Natural Awakenings Central & Eastern Connecticut - October 2024 by Natural Awakenings New Haven

ICE BABY How To Benefit From Cold Therapies LIFE REALIGNED Feeling Better With Ergonomics

APPROACHES Blending Old and New Healing Therapies

ADDICTION & RECOVERY Support Beyond National Recovery Month

Whole Body Alignment

CENTRAL & EASTERN CONNECTICUT serving New Haven, Middlesex, Hartford, New London, Tolland & Windham Counties

Holistic Community Professionals

Our professional team of holistic and natural businesses provides community outreach and education. We are committed to improving the health and wellness of body, mind and spirit in the communities we serve.

Jill Andrzejewski LMT, RMT, Psychic Massage Therapy

Reiki & Chakra Balancing Angel Tarot, Oracle Card and Tea Leaf Readings

A Moment In Time Treasures items for self-care and healing workshops and classes

203-909-1108

JillAMomentInTimeMassage@gmail.com AMomentInTimeMassage.com

INTEGRATED NUTRITION

John LeBeau, INHC

Orthomolecular Researcher, Holistic Practitioner

Bioscan, HBOT, Live Blood Analysis, Gut health, Pain, Covid-19, Vaccine Toxicity, Cancer, Inflammation, Brain Fog

860-637-7339

John@LeBeauHealth.com LeBeauHealth.com

INTUITIVE COUNSELOR & HEALER

Gayle Franceschetti

MEd, CHt

Hypnotherapy, Meditations, Reiki/Energy Sessions, Essential Oils, Group Past Life Regression, Individual Past Life Regression, Workshops, Spiritual Power Journeys

Private mentoring & counseling 203-631-7803

Return2Love3@gmail.com Return2Love.com

ENERGY HEALING

Kathy Stalter Owner

Scalar/biophotonic energy field system that creates an environment for cells to recharge and restore, so the body can heal itself.

Sanaré Wellness, LLC

860-600-0106

Kathy@Sanare.life Sanare.life

QUANTUM PSYCHOTHERAPY

Celeste Emelia

Mattingly, LCSW Creator of Celestial Psychology

Psychotherapy Healing Services, LLC, Celestial Empowerment Quantum Healthcare, LLC

Insurance accepted for in-person and Telehealth Psychotherapy only. 860-470-5404

CelestialEmpowerment.com

Nicole Klughers

ND, PharmD, MSAc Vis Wellness Center

Rocky Hill & Virtual Visits Your Health Detective. Listens, Takes Time, Finds You Answers. Uses Detailed Testing, Not Guessing. Discovers the Root Cause of Symptoms. 234-222-8362

Hello@DrNicoleKlughers.com DrNicoleKlughers.com

Rev. Bradford W. Tilden MM, CMT, UWT

Starseed support Universal White Time

Crystal Healing

Sound Healing

Sessions and trainings 860-830-5841

CrystalMusicHealing.com

Linktr.ee/BradfordTilden

CENTRAL & EASTERN CONNECTICUT

serving New Haven, Middlesex, Hartford, New London, Tolland & Windham Counties

Publisher/ Editor Ariana Rawls Fine

Administrative Asst. Carolyn Coogan

Contributing Writer Kelvin Young

Layout & Production Courtney Ayers

Design

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CONTACT

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Calendar@NaturalAwakeningsCT.com

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TEAM

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CONTACT

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Ph: 239-206-2000

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Falling Into New Habits and Happiness This Fall

The leaves are changing from green to brilliant shades of red, orange, yellow and, yes, brown. The weather is changing toward the colder temperatures. The time it gets darker is changing, shrinking daylight hours as we head toward winter. Our indoor and outdoor decorations change from fall-ish to the Halloween-ish. It is all changing around in October, isn’t it? How do we embrace the changes, especially knowing they come around every year? Like our amazing cover image this month, does it feel like we are traveling alone up many stairs as we change each fall?

In our local article this month, Kelvin Young, RSS, delves into that feeling as he explores what happens after September’s National Recovery Month as those facing addiction and recovery deal with the daily challenges.

With the temperature changes and the increased fall yard work, we can take care of our bodies more. Several of our articles this month focus on the benefits of bodywork and ergonomics at home, at work and at play. Check out all the great articles!

There are quite a few fall events coming up so make sure you check out the news brief and calendar sections! I will be at multiple events in the next month so please come say hi at the New Haven County chapter of Holistic Moms Network’s October 1 event; Connecticut Women’s Consortium’s Trauma & Recovery Conference on October 17-18; Holistic Community Professional’s Passport to Health & Wellness Expo on October 20; and New Age & Crafts Expo on November 3.

Hope you have a wonderful, fun-filled fall month of October.

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2025 Connecticut Naturopathic Summit

Announced: Nourish to Flourish

Connecticut Naturopathic Physicians Association’s (CNPA) 2025 summit, a twoday medical conference dedicated to advancing the field of naturopathic medicine, will be held at The Heritage Hotel and Conference Center in Southbury, Connecticut. Taking place on May 2-3 with a Nourish to Flourish theme, the conference will delve into innovative approaches to nourishing the body for optimal health and well-being.

The summit will bring together naturopathic physicians, healthcare practitioners and industry professionals to share knowledge, discuss emerging trends and network with like-minded individuals.

CNPA is now seeking speaker abstracts on a wide range of topics related to nourishment of the mind and body. They encourage submissions on innovative approaches to nutritional interventions, functional medicine, herbal medicine and other evidence-based practices that support optimal health. Speaker applications are open until October 15, 2024.

For more information and to submit an abstract, email CNPALegislative@gmail.com or visit forms.gle/k7eCqYJcBmit11NMA.

Soleil Adds Dr. Pistoia as Newest Team Member

Dr. Jared Pistoia is joining Soleil, an integrative clinic with naturopathic doctors, licensed acupuncturists and a nursing staff located in Hamden, Connecticut. He comes to Soleil utilizing a blend of technology such as Zyto scans and traditional naturopathic exams like iridology to uncover the causes of illness.

Dr. Pistoia is a cum laude graduate of the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon, and has been awarded many times for his dedication to naturopathic medicine. He specializes in the treatment of mental health and gastrointestinal disorders. Dr. Pistoia prefers to take the necessary time to learn about each of his patients; this integrative, personalized approach allows him to create precise and effective treatment strategies.

“We’re excited to have Dr. Pistoia as he is very motivated and has a lot to offer both his patients and to us as a team,” says Dr. Lyndsey Maher, director of Soleil. His expertise will add to the diversity of the clinic’s offerings. “It is also nice to have some male energy enter our primarily woman-dominated space, too; it adds to the dynamic nature we’re so keen on creating here.”

For more information on Dr. Jared Pistoia and Soleil, call 203-871-3262 or visit SoleilHolistic.com. Location: 2661 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT.

The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce Health & Wellness Committee’s mission is to enhance community connection to high-quality health and wellness businesses to ensure a healthy Greater Milford Region. Learn more at MilfordCT.com .

MASSAGE THERAPY

ALLY KOSAKOWSKI

Ally’s Earth Touch Massage Licensed Massage Therapist for 20+ years Cranial Sacral Therapy, Swedish, Sports, Deep Tissue Massage, Reflexology, Cupping, Raindrop Therapy 203-824-8293

AllyFand@gmail.com AllysEarthTreasures.com

MILFORD BODY THERAPY

Therapeutic

Massage, Myofascial Therapy, Cellulite Reduction, Manual Lymphatic Drainage 318 New Haven Ave., Unit D Milford, CT • 203-874-3096

MilfordBodyTherapy.com

TAI CHI

AIPING TAI CHI

Shirley Chock, CCWS Stressbender

Discover authentic Tai Chi, Qigong and internal martial arts. AipingTaiChi.com/Links Shirley@AipingTaiChi.com Talk/Text: 203-795-0203

Greet the Fall at Ansonia Nature Center’s Autumn Festival

AGuilford Author Releases Book About Spiritual Awakening Through Loss

utumn time is here, and Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center invites you to their annual Autumn Festival, taking place on October 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Celebrate this new season with the staff and the Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center (FANCI) at the free event. Walk the haunted trail to the Goldenrod Maze and play games at the picnic pavilion before boarding the horse-drawn wagon ride. Enjoy lunch from one of the food vendors, and be sure to stop by FANCI’s table to purchase apple cider donuts and pressed cider. Learn about creepy crawly animals from one of the center’s naturalists, visit the Nature Shop to buy nature-related items, and enter the living history encampment to chat with one of the Revolutionary War soldiers. This festival will feature nature-related exhibitors, vendors and a live animal petting zoo. You can decorate a pumpkin, make original crafts and even have your face painted. All proceeds will benefit the Nature Center’s upcoming projects. There is no park admission fee. Sponsored in part by the Friends of the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center and the City of Ansonia. The rain date is Sunday, October 20.

