropractic is considered standard care and the VA is prohibited from prescribing herbal or nutritional supplements, so these techniques were not considered in the survey. Susan Griffin, LAc, of the Veterans Acupuncture Clinic of Hartford, who trained with Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB), utilizes the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association’s (NADA) protocol for PTS. This involves only 5 needles in specific spots on the ear to alleviate stress, trauma and pain symptoms. Following the mission of AWB’s Military Stress Recovery Project, the Clinic offers free acupuncture treatments for veterans and their immediate family members. Griffin found that after acupuncture, veteran attendees with PTS were more relaxed, able to sleep better and experienced decreases in residual pain. “Veterans need a lot of different modalities to work on their healing. The Veterans Acupuncture Clinic is a simple, safe way for them to begin to address PTS symptoms in a non-judgmental group setting,” she says. “The Veterans Acupuncture is just one small way we can address a huge issue.” Recognition of acupuncture’s effects is illustrated by recent training of physicians as medical acupuncturists to do battlefield acupuncture as a resource to combat pain. Several area organizations are training yoga teachers to work with veterans’ special needs, including the Connecticut-based Veterans Yoga Project. Daniel J. Libby, PhD, RYT, a licensed clinical psychologist and yoga teacher, conducted a survey (Libby, Reddy, Pilver and Desai, 2012) to examine how and which yoga, mindfulness and meditation programs are delivered in VA facilities. Of the 125 facilities that completed the survey, 36 offered yoga, 96 included mindfulness and 32 offered meditation. The top barriers named for not offering these services were lack of trained staff, funding and space rather than lack of veteran interest. Libby, Founder and
Executive Director of the Veterans Yoga Project, developed the Mindful Yoga Therapy for Recovery from Trauma intensive program to prepare yoga teachers to better understand and work with the unique needs of veterans. In addition to offering veterans a quiet space to work on their bodies and minds, yoga can be another tool to temper the hyper vigilant feeling they experience and be more at ease in the present moment. “Yoga has helped my racing mind stop racing,” testifies Heather, an Iraqi War veteran who worked with Libby. Homeopathy helps practitioners treat an emotional problem just by knowing the physical symptoms. Lauri Grossman, DC, CCH, RSHom (NA), a New York-based homeopath, integrative healthcare consultant and educator, found in her work with veterans that they would frequently open up afterwards and tell her their story as the charge associated with their physical ailments and the PTS-causing events subsides. Self-prescribing homeopathy for PTS is not advised as the protocol for each person is very individual. Grossman says the most common homeopathic remedies she uses for veterans are Aurum Metallicum, Stramonium and Natrum Muriaticum. Veterans’ use of integrative medicine continues to expand within the VA system and the civilian world. The Bob Woodruff Foundation-sponsored CAUSE Program offers Reiki, reflexology and massage through Walter Reed Hospital and the Wounded Warrior Programs at several Army bases. Reiki helps reduce stress, anxiety, depression and pain while speeding up natural healing for wounds and after surgery. Therapeutic massage is utilized in all eleven Integrative Medicine PTS military programs. Reflexology’s effect on PTS symptoms in Israeli soldiers in the 1973 Yom Kippur War showed that treatment frequency immediately following the trauma was key in improving depression, outbursts, muscle tension, concentration, sleep and medication reduction (Teichman and Zaidel, Institute of Human Ecology). Reflexology treatments can also help the body detoxify while boosting the immune system and circulation to decrease inflammation and headaches. Holistic practitioners have adapted
their practices to consider veterans’ anxieties and reactions. Griffin set up a group environment where the veterans are in chairs, have control over when they are done and don’t have to share their experiences. Background music does not include loud, sudden noises, a calming slide show plays and the room is well lit. It is common for many yoga teachers to touch their students to adjust a posture while teaching. Libby instructs teachers to avoid unnecessary, unannounced touching as that can trigger a physical response from combattrained veterans. Other aspects adapted to bring yoga into the veterans’ comfort zone include toning down the “new age” or Sanskrit rhetoric and arranging mats against the wall in line of sight of the door. Libby says, “There may not be one right way to do yoga with veterans but there are several bad ways to do it.” We are facing an epidemic to save and support those who fought for us. Suicides amongst our veterans are at an unacceptable rate. These men and women that battle and relive their experiences every day need our help to cope yet are reluctant to reach out. Integrative medicine - including conventional avenues such as medications, psychotherapy and physical therapy - is proving critical to their physical and emotional reawakening and healing. Daniel J. Libby, PhD, RYT • Executive Director Veterans Yoga Project • New Haven, CT • Dan@VeteransYogaProject.org VeteransYogaProject.org Lauri Grossman, DC CCH RSHom(NA), Certified CEASE Practitioner • New York, NY • 212-787-4445 • LauriGrossman@gmail.com • DrLauriGrossman.com • HomeopathyCafe.com Susan Griffin LAc • Clinical Director Veterans Acupuncture Clinic of Hartford • 860-548-9695 • Vachartford.com • Info@Vachartford.com The Veterans Yoga Project will be holding its next local teachers’ workshop February 28-March 2, 2014 in Hamden, CT. Ariana Rawls Fine is an Assistant Editor for Natural Awakenings who lives in Stratford, CT.
Meditation Helps Heal Traumatized Veterans
T
ranscendental Meditation (TM) has a dramatic healing effect on people with post-traumatic stress (PTS) and can also result in lower blood pressure, according to two new studies. TM—a technique to avoid distracting thoughts, decrease stress and promote a state of relaxed awareness—reduced PTS symptoms in combat veterans by as much as 50 percent in just eight weeks, according to a study from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., published in the journal Military Medicine. The veterans also reported decreased depression and improved quality of life, with a greater ability to come back to their civilian lives after returning from duty. Vietnam War vets randomly assigned to TM sessions at a Denver Veterans Center also experienced greater reductions in alcohol usage, insomnia and depression than those in conventional counseling. At the conclusion of a landmark three-month study, 70 percent of the meditating veterans felt they no longer required the services of the center. A separate American Heart Association report on the general U.S. population showed that the practice of TM generally reduced systolic blood pressure in subjects by five points and diastolic by three points, enough to put many of them into normal range. Previous clinical trials have shown that lower blood pressure through TM practice is associated with significantly lower rates of death, heart attack and stroke. TM is usually practiced for 15 to 20 minutes twice a day by sitting comfortably and focusing on an individually selected word or series of words.
eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
27
Near-Death Experiences Proof of Life after Death by Linda Sechrist
that 100 years ago would have been labeled death,” observes Moody. Through his research, he has identified numerous common elements that occur in NDEs—an out-of-body experience, the sensation of traveling through a tunnel, encountering a bright light (usually interpreted as God, Jesus or an angel), communicating with deceased relatives, feeling emotions such as profound peace, well-being and love, plus a flood of knowledge about life and the nature of the universe. Perhaps the most significant element he reports is the supremely conscious and superbly blissful state that exists beyond both limitations of the senses and intellect and the confines of space and time— the pure conscious form of each one’s truly real Self.
Life as Love
T
he advice that the White Queen gave to young Alice in Lewis Carroll’s Through the LookingGlass might be some of the best to offer non-believers and skeptics that question the credibility of near-death experiences (NDE). When Alice protests, “One can’t believe impossible things,” the White Queen famously retorts, “I daresay you haven’t had much practice. When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”
Glimpses of Grace
The majority of physicians and clinical researchers in the medical community continue to consider NDEs as impossible and merely pure fantasies generated by a surge of electrical activity as a dying brain runs out of oxygen. However, according to a Gallup poll, the 8 million Americans whose transcendental NDEs freed their consciousness to leave the body and enter into a wondrous reality that exists completely free of physicality, believe them to be real, meaningful and lifechanging experiences. Recently, the renowned NDE narratives of Anita Moorjani, author 28
Fairfield County Edition
I was overwhelmed by the realization that God isn’t a being, but a state of being… and I am that state of being… pure consciousness. ~ Anita Moorjani of Dying to Be Me: My Journey from Cancer to Near Death, to True Healing, and Dr. Eben Alexander, author of Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey into the Afterlife, have sparked fresh public interest in NDEs, a word coined by Raymond Moody, PhD, in his 1975 classic, Life After Life. Moody, a psychiatrist and professor of philosophy who has spent nearly 50 years investigating what happens when people die, has interviewed thousands of individuals that have personally experienced an NDE. “Over the past 20 years there have been enormous strides in resuscitation technology. Defibrillators and public access defibrillation programs, as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, are major factors that allow modern medicine to bring people back from a state
natural awakenings
Rushed to the hospital in a coma, Moorjani, whose body had been devoured for four years by cancer of the lymphatic system, describes the real self that she discovered during her NDE. “There I was, without my body or any physical traits, yet my pure essence continued to exist. It was not a reduced element of my whole self; in fact, it felt far greater and more intense and expansive than my physical being.” “I felt eternal, as if I’d always existed and always would, without a beginning or end. I was filled with the knowledge that I was simply magnificent,” explains Moorjani, whose cancer completely disappeared within five weeks after her release from the hospital. “Not only did I come back with a clean slate, I brought back one of my biggest lessons—to love myself and be an instrument of love. I also returned to life here with a sense of purpose—to fearlessly be as authentically me as I can be. This means,” she clarifies, “that in whatever I do, I am acting from my sense of passion and the sheer joy of doing it.” During Alexander’s seven-day coma in a hospital, brought about by antibiotic-resistant E. coli meningitis that attacked his brain, he left his mortal identity behind. “My brain wasn’t working at all,” he relates. “My entire neo-cortex, the part that makes us human, was entirely shut down. I
had no language, emotions, logic or memories of who I was. Such an empty slate granted me full access to the true cosmic being that I am, that we all are,” says Alexander. He further recalls that as his NDE unfolded, it occurred to him that he was being granted a grand overview of the invisible side of existence. He also had a lovely ethereal companion that floated along on a butterfly wing, telepathically teaching him to accept the universal truth that, “You are eternally loved and cherished, you have nothing to fear, and there is nothing you can do wrong.” “If I had to boil the whole message down to just one word, it would be Love—the incomprehensibly glorious truth of truths that lives and breathes at the core of everything that exists or will ever exist. No remotely accurate understanding of who we are and what we are can be achieved by anyone who does not know it and embody it in all their actions,” Alexander now understands. Prior to his life-threatening illness, this neurosurgeon’s sophisticated medical training had led him to dismiss the possibility of NDEs. Today, he works at returning to his NDE state of oneness and unconditional love by using meditation and sacred acoustics, as well as quantum mechanics, to explore the nature of consciousness and higher brain function. Like Moody, Alexander studies the ancient Greek philosophers Parmenides, Pythagoras and Plato, who took the notion of an afterlife seriously and questioned “what” survives bodily death. Alexander’s nonprofit organization, Eternea, fosters cooperation be-
“We need to accept—at least hypothetically—that the brain itself doesn’t produce consciousness.” ~ Dr. Eben Alexander tween science and spirituality by sponsoring research and education about spiritually transformative experiences and holistic consciousness beyond conventional definitions. “I had to learn a whole lot more about consciousness than I had to know about neuroscience,” quips Alexander, who now believes that the brain blocks access to knowledge of higher worlds. “We need to accept—at least hypothetically—that the brain itself doesn’t produce consciousness. That it is, instead, a kind of reducing valve or filter that dumbs down consciousness for the duration of our human experience.” “Neuroscience can’t give you the first sentence about how the physical brain creates consciousness,” he states, while many are finding how science and spirituality strengthen each other. At age 37, a blood vessel exploded in the left hemisphere of Jill Bolte Taylor’s brain. A PhD Harvard-trained scientist specializing in anatomy of the brain, she was fascinated to observe the breakdown of her brain-related functions. As described in her book, My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey, she became the witness to her stroke, which initially left her unable to talk, walk, read, write or remember anything prior to that occurrence. As her left brain shut down, Taylor
lost her ability to process all language; with her mind suspended in newfound silence, she experienced an unprecedented sense of deep peace. She also experienced an inability to visually distinguish edges and boundaries between herself and the outer world. Absent conventional orientation, “I could actually see that my skin was not my physical boundary.” “As a result of such a glorious state of blissful realization that I am—as we all are—connected to everything and everyone around us, I no longer see myself as a single, solid entity, separate from other human beings,” advises Taylor. “Although my left mind still thinks of me as a fragile individual, capable of losing my life, my right mind realizes the essence of my being as eternal life.” She now understands that she is part of the cosmic flow of energy, which she characterizes as a tranquil sea of euphoria.
Present Possibility
In The Hidden Face of God: Science Reveals the Ultimate Truth, author Gerald L. Schroeder, Ph.D., suggests that each of us is a part of the universe seeking and finding itself. Could it be that without the mental filter and self-limiting beliefs, we are free to consciously know our higher state of wholeness and the truth of our magnificence? Upwards of 8 million people that have experienced their own NDE are trending the world toward a tipping point into the comforting awareness that anything is possible. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Visit ItsAllAboutWe. com for the recorded interviews.
Cut the weight—Without the Surgeon’s Scalpel! The Virtual Gastric Band Program, introduced in CT by Hypnotist Diane Bahr-Groth, CHy, TFTdx. • Hypnotherapy technique that replicates the effects, results & benefits of traditional gastric bypass • Average weight loss with this technique is 7 lbs. the first week and 1-2 lbs. weekly * • The program has shown a 95% success rate. * Client results may vary. Weight • Fear • Stress
Call (203) 595-0110 for a FREE Consultation
Pain • Smoking • Success Sleep • Anger
1177 High Ridge Rd, Stamford Thought Field Therapy • Hypnosis • NLP
MindBodyTransformation.com eNaturalAwakenings.com
Diane Bahr-Groth, CHy, TFTdx, is one of the first U.S.–trained hypnotists
December 2013
29
INSIGHTS WORTH SHARING by Linda Sechrist
A
sked why she “I’ve become focused just my own enthought she ergy manifesting on seeing the perfection as cancer, because had cancer, Anita Moorjani, of life in this moment.” my fears weren’t author of Dying to allowing me to exBe Me, sums up press myself as the her answer in one word: Fear. “I was magnificent force I was meant to be,” killing myself, and cancer saved me,” advises Moorjani. says Moorjani, whose book documents She hopes that her presentaher near-death experience (NDE) and tions to medical professionals and the higher realm she encountered public speaking will influence how when her body shut down. Allowed the health profession views cancer to identify with her true magnificence, and other diseases and illnesses. undistorted by the fear generated “Treatment needs to be about more by her own lifelong self-judgment, than medicine, because so much of self-criticism, worry and lack of selfdisease has to do with our emotions,” forgiveness, she returned with a vital, she imparts, “especially the ones we heartfelt message. direct toward ourselves.” “Everyone is an amazing, mag Through this life-enhancing expenificent being, with great capacity for rience, Moorjani came to understand health, happiness and joy. Although why she owes it to herself, everyone we’ve been conditioned to believe that she meets and life itself to always exwe need to pursue success and learn press her own unique essence. “Trying to improve ourselves to be happy, such to be anything or anyone else doesn’t steps are unnecessary, because we make me better—it just deprives me already are all we are trying to attain,” of my true self and keeps me from she says. interacting authentically with others,” “I’d spent a lifetime feeling she explains. inadequate, beating myself up for Moorjani now knows that all life not meeting my own expectations,” in the universe is one and our core she continues. Through the clarity is love. “I was overwhelmed by the of dwelling in the NDE realm, she realization that God isn’t a being, but understood that the cancer wasn’t a state of being… and I am that state a punishment for anything. “It was of being… pure consciousness.”
