Natural Awakenings Fairfield County April 2017 by Natural Awakenings Magazine

H E A L T H Y

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L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

Lyme ECO Unscramble Disease YARDS EGGS

Approaches to Whole Turning Lawns into Person Healing Native Landscapes

How to Buy from Happy Hens

April 2017 | Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition | eNaturalAwakenings.com

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

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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

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

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April 2017

contents It’s easy to

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.

eat well

20 THINK EARTH A FREE Gift for Natural Awakenings Readers Prime Your Mind to

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22 ECO YARDS

Turning Lawns into Native Landscapes by Lisa Kivirist and John D. Ivanko

26 SUSTAINABLE

LANDSCAPES Balancing Human Desires with Environmental Stewardship

30 OVERCOMING LYME

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

36 EYE ON LYME DISEASE 38 IT IS TOO IN YOUR HEAD

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DAY EVERY DAY Area Earth Day Celebrations

How to Buy Good Eggs from Happy Hens

52 HIKING WITH CATS

Safely Explore the Outdoors with A Feline Companion by Mary Oquendo

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LET US TREAT

7 newsbriefs 16 healthbriefs 17 actionalert 18 globalbriefs 19 ecotip 20 earthdayevents 28 landscapeprofiles 45 masteringyoga 48 inspiredtable 49 consciouseating 52 naturallyhealthypet 54 naturalpet 56 petresourceguide 58 calendar 63 classifieds 63 resourceguide 70 displayadindex

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April 2017

letterfrompublisher

contact us Publisher/Executive Editor Nicole Miale Editor Ariana Rawls Fine Design & Production Kathleen Fellows Erica Mills Contributing Writers Andrea Candee Darin Ingels Michael Schwarzchild Sales & Marketing Leslie McLean Nicole Miale Debbie Morgan Distribution Man in Motion LLC Natural Awakenings Fairfield County 54 Danbury Rd, Ste 323 Ridgefield, CT 06877 Phone: 203-885-4674 Fax: 203-516-2392 NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com eNaturalAwakenings.com NAWebstore.com NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com © 2017 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

ith the spring thaw and advent of warmer weather comes lots more outdoor activity for many people; perfect time to celebrate EARTH on April 22. In recognition of Earth Day and thoughts turning to gardening plans, we focused this April edition on the outdoors and outdoor effects. We asked experts to offer advice about landscaping more naturally, both in terms of plants/look selected as well as the way those plants are cared for once installed. We also offer profiles from several local companies who can help you redo your yard or garden to be more natural Nicole Miale and sustainable if you would like to do so. The downside of warmer weather is the ticks coming out in droves and this season is predicted to be a particularly bad one. In this issue we shine an alwaysneeded spotlight on Lyme disease, an epidemic in this area but still largely unacknowledged by conventional medicine. While much is in the mainstream media about Lyme, there is plenty which hasn’t been said (or repeated often enough) about what happens after antibiotic treatment for acute Lyme infection. In Western CT we are fortunate to have many skilled practitioners with diverse backgrounds focusing on Lyme and helping people heal using a wide variety of tools. We asked a few local experts to weigh in, including perspectives on diagnosis (still challenging), options for natural treatment of Lyme and strategies for coping with the whole body effects of chronic Lyme. I learned quite a bit while putting this issue together; I suspect information may be new for others as well. It is increasingly important for each of us to act as our own health advocate and proactively seek Lyme diagnosis and treatment if we have “unexplainable” symptoms that aren’t responding to treatment for something else. Don’t wait to find a tick or a tick bite. It is a sobering fact that most people who contract Lyme never know they were bitten and never find a tick or have a classic bull’s eye rash! You can learn much more about Lyme at the 11th Annual Lyme Connection Patient Conference & Health Fair, which will take place on May 18 in Danbury (see ad, page 30). We have some big news… as of this month, you can now find Natural Awakenings Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley in all five of the Whole Foods stores located in Fairfield County: Greenwich, Darien, Westport, Fairfield and Danbury! Look for racks near the exit doors or in the café areas. Feel free to take a small stack from there for your office or a workshop you have planned; those racks will be kept well-stocked. This is new for us and allows us to reach thousands more people each month. We’re excited to be able to spread education, inspiration and empowerment to so many more people! We’ll be at no fewer than five Earth Day events as well as many other inspiring and educational events this month. We hope to see lots of you there! Thank you to all our advertisers, distributors and contributors who make this community resource possible each month. Please patronize them and let them know you found them in Natural Awakenings!

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

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

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

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

newsbriefs Maker Faire in Westport on Earth Day

his year’s Maker’s Faire is an opportunity to celebrate local creativity and innovation in downtown Westport with 10,000 expected attendees. This year’s Maker Faire Westport will be held on April 22, Earth Day, with the theme of “Earth”. This is the sixth year of bringing together a family-friendly, all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students and commercial exhibitors. There are many ways to get involved from being a maker to sponsorships of all sizes. Makers include entrepreneurs, artists, woodworkers, scientists, musicians, technologists, engineers, comedians, mathematicians and businesses. Participants are of all ages and backgrounds. Maker Faire’s mission is to entertain, inform, connect and inspire these thousands of makers and aspiring makers. From supporting sponsor to presenting sponsor, Maker Faire Westport still has sponsorship packages available. Maker Faire Westport is produced by Remarkable STEAM in partnership with The Westport Library. For more information, sponsorship information and volunteer possibilities, contact Mark Mathias at 203-226-1791 or Mark@RemarkableSTEAM.org, or visit Westport. MakerFaire.com. Location: Downtown Westport locations such as Westport Library, Jesup Green and other walkable locations in town.

Nordic Cryrotherapy Opens at Halo

ew Canaan’s Halo Studios is now offering Nordic Cryotherapy, a first in the area. Whole body cryotherapy is a three-minute treatment that exposes the body to temperatures of about minus 264 degrees Fahrenheit. Cryotherapy reduces inflammation in the body and is being used increasingly by elite athletes to decrease recovery time. An athlete would have to sit in an ice bath for 30 minutes two times in a row in order to get the same effect as a three-minute cryotherapy session.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 203-503-8282, email Marie@NordicCryotherapy.com, download Nordic’s free app or visit NordicCryotherapy.com. Location: Halo Studios, 45 Grove St, New Canaan.

Ridgefield Welcomes Naturopathic Physician and Acupuncturist

eena VermaDzik, ND, FIAMA, is a board-certified naturopathic physician and medical acupuncturist located in the heart of Ridgefield at Susi Laura Massage. She specializes in Veena Verma-Dzik women’s health, fatigue, sleep concerns, gastrointestinal conditions, allergies, MTHFR and ADD/ ADHD, to name a few issues. With extensive training, VermaDzik prescribes treatments in herbal medicine, nutritional therapies and supplements, neurotransmitters, homeopathy and emotional therapy. As an acupuncturist, she treats many conditions recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), including musculoskeletal issues and infertility. Verma provides a free 15-minute phone consultation prior to all appointments made. All prescribed treatments and dietary therapies are specific to each individual. They are backed by scientific research and clinical experience, as well as personal knowledge gained by being a healthy and physically active mother of two children. For more information, call 203-247-9496 or visit FairfieldNaturopathicHealth.com, or follow Verma-Dzik on FB, Instagram and Twitter. Location: Susi Laura Massage, 20 Prospect St, Ridgefield.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2017

newsbriefs Wellness Wednesdays and Health, Wellness and Fitness Fair at WCSU

What will

ecome?

Family and Child Psychotherapy

he Institute for Holistic Health Studies (IHHS) is housed within the Department of Health Promotion and Exercise Sciences (HPX) at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) in Danbury. IHHS and HPX, in partnership with Campus Recreation and University Health Services, will present the second annual Health, Wellness and Fitness Fair from noon to 3pm on April 11 in the Bill Williams Gym in Berkshire Hall on the WCSU Midtown campus. The goal of the health fair is to provide the WCSU and Greater Danbury communities with opportunities to broaden their knowledge and experience of traditional, conventional and integrative methods to enhance their well-being. The organizers’ objective is to increase awareness of topics related to health, fitness and wellness by providing activities, materials, demonstrations, screenings and information. The health fair is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted to support this health fair and other events as well as student awards. This year’s Health, Fitness and Wellness Fair is once again a collaborative effort involving WCSU Campus Recreation, Health Service, Counseling Center, CHOICES, Health Promotion and Exercise Sciences Department and the Institute for Holistic Health Studies. The HPX department at WCSU offers two Bachelor of Science degrees: Health Education (Certification Pre-K-12) and Health Promotion Studies. Within the Health Promotion Studies program, students may choose one of four options/concentrations: wellness management, community health, allied health professions, and holistic and integrative health. The students in these degree programs are prepared for entry-level, certified health education specialist positions. The focus of studying health promotion and exercise science is to educate students about the importance of a physically active lifestyle, wellness, fitness, health protection and preventive services in schools and the larger global community.

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

For more information about WCSU HPX programs, contact Department Co-chairs Robyn Housemann at HousemannR@WCSU.edu or Jody Rajcula at RajculaJ@WCSU.edu.

UB offers a variety of health science programs at the graduate and professional level, with an emphasis in wellness and disease prevention, including:

human nutrition* acupuncture/tcm naturopathic medicine chiropractic physician assistant dental hygiene doctor of health sciences* * Online Option

bridgeport.edu/hs

The Cleanest Touch LLC Bringing nature to your home.

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Trumbull, Fairfield, Westport, Norwalk, New Canaan, Wilton, Weston and Darien

Robin Ordan, LCSW 203-561-8535

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

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

For additional information about the wellness fair, contact Robyn Housemann. Fair location: Bill Williams Gym, Berkshire Hall, WCSU Midtown Campus, 181 White St, Danbury. natural awakenings

Workshop Facilitates Understanding Good Credit

earn the Rules of the Good Credit Game will be presented by Michelle Gershfeld in Norwalk on April 12 from 6-8pm. Hosted by Fairfield Network of Executive Women, attendees will have a little fun with a topic everyone has to manage: credit and finances. It is good to know the rules of the good credit game to achieve a healthy financial future. Do you know what it takes to earn yourself a higher score? Do you know which actions to take and which to avoid? Are you a good credit risk? Do you know how creditors make that decision? The cost is $25 for Fairfield Network of Executive Women members and $35 for non-members and guests. Walk-ins are welcome. The price includes a full dinner with salad, coffee, tea and dessert. Michelle Gershfeld, a master debt negotiator, bankruptcy and real estate attorney, has more than 30 years of experience. She is also a personal finance counselor and coach thorough her company, Get Financially Fit. Gershfeld advises people who are in debt or building wealth by identifying and overcoming obstacles that lie in their path to securing worry-free, financial wellness. For more information, call 914-815-3222 or email Michelle@ GetFinanciallyFit.com. Location: Norwalk Inn & Conference, 99 East Ave, Norwalk.

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Earth Day should encourage us to reflect on what we are doing to make our planet a more sustainable and livable place. ~Scott Peters

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April 2017

newsbriefs

Garden Co-Op Orientation at SunRaven

Introducing the Living a Course in Miracles

n April 23 from 12:30 to 4:30pm, Jon Mundy, PhD, will present an introduction to Living a Course in Miracles for those who are new to the course. The event will be held at Mark Twain Library. Mundy will also offer an explanation of the two quotes that are representative of the course. In The Mysterious Stranger, Mark Twain said, “You Jon Mundy are not you—you have no body…you are but a thought.” The second quote, “Remember always that you cannot be anywhere except in the Mind of God,” is from A Course in Miracles. Dr. Mundy is an author, lecturer, the publisher of Miracles magazine and the executive director of All Faiths Seminary International in New York City. His books include Eternal Life and A Course in Miracles (2016), Lesson 101: Perfect Happiness (2014) and Living A Course in Miracles (2012), which is now in eight languages. Mundy met Dr. Helen Schucman, the scribe of A Course in Miracles, in 1973. She introduced him to the course and served as his counselor until she became ill in 1980. Early bird pricing for the event is $55 until April 9 and the regular $65 price after that. Checks should be made out to and sent to Deanne Mincer, 16 Fulling Mill Lane, Ridgefield, CT 06877. For more information, contact Deanne Mincer at DMinc100@aol.com or DeanneMincer.com. Location: Mark Twain Library, 439 Redding Road, West Redding.

he garden co-op at SunRaven: The Home of Slow Medicine, a healing and wellness center in Bedford, New York, provides more than a typical community-supported agriculture (CSA), says SunRaven’s founder, Dr. Michael Finkelstein. SunRaven will host an orientation for potential co-op members from 10am to noon on the co-op’s opening day, April 22. Visitors can learn about the program, meet the team and experience SunRaven’s healing environment. “At SunRaven, we’re dedicated to facilitating a wholebeing vision of health and wellness,” Finkelstein says. “We offer a hands-on, working and learning garden experience, and an opportunity to develop a deeper connection with nature than simply picking up a basket once a week.” One thing that sets SunRaven’s co-op apart from a typical CSA is the fact that all members participate in one “all hands on deck” day per month. In return, they receive hands-on guided lessons and workshops, along with 24 weeks of produce, herbs and flowers that the gardeners plant, care for and harvest. Another difference is that members receive suggested meal plans and recipes, as well as nutritional advice from Finkelstein, nicknamed “the Slow Medicine Doctor,” who, along with his wife, Robin Queen Finkelstein, participates alongside the members. “The SunRaven Garden Co-Op is a whole-health experience, and as such, opportunities for meditation and community gatherings are part of the experience and included with membership,” Finkelstein says. For more information and to register, call 914-218-3113 or visit SlowMedicine.org. Location: 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford, New York. See ad, page 13.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

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We treat the following conditions: ADHD / ADD / Executive Functioning Anxiety & Anxiety-Related Disorders Autism Behavioral & Social Issues Chronic Pain / Fibromyalgia Concussion / TBI Depression / Mood Issues Learning Disability / Dyslexia Lyme, PANDAS/PANS Chronic Health Conditions PTSD / Trauma Seizures Sleep Problems

Lyme Connection Plans Annual Conference

eyond Lyme: Redefining the Future of Tick-borne Diseases is the theme for the 11th Annual Lyme Connection patient conference and health fair scheduled for May 18 at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury. The evening begins at 5pm with a Lyme disease-focused health fair. Speaker presentations begin at 7pm and will conclude at 9:30pm following a question and answer session. The evening’s speakers include Dr. Thomas Moorcroft, an osteopathic physician, and Dr. Elena Frid, a neurologist and clinical neurophysiologist. Dr. Eva Sapi, a professor and the department chair at the University of New Haven, will receive Lyme Connection’s first Courage in Research Award for her studies investigating the different forms of Borrelia burgdorferi, the predominant causative agent of Lyme disease in the United States. Free and open to the public, the educational event will be held in the Westside Campus Student Center ballroom. No pre-registration is required. Event sponsors include Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, IGeneX, Inc., NutraMedix and Select TCS Tick Control System.

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For additional information, visit LymeConnection.org or Facebook.com/LymeConnection. Location: Student Center, 43 Lake Avenue Extension, Danbury. See ad, page 30.

Knowing How to Swim Can Save Your Life

pril is Adult Learn to Swim Month, an annual national campaign from the Swimming Saves Lives Foundation to help reduce drownings. As part of the month-long campaign, swim lesson providers associated with U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) will provide low- or no-cost swimming lessons to adults. One in 10 people drowns every day in this country, the majority being adults. More than a third of adults in the United States cannot swim the length of a pool, which puts them at risk of becoming part of that statistic. Adult learn-to-swim instructors are certified by USMS and swim lesson providers sponsored by the Swimming Saves Lives Foundation, which is the charitable arm of USMS, and U.S. Masters Swimming clubs and members. For more information or to find an instructor or program in your area, visit USMS.org/LearntoSwim. eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2017

newsbriefs Connecting with Community Through Conscious Movement

ome join three instructors, Nancy Pivirotto Barbe, Chensun Mills and Robin Spiegel, for a complimentary Azul Conscious Movement offering on April 22 from 7-9pm at the Loft at the Christ Church Greenwich. The Azul spiral practice of listening to the body through movement allows you to reach deeper into self to support the awakening of love. This celebration on Earth Day will mark the beginning of an ongoing offering of Azul classes and workshops. All are welcome to attend this fun and spiritfilled evening. No previous dance experience necessary. The instructors have been practicing conscious movement, embodiment and other healing modalities for many years and are presently in the Azul teacher training. For more information, contact Info.PathofAzul@gmail.com. Register for event at Eventbrite.com/e/Azul-Conscious-Movement-Celebration-Tickets-32726144780. Location: The Loft at Christ Church, 250 E. Putnam Ave, Greenwich.

Ecotherapy Offered by Hudson Valley Natural Health

udson Valley Natural Health is now offering naturopathic and Chinese medical services at two locations. The newest office is in Natural Family Health in Danbury, open Tuesdays from 9am to 7pm. The other office, open Mondays and Thursdays from 9am7pm, is located in The Center for Health and Healing at 4 Smith Avenue, 2nd Floor, Mount Kisco, New York. “Spring is the perfect time to shake off the winter blues and get outside to experience the ‘healing power of Nature’,” says Dr. Kurt Beil, owner of Hudson Valley Natural Health. He incorporates ecotherapy into his holistic, natural approach to healthcare. “More than just helping us ‘feel good,’ research shows that having regular contact with natural environments is an essential part of optimal health and well-being for the mind and the body,” Beil explains. For more information, email DrKurt@earthlink.net or visit HudsonValleyNaturalHealth. com. Connecticut location: 72 North Street, Suite 100A, Danbury. See ad, page 41.

New Natural Awakenings App

he Natural Awakenings healthy living, healthy planet lifestyle app has been upgraded with a brand-new look and updated features. The changes to the free app, which has already been downloaded by 40,000-plus users, will make keeping up with the best choices for a green and healthy lifestyle easier than ever. New features include being able to sign up for promotions, updates and newsletters plus linking to the Natural Awakenings website. Visitors can find local magazines nationwide; a national directory of healthy and green businesses and resources with products, practitioners and services, complete with directions; updated national monthly magazine content; archives of hundreds of previously published articles on practical, natural approaches to nutrition, fitness, creative expression, personal growth and sustainable living by national experts that are searchable by key words; and an archive of articles in Spanish. “These upgrades and expanded accessibility will empower people to enjoy healthier, happier and longer lives more easily than ever before,” notes Natural Awakenings founder Sharon Bruckman. “Offering free access to Natural Awakenings’ powerful network of healthy living resources through this exclusive app is another way we can serve our users.” To download the free app, search for Natural Awakenings on Google Play or the Apple app store or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

A Day of Fun, Food and Friends for Women

r P resents

Quality Programs for the Mind, Body & Soul Metatron’s Awakening Breath with Gene Ang, PhD

Learn a special breathing technique not previously taught in this form which allows you to access deep states of consciousness and come into contact with your “I AM” presence.

April 6, 6:30-9:30pm $75

he Southern Connecticut Women’s Show will take place April 30 from 11am to 5pm at the Trumbull Marriott Merritt Parkway. Consumer Expos of New England is producing the event, which will include more than 100 exhibitors featuring products and services exclusively for women. Activities at the event include a farmers’ market by Sport Hill Farm, food sampling by Whole Foods, psychic readings, liquor sampling from Hartford Flavor Co., chair massages, hair and make-up consultations with mini makeovers, and more. All donations will go to Dress for Success of Fairfield County, which helps women prepare to return to the workforce or seek professional employment. Regular admission is $8 and tickets are purchased at the door. Anyone donating a gently used ladies purse, dress or appropriate outfit will receive a 50 percent discounted ticket for $4. Consumer Expos of New England is owned and operated by Annmarie Gagne, whose experience includes more than 20 successful years in the trade show industry. If you have a product or service to offer and would like to exhibit at the show, contact Gagne at 860-9166343 or GagneAP@gmail.com. For more information, visit ConsumerExposNE.com or Facebook.com/ConsumerExpos. Location: Trumbull Marriott Merritt Parkway, 180 Hawley Ln, Trumbull. See ad, page 32.

If somebody is gracious enough to give me a second chance, I won’t need a third. ~Pete Rose

The Conversation A mother and daughter discuss life and death. April 9, 4 pm

End of Life Choices with David Leven Advanced Life Planning and Decision Making NYC April 20, 7-9 pm $10

Patricia Shelton - Dying Into The Moment Author, Teacher & Founder of Clear Light Society Intro Talk April 17, 7-9 pm $19 Workshop April 21 & 22, 9 am -5 pm $275

Sound Healing, Tibetan Singing Bowls with Michele Clifton Individual Bowl Healing and Meditation April 19, 7 pm $40

Arkansas Crystal Man April 27-29, 10-6

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April 2017

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acation and business travel is one of the largest contributors to our carbon footprint. A family of four creates an average of 4,143 pounds of harmful carbon emissions every year through air travel alone—that’s equivalent to burning 2,006 pounds of coal. Norwalk-based Viridian is now offering a new Travel Light booking portal where users can access deals on travel that is also zero-carbon. Viridian purchases carbon offsets to equalize 100 percent of a trip’s carbon impact. Customers can choose from two different options when using Travel Light. A free Karma account gives users up to 15 percent off hotels and rental cars without any fees or membership costs. The Travel Light membership requires a low monthly subscription fee to search hotels, cruises, rental cars, activities and more that can be up to 50 percent off other leading travel sites. Whether a Travel Light member or Karma customer, all travel booked through the site is zero-carbon. Viridian also offers customers a suite of responsible energy products— including solar power offerings— through its energy partner, Crius Energy. While other solar companies focus primarily on roofs, Viridian and Crius develop whole-home solutions that help preserve a family’s comfort while minimizing energy use. For more information about solar options and Travel Light, contact Margot Newkirchen (203-521-7730, ForLess. TravelLight.com, Viridian.com/ForLess) or Bonnie Troy (203-521-2169, MoonbeamElectric.TravelLight.com, Viridian.com/MoonbeamElectric).

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

Are You Ready for Abundance?

n experiential Living in Abundance workshop will take place on April 30 from 1-4pm at Lifepath Yoga & Wellness in Norwalk. During the workshop, attendees will learn from Bill Donaldson, a certified money coach, how to identify money archetypes and hard-wired patterns of behavior that may be blocking the flow of abundance. Begin the process of healing and transcending blocks by going deep within where all true healing occurs with healer Michelle Giliberto. Learn how to tune in and trust inner guidance to help find a life of purpose and happiness with intuitive counselor Victoria Shaw, PhD, LPC. Bill Donaldson (DonaldsonFWN.com) is a certified financial planner and certified money coach with 20 years of experience in financial services. Michelle Giliberto (MichelleGiliberto. com) is a certified ThetaHealer, Reiki master and the co-founder and a board member of Epidemic Answers, which connects parents and caregivers to recovery solutions for children with chronic illness. Victoria Shaw (VictoriaShawPsychotherapy.com) is a licensed professional counselor who combines her training in psychology and counseling with her intuitive gifts. For more details, visit DonaldsonFWN.com/events, email Bill@DonaldsonFWN.com or call 203-221-2848. Location: Lifepath Yoga Wellness, 4301 Main Ave,9:11 StePM208, Norwalk. IC half&page ad 12-16.pdf 12/18/16 See ad, page 43.

Ingels Family Health Team Expands

aturopathic physician Jill C. Kenney has joined the wellness team at Ingels Family Health in Fairfield. Prior to joining Ingels Family Health, she practiced at Sakura Natural Health in Houston, Texas, and First Health of Andover, a large multi-disciplinary group in Massachusetts. Kenney’s philosophy of care is rooted in the core principles of naturopathic medicine. She uses herbs, homeopathy, nutrition and Jill C. Kenney more to help patients find optimal health. She has experience working with many ailments including allergies, digestive disorders, obesity, high cholesterol, women’s health issues and other issues. Ingels Family Health is a full service naturopathic clinic offering a wide range of services including, but not limited to, Lyme disease, autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, autism, weight loss, women’s and men’s health, and pediatric care. Craniosacral therapy, acupuncture and constitutional hydrotherapy are some of the services provided. For more information, visit IngelsFamilyHealth.com. Connecticut location: 22 Fairfield Pl, Fairfield.