For more information, call 203-736-1053, email AnsNatureCtr@AnsoniaCT.org or visit AnsoniaNatureCenter.org. Location: 10 Deerfield Ln., Ansonia, CT.

The journey of becoming a mother, expanding the identity of the self and the completion of family karma within a spiritual context are themes that Catherine Steinberg, a psychotherapist, shamanic practitioner, artist and author, writes about in her new memoir, “Eating Chocolate and Watching the Moon: Spiritual Awakening through Loss and Karmic Resolution.” Steinberg will host two events with a book launch on November 2 from 2-5 p.m. at Guilford Free Library and a book signing on November 9 from noon-2 p.m. at Guilford Art Center.

The Guilford resident has an ongoing exhibit at Mercy by the Sea in Madison, Connecticut. On display is Steinberg’s series of 13 paintings depicting aspects of the divine feminine called The Mary Paintings. Steinberg has facilitated expressive arts workshops and retreats at Mercy by the Sea, and elsewhere in Connecticut and New Mexico. She has also been a member of the Shoreline Arts Trail for many years.

Steinberg’s book explores the complexities of how to balance lovebased relationships with one’s individual needs and desires. She takes you on her travels and adventures in South America, where cacao was first discovered. Her sharing of the significance of chocolate and the constancy of the moon and the relevance of its phases adds an interesting perspective. There are many lessons she learned in her relationships with family members. Of paramount importance was the healing of unresolved wounding from a prior existence.

“As a psychotherapist, I work with others in helping them know themselves and find the affirmations and permissions to follow their hearts’ truths. I also hope that my book provides inspiration, motivation, guidance and possibilities for those dealing with challenges and losses in their lives,” says Steinberg.

For more about the book and to order a copy, visit CatherineNSteinberg.com. “Eating Chocolate and Watching the Moon” is also available at Guilford Art Center and from Amazon.

Understanding Women’s Health Event With Holistic

Moms Network

On October 1 at 6:30 p.m., join the New Haven County chapter of Holistic Moms Network as Dr. Artemis Morris focuses on understanding more about women’s health. There are three hormonal main events in a women’s life: menstruation, motherhood and menopause. In this interactive lecture, you will learn more about the hormonal cascades and factors that help you navigate your personal journey to well-being. The meeting is open to the public and will be held at Re:mind Wellness Boutique in Milford, Connecticut.

These hormonal events are influenced by epigenetic, genetic, nutrition, social, cultural, environmental and archetypal factors. Holistic therapies have their roots in women’s wisdom. You will explore how holistic therapies, such as herbal medicine, nutrition and nutraceuticals, can help you navigate your journey toward transformational health and well-being through the ages and stages of a woman’s life.

Dr. Artemis Morris (DrArtemis.com) is a naturopathic physician, licensed acupuncturist, educator, author, researcher and Mediterranean nutrition specialist with over 20 years of experience. She is the founder and director of Artemis Wellness Center (ArtemisWellnessCenter.com) in Milford, Connecticut, an integrative family practice that focuses on women’s health, chronic diseases and transformative healing through nutrition, herbal medicine, nutraceuticals, craniosacral therapy, acupuncture and holistic therapies. Dr. Morris integrates her Mediterranean expertise in her online Artemis Wellness Community programs. She has served as the co-director of the Master’s in Integrative Health at The Graduate Institute, director of the Integrative Wellness Center at Masonic Hospital and professor of functional nutrition at the University of Bridgeport. She has authored “A Naturopathic Doctor’s Guide to Wellness for Immune Support” and co-authored “The Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Dummies.” She is a frequent guest on WFSB’s “Kara’s Cures with Kara Sundlun.”

The mission of Holistic Moms Network, a nonprofit support and discussion network, is to connect people who are interested in holistic health and green living. It welcomes you wherever you are on your own holistic path in an environment that does not judge. The New Haven County chapter follows the Holistic Moms Network’s drive to encourage parents to use their innate sense of what is best for their children and the Earth while learning more about healthcare and parenting options. Living healthy and living green is an ongoing journey.

The general meetings, open to the public, are held on the first Tuesday of each month. RSVP on Facebook.com/HMNNewHaven’s event tab or email tdavisca@aol.com.

The Red Barn in Durham Brings in Autumn With a Harvest Fair

On October 6 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., The Red Barn in Durham is hosting its Harvest Fair. The Red Barn will be packed with seasoned and vetted psychics, healers, artisans, crafters and vendors. Admission is free to the event.

The Red Barn in Durham, a new earth holistic therapies and art center, is a collaborative of likeminded businesses that have come together under one roof to provide full holistic care for the mind, body and soul. Janice Juliano, MSW, LCSW, is the founder and director of The Red Barn in Durham. Services at the center includes psychotherapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, skin care, reiki and energy work, Soulshine Salt Cavern, nutritional and herbal health, essential oils, personal spiritual development, meditation, and The Art Center at Red Barn.

For more information, visit TheRedBarnInDurham.com/ Classes/2024/10/6/Harvest-Fair. To be a vendor, email Laurie Robstock at LaurieRobstock@gmail.com to grab a space. Location: 352 Main St., Durham, CT.

Connecticut Women’s Consortium Conference Focuses

on Trauma, Recovery

The Connecticut Women’s Consortium is hosting the Trauma & Recovery Conference on October 17-18 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Bristol, Connecticut. The focus for the event is on the impact of trauma on individuals and communities, while also exploring diverse approaches to healing.

The event will feature a mix of national and local experts in keynote and breakout sessions. The nonprofit organization’s goal is to challenge conventional trauma therapy and broaden the understanding of recovery, fostering holistic and inclusive care systems. Keynote speakers include Kim Carter-Tillman, the founder of Time for Change Foundation, established in 2002 to support previously incarcerated homeless women and their children. Steve Pemberton is a senior human resources executive, human capital strategist and bestselling author. Justin and Alexis Black are authors, speakers, business owners and part of the Forbes Next 1000 class of 2021. Bryn Lottig is the author of “No Child Left Inside” and one of the co-founders of Kikori.

This program is approved by the National Association of Social Workers for 12 continuing education contact hours. Natural Awakenings Central-Eastern Connecticut is proud to be a Silver Sponsor of the event.

For more information and to register, visit TraumaandRecoveryConference.com.

Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol, 42 Century Dr., Bristol, CT.

New Book From Mountain Flower Focuses on Energy Clearing

Mountain Flower Medicine Woman has launched her latest spiritual self-help book, “Keep It Clean: Energy Clearing and Aura Illumination Techniques for Empaths.” The book highlights the tools and techniques Mountain Flower used to escape the grips of overwhelm and feeling under psychic attack.

There will be a book discussion, Q&A and signing taking place on October 25 from 7-9 p.m. hosted at Niantic Yoga in Niantic, Connecticut. Admission is by donation; the proceeds will be donated to Safe Futures in New London, Connecticut.

Learn simple self-cleansing methods anyone can use to feel energetically safer and stay vibrant while dispelling low-vibration energy others attempt to project. No prior experience with energy work is required.

Mountain Flower is a Native American medicine woman, six-time author, fourthgeneration drum maker and ceremony facilitator who has provided deeply connective spiritual experiences since 1999. Her mission is to help people heal all sense of disconnection so they can live in alignment with their body, spirit, Earth, Mother and the Divine.

For more information, call 860-303-8772, email Hello@MTflower.com or visit NianticYoga.com/Events-Workshops. Location: Niantic Yoga Studio, 413 Main St., Niantic, CT.

Evening Primrose May Ease Childbirth

Cervical ripening is the natural process of softening and opening the cervix before labor begins. Pregnant women that need labor induction, have an overdue pregnancy or encounter risks to their health or their baby’s health, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, may need assistance ripening the cervix. In a study published by Complementary Medicine Research involving 96 low-risk women with term [39 to 40 weeks] pregnancies, half of the participants received a daily vaginal capsule of evening primrose oil prior to delivery; the other half received a placebo. The need for labor induction was significantly higher in the placebo group, showing that the vaginal use of evening primrose oil could be safe and effective for cervical ripening in low-risk, full-term pregnant women.

Forever Chemicals Linked to Metabolic Disease

A study led by researchers from Pennsylvania State University and published in Environmental Health Perspectives evaluated the effects of early-life exposure to forever chemicals. The researchers focused on the effects of tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCFD), a persistent organic pollutant, on a group of 4-week-old mice that were fed TCFD for five days, compared to the control group that did not ingest the chemical. They examined the animals’ gut microbiomes and other markers of metabolic disease after the initial five days and again three months later. The scientists found that the TCFD permanently disrupted the gut microbiome and caused a higher body weight and glucose intolerances after three months. These results suggest that human exposure to chemicals such as TCFD during childhood could contribute to metabolic disorders like obesity and Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Heike Brauer from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Antoine2K

European Union Bans Mercury Dental Fillings

Dental amalgam, a material used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay, is made by mixing a powdered alloy of silver, tin and copper with liquid mercury. The European Union already bans its use for treating children under 15 years old, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women. New rules adopted by the European Council completely ban the use of dental amalgams for all ages starting in 2025, unless deemed strictly necessary by the dental practitioner to address the specific medical needs of a patient. In this country, the use of dental amalgam is permitted even though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that exposure to mercury may pose a greater health risk to pregnant and nursing women, newborns and infants, children younger than 6 and those with neurological disease, impaired kidney function or an allergy to mercury.