30
Fairfield County Edition
natural awakenings
Total Life Care Center 152 East Avenue • Norwalk, CT 06851 • 203.856.9566 • TLCcenter.com Total Life Care Center is Fairfield County’s largest holistic health center – with over 90 independent, highly trained, and experienced practitioners.
Embody the Sacred®
in every day life...
Turn your biggest challenge into your greatest strength...
Deana Paqua, MA, LMT Shamanic Healing, Reiki, Angel Readings individual sessions, workshops, events Ridgefield and New Milford, CT www.embodythesacred.net Ph. 203.994.5045 ww
Quality Acupuncture at Affordable Prices
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.
Locations in
Norwalk & Trumbull
203-216-2548 AcupunctureHealingCT.com Call for free consultation
Shift happens...are you ready? Transformative Healing Beth Prins Leas
Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu,Tarot Balance your body, find peace of mind, reconnect to spirit... • reduce stress • induce relaxation • relieve chronic and acute pain • speed wound healing • boost immune function • improve memory and concentration • ease anxiety/depression • recover from injury, illness or trauma • raise your energetic frequency to stimulate health and healing private sessions, workshops, events, in-person or by phone Norwalk and Ridgefield locations
www.bethleas.com 203.856.9566 eNaturalAwakenings.com December 2013
31
WHOLISTIC PET SERVICES
Boutique Dog Resort & Spa Boarding, Daycare and Grooming Training, Socialization and Long Trail Hikes Holistic Nutrition and Remedies Cooking Lessons and Catering 203-542-0910 • www.wholisticpetservice.com loukia@wholisticpetservice.com
Like us on Facebook @ Wholistic Pet Services-K9 Resort & Spa
“Congratulations and thank you,
Natural Awakenings
for supporting Naturally Healthy Pets and related businesses in Fairfield County!” 32
Fairfield County Edition
natural awakenings
The grateful “woof” team at Wholistic Pet Services
petbriefs Animal Fair Pet Shop Wins Lands End Grand Prize The Monthly Naturally Healthy Pet Section Starts Here!
R
idgefield’s Animal Fair Pet Shop was named the Grand Prize winner in a contest sponsored by Land’s End Business Outfitters, INC magazine and American Express OPEN. The Grand Prize included a VIP weekend for four of the Animal Fair staff at the Lands End headquarters in Wisconsin, and a new staff wardrobe. The newly outfitted team is featured on the cover of the November issue of Lands End Business Outfitters catalog. Animal Fair Pet Shop opened its doors in September 2001. The shop, a full-line independent retail outlet, is owned by Connie Packard Kamedulski of Wilton, CT. Animal Fair Pet Shop is located at 90 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield, CT. For more information, call 203-438-2747.
Bully Breed Rescue Offers 2014 Calendar
B
News, articles, resources, events… all dedicated exclusively to happy, naturally healthy living for our furred, feathered, and scaled animal companions.
ully Breed Rescue of New Canaan, CT is introducing the 2014 BBR Calendar by Tischman Pets Photography. All proceeds from calendar sales will go to support the rescue’s homeless dogs. To order, email BBRCT.Blake@gmail.com. Calendars ship once a week. Bully Breed Rescue Inc. is a non-profit organization which is dedicated to the rescuing and rehoming of dogs in the pit bull class, including American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, bulldogs and pit bull mixes. For more information on Bully Breed Rescue of New Canaan, visit BullyBreedRescueInc.org.
For information on how you can be a part of a future issue, call
203-885-4674 or email NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com
eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
33
petbriefs PAWS Donation Drive For Food & Supplies
T
he Pet Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in Norwalk began a Donation Drive for food and supplies on November 15, and the drive runs until the end of this year. This no-kill non-profit shelter cares for more than 100 cats and 25 dogs on an ongoing basis and food and basic shelter supplies are among the largest expenses in their operating budget. Donations of food/ supplies enable PAWS to stretch the budget to care for seriously ill or injured animals and spay/neuter incoming pets.
To participate, please go to: YouGiveGoods.com/drive.php?id=2260 and Click the “Donate to this Drive” button. Select the food or supplies to contribute along with the quantities of each, click “Add to Cart,” and then “Ready to Checkout.” On December 31st when the drive concludes, the food and supplies donated will be delivered to PAWS on your behalf and you’ll receive a tax receipt via email. No heavy lifting, fighting crowds, or wrapping gifts.
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! We are a foster-based, no-kill rescue dedicated to saving the lives of homeless, neglected, and abused animals by providing a safe refuge, rehabilitation, and permanent homes.
Please
ADOPT • FOSTER • DONATE • VOLUNTEER www.TheLastResortRescue.com • TheLastResortRescue@gmail.com The Last Resort is a 501(c) non-profit, volunteer-run organization.
Do they Play While You’re Away? Camp Bow Wow® Services
Home Buddies Services
Camp Bow Wow® Stamford www.campbowwow.com/stamford
Home Buddies Stamford
www.myhomebuddies.com/stamford
203-504-2288 • 581 Hope St. Stamford, CT • stamford@campbowwow.com
34
Fairfield County Edition
C
anine Company in Wilton will host a Santa Paws fundraiser for Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) on Saturday, December 7 from 11am-3pm. The event will feature baked goods, raffles, dogs and cats for adoption, and discounts on in-store gift merchandise. Visitors will have an opportunity to meet K9 Officer Enzo of the Wilton PD and have their dog’s photo taken with Santa. All proceeds will benefit DAWS rescue and adoption efforts. Canine Company is the largest pet containment retailer in the U.S. and, for more than 25 years, has provided quality products that have been tested by a team of dog owners and dog lovers. DAWS is based in Danbury and provides animal rescue and adoption for cats and dogs, a Trap Neuter Return program to sterilize feral cats in our community, low-cost spay/neuter for people who need a low-cost alternative, and a variety of other programs. Location: 493 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT. See DAWS Pet Resource Guide listing, page 40.
Whether it’s the
best of times or the worst of times, it’s the only time we’ve got.
• All Day Play, Snooze the Night Away • Large Indoor & Outdoor Play Areas • Spacious Cabins with Comfy Cots • Live Camper Cams® • Certified Camp Counselors®
®
• Dog Walks and Pet Sitting for Cats, Birds, Fish, Small Mammals & Reptiles • In-Home Web Cam Rentals • Care for Special Needs Pets • Bonded & Insured • Caregivers are Background Checked
Santa Paws Fundraiser and Adoption Event for DAWS
natural awakenings
~Art Buchwald
Tips for Stress-Free Pets This Holiday Season by Chris Onthank
T
he most wonderful time of the year can also be a very stressful time for your pets. The holidays highlight the importance of sharing your life with a well-trained and socialized pet that can adjust with ease to new environments. Most animals (particularly dogs and cats) like consistent structure in their environment. Dogs, and even cats, live in social groups like packs or families. They feel most comfortable and secure when the dynamics of the pack (humans included) stays the same. During the holidays is when family and friends tend to visit most. Children come home from college and bring a new dog they recently adopted, parents/in-laws move into the house or your sister comes to visit with her two toddlers. These changes to the pack dynamics can really be a problem and cause major stress for your pet. Canine behavioral experts will receive many phone calls the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years because of dogs biting a guest or family member. People can’t find their cats because they have been hiding for days. If your dog/cat is not used to
small kids and toddlers or is a bit leery of strangers, visiting dogs and new situations in the house, you may want to rethink how you are going to take care of these pets during the holidays. For dogs that like to sleep on couches, beds and chairs, you need to be very careful that small children and toddlers do not put their faces up to theirs. Many dog bites occur when dogs are elevated and children go to kiss them on the face or hug them. Don’t let children play on the dog’s beds or in their crates. Watch your pets and put them in another room when they seem stressed and or have had enough of your houseguests. Be careful when alcohol is involved, people tend to not “read” animals correctly when they are under the influence. It is unfortunately fairly typical for a family member or houseguest to fancy themselves Cesar Milan at a party, attempt to train the family dog and get bitten. When a friend or family member wants to bring their new dog along for the holidays, it is important to know how the home pet will react. In general, this is not a great idea. If your cat is not used to dogs or the visiting dog
is not used to cats, it could prove to be a disaster for all involved. An example of this is a client whose cat was killed by her daughter’s new dog when she brought it home from college. If your dog tends to be protective of your home and yard when they see another dog, you will need to be very careful when having another dog visit. If you have a guest who is insistent on bringing their dog, first take both dogs on a long walk together and then introduce them in a neutral area. If all seems well, then introduce them in your yard next and then proceed to inside. Be sure to separate both dogs during feeding time. Pick up all dog toys and bones, as this is how many fights begin. In general, having your friend’s dog visit your home during a busy holiday event or trip should be discouraged. An alternative idea is to bring your dog to a boarding or daycare facility during such times. Many people will bring their dogs to canine centers such as Dog Gone Smart when they have a holiday party or out of town guests. The dogs may either stay for the day or even spend the night. This allows your dogs to have fun, get exercise and takes some stress out of the event. You can enjoy the holidays concentrate on your house guests. Another option is to set some off-limit rooms where your dog and cats can stay on their own during the party. Put a sign on the door asking guests to please keep out. If you can lock the door, so much the better. For cats, this can work very well but it may prove to be a problem for dogs if they can hear you and start to bark, scratch and whine. Crating your pet in a separate room may also work but remember to leave them food and water and to let them out to relieve themselves. If you sequester your cats, don’t forget to also move their kitty litter box! With a little pre-planning and thought about the whole family’s needs, your pets can be stress free and everyone can better enjoy the holiday season. Chris Onthank is a Canine Behaviorist and Owner of Dog Gone Smart at 15 Cross St, Norwalk, CT. For more information, contact 203-838-7729 or visit DogGoneSmart.com. See Ad, page 36..
eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
35
Herbal and Nutritional Support for Pets During the Holidays
I
n addition to the behavioral and environmental adjustments you can make to make your animals’ holiday experience more enjoyable—or at least less stressful—some natural herbal and homeopathic products devoted to supporting their physical and emotional health may also be useful. These include, but are certainly not limited to:
BACH RESCUE REMEDY PET
Bach Rescue Remedy Pet can be used for an immediate calming effect in any stressful situation, or when your pet needs help overcoming a variety of emotional or behavioral problems. This new variation of the original stress relieving remedy, available for more than 70 years, contains a blend of the same five flower remedies found in Rescue Remedy in an alcohol free formula, ideal for sensitive pets. Available online at natural healing sites for pets (i.e., OnlyNaturalPet.com), at health food stores, some pharmacies, and many pet stores in Fairfield County.
Earth Animals Calm Down: Daily Distress Support
A calming herbal blend for peak periods of fear & distress. This is an herbal blend that helps calm emotional distress naturally due to travel, holidays chaos, grooming, thunderstorms, fireworks, motion sickness or environmental changes. Available online at natural healing sites for pets (i.e., WholeLifePets.com, NaturalPetWarehouse.com), and at Earth Animal, Westport, CT. Earth Animals Emotional Balance: Emotional Healing Support A flower essence to help balance and alleviate anxiety-based behavior. This is a blend of flower essences that helps reduce fear and calm anxious behavior. It helps to balance the emotions and minimize neurotic behavior such as separation anxiety, holiday madness, fear of loud noises, thunderstorms, visits to the groomer, relocation, obedience issues, aggressive behavior or bereavement. Available online at natural healing sites for pets (i.e., WholeLifePets.com, NaturalPetWarehouse.com), and at Earth Animal, Westport, CT.
Ask Dr. Bob and Susan Goldstein
Dr. Bob and Susan Goldstein are the founders and co-owners of Earth Animal in Westport. The Goldsteins are the authors of "The Goldstein's Wellness and Longevity Program" and Dr. Bob is the editor and an author of the veterinary textbook, "Integrating Complementary Medicine into Veterinary Practices”.
My kitten has chronic watery eyes and sneezing fits. What can I do? Kittens are prone to upper respiratory infections that can result in chronic watery eyes and sneezing. Watery eyes, if not due to a blocked tear duct, which is structural, are usually due to an allergy, inflammation or an infection. It is important to see a veterinarian to determine the cause, especially when it comes to sneezing. One of the most common conditions of kittens is viral upper respiratory infection which, if left untreated, can result in chronic upper respiratory disease like watery eyes and sneezing. Treatment recommendations are usually antibiotics along with antiinflammation and decongestion therapies. While these therapies are essential early on to calm the symptoms and gain comfort, you should help your kitty’s immune system to take control. True healing will come when your animal’s own defense mechanism is in balance and functioning at an optimum level. To address the strengthening of your kitten’s immune system we recommend remedies that contain medicinal herbs. The herbs of choice for runny eyes are chamomile, ginkgo, lycin and bayberry. In addition, we suggest an herbal eye wash as a gentle cleanser for around the eye and to eliminate the buildup of discharge and debris. Last but not least, your kitten’s sneezing requires vitamin C, E and A, the natural antihistamine Quercetin, along with upper respiratory oriented herbs such as Echinacea, Astragalus, Golden seal and Mullein. Email your pet-related questions to NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsmag.com and look for the answers in a future issue!
36
Fairfield County Edition
natural awakenings
Nutmeg Spay/Neuter CliNiC iS a high quality, low CoSt Spay/Neuter CliNiC.