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April 2017

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Drinking More Water Improves Food Intake

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esearchers from the Mount Sinai Medical Center, in Miami Beach, concluded in a 2016 review of research that chelation therapy using agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) can significantly reduce risk of cardiovascular events. The review highlighted research showing that heavy metals such as cadmium have been linked with increased cardiovascular disease risk, and chelation therapy has been shown to effectively remove heavy metals from the body. Of particular interest was a study that specifically tested the effectiveness of chelation therapy on reducing cardiovascular events. The randomized, doubleblind study involved 1,708 patients ages 50 and up that had experienced a heart attack at least six weeks prior. Half were given 40 infusions of a 500 milliliter chelation solution with EDTA. The other half received a placebo. Researchers measured deaths, heart attacks and strokes, along with other heart conditions and subsequent hospitalization for an average period of 55 months. They found that the chelation therapy reduced heart attacks and strokes by 23 percent and reduced hospitalization for heart attacks by 28 percent.

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uopeng An, PhD, a kinesiology and community health professor at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, studied the hydration and dietary habits of more than 18,300 American adults and found that drinking more water each day can impact the overall calories and nutritional value of food consumed. Reviewing data from four parts of the National Center for Health Statistics’ National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, in which participants were asked to recall their food and drink intake during two non-consecutive days, An determined the percentage of plain water drunk by each person. He found an association between a 1 percent increase in the subjects’ daily intake of plain water and an 8.6-calorie reduction in food intake. An also discovered a slight reduction in foods high in fat, sugar, sodium and cholesterol with the change. Participants that increased their plain water consumption by one to three cups reduced their calorie intake by 68 to 205 calories per day. The same increase in water correlated with a daily reduction in sodium intake by 78 to 235 milligrams, five to 18 grams less sugar and seven to 21 milligrams less cholesterol.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

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No Benefit to Cutting Fat in Cheese

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nyone that has struggled to reduce their intake of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) may have considered avoiding saturated fat in their diets, although the latest meta-study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine now refutes this. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen, in Denmark, conducted a test to determine if consuming low-fat versus regular cheeses impacts LDL cholesterol levels. The study divided 139 people into three groups. One ate regular fat cheese, one consumed reduced-fat cheese and one didn’t eat any cheese at all for 12 weeks. Both LDL and highdensity lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol) levels were tested at the beginning and end of the period. Researchers found no significant difference in the LDL levels of any of the groups and no difference between the HDL levels of the reduced-fat and regular cheese groups, suggesting that consuming low-fat versions has no measurable metabolic benefit. An increase in HDL levels among those that abstained from eating cheese altogether was noted.

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Stand Up

March for Science this Earth Day Concerned citizens will unite on April 22 for a March for Science in Washington, D.C., and locations around the world to champion robustly funding and publicly communicating science for the common good as a pillar of freedom and prosperity. The group is calling on political leaders and policymakers to enact evidence-based standards in the public interest. The focus will showcase science as a tool to find answers and influence decisions at all levels, from astronomy to zoology, including environmental science and climate change. Jacquelyn Gill, PhD, was part of the original group sparking the idea of a March for Science via her initial tweet. “We know how to keep our air and water clean, and the outcomes of the research should inform the policy,” says Gill, an assistant professor of paleoecology and plant ecology at the University of Maine. Caroline Weinberg, a New York City science writer and program co-chairwoman, says, “Within hours, satellite marches were popping up around the country, then the world.” Organizers report several hundred established event locations and the number continues to grow. To join or create an event, visit MarchForScience.com/ Satellite-Marches.

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April 2017

Saving Sharks

Ocean Sanctuaries Expand in Pacific The Pacific island nation of Kiribati has established the world’s second-largest (1.3 million-square-mile) shark sanctuary, which bans commercial fishing throughout, and has also expanded the Micronesia Regional Shark Sanctuary. The possession, trade and sale of sharks and shark products are also prohibited in these areas as is the use of fishing gear such as wire leaders for targeting sharks. Worldwide, about 100 million sharks are killed each year in commercial fisheries. Nearly 30 percent of all known shark species assessed by scientists are now threatened with extinction. Sharks are particularly vulnerable to overfishing because they mature and reproduce slowly. Many Pacific island nations have established shark sanctuaries, recognizing the valuable ecosystem and economic roles that healthy populations provide. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora recently added 13 shark and mobula ray species to its list, a step toward ensuring sustainable and legal trade of these species.

Junior Achievement Take the Kids to Work

Water Saver

Teen Finds Drought Solution in South Africa Kiara Nirghin, a South African teenage girl and recent winner of the Google Science Fair’s Community Impact Award for the Middle East and Africa, is pioneering a new technology to fight drought. The Holy Web, her super-absorbent polymer, can store reserves of water hundreds of times its own weight. Drought remains one of South Africa’s main challenges, with at least eight provinces requiring regular food relief. The project is designed to help farmers in dry areas build large water reservoirs for an adequate and regular supply of water for irrigation. “I wanted to minimize the effect that drought has on the community, and the main thing it affects is the crops. That was the springboard for the idea,” says Nirghin. Her invention uses recycled and biodegradable waste products such as avocado skins and orange peels to make the polymer sustainable, affordable and environmentally friendly.

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

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The Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation (TODASTW) is holding its annual national event on April 27, offering new toolkits and activity guides based on this year’s theme of Dependability at DaughtersAndSonsToWork.org. The group assists businesses, families, schools and organizations throughout the year initiate their own special work day for children and mentees. Each year, more than 3.5 million American workplaces open their doors to about 39 million employees and their children on TODASTW Day. “Human resources and marketing professionals are typically responsible for creating this day within their companies,” says Carolyn McKeucen, the foundation’s executive director. “We provide templates and automated planning elements to save them time while ensuring success for planners and participants.”

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Source: CNN

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

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How to Create Helpful Home Habitats

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We watch the graceful flight of colorful butterflies and appreciate their crucial role as pollinators. Establishing butterfly gardens or accommodating them in yard plantings increases food sources radically threatened by reductions in blossom-rich landscapes due to development, intensive agriculture, insecticides and climate change. The National Wildlife Federation (NWF.org) reports that butterflies are particularly attracted to red, yellow, orange, pink and purple blossoms that are flat-topped or clustered for landing or hovering, with short flower tubes that present easy access to nectar. Regional planting. In the Southeast, goldenrod, with its arching, yellow flowers, appeals to Buckeye species. Tiger Wing, Dainty Sulphur and Malachite lead the way in Florida. Some other suitable plants and trees for attracting butterflies, according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center (Wildflower.org) are yarrows, red and white baneberries, and red, scarlet and soft maples in the Northeast; Butterfly and Honey daisies, Indian Mallow, American Century and Husiache, in the Midwest; and Giant, Ground, Subalpine and Noble firs, Vine Maple and Columbian Monkshoods in the Northwest. Inspiring individual efforts. Care2.com reports that California Academy of Sciences aquatic biologist Tim Wong cultivated California Pipevine plants in his backyard butterfly home four years ago upon learning that it is the primary food for California Pipevine Swallowtails in the San Francisco area. Starting with just 20 caterpillars, he was able to donate thousands of the swallowtails to the San Francisco Botanical Gardens last year and has grown more than 200 plants. Milkweed. Populations of iconic Monarch butterflies have plummeted 90 percent in the past 20 years, reports the National Wildlife Federation, primarily due to decline of 12 native milkweed species. They need support for their annual 2,000-plus-mile migration from the U.S. Northeast and Canada to central Mexico and back. Joyce Samsel, curator of the Florida Native Butterfly Society (FloridaNativeButterflies.org), notes that the Florida Monarch stays south of Tampa year-round. Learn about milkweed host plant growing conditions at Tinyurl.com/LocalMilkweedByState. Find milkweed seeds via MonarchWatch.org. Donate to help. Adopt milkweed habitat land through an Environmental Defense Fund (EDF.org) program by donating $35 for one acre up to $350 for 10 acres. Their goal is to retain and protect 2 million acres.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

he federal Every Student Succeeds Act, passed in December 2015 to take effect in the 2017-2018 school year, is the first law in U.S. history to include language that supports environmental education. Plans call for it to be integrated with current state standards, graduation requirements, teacher development and assessment, funding sources and policy action steps. EducationWorld.com offers lesson plan ideas for students. For example, students from third grade through high school might collect their household junk mail and explore ways to reduce it. Those in kindergarten through eighth grade may create a binder of information on endangered species that includes maps, animal facts and threats to their survival, exploring causal interconnections throughout the planet. Kathleen Rogers, president of the nonprofit Earth Day Network, on EarthDayNetwork.org, says, “We need to promote environmental consciousness into our children’s curricula so they are able to analyze problems, think critically, balance needs and take informed action.” Earth Day isn’t just one day. Aware citizens can take a rewarding action every day. Help Fairfield and Litchfield Counties celebrate and forward its progress toward sustainability at these local Earth Day 2017 events.

Pratt Nature Center, New Milford: April 22

he Pratt Nature Center in New Milford will host its Earth Day 2017 celebrations on April 22 from 10am to 4pm. Visitors can have fun with the dunk tank and throw three balls to try and dunk some of the organization’s guests for $5. A kids’ mud run will take place at 11am while a 5K Dirt Dash starts at noon. There will be a mud pit sponsored by NVFD; Tonka toys and squishing mud are supplied but remember to bring extra clothes. Attendees will get a chance to toast The Pratt Nature Center’s 50th anniversary with birthday cake. The event also includes food and music. For more information, call 860-355-3137, email Info@PrattCenter.org or visit PrattCenter.org. Location: The Pratt Nature Center, 163 Paper Mill Rd, New Milford.

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

Newtown: April 22

ewtown’s 10th Annual Earth Day Festival will be April 22 from 10am to 4pm in front of Newtown Middle School. The day will feature live music (bands, singing and Taiko drumming), activities for children and adults, a multitude of vendors, food, and educational and nature exhibits. The annual Silent Auction will feature local and handcrafted items and services. Proceeds from this event support green scholarships for Newtown High School graduates to pursue degrees in environmental fields. For more information, visit Newtown Earth Day Festival on Facebook or NewtownEarthDay.org. Location: 11 Queen St, Newtown (in front of Newtown Middle School). See ad, page 26.

talent such as Kristen Graves, Connecticut’s state troubadour. Various discussions will explain how alternative energy—such as going solar or setting up a rooftop windmill— can save money. Moving on to “green thumbs”, master gardeners will instruct how to start a garden, a beehive, or keep a good compost pile. Experts from the Sierra Club and other local organizations will explain fracked gas, open spaces and the issues behind GMO foods. State and federal legislators will also speak about efforts to clean up the environment and improve public transportation. Finally, reduce spending by bringing something worn with you; instead of ending up in the trash, your clothes and fabrics will be collected by Bay State Textiles. For more information, visit FairfieldEarthDay.wordpress.com. Location: Fairfield Theater Company Center 70 Sanford St, Fairfield. See ad, page 35.

Woodbury: April 22 Wilton: May 7 oodbury Earth Day 2017 is

a free event (rain or shine) that will be held on April 22 from 11am to 4pm at Hollow Park. The event features more than 100 vendors, live music, engaging activities, arts and crafts for kids, and some of the best food trucks around. Stop by activities include a live birds of prey presentation, yoga and nature walks throughout the day. Vendors include local artisans, farmers and growers, nonprofit organizations and home improvement services. Food trucks include G-Zen 100% Vegan and Organic Restaurant/GMonkey, Fryborg, Tipsy Cones LLC, Chet’s Italian Ice, Pizza to the People, Sonny’s Grinders and Raw Youniverse. “We are proud to be an event that focuses on supporting our local economy while also protecting and improving the nature of our communities, our land and water, and ourselves,” says Carol Haskins, the Woodbury Earth Day chair. Woodbury Earth Day is presented under the leadership of the Woodbury-based Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition with continued support from community volunteers, the Town of Woodbury and New Morning Market. Visitors coming to town for Woodbury Earth Day on April 22 are also encouraged to visit New Morning Market, where special activities in celebration of Earth Day will also be held. For more information, visit WoodburyEarthDay.org. Location: Hollow Park, Hollow Rd, Woodbury. See ad, page 11.

Fairfield: April 30

spring highlight for families and children, the Fairfield Earth Day Celebration will take place on April 30 from 10am to 4pm at the FTC Center in Fairfield Center. The event will feature games and crafts, live music, a “trashy fashion” show, vendors and experts on gardening and energy. Now in its 20th year, the Fairfield Earth Day Celebration is a one-day event that shows families how to live healthier and save money (and the planet). Learning about a healthy lifestyle is fun too; there will be many kids’ activities and games, face painting, crafts and lots of music, including local

W I L T ON

GO GREEN

he 7th Annual Wilton Go Green Festival, co-hosted by the Wilton Library, will be held at the town green and Wilton Library parking lot on May 7 from 11am to 4pm. The fun-filled family festival begins Sunday, May 3, 2015 with a nature walk to Schenck’s Island. Other features include 11am – 4pm live music, a silent auction, a mobility/transportation areaCenter that Wilton Library & Town A Community-Wide Celebration of Green Living! includes a fire truck on display, over 80 interactive exhibitors, With dozens of educational displays that foster food, and the ever-popular Dog Parade at 2pm (no entry fee). stewardship of our air, land, water, wildlife and other natural resources, Wilton Go Green Festival iswith all “The Wilton Go Green Festival is a the wonderful event about the small, thoughtful things we can do every day to make a difference. Don't missgoal this wonderful family interactive activities for people of all ages. Our is to day filled with fun and discovery. make this a zero-waste event, Cyril andthewe’ll have recycling and Sorcerer Westport Electric Car Club Rally composting stations set up in several locations,” says Wilton Dog Parade Live entertainment: by Wilton musicians Go Green President Dana Gips. and organic fare New to the festival are fiveDelicious main local areas of focus for Wilton www.wiltongogreen.org for more information residents. Building on the work of the How Green Could WilAttendance is Free. ton Be? symposium in November 2016 and the Community Forum on Sustainability in February 2017, Wilton Go Green will be sharing 14 community-wide initiatives in the areas of land, water, energy, food and materials management. These initiatives highlight the important and connected work that local organizations are doing to preserve Wilton’s rural character and carry out the vision to make Wilton the most environmentally sustainable town in Connecticut. Festival goers will have an opportunity to find out how they can get involved with the initiatives. A festival goal is to have 1 percent of “Wiltonians”, or 180 people, sign a sustainability pledge at the festival. This year, the festival is co-chaired by Sara Curtis and Ted Stonbely. Sara Curtis is a resident of Wilton and Ted Stonbely is the director of admissions at The Montessori School on Whipple Road. One of the new activities added to this year’s festival will be a collaborative art project. All attendees are invited to participate as a gesture towards their commitment to making Wilton a more sustainable town. “Our goal is to hang it in a public arena after it is complete to keep our initiatives top of mind for our residents and neighbors,” says Stonbely.

FESTIVAL

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For more information about the initiatives and/or to exhibit at the festival, contact Daphne Dixon at 203-536-4695 or Daphne@WiltonGoGreen.org. eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2017

Four-Season Climates

ECO YARDS Turning Lawns into Native Landscapes by Lisa Kivirist and John D. Ivanko

“

raditional turf lawns are an ecological nightmare,” says John Greenlee, author of The American Meadow Garden, who notes that most monoculture turf lawns never even get used. His company, Greenlee and Associates, in Brisbane, California, designs residential and other meadows throughout the U.S. as an engaging alternative. Many other appealing options likewise use native plants appropriate to the local climate. For instance, replacing Kentucky bluegrass, Bermuda grass or another non-native species with natives can deliver drought resistance and lower irrigation needs; eliminate any need for fertilizers or toxic pesticides; reduce or eliminate labor-intensive and often polluting mowing and edging; enhance the beauty of a home; and attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife. 22

Before replacing a lawn, determine the desired result. It may simply be achieving a low-maintenance, lawn-free yard; growing food like vegetables, herbs, fruit or nuts; or supplying ample flowers for a fresh weekly bouquet. Other benefits might include increasing privacy, dining al fresco, escaping into nature or even sequestering carbon dioxide to reduce climate change. To be successful, choices must be appropriate to the climate, plant hardiness zone, local zoning ordinances and homeowner association rules. Also consider the soil quality and acidity, moisture content and whether plantings will be in full sun or shade, or both.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

From the Midwest to New England, “Wild ginger makes a nice, low groundcover with heart-shaped leaves in shade or part shade, where lawn grass often struggles,” suggests Pam Penick, of Austin, Texas, author of Lawn Gone: Low-Maintenance, Sustainable Attractive Alternatives for Your Yard. “Pennsylvania sedge, a low, grassy, meadow-like groundcover, can also work. For areas with full sun, bearberry, an evergreen creeping shrub with red berry-like fruit in fall, or prairie dropseed, a beautiful prairie grass with sparkling seed heads in fall, might be worth trying.” “Stick with the Carex family of plants, the sedges, for a native meadow,” echoes Greenlee. “They vary in color, texture and height. Follow nature’s lead and create a tapestry of commingled plants. Start slow and add flowering plants like Queen Anne’s lace, daisies, asters and poppies.”

Hot and Humid Subtropics

In sunny and well-drained areas of the South, Penick suggests Gulf muhly, an ornamental grass. “Its fall blooms resemble pink cotton candy floating above its green leaves.” In Florida, flowering sunshine mimosa with fernlike leaves and other natural groundcovers are low maintenance. “Basket grass is a low, evergreen grass-like plant with long, spaghetti-type

photos by Pam Penick

The right regional native plants often include grasses and ferns, herbaceous plants like flowering perennials and woody ones like shrubs, vines and trees. Native plants provide shelter and food for wildlife and help preserve a sense of place. “Work with a professional landscaper in your area, ideally a member of the Association for Professional Landscape Designers,” advises Greenlee. Tap a local university extension service, master gardener and garden club for local expertise, often available at no or low cost via classes or club membership.

newsbriefs

Shamanic Healing Retreat in Redding

rather than plots of water-thirsty turf. clover loses leaf mass from mowing, its “For full sun, work with California yarroots die off to compensate and nitrorow, purple sage, Indian mallow, white gen enters the soil for neighboring plant roots to use.” sage, lupines and California sagebrush,” oin shamanic practitioners and White clover works well for those on a budget; microclover costs recommends Charlie Nardozzi, of Ferristeachers Deana Paqua and Jessica more and is even better. burgh, Vermont, authorHunter of Foodscaping. for a day of shamanic healing For shady, “In shade, try mountain yarrow, mimufor gratitude, transformation, abun- north-facing or boggytamford has areas, Strauss recommends sweet lus monkey flower, California dance, discovery andwet enlightenment. a new option woodruff. Moss is another option. honeysuckle, California This all-day healing retreat is open for those seeking flannel bush and coyto anyone and all levels who wish to look and feel otetomint.” learn more about Semi-Arid, shamanism andSteppe their best during ™ shamanic “Blue grama healing practices and tech-Climes and Desert the holiday seagrass is that native to be incorporated leaves that puddle around niques can into “If you crave a lawn but Deana want toPaqua go nason and beyond. 7eFit Spa has opened on High Ridge Road, manylife states, and it, suitable for shade or tive, Habiturf is perfect for the hot, dry daily for transformation and posioffering a variety of aesthetic services and non-invasive techbuffalo grass is partially shaded areas,” Southwest,” says Penick. Developed by tive changes. The event will be held at niques to support mind and body wellness. An open house is native to statesat The the advises Penick. “It’s Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Centhe sanctuary Redding Center scheduled for November 22 from noon to 7pm. west of the Mis-on November slow The to grow, butservice highlyofferings—which will be available as ter, in Austin, Texas, it’s a mix of several for Meditation 14 from regular sissippi River in drought-tolerant and nicely Relax while our technology native turf grasses, looks like a shaggy 10am to 5pm. brief demonstration sessions during the open house—include the right places,” covers a dry slope or spills . does the work traditional lawn and can be occasionA variety of techniques and teachanti-aging and oxygen facials with oxygen therapy, Torc Plus bio- adds Greenlee. a retaining wall. Texas ally mowed on a high setting to keep it Noover surgery or invasive procedures. ings will be incorporated throughout electric stimulation for targeted muscle activation (also availableThey’re especially sedge makes a low-growing, neat. Once established, it needs far less the day, including shamanic journey Infrared Sauna therapy) • Micro-dermabrasion with oxygen and weight loss, infrared sauna for detoxifisuited for meadows estab- water than traditional turf. meadowy alternative that’s evergreen Myolift • Torc Body Waxing personal weight loss program. work, shamanic ceremonies, crystal cation, Reiki and• the DietMaster lished in drought-prone regions. and mowing only once every year “Silver healing ponyfoot grows well in many Diet needs Master • Oxygen Bar • Reiki The Torc Plus has been FDA-cleared and is known to be healing, various spirit medicine or two.” Facials • Oxygen Facials regions as an annual; perennial, it Dermalogica teachings and shamanic techniques for as aJessica effective for muscle tightening, toning, cellulite reduction Hunter Moss is a Whitening fine option for shady and Rainy Marine Areas needs mild winters,” Penick continues. Teeth clearing and manifestation practices. and inch loss. moist areas. moss is naturally colo“Native to western Texas, New combinaMexico “For sunny areas, try goat’s pen- bring Paquabeard, and Hunter a unique and informative Save“If Now with Founder Tracey Scalzi, a long-time Stamford resident nizing a patch of yard, allow it to fill in and Arizona, it likes good drainage, gravstemon, beach strawberry, mock orange Introductory Prices! tion of shamanic healing and teachings to their gatherings. and business owner, decided to open 7eFitSpa because she where the lawn doesn’t want to grow,” elly soil and full-to-part sun.” and huckleberry,” says Nardozzi, who Paqua specializes in Andean and South American shaCall 203-356-5822 wanted a new business dedicated to helping people look Penick counsels. “It makes a springy, Hunter Xeriscaping—landscaping that covers gardening nationally attraditions, while manic focuses on North American and feel their best. The |spa had a soft opening in June but 1092 Highgroundcover Ridge Road needing Stamford, evergreen onlyCT 06905 requires little to no water—is especially GardeningWithCharlie.com. “For part shamanic traditions. Together, they provide educational and was fully operational with| all equipment and services avail7efitspact1@gmail.com www.7efitspa.com brief misting to keep it looking good in hot, dryencompass regions. Plant picks shade, experiment with gooseberry,shamanic red prevalent inspirational gatherings that a variety able in mid-September. during dry periods.” typically include cactus, succulents, flowering currants, western amelanchiof teachings and a global connection of a variety of Shaagave and herbs like rosemary or sage. er, deer fern, trillium and wildHealing ginger.”practices. manic For more information, visit 7eLLC.com and visit the Mediterranean and Adding some clover to a traditional Stamford location, email 7eFitSpaCT1@gmail.com or call John D. 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More EcoYard Ideas Edible Landscaping

A kitchen garden represented by any kind of edible landscaping replaces some turf grass with produce. Carefully designed and maintained, it can be as attractive as any other garden space. “According to GardenResearch. com, 30 million U.S. households, about 25 percent, participated in vegetable gardening in 2015,” reports Dave Whitinger, executive director of the National Gardening Association, owned by Dash Works, in Jacksonville, Texas. “To integrate edibles into a landscape, first assess the locations of sunny and shady spots,” says garden consultant Charlie Nardozzi. “Then, identify plants suited to the growing conditions

that will fit in those areas. Mix in edibles with flowers, shrubs and groundcovers to keep the yard beautiful.” For urban areas, he recommends raised beds and containers as a good way to integrate edibles, bringing in clean soil and moving containers to the sunniest spots in the yard.

“We have 3,000 raised beds in Milwaukee,” says Gretchen Mead, executive director of the Victory Garden Initiative, which helps install edible landscapes. “We went from about 35 new kitchen gardens eight years ago to more than 500 each year now.” The easy-to-build raised beds go on top of or in place of turf lawns. For Midwestern residents, Mead recommends beginning with six crops that can be started as transplants, like tomatoes or broccoli, and then growing a couple of plants from seed, like zucchini or green beans.