Ocean Noise Pollution

There are an estimated 33 million boats, including more than 90,000 ships, among the world’s commercial fleets, and most are powered by engines, propellers or other machinery that makes noise. A study published in the journal Science found that the increase in shipping has contributed to an increase in low-frequency sound pollution that can negatively affect fish, invertebrates, marine mammals and birds by impacting foraging, mating and resting.

The sequestration of additional greenhouse gases in the oceans has changed their sound-absorbing capabilities, making them potentially noisier. Other climate changes, such as warmer surface temperatures, changes in salinity due to melting polar ice and more frequent and violent storms, may also contribute to the problem. Additional research is needed to help policymakers implement appropriate countermeasures.

Naeblys from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Eraxion from Getty Images/pupunkkop from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Resurrecting From Life’s Darkest Hours

by Marlaina Donato

“

My bones knock together at the pale joints, trying for foothold, fingerhold, mindhold,” wrote Mary Oliver in “Crossing the Swamp”, a visceral poem about finding opportunity to thrive from the bog of life’s dark challenges. If we live long enough, most of us experience a rising from the ashes after burning in the fires of loss, failure or trauma, but sometimes even the most sure-footed and resilient individuals can unexpectedly slip into a deep chasm of futility or questioning.

Dark nights of the soul can follow great periods of growth and clarity, descending upon even the strongest of psyches, rattling the bones with intensity. The black wave can come softly at first, simply inviting us to take inventory or retreat into contemplation. Other times, it sucks out our life force and swallows us whole upon impact.

Unlike other varieties of depression or contraction, the soul’s dark night submerges us until we surrender to

metamorphosis. The gestation of a new self can be difficult, and it is easy to forget that the darkness in which we find ourselves is a nourishing womb. We just need to allow ourselves to experience the process.

Despite the internal urge to disengage from the world and curl into a fetal ball, finding support from spiritual mentors, trusted friends or family members is vital. Expressing our vulnerability can be the most frightening yet most sacred of acts that can light the way for a spirit that feels broken when it is actually breaking open.

Oliver compared herself to a “poor dry stick” in the great swamp, a bough that “after all these years, could take root, sprout, branch out, bud—make of its life a breathing palace of leaves.” We, too, can be reborn with a greater capacity to give and to receive—to reach into a heaven of possibility because our roots survived an unprecedented storm.

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.

The Rise of Bodywork Modalities

Integrating Innovative and Ancient Healing Arts

by Marlaina Donato

Only a few decades ago, healing modalities like chiropractic care and acupuncture received little attention in the realm of conventional medicine. Today, the wellness spectrum is much more diverse, and although additional research is needed to confirm their efficacies and treatment guidelines, many forms of bodywork once associated with only spa pampering are now considered allies in the treatment of a wide array of health conditions. With new therapies emerging annually, there are more than 180 bodywork modalities, including cold laser therapy for non-invasive pain management and ancient massage techniques

Full-Spectrum Acupuncture

According to the market research company Technavio, the global acupuncture market is predicted to expand by $16.83 billion from 2023 to 2027, with much of the growth attributed to an aging population opting for non-invasive, drug-free solutions.

Cancer patients are increasingly accessing this 2,500-year-old therapy, as well. The National Institutes of Health reports that acupuncture is used to ease the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation at major treatment centers, including MD Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, in New York, with the latter offering the modality in their accredited continuing education programs. According to a 2023 study published by JAMA Network Open, both integrative acupuncture and massage applications for advanced cancer patients over the course of 26 weeks were associated with decreased pain and improvements in sleep and quality of life.

“Our patients love having one more expert on their integrative medicine team, an additional professional to help them navigate the rollercoaster stressors of cancer treatment, recovery and survivorship,” says Pauline Sok Yin Hwang, an acupuncturist, registered Traditional Chinese Medicine

practitioner and the clinical director of Hillgreen Oncology

Acupuncture & Herbs, in Toronto, Canada. Hwang also employs other therapeutic elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine that harmonize well with oncology acupuncture, including herbal applications; nutrition; moxibustion, the burning of dried mugwort near parts of the body; cupping; and electroacupuncture, which combines electrical pulses with needles to target specific energetic points on the body.

“Given a prompt, every tiny cell knows where it is and what it should do. The relationship between cells allows them to calibrate, but cancer cells have lost this connection, causing them to proliferate,” explains Jill Blakeway, an acupuncturist and founder of The Yinova Center, in New York City and Long Island. Blakeway adds that acupuncture can also stimulate the nervous system to release serotonin and other endorphins that can dial down pain and elevate mood, something that is much needed by anyone enduring a cancer diagnosis.

Feel-good neurotransmitters are major players in the complex journey of addiction recovery, as spotlighted in a clinical trial published earlier this year in Annals of Internal Medicine

Participants given acupuncture treatments three times a week for eight weeks reduced their methadone dosage by 20 percent or more as compared to subjects that received placebo treatments.

For those that are squeamish about needles, Hwang says, “About 40 tiny acupuncture needles can fit into the hole at the end of a hypodermic needle,” adding that most of her clients do not experience pain throughout treatment, and they are able to relax and even fall asleep by the end of a session.

Moxibustion—an extension of acupuncture that utilizes an herb called Ai Ye—may be promising for chronic kidney disease as a complementary therapy. A 2020 meta-analysis published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine shows the potential of moxibustion to significantly reduce serum

Mariah Maven/CanvaPro

creatinine, 24-hour urine protein excretion and blood urea nitrogen—all of which are indicators of compromised kidney function—and markedly improve quality of life of chronic kidney disease patients.

Chiropractic Goes High-Tech

With 150 techniques in its toolbox, today’s chiropractic medicine incorporates more sophisticated and gentler methods than ever before, especially for individuals with osteoporosis, a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue. Fueled by advanced software, modern diagnostic tools give doctors an edge over standard evaluation methods to provide personalized treatment plans.

The chiropractic use of electric currentbased muscle stimulation encourages circulation in muscles along the spine to minimize pain, a technique that is safe for patients with fragile bones or spinal stenosis. Another method—cold laser therapy—springboards from traditional ultrasound using specific wavelengths of light. Also known as low-level laser therapy, cold laser aids injured tissues by amping up the production of adenosine triphosphate, a molecule crucial for energy production within cells, to reduce inflammation and pain and promote healing. A 2021 systematic review published in the Journal of Medicine and Life reports that cold lasers can be effective for decreasing pain and may also improve coexisting emotional factors associated with temporomandibular joint disorders in the jaw.

As with traditional chiropractic care, the objective of modern styles is to address the root cause of neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction, which, if not treated, can lead to health issues and pain. “When the body is unable to adapt to chemical, physical or emotional stressors, tension within the nervous system is a common result. This often shows up as misaligned vertebrae [bones in the spine], but it can manifest in many ways,” says Brian Stenzler, a chiropractor and author in Sarasota, Florida, and vice president of operations at KnoWEwell, P.B.C. “Every organ, muscle, gland, tissue and cell of the body knows exactly what to do, when to do it and how The Weston A. Price Foundation teaches about healthy foods of the past and how to incorporate them in the present. We explain the science of why certain foods are healthy, where to get them and how to prepare them. Request a free copy of our 28-page booklet about Dr. Weston A. Price’s research:

to do it, as long as the ‘communication lines’ are clear between those body parts and the brain.”

Stenzler notes that because only a small percentage of nerves transmit information about pain, it is unreliable for determining if a chiropractic adjustment is needed. Instead, chiropractors use a combination of objective measures to identify misalignments causing nerve interference, such as posture, x-rays, motion and static palpation, range of motion, heart rate variability, thermography and surface electromyography, which assesses muscle function using electrodes placed on muscle groups.

New Horizons

Swedish and deep tissue massage have long given sore muscles and overextended nervous systems balm, but massage modalities are expanding their scope. Ancient massage systems making their way out of the shadows include

Egyptian (Pharaonic), Balinese and gua sha, among others. More traditional approaches are being used to release trauma held in the body and to aid challenging conditions like Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy and cancer. “After a mastectomy, for example, a patient may experience swelling in the arm due to obstructed lymph flow. Specialized massage practitioners can offer lymphatic drainage massage to treat lymphedema, a common side effect of cancer treatment,” says Blakeway.