Tired of unwanted litters? Need to get your pet fixed, but not sure if you can afford it? Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic can help! Call 203-690-1550 for an appointment.
Nutmeg SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC
www.nutmegclinic.org 25 Charles Street, Stratford, CT 06615
eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
37
naturalpet
Pet First-Aid Kits All-Natural Home Health Care by Sandra Murphy
F
“
irst-aid is the first thing you can do to help an injured animal if you are prepared,” says Dr. Jason Nicholas, owner of The Preventive Vet, in Portland, Oregon. Attention in cases of injury or sudden illness can help a dog or cat stay more comfortable, stop bleeding and provide temporary relief. A pet first-aid kit can resemble a pantry more than a medicine cabinet. Natural components include: Cool water. Purified water kept in a spray bottle can cool overheated pets. For the fastest results, spray near the pulse points, the “armpits” and where fur is the thinnest. Further, a vet will assess if clinical hydration is needed beyond the water bowl. Saline solution. Versatile saline is available at the vet’s office or any pharmacy, and also easy and inexpensive to make at home. Use it to flush debris from eyes, clean wounds and promote healing from incisions. Two teaspoons of non-iodized salt in four cups of boiled water mimics body fluids. The Ohio State University Medical Center website provides a recipe for normal saline solution at Tinyurl. com/SalineRecipe. Vinegar. It acts as a drying agent, especially for floppyeared dogs taking a dip in a pool or natural waterway, which can leave the inner ear moist. “Don’t use vinegar if the skin is red or broken because it will be painful,” says Dr. Jules Benson, vice president of veterinary services
38
Fairfield County Edition
at Petplan Pet Insurance, in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. Never use it more than twice a week. Honey. Apply this sweet unguent to gums to help counteract low blood sugar and shock, particularly when a diabetic pet’s insulin levels are off. Maple syrup is a good substitute. Sugar. Although not recommended in a regular pet diet, sugar can be a topical antibacterial for the short term. Sugar draws water from the wound and dehydrates bacteria, supporting growth of new tissue. Plain yogurt. Adding this healthy refrigerated topping to dry food will activate a sluggish appetite and supply needed cultures to help balance the digestive system. Cornstarch. This non-toxic remedy helps stop minor bleeding from cuts, scrapes and pedicure accidents. Calendula. Also known as pot marigold, calendula cream may be used as an anti-inflammatory. Bug bites, scrapes, sunburn and itching from allergies also benefit from its application. Aloe. Easily grown in a garden or pot and available in gel form, aloe sooths burns, prevents blisters and speeds healing. It also serves as canine Chapstick. “Older dogs often have cracked skin on their noses,” notes Benson. “Aloe helps to heal the skin and keeps the dog comfortable.” Rescue Remedy. Illness or injury brings stress, and one common solution is Rescue Remedy. To relieve fear or anxiety, rub it onto a paw, nose or ears or add the recommended number of drops to water, a
natural awakenings
treat or food. It helps dogs, cats, horses, birds, fish and even iguanas. Dosage relies on the extent of stress rather than weight or species. Clean cloths. For bee stings or insect bites on the body, cool compresses can reduce swelling and itching. Wet a washcloth with cold water or for larger welts, wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply for a few minutes at a time. For stings on the face or mouth, it’s best to go to the vet’s office immediately, so that airways don’t swell up and hinder breathing. Miscellaneous supplies. Keep on hand gauze, tape, small scissors, tweezers (for removing objects from the roof of the mouth or splinters), a small flashlight, clean socks to cover a bandage and disposable gloves to keep human germs out of open wounds. A dog in pain may bite without realizing it. Nicholas recommends a basket muzzle, so the dog can easily breathe and pant. When a pet eats or drinks non-food items or foods they shouldn’t, such as chocolate, grapes or onions, head to the local vet. Veterinarian Jeff Levy, in New York City, who is also a certified veterinary acupuncturist, counsels, “Always keep contact information for your vet, an emergency hospital and animal poison control center handy.” Also, find out where emergency services are located when traveling. Pets can go into shock just like humans. To prevent or reduce the impact, keep the animal warm and provide a deep massage of the ears, at the base, where ears meet the head. A couple of drops of lavender oil on a collar or bandana will help everyone relax. Do not put essential oils directly on the pet, especially cats, as it can be toxic. Just like children, pets may have accidents or get sick after office hours. Stay calm, head for the natural pet pantry and then call the family’s holistic veterinarian. Sandra Murphy is a freelance writer in St. Louis, MO. Connect at StLSandyM@ yahoo.com.
peteventscalendar Magazine pet related calendar events must be received by December 5th (for January 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. Monday, December 2 Pet Partners Therapy Dog Class – 6-7pm. With Sally Sizer. This 6-week class will prepare you and your dog to become registered Pet Partners®. The Pet Partners on-line Handler Course must be completed before registering for this program. Registration deadline: 12/1. 6 classes/$190 + tax. Classes held at Dog Gone Smart, 15 Cross St, Norwalk. 203-838-7729. Freestyle Agility Class – 7:15-8:15pm. With Sally Sizer. This 6-week class is movement to music with your dog! Learn to work fluidly as a team. Registration deadline: 12/1. 6 classes/$190 + tax. Classes held at Dog Gone Smart, 15 Cross St, Norwalk. 203-838-7729.
Saturday, December 7 DAWS Volunteer Orientation – 10:00am. Adults must attend a General Orientation before beginning volunteer service. DAWS Community Room, DAWS Shelter, 147 Grassy Plain Street, Bethel. 203-744-3297. DAWS Foster Parent Orientation Session – 11am. DAWS can only keep a limited number of adult animals at the shelter. Some adults - and all of the puppies and kittens, are cared for by foster
volunteers. It’s a rewarding way to volunteer and save more lives. DAWS Community Room, DAWS Shelter, 147 Grassy Plain St., Bethel. Danbury Fair Mall Meet and Greet with DAWS – 11am-3pm. Meet adoptable animals and DAWS volunteers in front of Starbucks. Danbury Fair Mall, Backus Ave, Danbury. Santa Paws Fundraiser and Adoption Event for DAWS – 11am-3pm. Canine Company in Wilton will host a Santa Paws fundraiser for Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS). Baked goods, raffles, dogs and cats for adoption, and discounts on in-store gift merchandise. All proceeds benefit DAWS rescue and adoption efforts. Canine Company, 493 Danbury Road, Wilton. PAWS Animal Adoption Event – 12pm-4pm. Meet your new best friend! PAWS, 504 Main Ave., Norwalk. 203-750-9572. 5th Annual Tree of Lights – 5-7pm. Participants may purchase a white light in memory of a deceased pet or human loved one, or a colored light in celebration of a living pet or loved one. Each light dedication is $5. The Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic, 25 Charles Street, Stratford. NutmegClinic.org/5th-annual-tree-lights to place your request either online or via mail.
Sunday, December 8 PAWS Animal Adoption Event – 12pm-4pm. Meet your new best friend! PAWS, 504 Main Ave., Norwalk. 203-750-9572.
Saturday, December 14 PAWS Animal Adoption Event – 12pm-4pm. Meet your new best friend! PAWS, 504 Main Ave., Norwalk. 203-750-9572.
Sunday, December 15 PAWS Animal Adoption Event – 12pm-4pm. Meet your new best friend! PAWS, 504 Main Ave., Norwalk. 203-750-9572. Greenwich-Stamford Christmas Bird Count - If you wish to help with bird count leadership, please contact the Center Director at 203-869-5272 x226. Audobon Greenwich, 613 Riversville Rd, Greenwich.
pet-related businesses/services please submit calendar listings to NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com or on eNaturalAwakenings.com
EARTH ANIMAL NATURAL ANIMAL CARE & NUTRITION Offering Natural Solutions for 30 Years The Highest Quality Dog & Cat Foods Our Own Veterinarian Formulated Vitamins Natural Flea & Tick Products American Made Treats & Chewies Toys, Leashes, Collars and more . . . The only store in town to cause barking, purring, & chirping! Become a fan on Facebook!
606 Post Road East, Westport, CT • 203-222-7173 • www.earthanimal.com Store Hours: Monday - Friday 9:30 - 6:00 • Saturday 9:30 - 5:00 • Sunday 12:00 - 4:00
eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
39
petresourceguide Adoption/Rescue
Doggie Day Camp, Day Care, Training & Boarding
Animals in Distress Inc. 238 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-762-2006 Animals-In-Distress.com
Camp BowWow & Home Buddies Stamford
Bridgeport Animal Control 236 Evergreen St, Bridgeport 203-576-7727
Camp Bow Wow ® provides a fun, safe and upscale environment for dogs to play and receive attention. We provide doggy day camp as well as overnight boarding. Home Buddies Stamford provides premier in-home pet care in the Stamford, Greenwich, New Canaan, Darien, Norwalk areas. See ad, page 36.
Bully Breed Rescue PO Box 953, New Canaan BBRct@yahoo.com BullyBreedRescueInc.org
Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) 147 Grassy Plain St, Bethel 203-744-3297
Dog Gone Smart
Friends of Felines, Inc.
PO Box 8147, Stamford 203-363-0220 Cats@AdoptAPet.org • AdoptAPet.org
Pet Animal Welfare Society Inc. (PAWS)
504 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-750-9572 • PawsCT.org
Pet Protectors
2490 Black Rock Tpke, #453, Fairfield 203-330-0255 PetProtectorsRescue.org
Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue
45 South St, Ridgefield 203-438-0158 • Roar-Ridgefield.org
SPCA of Connecticut Inc.
359 Spring Hill Rd, Monroe 203-445-9978 SPCAct.org
Strays and Others
PO Box 473, New Canaan 203-966-6556 StraysAndOthers@hotmail.com
Tails of Courage
1 Pembroke Rd, Danbury 877-63-TAILS TailsOfCourage.org
Westport Animal Shelter Advocates (WASA)
1 Tower Ridge, Westport 203-557-0361 WestportWASA.org
40
Fairfield County Edition
581 Hope St, Stamford • 203-504-2288 CampBowWow.com/Stamford Stamford@CampBowWow.com
15 Cross St, Norwalk 203-838-7729 DogGoneSmart.com
Fairfield County’s TOP canine center! We have been serving pet lovers in our area for over 20 years. Our staff consists of dog trainers, and animal behavorists who work together to make Dog Gone Smart a loving, safe, fun and happy home away from home for your dog. See ad, page 36.
Passage East Boarding Kennels 499 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-762-7998 PassageEastKennels.com Passage_East@sbcglobal.net
Passage East has been dedicated to caring for pets for more than 40 years and makes your dog feel like they never left home. Passage East is a full-service dog boarding kennel. We offer daycare services, overnight boarding, and full-service grooming.
Wholistic Pet Services Boutique Dog Resort & Spa East Norwalk • 203-542-0910 WholisticPetService.com Loukia@WholisticPetservice.com
Wholistic Pet Services is a unique and “boutique” dogboarding and training resort in a private home with a fully fenced and landscaped garden. Furry guests receive good manners training, sleep on cotton sheets and Persian carpets and go for daily socialization and training hikes. Home-made holistic nutrition supplemented by herbal remedies and nutritional advice and cooking lessons available for health conscious dog parents. See ad, page 32.
natural awakenings
Pet Food & Health Supplies Earth Animal
606 Post Road East, Westport 203-222-7173 • EarthAnimal.com
Earth Animal has been the pioneer in the natural pet health industry for decades. The family owned business sells their own veterinarianformulated products for cats and dogs. These include vitamins, organic herbal remedies and a natural flea and tick prevention program. Dr. Bob Goldstein recently partnered with Bell&Evans® to produce a hormone and antibiotic free line of American made chicken treats. Earth Animal also sells raw and dehydrated foods and organic home cooking pre-mixes, plus the best quality treats, bones, toys, leashes, collars, beds, etc! See ad, page 39.
The Honest Kitchen
145 14th St, San Diego, CA 866-437-9729 • TheHonestKitchen.com
The Honest Kitchen provides natural, human-grade pet food products for dogs and cats. Our gourmet recipes are 100% natural and gently dehydrated. See ad, page 33.
Veterinary Services Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic 25 Charles St, Stratford 203-690-1550 • NutmegClinic.org
The Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic is a low-cost, highvolume 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 shelters and offers incentives for low-income families and rescue groups. Pit bulls and mixes are welcome and the clinic offers discounts for feral cats to be spayed or neutered. See ad, page 37.
healthykids
Superpower Kids’ Immune Systems Natural Health Experts Share How by Jenna Blumenfeld
M
any experts admit there is no definitive reason that people sniffle more during colder months. Some speculate it’s because we’re spending more time indoors and missing out on resupplying vitamin D, which makes us more susceptible to disease. Others say that when the temperature drops, the body uses more energy to stay warm instead of to fend off infection. What health practitioners do know is it’s possible to maintain immunity naturally with diet, lifestyle and a proper whole foods supplement routine. Consider these tips from three experts to stave off illness and shorten its duration. NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR Christopher Johnson, Doctor of Naturopathy Thrive Naturopathic, Arlington, Virginia Incorporate immunity-boosting foods. Ginger and garlic contain antioxidants such as vitamin C and selenium, and have antimicrobial qualities. Add minced ginger to teas or marinades; roast garlic with carrots and squash. Aim to eat one to two cloves of garlic and 250 milligrams of ginger daily. Try elderberry extract. Elderberry has strong antiviral properties. Consuming the plant’s extract may prevent virus-based illnesses and alleviate both the symptoms and duration of a cold. Adults can take one to two teaspoons twice daily for prevention; increase dosage to four times a day if feeling sick. Use less for youths, based on size. Make exercise and rest priorities. Daily physical activity rids the body of toxins, increases blood circulation and lowers stress levels. A simple 30-minute cardio routine three to four times a week strengthens immunity. Adequate rest helps the body recover and regenerate cells. Adults need a minimum of seven hours of sleep per night; children may need up to 13.