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Water-Saving Gardens

“Water-saving gardens use less of this precious resource through appropriate plant choices, rain-conserving features, berming and terracing to slow runoff, water-permeable hardscaping and smart irrigation practices,” says Pam Penick, author of The Water-Saving Garden. “Regardless of where you live, saving water is a priority for everyone. Drought is a growing problem in the Southwest and West, but also affects the Midwest, Southeast and even New England.” “Rain gardens help absorb, retain and use rainfall, preventing it from draining into the sewer,” agrees Jennifer Riley-Chetwynd, with Colorado’s Denver Botanic Gardens. “Rain barrels collect water from gutters and downspouts so there’s more control in time and method of distribution, including perhaps drip irrigation.” According to the Groundwater Foundation, in Lincoln, Nebraska, rain gardens can remove up to 90 percent of problematic nutrients and chemicals and up to 80 percent of sediments from rainwater runoff. Compared to a conventional lawn, they allow 30 percent more water to soak into the ground.

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Hardscaping

Hardscaped areas are used far more frequently than the turf lawn they replace as we move through spaces like walkways, patios, fountains, decks and grilling areas to enjoy the outdoors. “Plant people can get excited about planting but forget to leave ample space for patios and paths, often resulting in an overgrown, pinched look for seating areas and other places meant to be inviting,” cautions Penick. “It can also be easy to underestimate how large plants can grow in a few years. Plan ahead for these ‘people spaces’ and install them before establishing garden beds.” Landscapers recommend being generous with this technique without paving over paradise. “Plants will spill and lean over hardscaping, so it won’t feel too large once your garden is filling in,” says Penick. “To address runoff and allow rainwater to soak into the soil, use water-permeable paving wherever possible: gravel, dry-laid flagstone or pavers; even mulch for casual paths.”

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Sustainable Landscapes

Balancing Human Desires with Environmental Stewardship by Rick Bednar

he idea of landscaping needs to be looked at from an environmental standpoint as much as from a need for human use and enjoyment. Taking this approach could prove to be even more beneficial for human needs in the long term. The main idea behind ecological landscaping is creating a sense of place with native plants and natural systems. By learning from nature, we can begin to imitate its beauty. The colors and textures of each season come alive and create a plethora of good feelings that coincide with that season. One of the first components of landscaping that many people notice is looks. There is not much that can rival the vibrant colors of a sugar maple in New England during the fall season. The addition of asters, goldenrods, red maples, black gums and a multitude of other species weave together to create an artistic masterpiece that keep people coming to visit from across the country. There is also a balance that occurs in nature; by studying and seeking to recreate this balance, a feeling of peace can be evoked. Another benefit of natural landscapes is the maintenance factor. Traditional landscapes try to control nature and keep it the way it was initially designed. This takes a lot of intervention such as annual mulching and a variety of chemicals, which the landscape then becomes more and

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more dependent on. Not only does this negatively affect the environment, but it takes away from the enjoyment of the designed landscape. With ecological landscapes, plants and materials are chosen that work together to form communities that benefit each other, while keeping out the undesirables. Many plants are also used that self-seed or spread by rhizomes. Flowers—including shasta daisies and foxgloves— and grasses such as sea oats can seed prolifically and create a dramatic statement for multiple seasons. Other plants like bee balm and hay-scented fern can do the same by spreading just under the surface. Using plants in this way has proven to be more effective than mulch in controlling weed growth. One of the biggest impacts ecological designs have on the landscape is the ability to create movement and life. Many of us, especially children, are drawn to wildlife. Butterflies are like a moving extension to the colorful flowers they are drawn too. Birds of many different species come together in the morning and create a symphony to wake up to. Nighttime is no different. The sights and sounds in a wooded area can make us feel like we’re in a magical world. Lightening bugs flash all around while the sounds of crickets and katydids come from every direction. Then there are the more elusive species like tree frogs and luna moths. Spotting one of these creatures will be sure to excite the onlooker. With the addition of wildlife, every day in the landscape can feel like a new adventure. Natural landscapes are becoming more and more desirable as we gain more knowledge about nature and how to implement its practical, rhythmic strategies. Some traditional landscaping ideas, on the contrary, are becoming less feasible. Moving forward, we need to combine some of the concepts used in conventional landscape design with the principles of ecology in order to create beautiful, functional and healthy landscapes. There is no reason why we can’t mix in some much loved exotic species like Japanese maples with native plant communities. We need nature just as much as it needs us; it is up to us to manage our landscapes in order to create a healthy environment for our children, our pets and ourselves. Rick Bednar is the owner and operator of Ecoscapes, a landscape design and maintenance company that focuses on ecological and sustainable practices. He graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in environmental planning and has been in the landscape industry for over 20 years. Connect at 203-414-4605 or RickBednar@gmail.com. See ad, page 36.

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“I want to take care of my lawn and landscape plants organically.”

Defining the Organic in Plant Care Send Your Landscape to Rehab by Lester Luna

hen we ask what defines organic plant care, we will get a slew of different answers depending on who we are talking to and what their level of gardening knowledge and/or experience may be. Organic plant care can focus on the use of synthetic versus organic fertilizers and pesticides versus natural controls for insect and disease infestations. With today’s hand-held devices, much of what we need to know about these comparisons can be investigated from the palm of our hands. Another angle is to look at different responses to this question: “What does organic plant care mean to you?” Again, the answers will be many, such as…

“I don’t want any chemicals on my property.”

Does that mean someone is not interested in two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen on the lawn or landscape plants? We are obviously referring to H2O, or water. The fact is that there are many chemicals and chemical compounds that are exactly what our properties need; these include potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, sulfur and, yes, water. The distinction is important; it is the synthetic chemicals and pesticides to avoid while seeking organic and organically-derived solutions. 145 Grassy Plain St. Bethel, CT

This is a worthy goal. However, many times those existing plants were grown with synthetic fertilizers and pesticides (unless we buy actual organic plants) and have been maintained that way as well. Plants basically become dependent on the chemicals. An example of this is when putting sod down on a property that can be hard to maintain. Most sod farms speed up the metabolism of the plant so they can produce more turf to sell to increase their profits. However, when this is done, it makes the turf dependent on pesticides, which can counteract some or all of the adverse effects that occur when a plant is developed in this less-than-natural way. The same applies for most ornamental trees and shrubs that are grown in nurseries. With this in mind, it is necessary to carefully convert the care of the plants from synthetic to organic in order to avoid shock and maintain the health of the plant. Going “cold turkey” from synthetics to organic preparations may cause more harm than good; it is important to wean your plants off the old and introduce them to the new solutions.

“Organic plant care is letting nature take control.” Another common response from those who say organic plant care translates to letting Mother Nature “do her thing”. However, unless we are living in a cabin in the woods, that approach probably will not go over very well with our neighbors. Also, keep in mind that homes with fully mature landscapes tend to be worth much more than those without.

So where does this leave us?

For existing lawn and landscape, we can start to wean our property off synthetic fertilizers and begin reducing the amount of pesticides we use. In a way, it is sending our property to rehab, a gradual process of replacing the synthetics with healthier alternatives. If we can get the rest of our neighbors on board as well, we can create a support group that bolsters healthier plants and landscapes for the whole neighborhood. For new plantings, we can be more mindful of purchasing those which have been grown organically so will be more easily sustained that way as well. Lester Luna is the owner and operator of Darien-based PLS/ Premier Lawn Solutions, an outdoor plant care company. Connect at 203-854-6869, Info@PremierLawnSolutions.com and PremierLawnSolutions.com. See ad, page 3.

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landscapeprofiles Homefront Farmers, LLC 190 Lounsbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-470-3655 Info@HomefrontFarmers.com HomefrontFarmers.com Business summary/ Primary services offered: We help clients grow their own food organically, first by building hand-crafted fenced raised bed gardens and secondly by providing garden maintenance services. What first drew you to this profession? So many people today are interested in growing their own food but lack the knowledge to do so successfully and happily. Our services help them to obtain the joy of gardening as well as the delicious produce. What special certifications or training do you have? I am an organic land care professional (AOLCP), accredited by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of CT (CT NOFA). How is your work different from others in your profession? Homefront Farmers is focused solely on growing organic food, whether that is vegetables, berries, fruit, nuts, honey or maple syrup. What should a client expect from working with you? We provide as much—or as little—help as our clients need. We can do it from seed to harvest or our expert organic gardeners can teach you to do it yourself. What is the most important thing you want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you/your business? We love what we do and want nothing more than to spread the joy we get from growing delicious, organic food to as many people as possible. Homegrown Plant Medicine & Self Care Products Made With Organic, Local Ingredients

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Ecoscapes Rick Bednar 18 Eleanor Rd, Seymour 203-414-4605 RickBednar@gmail.com Business summary/ Primary services offered: Ecoscapes is an ecological landscape company that combines more structural design, such as Japanese-style spirit gardens, with wildlife habitats and native plantings. What first drew you to this profession? As a child, I can vividly remember being intrigued by the natural world. After studying environmental design and landscape architecture at Rutgers University, I knew I wanted to create landscapes that showcased the beauty of nature. How is your work different from that of others in your profession? With over 20 years studying and working in the landscape field, my work has evolved from traditional landscaping. I create beautiful landscapes that require a lot less input and rely on the balance of nature. What should a client expect when working with me? I work on creating lasting relationships with both my clients and properties. How is your practice/work evolving as you head into 2017? With our changing climate and planet, there is a growing need for drought-tolerant plantings and landscapes that add to the health of the environment and species that inhabit it. What is the most important thing you want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about your business? Ecoscapes constructs functional landscapes that bring the human spirit closer to our beautiful, natural planet and creates healthy environments for us, our children and our pets.

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Business summary/ Primary services offered: Kingdom Aquaponics is a producer of concentrated microbe inoculum used to amend soil and return it to an organic, sustainable ecosystem. We offer nonsynthetic lawn and garden nutrients that are derived from aquaponics waste, compost and worm castings.

Business summary/ Primary services offered: We are an outdoor plant care company built on the philosophy of giving our customers nothing less than the highest quality of products and services. Our motto is integrity and enduring quality. We offer lawn care, and ornamental tree and shrub spray services. We offer tick and mosquito control, deer repellent, and aeration and overseeding. Organic alternatives are available for all of our services.

What first drew you to this profession? As an adult, I became passionate about organic farming and the damage being done to our planet via the use of chemical herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers. The answer became clear to me: we need to save our soil. What special certifications or training do you have? Our R&D team set up a small-scale aquaculture system at the Rodale Institute and worked with world-renowned soil biologist Dr. Elaine Ingham and other leaders in aquaponics, controlled environmental agriculture, biological application and organic fertilizer supply to develop our products. How is your work different from others in your profession? Kingdom Aquaponics is first to market with organic solutions that include living protozoa and humus-extracted humic and fluvic acid. We know of no other commercially available products containing this essential biologic compound. What should a client expect from working with you? Our understanding of the complete ecology of soil components, structure and biology—from fauna to flora—provides us with the proven ability to rebuild ecosystems and transform “dirt” to nutrient-rich soil. And the soil requires less water and upkeep as time goes on. What is the most important thing you want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you/your business? Our planet is being depleted of natural resources, in large part due to the use of synthetics. Kingdom Aquaponics’ solutions help gardeners rebuild the soil’s biologic ecosystem, providing a sustainable environment for growth of strong plants that can protect themselves against predators. We will gladly evaluate your soil at no charge, and make recommendations based on its bio-health.

What first drew you to this profession? At PLS/Premier Lawn Solutions, we enjoy making your lawn and landscape investment healthy and beautiful, while at the same time safe and comfortable to enjoy. That’s why we work in the outdoor plant care management industry. What special certifications or training do you have? We are licensed and certified with the Department of Environmental Protection, and have over 30 years of experience in the outdoor plant health care industry. How is your work different from others in your profession? Our company sets the standard for the outdoor plant care industry in Fairfield County because we provide the highest quality products and service at an affordable price. We are also the only company that will coordinate all of our services with your landscaper and watering system companies to ensure maximum results for your property. What should a client expect from working with you? Our clients should expect that we will do everything and anything to make their properties healthy and beautiful; we will always communicate back to them within 24 hours should they need to discuss any aspect of the services we are providing for them. What is the most important thing you want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you/your business? We want you to know that our primary goal is to provide 100 percent organic solutions for your property. We are willing to convert your current synthetic/pesticide services to 100 percent organic over time without jeopardizing the health or integrity of your property.

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April 2017

Overcoming Lyme Disease Naturally by Darin Ingels

n regions across the United States, it no longer feels safe to work in the garden or walk in the woods. Many of these once benign outdoor places now host disease-ridden deer ticks, which are the main carriers of Lyme disease (LD), one of the fastest growing infectious diseases here and in Europe. For people who work and play outdoors, ticks have become our biggest enemy. Unfortunately, many people who have been bitten by a LD-carrying tick have no clue they have ever been exposed. It is actually unusual for someone to know they have contracted Lyme disease early and get treatment right away. Due to tremendous confusion about the nature of this illness, the majority of cases go unreported. Hundreds of thousands of people have the typical symptoms without even knowing that they have LD—until long after it has spread throughout their bodies. Many more seek out medical help for chronic cases of LD only to find that medicine has little to offer. Often they

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

are misdiagnosed or improperly treated. In many cases, their concerns are even dismissed. The illness can strike anyone, and has even afflicted people in the public eye, including Avril Lavigne, Ali Hilfiger, Richard Gere and George Bush. That is why, if we value our health and spend time outdoors, we must familiarize ourselves with—and protect ourselves from—LD. With or without a visible bite, it’s urgent that people learn to identify LD’s characteristic symptoms so that they can begin treatment as soon as possible—and before the disease progresses. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 300,000 cases of LD are reported in the United States every year with many more remaining undiagnosed. Instant action is a necessity, because if left untreated, acute LD can morph into chronic LD. An acute case consists of symptoms that develop within days or weeks of a tick bite and may be more easily treated at the outset. A chronic case occurs when LD makes its way deep into our system and keeps recurring, possibly with periods of remission. However, both are misunderstood. Customary approaches to LD often miss the mark. Conventional doctors view LD as an infection to stamp out with antibiotics, but, unless antibiotics are administered within 72 hours of a deer tick bite, they have a poor track record. Up to 20 percent of short-term antibiotic treatments for LD fail. There is a lack of recognition that LD triggers an autoimmune reaction in the body. What happens is that even if we’ve eradicated the infection, we are still left with a dysfunctional immune system continuing to cause symptoms. Once LD progresses to the chronic stage, many conventional doctors administer heavy long-term doses of antibiotics. Yet these undermine our immune system. This mode of treatment may cause symptoms to abate, misleading people into thinking they are cured when they are not. Later, when they least expect it, the elusive or dormant LD spirochetes can all too easily reactivate themselves, producing a sudden relapse. By then, the immune system may be too weakened to fight off the next round of belligerent LD. Long-term antibi-

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otics can actually suppress the immune system so that we are unable to defend ourselves against this persistent bug. Although this one bug is one we really want to try to kill as quickly as possible, using antibiotics simultaneously harms our immune system, which is our best resource for defeating LD permanently.

Symptoms of Acute and Chronic Lyme Signs and symptoms of early acute LD, which can occur three to 30 days after a tick bite, include fever; chills; pounding, throbbing headaches; persistent, noticeable fatigue; numbness and tingling; muscle and joint aches; swollen lymph nodes; and Erythema migrans (EM) rash or the “bull’s eye rash”. According to the CDC, the EM rash occurs in approximately 70 to 80 percent of infected persons; it begins at the site of a tick bite and expands, reaching up to 12 inches or more across. Rarely itchy or painful, this rash sometimes clears as it enlarges, resulting in a target or “bull’s-eye.” However, other Lyme experts suggest that the EM rash occurs in less than 40 percent of people with LD; the lack of a rash does not eliminate the possibility of having LD.

Late-Stage, Chronic Lyme If not treated early—or correctly—LD may become late-stage or chronic. Here, too, there is no definitive profile. Typically, patients with chronic LD report on average three of the symptoms listed below.

Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Lyme Disease • Severe headaches • Neck stiffness • Persistent fatigue and exhaustion • Additional “bull’s eye” rashes or other skin rashes around the body • Arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling, especially in the knees and other large joints • Facial or Bell’s palsy, including loss of muscle tone, or drooping on one or both sides of the face • Intermittent pain in tendons, muscles, joints and bones • “Wandering” pains from location to location • Irregular heartbeat (Lyme carditis) or

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April 2017

heart palpitations • Dizziness or shortness of breath • Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord • Nerve pain • Shooting pains, numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the hands or feet • Problems with short-term memory

Diagnostic Confusion LD can imitate, contribute to and often worsen many other serious illnesses. But because of inadequate medical understanding of both LD and these other conditions, the LD is often missed. And while treating LD may support recovery from these other conditions, the overlapping symptoms may lead to confusing LD with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and ALS. To make matters worse, there is no good test for LD that can sort out the variety of symptoms and misdiagnoses to determine a definitive diagnosis. Current diagnostics miss up to 60 percent of true cases of LD. In fact, some physicians regard the current tests for LD as completely worthless as some of the antibodies it tests for are not LD-specific while some of the antibodies it does not test for are. LD researchers Drs. Raphael Stricker and Lorraine Johnson have referred to currently available tests for the Lyme spirochete as no more effective at making a determination than tossing a coin. To find out if someone has been exposed to LD, it is advisable to work with a LD-literate doctor; that person must know how to properly evaluate symptoms and uses labs that specialize in LD testing. LD is actually diagnosed based on

symptoms and not by a lab test alone. The lab test may help confirm exposure, but there is currently no test available that proves we have an active case. It is the combination of symptoms and tests that help us figure out if we have LD or another co-infection. The good news is we don’t have to suffer and take months of antibiotics to get well. Our bodies have an amazing healing capacity; we just have to give it the right tools to do what nature intended. Think about LD as a complex medical illness that is the sum of multiple factors that undermine the immune system; to feel better, we need to address each of these factors that are the obstacles to cure.

Optimizing Immune System Function Getting the immune system in better shape starts with a healthy diet and improving gut function. The gut accounts for 80 percent of immune function; if it doesn’t work well, then neither does the immune system. While there are many diets claiming to help various ailments, following an alkaline diet tends to give people with LD the best results. This means eating foods that help make our cells more alkaline. It has nothing to do with the acidity or alkalinity of the food itself, but rather what the food does to the body once eaten. For example, lemons are very acidic, but promote alkalinity in the body. So starting the day with a glass of lemon water is a great way to help move the body into a more alkaline state. Gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, reflux or heartburn can be signs of an unhealthy gut. Working with a nutritionally oriented doctor can help heal the gut. Making changes to diet will help, but other herbs, nutrients and homeopathic

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remedies can help stop leaky gut and improve its function. When LD is active, herbs can help control the load of microbe in the body. We don’t know for sure if we ever completely get rid of the LD bacteria, but we can certainly reduce the number of bugs that are causing symptoms. Although there are numerous herbal protocols, Dr. Zhang or a modified version of Dr. Cowden’s protocol seems to work the best for most people. The herbs help eradicate LD, while supporting the immune system and improving circulation to help bring nutrients and oxygen to the areas of the body that need it most. Managing good lifestyle habits is important for getting well. Making sure to get enough quality sleep is essential for healing. It is also important to get as much exercise as can be tolerated because movement also helps with circulation. Gentle walking, yoga, tai chi or qigong are great forms of easy, slow movements that most people with LD can do on a regular basis without being wiped out. Lowering the body’s burden of chemicals, mold and other environmental factors can help. Use only non-toxic products in the home and on the body. Stop using toxic chemicals, herbicides and pesticides. Have the home checked for mold if there was ever water damage, or a leaky roof or basement. Mold toxicity looks and feels just like LD, so make sure the home environment is clean. Sublingual immunotherapy and low dose immunotherapy have been effective at modulating the immune system and helping control allergies and autoimmune reactions. LD can be challenging to overcome but it can be conquered. Finding a LDliterate doctor who can help support you in your process is important. Making some of these changes can be difficult, but the results will make it all worth it. Darin Ingels, ND, is a naturopathic physician in Connecticut and California with a focus on Lyme disease, autism and chronic immune dysfunction. He is board certified in integrated pediatrics. Also a published author, Ingels is currently writing a new book about a comprehensive natural approach to treating Lyme disease. Connect at IngelsFamilyHealth.com.

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April 2017

Lyme Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Tips by Shawn M. Carney

yme disease (LD) is both prevalent and controversial. Physicians have become polarized into opposing viewpoints and many patients are left in the middle, unsure which way to proceed. Let’s put this into perspective.

Prevalence In 2013, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) stated that the number of Lyme disease cases reported—around 30,000—is dramatically less than the number of cases diagnosed, which is actually around 300,000. The new estimate suggests that the total number of people diagnosed with LD is roughly 10

times higher than the yearly reported number. This supports studies from the 1990s indicating that the true number of cases is between three- and 12-fold higher than the number of reported cases. Why is this happening? Entomologists have discovered several reasons why transmission of LD is so high. The bacteria that cause LD are transmitted to people by ticks and the ticks go through three different life stages. The second, or juvenile, stage is responsible for most infections to people and they are much smaller than the adult ticks. Difficulty in spotting them makes timely removal less likely; they then have more time to spread the infections they picked up from feeding on rodents or other small animals. As deer populations have gone up, so have the spread of black-legged deer ticks, hence spreading LD. Mild winters have also been allowing ticks and rodents to persist and expand their range as well as become active in “the dead of winter”, when historically no tick bites would ever occur.

Identifying Lyme Disease We understand why the increase LD is happening; however, that does not mean all clinicians agree on how to recognize the problem. Different clinicians operate by different sets of guidelines, which recommend following different ways of testing for suspected cases of LD. The CDC still suggests a two-step screening method to diagnose cases, using first an ELISA test. After a positive ELISA, a Western-blot test is ordered. Most primary care physicians follow these recommendations. However, multiple studies, including one by John Hopkins University in 2005, have confirmed poor sensitivity of the ELISA. Furthermore, even when local laboratories do run a Western-blot, they only use one strain of the LD for their test. Other laboratories, such as IGeneX, use multiple strains of LD (both B31 and 297 strains); they can therefore increase the yield of positive findings since they are using a more sensitive type of Western-blot test. Added to these testing difficulties are the presences of co-infections—which are non-LD bacteria, viruses or proto-

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zoans—that can be introduced into a person’s body by the same tick bite. Coinfections include Anaplasma, Ehrlicia, multiple species of Babesia, multiple species of Bartonella, Q fever, Brucella, Francisella and others. A few of these organisms have penetrated the broader awareness of many primary care physicians; however, often times they are not even tested for. For instance, patients for whom testing identifies four different organisms could be all new infections after a recent tick bite. These are not all necessarily treated the same way and much of what is called “Lyme disease” is actually a conglomerate of different hostile microbes inadequately diagnosed and wreaking havoc in the immune system. Some clinicians use the acronym “MSIDS” alongside LD, standing for multiple systemic infectious disease syndrome. There is also that diagnostic “bull’seye rash” to consider. LD has long been associated with the presence of a circular rash appearing close to the site of bite. If it appears on the patient, it is considered diagnostic; however, multiple studies have shown it is only present in a fraction of cases. It helps confirm a diagnosis if it is there, but the absence of such a rash in no way should orient a physician to thinking that LD is unlikely.

Treating Lyme Disease Treatment for a newer infection may be quite different than treatment for an older one. A recently acquired infection should always be addressed with antibiotics because the success rate for rapid antibiotic treatment is very high, though some clinicians prescribe courses that are needlessly short and may increase the risk of inadequate resolution. Herbal and nutrient protocols should also be considered to complement the antibiotic therapy, by either using antimicrobials to assist in pathogen elimination or supporting the body’s ability to tolerate the prescribed medication. Individual care and consideration should be given to each person’s case and all cases should be under the supervision of a physician. Long-standing or chronic infections may take considerably longer to treat, regardless of what therapies are used. Naturopathic physicians are particularly well suited to help treat LD and

MSIDS as many medical doctors are still only adhering to the CDC recommendations and Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) guidelines. Naturopathic physicians are licensed in the State of Connecticut, go to institutions accredited by the United States Department of Education, order laboratory testing, generally spend more time with patients than conventional medical doctors, and can be in-network with insurance companies. They attempt to restore balance and proper function using the least invasive means possible. This often includes use of the body’s constituents, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids or neurotransmitters. Naturopathic physicians are educated in the use of botanical medicines, which are often more easily tolerated than pharmaceutically manufactured prescriptions. However, it is naïve to think that just because something is “natural”, it is therefore safe. Artemisinin, an extract from the botanical Wormwood, has a long history of being used as an anti-malarial and can be helpful in LD. It is generally not well absorbed into cells, and specific forms of it have been derived to increase intracellular penetration; however, in 2008, it was identified as a cause of liver toxicity. Hence the importance of consulting with a physician who specializes in the use of such things. Not all effective botanical medicines have that magnitude of impact on

the body. A University of New Haven study published in the Townsend Letter in 2010 showed that the botanicals Cat’s Claw and Otoba parvifolia even provided microscopic images of the herbs eradicating LD; these are generally considered safe in healthy adults.