Tuina, one of the four branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is believed to be the oldest form of bodywork and, like acupuncture, targets acupoints, but without the use of needles. In research from 2018, this modality—when combined with other aspects of Chinese medicine—shows promise for early-stage diabetic foot disease, a condition resulting from peripheral artery disease or sensory neuropathy.

Guided by overhead bars for balance and support, practitioners of the Japanese modality ashiatsu primarily use their feet to ease their clients’ tight muscles. “The foot’s broad surface allows for

Mariah Maven/CanvaPro

comprehensive muscle manipulation, targeting larger groups while maintaining precision for specific areas. While we may combine foot and hand techniques for certain areas such as the neck, the primary focus is on harnessing the foot’s unique capabilities for a truly transformative experience,” explains Mariah Maven, a licensed massage therapist, ashiatsu educator and owner of THE SPACE, in Spokane, Washington.

Maven points out that ashiatsu can help stabilize the shoulder while gently stretching the neck, creating an unparalleled sense of traction and release, as well as promote better posture, flexibility and quicker recovery from sports injuries, but cautions that “it is contraindicated for individuals with osteoporosis or osteopenia [reduced bone mass].”

Ortho-Bionomy, pioneered by British osteopath Arthur Lincoln Pauls, has gained attention for its positive effect on pain and postural problems by working with the body’s natural capacity to find balance and reset the nervous system. “Pauls took the osteopathic principle of positional release, gently placing the body in a position of optimal comfort and adding gentle compression into a joint from its position of greatest ease. He found that this stimulated proprioceptor nerve endings [sensors in muscles, tendons and ligaments] and produced a release response,” explains Donna Racik, a certified Ortho-Bionomy practitioner in Leonia, New Jersey, adding that she has found this modality to be effective in relieving pain, restoring alignment and improving the flow of blood and lymph.

Stenzler, who believes that tomorrow looks brighter with the education and guidance of integrative health providers that encourage people to lead healthier lifestyles, says, “While helping people overcome health challenges is very noble and an extremely important aspect of health care, I strongly believe that the future should lie in a salutogenic model,” which focuses on the origins of health and well-being rather than the causes of disease.

Marlaina Donato is an author, artist and composer. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.

Part One of Special Series on Fertility

The Eye-Opening Truth About Fertility

by Dr. Susan Fox

Global declines in birth rates have made headlines, but the rise of male and female infertility has largely been overlooked. Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after trying for one year. In 2021, Scientific American reported that the world-wide fertility rate dropped by almost 1 percent per year from 1960 to 2018.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 1 in 5 American married women in their reproductive years have difficulty in either getting pregnant or carrying to a live birth, and 11.4 percent of men ages 15-49 have some form of infertility.

For women, a study found a 1 percent per year increase in reported miscarriage rates in the US over a two-decade period. The increase in infertility among women has manifested itself in the increased use of assisted reproductive technologies, including egg freezing and in vitro fertilization among younger women, not just those that waited to start families until after age 35. There also has been an increasing trend in the use of gestational surrogacy as family has taken on a wider definition than traditionally, and as corporations have begun to include fertility benefits in their employee compensation packages.

Numerous studies have identified an increase in male fertility issues, including:

• Declines in sperm concentration (52 percent) and total sperm count (nearly 60 percent) between 1973 and 2011. At this rate, average sperm count could be zero by the middle of this century.

• Decreases in testosterone levels of almost 1 percent per year during recent decades in excess of natural, agerelated declines.

• Declines in total testosterone levels among adolescent and young adult males from 1999 to 2016.

• Increases in testicular cancer rates.

• Increases in the prevalence of erectile dysfunction among younger men.

Susan Fox is Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in Marin County, California, and has specialized in working with women and couples navigating fertility challenge for more than 20 years. Connect at healthyouniversity.co and drsusanfox.com.

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Carol Orsborn

on Growing Whole, Not Just Old

by Sandra Yeyati

For five decades, Carol Orsborn has been a leading voice of her generation and a bestselling author, having written 36 books on quality of life, spirituality and aging. Her latest book is Spiritual Aging: Weekly Reflections for Embracing Life, to be published in December. Designed to be read weekly over two years with 120 readings, it focuses on the issues and concerns that arise among those that view aging as a path to spiritual transcendence.

Orsborn earned a master’s degree in theological studies and a doctorate in history and critical theory of religion from Vanderbilt University, completing her postgraduate work in spiritual counseling at the New Seminary, in New York City. She served on the faculties of Pepperdine University, in Malibu, California; Loyola Marymount University, in Los Angeles; and Georgetown University, in Washington, D.C. She has appeared on Oprah, NBC Nightly News and The Today Show, and presented talks at the Omega Institute, American Society of Aging and Vanderbilt University Hospital.

What do we get wrong about aging?

There have been two dominant theories about aging that have influenced the stereotypes, and each one gets aging wrong in its own way. The first is that aging is a period of sad, slow decline and the best you can do is try and put old people behind gated communities and facilities and keep them as happy as possible.

The flip side, which has been holding sway and is just as insidious, is called

“activity theory”. It keeps older people active—the more active they are, the longer they are active, the better it supposedly is. So, we say things like “60 is the new 30” as we try to extend midlife, turning us into desperate robots.

What is a better way to look at aging?

Getting old is a life stage with meaning and purpose of its own. You have the freedom to choose how you want to live your life. Sometimes you may want to be contemplative, quiet and take time away from the limelight. Other times,

you may want to roar like a lion; you might have a lot left in you that you want to give.

How do you define spiritual aging?

The first tenet of spiritual aging is accepting reality as it is while believing that there is meaning and purpose to life. The second is loving yourself no matter what. Spiritual aging treats the process of getting old not as a problem to be solved, but rather as a spiritual experience in and of itself. This is your last chance to embrace all of life and to have the freedom to pick what you want to do because your soul is telling you to do it.

As

we confront

physical

and

mental diminishment,

what role does grief play in this spiritual experience?

Grief can shake you from your faith. You can hit bottom a lot of ways and feel that life is meaningless and hopeless. In my book, I talk about a place I call “the void”, where reality outstrips your ability to cope and you go to a place that feels bottomless, dark, scary and hopeless. Every spiritual and religious formulation that I’ve ever read has a place like that—like the dark night of the soul in Christianity—where the status quo loses hold of you, and yet it also seems like a holy place because it allows you to let go of the illusions and what used to be, and to reconstruct yourself from the ground up in a way that is more in alignment with reality.

Is it never too late to find your purpose in life?

Of course not. In fact, I would say the opposite. It takes growing old to finally be able to live with some degree of purity of purpose, because you’re not going to be as distracted by what society’s expectations are of you. For those with physical and mental impairments,

Carol Orsborn courtesy of Carol Orsborn

there is an opportunity to find meaning and purpose not only despite those challenges, but through them. If you’re taking a walk and you’re going much slower than you’re used to, you’re much more likely to notice the flower growing out of a crack in the sidewalk, for instance.

Our generation has been told all our lives that we should follow our heart and passion. That was hard when we were in our 40s because if you followed your heart and you wanted to be a poet, you couldn’t make a living at it. But now in your 70s, 80s or 90s, if you want to be a poet, go for it! There’s a lot of late-life blooming going on, tempered by what our hearts are telling us and by our physical and mental abilities. That’s what the reinventing should be about.

As we age, we become increasingly dependent on others. What are the spiritual lessons there?

We don’t receive well. The tendency in older people is to complain or get mad at their caregivers if they aren’t giving to us perfectly. So it’s about learning to receive, but also learning to be gracious and put other people before yourself—allowing your caregiver to feel good about what they’re doing for you.

Look, the bottom line is learning to love and be loved. I keep learning every day. I have family issues that may never resolve, but I’m learning I’m beloved anyway. I’m seeing love where I didn’t see it before. I’m having compassion where I didn’t see it before. At 76, suddenly I see things with so much depth that I see the love that was there all along.

Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings.

To read a longer version of this conversation, visit online at TinyURL.com/OrsbornWW or scan the QR code.

Sweet Nostalgia

Celebrating National Dessert Month

by Deborah Bevilacqua

Many of us have beloved memories filled with the treasures of the family kitchen—the clanging of baking pans and metal mixing bowls, flour dusted across the counter and the amazing aromas of chocolate, vanilla and cinnamon filling the entire house. That wonderful anticipation of a homemade treat coming out of the oven was pure childhood magic.

“There is nothing better than the smell of home-baked goodies,” says Lynn Feder, owner of Lynn’s Life Breads, an allergen-free bakery. Infused with the best ingredients and dollops of love, desserts are more than just a tasty indulgence. They celebrate long-held family recipes, cultural traditions and the transformative effect of shared

pleasures. October is National Dessert Month, a perfect time to explore the history, nostalgia and nutritional gifts of these delicious delights.