ACUPUNCTURIST AND CHINESE HERBALIST Marco Chung-Shu Lam, Licensed Acupuncturist Mandala Integrative Medicine Clinic, Boulder, Colorado Practice deep-breathing exercises. Practicing yoga or t’ai chi several times each week can deepen the breath, allowing organs to function more efficiently and boost immunity. Concentrate on pranayama, a focused and controlled type of yogic breathing: Slowly inhale and exhale through the nostrils, expanding the belly, rather than the chest. Add herbs. Incorporate the root herb astragalus in a daily whole foods supplement routine, especially important for older adults. Used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine, astragalus supports the immune system by stimulating immune cell activity with its high polysaccharide (complex carbohydrate) content. Simmer the short, flat herb in soups or add to long-cooking grains like brown rice. Eat seasonally. Our body naturally drives us to eat heartier foods like sweet potatoes, beets and winter squashes in colder months—foods that support immunity by providing both fiber and vitamins A and C. Eat warming foods like stews, beans and miso; avoid raw foods, which cool the body and stress the immune system. DIETITIAN Barbara Bapst, Registered Dietitian Carolina Nutrition & Wellness, Charlotte, North Carolina Balance bodily pH. The typical American diet of fast food, sugary treats and refined snacks produces acid in the body, creating an environment in which bacteria thrive. Eat at least 10 servings of alkalizing foods each day to optimize the body’s immune response and overall functioning. Spinach, broccoli and cauliflower are excellent choices, along with almonds, olive oil and grapes. Drink plenty of water and green tea to keep acid in check. Up the antioxidants. Antioxidants help the body resist illness because they protect cells against harmful free radicals and oxidative stress. Berries are particularly beneficial and maintain their nutrients even when frozen; blend half a cup into a morning smoothie. As a diet supplement, consider adding 400 to 600 milligrams of curcumin—the active ingredient in turmeric, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory spice—to meals. Focus on kids’ immunity. Although it’s tricky to get children to eat enough immune-supporting fruits and vegetables every day, encouraging them to sit down at the table for meals can help. Get kids excited about eating healthy foods by involving them in vegetable gardening, planting herbs in windowsill pots and preparing dinner. Incorporate pumpkin and carrot purées into sauces or stews to increase their nutritional power. Jenna Blumenfeld is a managing editor with New Hope Natural Media, in Boulder, CO. eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
41
greenliving
GREEN Merry Making Retro-Fresh Family Traditions by Claire O’Neil
T Beyond Touch
Massage & Energy Therapies • • • •
Therapeutic Massage De-stress - Relieve Pain Energy Healing & EFT Manifest Abundance
$10 Off Your First Two Sessions Roberta Russell, LMT West Redding, CT
203.438.2354 • Beyond-Touch.com
42
Fairfield County Edition
hroughout the year, Santa’s good girls and boys of all ages make every effort to buy only what’s needed, plus recycle, reuse and repurpose. Then the holidays hit and discipline often gives way to indulgences. The season seems consumed by uptempo decorating, feasting, shopping, gift-giving and merrymaking at any cost. Yet, creative green living experts show us how easy it is to tweak timehonored family traditions to align with the green way we wish to live and feel even more satisfied with festivities.
Decking the Halls
For Danny Seo, author of Upcycling Celebrations: A Use-What-You-Have Guide to Decorating, Gift-Giving & Entertaining, “Upcycling is basically a form of recycling that elevates something to a better level than before.” Based in New York City and Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Seo always has an eye out for green possibilities. “Opt for vintage pieces and re-imagine them in new and interesting ways,” he advises. For example, he likes to upcycle a vintage glass cake stand with a collection of bright ornaments for a unique holiday focal point. Michele Johansen, a lifestyle writer in Bellevue, Washington, suggests bringing in the outdoors. Instead of decorating the tree with tinsel and the home with plastic faux greenery, she suggests stringing popcorn and cranberries on the tree and decking the halls with fresh wreaths and garlands
natural awakenings
accented with boughs of holly. “Local nurseries are good sources for holiday décor that you can later mulch or put in yard waste bins,” she says. “The smells are much more authentic and festive.” Save energy by using LED lights whenever possible, suggests Sheryl Eisenberg, a writer for the National Resources Defense Council. Plug lights and electronics into a power strip, and then unplug it when not in use to save “ghost” energy pulled by electronics that are plugged in, but not activated. Buy a live tree to later plant or recycle, Seo suggests. This supports regional Christmas tree farmers while retaining the integrity of local forests. Many communities offer recycling of holiday trees to provide mulch or habitat for aquatic life in local lakes.
Keeping the Feast
Organize a cookie exchange to get together and save time and energy on holiday baking, suggests Sara Novak, a food policy and health writer at SereneKitchen.com, from Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina. Generally, a hostess asks guests to bring several dozen of their favorite cookies. Once gathered, attendees share the treats and recipes, taking home several of each variety. To “green it up”, Novak recommends emailing the recipes rather than printing them, encouraging invitees to use fresh and local ingredients and bring favorite reusable containers from home, like a colorful, time-honored cookie tin.
For the holiday table, mix and match settings of plates, glasses, linens and cutlery. “Use the real thing,” Eisenberg recommends, “and recruit guests to help wash up afterwards.” She recalls that while growing up, her mother supplemented her silverware with grandmother’s for large holiday dinners. Save your own energy (and sanity) by asking family and friends to bring an appetizer, side dish or dessert. The hostess can assign a dish and corresponding recipe or use a potluck approach, says Eisenberg. Leftovers go home in non-plastic, reusable containers.
Gift Giving
Many families enjoy giving traditional gifts to children at certain ages, like dollhouses or train sets. Re-imagine these and, when possible, buy local to save energy and support area businesses, suggests Eisenberg. Cintia Gonzalez, an Australian mom, crafted a dollhouse from an old suitcase, inventively using black chalkboard paint for the exterior, wooden shelves as floors and fast food ketchup cups as lampshades (Tinyurl.com/ UpcycleDollhouse). Another mom transformed a discarded coffee table into a painted train table for her boys. Upcycle paint chip cards into colorful gift tags, suggests Seo. Plus, use gift wraps that become part of the gift itself, such as placemats swaddling a bottle of wine, fabric to encase quilting supplies or sheet music enveloping concert tickets. As a general rule, “Give experiences, not gifts,” counsels Eisenberg. “Giving loved ones experiences reduces wrapping paper, ribbon and packaging and is an easy way to be a bit more personal over the holidays. Your teenage niece may love a spa day, complete with hair styling, while your favorite aunt and uncle may be thrilled to attend a local wine tasting. If you think a young child can tolerate a few less presents in exchange for a pass to an ice show or dance class, go for it.” “It’s the holiday experience that counts,” counsels Seo. “It’s what makes memories.”
WordenWellnessCenter.com FB: Worden Wellness Center
CONTACT US TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION
Mention this ad for
$15 OFF your First or Next visit
203-244-8801 WordenWellnessCenter.com 41 Kenosia Avenue, Danbury, CT 06810 Or scan QR code
Protect yourself from toxins in our food and water Your body has the ability to rid itself of toxins, but is compromised by the great number of toxins we must process. Adequate nutrition is essential for effective detoxification.
Our program assists your natural body functions
ADVANCED DETOXIFICATION SUPPORT • Scientifically designed • Clinically tested • Backed by research
Worden Wellness Center
We specialize in keeping you and your family healthy!
Claire O’Neil is a freelance writer from Kansas City, MO. eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
43
Simplify Gift Giving with the Four Gift Rule
by Meredith Montgomery 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
PARMIGIANO REGGIANO BAKED EGGS WITH(Serves SWISS CHARD 4) These flavorful eggs are easy to bake up for a cozy breakfast with friends or family, and they also easily double for a crowd. You can garnish the eggs with an herb of your choice (basil, thyme or chives are excellent) and serve with thick slices of your favorite bread.
Butter for greasing the ramekins 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 large garlic cloves, sliced 4 cups packed thinly sliced Swiss chard leaves, or other hearty green leaves, all tough stems or ribs removed 3/4 cup coarsely grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, divided 1 small tomato, halved, seeds removed, flesh diced, divided 4 large eggs Salt and freshly ground black pepper • Preheat oven to 350°F and generously butter 4 (6-ounce) ramekins or custard cups. • In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add Swiss chard; cover the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until chard is tender, 8 to 10 minutes; add a few tablespoons water if the skillet begins to dry out. Remove from the heat and pour off any excess liquid. • Stir in 1/2 cup of the Parmigiano Reggiano and half the tomato. Spoon the mixture evenly into the ramekins. Break an egg into each ramekin and sprinkle with remaining Parmigiano Reggiano. Pile remaining tomato around eggs and season generously with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet and bake until egg whites are almost completely set, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before serving.
44
Fairfield County Edition
natural awakenings
E
veryone loves opening a great present or the gratification of giving a well-received gift. But too often, the meaning of family gift exchanges is watered down by sheer extravagance. It’s easy for parents to go overboard with holiday shopping when faced with extensive wish lists and tempted by copious toy aisles. For many, implementing the “four gift rule” can help rein in spending and refocus the whole family on the true spirit of the season. The philosophy is simple: in addition to Santa’s delivery, each child is given something to wear, something to read, something they want and something they need. The Knowles family, in Mobile, Alabama, turned to the four gift rule last year to focus more on family and giving to others during the holidays. When the concept was presented to her five children, Kimberly Knowles expected to hear heavy sighs and moans of disapproval. She recalls, “We talked to them about the nature of giving and the spirit of Christmas. I presented the four gift rule as a poem to them to help them with their Christmas list and was pleasantly surprised by their favorable attitude toward simplifying Christmas and keeping the gift-giving to a minimum.” Because the four gift rule can greatly reduce the amount of gifts being given, parents might fear disappointment from their kids on Christmas morning. In the Knowles household, the approach made gift-giving more meaningful. Kimberly explains, “Not only had our children put a lot of thought into their Christmas lists, but we really focused on the individual needs and wants of each of our children. After all the gifts were opened, the kids exclaimed that the four gift rule was a great idea. The joy of what they had received was not about the quantity, but about the quality and thoughtfulness of the gift, something I definitely wanted to impart to my children.” Meredith Montgomery is the publisher of Natural Awakenings Mobile/Baldwin. Connect at HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com.
Relaxation Relaxation is is in in season. season. The perfect gift The The perfect perfect gift gift now available is is now is now available available at your local at at your your local local Massage Envy Spa. Massage Massage Envy Envy Spa. Spa.
Natural Awakenings
Holiday Gift Guide We know it as the most wonderful time of the year, yet too often the holiday season pushes wellness to the back burner. For this year’s gift-giving season, Natural Awakenings has gathered meaningful and practical gift ideas from local businesses to ease the stress of holiday shopping. With friends and family in mind, have fun practicing conscious consumerism with these ideas for gifts of wellness.
$ $ $
INTRODUCTORY INTRODUCTORY INTRODUCTORY
49 49
* 1-hour 1-hour ** 1-hour massage massage massage
$ $ $
59 59
* 1-hour 1-hour ** Murad Murad 1-hour Murad Healthy Healthy Skin Skin facial facial Healthy Skin facial ® ® ®
MassageEnvy.com ·· Convenient MassageEnvy.com Convenient Hours Hours ·· Franchises Franchises Available Available MassageEnvy.com · Convenient Hours · Franchises Available Open 7 Days: M-F 9am-10pm, Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 9am-8pm Open 7 Days: M-F 9am-10pm, Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 9am-8pm Open 7 Days: M-F 9am-10pm, Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 9am-8pm
BROOKFIELD BROOKFIELD
BROOKFIELD 49 49 Federal Federal Road Road Plaza Plaza 49 Federal Road PlazaBank Across Across from from Webster Webster Bank Across from Webster Bank (203) (203) 775-ENVY 775-ENVY (3689) (3689) (203) 775-ENVY (3689)
BREWSTER BREWSTER
BREWSTER 100-H 100-H Independent Independent Way Way 100-H Independent Way Next Next to to Sleepy's Sleepy's Next to Sleepy's (845) (845) 940-0444 940-0444 (845) 940-0444
*See clinic for details. Rates and services may vary by location and *See clinic for details. Rates and services may vary by location and session. Massage Envy offer and *See clinicNot forall details. Rates andlocations services are maylicensed vary by to location session. Not all Massage Envy locations are licensed to offer facial services. Check with the specific location or see Eachtolocation session. Not all Massage EnvyMassageEnvy.com. locations are licensed offer is facial services. Check with the specific location or see MassageEnvy.com. Each location is owned and operated. ©2013 Massage Envy Franchising, LLC. independently facial services. Check with the specific location or see MassageEnvy.com. Each location is independently owned and operated. ©2013 Massage Envy Franchising, LLC. independently owned and operated. ©2013 Massage Envy Franchising, LLC.
Exclusively Exclusively featuring featuring Exclusively featuring
This Holiday Give The Gift Of A Great Nights Sleep
salon and boutique
Our Salon Team Will Make You Look Great On The Outside, While Shopping At Our Boutique Will Make You Feel Good On The Inside. Beautiful and Unique Gifts From Local and Global Artisans
HCmattress.com
Purchase a $100 gift card and receive a $20 bonus gift card!
Because Nature Makes The Best Stuff!
handcrafted • usa made • eco-friendly • fair trade • sustainable “Changing a life with each purchase”
Offer expires 12/23/13. Not to be combined with any other offers.
Brookfield, CT 270 Federal Road (203) 739-0077
Westport, CT 141 Post Rd. East (203) 557-3900
Mt. Kisco, NY 681 East Main Street, (914) 241-2467
Ridgewood, NJ 14 Wilsey Square (201) 857-3245
232 Greenwood Avenue • Bethel, CT • 203.798.9882 www.escapect.com Look for us on Facebook
eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
45
A Life Changing Novel!
Natural Awakenings
Holiday Gift Guide Stop Itching Within Seconds!
Introducing DermaClear,
TM
the Amazing New Skin Repair Salve from Natural Awakenings All-natural DermaClear will simply feel good when applied. The proprietary blend of clays and homeopathics brings cool, soothing relief to sufferers of: • Shingles • Psoriasis • Allergic Rash • Eczema • Surface Burns • Jock Itch • Insect Bites • Stings • and more 4-oz jar
29.99
$
This season, shop online for these and other natural or green products at:
NAWebstore.com or call 888-822-0246
*to receive 10% off on these products, use coupon code SAVE10 Offer ends 12/31/2013
46
Fairfield County Edition
natural awakenings
Have a Happy, Pain-Free Holiday
You’ve tried the rest, now try the best!