‘Tis Always the Season Unfortunately, the perpetual string of mild winters has tick bites occurring increasingly throughout the year and with greater frequency each part of the year. To help prevent bites, try landscaping in a way that minimizes risk of exposure. Visit CT.gov/caes/lib/caes/documents/ publications/bulletins/b1010.pdf for a free copy of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station’s Tick Management Handbook. If a bite occurs or LD is suspected, consider reaching out to Lyme Connection at LymeConnection.org for more information or the next steps. Shawn M. Carney, ND, is a naturopathic physician and owner of Northeast Natural Medicine, LLC, located in Newtown and Woodbury. He has trained with several physicians from the International Lyme and Associated Disease Society (ILADS) and specializes in LD, MSIDS, diabetes, ADHD, anxiety, depression, digestive disorders and more. Connect at 800-723-2962 and NortheastNatMed.com. See ad, page 14.

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April 2017

Eye on Lyme Disease

Visual Symptoms and Effects Often Overlooked by Randy Schulman

yme disease is a very prevalent health concern across the United States and particularly in our neck of the woods. Without prompt treatment, the Lyme spirochetes spread throughout the body through the bloodstream, affecting the joints, heart, brain and eyes. Individuals may experience a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, joint pain, muscle pain, back and neck stiffness, facial paralysis, blurred or double vision, and ringing in the ears. Other symptoms can include chest pains, palpitations, tremors, chronic fatigue, numbness, dizziness, burning sensations, mood swings, irritability, sleep disturbances, mental instability, panic attacks, speech difficulties, disorientation, confusion and memory loss. There are some challenges to the LD diagnosis. Even when LD is suspected, blood tests are inaccurate and miss specific markers for the disease. In addition, LD often comes with co-infections that make diagnosis and treatment trickier. Understanding that LD and its co-infections can have effects throughout the body can make a key difference in getting the right answers to move forward with treatment. Seemingly

unrelated symptoms can be pieced together to come up with a better understanding of what is happening in the body. For example, certain vision conditions accompany LD and co-infections. People are becoming much more aware of vision involvement and its effects. Vision concerns can be as mild as light sensitivity to the serious Bell’s palsy. This palsy, a common nerve-related problem, is a drooping of the muscles on one side of the face; it leaves the person with the inability to blink or close their eye, drying the cornea and endangering sight. Being aware of the diverse symptoms that accompany LD and its co-infections, including the visual conditions, can help to connect the dots on this disease and get the appropriate treatment needed. Typical treatment is a course of antibiotics. Naturopathic and integrative practitioners recognize that LD and its co-infections must be viewed as part of a larger picture and addressed at the immune-function level. Supporting the immune system and the body’s natural way of fighting infection is an important part of the treatment process as well as addressing the subsequent effects throughout the body. The vision concerns can be addressed and alleviated concurrent to the overall health of the body.

The most common vision symptoms include: • light sensitivity that requires sunglasses on a cloudy day and prevents night driving; • flashes, floaters and phantom images with dots, lines or streaks that range in color and are seen out of the corner of the eye; • cloudy or “foggy” vision where objects go in and out of focus; • faulty depth perception resulting in poor judgment of space and a feeling of instability; • double vision where there is a “ghosting” of another image or a print becomes double; and • reading confusion consisting of difficulty focusing on words, words jumping, and an inability to recall what has been read. Eye involvement seems to be related to the stage of the disease. In the early stages, many people develop conjunctivitis or pink eye. The eyes are red, uncomfortable and discharge pus. Typically contagious, in this LD-related form, the pink eye is not and usually resolves on its own. Keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea, is also seen in early stages of LD and can cause pain in the eye, light sensitivity, tearing and blurred vision. The eye may appear opacified, or covered with a white haze. Prednisone, a steroid, may be given as eye drops, or by mouth for up to six months.

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Later stages result in more serious inflammation of the eye including uveitis (inflammation of the uvea), pars planitis (inflammation of the midsection of the eye) and optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve). Symptoms of eye inflammation include significant photophobia or light sensitivity, flashes and floaters, or lights and spots seen in front of the eyes. More concerning inflammatory symptoms are a loss of color vision and/or vision loss as seen in retinal vasculitis (an inflammation of the blood vessels of the retina) or papillitis (inflammation of the optic nerve). The main treatment used for uveitis is steroid eye drops, which reduce inflammation. Treatment can take several months as steroids need to be slowly reduced or a rebound effect will occur. Drops that dilate the pupil may also be used to keep the iris from sticking to the lens, which can happen if the iris becomes scarred and can cause permanent vision loss. Steroids are typically given both intravenously and as eye drops and/or intraocular injections to treat the more serious retinal vasculitis and optic nerve neuritis. In addition to specific, more allopathic methods of treatment for such conditions as keratitis and uveitis, there are natural methods for supporting the health of the eyes and combating some of the more frustrating symptoms of blurred vision, double vision and light sensitivity. Syntonic light therapy, nutritional support and lenses and/or prisms can help treat and alleviate vision symptoms associated with LD. Consulting with an optometrist or ophthalmologist is important if any concerning visual symptoms are occurring. More information about doctors who are able to treat the visual conditions accompanying LD with minimal medication can be found at COVD.org, OEPF.org and CollegeofSyntonicOptometry.org. Randy Schulman, MS, OD, FCOVD, specializes in behavioral optometry and vision therapy, pediatrics, learning disabilities, and preventative and integrative vision care for all ages. EyeCare Associates has locations in Trumbull, Southport and Norwalk. Connect at CTEyeCareAssociates.com. See ad, page 33.

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April 2017

It IS Too in Your Head

Cognitive and Psychiatric Impact of Tick-borne Disease by Roseann Capanna-Hodge

yme and tick-borne disease are complex diseases that produce physical, cognitive and psychiatric symptoms. One person may experience severe joint pain while another may have brain fog and anxiety; yet they both have a tick-borne illness. These symptoms can occur acutely or they can wax and wane in a more long-term, chronic manner. Symptoms can appear immediately after a tick bite, or sometimes weeks, months or years later, which make diagnosis and treatment even more complex. This also causes uncertainty for those questioning whether or not they have the disease. This waxing and waning of symptoms is confus-

ing, making one wonder if the tick bite or Lyme disease one had months ago could be related to current symptoms. Educating ourselves about Lyme and tick-borne disease—as well as finding a Lyme disease specialist—is critical for proper treatment. It is also important to understand that there are two stages to the disease: early- and latedisseminated Lyme disease. The former occurs within days to weeks after the tick bite. Treatment at this stage helps to prevent later problems. If not caught early, the infection may spread to other parts of the body, affecting the central nervous system (brain), the peripheral nervous system (nerves), the cardiovascular system, the liver, the eyes, and the muscles and joints. During late-disseminated Lyme disease, inflammation most commonly affects the joints and nervous system; symptoms occur weeks, months or even years after a tick bite. This stage can also set in as little as two weeks after a bite. In some individuals, these symptoms may be the first symptoms of the disease, so they aren’t able to connect current depression or anxiety with a tick bite they had months or years before. Moreover, if we had issues like depression, anxiety or learning difficulties before Lyme disease, we may not make the connection to Lyme disease when these issues worsen. One pediatric patient with a long history of learning issues was identified as having Lyme disease after a dramatic cognitive decline on IQ testing, as well as a decline in learning and behavior. He had been seen by a long list of physicians and psychologists over a two-year period without ever being treated properly, before we were able to clearly see on a QEEG brain map what was happening, and refer him to a Lyme disease physician for proper treatment. Sadly, this child had a clear-cut case of Lyme disease, which was identified and treated with antibiotics, but for only two weeks. When his symptoms immediately returned after the two-week period, his physician chose not to treat him further. Patients think, “Well, this doctor is a trained physician, so I have to trust them.” The patient’s mother objected to the physician’s

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lack of further treatment and sought help from other professionals, including a neurologist, but the patient was never tested or treated for Lyme disease again. This is an all too familiar story that leads to a case of Late-Disseminated Lyme, and more importantly, a lot of suffering and heartache. Neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms can emerge either early or late in the disseminated phase of infection. In untreated Lyme disease, the encephalopathy can be moderate to severe, and can wreak havoc on an individual’s life. Unfortunately, the average person sees five to seven doctors before they are correctly diagnosed. A common scenario is that an individual is certain they have Lyme disease and go to their physician, only to be told they don’t have it or don’t meet the clinical criteria. Unless we take control of our own medical care or see a Lyme disease specialist, we may find ourselves thinking we just have a psychiatric issue without a medical source. Individuals often go down this road only to find that they don’t get much relief this way either.

begins to exhibit life-changing symptoms such as OCD, severe restrictive eating, anxiety, tics, personality changes, decline in math and handwriting abilities, sensitivities to sensory input, and more (check PANDAsNetwork.org for more information). These behaviors and psychiatric issues can come on with such intensity that they are often completely debilitating. Since the body is physiologically designed to deal with stress first and healing second; practicing daily relaxation techniques needs to be part of our healing regimen. A variety of brain-based techniques—such as neurofeedback, biofeedback, advanced bio-regulation therapy, meditation, hypnosis and EFT/tapping—can help the central nervous system to calm down, which then promotes self-healing. Prevention is key. Even if Lyme disease is already present, other tick-borne illnesses may come from another tick bite. Be sure to follow the BLAST protocol (LymeConnection. org). Diet, exercise and stress reduction are essential for healing Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.

Common Cognitive Symptoms of Lyme

To learn more about Lyme disease, go to LymeConnection.org, ILADS.org or Columbia-Lyme.org.

The following symptoms are common cognitive issues: • Short-term memory loss • Difficulty with working memory and executive functioning tasks • Difficulty sequencing information, verbal fluency difficulties (such as name or word retrieval) • Slow processing (listening, oral and with written word), • “Brain fog” • Sustained attention Common neuropsychiatric problems include irritability, emotional dysregulation, sudden rage/anger, nightmares, impulse control, conduct problems/oppositional behaviors, easy tearfulness, and anxiety or panic attacks. Depression, withdrawn behaviors, confusion, mania, OCD, paranoia and auditory/visual hallucinations are other issues. In addition, sleep disturbances, sensory hyperarousal (typically auditory, visual and touch) and social skills deficits are problems. Other common problems include chronic fatigue, headaches, nausea, fibromyalgia, Bell’s palsy, nerve pain, arthritis symptoms, joint pain, multiple sclerosis symptoms, seizures and stomach problems. Frequent urination, constipation, vestibular dysfunction, unusual infections, low nutrient levels in the blood, and autism diagnosis or symptoms are issues as well. Look for a change in behavior or cognitive, social or physical functioning—especially after a known case of Lyme disease or a tick bite. It is important to recognize that Lyme and tick-borne disease can create new symptoms or exacerbate what was already there.

PANS/PANDAS

Because so many children and adults experience intense and acute psychiatric symptoms, we would be remiss if we didn’t discuss PANS, or pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome. This is when an infectious trigger (such as Lyme or tick-borne disease), environmental factors or other possible triggers create a misdirected immune response, resulting in inflammation in a child’s brain. In turn, the child quickly

Roseann Capanna-Hodge, EdD, LPC, BCN, LLC, is a Ridgefield and Newtown-based educational psychologist and a board-certified neurofeedback practitioner with a focus on tick-borne disease and PANS/PANDAS. She is a mother of two boys, one of whom has chronic Lyme disease and PANS. Connect at 203-438-4848, Info@DrRRoseann.com and DrRRoseann.com.com. See ad, page 10.

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April 2017

Chronic Lyme? Another Bug?

An Integrated Approach May Improve Treatment Effect by Andrea Candee

n many cases of chronic Lyme disease, medical researchers cannot understand why symptoms persist when intensive testing fails to reveal signs of the bacteria associated with the condition. In a New York Times article, a number of researchers reportedly account for these symptoms by assuming that Lyme disease has led to autoimmune dysfunction without considering that the tick may have passed more than just bacteria into its human host. Understanding tick behavior leads us to understand it’s more likely that the Lyme spirochete brought more than Lyme. A common scenario is for a tick to travel around, feeding upon a dog, picking up a strain of parvo virus; feeding upon a mouse, picking up a strain of hanta virus; feeding upon a deer, picking up the spirochete; and then finally feeding upon the human and passing a spirochete with some hitchhiking viruses. It is also possible for the tick to pass neuroviruses picked up from other wildlife and pass them into the central nervous system of the human host. Doctors acknowledge that Bartonella bacteria, also known as cat scratch fever, can sometimes be found piggybacking the spirochete. If the tick can pick up bacteria from a cat, it is also likely it would be able to take in viruses from dogs and mice. If Lyme disease is not responding well to antibiotics alone or developed into a case of suffering with chronic Lyme disease—in spite of long-term antibiotic therapy—it may be time to consult with a health practitioner familiar with the viruses known to attach themselves to the ticks that transfer this disease. It is also advisable to take steps to strengthen the immune system so it can fend off the intruders.

Increasing Good Bacteria

Friendly bacteria and yeast micro-organisms live harmoniously in the intestinal tract. The antibiotic does not differentiate

•

Immune Support

Echinacea is a popular, non-toxic herb easily found in health food stores. It helps to support an immune system that can become depleted by antibiotics. Although it is available in tea and capsule form, the liquid alcohol extract of echinacea is the most potent and effective form of the herb, safe for adults and children alike; the exception is for those with autoimmune disease. One teaspoon, diluted in a little water or juice, taken three times a day, can accompany the antibiotic therapy; check for dosing children. To further strengthen the immune system, continue echinacea for a few weeks after the antibiotic is finished. Cycling it for 10 days on and four days off will keep the body from becoming resistant to its benefits and give an additional immune-stimulating boost each time we go back on it. People often feel weakened coming off an extended therapy of antibiotics. Supporting the body’s immune system will help us to feel stronger when the therapy is finished.

Reduce Sugar Intake

Bacteria and viruses feed on sugar so it is best to reduce sugar intake. Desserts should be limited to lowsugar fruits like berries. Many fresh and dried fruits, and fruit juice—like banana, raisins and apple juice—

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between beneficial and harmful bacteria and, in its quest to go after the “bad guys”, may deplete the “good guys”. When the level of good bacteria is depleted, yeast, regularly kept in check by the “good guys”, has an opportunity to grow out of control. Yeast overgrowth can cause a variety of symptoms, including bloating, gas, itching, sugar cravings, brain fog, mouth sores, headaches, weight gain, mood swings, depression and extreme fatigue. Acidophilus and other probiotic, active bacterial cultures in yogurt (plain yogurt without added sugar, as sugar feeds yeast) help to bring balance to the intestinal flora by repopulating the area with good bacteria. Probiotics are available in capsules, liquid and tablet forms. They are best taken three times a day, one hour before or after the dose of antibiotic. Continue taking them three times a day for at least three months following the antibiotic therapy. Making the last dose of the day right before bedtime helps the good bacteria have a chance to grow unimpeded overnight.

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have a high sugar content. This would be a good time to eliminate junk foods and eat health-promoting foods like pesticide-free vegetables, antibiotic-free chicken, fish, grains, organic eggs and nuts, so as not to pose any additional challenges to the body. The inflammatory symptoms of Lyme disease would also benefit from an alkaline diet.

Prevent Tick Bites

A safe, natural way to prevent tick bites is with oil of eucalyptus. The strong but pleasant smell seems to effectively repel ticks. In a spray bottle, add 16 ounces of water to 1 ounce of eucalyptus oil. Spray on skin before an outdoor activity, such as gardening. The bottled mixture remains potent for many months. For longer protection, such as a hike in the woods, mix 10 drops of eucalyptus into a ½ ounce of almond oil and apply to skin and clothing. A larger amount can be pre-mixed for a camping trip or for sending off with a child to summer camp. Protecting dogs and cats from ticks also protects us. Some people never touch a blade of grass, yet get Lyme disease and wonder why. A pet may be transporting the ticks into the house. Dip a thin rope into the eucalyptus oil and wrap in a bandana. Tie the bandana around a pet’s neck, refreshing the rope twice a week. It’s best not to tie the eucalyptus rope directly onto the pet’s skin as it may irritate. The spray bottle of eucalyptus and water may also be used to spray the pet’s coat before an outdoor romp in the grass or in the woods. Choosing the pleasures of country life over city life means we must learn to cohabitate with nature harmoniously. The fewer chemicals we use internally and externally will mean safer groundwater and air, healthier bodies, and a reverence for life around us. Andrea Candee, MH, MSC, a master herbalist who also specializes in chronic Lyme disease, has a consultation practice based in South Salem, NY. She is the author of Gentle Healing for Baby and Child and lectures for The New York Botanical Garden, corporate workplace wellness programs and more. Connect at AndreaCandee.com.

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April 2017

Nutritional Support for Lyme Disease

practitionerprofile Ingels Family Health Darin Ingels, ND, BCIP Mark Sanders, ND Nina Manipon, ND Jill C. Kenney, ND Cindy Wechsler, APRN 22 Fairfield Pl, Fairfield 203-254-9957 Info@DarinIngelsND.com

• Cellular silver fights infections. • Glutathione, an important antioxidant, protects, heals and rejuvenates cells everywhere. • N-acetyl L-cysteine (NAC) is an essential antioxidant that supports lens and optic nerve health. • Amino acids, such as acetyl Lcarnitine, L-glutamine and alpha lipoic acid, are powerful antioxidants further supporting cellular health. • Zinc lowers inflammatory reactions. • Lemon balm kills cofactors, reducing the strain on the immune system. • Peppermint helps normalize enzyme activity and absorb toxins. • Turmeric reduces inflammation and relieves pain. • Devil’s claw supports joint health, reduces pain and supports digestive functioning. • Mugwort (wormwood) supports nervous system health. • Chamomile helps heal tissue and calm muscle spasms. • Cat’s claw has antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. • Astragalus supports immune system health with antibacterial and antiinflammatory properties. • Olive leaf supports the immune system and helps the body cope with stress. • Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng) supports the body’s ability to respond to stress as well as helping adrenal functioning. • Lomatium root flushes toxins out of the body. Source: Randy Schulman, MS, OD, FCOVD, of EyeCare Associates. 42

Practice/Business summary: Ingels Family Health is an integrative health center with four naturopathic doctors (NDs) and an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), each with their own areas of expertise. Areas of Specialty: We specialize in Lyme disease, ADD/ADHD, PANDAS/PANS, autism spectrum disorders, thyroid disorders and immune function disorders, including allergies, asthma, autoimmune and other inflammatory conditions. We also offer well and acute pediatric visits, sports physicals, lactation consultations, nutrition and weight-loss counseling, management of constipation, eczema, fatigue, women’s health and vaccine counseling. What drew you to this profession? Our passion is to help patients heal using natural therapies and nutrition, along with a strong focus on wellness and prevention. How is your work different from that of others in your profession? Our doctors are well rounded in various natural treatment modalities. Each practitioner brings a unique set of skills to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of restoring and balancing the body to optimize wellness. We offer thorough diagnostic testing and treatment using homeopathy, herbs, pharmaceutical-grade supplements, nutrition, acupuncture, cranial sacral therapy, low dose immunotherapy (LDI) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). What should a client or patient expect from working with you? Our patients (infants to adults) can expect a comprehensive evaluation and an individualized treatment plan for a full range of acute and chronic conditions and ongoing support as we work to restore their health. How is your practice/work evolving as you head into 2017? In 2017, we are offering monthly talks on various topics, including Lyme disease, autism, nutrition, weight loss, specific diseases (cardiovascular, migraines, chronic pain, etc.) and healthy lifestyles. We now offer acupuncture, hydrotherapy, “Rejuvenation Day” specials and soon will be adding healthy cooking classes. We have added practitioners that will compliment IFH and offer their individual expertise. What is the most important thing you want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you/your business? We are a diverse group of practitioners offering a patient-centered approach to your health, working with patients to help you achieve your health goals. Our aim is to provide the least invasive, most effective form of treatment for you and your family.

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special advertising section

Total Life Care Center

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

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

TLC Announces Holistic Happy Hour

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TLC Center in oin Bill Donaldson and celebrating the start of spring at the Hour, held at April TLC Holistic Happy Donaldson’s Westport office. The relaxing after-work event on April 18 from 6-8pm is for friends, fans, clients and colleagues. With complimentary food and drinks, it’s a chance to meet new people, network, stretch your mind and discover new things. Bill Donaldson, a certified money coach and certified financial planner, is the founder of the Westport-based Don Network, LLC. aldson Financial Wellness To register, call 203-856-9566 or email TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. Location: Donaldson Financial Wellness Network, 191 Post Rd West, Westport.

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April 2017

The Heart of the Wild Reveals Our Spiritual Life

Women’s Wellness Plus: Mind-Body-Spirit May’s Natural Awakenings will focus on Fairfield and southern Litchfield counties’ businesses that work with women to embrace their health and wellness needs.

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

203-885-4674 44

Excerpts from “America’s National Parks” from The Hour of Land

by Terry Tempest Williams

t was standing inside I learned early Nothing. I was held in a Timpanogos Cave (a darkness so deep that my on we live by eyes seemed shut even national monument) as an 8-year-old child that marked wild mercy. though they were open. All me. Hiking to the entrance I could hear was the sound of the cave with our church group, we of water dripping and the beating heart were ushered in by a park ranger. Imof the mountain. mediately, the cool air locked inside the I don’t know how long I stood inside mountain enveloped us and we wore Timpanogos Cave before our church it as loose clothing. Immense stalacleader realized I was missing, but it was tites and stalagmites hung down from long enough to have experienced how the ceiling and rose up from the floor, fear moves out of panic toward wonder. declaring themselves teeth. We were Inside the cave, I knew I would be found. inside the gaping mouth of an animal What I didn’t know was what would find and we were careful not to disturb the me—the spirit of Timpanogos. beast, traversing the cave on a narrow To this day, my spiritual life is found constructed walkway above the floor so inside the heart of the wild. I do not fear as not to disturb its fragility. But it was it, I court it. When I am away, I anticipate the Great Heart of Timpanogos Cave my return, needing to touch stone, rock, that captured my attention. water, the trunks of trees, the sway of When everyone else left the chargrasses, the barbs of a feather, the fur left ismatic form, I stayed. I needed more behind by a shedding bison. time to be closer to it, to watch its red Wallace Stegner, a mentor of mine, orange aura pulsating in the cavernous wrote: “If we preserved as parks only space of shadows. I wanted to touch those places that have no economic the heart, run the palms of my hands on possibilities, we would have no parks. its side, believing that if I did, I could And in the decades to come, it will not better understand my own heart, which be only the buffalo and the trumpeter was invisible to me. I was only inches swan that need sanctuaries. Our own away, wondering whether it would be species is going to need them, too. It cold or hot to the touch. It looked like needs them now.” ice, but it registered as fire. Suddenly, I heard the heavy door Excerpts from The Hour of Land: A slam and darkness clamp down. The Personal Topography of America’s group left without me. I was forgotNational Parks by Terry Tempest Williams, ten—alone—locked inside the cave. reprinted with permission. Learn more I waved my hand in front of my face. at CoyoteClan.com/index.html.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

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MAY

inspiration

Mastering Yoga The yoga community in Fairfield County and the Housatonic Valley has never been more vibrant! This section provides connections to studios and teachers in the area, as well as helpful editorial to support your efforts to improve your practice.