From Ancient Times to Modern Bites

Desserts have evolved from simple combinations of fruits and nuts to elaborate confections. The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans enjoyed honeysweetened treats. By the 16th century, sugar had made its way to Europe from Southeast Asia, paving the way for decadent cakes and pastries. Today, each culture brings unique flavors and techniques to homes, bakeries and confectioneries around the globe.

American Favorites

Beloved for its chewy texture and rich flavor, the chocolate chip cookie was invented in 1938 by Ruth Wakefield, a chef, dietitian, educator and author from Walpole, Massachusetts, who also owned a tourist lodge with her husband, Kenneth, that they named the Tollhouse Inn.

Brownies originated in Chicago in 1893 at the Palmer House Hotel, where Bertha Palmer asked her chefs to create a portable dessert that could be served at the World’s Columbian Exposition. These cake-like, fudgy squares may contain nuts, chocolate chips or caramel swirls.

Apple pie is synonymous with American culture. With its flaky crust and sweet, spiced filling, it evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort, and is often accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream. In today’s health-conscious households, ice cream is not made with just cow’s milk. Scrumptious varieties are available featuring milks derived from cashews, oats or coconuts.

“The best ice cream is made from scratch in small batches with fresh, farm-to-table ingredients,” says Chloe Bowman, manager of Tin Cup Ice Cream & Desserts, in Crested Butte, Colorado. “One of our adult favorites is Cookie Monster ice cream made with homemade chocolate chip cookies and all-natural pea flour so it doesn’t make your mouth blue.”

While attempting to recreate a French version, William Lawrence, a New York dairyman, invented the now-classic New York-style cheesecake. It features smooth, rich cream cheese and a graham cracker crust that can be customized with various toppings.

The Sweet Benefits of Desserts

Aside from satisfying our sweet tooth, some desserts come with nutritious benefits. Dark chocolate contains flavanols that help lower blood pressure and fight cell damage, as well as polyphenols that, according to a 2022 study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, help maintain a better mood. Fruits and nuts are packed

Scukrov/CanvaPro

with vitamins, minerals and fiber, which play an important role in lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Indulging in a sweet treat may even lead to a sweeter disposition, according to research led by North Dakota State University.

Healthy Alternatives

Dessert time is not always kind to people that are diabetic, vegan, on restricted diets or have gluten sensitivities or allergies to ingredients like eggs, diary and nuts. “I can adapt any recipe to make it delicious and allergy-free. Today, we have so many options,” says Feder, who began baking allergen-free products as a result of her own health issues and allergies.

Dairy substitutes are plentiful in the grocery store, including milk made from oats, almonds, soy, coconut and rice. Alternatives to butter include nut butters, sunflower oil and coconut oil. For those with nut allergies, the texture, taste and nutritional value can be supplanted with rolled oats, granola, crisp rice cereal, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries, or dairyand nut-free chocolate chips.

For those looking to reduce their consumption of sugar, there are a number of healthier natural sweeteners, including monk fruit extract, raw honey, pure maple syrup, coconut sugar, stevia and blackstrap molasses. Stevia and monk fruit extract are derived from plants and have a flavor very similar to regular sugar. A quick search online will provide guidance on measurement equivalents. Monk fruit, which does not raise blood-sugar levels, can be up to 250 times sweeter than sugar.

Celebrating National

Dessert Month

To celebrate National Dessert Month, consider hosting a dessert-themed party where invitees can share their favorite recipes, and be sure to include lowsugar, vegan and gluten-free options, to accommodate everyone’s preferences and dietary restrictions.

Deborah Bevilacqua is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.

Volcano Surprise Brownie Cupcakes

STRAWBERRY LAYER

3 large fresh strawberries, quartered 1 Tbsp lemon juice

1 Tbsp maple syrup or honey

CARAMEL LAYER

¼ cup smooth cashew or almond butter ¼ cup maple syrup

1 date, pitted

1 tsp gluten-free vanilla extract

BROWNIE MIXTURE

2 Hu brand chocolate bars

2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted

1 cup smooth cashew butter (choice of hazelnut, cashew, almond

1 large egg or cashew raspberry)

½ cup maple syrup

½ tsp baking soda

¼ cup cocoa powder

½ cup mini chocolate chips, ¼ tsp Himalayan salt plus extras to sprinkle on top

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Prepare the strawberry layer by combining the strawberries, maple syrup or honey, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from stove and pour off the liquid, retaining the strawberries. Place the strawberries in the refrigerator to cool while preparing the other layers.

To make the caramel layer, first soak the date in boiling water for 2 minutes, then cut it into small pieces and drop them in a blender along with the other ingredients, blending for 40 seconds until the mixture is smooth. Set aside.

Place the brownie mixture ingredients in a bowl, except the chocolate chips and Hu chocolate bars. Blend using an electric, hand-held mixer. Once combined into a batter, fold in the chocolate chips.

Line a 12-cupcake baking tray with unbleached paper liners. Put one heaping tablespoon of the brownie mixture in each cupcake liner to coat the bottom. Break Hu chocolate bars into squares and place one square on top of the brownie mixture. Spread one teaspoon of caramel sauce on top of the chocolate. Add strawberries to the caramel layer. Top with additional brownie mixture until the liner is three quarters full. Sprinkle with a few mini chocolate chips.

Bake cupcakes for 20 minutes. Remove and place on a cooling rack. They are delicious at room temperature, cold from the refrigerator or frozen.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Lynn Feder.

Courtesy of Lynn Feder

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Apple Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

YIELD: 8-10 SERVINGS

BASE

2½ cups almond flour

2 tsp ground ginger

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp Himalayan salt

⅓ cup melted coconut oil

⅓ cup maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

STRAWBERRY FILLING

2 cups fresh strawberries, quartered

2 tsp lemon juice

2 Tbsp maple syrup

RHUBARB FILLING

2 cups rhubarb stalks, sliced

1 Tbsp coconut sugar or maple syrup

APPLE FILLING

2 large honey crisp or pink lady apples, peeled and sliced thin

2 Tbsp coconut oil

2 Tbsp maple syrup

1 tsp lemon juice

CASHEW STRAWBERRY

CREAM TOPPING

1 cup raw cashews

3 Tbsp boiling water

2 tsp lemon juice

½ tsp vanilla extract

2 Tbsp maple syrup

4 large fresh strawberries

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Preheat oven to 350°F.

Mix all base dry ingredients together in a bowl until there are no lumps. In a separate bowl, mix the base wet ingredients. Add the wet ingredients to the bowl with the dry ingredients and blend with a fork to form a loose dough.

Grease a 9-inch pie dish with coconut oil. Gently pat the dough onto the bottom and sides of the pie dish. Place in oven for 10 to 12 minutes until light brown. Remove and let cool. Set aside.

Place strawberry filling ingredients in saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from stove and drain off fluid. Set strawberries aside to cool.

Place rhubarb filling ingredients in a saucepan, cover with water and simmer for 8 minutes. Drain off fluid and set aside to cool.

Place apple filling ingredients in a saucepan and simmer until the apple slices are slightly tender, approximately 5 to 8 minutes. Drain fluid and set aside.

Blend the cream topping ingredients together in a blender until smooth. Arrange the apples in a circular pattern on the pie crust followed by the strawberries and rhubarb. Spread the cashew strawberry cream on top of the pie, sprinkle with cinnamon and serve.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Lynn Feder.

Courtesy of Lynn Feder

Lynn’s Pumpkin Cheese-Less Cake

YIELD: 10-12 SERVINGS

BASE

1¾ cups raw almonds 8 dates, pitted

1 tsp vanilla extract ⅛ tsp Himalayan salt

FILLING

3 cups raw cashews

1 cup coconut milk or almond milk

¾ cup maple syrup

2 Tbsp lemon juice

1 15-oz can of pumpkin puree (or equivalent of fresh-cooked mashed pumpkin)

2 Tbsp vanilla extract

1 tsp ground cinnamon

¼ to ½ tsp nutmeg, to taste

¼ tsp ground ginger

¼ tsp cloves

½ tsp Himalayan salt

1 cup melted coconut oil

For the base, soak the dates in boiling water for 2 minutes. Remove dates from water and put in food processor with salt, almonds and vanilla, and blend until the nuts are broken down into small pieces and the mixture is sticky when pressed between fingertips.

Line a springform pan with parchment paper. Gently hand-press the pie crust onto the bottom and sides of the pan. Set aside.

For the filling, soak cashews in water overnight or cover cashews with boiling water and allow to soak for 2 hours. Strain the soaked cashews and add them with the other filling ingredients except the coconut oil to a food processor. Blend for 5 minutes until smooth and creamy. Then add the melted coconut oil and blend until well incorporated into the mixture.

Pour filling into pie crust. Set in freezer for 2 or more hours until the center is solid.