Dr Emu’s Rx for Pain, STOPS PAIN PLUS is formulated with pure essential oils, known for their abilities to increase circulation by promoting detoxification that can restore a positive mood and increase energy levels. STOPS PAIN PLUS is designed to alleviate: • Neuropathy • Fibromyalgia • Knee & Foot Pain • Sports Injuries
• Arthritis • Sore Muscles • Sciatica • Stiff Joints • Neck & Back Pain • Inflammation & Swelling
STOPS PAIN PLUS works faster, penetrates deeper and lasts longer than any other topical product or your money back! 4-oz spray bottle
19.99
$
FREE trial size of Dr Emu’s STOPS PAIN PLUS included with each order of DermaClear or STOPS PAIN PLUS to share with a friend or family member. Buy one of each and get two trial sizes – a $13 value. • SPECIAL SHIPPING - $5 for up to 5 jars or 8 bottles •
BEAUTYCOUNTER
Truth. Beauty. Transparency.
You will never want to be without your Beautycounter. To order: Diana.beautycounter.com 203-962-2591
Healthy, Luxurious, and Effective Products For You and Your Family Highest Safety Testing of Any U.S. Company
Farm Fresh Delivered to Your Door
Wholesome, sustainably produced meat, dairy, veggies & more – direct from Vermont’s family farms
Order Online Today! Enter promo code NAAUG
GrazeDelivered.com
Join our free Loyalty Program for REDUCED PRICING!
Natural Awakenings
Holiday Gift Guide
Yummy. Luxurious. Organic. Feel good about the gifts you buy.
Find something for everyone on your list at Chamomille Natural Foods!
December Gift Specials
Annemarie Borlind’s Skin Care Event Friday, Dec. 6, noon to 3pm Join us! Free skin care demo, samples and complimentary consultation with Hedda, a Borlind representative.
✸15% Off The Entire Natural Body Care Department... Including: Annemarie Borlind, John Masters, Nourish, Dessert Essence, Zion Health, Suki, evanhealy and MyChelle ✸15% Off All Candles... Including: Sunbeam & Rare Earth Candles ✸15% Off All Chocolates... Including: Endangered Species Chocolate and Mama Ganache Chocolates. Makes great stocking stuffers! ✸Free gift bags or gift wrap provided upon request.
PLUS 20% OFF
these quality brand name supplements in December:
Need Advice on Your Health Issues?
Get Customized Nutritional Counseling for Optimum Wellness with onsite Nutritionist & Herbalist Barry Sherr. “Natural medicines empower you to play a proactive role in your own healing; the key to a lifetime of better health!” Make an appointment with Barry for an inexpensive consultation that can change your life!
Call today! 203-792-8952 ext 3
Gift Cards are available at any amount.
203-792-8952 • Rt. 6 Plaza (58-60 Newtown Rd.), Danbury, CT 06810 • www.ChamomilleNaturalFoods.com
With Decades of Integrity, Dedication & Service eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
47
healingways
‘Tis the Season to Be Wise A Prime Time to Rejuvenate and Birth Creativity by Lane Vail
Spring is a time for new beginnings, summer a time for growth, autumn for gathering abundance and winter for introspection. ~Joseph Cardillo ergy to rise. Meditating, visualizing and journaling promote access to one’s inner wisdom. “Winter is a perfect time to examine the myriad ideas you’ve dreamt up and assemble them into a new you,” says Cardillo. “Now you are prepared to use the robust energy of spring to scatter those ideas abroad.”
Reflect on Water
F
or California acupuncturist Daniela Freda, counseling patients that grapple with low energy during winter is routine. “They’re often concerned something is wrong, since our society expects us to feel the same way year-round,” says Freda, who maintains a private practice in San Francisco. “But in fact,” she adds, “everything is right.” According to a study published in Psychiatry Research, only 4 to 6 percent of Americans suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), characterized by a predictable seasonal pattern of major depressive or bipolar disorder. For the vast majority of the population, a slight seasonal variance in mood and behavior is normal, confirms Kathryn Roecklein, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and prominent SAD researcher at Pennsylvania’s University of Pittsburg. Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), like Freda, view decreased energy in nature’s wintertime as a reflection of the season’s energy. In this philosophy, rising (yang) and falling (yin) energies cycle as the seasons turn. Winter is governed by quiet, slow, introspective and creative yin energy. As winter yields to spring, the bright, fast, expansive and extroverted yang energy gains momentum to peak in summer. “Nature expresses universal energies in a big way,” says research psychol-
48
Fairfield County Edition
ogist and mind-body medicine expert Joseph Cardillo, Ph.D., author of The Five Seasons. Who can ignore a blossoming spring or an abundant autumn? “Those same energetic cycles,” says Cardillo, “are mirrored in the microcosmic human body and human experience.”
Chill Out
Although the December 21 winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year, temperatures in most of the U.S. continue to fall through February. Cardillo advises embracing winter’s chill because it diverts our attention from daily activities so that we pause to consider what’s important. “The effect is similar to splashing cold water on our face,” he remarks. As the cold draws animals into hibernation and plants into dormancy, it also beckons us to enjoy extra sleep, notes Freda, as we follow the sun’s path: Earlier to bed; later to rise. She encourages her clients to incorporate restorative activities into daily routines. “Intentionally set aside time to connect with the breath and quiet the mind,” she counsels. Try gentle yoga or t’ai chi, listen to relaxing music, curl up with a cozy book or take nature walks, flush with fresh sensory experiences. Cardillo explains that slowing down naturally creates space for the contemplative and creative qualities of yin en-
natural awakenings
In TCM, the element of water, symbolizing focus and purity, is closely associated with winter. Highly adaptable, water can be solid, liquid or formless vapor; it can flow over, under, around or through obstacles with ease; and it can be still and contained. Contemplating the power of water in any of its forms can help synchronize one’s consciousness with the season’s gifts. “When your mind is unstuck and flowing like water, your dreams start becoming real to you, simply because you’re in the flow, the present moment,” observes Cardillo, who also authored Be Like Water. He suggests looking to water for guidance in creating solutions, sharpening focus or moving effortlessly on to the next step.
Find Balance
Freda points out that within the strong yin energy of winter, “There are yang moments, celebratory moments, to keep us going.” An imbalance can occur when the slowness of winter is completely counteracted by too much high-energy socializing, working or rushing through the day. “An excess of yang during the winter,” counsels Freda, “rather than a glimpse of it, can deplete us,” contributing to stress, fatigue and depression. Conversely, for those with an already predominantly yin personality (quiet, introverted, low energy) that overindulge in the yin energy of winter,
an attempt at restoration and quietude can lead to lethargy and isolation. “I see this clinically,” says Freda. “Instead of embracing a little extra rest and relaxation, some people become exhausted and lose their motivation altogether. They become stuck in the yin.” Cardillo recommends that such individuals engage in mood-brightening outdoor activities to help restore balance. Roecklein agrees, noting that SAD sufferers undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy (which emphasizes positive thinking and beneficial behaviors) likewise are encouraged to participate in physical and social activities that bring joy and meaning. Lane Vail is a freelance writer in South Carolina. Connect at WriterLane.com.
Lipo-Light is the new nonsurgical state-of-the-art technology alternative to Liposuction. It is completely non-invasive, does not cause any discomfort, and no down time. It is based on the principle of biophotomodulation. Infrared light at 635 nanometers is absorbed by fat cells causing the cell’s pores to open and excrete the fatty acid contents into the surrounding fluid. The fat is taken away by the lymphatic system and consumed by body metabolism. The result is immediate loss of inches.
Only One Offer Per Person Restrictions May Apply New Patients Only Offer Expires 12/31/13
Rituals Reverse Winter’s Blues Unpleasant winter memories can affect one’s emotional experience of the season every year like clockwork, says Dr. John Sharp, a physician, psychiatrist and author of The Emotional Calendar. Fortunately, it is possible to take a personal inventory, be aware of such behaviors, innovate on traditions and create a new experience. Holistic Psychologist Joseph Cardillo goes further, suggesting that we create a “personal prescription” to mindfully manage difficult emotions during wintertime. He encourages activating the senses and combining two or more sensory experiences to amplify the effectiveness. Appealing options include:
I don’t know what your spiritual beliefs are, but I believe that when I leave this world, I’m going to somehow measure my success by those I’ve helped along the way. ~John R. Voell II
n Light scented candles or diffuse essential oils (citrus brightens; lavender soothes) n Invite bright colors into living spaces (reds excite; greens, blues and whites calm) n Nourish the palate with winter vegetable stews n Create a playlist of soothing nature sounds or uplifting music n Warm up near a cheery fire after spending time in the frosty outdoors
203.548.7785 eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
49
Peace on Our Plates Mindful Eating for a More Peaceful World by Judith Fertig
A
s Earth’s population grows to a projected 9 billion people by 2050, can our global community keep eating flesh like we’ve been doing for centuries? No, according to a 2010 report by the United Nations Environment Programme, an international panel of sustainable resource management experts. Examining the food demands of a growing population and associated environmental and sustainability issues, Assessing the Environmental Impacts of Consumption and Production recommends “substantial worldwide diet change away from animal products.” Making the case for a holistic view, Will Tuttle, Ph.D., suggests in World
Peace Diet: Eating for Spiritual Health and Social Harmony that we start to see the connections between our food choices and the health and well-being of ourselves, our families, communities and the world.
Web of Understanding
At the center of the web of life is the food we all share to sustain our bodies. Tuttle insists that we celebrate this and regard each meal as a feast. “Food preparation is the only art that allows us to literally incorporate what we create. It is also the only art that fully involves all five senses,” he says. We honor this wonderful activity most by sharing our cooking efforts with others, blessing the
photo by Stephen Blancett
consciouseating
food and eating mindfully. The problem at the center of life, maintains Tuttle, is that we involve animals in our food chain, an act that “introduces suffering, whether physical, mental or emotional.” This is a truth we try to hide from, what he calls the ”cultural shadow”. “The worst examples include factory farming, but even the best methods ultimately involve killing other animals for food,” he says. One of Tuttle’s more controversial claims is that the herding culture—raising, dominating, selling, killing and owning animals—sets up a harmful physical, emotional and cultural dynamic, extolling domineering and aggressive behavior. “The herding culture requires male dominance and a mentality that might makes right,” observes Tuttle. “It also sees females as primarily breeders, not beings.” Based on contemporary research in anthropology, sociology and psychopathology, he maintains that the actions required to both dominate animals and eat their meat can lead to more aggressive and violent behavior. One recent study seems to support his claim. Dr. Neil Barnard, in his book, Foods That Fight Pain, remarks that, “Plant-based diets also help tame testosterone’s activity.” Barnard cites a Massachusetts male aging study of 1,552 men ages 40 to 70, which indicated that men eating more fruits and vegetables than meat were less domineering and aggressive, because the increased sex hormone-binding globulin produced by plants helps keep testosterone in check. “If we continue the meat-centric way of eating, we’re going to continue
Organic lawncare for the safety of your kids, pets & the environment ~ Lawncare to achieve a beautiful, thick green lawn, naturally
Call for a FREE soil analysis.
~ Tree Care – Protection from insects and disease ~ Tick and Mosquito Control to keep your family safe and healthy
www.countrygreenorganic.com
license #B-1245 C-0860770
50
Fairfield County Edition
(203) 268-2922 • (203) 353-9576
natural awakenings
Tip: Cook whole-grain or spinach pasta, potatoes, rice or another recommended grain in a large quantity to store in the refrigerator for use in stir-fries, salads and other meals later in the week. to have the problems that come with it,” says Tuttle. “The way forward is plant-based agriculture.”
Practicing a World Peace Diet The Tuttles shop for fresh, organic and non-GMO (genetically modified organism) foods and favor what they call “blueprint recipes”, that vary from day to day. Each outlines the makings of a dish and encourages cooks to be intuitive in how they fill in the details. For a typical breakfast, for example, Tuttle and his wife, Madeleine, will make a green smoothie that includes
kale, banana, apple, grapes, ground flax, chia seeds, cinnamon and fresh ginger. “It’s a flexible drink,” says Tuttle. “We will swap out whatever organic fruits and vegetables we have so that we vary the flavor from time to time.” For example, they might use parsley, spinach, or chard leaves in place of kale, or citrus in place of grapes. Lunch is usually a wrap-type sandwich, sometimes using fresh leaf lettuce or a whole-wheat tortilla. One recent example of such a wrap combined tomatoes, peppers, sprouts, walnuts, tempeh and avocado. A dinnertime blueprint recipe involves a base of cooked rice, quinoa, pasta, mashed
Green Smoothie To start the day, use a high-powered, Vitamix-type blender to reduce whole fruits and vegetables to a smooth juice. If using a regular blender, cut the fruits and vegetables into small pieces and strain the purée after blending. Yields two servings 1 banana, sliced 1 large apple, peeled, cored and chopped ½ cup seedless green grapes 1 cup chopped kale leaves 1 cup baby spinach leaves 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger 1 Tbsp ground flax seeds ¼ cup ground chia seeds ¼ tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp ground cloves 1 cup purified water Place all ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth. Strain, if necessary, to remove larger pieces; pour into two glasses and serve.
Learn more at WorldPeaceDiet.org/ articles.htm. Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFood AndLifestyle.blogspot.com from Overland Park, KS.
Raw Vegetable Ragout with Brown Rice
Peace Blueprint Recipes When sitting down to eat, look at what’s been created to nourish all those gathered. Enjoy the colors, smells, tastes and love that blesses the food. May the principle of Oneness govern all beings.
potatoes or polenta, topped with a vegetable ragout, cooked or raw. “You could live the rest of your life mixing and matching these ingredients and never have the same meal twice,” notes Tuttle. “We have been doing it for 30 years. If we all choose to eat like this, the world could feed everybody on a fraction of the land now consumed by agriculture.”
Whole Wheat and Vegetable Wrap
Start dinner with a base of cooked rice, potatoes, quinoa or polenta and top it with a vegetable medley.
For lunch, a simple wrap can provide a daily change-up mixing in different fresh ingredients plus a plant-based flavoring like dried herbs, spices or garlic stirred into the Vegenaise or homemade eggless mayonnaise.
Yields two servings
Yields two servings 2 10-inch whole-wheat tortillas 2 Tbsp Vegenaise 1 tsp prepared horseradish, or to taste 1 cup fresh lettuce, torn into pieces ½ cup sprouts ½ cup chopped fresh tomatoes ½ cup shredded fresh carrots ½ cup diced fresh cucumber 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced ¼ cup toasted walnuts Toast walnuts by placing them on a baking sheet in a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes. Cool, and then chop. Place the tortillas on a flat surface. In a small bowl, mix the Vegenaise and horseradish together. Spread the mixture on the tortillas. Top each tortilla with half the lettuce, sprouts, tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, avocado and walnuts. Roll each tortilla into a wrap and serve.