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

Ayurveda s Meditation sTeacher Training

New Student Special 30 days Unlimited Practice $59 Guided and Mysore-style classes offered daily. All levels welcome. Join our compassionate community! 49 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgeﬁeld, CT 203-544-8811 www.theyogashalact.com

Kirtan Musicians Return to Bethel

n April 28, musicians Brenda McMorrow and John deKadt return to the intimate setting of YogaSpace in Bethel for an “adventure” into the world of sacred sound. They create a powerful Kirtan experience featuring McMorrow’s voice and folk-inspired guitar with deKadt’s percussion and spoken word. Save $5 on tickets for the Kirtan at YogaSpace-CT.com with the early bird $25 price before April 25. The regular price is $30 after April 26 or at the door. Check out BrendaMcMorrow.com and JohndeKadt.com for the musicians’ latest videos, albums and more. For more information, call 203-730-9642 or visit YogaSpace-CT.com. Location: 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel.

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Dew Yoga Presents Fit to the Floor

ack by popular demand, Viki Boyko returns to Dew Yoga in Stamford on April 8 from 1-3:30pm to lead Fit to the Floor, a playful and curious experience of the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor can be a bit of a ‘Goldilocks’—it wants not too much, not too little and varies from person to person. Take a grand tour of your ‘bits and pieces’ with real world anatomy to apply to everyday life and find the right balance for your exercise regimen. Explore a mix of movement, learning, and an exercise session at the pelvic floor ‘gym and spa’. Greater awareness may reduce or Viki Boyko even banish pelvic pain, pressure, discomfort, low back pain, knee pain, constipation, hemorrhoids, incontinence, early stage prolapse, sexual discomfort and more. The cost is $35/person. Registration is required. Viki Boyko, 500-hour YA, blends her skills as a Core Strength Vinyasa master trainer and Hanna Somatics educator with the Franklin Method (and other modalities). Dew Yoga is a supportive yoga and meditation center with classes and programs designed to serve anyone wanting to explore the body/mind connection.

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For more information, call 203-744-YOGA(9642), email Info@DewYoga.net or visit DewYoga.net. Location: 123 High Ridge Rd 3rd Flr, Stamford. eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2017

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Creating Safe Space for Practice and Healing by Michael Schwarzchild

lthough there is increasing awareness about the benefits of yoga for students who have experienced trauma, it is often difficult to find ongoing classes outside of institutions such as veterans’ facilities. Trauma can be defined in a number of ways. The American Psychological Association defines it as, “an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape or natural disaster. Immediately after the event, shock and denial are typical. Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships and even physical symptoms like headaches

or nausea. While these feelings are normal, some people have difficulty moving on with their lives.” Esther Gidran, of the Sidran Institute, defines trauma as, “extreme stress that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope…It includes responses to powerful one-time incidents like accidents, natural disasters, crimes, surgeries, deaths, and other violent events. It also includes responses to chronic or repetitive experiences.” A modality such as trauma-sensitive yoga is designed to address the unique needs of students who have been traumatized, to provide them with

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the skills that may be necessary for participation in yoga, and to offer them the potential healing from trauma that yoga can provide. Research demonstrates the efficacy of trauma-sensitive yoga as a healing modality. In their “Yoga as an Adjunctive Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder” article, Bessel A.Van der Kolk and her co-authors (Kolk, B. A. et al., The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 2014) demonstrated that 52 percent of the traumatized women in the study who did yoga, and only 21 percent of a talk therapy-only control group, showed a significant reduction in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Over time, those involved with yoga maintained the improvement, while the control group lost the initial gain. Research done by the Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute in Brookline, Massachusetts, has shown that the center’s trauma-sensitive yoga model significantly reduced symptoms of PTSD, as described by David Emerson and Elizabeth Hopper in their 2011 Overcoming Trauma Through Yoga: Reclaiming Your Body book and a “Trauma-Sensitive Yoga: Principles, Practice, and Research” article (Emerson, D., International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 2009). The available research also includes a number of pilot and small studies which, although not reaching statistical significance, trend in the same direction. Further, there is a great deal of anecdotal information available from scientists and yoga teachers that supports the healing potential of yoga modality. In the broadest sense, the yoga helps trauma survivors return their nervous systems from sympathetic dominance—also known as fight, “flight or freeze”—to parasympathetic dominance, or “rest and digest”, when triggered. In sympathetic dominance, there are elevated heart rate, depressed heart rate variability, increased muscle tension, hypervigilance, reduced neocortical function, loss of verbal ability, feelings of fear and anger, increased overall arousal, and reduced ability for social connection. By its nature, yoga promotes normal heart function, muscle relaxation, a normal level of vigilance, clear thinking, normal verbal ability, calm feelings and compassion for others.

Trauma-sensitive yoga enhances parasympathetic nervous system dominance in trauma survivors through a variety of teacher-suggested adjustments to standard yoga practice. The following list of such modifications is by no means exhaustive; it includes the types of changes which can allow these students to participate in and gain the maximum benefit from yoga classes. • Options to keep the eyes open, or to have “soft eyes” and or a drishti (focus point), are offered. • Focus on pranayama is very helpful. However, breathing that is too deep or too fast can bring on a panic response. Students are told that they can always return to normal breathing. • Students are not told to “work at the edge,” which can cause them to ignore the body’s emotional feedback and can increase the denial, shame and disconnection which is frequently characteristic of those with post trauma issues. • Choices are offered for open postures that expose the body as such poses can make trauma survivors feel extremely vulnerable. • Trauma survivors are not always aware of their limits and sometimes feel numb. In such a state, they can push themselves too far and trigger a stress reaction. Teachers will set appropriate limits. • The pace is slow enough to allow for body and emotional feedback to be processed. • Trauma survivors are frequently reminded that they can always back off from any posture at any time, regardless of what the teacher is saying, if they are experiencing negative body or emotional feedback. They are encouraged to do it their own way. • Silence does not always work for trauma survivors, especially when emotional material is surfacing. An easy exchange is allowed within the parameters of general class decorum. • Relaxation poses, such as savasana (relaxation pose) and badda konasana (bound angle pose), can make trauma survivors feel very exposed and vulnerable. Alternatives, such as balasana (child’s pose), supported balasana, and alternative side, head-supported and open-eyed savasanas can be suggested.

• There is no description of how a pose should make students feel. If they don’t feel it, they may instead feel shame, denial and disconnection. • Specific students are not overpraised, since this can also result in feelings of shame, denial and disconnection in trauma survivors. • Teachers are light, engaged, welcoming, approachable, adap table, open to feedback, safe, predictable and consistent. • The space is well-lit with no mirrors, or with mirrors covered. • Warm-up is longer than usual. • Physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual mindfulness are encouraged. • The rhythm of the class is relatively slow. Instructions are repeated frequently and as exactly as possible. • The cool-down phase is at a slow pace. • Language is important. Cues are supportive, permissive and gentle rather than imperative, authoritarian or insistent on precision. Invitations are issued, not commands. • Straps are not used or visible in the studio. • Music is absent or chosen carefully to avoid potential triggers. Michael Schwarzchild, PhD, RYT-200, is a registered yoga teacher and psychologist with 40 years of clinical experience. He will be offering a weekly, trauma-sensitive yoga class at ah Yoga and Wellness Center in New Preston. For more information, visit AhYogaCenter.com.

C O O P E R A T I V E & WELLNESS CENTER

the co-op: gallery, shop, design studio, art openings, 1st fridays in the depot!, performance events, jewelry from nepal, knitting workshop, essential oils, organic skin care, chinese herbal apothecary

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• The protocols for safe practice are reviewed often, and always when there’s a new student. Teachers discuss stopping before pain; allow stopping for water or leaving for the bathroom; and provide protocol for declining touch, saying “no”, opting out of essential oils, creams or sprays; and remind that practice is not competitive.

acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, massage, meditation, organic facials, pilates, chi nei tsang, reflexology, neural reset therapy, medical qi gong, aromatherapy, shamanic healing, biomat, chinese medical massage, sound healing, facial rejuvenation acupuncture, cupping, barre, qi gong, chinese herbal consult

• Teachers never touch students without permission and then describe what’s going to happen.

SPARK YOUR SPIRIT!

• Teachers are available after class for discussion. • Teachers are aware that guided imagery can guide trauma survivors to a place that they don’t want to be.

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860.619.2788 April 2017

INSPIRED

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inspiredtable Farmers Market Coop Open in Ridgefield

idgefielders looking for organic, natural foods and fresh local produce are in luck. Farmers Market Cooperative recently opened its doors at 22 Catoonah Street in Ridgefield, offering residents a farmer-focused, fullservice market. The market is open daily from 8am to 6pm. “We are dedicated to providing wholesome organic and natural foods and fresh local produce, emphasizing products that are farmed locally,” the cooperative wrote on its Facebook page. “We promote healthier life choices in a friendly, servicefocused atmosphere where farmers are a valued and essential part of our success. “Our cooperative will strive to educate our members and patrons about the benefits of organic and whole foods, and of creating a closer connection to food sources. We are committed to strengthening our community through education of all our amazing local farms and what they have to offer by bringing them all under one roof.” Ridgefield’s previous farmers’ market closed in 2016 after three years of offering fresh fruits and vegetables and other items like jams and even meats at the Lounsbury House Community Center on Main Street. For more information about Farmers Market Co-Op, call 203-244-5847, email Manager@FarmersMarket.coop or visit the cooperative’s website at FarmersMarket. coop. For memberships, visit FarmersMarket.coop/pages/memberships.

Growing Organics

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According to data service Mercaris, the U.S. had a record 4.1 million acres of organic farmland in 2016, an 11 percent increase over 2014. As of June 2016, the number of certified organic farms reached 14,979, including 1,000 startups. The top states in organic cropland after California, with 688,000 acres, are Montana, Wisconsin, New York and North Dakota. Montana hosted a 30 percent increase to 417,000 acres in 2016, adding 100,000 acres since 2014 and 50 new organic farms. In assessing the positive trend, Scott Shander, a Mercaris economist, says, “With today’s lower commodity grain prices, farmers are looking to add value and meet consumer demands. The global market is dictating U.S. prices. Demand for organic corn and soybeans is still growing strongly, but production is not growing as fast, so more of the production will be international.” Source: MercarisCompany.com

WEstport

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

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Toxin-Free Farmlands Rise to 4.1 Million Acres

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How to Read an Egg Carton

Eggs-pert Advice How to Buy Good Eggs from Happy Hens by Judith Fertig

anice Cole, the author of Chicken and Egg: A Memoir of Suburban Homesteading with 125 Recipes, knows how delicious a really fresh egg tastes. She keeps three chickens she calls “the girls” in the backyard of her suburban Minneapolis home. “Jasmine, a white Silkie, lays small, beige-colored eggs; Keiko a black and white Ameraucana and Silver Wyandotte cross, green eggs; and Peanut, a brown, feathery

Cochin mix, brown eggs,” relates Cole. Cole has learned a lot about the natural lives of chickens. They need 14 hours of sunlight to produce eggs and lay about one per day. Chickens must be protected from predators, locked up at night in their coop for optimal well-being and let out in the morning to roam. Here are some tips for buying the freshest, most delicious and humanely raised chicken eggs.

Deciphering the language on an egg carton is a first step. Diet affects flavor. “Eggs from pasture-raised chickens allowed to roam—eating grass, worms and bugs in the backyard or a pasture—will look and taste better than eggs from chickens limited to an inside space eating chicken feed,” says Cole. “Pasture-raised eggs will have a fresh herbaceous, or grassy, flavor with an ‘egg-ier’ essence.” “Look for the terms organic, free range or ideally, pastured or pastureraised,” advises Adele Douglass, in Herndon, Virginia, executive director of Humane Farm Animal Care (CertifiedHumane.org). “USDA Organic” is a U.S. Department of Agriculture label confirming that the food the chicken ate was certified organic. “Non-GMO” indicates a diet free of genetically modified ingredients. “Free-range”, another USDA label, means the chicken had continuing access to the outdoors. “Pasture-raised” assures that the chicken roamed outdoors daily, eating what they wanted; the ideal scenario. “Cage-free” is a USDA-regulated designation ensuring that the chickens were allowed to roam freely about within their building to get food and water. “Natural” has no real meaning says Douglass; the term invokes no USDA regulation and nothing about actual farming practices. “Certified Humane” or “Animal Welfare Approved” means

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April 2017

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Eggs to Trust Here’s Humane Farm Animal Care’s Adele Douglass’ short list of sources for well-raised eggs. Kirkland Signature Organic Eggs, at Costco, are Certified Humane. While not pasture-raised, they’re cage-free. Costco has partnered with several small family farms throughout the country, which guarantees peace of mind for Costco and gives these smaller purveyors a steady stream of business. Vital Farms, of Austin, Texas, supplies eggs to stores throughout many of the southern and western states. They specialize in Pasture-Raised and Certified Humane eggs, produced by about 90 family farms. Recently, they pioneered a process to make “culling” (killing non-egg-bearing male chicks) more humane. Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs, headquartered in Monroe, New Hampshire, works with more than 30 family farms in Illinois, Indiana, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Vermont. Their eggs are Organic and Certified Humane, as the chickens live in spacious barns with outdoor access. “Most of the year, they roam outside our barns as they please on organically grown grass amid clover and wildflowers,” says owner Jesse Laflamme. “At the same time, we also have to ensure our hens are safe from predators and communicable diseases from wild birds.”

Bozena Fulawka/Shutterstock.com

that each free-range More than 90 percent dylcholine, another hen has at least two substance in eggs, can square feet of outdoor of eggs sold today come decrease the amount space; it’s the most from giant egg factories. of cholesterol the body desirable designation, absorbs from them. says Douglass. Plus, eggs are ~ Pete and Gerry’s, When farmgreat sources of miAmerica’s first Certified cronutrients and antiers want to raise egg-laying chickens, Humane egg producer oxidants, says Kristin they need to provide Kirkpatrick, a regisphysical conditions similar to those tered and licensed dietitian and wellCole affords, but on a larger and more ness manager for Cleveland Clinic’s efficient scale, usually without the love. Wellness Institute, in Ohio. “I’ve always In regions where 14 hours of daylight been a huge proponent for eggs. As are not a given, farmers use artificial lean sources of protein, they help us lighting. When snow is too deep for the stay full, are easy to prepare and can be birds to venture out and it’s too cold for part of a healthy eating regime because bug life, farmers supply indoor coops they’re packed with free-radical- and and feed. How well and humanely they inflammation-fighting antioxidants.” do this is up to consumers to find out. Kirkpatrick adds, “Eggs also help protect eyes. Their nutrient-rich yolks, like leafy green vegetables, are high in Egg Nutrition lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids that Eating one egg a day, or moderate consumption, will not raise cholesterol levels studies have repeatedly shown help protect against macular degeneration.” in healthy adults, concludes a 2012 Ideally, all chickens would be review in the journal Current Opinion treated like Cole’s “girls.” For now, in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic the best most of us can do is choose Care. While egg yolks contain cholester“Pasture-Raised,” “Organic” and ol, they also possess nutrients that help lower the risk for heart disease, including “Certified Humane”. Getting to know more about the farmers that produce protein, vitamins B12 and D, riboflavin our eggs is even better. and folate, according to the Harvard School of Public Health, in Boston. A Judith Fertig writes food health articles study by Kansas State University reand cookbooks from Overland Park, KS searchers published in the 2001 Journal (JudithFertig.com). of Nutrition also found that phosphati-

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April 2017

The Monthly Naturally Healthy Pet Section Starts Here!

Hiking With Cats

Safely Explore the Outdoors with A Feline Companion by Mary Oquendo

News, articles, resources, events— all dedicated exclusively to happy, naturally healthy living for our furred, feathered and scaled animal companions For information on how you can be a part of a future issue, call

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

ooking for a fun activity to do with your cat? Well, the next time you go hiking, consider taking your cat along. Cats love the outdoors as much as dogs and there’s no reason why dogs should have all the fun traipsing through the woods.

But … Be Safe

Not every cat is a good candidate for hiking. In order to share Mother Nature complete with other wild animals and poisonous plants, your cat must be responsive to your commands. Will your cat come to you when called? If not, then additional training with your cat may be necessary before you venture out onto the trails with them. Your cat should be up to date on their rabies vaccine and protected with flea and tick preventative. In addition, microchip your cat and activate your account with the microchip company.

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Protective Gear

Full body harness. Cats can easily slip out of collars. The harness should be snug, but have some give to it. A recommended harness is Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Lead. Galaxy Jackson recommends the Kitty Bolster Harness, which is a full body vest. Cats may need to be trained with leash walking in your backyard before venturing out on a hike. Cat safe sunscreen. Light colored cats and exposed areas such as ear tips, noses, and bellies may need sun protection. Talk to your veterinarian about cat safe sunscreen. Pet or dog safe does not necessarily mean cat safe. Cat safe paw balm. As your cat may be walking and jumping on rough terrain, keep an eye on the condition of their paw pads. Apply cat safe paw balm only if the pads become dry or cracked.

ID tags with cell number, landline, address, and name. All phone numbers should include area code. Secure ID tag to the harness.

What To Bring

Add the following to a portable pet first aid kit: flashlight, poop bags, and a laminated photo of you with your cat. This photo can act as instant owner identification in the event of separation and another person finds your cat. The following is not cat safe and should be left out of a pet first aid kit: hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and triple antibiotic. In addition, add bottled water and trail ready food for both you and your cat.

Weather

Pay attention to weather reports as the area you are hiking in may become dangerous without warning.

Wildlife

Do you know which animals may pose a risk to your cat? Wildlife varies from region to region, but here in Connecticut, we have bear, coyotes, bobcats, fisher cats, hawks, eagles and poisonous snakes. That is not a complete list, since you might also encounter non cat-friendly dogs on the same trails as your cat. Chipmunks, squirrels, and snakes may also catch the cat’s eye and create a bolt risk. Be prepared. Safe hiking with your cat is a fun way to spend time with them that is healthy and active for both of you. For more information, visit AdventuresCats.com. Mary Oquendo is a Reiki master, advanced crystal master and certified master pet tech pet first aid instructor. She is the owner of Hands and Paws-Reiki for All. She can be reached at HandsandPawsReiki.com. See ad, page 53.

Final Journey,

LLC

( Pet Euthanasia Service )

Kristen Klie, D.V. M. and Associates

( 203 ) 645-5570 www.finaljourneyllc.com

A spacious fully air-conditioned and heated facility outfitted for the safety and comfort of your dog with two fully-supervised outdoor play yards, securely fenced for running, playtime, and socialization with other dogs. OVERNIGHT BOARDING Slumber party style with a staff member present TRAINING CLASSES Puppy Kindergarten, Basic and Advanced Obedience classes LIVE WEBCAMS! Watch your dog from anywhere on your computer, iPad or iPhone.

860-799-7979 90-B Danbury Road, New Milford, CT 06776 info@UnleashedDaycare.com www.UnleashedDaycare.com New Milford area’s only cage-free dog daycare and boarding facility! eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2017

naturalpet

COOL CHOW Icy Treats for Warmer Days by Sandra Murphy

tasty ways. After removing strings, n 2015, manufacturers of commerfill celery logs with plain yogurt and cial dog and cat foods and treats freeze. To serve, cut into one-bite issued 28 recalls, some for multiple pieces appropriate for a dog’s size. products, due to the potential presAnother easy favorite is fillence of listeria or salmonella bacteria, ing an ice cube tray two-thirds full mold, dangerous levels of cumuwith Greek-style or traditional plain latively harmful propylene glycol, yogurt mixed with diced strawberries inadequate thiamine, elevated levels or whole blueberries of vitamin D, off odors Use the freshest and freeze overnight. or labeling problems (Tinyurl.com/ ingredients, organic For cats, omit the fruit and instead add bits PetFoodRecallList). In and non-GMO (no of mercury-free waterresponse, homemade treats have grown in genetic modification) packed tuna or salmon as a special treat. Add popularity to ensure that pets enjoy safe and where possible; tuna fresh or dried catnip to healthy snacks. or salmon in a pouch catch Kitty’s attention. “Once when fixing “Most summer is safer than BPA- dinner, I dropped a fruits work naturally to piece of frozen yellow cool the body,” advises canned fish. squash and the dogs Cathy Alinovi, co-author dove for it,” says writer Livia J. Washof Dinner PAWsible: A Cookbook of burn, in Azle, Texas, of her ChihuaNutritious Homemade Meals for Cats huas. “Nicki waits for things to hit the and Dogs, in Pine Village, Indiana. floor; Nora showed her game face and “Healthful treats, made from the best won the Squash War.” ingredients, are a good way to take a “Obesity is the number one nubreak from summer heat.” tritional disease affecting our pets, so She suggests taking a refreshing summertime activities that avoid overlook at low-calorie fruits and veggies heating are vital for overall health,” says such as stuffed celery used in creative,

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

Veterinarian Jeff Werber, a veterinary medical journalist with a Los Angeles practice. “Proper nutrition is critical— not only to the foods we feed, but to the treats we give.” Twelve years ago, Rick Woodford’s Belgian Malinois/Labrador mix, Jackson, was diagnosed with lymphoma. In order to keep him eating, Woodford shared his own food. Jackson lived an additional four years, in part due to improved nutrition. “Portion control is important,” he says. “What’s right for an 80-pound dog is way too much for a 30-pounder.” Woodford, the author of Feed Your Best Friend Better and Chow, lives near Portland, Oregon. Frosty Paws is a lower lactose version of ice cream for dogs and discriminating cats. Recipes for homemade versions can be found online. The basics are one ripe, mashed banana, 32 ounces of plain or vanilla yogurt and two tablespoons of honey, all mixed in a blender and frozen in small ice cube trays. Variations may substitute goat’s milk yogurt or add a quarter-cup of strawberries, cranberries or blueberries for antioxidants in lieu of the honey. Frozen vegetable broth, primed with added bits of cooked chopped spinach, broccoli, carrots or a small cheese cube, is a hit with dogs. Cats like theirs with tidbits of chicken, turkey or a few shreds of cheese. Using a bone-shaped ice cube tray lets humans know it’s the pet’s treat. “When I was developing frozen treat recipes, my husband came in from the yard one hot afternoon and went straight to the freezer,” says Paris Permenter about John Bigley, co-authors of The Healthy Hound Cookbook, in Cedar Park, Texas, who live with mixed breeds Irie and Tiki. “I watched him eat two helpings of the dog ice cream and then told him what it was. We often share our food with our dogs. It was nice for them to share their goodies with us!” The bottom line for the best summertime treats is to go healthy, be creative, use fresh ingredients, don’t overindulge and stay cool. Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@ mindspring.com.

photo courtesy of The Healthy Hound Cookbook

Frosty Treats for Furry Friends Cooling Recipes Fido’s Frozen Fruit Pupsicles 4 cups water 1 Tbsp blackstrap molasses (optional) 1 cup fresh fruit (no grapes or raisins), chopped Wash and core all fruit. Blueberries and strawberries are popular with most dogs, while others enjoy melons, peaches and apples. Chop fruit into bite-sized pieces. Mix fruit with water and molasses.

Mango Sorbet 2 ripe mangos, peeled Juice of 1 orange Juice of 1 lime ½ cup unsweetened almond milk

Watermelon Slush Low-calorie watermelon is high in potassium and magnesium plus vitamins A and C; filled with fluid, it helps prevent dehydration. Blackstrap molasses has less sugar and more minerals than other sweeteners. 2 cups cubed watermelon, seeds removed ½ cup strawberries 1 Tbsp. blackstrap molasses ½ cup coconut water 1 cup ice Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix.

Add all ingredients to a blender and purée.

Serve in a bowl as a slushie treat or pour into ice cube trays and freeze.

Pour mixture into ice cube trays and freeze overnight.

Or share a slice of fun. Many dogs love plain watermelon slices. Be sure the animal doesn’t eat the seeds or rind.

Freeze the mix in ice cube trays, small tubs or Popsicle molds.

Transfer frozen cubes to a zip-top plastic bag; stores up to 2 months in the freezer.

Source: The Healthy Hound Cookbook, by Paris Permenter and John Bigley

eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2017

petresourceguide ADOPTION/RESCUE ANIMALS IN DISTRESS INC 238 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-762-2006 Animals-In-Distress.com BRIDGEPORT ANIMAL CONTROL 236 Evergreen St, Bridgeport 203-576-7727 BULLY BREED RESCUE PO Box 953, New Canaan BBRCT@yahoo.com • BullyBreedRescueInc.org COMMUNITY CATS PO Box 4380, Stamford CommunityCatsCT@yahoo.com CommunityCatsCT.org

ANIMAL COMMUNICATION/ PET SITTING GWEN GANGI

Fur to Feathers Pet Services Monroe • 203-610-2444 (call or text) FurToFeathersPets@gmail.com FurToFeathers.com Gwen Gangi has been an animal communicator all her life and has been doing consultations for the past 23 years. Practical for any situation, you enter into a 3-way conversation to get and give information needed. Consultations done over the phone or in person, including home visits.Workshops on animal communication available.