Remove and refrigerate for a few hours until it thaws before serving.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Lynn Feder.

Courtesy of Lynn Feder

What’s Next After Recognizing National Recovery Month in September

By Kelvin Young

Every September, we observe National Recovery Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about addiction (substance use disorder), promoting the benefits of treatment and recovery support services, and celebrating the millions of people who are living in recovery. During this month, communities come together to share stories of resilience, reduce the stigma surrounding addiction, and offer hope that recovery is not just possible but attainable. It is a time for recognizing the transformative power of recovery, the importance of support networks, and the need for ongoing advocacy and education about addiction. But as September fades into October, a pressing question arises: What happens now? Does the conversation about recovery suddenly stop? Does the support for those battling addiction end with the close of National Recovery Month? Of course not. While September serves as an important annual reminder, recovery is a lifelong journey that requires attention, commitment and support every single day. Recovery is not confined to one month on the calendar; it is a

daily commitment to healing, self-discovery and growth that extends well beyond any one awareness campaign.

One of the main objectives of National Recovery Month is to reduce the stigma associated with addiction and mental health challenges. Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers preventing people from seeking help, and while Recovery Month serves as an important platform for breaking down these barriers, it is critical that this work continues all year-round.

We must remember that addiction does not take a break once September ends. People in recovery face daily challenges that require ongoing support, compassion and understanding. Society must continue to offer spaces for conversations about addiction and recovery beyond its designated month.

For people in recovery, the path to healing is not something that ends when the calendar changes. Recovery, like healing, is a lifelong process, a daily commitment to self-care, emotional processing and personal growth. Each day offers its own set of

challenges, and each day requires dedication to maintain sobriety and well-being. The journey of recovery is complex, and it demands that people remain proactive about their wellbeing. Here are some practical reasons why recovery is a daily commitment that extends far beyond National Recovery Month:

1. Healing Is Not Linear

Recovery is a process that ebbs and flows. There will be moments of clarity, strength and progress; but there will also be moments of doubt, temptation and setbacks. The reality of recovery is that it’s not a straight path; people in recovery need to be prepared to navigate the ups and downs of life. One of the keys to staying sober is recognizing that setbacks do not define failure. Instead, they are opportunities for learning and growth. Healing requires a long-term mindset, with an understanding that each day is a new chance to move forward.

2. Building and Maintaining Healthy Habits

The process of recovery is not just about abstaining from substances; it’s about creating a healthy, balanced lifestyle that supports long-term sobriety. This includes positive habits such as regular exercise, healthy eating, meditation, sober connections and other forms of self-care. These habits take time and dedication to establish; they require daily efforts to sustain. Just as addiction was a daily pattern, recovery must become a daily practice to rebuild a life of stability and wellness.

3. Emotional Growth and Self-Discovery

Recovery provides an opportunity for individuals to rediscover themselves. Many people who struggle with addiction lose their sense of identity in the process. Recovery allows them to reconnect with their values, passions and strengths. This is not something that happens overnight. Personal growth requires consistent self-reflection, journaling, therapy, self-care practices and honest conversations with ourselves and others. The journey of self-discovery continues long after the initial steps of recovery are taken, making it essential to remain committed to this process every single day.

4. Accountability and Support

One of the cornerstones of recovery is the importance of community and accountability. People in recovery often rely on support

groups, sponsors, mentors, family and friends to help them stay on track. This network of support is crucial to maintaining sobriety, especially during difficult times. Recovery groups and support networks are available year-round, offering guidance and camaraderie every single day. By staying connected to these networks, people can find the encouragement they need to keep moving forward.

5. Navigating Triggers and Cravings

For many people, addiction is tied to certain triggers—people, places, things, emotions or situations—that may lead to cravings or relapse. Learning how to navigate these triggers is a vital aspect of long-term recovery. These challenges do not disappear once National Recovery Month is over. Daily commitment is needed to remain aware of triggers and to incorporate strategies to avoid or manage them. Tools such as mindfulness, meditation, sound healing or grounding exercises can help people stay in control of their impulses.

Breaking the Stigma Every Day

As important as National Recovery Month is for raising awareness, destigmatizing addiction and celebrating recovery cannot be confined to just one month. The stigma surrounding addiction can be isolating and shaming, preventing people from seeking the support they need. It is essential that we continue to foster open dialogue about addiction and recovery every day, ensuring that those who struggle know they are not alone.

Promoting Growth and Healing Year-Round

National Recovery Month is a beautiful celebration of resilience and the power of recovery, but it is only one piece of the puzzle. The real work lies in what happens the other 11 months of the year as well. Recovery is a daily commitment to healing, self-discovery and growth, requiring ongoing effort and support. In conclusion, each day offers a fresh opportunity to make healthy choices, build new habits, reconnect with our authentic self and grow.

Kelvin Young, RSS, is a sound healer, recovery support specialist, author and co-founder of Connecticut-based SoulCare Love, LLC. He has presented internationally in retreat centers, conferences, yoga studios, schools, prisons, addiction treatment centers, psychiatric hospitals and mental health agencies. Connect at SoulCareLoveLLC.com.

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Ergonomic Solutions at Work and Play

How Good Posture and Mindful Habits Prevent Injury

by Maya Whitman

Regardless of lifestyle, many people experience everyday aches as they strive to balance work and play. Recurring movements while sitting or standing with bad posture can take a toll on the body. Jobs involving typing, hairstyling, powerto ol use or assembly-line tasks, as well

as asymmetrical recreational activities such as golf, tennis, bowling, electronic gaming or even playing musical instruments, can amplify the risk for chronic pain.

The American Heart Association reports that 80 percent of all U.S. jobs are mostly sedentary, a problem

even without the added burden of too much screen time, poor sitting positions and the long-term effects of repetitive motion. The National Spine Health Foundation offers three recommendations for office workers: be mindful of posture, don’t look down at screens and get up and move around on a regular basis.

The importance of prevention cannot be ignored when we look at the cost of workers’ compensation cases. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021 claims included $4.7 billion for awkward postures and $1.7 billion for repetitive motions involving “microtasks” performed in a matter of seconds or a few minutes, such as typing.

Pressure Points

According to Margie Bissinger, a physical therapist and integrative health coach in Parsippany, New Jersey, one of the most common conditions caused by repetitive movement is carpal tunnel syndrome resulting from pressure on the median nerve, which extends along the hand, arm and shoulder. Symptoms include numbness, tingling and weakness in the thumb and fingers.

“Ergonomics is the design of working environments to help individuals use the best postures and habits that will keep their bodies healthy and avoid injuries,” Bissinger explains, noting that good posture is designed to maintain the inward curve of the lower back.

Imágenes de Hassel/CanvaPro

To reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, pain on the pinkie-finger side of the wrist or other related injuries, she recommends keeping the shoulders relaxed, the wrist in a neutral position, the thumb in line with the forearm and elbows close to the body while typing.

Gamers are prone to tendinitis in the hands and forearms, notes Shari Berkowitz, biomechanist, ergonomist and founder of The Vertical Workshop, in Beverly Hills, California. She remarks that compression in the neck can lead to not only carpal tunnel syndrome, but also double crush syndrome, a condition associated with compression at more than one location along a nerve path.

“Gamers have a lot of repetition of movement in small joints, as well as holding patterns in the arms, shoulders and spine over a prolonged period. They would benefit from

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How Can

We Detoxify Our Brain?

By Tim Tynan

Do you suffer from headaches, migraines or vertigo?

Do you have trouble focusing?

Are you dealing with the effects of head injuries?

Is someone in your family affected by autism, dementia or Alzheimer’s?

using ergonomic devices that require very little force to press buttons, toggle, etc.,” she advises, adding that players should position themselves to support the entire body, not just the wrists. Whether working or playing, Berkowitz stresses the need to step away from the desk every hour for five minutes to get something to drink, go to the bathroom or just move around. Bissinger cautions that slouching at the desk or while playing electronic games is a surefire way to set off pain patterns. “You don’t want to be on the couch hunched with your low back rounded,” she says. “You should make sure your neck is looking straight ahead, not up or down, for extended periods of time.”

Exercise Ergonomics

Bad habits in the gym or on the yoga mat can foster chronic pain in the lower back, knees, neck, shoulders

and wrists. “Learn about proper joint alignment for whatever exercises you’re doing and then try to achieve that for each movement,” advises Berkowitz. “When a set of muscles that are primary to a movement is fatigued, synergists, or assistant muscles, must work more than they are supposed to. That means strain is going to happen.” She recommends stopping as soon as there is a feeling of muscle fatigue and decreasing the weight and repetitions. For a well-rounded approach to exercise that aids in preventing issues, Berkowitz suggests mobility training such as Pilates, yoga, tai chi and dance, along with running, walking or strength training. She also suggests replacing backless shoes like flip-flops and slides with anklesupporting, foot-forming options such as Flux Footwear.

Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings

The brain has its own cleaning system, known as the glymphatic system. Its job is to remove waste products, scar tissue and swelling that accumulates over time, allowing the body to process them out. However, when we experience head injuries; are exposed to environmental toxins, unhealthy food or medication; or just suffer from poor sleep, the glymphatic system may become less effective. As this system deteriorates, it can lead to more serious issues and neurological disorders.

Structural Energetic Therapy® offers specialized cranial/ structural techniques designed to address the breakdown of the glymphatic system. These techniques work by first unwinding pathways to allow waste products to flow, then initiating and assisting the movement of these waste products through those pathways, creating space around the brain. Think of it like unkinking a pipe and then applying pressure to drain out what was stuck, restoring the free flow of fluid.

After receiving these treatments, the brain has the space it needs to begin healing itself. This can significantly reduce or even eliminate the symptoms of most, if not all, cognitive disorders. In some cases, it can even reduce symptoms of more severe conditions like autism, early-onset dementia or Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease

The brain can heal—sometimes it just needs the space to do so—allowing us to live more clearly and present in our lives.

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Taking the Cold-Therapy Plunge

From Icy Showers to Cryotherapy Chambers

by Madiha Saeed, M.D.

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Stress gets a bad reputation, but some forms can be quite beneficial. Hormesis, a self-imposed stress to the body, teaches it to become resilient. Cold therapy is a popular method used by athletes, biohackers and others looking to optimize their performance and physical health.

According to Molly Maloof, a concierge physician, biohacker and consultant to more than 50 companies, there are several types of cold therapy, including a cold shower or cold plunge in 50 to 59°F water; an ice bath in water that is 41 to 50°F; and cryotherapy, which exposes the body to extremely cold air (-166 to -220°F) in a specialized chamber. Maloof notes, “Women may not need as

cold a plunge as men because women shiver at higher temperatures and are more sensitive to cold.”

Benefits of Cold Therapy

According to Tom Moorcroft, a boardcertified physician specializing in chronic, tick-borne illnesses, “People with chronic inflammatory conditions generally do really well [with cold therapies], both from a perspective of lowering inflammation and dealing with the stress of chronic illness. Patients with chronic, tick-borne infections typically report less pain and inflammation, improved energy and better overall quality of life with even a

Robert Pavsic from Getty Images/CanvaPro

short 60- to 90-second cold shower daily. A cold plunge three to four times a week improves symptoms even more.”

Maloof notes the following benefits:

• Hormonal Effects: Cold therapy can increase production of norepinephrine and endorphins, which may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

• Metabolism and Weight Management: Cold exposure activates brown adipose tissue (BAT), increasing calorie burn. Women typically have more BAT than men, potentially making cold therapy more effective for a metabolic boost.

• Inflammation and Recovery: Cold-water immersion can be beneficial post-exercise to reduce inflammation and muscle soreness. While men’s bodies naturally redirect blood flow after a workout, women’s bodies tend to keep blood in the skin. A cold plunge can help women push that blood back to the muscles, aiding recovery. This benefit may be particularly useful for those experiencing inflammation during certain phases of their menstrual cycle.

• Immune System: Regular cold therapy may strengthen the immune system, and the effects may be more pronounced in men than women due to differences in responses to stimuli.

• Skin Health: Cold therapy, especially plunging the face into a bowl of ice water, can improve skin tone and reduce puffiness by constricting blood vessels.

• Fertility and Reproductive Health: Cold therapy might improve fertility in women by reducing inflammation and balancing hormones, but more studies are needed.

• Cardiovascular Health: Cold exposure can improve cardiovascular health by enhancing circulation. This benefit is important for women, as they have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease after menopause.

Contraindications

Moorcroft states that common side effects of cold therapies include cold skin, temporary dizziness, lightheadedness or headache, an increase in blood pressure and, rarely, frostbite or skin rash. According to both Maloof and Moorcroft, cold

therapies are contraindicated for patients with uncontrolled hypertension, an inability to sense the extremities, an allergy to cold, Raynaud’s disease, pregnancy, open wounds, skin infections or recent surgery. Cold therapy might also be inadvisable for people with eating disorders, as it can exacerbate a disordered metabolism. Cryotherapy is not recommended for those with cardiovascular conditions, stroke history, claustrophobia, severe anxiety disorders, deep vein thrombosis or serious respiratory problems. Cold plunges or ice baths are not recommended for those with epilepsy, diabetes or hypothyroidism.

Tips for Taking the Plunge

Maloof recommends beginning with cool showers and slowly decreasing the temperature for brief periods. Her other recommendations for safely experiencing the benefits of cold therapies include:

• Start cold plunges for short durations of 30 seconds to two minutes.

• Limit cold-water immersion to below the shoulders or neck.

• Keep immersion times to two rounds of 30 seconds with two minutes in-between at the lowest temperatures, and a maximum of six rounds of three minutes with two minutes in-between at the highest immersion temperatures.

• Listen to the body and do not push beyond a level that is comfortable. Remember that women are more sensitive to cold.

• Warm up properly afterward by having warm, dry clothes ready.

• Stay hydrated with water before and after a cold therapy session.

• A cool shower before bed may help with sleep, especially for menopausal women. “[Cold showers] are more accessible, and more people I work with are likely to start with these than a cold plunge or a cold chamber,” says Moorcroft. “Personally, I prefer a cold plunge by a long shot. It’s a more Zen and focusing experience.”

Madiha Saeed is a holistic, functional and integrative doctor in Naperville, Illinois, and director of education for Documenting Hope and KnoWEwell.

Grateful Aging Coming in November

The Case for Cloth Diapers

Saving Money and the Environment

by Kelcie Ottoes

Disposable diapers hit the shelves in 1948 and have become a household staple. The International Market Analysis Research and Consulting Group estimates that 28.8 billion diapers were sold in 2023 in the United States. Parents concerned with environmental, monetary and other associated costs of disposables are moving back to cloth diapering.

“Both my husband’s mom and my mom mentioned that they cloth-diapered. They said it was really no big deal. Cloth diapers used to be the norm just a few generations ago,” says Kate Sawyer, a water and wastewater professional in Durango, Colorado.

Health Benefits

Babies are more susceptible to harmful chemicals due to their thinner, more permeable skin. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission does not require diaper manufacturers to test their products for toxins other than lead.

A 2019 study published by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety tested 23 bestselling disposable diapers and found toxic substances, including volatile organic compounds like naphthalene, styrene, toluene, chlorobenzene, phthalates, formaldehyde, pesticides and dioxins.

A 2000 study published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood showed

that boys exhibited a higher scrotal temperature when wearing disposable diapers than cotton varieties, posing possible fertility issues in later life.

Cloth diapers are made of natural, breathable materials such as cotton, bamboo or hemp, which generally do not contain perfumes, polyacrylate (a superabsorbant polymer) or chlorine that can strip away protective bacteria, causing a baby’s skin to become dry and irritated. Look for organic versions free of toxins from the farm and factory.

Unlike disposables designed to absorb moisture quickly and keep it away from the skin, cloth diapers need to be changed as soon as they are wet or soiled, and the baby’s bottom must be cleaned well and allowed to dry before applying a fresh diaper.

Toddlers wearing cloth diapers can feel the wet sensation against their skin and are more aware of when they have relieved themselves, making potty training easier. According to an article in Parenting Science, approximately 60 percent of American children in 1947 were potty trained by 18 months old, whereas the average age rose to 37 months by 2004, in part due to the use of disposable diapers, researchers believe.

When washing cloth diapers, follow the manufacturers’ instructions, use recommended amounts of detergent, run an extra rinse cycle to thoroughly remove all the soap, and avoid fabric softeners or dryer sheets, as they can be irritants. Responding to parents that don’t want to deal with the messiness of cloth diapers, Sawyer says, “No matter what, you’re going to deal with poop as a parent. Using cloth diapers actually gives you a process to deal with poop, so when a blowout happens— cloth diaper or not—you can deal with it quickly and efficiently.”

A Cleaner Option

Each year, 3.6 million tons of disposable diapers are sent to landfills. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that a child will require up to 3,000 diapers in the first year, and about 8,000 by the time they’re potty-trained. Most disposable diapers are made of cellulose,

polypropylene, polyethylene and absorbent polymers that take up to 500 years to break down. The fecal contents can also leach into groundwater.

Parents that use cloth tend to buy between 20 and 40 diapers, which can last up to 400 washes if they’re well maintained and can be repurposed into dust rags to extend their life. Although they usually do not pile up in landfills, cloth diapers still pose some environmental concerns. Hot water and energy are needed to wash and dry them. Cotton is also a chemically dependent crop, but when regenerative organic principles are employed, the cottongrowing process conserves water, protects biodiversity and avoids toxic fertilizers and herbicides.