Rice: 1 cup brown rice, 2¼ cups water Raw Vegetable Ragout: 1 cup red bell pepper, cut into strips ½ cup finely chopped celery ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped ¼ cup finely chopped Italian parsley ¼ cup toasted, chopped walnuts 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 garlic clove, minced 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp coarse kosher or sea salt Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Stir in the rice, reduce the heat and simmer covered until tender, about 40 minutes While the rice is cooking, combine the red bell pepper, celery, Kalamata olives, Italian parsley and walnuts in a medium-sized bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and salt. Pour the dressing over the vegetables, stir until well blended, and then let rest until the rice is done. To serve, spoon the cooked rice onto each plate and top with the raw vegetable ragout.
Source: Adapted from Intuitive Cooking, by Madeleine Tuttle (WorldPeaceDiet.org). eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
51
A DV E RTO R I A L
Natural Iodine Supplementation A Must for Most Americans
W
e all need iodine, yet most of us don’t get enough of it through our diet. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that iodine deficiency in the developed world has increased fourfold in the past 40 years and now affects nearly three-quarters of all adults. Numerous U.S. practicing physicians quoted widely in the media estimate that the incidence of hypothyroidism in our adult population may be between 30 and 70 percent. Thus, we can’t efficiently produce the thyroid hormones that serve as chemical messengers triggering nearly every bodily function. The presence or absence of iodine affects our every cell.
Be Aware of Hypothyroidism Symptoms Low thyroid function, or hypothyroidism, is the most recognized and obvious indicator of low iodine intake because the thyroid gland contains more concentrated iodine than other organs.
Symptoms can range from extreme fatigue and weight gain to depression, carpal tunnel syndrome, high blood pressure, fibrocystic breasts and a variety of skin and hair problems. Hypothyroidism can further cause infertility, joint pain, heart disease and stroke. Low iodine levels also have been associated with breast and thyroid cancers. In children, insufficient iodine has been strongly linked with mental retardation, deafness, attention deficient and hyperactivity disorder and impaired growth, according to studies by Boston University, China’s Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and France’s National Academy of Medicine. The answer is simple: Taking the right kind of iodine in the right dosage can rebalance thyroid function and restore health to the thyroid and the whole body.
A Few Drops Can Change Your Life! You could feel better, lose weight or increase energy and mental clarity with a few drops of Natural Awakenings DETOXIFIED IODINE daily in water or on your skin when used as directed. An essential component of the thyroid, iodine replacement has been reported to give relief from: • Depression • Fibromyalgia • Hypothyroidism • Radiation
• Weight Gain • Low Energy • Hyperthyroidism • Bacteria & Viruses
4-6 week supply ONLY $19.99
Order Online Today at
NAWebstore.com Or Call: 888-822-0246
FREE trial size of Dr Emu’s STOPS PAIN PLUS included with each order of Detoxified Iodine to share with a friend or family member. Also buy new Natural Awakenings DermaClear and get two trial sizes, a $13 value. • SPECIAL SHIPPING - $5 for up to 8 bottles •
This Season, Shop Natural Awakenings’ Online Webstore for More Special, Green and Natural Products
*to receive 10% off Detoxified Iodine, use coupon code SAVE10 - offer ends 12/31/2013
52
Fairfield County Edition
natural awakenings
Natural Awakenings Detoxifed Iodine is 100 percent natural, raw iodine in an ethyl alcohol solution. We thank all those that are benefiting from this product and enthusiastically telling us their great results. Available only at NAWebstore.com My wife, who suffered from extreme fatigue and other symptoms, saw a dramatic increase in energy after just a few days of taking the natural iodine drops. Now if she misses a day, she’ll end up falling asleep in the middle of the afternoon, like she used to do before taking the iodine. It works! ~ Aaron My doctor told me that I had a hypothyroid condition, prescribed medication and was happy with the follow-up test results, yet I noticed no positive effects on my overall wellbeing. Within two weeks of using the Natural Awakenings Detoxified Iodine, I had more energy, felt more awake and enjoyed clearer thinking and greater peace of mind. People even comment that I look younger. I am a fan! ~ Larry
Reasons Behind Iodine Deficiency Radiation: Almost everyone is routinely exposed to iodine-depleting radiation emitted by cell phones, Wi-Fi, microwave ovens and other electronic devices. Iodized table salt: The human body cannot utilize the iodine added to this product. Low-sodium diets: Failure to use healthy salts to fulfill sodium requirements, plus overuse of zero-nutrient table salt in foods, leads to iodine depletion. Bromine: This toxic chemical overrides iodine’s abilities to nourish the thyroid, adrenal and other hormone-producing glands. A known carcinogen, it is used as an anticaking ingredient found in almost all baked goods, unless the ingredients specifically cite unbromated flour. Iodine-depleted soils: Due to poor farming techniques, iodine and other minerals in soil have declined, so most foods today are devoid of naturally occurring iodine. Proper iodine supplementation with a high-quality product like Natural Awakenings Detoxified Iodine can prevent harm by protecting the thyroid and other endocrine glands and restoring proper hormone production.
calendarofevents
markyourcalendar
Magazine calendar events must be received by December 5th (for January 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. Sunday, December 1
Friday, December 6
The Art of Japanese Painting – 1:30-3pm. With Alisha Diamond. Join us as we use the art of Japanese painting to make beautiful cards for loved ones. Experience the zen art of using a single brush stroke to express feelings. All are welcome. Materials provided. $35. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. albertsonchurch@gmail.com.
Reiki Level 1 workshop – 10am-4:30pm. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master/Teacher. Learn Reiki Level 1 in the Western style from an experienced Reiki Master .Learn how to use Reiki for self-healing and healing for others. Includes 4 powerful energy connections. Receive 2 manuals and certificate. $115 + $10 towards Materials. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. angelhealreikigigib@snet.net.
Tuesday, December 3 The Struggling Learner – 7-8:30pm. With Michele Isenberg, Learning Specialist and Wise Learning’s Founder/CEO. An interactive workshop with functional strategies for parents with students of all ages whose child struggles with reading, writing, test-taking and social skills to help them succeed in school and beyond. Bring a friend to receive coupons for discounted Wise Learning services. Free. Offices of Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, 898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Suite#4, Ridgefield. 203-438-4848.
Thursday, December 5 Healing the Emotional Aspects of Lyme Disease & Other Chronic Illnesses – 7-8:30pm. Join together for a healing circle to help resolve the mental and emotional blocks to wellness with mindfulness based stress reduction & pain management tools and energy meridian tapping. Presented by Denise Weber, Lyme literate psychotherapist, Wellness Coach. Free and open to all. Weston Public Library Community Room. 203-544-6094.
Awaken Wellness Fair A whole new kind of
Body-Mind-Spirit Expo
Sunday January 19 10am to 5pm Hotel Pennsylvania, 401 Seventh Avenue, NYC 10001 Speakers, Healers, Vendors and Readers Over 100 exhibitors, 1000 guests! AwakenFair.com • click on “NYC” Exhibitor spots available • 914-422-1784
Saturday, December 7
designed to expand awareness, build strength and security and develop insight, intuition and humility. $35/person if paid by 11/30, $45 thereafter. Yoga for Everybody, 27 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield. 203-2549642. info@yoga4everybody.net.
Annual Greenwich Holiday Stroll – 10am-6pm and Sun, 12/8 – 12-5pm. Come visit The Clean Bedroom’s new Greenwich organic mattress showroom during the annual stroll. This tradition features horse drawn carriage rides, carolers, musicians, professional ice sculptors, bouncy castles, food truck village, Greenwich Art Council family art workshop, exhibition and sale and 100+ retailers and restaurants offering special promotions, refreshments and holiday cheer.
Family Holiday Movie Night – 5:30-8pm. A special holiday-themed Family Movie Night watching Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” with Broadway entertainer Rosemary Loar performing songs from “How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical.” Pizza and salad starting at 5:30pm and movie to begin at 6pm! Popcorn, soft drinks, candy and other snacks will be available. $10/suggested donation. Unity Center, 3 Main St, 2nd Flr, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. office@unitycenterps.org.
Spiritual Psychic Fair – 12-5pm. Our psychic intuitive readers are available for readings using a variety of modalities. Mediumship sessions, Tarot and Angel Card readings, Palmistry readings, Pendulum Readings, Soul Mandala Drawings. Each session is approximately 25 mins. Walk-ins are welcome. $30 and up. Albertson Memorial Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. To reserve sessions: albertsonchurch@gmail.com. Kundalini Yoga for Men: Awaken Your Compassionate Warrior – 3-5:30pm. With Greg Barringer. During this Kundalini workshop, designed specifically for men, participants will be led through Kriyas (yoga exercises), breath work and meditations
Sunday, December 8 Happy Healthy Backs! – 1:30-3:30pm. With Kathy Jamison. Gentle postures, guided by gentle breath, have been proven to reduce or eliminate common backaches. Participants will learn techniques and daily home practices to improve nagging backaches. Note: This workshop may not be suitable for certain serious degenerative conditions of the spine (please consult physician with concerns). $35 if paid by 12/1, $45 thereafter. Yoga for Everybody, 27 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield. 203-254-9642. info@yoga4everybody.net. Yoga4everybody.net.
Celebration Service Sundays at 10:30 am Our mission is to continually discover, demonstrate, and educate that our source of Good is God within. Our Ongoing Events
Journaling with Spirit, Wed at 7 pm
Rev. Shawn Moninger 3 Main St, 2nd Floor Norwalk, CT 06851 (203) 855-7922 www.unitycenterps.org
Reiki Healing Circle, 1st Thu at 7 pm
Special Events
Family Movie Night “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” with special performance by Broadway’s ROSEMARY LOAR Saturday, December 7th at 6 pm $10 Holiday Themed Open Mic Night, Saturday, December 16th at 7 pm $10 Candlelight Christmas Eve Service, Tuesday, December 24th at 6 pm
eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
53
calendarofevents Sunday, December 8 Mastering the Language Of the Soul – 1:30-4pm. With Rev. Tom Kearns. An intensive workshop on understanding symbolism in Psychic and Spiritual Readings and Dreams. Learn to use symbols in psychic and spiritual interpretation to help deepen spiritual understanding. This seminar is designed to help the practitioner or student advance in psychic and spiritual development. $40. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. albertsonchurch@gmail.com.
Wednesday, December 11 Interactive Tarot Workshop: Using the Tarot Horoscope Spread – 7-9:30pm. With Cathy Prins. Join Cathy, who teaches with the Rider-Waite deck, to prepare a personal Tarot template to use throughout 2014. No prior experience of the Tarot needed. These cards will be available for sale ($25) or bring own cards. Recommended reading: Spiritual Tarot: 78 Paths to Personal Development. $35 if paid by 12/4, $45 thereafter. Yoga for Everybody, 27 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield. 203-254-9642. info@yoga4everybody.net. Sticks & Stones Farm Improv Games – 7-8:30pm. Come have fun and play in the style of “Whose line is it anyway?” Spontaneous games, improvised scenes, silly characters. No experience necessary. Adults all levels. Upstairs in “No Shoes” yoga room. Wear comfy socks. $10. Facilitator: Leah Joy Pearson. 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. RSVP: 203-382-3342 or leahjoyp@yahoo.com.
Thursday, December 12 TLC Winter Festival and Meditation, a Natural Awakenings Community Connections event – 4-9pm. Please join us for an afternoon of minienergy balancing sessions, massages, and readings,
as well as gifts. Come to browse and support local practitioners and artists. Candlelight meditation from 7-8:30pm. Free. Total Life Care Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. Sticks & Stones Farm Ukulele Club – 6-8:30pm. Come Strum and Have Fun with other lovers of the Ukulele. Uncle Zak “the Uke Guy” will facilitate. Come prepared to have fun jamming, singing and making music as attendees share knowledge and learn. Uke not necessary but please inform when reserving spot. Donation. 201 Huntingtown Road Newtown. RSVP: 202-219-2230. When Drummers were Women (Women Empowerment Drum Circle) C 8pm. No experience necessary, drums provided. Learn practical stress reduction techniques with drummer, musician and creative arts therapist & drum circle facilitator Lydia Smith. Health RHYTHMS is a fun, nourishing, evidenced-based protocol that offers health benefits like self-expression, exercise, music making, spiritual connection and visualization. Mothers & daughters welcome. $20/person, bring a friend and pay $15. SOUND, 31 Hawleyville Rd, Newtown. 203-270-1119. Email to reserve space: soundcenterarts@gmail.com.
Saturday, December 14 Sound Healing with Crystal Cymbalogy – 6pm. Cynthia and Rick help audiences experience their highest vibration by playing original compositions and using a combination of sounds including crystal bowls, drums, cymbals, voice and more. Saltana Cave, 590 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield. RSVP: 203969-4327.
Wednesday, December 18 Albertson Church Healing Service – 7:30-8:30pm. Come join in a peaceful sanctuary for the monthly healing service that begins with a meditation fol-
Peace on Earth will come to stay, When we live Christmas every day. ~Helen Steiner Rice
54
Fairfield County Edition
natural awakenings
lowed by the opportunity to sit in one of the healing chairs. A church-designated healer will place their hands on attendees’ shoulders to aid the flow of healing energy. All are welcome. Free. Albertson Memorial Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. albertsonchurch@gmail.com.
Thursday, December 19 Reiki Refresher for All Levels – 7:30-9:45pm. Reiki Practitioners only. Group class techniques taught that will help raise Reiki vibrations and deepen participants’ Reiki. Please bring Reiki Certificates from in person classes. Shared by Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master. Re-attunement included. $38+$8 material Fee. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. Must RSVP: 203-852-1150 (private office). angelhealreikigigib@snet.net.
Saturday, December 21 Candlelight Yoga – 5-7pm. With Marleen Salko. Enjoy the magical quiet of a winter evening and warm your heart with yoga. We will honor the true spirit of the holiday season with an experience of gentle yoga, inspirational readings, music, meditation, pranayama (breathing) and deep relaxation. All levels of yoga experience are welcome. $35/ person if paid by 12/14/13, $45 thereafter. Yoga for Everybody, 27 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield. 203-2549642. info@yoga4everybody.net. Winter Solstice Drum Circle – 7:30-10:30pm. Come celebrate the Winter Solstice! The Winter Solstice is a seasonal celebration that welcomes the season of Winter; it is a time of change, the end of the year and looking within. New or seasoned drummers welcomed. Extra drums and rattles available for use. Bottled water and snacks provided. $15. 215 Harbor Ave, Bridgeport. Limited Reservations: 203-916-8381. hunterhealinghands@hotmail.com.