DANBURY ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY (DAWS) 147 Grassy Plain St, Bethel 203-744-3297 FRIENDS OF FELINES INC PO Box 8147, Stamford 203-363-0220 Cats@AdoptAPet.org • AdoptAPet.org

HOLISTIC MOBILE GROOMING MARY OQUENDO

203-994-5308 Mary@PawsitivelyPretty.com MaryOquendo.com Pet grooming in a relaxed one-on-one environment in your driveway by a leader in the holistic grooming industry. Mary also offers Reiki and crystal therapy for your beloved pets. See ad, page 53.

LOOKING GLASS ANIMAL RESCUE Ridgefield LGARinc.org On Facebook, Twitter and Instagram NFSAW 223 State Rt 37, New Fairfield 203-746-2925 NFSAW.org

PET NUTRITION

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

PAUL’S CUSTOM PET FOOD LLC

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

Nutrition is your pet’s best friend. We create handmade, personalized pet food and treats with ingredients that are organic, free of GMOs, synthetic chemicals, added growth hormones, unnecessary antibiotics, and preservatives. Food is handmade in small batches. See website for details about ordering or customizing for your pet’s special needs.

RIDGEFIELD OPERATION FOR ANIMAL RESCUE (ROAR) 45 South St, Ridgefield 203-438-0158 ROAR-Ridgefield.org STRAYS AND OTHERS PO Box 473, New Canaan 203-966-6556 StraysAndOthers@hotmail.com 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

PO Box 794, New Milford 603-706-0739 Paul@PaulsCustomPetFood.com PaulsCustomPetFood.com

VETERINARY SERVICES A HAND FOR A PAW

PO Box 389, Bridgeport 203-258-3069 • Info@AHFAP.org AHandForAPaw.org A Hand for a Paw, Inc is a local non-profit dedicated to keeping animals home. Programs include mobile clinics providing pet families with affordable vaccines, micro-chipping and pet food pantry. Visit Animal Artisans at 187 Ferry Blvd, Stratford to support our cause.

NUTMEG SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC 25 Charles St, Stratford 203-690-1550 • NutmegClinic.org

The Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic is a low-cost, high-volume facility for cats and dogs; the first such professional clinic in Fairfield County. The clinic offers other low-cost services during the spay/ neuter appointment. Nutmeg honors state spay/neuter vouchers at face value from adopted shelter pets and qualified low-income families and offers further lowcost incentives to nonprofit rescue groups. Pit bulls and mixes are welcome at an even more reduced rate, and the clinic offers spay/neuter and vaccine discounts for feral cats. See ad, page 55.

PET ASSISTANCE, INC

PO Box 2015, New Preston 860-355-PETS • GetaPet@gmail.com PetAssistanceInc.org Pet Assistance helps keep pets in their homes in times of financial and medical crises, providing emergency veterinary subsidies to pet owners in financial need. We only give grants for pets that have a good prognosis, unless the knowledge we gain from the treatment or surgery may help future animals in need.

UNLEASH YOUR EARNING POTENTIAL Fetch new customers by advertising in Natural Awakenings’ Naturally Healthy Pet monthly section

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

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calendarofevents Magazine calendar events must be received by April 12 (for May 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.

SATURDAY, APRIL 1

SUNDAY, APRIL 2

Reiki 1st Degree Workshop – 9:30am-5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti. Learn Western style from an experienced Reiki master (20 years). Includes latest info. Learn how to use Reiki for self-healing and healing for others. 2 manuals and certificate. $125. Angelic Healing Center for Reiki, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@ snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

Heart Stories: Exploration to Celebration – 2-5pm. With Beth Leas and Vicky Cook. Change the narrative, change your life through integrative movement, reflective writing, meditation and creativity. $45. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. TLCCenter.com.

Spiritual Psychic and Healing Fair – Noon-5pm. Gifted readers and healers available for appointments. 30 minutes or 1 hour. Reiki Healing sessions also available. $45 and up for readings; $30 for healing. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. AlbertsonChurch@ gmail.com. AlbertsonChurch.org. Fool’s Journey through the Tarot – 2-4pm. How do you respond to the unknown? Are you craving newness in your life? Beth Leas will guide you on a journey through the cards of the Major Arcana. Learn to see your own life’s journey reflected in the Fool’s Journey. Beginner’s welcome. $40. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. TLCCenter.com.

markyourcalendar The Liphe Balance Center Presents… Metatron’s Awakening Breath with Gene Ang, PhD April 6 • 6:30-9:30pm • $75

End of Life: The Conversation

April 9 • 4pm A mother and daughter discuss life and death.

Patricia Shelton • Dying Into The Moment

Author, Teacher, founder Clear Light Society Intro Talk • April 17 • 7-9pm • $19 Workshop • April 21 and 22 • 9am-5pm • $275

David Leven with End of Life Choices, NYC Advanced Life Planning and Decision Making April 20 • 7-9pm • $10

Sound Healing-Tibetan Singing Bowls w/Michele Clifton

April 19 • 7pm Individual bowl healing and meditation $40

Arkansas Crystal Man

April 27-29 • 10am-6pm Magnificent, wholesale crystals available

Kirtan with Rang Raaga Kirtan Band – 7-8:30pm. Uplifting evening of devotional music blending ancient Sanskrit mantras and sacred poetry with music and chanting by the Rang RaaGa Kirtan Band, a group of multicultural, professional musicians. $15 donation requested with reserved seating. Avant Garde Holistic Center, 328 E Main St, Branford. 203-481-8443. AvantGardeCT13@yahoo.com. AvantGardeCT.com.

MONDAY, APRIL 3 Monday Morning Meditation – 11:30am-12:30pm. With Beth Leas. Practical approach and individualized support as you develop a solid life skill. Great for those new to meditation and sage meditators. Explore different meditation techniques. $30/drop-in or $100/5 classes. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-8569566. TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. TLCCenter.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 4 TLC Networking Breakfast – 8:30-10am. Are you a healthy living professional/entrepreneur looking for your tribe? The TLC Center is a vibrant, supportive and growing community celebrating 20 years in Norwalk. Bring a friend. Free. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. TLCBethLeas@ gmail.com. TLCCenter.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 6 Angel Light Healing Initiation – 7-9pm. Be initiated into the healing energy of the Angels of Light in sacred ceremony. Followed by learning how to use this energy for yourself, family, loved ones, the planet, and even how to have it ready for future events (like going to the dentist). Free. Soul Healing Journey, LLC, 40 Livingston St, Fairfield. 203-767-5954. Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com. SoulHealingJourney.com. Reiki Review and Reattunement – 7-9pm. With Beth Leas, Reiki Master (25+ years), provides support for those still new to their Reiki practice, or need a jump-start after some time away, or who want a Reiki re-attunement! Open to all levels Reiki students/masters. $50. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. TLCCenter.com.

RSVP/Details: Call: 203-912-2791 Email: LipheBalance@gmail.com Visit: LipheBalance.com Liphe Balance Center, Weston

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

FRIDAY, APRIL 7 Reiki Level 1 Workshop – 10am–5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti. Learn Western style from an experienced Reiki master (20 years). Includes latest info. Learn how to use Reiki for self-healing and healing for others. 2 manuals and certificate. $125. Angelic Healing Center for Reiki, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com. Past Life Regression – 7-9pm. Presented by Jessica Lawrence. Experience the regression into your past life and bring back the success from that period of your consciousness. $45 The Sacred Spirit, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-344-9311.

SATURDAY, APRIL 8 Reiki 1 Certification Training – 9am-1pm. With Beth Leas, Reiki Master (25+ years), for an enlightening and experiential certification training in Usui Reiki, a Japanese healing art. Facilitating stress reduction and relaxation, and promoting physical and spiritual healing. Learn self-healing as well as protocol for working with others. $245. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. TLCCenter.com. Introduction to Feng Shui – 3-4:30pm. With Allison Valentino. Learn the basics of applying this wisdom and utilize it to re-charge relationships, careers and finances. Feng Shui each area of your life and experience the energy shift to create positive changes, sometimes even overnight. $25. Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-730-2400. Info@NaamYogaCT.com. NaamYogaCT.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 9 The Liphe Balance Center Presents: The Conversation – 4pm. A mother and daughter discuss life and death. Liphe Balance Center, Weston. 203-9122791. Info@AllianceFCT.com. LipheBalance.com.

MONDAY, APRIL 10 Men’s Group – 7–8:30pm. Embrace and celebrate the full spectrum of our authentic beings, as we reflect on and develop the true meaning and purpose of our lives. $30. SunRaven, 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford, NY. 914-218-3113. SlowMedicine.org.

TUESDAY, APRIL 11 Full Moon Mediation – 7-8:30pm. With Beth Leas. The Full Moon is a time of celebration and gratitude. Beth leads us in a guided meditation to discover inner peace and harmony, and connecting with the rhythm of the universe. $20. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. TLCBethLeas@ gmail.com. TLCCenter.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12 Full Moon Meditation – 8-8:45pm. With Linda Fiske. Bring your mental, emotional and physical bodies into balance. Let go of unhealthy patterns, sending healing to places in need. Opening yourself to receive Divine Love. $5. Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-730-2400. Info@ NaamYogaCT.com. NaamYogaCT.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13

markyourcalendar

Doctor Talk: Is Synthroid Really Fixing My Hypothyroidism? – 6:30-7:30pm. With Dr. Ellen Lewis, an expert in functional thyroid evaluation. Discuss comprehensive thyroid tests as well as some key treatments that should be considered as part of your therapeutic plan. Free. Shalva Clinic, 8 Lincoln St, 1st Flr, Westport. 203-916-4600. Admin@ ShalvaClinic.org. ShalvaClinic.org.

Open Mic Night Stand-Up Comedy Performance – 7pm. Opportunity for class participants to perform their routines. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Office@ UnityCenterNorwalk.org. UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

FRIDAY, APRIL 14

MONDAY, APRIL 17

Rejuvenation Meditation – 7-8pm. Experience full relaxation through soothing guided imagery and vibrational healing of various singing bowls; benefit just where you need it most, sometimes in surprising and unexpected ways. $30. LifePath Yoga, 430 Main Ave, 2nd Flr, Norwalk. 203-952-6272. MegReilly360@gmail.com. MegReilly360.com.

The Liphe Balance Center Presents: Patricia Shelton - Dying Into The Moment – 7-9pm. Intro Talk with author, teacher and founder of Clear Light Society. $19. Liphe Balance Center, Weston. 203-9122791. Info@AllianceFCT.com. LipheBalance.com.

TLC Tarot Evening – 7-9pm. Find out during this playful event designed for everyone from novices to long-time tarot friends. Explore the tarot or develop a deeper relationship with the cards. Receive a reading from Beth Leas. Bring a deck or use ours. $40. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. TLCCenter.com.

The Liphe Balance Center Presents: Sound Healing – 7pm. With Michele Clifton. Tibetan singing bowls. Individual bowl healing and meditation. $40. Liphe Balance Center, Weston. 203-912-2791. Info@AllianceFCT.com. LipheBalance.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 15 Healing with Sound: Voice and Singing Bowls with Naaz and Peter – 3-5pm. Come and participate in a beautiful workshop complete with voice and singing bowls. Sound healing is a profound experience not to be missed. $20. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. Info@AlbertsonChurch.org. AlbertsonChurch.org. History is Served! Culinary Antiques Whang #2 – 5:30-8:30pm. With Ehris Urban and Velya Jancz-Urban. Use vintage kitchen tools and utensils to prepare a simple, filling meal at their unique 1770 farmhouse. Gluten-free, vegetarian meal. BYOB. $30, all materials included. Grounded Goodwife Farmhouse, Woodbury. 860-354-4881. GroundedGoodwife@yahoo.com. GroundedGoodWife.com.

markyourcalendar 13TH OCTAVE LA HO CHI TRAINING The Most Powerful Healing on the Planet with Eilis Philpott, Soul Healing Journey, LLC

This magnificent gift is the anchoring of our divinity in physicality, as we move from the ascension process to the creation process. 13th Octave LaHoChi is the next step in energy healing – a quantum leap available now to the healers and people of Nova Earth. Friday, June 23, evening, Saturday, June 24 and Sunday June 25 Inspired Soul Studio (private yoga barn), 11 Tory lane, Newtown $350 including all materials $100 Deposit required to register Registration Required • 203-767 5954 Eilis@soulhealingjourney.com Register at 13th Octave LaHoChi Training

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19

FRIDAY, APRIL 21 Where Am I, How Did I Get Here and Where Am I Going? – 4/21: 6-9:30pm. 4/22: 8:30am5:30pm. Greater Hartford Wellness presents Dr. Kathleen Webb, PsyD and DJ Horn, LPC, PT, LMT CST. Workshop teaches insight, reflection and opportunities for growth. Learn how behavior, beliefs about self, and relationships affect present life. $160 by 4/7/17. West Avon Congregational Church Fellowship Hall, 280 Country Club Rd, Avon. 860-462-7678. IngridKania1@gmail.com. GreaterHartfordWellness.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 22 Seed Starting and Soil Health Workshop, SunRaven Garden Co-Op – 9:30am-3pm. Taught by master horticulturalist, Xenia D’Ambrosi, learn the first steps of growing any kind of plants, such as vegetables, herbs, and flowers. $50. SunRaven, 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford, NY. 914-218-3113. SlowMedicine.org. DIY Kombucha – 7-9pm. Learn to make your own kombucha, and about the importance of adding fermented foods to your diet. Sample a variety of kombucha blends, and bring home your own scoby so you can start brewing. Includes 1770 house tour. $30, all materials included. 1770 Grounded Goodwife Farmhouse, Woodbury. 860-354-4881. GroundedGoodWife@yahoo.com. GroundedGoodWife.com. Shamanic Intuitive Healing Journey Circle – 7:30-10pm. These are in-depth shamanic circles for those who have experience in the Shamanic Journey, and wish to further those skills. $40/pre-registration. Hunter Healing Hands, 215 Harbor Ave, Bridgeport. 203-916-8381. HunterHealingHands@hotmail.com. HunterHealingHands.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 25 TLC Healing Circle/Reiki Share – 7-8:30pm. Everyone from the curious to seasoned practitioners of all modalities and levels are welcome here. Healing meditation with Beth Leas and an opportunity to receive and/or give energy work. $20. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. TLCBethLeas@ gmail.com. TLCCenter.com.

OPEN HOUSE The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition Saturday, April 29 10am-noon Join to learn about or training program and sample delicious food made by our students, sip tasty tea, go on a foray, hear a garden talk and more. Free Holcomb Farm 113 Simsbury Rd, West Granby RSVP: 860-764-9070 TIOSN.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 27 The Liphe Balance Center Presents: Arkansas Crystal Man – 10am-6pm. 4/27-4/29. magnificent, wholesale crystals at the LB Center. Liphe Balance Center, Weston. 203-912-2791. Info@AllianceFCT. com. LipheBalance.com. Rejuvenation Meditation – 7pm. Celebrate the freshness of spring and new life coming from old. Experience full relaxation through soothing guided imagery and vibrational healing of various singing bowls; benefit just where you need it most, sometimes in surprising and unexpected ways. $30. Total Life Care Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-952-6272. MegReilly360@gmail.com. MegReilly360.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 28 Reiki Second Degree workshop – 10am–5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki master/teacher (20 years). Learn to send distance Reiki healing, deepen use of Reiki for others and yourself. 2 powerful energy connections from my short Japanese/Usa Lineage. Two manuals and certificate. $215. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com. New Moon Celebration – 7–8:15pm. With Regina Snyder. The new moon is the best time to manifest and bring in all things new, health, abundance and prosperity. $17 or class pack. Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-730-2400. Info@NaamYogaCT.com. NaamYogaCT.com. Violet Flame Meditation and Integration – 7-9pm. Presented by Bobby Kitsios. In an peaceful environment. Experience the meditative state as we call in St. Germaine and the power of the Violet Flame. We will allow it to cleanse us and purify our intentions as we incorporate it into our personal energy. $40. The Sacred Spirit, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-344-9311.

SATURDAY, APRIL 29 Reiki Second Degree – 9:30am–5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki master/teacher (20 years). Learn to send distance Reiki healing, deepen use of Reiki for others and yourself. 2 powerful energy connections from my short Japanese/Usa Linage. Two manuals and certificate. $215. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet. net. AngelHealReiki.com.

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calendarof events A Slow Medicine Approach to Financial Abundance – 10:30am-4pm. Learn skills grounded in a Slow Medicine framework to understand how you could be blocking yourself and find support to break through and begin living a more fulfilling, healthy and abundant life. $150/individuals; $225/couples. SunRaven, 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford, NY. 914218-3113. SlowMedicine.org. Chakra Healing Workshop – 1:30-3:30pm. With Jacqueline Jackson, meditation, yoga and therapeutics teacher. Introduction to the chakras as a system for self-understanding and personal healing. Explore yoga postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama) that align with the chakras. All levels welcome. $35. The Jiiva Center, 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford. 203-345-7747. Support@JiivaCenter. com. JiivaCenter.com. Empowerment Series, Session 4: Spirit: Connection to a Higher Source – 4:30-6:30pm. With June Fagan and Tracy Mignone. Workshop is dedicated to healing the body, mind, heart and spirit, and how that impacts your life. Explore the difference between prayer and meditation. $45 (pre-registration required). Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-730-2400. Info@NaamYogaCT. com. NaamYogaCT.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 30 Getting the Message Right – 1-3pm. With Alexandra Leclere, internationally renowned energy healer and medium. Identify how you receive messages and when to trust them. This experiential workshop will bring you the confidence that you have been seeking in your spiritual development. $25. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. Info@AlbertsonChurch.org. AlbertsonChurch.org. Inside Out: A Creative Afternoon Adventure – 1-5pm. With Beth Leas. Learn playful ways to tap into your creativity, shift your energy and open to new possibilities. Meditation, reflective writing, energy healing, creative play, a scavenger hunt and much more. $75. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. TLCCenter.com.

We won’t have a

society if we destroy the environment. ~Margaret Mead 60

ongoingcalendar sunday Sunday Hour of Power, Vinyasa – 9:30-10:30am. With Patricia Voorhees. Start your Sunday with a rigorous Vinyasa flow class to invigorate and connect with the divine flow of the Universe. $17 or class pack. Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-730-2400. Info@NaamYogaCT. com. NaamYogaCT.com. Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation – 9:30-10:45am. Gentle yoga, pranayama, meditation by Candlelight Relax, release and flow into wellness. Beginner/level 1 yoga classes with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility and strength in a way that is correct and nurturing for every body. $5. Hindu Cultural Center of CT, 96 Chapel St, Stratford.

Satsang Meditation – 9:30-11am. Satsangs are spiritual and community gatherings of like-minded people. Music, mantra, meditation, spiritual instruction/discourse and spiritual blessings to help you reset, recharge and get ready for the week ahead. By donation. Muktinath Holistic Center, 755 Main St (Rte 25), Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@ gmail.com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com. New Beginnings in Community Sunday Service – 10am. Join this group of spiritually-minded people embracing and honoring all world religions, belief systems, cultures and traditions. Come together to share thoughts, experiences and wisdom in a supportive environment. Free. Mystics By The Sea, 394 New Haven Ave, Milford. 203-980-6272. NewBeginningsInCommunity.Weebly.com. Family Meditation Program (Kids and Teens) – 10-11:30am. Second and fourth Sunday. Introducing kids to meditation, metta, yoga, art practice, a discussion of ness in everyday life, generosity, compassion, letting go of negative mind states and other basic Parents can meditate in the main building. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. Family Meditation Program – 10-11:30am. Second and fourth Sunday. Ages 4-13. While the adults are meditating in the main building, young people can connect with others in their age-group, learn about mindfulness, compassion toward self and others. 203-244-3130. MMKeeler@gmail.com. ReddingMeditation.org. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 10-11:30am. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life, and discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. Celebration Service – 10:30am-noon. With Rev. Shawn Moninger. Inspiring message supports your spiritual unfoldment with thought provoking, soul healing topics and uplifting music. By donation. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Flr, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Office@UnityCenterNorwalk.org. UnityCenterNorwalk.org. Albertson Church Service – 11am-12:30pm. Includes an inspirational talk from caring ministers, guided meditation, time to receive healing energy and spirit messages from those we continue to love.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

Free. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-637-4615.

Ignite your Spirit Healing Clinic – 11:45am2pm. Second Sunday. Healing clinics are a great way to try out or receive on-going assistance with anything life throws your way. Register in advance to participate. $20/suggested donation. Muktinath Holistic Center, 755 Main St (Rte 25), Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@gmail.com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com. Reiki Healing Circle – 4-5pm. Fourth Sunday. With Nina Antolino. Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. Based on the idea that an unseen life force energy flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. Please pre-register. $22 or All Access Pass. LifePath Yoga & Wellness4, 430 Main Ave, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-544-8551. Nina@LifePathYoga.net. LifePathYoga.net. Ups and Downs – 4:30-5:30pm. Three sets of weights, different weights bring it up and bring it down, then continuing for muscle exhaustion. $20. Forza 5, 26 Cannon Rd, Wilton. Bliss Out! Dance to Live Drumming – 7-8:30pm. Dirst Sunday. With Jojo. Find your tribe. Open Sky Yoga Barn, 95 Cross Hwy, Redding. Keane.Jojo@ gmail.com.

monday Tai Chi – 9:30-10:30am. With June Fagan. $17 or class pack. Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-730-2400. Info@Naam YogaCT.com. NaamYogaCT.com. Foundations of Herbalism: Level 1 – 9:30am-5pm. First and third Monday March through October. Program provides the opportunity spend time outdoors in Nature’s classroom discovering the numerous healing benefits of the plants that grow all around us. Twin Star Herbal Education, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 203-313-7883. TwinStarHerbs@ gmail.com. TwinStarTribe.com/events/2017/3/6/ foundations-of-herbalism-level-1. Monday Morning Meditation — 11:30am12:30pm. With Beth Leas. Practical approach and individualized support. Great for those new to meditation and sage meditators. Explore different meditation techniques including breathwork, guided meditation, mantras (sound), yantra (sight), and slow motion movement. $100/5-week series. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. BethLeas.com. Gentle Yoga – 5:45-6:45pm. With Nina Antolino. Focusing on slow, purposeful stretching and basic postures, breathing and balance. All skill levels and ages. $22/drop-in. $10/new student, drop-in. LifePath Yoga & Wellness, 430 Main Ave, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-354-7070. Nina@LifePathYoga.net. LifePathYoga.net.

The Original 4T’s Prosperity Program – 7pm. 12week church-facilitated, spiritual program dedicated to the idea of living an abundant life. It is based in tithing of time, talent and treasure. Learn to put God first and experience wonderful changes within

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

Core Yoga Fusion – 7-8pm. With Diana Deaver. Strengthen the muscles that support the low back, abs, thighs and core. $22/drop-in. $10/new student, drop-in. LifePath Yoga & Wellness, 430 Main Ave, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-354-7070. Nina@Life PathYoga.net. LifePathYoga.net. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life, and discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. Free Guided Meditation – 7:30pm: second Monday. 1pm: first and third Wednesday. With Dr. Allen Levy. Session is catered towards providing information about the way in which meditation can assist with specific social, emotional and physical health need. Free. Sabita Holistic Center, 3519 Post Rd, Southport. 203-254-2633. Sabita@SabitaHolisticCenter.com. SabitaHolisticCenter.com. Monday Meditation for Everyone – 7:30-9pm. This is Meditation Guided Imagery for relaxation and stress reduction. It also helps you move forward on your spiritual path. No experience necessary. $20. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel. 203-570-3868. Reiki Share – 7:30-9:30pm. Fourth Monday. With JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT. Practice Reiki in a small group setting. Share experiences and help each other develop in a safe, fun environment while providing a wonderful, relaxing, rejuvenating experience. $20. Registration required. Turning Point Healing Arts and Education Center, 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield. 203-438-3050. TurningPointReiki.com.

tuesday Tai Chi Classes – 9:30-10:30am. With June Fagan, Tai Chi Instructor. A slow movement meditation for all levels of fitness. Known to reduce stress, increase focus, balance and improve self and well-being. $25/drop-in, $85/1-class per week $150/unlimited classes month. Kindred Spirits, 59 Ledgewood Rd, Redding. 203-938-3690. Toastmasters – Noon. Interested in public speaking? Monroe-Trumbull Toastmasters is a chartered club of Toastmasters International dedicated to improving members’ communication and leadership skills. Meets alternate Tuesdays. Body Smart, Crescent Village, 115 Main St, Unit 11, Monroe. 203-459-6773. Franny. Hannigan@charter.com. ToastMastersClubs.org. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 12:30-2pm. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life, and discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. The Art of Meditation – 6-7pm. Whether you are new to meditation or seasoned, this class will help you access inner peace and experience more clarity, purpose and joy. Chairs available. $10/ suggested donation. Any offering, large or small accepted. YogaSpace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, (Rte 6), Bethel. 203-730-9642. Info@YogaSpace-CT.com. YogaSpace-CT.com. Yoga – 6-7pm. Yoga with Julia. $20. Forza 5, 26 Cannon Rd, Wilton.

Open Flow Yoga – 6:15-7:15pm. With Shannon Aleksa. In this vinyasa flow, movement is synchronized to the breath. It will almost always include one or more of the salutations. $22/drop-in current student; $10/new student first class. LifePath Yoga & Wellness, 430 Main Ave, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-3547070. Nina@LifePathYoga.net. LifePathYoga.net. Meditating Holistically – 6:30-8pm. With Urgyan, a Western Buddhist lama sharing a rich practice of traditional meditation guidance directed toward holistic integration. Group meditation and discussion, devoted to our mutual innermost truths. $15. ah Yoga, 168 New Milford Tpke, New Preston. 860-868-6707 or Danbury Area Vajrayana Buddhist Meditation on Meetup.com.

Reiki Share – 7-8:30pm. First Tuesday of the month with June and Tracy. Come join our circle of practitioners for sharing and caring and healing. All levels of practitioners are welcome Please RSVP. $20/drop-in. Kindred Spirits, 59 Ledgewood Rd, Redding. 203-938-3690. Angelic Healing Group – 7-9pm. First Tuesday. Experience the healing energy of the Angelic Realm. Your energy body will be infused with the love and light of the Divine through meditation and hands-on touch. $20. Stevens Memorial Church, 8 Shady Ln, South Salem, NY. 203-438-4893. Yoga Class or Yoga/Float – Yoga: 7-8pm. or Yoga/ Float package: 7-9pm. Enjoy the benefits of yoga in the beautiful PuREST relaxation room. $15/yoga only. $65/yoga and float package. PuREST Float Center, 35 Corporate Dr, Trumbull. PuRESTFloat.com.

Reiki Share – 7-9pm. Second Tuesday. Practice and enhance your Reiki healing and grow your intuition. All will receive healing time and practice time. You must have completed at minimum Reiki level I in order to fully participate. $15/suggested donation. Muktinath Holistic Center, 755 Main St (Rte 25), Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@gmail.com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com.

Setting Your Allow Button for 2017 – 7-9pm. 6-part series. With Anthony Smokovich. As we enter the new year, it can be most beneficial to have a selfreview to take stock of where we are and where we want to go. Registration Required. $40/each class; $200/if all paid in advance. Lotus Wellness Center, 46 Pemberwick Rd, Greewich. 203-531-4784. Info@LotusWellnessCtr.com. Workshop: Learn Tarot in 8 Weeks – 7-9pm. Includes working with the mythic tarot deck, intuition with card meanings, layouts and variations, telling the story shown in the cards, practice and mentorship from other professional. $50. The Sacred Spirit, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-344-9311. Piscese28@aol.com. TheSacredSpirit.net.

How to Love Yourself – 7:30-9:30pm. Second Tuesday. Little-known spiritual truths applied to everyday life. This is the how of letting go of negative judgment and unconditionally accepting yourself. Co-led by Ginny Brown and Ellen Kratka, with special higher-dimensional guests, the Multitude of the Greater Good. $40. Call for address, Monroe. 203-263-2643. E.Kratka@sbcglobal.net. ResultsBeyondBelief.com. Reiki Shares – 7:30-10:15pm. First and third Tuesdays. Gigi Benanti Usui/Karuna Reiki Master/ Teacher. For Reiki practitioners only. Exchange ongoing since 1996. Instructions included. $20. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. Pre-register: 203-852-1150.

wednesday Apothecary Hours – 10am-1pm. Meet like-minded folks and learn about what we do at Twin Star Herbal and Energetic Studies. Free. Twin Star Herbal Education, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 203-313-7883. Info@TwinStarTribe.com. TwinStarTribe.com.

Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation – 6:45-8pm. Gentle yoga, pranayama, meditation by Candlelight Relax, release and flow into wellness. Beginner/level 1 yoga classes with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility and strength in a way that is correct and nurturing for every body. $5. Hindu Cultural Center of CT, 96 Chapel St, Stratford. High-Powered Healing – 7pm. First Wednesday. Easy ways to well heal on all levels. Intuitive insight, easy methods for daily wellness, how to determine quality foods and abundance. $20. Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St, Newtown. 203-426-9448. Trinity@TrinityProduction.org. TrinityProduction.org. A Course In Miracles – 7-8:30pm. Study group where anyone can come without fear of being judged, a place where feelings can be shared in a loving, accepting atmosphere and above all, a place to enhance fun and inspire a sense of joy and laughter. $10/suggested donation. Soul Healing Journey, LLC, 40 Livingston St, Fairfield. 203-767-5954. Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com. SoulHealingJourney.com. Group Money Coaching Circle – 7-8:30pm. 6-week course. If you aren’t experiencing the financial life you desire, this is an opportunity to dive in and discover what’s holding you back. Transform negative patterns and behaviors that are blocking you from abundance and joy. $55/per session. Donaldson Financial Wellness LLC, 191 Post Rd West, Westport. 203-221-2848. Bill@DonaldsonFWN.com. DonaldsonFWN.com. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life, and discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Experience bliss, peace, joy and deep healing. This is not your traditional silent or guided meditation class. This meditation will bring change into your life. By donation. Muktinath Holistic Center, 755 Main St (Rte 25), Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@gmail.com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com. Journey Group – 7-9pm. First Wednesday. With Cindy Miller. If you are looking to get unstuck, learn more about self-empowerment, becoming a heal-

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April 2017

ongoingcalendar ing facilitator, than this is the group for you. $20. Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St, Newtown. 203-426-9448. Cindy@TrinityProduction.org. TrinityProduction.org.

Sacred Spirit’s Reiki Shares — 7-9pm. Second and fourth Wednesday. With Valerie Tarangelo R.M. Mini healing sessions. In healing others healers are also healed themselves. All welcome. $10. Albertson Memorial Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-344-9311. Using Smart Body (Kinesiology) for Everyday Situations– 7-9pm. Third Wednesday. Learn how to sense the energy of foods, supplements, books, places and more. Learn how to change energy. Presentation and discussion. $20. Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St, Newtown. 203-377-6162. Bruce.Zboray@yahoo.com. TrinityProduction.org. Holistic Moms Network Fairfield County, CT Chapter – 7:30pm. Second Wednesday. Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care, 156 East Ave, Norwalk. Home.Homewebs.com/ HMNFairfieldCtyCT. Learn to Love Yourself – 7:30-9:30pm. Second Wednesday. With Ginny Brown and Ellen Kratka. Little-known spiritual truths applied to everyday life. Let go of negative judgment and unconditionally accept yourself. $40. By phone or internet. 203-263-2643. E.Kratka@sbcglobal.net. Results-BeyondBelief.com. Turning Point S.H.A.R.E. Divorce Group – 7:30-9:30pm. Third Wednesdays. Offering support, healing, advocacy, resources and educrcation for women in the process of, or recently divorced. $20, $150/10-session card. Registration required. Turning Point Healing Arts and Education Center, 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield. 203-438-3050. TurningPointShare.com.

thursday Tai Chi Classes – 9:30-10:30am. With June Fagan, Tai Chi Instructor. A slow movement meditation for all levels of fitness. Known to reduce stress, increase focus, balance and improve self and well-being. $25/drop-in, $85/1-class per week $150/unlimited classes month. Kindred Spirits, 59 Ledgewood Rd, Redding. 203-938-3690. JTKindredSpirit@gmail. com. KindredSpiritsCenter.com. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 9:30-11am. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. Simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life. Discover the benefits of becoming more present. By donation. Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. 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. EFT Tapping Circle Meetup – 7-8:30pm. Second and fourth Thursdays. Come learn about your energy body. Every month will be a different topic or exercise. No experience needed, all are welcome. $15. Location given with RSVP. 203-247-1318. Robin@ RobinFriedman.net. EnergyToolsForDailyLiving.com.

Meditating Holistically – 7-8:30pm. With Urgyan, a Western Buddhist lama sharing a rich practice of traditional meditation guidance directed toward holistic integration. Group meditation and discussion, devoted to our mutual innermost truths. $15. YogaSpace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-YOGA or Danbury Area Vajrayana Buddhist Meditation on Meetup.com. Reiki Healing Circle – 7-9pm. Second Thursday. All welcome. Non-Reiki and Reiki practitioners share and experience Reiki. See details on Unity website. Hosted by Gigi Benanti Reiki master/teacher. $20. Unity Center for Practical Spirituality, 3 Main St, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGiGiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com, UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

friday Reiki Share – 9:30-11:30am. First Friday. With JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT. Practice Reiki in a small group setting. Share experiences and help each other develop in a safe, fun environment while providing a wonderful, relaxing, rejuvenating experience. $20. Registration required. Turning Point Healing Arts and Education Center 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield. 203-438-3050. TurningPointReiki.com. Free Mommy and Me Yoga – 10am. With Brooke de Weaver. We supply water and mats - just bring yourself and your kids. Free. Yogasmoga Townhouse, 68 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich. Somatics – 10:30-11:30am. With Darlene Carman. The practice of body awareness and using the body to heal itself. Class Pack or $17 (+tax). Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-7302400. Info@NaamYogaCT.com. NaamYogaCT.com.

Women’s Wisdom Group – 10:30am-12:30pm. Women support each other through the process of recognizing and embracing one’s full, authentic beings and, in doing so, nurturing their highest potential. $30. SunRaven, 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford, NY. 914-218-3113. SlowMedicine.org. Student Massage Therapy Clinic – 11am-noon. Relax and enjoy a 50-minute, full-body massage for only $20 at our Danbury Campus public clinic. $20. 44 Shelter Rock Rd, Danbury. KMCCaffrey@ Ridley.edu. Ridley.edu. Apothecary Hours – 11am-4pm. Meet like-minded folks and learn about what we do at Twin Star Herbal and Energetic Studies. Free. Twin Star Herbal Education, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 203-313-7883. Info@TwinStarTribe.com. TwinStarTribe.com. Gentle Naam Yoga – 3:30-4:45pm. With Darleen Driver. Gentle introductory class to learn about the special benefits of the Naam Yoga practice. Class Pack or $17 (+tax). Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-730-2400. Info@NaamYogaCT.com. NaamYogaCT.com. Teen Meditation – 5-6pm. This is an enjoyable approach to the understanding of self and how you fit into the world in which you can grow with confidence. Come and explore a guided meditative journey that helps to melt away stress and anxiety. For teens and up. $15. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plains St, Bethel. 203-570-3868. Vinyasa Flow – 5:30-6:30pm. With Patricia Voorhees. Class guides you through classical yoga poses with attention to breath and mind-body awareness.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

Class Pack, or $17 (+tax). Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave. Bethel. 203-730-2400. Info@ NaamYogaCT.com. NaamYogaCT.com. Discussion with Spirit – 7:30-9:45pm. Last Friday. An evening of messages from Spirit and loved ones. Bring questions, receive channeled information specifically geared to you. Receive help in empowering yourself to navigate this lifetime. $40. Call or email for location. EarthAndHealing@hotmail.com.

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. Love Yourself Fit Meetings – 8:30am. Support for your sacred journey of real weight loss. Meetings offer you a place to be accountable to your highest vision for your healthiest self. $15. Insights Wellness Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. 203-260-9353. ChrisGuerrera@me.com. InsightsWellnessCenter.com. Community Yoga and Meditation – 8:30-10:30am. First Saturday. 4/4, 4/1 and 4/29. With Greg Barringer. Practice yoga, relax deeply to a gong meditation and share light refreshments. All welcome. $25/ suggested donation. Saint Luke’s Parish Youth Center, 1864 Post Rd, Darien. 203-722-2025. Greg@ ShaktiAnanda.yoga. Shaktiananda.yoga.

Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation – 9:30-10:45am. Gentle yoga, pranayama, meditation by Candlelight Relax, release and flow into wellness. Beginner/level 1 yoga classes with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility, and strength in a way that is correct and nurturing for every body. $5. Hindu Cultural Center of CT, 96 Chapel St, Stratford. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 10-11:30am. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life, and discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org.

Intro to Power Vinyasa Flow – 10:30-11:30am. With Janelle Taylor. Powerful, energetic form of yoga where students fluidly move from one pose to the next while connecting their breathing to their movements. $22/drop-in. $10/new student, drop-in. LifePath Yoga & Wellness, 430 Main Ave, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-354-7070. Nina@LifePathYoga.net. LifePathYoga.net. Spondylitis Support Group – 11am-12:30pm. Last Saturday. Led by Dr. Andrew Cummins, naturopathic physician. Having lived with the chronic inflammatory disease Ankylosing Spondylitis for the last 18 years, Dr. Cummins understands what living with chronic pain and limited mobility is all about. Group provides education, empowerment, understanding and support. Free. Shalva Clinic, 8 Lincoln St, 1st Fl, Westport. 203-916-4600. DrCummins@ShalvaClinic.org. ShalvaClinic.org. Open Mic Night – 7-9 pm, 3rd Saturday. Bring music printed out in your key and Kenneth Gartman will accompany you at the piano for your moment at the microphone. Comedians, poets, writers and musicians welcomed as well. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Flr, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Office@ UnityCenterNorwalk.org. UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

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classifieds To place a Classified Listing: $1 per word. $25 minimum. Magazine deadline: 12th of month prior to publication. Email copy to NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. HELP WANTED DISTRIBUTORS WANTED for monthly deliveries of Natural Awakenings and other local publications. Perfect for a retired person or stay-at-home mom looking to earn some extra income and connect with their local community. Honesty and dependability are the most important characteristics of our distributors if you don’t have it in spades, please do not apply! Thomas@ManInMotionLLC.com. DO YOU LOVE NATURAL AWAKENINGS? Would you like to help spread the word about natural health and personal empowerment? Contact Publisher Nicole Miale today about becoming a Community Street Team member to represent the magazine at some of our many upcoming community events. NicoleM@ NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

OFFICE SHARES OFFICE SHARE AVAILABLE in a professional building in Sandy Hook. Generously sized sunlit office and a smaller office that can be used as a waiting room or second treatment room: Furnished. Please call for details. 203-313-1560.

PRODUCTS “GROWING YOUR OWN GROCERIES” is much more than a book about gardening. All nutrition begins in the soil and I also include a low-maintenance growing system. Mark.Debarbieri@gmail.com HOME OF THE $10 YARD STATUE. Pet memorials, Angels, Buddha statues, Bird baths. Many dog breeds. Shipping worldwide.75 Laura St, Tiverton, Rhode Island. 401-314-6752. SpringhillStatuary.com. Open year round.

PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES TESTING SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS. Cognitive processing, gifted learning, personality. Thirty years experience, reasonable rates and completion time. Dr. Margolies 203-929-2093.

Michele Leigh LLC DarkMoonAstrology.com

72 North St, Ste 100A, Danbury 914-362-8315 DrKurt@earthlink.net HudsonValleyNaturalHealth.com Naturopathic and Chinese medicine for acute and chronic disease, including acupuncture, botanical medicine, cupping, moxa, homeopathy, nutritional and lifestyle counseling, mindbody medicine, ecotherapy and functional lab testing. Helpful for muscle/joint pain and headaches, autoimmune disease, digestive disorders, mental health; boosting immune function; balancing hormones; tobacco addiction; and stress reduction. See ad, page 41.

INGRI BOE-WIEGAARD, LAc

Providing birth chart analysis, synastry readings, progressions and solar returns. A practitioner of ancient astrology and planetary magic, Michele is an active member of the International Society of Astrological Research (ISAR). She is the author of the fantasy novel, Tales of the Deer Witch and produces a monthly podcast to coincide with the full moon. See ad, page 20.

BEHAVIORAL THERAPY THE CENTER FOR COGNITIVE & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (CCBH) 5 Sylvan Rd South, Westport 888-745-3372 • 203-307-5788 CCBHTherapy.com

Fairfield, Wilton, Bethel 203-259-1660 • CTAcupuncture.com 25-year full-time practice Ingri treatments help alleviate pain, depression, neck and back, anxiety, headaches, stress, allergies, asthma, arthritis, digestive, menstrual, infertility and smoking and weight-loss issues. See ad, page 9.

JAMPA STEWART, MSOM, LAc

Board Certified Acupuncturist Valley Spirit Wellness 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot 860-619-2788 • ValleySpiritCoop.com Concierge care for those suffering from pain, internal disorders, menstrual issues and menopause, infertility, depression and anxiety, insomnia, addiction, fatigue, tuneups and more. Facial rejuvenation/ cosmetic acupuncture also offered. See ad, page 47.

The Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Health (CCBH) provides individualized mental health services in a warm, holistic environment. Our Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) teams offer individual, group, and family sessions, as well as skills coaching for all age groups. Our CCBH team offers these therapies along with yoga, mindfulness, meditation and naturopathic services. See ad, page 5.

BIOFEEDBACK ROSEANN CAPANNA-HODGE, EDD, LPC, BCN, LLC 898 Ethan Allen Hwy Offices in Ridgefield & Newtown 203-438-4848 Info@DrRoseann.com DrRoseann.com

Advanced Bio-Regulation (BRT) is a unique approach to health and wellness that uses Biofeedback and PEMF-based Electromagnetic Technology to help the body better self-regulate, adapt and heal naturally. It is used for chronic pain, depression, anxiety, hormonal issues, Lyme, etc. See ad, page 10.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2017

BIOFEEDBACK

CHIROPRACTIC

OPTIMAL MIND

PETER BRAGLIA, DC

Biofeedback/neurofeedback for ADHD, enhanced focus, peak performance, test stress, anxiety, chronic pain, headaches, insomnia, anger, meditation, mindfulness training and more. Dr. Edwards is board certified and NYS licensed. Physician and self-referrals welcome.

As a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, Dr. Braglia has received advanced training in Pediatric Adjusting and Prenatal Care, including the Webster Technique. We are proud to serve patients from all over Fairfield and New Haven Counties with our unique and gentle approach to health care.See ad, page 12.

Lawrence Edwards, PhD, BCN, LMHC 2 Byram Brook Pl, Armonk, NY 914-219-8600 OptimalMind.net

BREAST THERMOGRAPHY ALBA THERMAL IMAGING LLC

Safe, painless early detection 71 East Ave, Ste D, Norwalk 203-856-1421 • AlbaThermalImaging.com

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

JILL M. CAPALBO, DC, CCSP Stamford 203-323-0522 CapalboChiropractic.com

With over 30 years experience in bodywork, Dr. Jill Capalbo is a certified chiropractic sports physician with additional certifications in Graston Technique, FAKTR and KinesioTaping as well as being a licensed massage therapist and Reiki Master.

Thermography can detect breast disease at its earliest stages and monitor and assess pain in any part of the body. Safe, painless, non invasive, FDA registered.

CANCER SUPPORT THERAPIES DORETTE LEWIS-SENIOR, ND, MSAC, BS-RN, LCM Yale New Haven Health, Integrative Medicine 5520 Park Ave, Trumbull 855-735-2533 • Drs2Health.com

Dr. Lewis-Senior has been a Naturopathic physician and healthcare provider for more than thirty years combined. Her focus is on womens’ health, especially cancer, diabetes, weight and pain. She is experienced using multiple modalities to establish health and bring about healing. Some insurance accepted.

KERRY HARDY, RN, HNB-BC, RMT, CCH

RISA SLOVES, DC

Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care 156 East Ave, Norwalk 203-838-1555 • CTChiropractic.com Dr. Risa Sloves is 1 of 12 Chiropractic Physicians in Connecticut with Board Certification in Maternity and Pediatric Care including Webster and Bagnell Turning Techniques. Also provided: acupuncture, BioSET Allergy Elimination Technique and the DRX9000 Spinal Decompression.

COLONICS COLONICS

914-921-LIFE (5433) LifelineHygienics.com

Holistic Heaven 203-895-5134 HolisticHeavenWellness.com MyDoterra.com/HolisticHeavenWellness

As a holistic nurse, I understand the importance of balancing traditional medicine with alternative complementary therapies to heal the mind, body and spirit. Offering health and nutritional counseling as a Certified Holistic Cancer Educator, Reiki, pranic healing and crystal therapy, aromatherapy with dōTERRA essential oils. Specializing in working with patients experiencing chronic pain, chronic disease and cancer. See ad, page 41.

Experience and personalized service you can trust. The finest in colonic irrigation and personal care. Serving the tri-state area since 1993.

COLONICS BY DAWN Dawn Andreozzi 203-908-1950 ColonicsByDawn.com

personal care. Se

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

Are you ready to cleanse, tone and rebuild your inner body? Then colon hydrotherapy is for you! Our closed system is safe and comfortable. Dawn Andreozzi is an I-ACT Certified Colon Hydrotherapist. Schedule an appointment in our Stratford office today.

natural awakenings

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE LLC

501 Kings Hwy E, Ste 108, Fairfield 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.

ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPES ECOSCAPES

Rick Bednar 18 Eleanor Rd, Seymour 203-414-4605 RickBednar@gmail.com Ecoscapes is an ecological landscape company that combines more structural design, such as Japanese-style spirit gardens, with wildlife habitats and native plantings. We construct functional landscapes that bring the human spirit closer to our beautiful, natural planet and create healthy environments for us, our children and pets. See ad, page 36.

EDUCATION INSTITUTE FOR HOLISTIC HEALTH STUDIES

Western Connecticut State University Christel Autuori, RDH, RYT, MA, Director 181 White St, Danbury 203-837-8559 • WCSU.edu/IHHS The mission of the IHHS is to provide the University and Greater Danbury area with an opportunity to engage in and explore different aspects of holistic and integrative health through programming and instruction. Programs include Wellness Wednesday lunchtime workshops, monthly meditation program, lecture series, health wellness and fitness fair, certification programs for yoga teachers, Reiki practitioners and shamanic practitioners.

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

A nature-based education on six acres of trails, streams and meadows, with an organic garden and natural playscapes. Our curriculum builds physical and emotional resilience, moral awareness and the foundation required for intellectual growth. See ad, page 31.

END OF LIFE ALLIANCE FOR CONSCIOUS TRANSITIONING

At the Liphe Balance Center of Weston 203-912-2791 AllianceFCT.com Our mission is opening the conversation and providing resources, programs and services, to support and embrace end-of-life transition. The Alliance was born out of a deep desire to honor, respect and meet the needs of individuals and their families at the end-of-life. See ad, page 13.

ENERGY HEALING BETH LEAS

Transformative Healing • Tarot Offices in Norwalk & Ridgefield 203-856-9566 BethLeas.com • TLCTarot.com If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels—greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 20 years intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot. See ad, page 43.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE MARK JOACHIM, DC, FIAMA

Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care 156 East Ave, Norwalk 203-838-1555 • CTNutritionCenter.com Dr. Joachim has been in private practice since 1990, specializing in nutrition, natural allergy elimination and functional medicine. Through specialized testing, he identifies subtle changes in individual physiology which may be at the root of troubling symptoms. Addressing the underlying dysfunction can help you feel better, for good. See ad, page 11.