Sunday, December 22 Soltice Bliss (Yoga, Kirtan, Sacred Sound Healing Event) – 12-2pm. Winter Solstice, Bliss A Yoga, Kirtan/Sacred Music, Sound/Vibrational Healing Event. Come take time off from holiday parties, todo lists and chaos to bask in the powerful energy of the changing of the seasons and SOUND’s beautiful sacred space! $25 pre-paid/$30 at door. Space is limited. SOUND, 31 Hawleyville Rd, Newtown. 203-270-1119. soundcenterarts@gmail.com.
Saturday, December 28 Reiki Second Degree workshop – 9am-5pm. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master/Teacher. Learn Reiki 2rd Degree in the Western style from an experienced Reiki Master. Learn how to send distance Reiki healing, Deepen use of Reiki for others and yourself. Receive 2 powerful energy connections. Receive 2 manuals and certificate. $215. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave Norwalk. RSVP: 203-8521150. angelhealreikigigib@snet.net.
ongoingevents sunday 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. Yoga & Pranayama – 9:30am. Yoga and Pranayama with Wendy, Deb and Alok. Move with the breath, open heart, release stress. Free and open to all. Hindu Cultural Center, 96 Chapel St, Stratford. 203-375-9898. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 10am. Dharmma talk. If first time on Saturday or Sunday, arrive 5-10 minutes before start of class. Redding Center for Meditation, West Redding. 203-244-3130. Interfaith Service Gathering – 10-11am. A community to celebrate life, hope, healing, love and Spirit. Followed by a community hour from 11am-12pm. My Little Light Children’s Program is available during the service. Free. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpk, Monroe. 203-268-1272. 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 one’s spiritual unfoldment. Great music by award-winning singers. Childcare provided. Fellowship hour after the service. All are welcome. Love offering. Unity Center, 3 Main St (above Ford dealership), Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Albertson Church Service – 11am-12:15pm. 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.
monday Sticks & Stones Farm Hatha Para YOGA – 6:157:15pm. With Aga Chapska. Gentle flow, candle lit in the Stone Barn. Beginners welcome. Bring a mat, water bottle and wear comfy clothes. $15 drop in/$100 for 10 classes. 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. RSVP: 203-270-8820. Yoga – 7-8:15pm. With Charles Sikorski, RYT. Weekly. Charles encourages one to find one’s true self: physically, mentally and spiritually. $13/class, discount with 5+ weeks. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpk, Monroe. 203-414-6790. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 7pm. Dharmma talk. Redding Center for Meditation, West Redding. 203-244-3130.
Coming Next Month
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 Tpk, Monroe. 203-268-1272. 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. 203570-3868.
tuesday TLC Monthly Networking Breakfast – 8:30am. 1st Tuesday. A relaxed, supportive community of healthy living professionals. Grab a friend, biz cards and join for a fun morning of connecting. Free. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-853-4852. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 12:30pm. Redding Center for Meditation, West Redding. 203-244-3130. Gentle Yoga Class – 6-7pm. Perfect for beginners and people with physical difficulties such as back pain and knee pain. $10. Fairfield County Integrative Family Medicine and Healing Therapies, 2 Corporate Dr, Trumbull. Registration required: 203-445-9060. BodySmart – 6:15-7:30pm. Semi-private sessions for 2-4 participants. Complete core/body conditioning exercises and stretching utilizing a 9’ 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.
SPECIAL EDITION
Health & Wellness Rev Up Healthy Choices in the New Year Local & National Experts Show You How
Reiki Shares – 7:30-10pm. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays. Gigi Benanti Usui/Karuna Reiki Master/Teacher. For Reiki practitioners only. Exchange ongoing since 1996. Instructions included. $10. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. Preregister: 203-852-1150.
For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call
203-885-4674 eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
55
wednesday
thursday
Sticks and Stones Farm Restorative Flow Yoga – 9:00-10:15am. With Aga Chapska. Beginners welcome. Bring a mat and water bottle. $15 Drop in or $10 with Class Pass (10 classes for $100) Bring a mat & water bottle. 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. RSVP: 203-559-9656.
Sticks & Stones Farm Energizing Vinyasa Flow – 7:15-8:15am. With Aga Chapska. Beginners welcome. Bring a mat and water bottle. $10 drop in/$100 for 10 classes. 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. RSVP: 203-559-9656.
Guided Meditation – 1-1:45pm. 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. Sticks and Stones Farm Candlelit Yoga Flow – 5:30-6:30pm. With Aga Chapska. $15 Drop in or $10 with Class Pass (10 classes for $100) Bring a mat & water bottle. 201 Huntingtown Road, Newtown. RSVP 203-559-9656. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 7pm. Dharmma talk. Redding Center for Meditation, West Redding. 203-244-3130. Albertson Church Healing Service – 7-8pm. 3rd Wednesday. Guided meditation, receive healing energy from church-sanctioned healers and the gift of saging. All are welcome. Free. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-637-4615.
Thursday Morning Meditation for Moms – 9:3011am. Come and unwind with a Guided Meditative Journey geared to release stress and a healthful more positive understanding of self. $20. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel. 203-570-3868. Tea & Meditation – 9:30am. Redding Center for Meditation, West Redding. 203-244-3130. Monthly Tapping Group – 10-11:30am. Last Thursday. EFT together for stress reduction, conflict resolution, abundance, whatever the group dictates. Free. Darien. Reservation required: 203-202-4174. Detox With Dr. Dave – 6pm. Join for a discussion on the importance of cleanses, facts on nutrition and supplementation and support for weight loss. No fee or registration. Osteopathic Wellness Center, 158 Danbury Rd, Ste #6, Ridgefield. 203-438-9915. Reiki Healing/Exchange – 7-9pm. 1st Thursday. By Gigi Benanti Reiki. All welcome. Love offering. Unity Center for Practical Spirituality, 3 Main St, Norwalk. Gigi: 203-852-1150.
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.
Circle of Life – 7:30-9:30pm. 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. Location given with registration: 203-268-3262.
Afro Flow Yoga Series – 7-8:15pm. With Pilin Anice. A fusion of Kundalini,Vinyasa Flow Yoga and African Diaspora dances with live drumming and chanting. Creator Leslie Salmon Jones will guide natural movements to destress mind and body. Open to all dance/yoga levels. $15/class (if paid by October 2). Yoga for Everybody, 27 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield. 203-254-9642.
friday
Monthly Relaxation Class – 7:30-8:30pm. 1st Wednesday. Reduce stress with Hypnosis by Clinical Hypnotist, Meg Tocantins. Space is limited. $90. Stamford Healthcare Associates, 1425 Bedford St, 1G, Stamford. Register by texting: 917-292-8115. Journey Within: Do You Feel Stuck? – 7-9pm. 1st 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. Holistic Moms Network Fairfield County, CT 7:30pm. 2nd Wednesday. On DecemChapter ber 11, the meeting will be a yoga class at Venture Yoga located at 10 Center St, Darien. Please note location of this meeting is different from regular meeting location.
–
56
Fairfield County Edition
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. 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. Ridley-Lowell Business & Technical Institute, 24 Shelter Rock Rd, Danbury. Call for appointment: 203-748-0052. Sticks & Stones Farm Friday Farm Yoga Club – 6:30-7:45pm. With Anne O’ Regan, RYT. Come and de-stress from the busy week. Great class for athletes. Everyone welcome. $12. 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. RSVP: 617-244-9586. 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.
natural awakenings
Discussion with Spirit – 7:30pm. 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.
saturday 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. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 10am. Dharmma talk. If first time on Saturday or Sunday, arrive 5-10 minutes before start of class. Redding Center for Meditation, West Redding. 203-244-3130. Sticks & Stones Farm Saturday Morning Flow with Ease – 10-11:15am. With Anne O’Regan, RYT. $12. 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. RSVP: 617-244-9586. The Universal Reiki Plan – 11am-1pm. 3rd Saturday. Reiki Practitioners. Register for a free Reiki session. Love offerings appreciated. Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant, 85 Ferris St, Bridgeport. Reservations, Jim or Jeannette: 203-254-3958. The Universal Reiki Plan – 1:30-4:30pm. 3rd 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. Reiki Session – 5-6pm. Offering free Reiki sessions during classes. Students participate as part of class syllabus. 1st reserved. ReikiOvertones, 95 Harris St, Fairfield. Reservations, Jim or Jeannette: 203-254-3958. 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 Tpk, Monroe. Register: 203-268-1272. Open Mic Night – 7-9pm. 3rd Saturday. Bring music printed out in your key and Kenneth Gartman will accompany on the piano. Comedians, poets and writers welcomed as well. $10. Unity Center, 3 Main St (above the Ford dealership), Norwalk. 203-855-7922.
classifieds
Natural Awakenings Singles Site
Single?
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 1st month & one month security to move in. Newly refurbished, paint and carpeted office spaces from 1100 to 4800sf available. Great for Prof. office space, Medical, Counselling, Nutritionist, Chiropractor, Dental, Insurance, Real Estate,Telemarketing, Technology, Accountant, Lawyer, etc. 1st floor. Immediate occupancy. Good parking. Call Donna Anderson for info: 203609-8075. Located at 85 Old Long Ridge Road, 3 miles west of Exit 34 Merritt Parkway. Next to Giovanni’s /LaRocco’s Country Market. Easy ride to and from the Merritt. Part-time rental space for Holistic health practitioner. Weekday/weekends available. $175 month. Newtown. 203-270-1119. Rental space available in beautifully renovated holistic arts center. Perfect for holistic health practitioner, arts therapist. Supportive & Healing Environment. Part-time options available. Great location off I-84. Only serious inquiries please. 203-240-8747. Space Available in small Wellness Center 2-3 days/week in Bethel location in time slots of 4-hr minimum. Open area perfect for Yoga, Pilates, Offices for Reiki, Massage, Counseling and Readings, etc. 203-570-3868.
Ready to Meet Your Natural Match?
YOGA OR PILATES SPACE FOR RENT: Lease, sublet or rent or looking for a Yoga/Pilates teacher for new studio in Greenwich CT. Call 203-291-9351.
A
ccess many thousands of health-conscious, eco-minded, spiritual singles now!
for SALE 6 year old M assage T herapy Practice - Prime Ridgefield location, lease available. Includes: client list of 1200, 2 electric tables, waiting room furniture, storage and linens, portable sink. Call 516-426-8529 or email Rob@SocialResultsToday.com.
Join for free and manifest an extraordinary, enlightened relationship. Summer is in the air; be proactive by joining today. Your soul mate is waiting to meet you!
Wooded 6 acre prime building lot in gated lake community Woods at Duck Harbor in Equinunk, PA, near NY state border and Honesdale, PA. Lot borders protected PA game land, gorgeous mountain views in fall and winter, walk to lake. Low taxes and maintenance fees. If interested, call 914-763-0464.
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.
NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com
PUBLISH YOUR OWN Natural Awakenings publishes in over 88 NATURAL AWAKENINGS markets across the U.S. and Puerto Rico • Oklahoma City, OK • Indianapolis, IN • Birmingham, AL • Portland, OR* • Lafayette, LA • Huntsville, AL MAGAZINE • Bucks/Montgomery • New Orleans, LA • Mobile/Baldwin, AL* WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE
• • • • • • • • • • • •
For more information contact Anna Romano at: (239) 530-1377 or go online to: NaturalAwakeningsMag.com
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Little Rock/Hot Spg., AR* Phoenix, AZ Tucson, AZ East Bay Area, CA Los Angeles, CA* San Diego, CA Denver/Boulder, CO Fairfield County, CT Hartford, CT New Haven/ Middlesex, CT Washington, DC Daytona/Volusia/ Flagler, FL NW FL Emerald Coast Ft. Lauderdale, FL Jacksonville/St. Aug., FL Melbourne/Vero, FL Miami & Florida Keys* Naples/Ft. Myers, FL North Central FL* Orlando, FL Palm Beach, FL Peace River, FL Sarasota, FL Tampa/St. Pete., FL FL’s Treasure Coast Atlanta, GA* Chicago No. Shore, IL
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Boston, MA Western, MA Ann Arbor, MI East Michigan Grand Rapids, MI Wayne County, MI Minneapolis, MN Asheville, NC* Charlotte, NC Triangle, NC Central, NJ Hudson County, NJ Mercer County, NJ Monmouth/Ocean, NJ North NJ North Central NJ South NJ* Santa Fe/Abq., NM Las Vegas, NV Albany, NY Central NY Long Island, NY Manhattan, NY Rockland/Orange, NY Westchester/ Putnam Co’s., NY • Central OH • Cincinnati, OH • Toledo, OH
eNaturalAwakenings.com
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Counties, PA Harrisburg/York, PA Lancaster, PA Lehigh Valley, PA Pocono, PA/ Warren Co., NJ Rhode Island Charleston, SC Columbia, SC Grand Strand, SC* Greenville, SC* Chattanooga, TN Knoxville, TN Memphis, TN Nashville, TN* Austin, TX* Dallas, TX Dallas/FW Metro N Houston, TX* San Antonio, TX Richmond, VA VA’s Blue Ridge Seattle, WA Madison, WI Milwaukee, WI Puerto Rico
*Existing magazines for sale
December 2013
57
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
Meri Rosco, DC 31 Hawleyville Rd, Newtown 203-994-4541 • LiveWellChiropracticCare.com Dr. Rosco practices evidencebased medicine. She relieves pain, tension and improves mobility in joints and muscles with various gentle techniques. She provides her patients with extensive nutritional and fitness advice.
ALBA THERMAL IMAGING LLC
Fairfield, Wilton, Bethel 203-259-1660 • CTAcupuncture.com 25 year full time practice
Safe, painless early detection 71 East Ave, Suite D, Norwalk 203-856-1421 • AlbaThermalImaging.com
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 43.
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 31.
ALLERGIES
invasive, FDA registered.
Thermography can detect breast disease at its earliest stages and monitor and assess pain in any part of the body. Safe, painless, non-
SOPHIA NATURAL HEALTH CENTER 31 Old Rt 7, Brookfield CT 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.