TAMARA SACHS, MD

Functional Medicine & Integrative Care LLC 15 Bennitt St, New Milford 860-354-3304 • TSachsMD.com Using Functional Medicine, Dr. Sachs prevents and treats chronic illnesses by addressing their underlying root causes, remaining respectful of the uniqueness, complexity and intuitions that make us human. Trained at Mt. Sinai Medical School and Yale University Hospital in Internal Medicine, in 2003 she opened Functional Medicine and Integrative Care LLC. She has great success with IBS, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Autoimmune problems, Toxicity and more, by creating individualized, realistic and comprehensive Personalized Wellness Plans. She consults in her New Milford, CT office, and also by phone or video using telemedicine.

HAIR LOSS & TRICHOLOGY LISA PRIMPS, TRICHOLOGIST, HLP, AT The Primping Place Spa 999 Summer St, #401, Stamford 203-325-9565 • ThePrimpingPlace.com

Fairfield County’s first location offering the XTC Multi Theraputic Hair Growth System including non-invasive, low level laser therapy—clinically proven and shown to be safe and effective at regrowing hair and creating a healthy scalp. The Primping Place also offers electrolysis and clinical skin care since 1992.

HEALING CENTER

ROOTS RISING ALCHEMY

Melissa Conroy, CHC 203-673-9491 RootsRisingAlchemy@gmail.com Offering 1:1 health coaching services including the “The 90 Day Total Transformation Program” and “14-Day Cleanse Reset”. Book your free Total Transformation Discovery Session now at RootsRisingAlchemy.com to discover what has been keeping you from having the health and body you want, develop a powerful vision for what a total transformation means for you and your life, discover which foods and lifestyle habits are sapping your energy and bringing you down (and what to do about it!), and get crystal clear on a stepby-step plan to create a total transformation in 90 days or less. Change your Habits, Change your Life.

THE RUBY TREE

Metaphysical Shop & Healing Space Sherman Village, 670 Main St S, Woodbury 203-585-1655 TheRubyTreeCT.com Rocks and crystals, magical objects, singing bowls, herbal candles and more. Local artisans, an array of holistic practitioners, a monthly Mystical Market fair, regularly scheduled psychics/mediums/intuitives, yoga, meditation, and workshops galore—all to enhance the health of your mind, body and spirit. See ad, page 40.

HEALTH COACH

HOLISTIC DENTIST MARK A BREINER, DDS, FIAOMT 501 Kings Hwy East, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-0300 WholeBodyDentistry.com

Dr. Mark A. Breiner is a pioneer and recognized authority in the field of holistic dentistry. With over 30 years of experience, he is a soughtafter speaker and lecturer. His popular consumer book, Whole-Body Dentistry, has been sold worldwide. See ad, page 2.

HYPNOSIS

MARY GILBERTSON, WELLNESS

HEALING TREE WISDOM

Mary Gilbertson, MS, BSN, CHHC Licensed RN, Nutritionist and Certified Health Coach 238 Monroe Tpke, Monroe 203-521-4733 MaryGilbertsonWellness@gmail.com MaryGilbertsonWellness.com

Thea Litsios, CHy 2103 Main St, Ste 2, Stratford 203-693-1493 HealingTreeWisdom.com

Using the concept of “Food as Medicine” to create your customized nutrition and lifestyle plan for whole living. Working one on one, in groups and in corporations to develop customized healthy lifestyle plans. Works with patients on metabolism and weight loss, detoxification, gut health, cancers, inflammatory conditions and stress management. See ad, page 14.

Use the power of your whole mind to transform your life: Hypnosis for weight loss, smoking cessation, stress relief, and past life review. Certified teacher of Active Dream work. Individual dream consultations available, as well as workshops and monthly Dream Groups. See ad, page 31.

MIND-BODY TRANSFORMATION Diane Bahr-Groth, CHy, TFTdx 1177 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-595-0110 MindBodyTransformation.com

Fast, effective methods for weight, stress, fear, pain, smoking, etc. Certified Hypnotherapist, Thought Field Therapy, Time Line Therapy, NLP and Complementary Medical Hypnosis, since 1989. See ads, pages 25 and 37.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2017

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE PHYSICIAN INTEGRATIVE MD

Tatiana Fleischman, MD 47 Oak St, Ste 110, Stamford  203-275-6666 Info@IntegrativeMDCenter.com  IntegrativeMDCenter.com  Experienced physician Tatiana Fleischman, MD combines internal and integrative medicine to achieve long-term wellness goals. Full range of services: internal medicine, primary care, advanced testing, weight control, holistic assessment and more. Comprehensive approach. Major insurance accepted. See ad, page 7.

MICHAEL FINKELSTEIN, MD, FACP, ABIHM SunRaven: The Home of Slow Medicine 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford, NY 914-218-3113 SlowMedicineDoctor.com

Insightful health evaluations with customized medical guidance. Consultation and holistic-lifestyle teaching and coaching aimed at attaining enhanced health and wellness on every level.Uniquely qualified to offer a second opinion from a Holistic Perspective. See ad, page 13.

INTEGRATIVE NATURAL MEDICINE

DARLENE ALVAREZ MADDERN SOPHIA NATURAL HEALTH CENTER

Ken Hoffman, DACM, LAc, Medical Director 31 Old Rte 7, Brookfield 203-740-9300 • INM.Center Using naturopathic and Chinese medical principles, we get to the source of your health concerns. Diagnostic methods include functional testing such as advanced bloodwork analysis, cardiovascular testing, hormone evaluation and thermography. Our customized treatment program includes acupuncture, herbal and nutritional medicine, diet and lifestyle counseling and more. Most insurance accepted.

INTEGRATIVE OPTOMETRY EYECARE ASSOCIATES, PC

Randy Schulman, MS, OD, FCOVD Stephen Carr, OD, Narvan Bakhtiari, OD Brian Rodrigues, OD Locations: 6515 Main St, Trumbull • 203-374-2020 444 Westport Ave, 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 33.

HENRY C. SOBO, MD

Optimal Health Medical LLC 111 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-348-8805 • DrSobo.com Dr. Sobo provides Natural Hormone therapy, weight-reduction programs, IV vitamin/minerals treatments, allergy evaluation and treatment, fibromyalgia care and treatment for a wide variety of problems utilizing an Integrative Medicine approach.

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

Specializing in Natural and Alternative approaches to restoring health. Focusing on underlying causes of illness. Hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalances, nutrition and much more. See ad, page 9.

Create With Your Thoughts Life Empowerment Coach, Teacher, Speaker and Mentor QSCA Certified Law of Attraction Coach, MA Sociology 860-488-2619 CreateWithYourThoughts.com I empower my clients to move beyond their limiting beliefs, strengthen their sense of self worth and confidence to create the happiness, abundance, home, health and relationships they have always wanted. Create the life you want! See ad, page 17.

MASSAGE & BODYWORK JIIVA YOGA, REIKI AND MASSAGE CENTER

2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford 203-345-7747 JiivaCenter.com We offer Traditional, Thai Massage and Prenatal massage. At Jiiva Massage, our goal is to provide our clients with a variety of experienced therapists and modalities to choose from. Our hope is to provide you with an assortment of different techniques so you can find what works best for your individual needs. See ad, page 45.

ROBIN ORDAN, LMT, LCSW, CICMI

LEGAL SERVICES LAW OFFICES OF KIRSTEN E. BENNETT 27 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury 203-648-9883 50 Main St, White Plains, NY 914-246-2906

Advocacy, Representation, Communication. Kirsten Bennett is a solo practitioner with offices in Danbury and White Plains, NY. Her practice handles real estate, estate planning and probate, personal injury and criminal defense. “My firm is committed to providing you with effective advocacy, quality representation and the highest level of personal service.”

Today, 88 of the Fortune 100 companies have mandated Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design as their standard. ~Mahesh Ramanujam 66

LIFE COACHING

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

Licensed Massage Therapist and Reiki Practitioner Old Greenwich/Stamford 203-561-8535 • RobinOrdanLMT.com

Robin has been providing massage and Reiki for over 15 years. Specializing in Swedish, Pregnancy, Trigger Point, Injuries and Infant/Child Massage Instruction. Sessions are individualized to meet your needs. See ad, page 17.

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

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

VALLEY SPIRIT WELLNESS

6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot 860-619-2788 ValleySpiritCoop.com Meditation can be easier to master than you think. Taoist, Buddhist and generic meditation. Beginners and experienced practitioners both welcome. See ad, page 47.

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN NATURAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER

Lisa Singley, ND, MS 2103 Main St, Ste 2, Stratford 203-874-4333 Info@NHAWC.com • NHAWC.com We use advanced diagnostic testing with safe, effective, all-natural healing modalities and treatment options to treat acute and chronic conditions, restore balance and treat the mind, body and spirit. Specialists in endocrine disorders, digestive issues, pain management and chronic fatigue. We offer comprehensive solutions to prevent illness and maintain optimal health for body, mind and spirit. See ad, page 19.

NORTHEAST NATURAL MEDICINE, LLC

Shawn M. Carney, ND 19 Church Hill Rd, Ste 1, Newtown 129 Main St N, New Morning Market, Woodbury 800-723-2962 NortheastNatMed.com Info@NortheastNatMed.com Integrative naturopathic medicine clinic and therapeutic massage center for the whole family. Services include advanced diagnostic testing, detoxification programs, personalized nutrition, acupuncture, low level laser and botanicals. Insurance accepted. See ad, page 14.

MARVIN P. SCHWEITZER, ND

Wellness Institute 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-847-2788 • DrMarvinSchweitzer.com Family Health Care using all natural therapies for 25 years. Acupuncture, bioidentical hormones, homeopathy, Chinese/ Western herbs, allergy/toxin testing, oxygen therapy, Meridian stress assessment, nutrition/ enzyme therapies. See ad, page 24.

SHALVA CLINIC LLC

OSTEOPATHIC PHYSICIAN

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

DAVID L. JOHNSTON, DO

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, back cover.

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

Dr. Johnston has been providing gentle, holistic hands-on osteopathic manual treatment and nutrition for over 20 years. Excellent for newborns, birth trauma, concussions, headaches, sports injuries, neck and back pain, digestive issues, brain support, stress, fibromyalgia, detoxification and weight loss, specialized bloodwork.

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE LLC

PSYCHO-SPIRITUAL COUNSELING

Adam Breiner, ND, Director Elena Sokolova, MD, ND David Brady, ND, CCN, DACBN 501 Kings Hwy E, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-8258 • WholeBodyMed.com Using state-of-the-art science combined with centuries-old healing modalities, our caring naturopathic doctors correct underlying imbalances and address issues which may interfere with the body’s ability to heal itself. Treatment protocols or therapies include: Abdominal Manual Therapy, Acupuncture, Allergy Desensitization, Chinese Medicine, Colonics and other Detoxification Protocols, Electro-Dermal Screening, Energy Medicine, FDA-cleared Phototherapy, Functional Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Hormonal Balancing, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Metabolic Typing, Nutritional Assessment, Real-Time EEG Neurofeedback and other therapies. See ad, page 2.

CHRISTINE GUERRERA, LMFT

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

ROBIN QUEEN-FINKELSTEIN

SunRaven: The Home of Slow Medicine 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford, NY 914-218-3113 SlowMedicineTherapist.com Offering a whole-being, integrative approach to wellness, nurturing clients into health on the emotional, spiritual, mental and physical levels. Following one’s heart to Re-envision life in order to flourish. See ad, page 13.

NEUROFEEDBACK ROSEANN CAPANNA-HODGE, EDD, LPC, BCN, LLC

898 Ethan Allen Hwy Offices in Ridgefield & Newtown 203-438-4848 Info@DrRoseann.com DrRoseann.com

PSYCHOTHERAPY

ROSEANN CAPANNA-HODGE, EDD, LPC, BCN, LLC

We work with children, adolescents, teens, adults and families around a variety of issues with non-medication therapies. We provide brain-based treatments like Neurofeedback, Biofeedback, EFT, Hypnosis, Meditation, etc. Our staff provides non-judgmental support to help alleviate stress and promote wellness. See ad, page 10.

898 Ethan Allen Hwy Offices in Ridgefield & Newtown 203-438-4848 Info@DrRoseann.com DrRoseann.com

Our highly trained and experienced therapists utilize a variety of brainbased tools and techniques that allow the CNS to calm down so one can address their issues without heightened anxiety. We specialize in pediatrics, parenting, and supporting individuals with chronic issues. See ad, page 10.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2017

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

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

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

OPTIMAL MIND

Lawrence Edwards, PhD, BCN, LMHC 2 Byram Brook Pl, Armonk, NY 914-219-8600 OptimalMind.net Integrative psychotherapy: depression, anxiety, addictions, relationships, and more. Dr. Edwards is a NY lic. psychotherapist with 40 years of experience compassionately working with adults to realize their goals. Meditation and mindfulness training are also offered.

ROBIN ORDAN, LCSW

Family, Child, Individual and Couples Therapy Old Greenwich/Stamford 203-561-8535 • RobinOrdanLCSW.com Robin has more than 18 years of experience working with families and children. Specializing in divorce, parent/child conflict, grief, attachment/ bonding, child development and parenting. See ad, page 8.

NANCY SCHERLONG, LCSW

Coaching/Psychotherapy/Consulting Offices in Danbury and Ridgefield 914-572-3167 WellnessMetaphors.com Manage stress with relaxation techniques. Re-discover your creativity through writing and the expressive arts. Resolve trauma with EMDR, IFS or SE. Or book an experiential workshop! Nancy has over 20 years experience with children, families, groups, adults and corporate wellness programs.

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

TURNING POINT REIKI LLC

JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield 203-438-3050 TurningPointReiki.com TurningPointShare.com JoAnn uses intuition, experience and a deep spiritual connection in her Reiki, IET and Reconnective Healing sessions. Specializing in care for individuals with Cancer, Lyme disease and Back Pain. All Reiki levels taught.

JIIVA YOGA, REIKI AND MASSAGE CENTER

2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford 203-345-7747 JiivaCenter.com Berta Prevosti is a Usui and Karuna Reiki Master and has been practicing Reiki for over 20 years. We also have several experienced Reiki Masters and practitioners. We offer private Reiki sessions for physical and emotional pain. We also have ongoing Reiki Classes that are taught in the traditional Usui method by Berta. See ad, page 45.

ROLFING/STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION WELCOME TO GRAVITY

Yoni Hormadaly, LMT 109 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-550-6888 StructuralTransformations.com Yoni has been practicing Structural Integration since 2002. Specializing in improving the relationship between the human body and gravity. Flat feet, chronic pain and discomfort, improvement in athletic pursuits, general self improvement, are some of the reasons clients of all ages have sought out this work. Free phone consultation.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

WESTPORT ROLFING

Kaia Yoga Studio, Westport and Fairfield near Merritt exit 46 Sachi: 203-216-9720 Sachi@WestportRolfing.com Mikel: 203-216-9770 Mikel@WestportRolfing.com Providing Rolfing Structural Integration to Fairfield County. We provide soft tissue manipulation and movement re-education for postural, functional and chronic pain issues with offices in Westport and Fairfield. See ad, page 37.

SHAMANIC PRACTITIONER HUNTER HEALING HANDS

Jessica C. Hunter 203-916-8381 HunterHealingHands@hotmail.com HunterHealingHands.com Healing sessions in shamanic healing, Melody crystal healing, Reiki, shamanic intuitive readings. Accredited and certification training programs in Reiki, crystal healing and shamanic healing. See ad, page 34.

SPIRITUAL CONSULTING ELYSIAN LIFE DESIGN Stacey Lyons 914-336-7693 Contact@ElysianLD.com ElysianLD.com

Stacey Lyons is a Certified Energy Healer and Certified Medium who has performed international medium readings. Specializes in Spiritual Consulting, Space/Land Clearing, Energy Healing, Herbal and Essential Oil based spiritual products and more. Start your spiritual journey with us today. See ad, page 36.

TAI CHI/QI GONG JAMPA STEWART, MSOM, LAc

Board Certified Acupuncturist Valley Spirit Wellness 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot 860-619-2788 • ValleySpiritCoop.com Develop physical and mental fitness and find a new harmony of the mind, body and spirit using ancient Chinese arts. Starting with basic movements, warm-up techniques and breathing exercises, you will learn a set of flowing natural movements done slowly with calmness, balance and awareness. Weekly classes, weekend workshops and retreats. See ad, page 47.

TRANSFORMATIVE HEALING BETH LEAS

Transformative Healing • Tarot Offices in Norwalk and Ridgefield 203-856-9566 BethLeas.com • TLCTarot.com If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels—greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 20 years of intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot. See ad, page 43.

SPIRITUAL ARTS LLC

Richard Wlodarski, RMT 2505 Main St, Ste 209B, Stratford 203-605-0773 Rich@SpiritualArts.info SpritualArts.info Richard is a Reiki Master/Teacher and intuitive reader. He specializes in home and property cleansings. Come and experience the healing attributes of Reiki and discover spiritual guidance and awareness, with over 30 years of experience.

WELLNESS CENTER 7eFIT SPA

1492 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-356-5822 7eFitSpaCT1@gmail.com 7eFitSpa.com 7eFit Spa offers a variety of aesthetic services and noninvasive techniques to support mind-body wellness. Services include antiaging and oxygen facials with aromatherapy, Torc Plus bioelectric stimulation for muscle activation and weight-loss, infrared sauna and the DietMaster weight-loss program.

SALTANA CAVE

2017

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

editorial calendar

Fairfield County’s first and only therapeutic Himalayan salt cave provides relief from respiratory issues such as allergies, asthma, and side effects of smoking and pollution. Salt is naturally antiinflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal. See ad, page 25.

Relax whileJiivaour is in technology the business of building does the work.

a community for yoga and healing. We offer yoga classes, a school of No surgery or invasive Reiki, privateprocedures. Reiki treatments, traditional massage therapy, Thai Infrared Sauna •massage, Micro-dermabrasion meditation classes, workshops andWaxing community events. Myolift • Torc • Body See ad, page 45.

Combining an array of natural therapies that have been used since ancient times with today’s technology, Salt of the Earth Spa provides a sanctuary for deep transformation, healing and grounding for Mind, Body and Spirit.

SALT OF THE EARTH HEALING ARTS SANCTUARY/ATHENA HALL 346 Main St S, Woodbury 203-405-2241/203-586-1172

Calling on the spirit of the past, the energy of the present and the promise of the future, a space of calm and beauty, healing and restoration of the body and spirit, Salt of the Earth Healing Arts Sanctuary offers a tranquil place to refresh and renew in a house charged with the energy of old. Beautiful Athena Hall, inside the Sanctuary, can be rented to likeminded people for classes, workshops, lectures and special events.

Healing Chronic Pain

Promoting and supporting health and wellness; facilitating community-centered experiential and reflective learning for individuals, families, and groups, by offering educational programs, events, and resources designed to build integrative skills and understanding for those looking to holistically care for themselves, others, and the world in which we live. Transformative programs, holistic medicine, psychospiritual counseling; women’s, men’s and couples groups, garden co-op, cleansing program; special 12-week “immersion”. See ad, page 13.

1092 High Ridge Road | Stamford, CT 06905

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Mind-Body-Spirit JUNE

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A new way to looking and feeling good. Berta Prevosti, Usui and Karuna Reiki Master 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford 203-345-7747 JiivaCenter.com

Women’s Wellness

SALT OF THE EARTH THERAPEUTIC SPA

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JIIVA YOGA, REIKI AND MASSAGE CENTER

MAY

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Metabolic Imbalances Silent Retreats DECEMBER

Community Connections True Prosperity

eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2017

COSMIC RHYTHMS Retrogrades: A Month of Backwards Movement by Michele Leigh

lthough spring is in the air, multiple planets moving retrograde this month may disguise the exuberant energy. The backwards motion of three visible planets might make us feel a bit out of our element in the areas of relationships, communications and limitations. Venus ends her retrograde this month while Mercury and Saturn begin their trip backwards through the zodiac. April 6: Saturn, our personal taskmaster, goes retrograde in Sagittarius and stays there for the rest of the month. While moving backwards through the sign of the centaur, this slowmoving outer planet challenges us to seek truth when setting boundaries. This energy will be perceptible through August. April 10: Mercury, the planet that governs how we communicate, begins its second retrograde of the year. Mercury retrograde can wreak havoc on our thoughts, communications and travel plans. We can also expect to dwell on things, reminisce about days gone by, or unexpectedly meet up with people from our past. This retrograde energy lasts until May 3. April 11: We have a full moon in Libra, a great time to tap into the energy of harmonious balance. Libra is the only sign of the zodiac not represented by a person or animal; its scales of balance remind us that moderation is key. This full moon is a good time to release things that are tipping the scales in either direction. April 15: Venus, the planet that governs how we relate to others, is moving backwards until April 15 when she stations direct. Moving forward and exalted in Pisces, the Venus energy will be dreamy and sensitive for the second half of the month. April 20: The sun ingresses into Taurus, the nature-loving bull. This shift from fire to earth will help us transition from solitary warrior to social butterfly. Emerging from the warmth of the inner hearth, we step into the sun and seek inspiration and guidance from Mother Nature. April 26: We close the month with a New Moon in Taurus. This magnifies the earthy energy of the season as we slip easily into a more relaxed schedule. Make time for yourself and enjoy the beauty and wonder of springtime. Michele Leigh is an astrologer, author and podcaster. A practitioner of ancient astrology and planetary magic, she is an active member of OPA, the Organization for Professional Astrology. Connect at DarkMoonAstrology.com. See ad, page 20.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

displayadvertiserindex Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care 11 The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Medical 2 The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Dental 2 Brookfield Craft Center 20 The Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Health 5 Chamomille Natural Foods 51 The Cleanest Touch 8 CT Acupuncture Center/ Ingri Boe-Wiegaard 9 Dark Moon Astrology/ Michele Leigh 20 Michael E. Doyle, MD/ Stamford Integrative Medicine 9 Ecoscapes 36 Noreen Ehrlich 33 Elysian Life Design 36 Embody the Sacred 20 Eyecare Associates 33 Fairfield’s Earth Day Celebration 35 Final Journey LLC 53 Debra Gibson, ND 23 The Graduate Institute 31 Hands and Paws Reiki for All 53 Harbor Harvest 50 Healing Tree Wisdom/Thea Litsios 31 Holistic Heaven/Kerry Hardy 41 Homefront Farmers 16 Hudson Valley Natural Health/ Kurt Biel, ND 41 Hunter Healing Hands 34 Insight Counseling 15 Inspirit Healing Studios 9 The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition 49 Jiiva Yoga and Wellness Center 45 Keller Williams/Miale Team 46 Beth Leas 43 Lyme Connection Conference 30 Darlene Alvarez Maddern 17 The Market 51 Mary Gilbertson Wellness 14 MicroCurrent Research 25 Mind Body Connection Pilates 5 Mind-Body Transformation Hypnosis Center 25 Mind-Body Transformation Hypnosis Center 37 MindPT 4 Money Coaching/ Bill Donaldson 43 Natural Awakenings’ Franchise Sales 57

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Natural Health & Wellness Center

Nature’s Temptations Healthy Food Market

Nature’s Way Natural Foods

New Morning Market

Newtown Earth Day

Northeast Natural Medicine LLC 14 Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic

Olivette 48 Robin Ordan, Coach

Robin Ordan, LMT

Robin Ordan, LCSW

Organic Sleep at Sleep Etc

Patricia’s Presents

Premier Lawn Solutions

Ann Reeves

Roseann Capanna Hodge & Associates

The Ruby Tree

The Sacred Spirit

Salon Aponte

Saltana Cave

Shalva Clinic

Victoria Shaw, PhD

Soul Focus/Mela Rispoli

SoulSong 41 Southern CT Women’s Show

Sun Raven, the Home of Slow Medicine

Hilda Swaby

Total Life Care Center

Touch of Sedona

Triple Goddess Remedies

True Health Family Chiropractic Center

TV Ears

Two Coyotes Wilderness School 17 Unity Center for Practical Spirituality

University of Bridgeport – Clinics 39 University of Bridgeport – Health Sciences

Unleashed 53 Valley Spirit Cooperative & Wellness Center

Wellness Institute/Marvin Schweitzer, ND

Westbrook Nature School

Westport Farmers Market

Westport Rolfing

Whole Foods Market

The Yoga Shala

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