X TO RAYS.COM
BioSET Allergy Elimination Program
Dr. Mark Joachim Advanced Certified Practitioner 156 East Ave, Norwalk 203-838-1555 • AllergyEliminationNorwalk.com BioSET can eliminate all food and environmental allergies related to behavioral issues, asthma, eczema, headaches, fibromyalgia, sinus conditions, gastric disorders and chronic health conditions. Safe for all ages, without drugs, shots or side effects! See ad page 20.
ASTROLOGICAL LIFE COACH Joy Yascone, MA
3rd generation Intuitive/Astrological Life Coach/MA Holistic Health • 914-341-2070 Joy@JoysPantry.com • AstrologicalLifeCoach.com As an astrological life coach and gifted intuitive I provide accurate guidance with precise timing. I utilize my intuitive, gift and your astrological chart to coach you to success in love, marriage, career, finance & health. These coaching sessions are transformative and priceless. Please call for monthly specials. Sessions available by phone or Skype.
Fairfield County Edition
LIVE WELL CHIROPRACTIC CARE
BREAST THERMOGRAPHY
Ingri Boe-Wiegaard, LAc
58
CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN
Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging Suzanne Pyle, MS, CCT 866-XtoRAYS • SuzannePyle@Prodigy.net Get peace of mind with safe (no radiation), FDA-approved breast cancer screening. 8 years earlier detection vs. mammography. Certified DITI thermographer. Conveniently located throughout Fairfield.
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.
EDUCATION Housatonic Valley Waldorf School
40 Dodgingtown Rd, Newtown 203-364-1113 • WaldorfCT.org
CHIROPRACTIC
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 43.
Black Rock Holistic Health Center
ENERGY HEALING
Kristine DeMarco, DC, MS, FIAMA 825 Kings Hwy East, Fairfield 203-333-6544 DeMarcoChiropractic.com
Kristine M. DeMarco, Doctorate of Chiropractic and founder of the Black Rock Holistic Health Center, has been successfully specializing in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal problems for over 12 years. She is certified in “Cox Flexion Distraction Technique,” Graston Technique, Applied Kinesiology and Acupuncture. Specializes in disc problems, LBP, neck pain, and musculoskeletal pain.
natural awakenings
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.
Fitness KOKO FITCLUB
88 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield • 203-894-5055 619 Post Rd East, Westport • 203-557-3994 We offer sensible weight loss and fitness regimens which incorporate exercise and nutrition programs customized to your body and goals. We call it Smartraining. It is fun, fast, and so effective, it’s patented! See ad page 8.
HEALING CENTER Rev. Christine Guerrera, LMFT Psychotherapist, Interfaith Minister ARC Sacred Center, Monroe 203-268-1272 • ARCSacredCenter.org
Chris is a licensed psychotherapist and inter-spiritual teacher offering psycho-spiritual therapy and sacred ceremonies such as baby blessings, weddings, interfaith gatherings and healing workshops. See ad page 11.
Forza5 Holistic Fitness and Healing Center 1047 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-247-4175
Forza5 is a center that focuses on bringing the fitness and healing worlds together. A beautiful, fully equipped gym offers personal training or group classes. A meditation and yoga room offers tranquil space where we connect our minds and spirits through meditation, reiki, and intuitive readings.
SOUND - A Center for
Music, Creative Arts & Mindfulness 31 Hawleyville Rd, Newtown 203-270-1119 • SoundCenterArts.com
SOUND is a holistic center for arts and spiritual awareness. We offer individual classes and group workshops for children and adults in music, creative arts, intuitive development, sound and energy healing, meditation yoga and much more.
HOLISTIC DENTIST 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.
Hypnosis
Integrative Medicine Physician
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 29.
STAMFORD INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE Michael E. Doyle, MD Conventional & Alternative Medicine 22 5th St, Suite 201, Stamford 203-324-4747 • GoToDrDoyle.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 7.
INTEGRATIVE HealTH
INTEGRATIVE OPTOMETRY
Maryann Barrett, RN
Wilton, Newtown offices 203-788-7119 EarthBodySpiritConnections.com
Eyecare Associates, PC
A graduate of the Barbara Brennan School of Healing and Registered Nurse, Maryann is able to combine traditional medicine with an alternative practice to treat a multitude of health issues. Maryann has a natural sensitivity and intuitive ability that enables her to connect on an energetic level to her clients.
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 8.
Worden Wellness Center
41 Kenosia Ave, Danbury Thomas Worden, DC 203-244-8801 DocWorden@WordenWellnessCenter.com WordenWellnessCenter.com At Worden Wellness Center we use an integrated approach of chiropractic, acupuncture and nutrition to incorporate therapeutic lifestyle changes to help you reach your optimum health. Dr. Worden has been practicing in Danbury for 25 years. See ad page 43.
Integrative Medicine Physician RIVERSIDE OB/GYN
Russell Turk, MD Karen Zino, MD 1200 East Putnam Ave, Riverside 203-637-3337 Riverside Obstetrics & Gynecology is a full-service medical practice incorporating traditional and holistic approaches to women’s health. The practice includes two OB/GYN’s and a naturopathic physician. See ad page 21.
Massage & Bodywork Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa
Shoprite Plaza, 143 Federal Rd Brookfield • 203-775-2244 Facebook.com/HandStoneBrookfield Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spas provide professional spa experiences at affordable prices with same day walk-in convenience. With prices starting at just $49.95 for a 50 minute introductory massage, Hand and Stone’s prices are lower than a typical day spa and lifestyle programs are available which provide even further discounts and benefits. See ad page 3.
iFloat
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 31.
eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
59
Massage & Bodywork
Naturopathic Physician Debra Gibson, ND
JOY CARBINO
Licensed Massage Therapist Holistic Nutrition Consultant & Reiki 203-470-1226 • HealingWhiteLight.com
100 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-431-4443 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 30.
Joy combines her intuitive ability and her expertise in massage therapy to enhance the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Holistic health & nutrition programs also offered. See ad page 13.
Dr. Marina Yanover, ND, LAc
Laura Carlson, LMT
Redding/Monroe/Easton 203-885-7353 (SELF) Facebook.com/LauraCarlsonMassageLLC You deserve to be 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 203-5610-8535 • RobinOrdanLMT.com
Robin has been providing massage and Reiki for over 15 years. Specializing in Swedish, Pregnancy, Trigger Point, Injuries and Infant/ Child Massage Instruction. Sessions are individualized to meet your needs. See ad page 30.
Zak Walker, LMT
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!
Finger Lakes School of Massage 272 N. Bedford Rd, Mount Kisco, NY 914-241-7363 • FLSM.com
Join us for a transformative experience as you develop your intuitive and scientific abilities to heal through therapeutic touch. Classes taught to auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners. Financial aid available for full and part-time programs. See ad page 18.
Fairfield County Edition
Naturopathic Medicine, Acupuncture, Craniosacral Therapy, Natural Face Lift using microcurrent therapy. Specialties include Family Medicine, Women’s Health, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Pain Management, Skin Care. Insurance accepted.
Northeast Natural Medicine, LLC Shawn M. Carney, ND 33 Main St Suite 15, Newtown 1-800-723-2962 • 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 H o r m o n e s , H o m e o p a t h y, Chinese/Western Herbs, Allergy/ Toxin Testing, Oxygen Therapy, Meridian Stress Assessment, Nutrition/Enzyme Therapies. See ad page 3.
SHALVA CLINIC, LLC
Ellen M. Lewis, ND, Director 37 Franklin St, Suite 103, Westport 203-916-4600 • ShalvaClinic.org
MASSAGE SCHOOL
60
1300 Post Rd East, Westport 203-255-5005 • BigAppleHealth.com
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 19.
natural awakenings
Naturopathic Physician 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, RealTime EEG Neurofeedback, and other therapies. See ad page 2.
ORGANIC MATTRESSES & BEDDING Healthy Choice Mattress
270 Federal Rd, Brookfield • 203-739-0077 141 Post Rd East, Westport • 203-557-3900 HCmattress.com Healthy Choice Organic Mattress o ff e r s l u x u r y mattresses and bedding made from the highest quality natural materials. With four showrooms, including two in CT, Healthy Choice features locally made mattresses that are chemical and toxin free, biodegradable, comfortable and durable. See ad back cover.
Organic Sleep by Sleep Etc.
508 Main Ave, Norwalk • 203-846-2233 55 High Ridge Rd, Stamford • 203-323-1509 Founded in 1947, Sleep Etc now offers a new line of socially responsible bedding products, including higher quality, more comfortable, and longer lasting mattresses. All the materials in its products are carefully chosen from a quality, comfort, natural environmental point of view. See ad page 9.
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 page 5.
PHYSICAL THERAPY 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 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 self-discovery integrating psychology, Eastern medicine and spirituality to heal suffering from traumatic stress related to chronic illness, disabilities, abuse & PTSD.
JUDITH BARR, LPC, CCMHC Brookfield 203-775-5006 • JudithBarr.com PowerAbusedPowerHealed.com
Psychotherapy’s heart is soulwork. Wounded, you’ve split off part of yourSelf. Psychotherapy helps you reconnect, finally healing, becoming yourSelf, heartful, matured. No quick-fix, defend-against-feelings work. Take time - do justice to yourSelf, mind, body, heart, soul. Journey safely with Judith. See ad page 10.
editorial calendar
PSYCHOTHERAPY
2014
Maria C. Castillo, MSW, LCSW 238 Monroe Tpke. Suite B, Monroe 203-445-8966 • Msisi@AOL.com LifeBetweenLivesTherapy.com
JANUARY
health & wellness
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.
plus: health coaches FEBRUARY
rethinking heart health plus: stress relief MARCH
food & garden
plus: gluten-free foods
Robin Ordan, LCSW
Family, Child, Individual & Couples Therapy Old Greenwich/Stamford 203-561-8535 • RobinOrdanLCSW.com Robin has over 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 42.
VICTORIA SHAW, PhD, NCC
Intuitive Psychotherapist and Consultant Westport 203-254-3403 • VictoriaShawIntuitive.com I combine the best of traditional psychotherapy with intuitive guidance in my work with children, teens, and adults. My goal is to connect clients with their own inner source of strength, wisdom, and healing. See ad page 31.
APRIL
green living
plus: healthy home MAY
women’s wellness plus: bodywork JUNE
inspired living
plus: men’s wellness JULY
food watch
plus: natural medicine cabinet AUGUST
transformative education plus: children’s health SEPTEMBER
conscious caretaking plus: yoga
REIKI
OCTOBER
sustainable communities
EMBODY THE SACRED®
plus: chiropractic and acupuncture
Deana Paqua, MA, LMT 203-994-5045 EmbodyTheSacred.net
Turn your deepest pain or trauma into your greatest strength. Shamanic Reiki, Usui/Karuna® Reiki, Shamanic Healing and Bodywork. Offerings in Ridgefield, Danbury, and NY areas. See ad page 31.
NOVEMBER
personal empowerment plus: beauty
DECEMBER
awakening humanity plus: holiday themes
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.
eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
61
REIKI
Transformative Healing
Transformative Healing
Reiki Medic
Suzanne Schultz RN, Reiki Master, CCH Monroe • 203-650-0325 ReikiMedic.com Specializing in Reiki and Hypnosis. Healing from my heart center to yours. Offering private sessions and teaching all Usui Reiki levels. Will travel.
Beth Prins Leas
Transformative Healing • Tarot Offices in Norwalk & Ridgefield 203-856-9566 BethLeas.com • TLCTarot.com
TURNING POINT REIKI, LLC
JoAnn Duncan, MS, RMT Reiki Master Ridgefield • 203.438.3050 TurningPointReiki.com
See ad page 31.
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.
Heart’s Desire Method Shiloh@theHDMethod.com theHDMethod.com
The Heart’s Desire Method – 7 Steps to making your dreams come true. Bring high definition 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.
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 & JIKIDEN REIKI ARTHUR S GERSTEIN, MANAGER, ACORN LLC
Practicing Reiki at 1 Danbury Rd, Wilton 855-245-3060 • info@ArtEnergyHealing.com ArtEnergyHealing.com Certified in several types of Reiki, Arthur also practices other energy modalities and techniques to help reduce pain as well as provide relaxation. His innovative on-site 25 minute workshop can help energize for a more productive day. His unique melding of colors and imagery with life force promotes light and well-being. He is also available for individual sessions.
SKIN & BEAUTY DIANA PISANO
TYPHOON HAIYAN
Diana.BeautyCounter.com Diana.BeautyCounter@gmail.com 203-962-2591 A new skin care line that is luxurious, effective, and, most importantly, toxin-free. The U.S. bans only 11 toxic ingredients in all beauty, skin care and children’s products. Beautycounter is the 1st U.S.-based company to leave out more than 1,500 banned ingredients! All products are formulated without parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, PEGs, SLS, or Secrets. Call today to place an order; shipping is complimentary! Samples upon request. If you would like to join the beauty movement, call me to find out about becoming a consultant yourself! See ad page 47.
Since 1945, CARE has worked to deliver lasting change to families and communities in need around the world. When disaster strikes, like super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, CARE is among the first to arrive and the last to leave, bringing immediate relief to those hardest hit. Your donation to CARE will give survivors a chance to rebuild their lives.
DELIVER LASTING CHANGE Visit care.org or call 800.521.CARE
Photo Credit: REUTERS/Erik De Castro, courtesy Trust.org
62
Fairfield County Edition
natural awakenings
© CARE 2013
eNaturalAwakenings.com
December 2013
63
Inspired By Nature, Crafted By Artisans, Perfected By Healthy Choice!
Because Nature Makes The Best Stuff! • All Natural Rubber • Certified Organic Cotton • Certified Organic Wool • No Toxic Flame Retardants
Also Available as an Adjustable Sleep Systems
• No Petro-Chemicals • Hypo-Allergenic • 25 Year Warranty • Made in America
This Holiday Season Give A Great Nights Sleep As a Gift Organic Pillows, Comforters, Topper & Mattress Pads. All Made In The USA. Healthy Choice
Organic Mattresses
The Premier Retailer of Organic Latex Mattresses in the Tri-Stae Area Brookfield, CT 270 Federal Road (203) 739-0077
Westport, CT 141 Post Rd. East (203) 557-3900
Mt. Kisco, NY 681 East Main Street, (914) 241-2467
www.HCmattress.com for money saving special offers. 64
Fairfield County Edition
natural awakenings Look for the sheep at the front of our store.
Ridgewood, NJ 14 Wilsey Square (201) 857-3245