Cheaper in the Long Run

The average cost of one disposable diaper is 29 cents; cloth diapers are about $2 to $21 each. “It can be expensive to get started [with cloth diapers], but the longrun savings more than make up for the up-front costs,” says Leah Black, a mom and founder of Cheeks Ahoy, a reusable baby-wipe company in Canada. “You don’t have to buy all brand-new stuff. Wellmade cloth diapers will last much longer than your child’s diapering stage, so there is nothing wrong with looking for gently used cloth diapers.”

A Flexible Approach

Families that want the benefits of cloth diapering do not have to make it an allor-nothing decision. Many use disposable diapers when a newborn first comes home, because they require so many changes at that time, and then switch to cloth diapers once the child is a few weeks old. Some parents choose to use cloth diapers only during the day and avoid fuss by using disposables at night when they are tired and trying to get back to sleep. Others go with cloth diapers at home and disposables when they are out, so they aren’t carrying around soiled diapers at the grocery store or park.

Kelcie Ottoes is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.

PET PARENTS

Are you looking to help your pets live healthy, happy, high-quality lives?

Learn simple, at-home techniques: Animal Communication

Acupressure Energy Healing

Reiki Nutrition Aromatherapy

Carrie Purcell LLC

Animal Communicator

Carrie@CarriePurcell.com

CarriePurcell.com A Leg Up 4 Animals

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2

Learn How to Experience Shamanic Journey Level One. 7-8:30 p.m. In the Celtic tradition, there is another world of spirit energy that exists both within and outside of time. This “Other World” can be connected to simply and safely to gain insight and wisdom. $30. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Info, RSVP: TheRedBarnInDurham.com/Classes.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3

Sound Healing Sessions w/Kelvin Young & Maria del Carmen. 6-7:30 p.m. Every other Thursday Create a safe space during a sound healing gathering to share feelings and hold space for each other while sipping on cacao. Relax to the sounds by Kelvin Young, RSS and Maria Del Carmen, MBA. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St., Farmington, CT. Info, register: BridgeHAC.com/ Event/Sound-Healing-Kelvin-Young/2024-10-03.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4

Vibration of Wholeness. 6-8 p.m. A shamanic channeling, heart chakra healing experience with sound bowls with Mountain Flower Medicine Woman. For healers and yogis looking for a deep, soulful connection; those seeking divine support, and people wanting to connect with beloveds who’ve crossed the rainbow bridge. Shikoba Essex, 23 Saybrook Rd., Essex, CT. Info, RSVP: LeslieKarenHammond.com/Events.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5

The Colors of Autumn. 2-3 p.m. Why do leaves change color? Come with your family to learn why this happens while on a fall walk in the park. Afterward, join in the visitor center to make your tree full of autumn colors to take home. Free. Family program. Ansonia Nature Center, 10 Deerfield Ln., Ansonia, CT. RSVP: AnsoniaNatureCenter.org.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6

Harvest Fair at The Red Barn. 11 a.m - 5 p.m. The Barn will host readers, healers, artisans and vendors throughout the building. Stop by for a day of healing and shopping. Free admission. Readers and healers set their own price. Follow us on Facebook @TheRedBarnInDurham for up-to-date details. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Info: TheRedBarnInDurham.com.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 7

Draconids Meteor Shower . 7-8:30 p.m. The Draconids are minor meteor showers producing about 10 meteors per hour. The shower runs annually from Oct. 6-10, and peaks on Oct. 7. Join us at the Nature Center to view the night sky down at our soccer fields. Bring blankets and chairs to rest in, and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Free. Ansonia Nature Center, 10 Deerfield Ln., Ansonia, CT. RSVP: AnsoniaNatureCenter.org.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8

Gemstone Healing Circle . 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bimonthly healing circle featuring White Time Energy and Gemstone healing. October’s gemstone layout is Increasing Brain Capacity #1. All are welcome. Facilitated by Bradford Tilden. $30. Crystal Music Healing 92 North Summit St., Southington, CT. Info: 860-830-5841, Info@CrystalMusicHealing.com, Register: tinyurl.com/WhiteTimeCircle.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9

Vitamin Shots Clinic. Noon-2 p.m. Collaborative Natural Health Partners is offering injections for prevention (glutathione and super B) to help quench free radicals, support detoxification, boost the immune system, and help with energy and metabolism. $35-$45. Collaborative Natural Health Partners, 315 East Center St., Manchester, CT. Reserve spot: CTNaturalHealth. com/Events/Vitamin-Shots-Clinic-19, 860-533-0179.

Peptide & Nutrition Program Meetup. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Second Wednesdays. Come talk about peptides, mindfulness and nutrition with Dr. Vitali and Dr. Young to support you on your weight-loss journey. Info, RSVP: CTNaturalHealth.com/Events/PeptideNutrition-Program-Meetup-Wednesday.

Learn How to Experience Shamanic Journey Level Two. 7-8:30 p.m. This class expands on the basic teachings of journeying techniques found in the Ancient Celtic Tradition. Prerequisite: Shamanic Journey Level One. $30. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Info: Journey-insights. com. Register with Jim Powers: 860-967-7103, JPowers1741@gmail.com.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10

Shamanic Crystal-Sound Bath. 6-7:15 p.m. Every other Thursday. Relax, recharge and release stress and unwanted energies from your body, mind and field with master crystal and sound healer, Bradford Tilden. Bring a blanket, chair or yoga mat. $25 (walk-in: $30). The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St., Farmington, CT. Info: 860-404-2578. BridgeHAC.com. Register: tinyurl.com/BridgeSoundHealing2024.

Tong Ren Healing Class. 7-8 p.m. Second Thursdays. With Erik Harris. Distance energy healing modality that taps into the bio-electrical system for healing. Start with a meditative relaxed state. Comment with 3 things you would like healed and 3 people you would like to send healing. $10. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Info, RSVP: 860-5938397, Erik@ChiforHealing.com, ChiforHealing.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12

Exploiting Your Soul to the Akashic Records. 1-5 p.m. With Stephanie Rosally-Kaplan, owner of Autumn Sage LLC. Accessing the Akashic Records training for beginners, including history, definitions, guidelines, meditation/visual imagery, reiki, breathwork and one-card oracle reading. Discussions and practicing in groups. $50. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. RSVP: RosallyKaplan@gmail.com.

11TH NEW AGE & CRAFTS EXPO

Classifieds:

Attention Energy Medicine Practitioners! Hourly or daily rates are available for Psychotherapy Healing Services, LLC’s high-frequency, beautifully decorated, shared second office space. It is not conducive to sound healing or massage with oils. Call/text Celeste: 860-798-6176. Visit CelestialEmpowerment.com/Rental-Available/ High-Energy-Beautiful-Office-Space-for-RentAvailable-Immediately-2.

Attention Energy Medicine Practitioners and Workshop Presenters! Daily rates are now available for Celestial Empowerment Quantum Healthcare, LLC’s high-frequency, beautifully decorated 1100 sq. ft. Suite #3. Amenities include a kitchenette, projector, 120-inch screen, whiteboard, training tables, folding chairs, surround sound and Wi-Fi. Call/text Celeste: 860-798-6176.

Ongoing Events

mondays

Gentle Yoga. 9:30-10:30 a.m. This class is designed for everyone. It’s a great practice for beginners as the pace is slower and allows for you start to understand the poses and learn proper alignment. This class is great for those who are new to yoga. Just Be Yoga & Wellness, 234 New Haven Ave., Milford, CT. Info, RSVP: 203-693-3174, JustBeYogaandWellness@ gmail.com, JustBeYogaandWellness.com.

All-Level Flow Yoga. 6:30-7:30 p.m. With Lisa Ordazzo. Other times available. A well-balanced flow that will engage your entire body. Offering up several variations of the poses as well as guidance with props. Class accessible to everyone. Just Be Yoga & Wellness, 234 New Haven Ave., Milford, CT. Info, RSVP: 203-693-3174, JustBeYogaandWellness@gmail.com, JustBeYogaandWellness.com.

Grief Support Group. 6:30-8 p.m. Every other Monday. Join Rosie and Marisol for an evening of sharing, meditation, reiki and sound healing. They will share coping skills to help navigate through grief. You will be heard and held with the support of community. $20 self-care exchange required to hold your spot. The Roots of Life Foundation, 1056 Durham Rd., Wallingford, CT. Info: TheRootsofLifeFoundation. org/Calendar. RSVP: 631-882-0574.

tuesdays

Salt & Sound Morning Meditations. Weekly. 1111:45 a.m. Balance & Restore and 12:15 - 1 p.m. Reiki Sound Bath. Minimum of 3 participants to run a session. $60/session. Info: Sacred-Cocoon.com. Located at the SoulShine Salt Cavern at The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. RSVP: Katie@FeelYourLight.com.

All Abilities Chair Yoga. 4:30-5:15 p.m. Using a chair and yoga props, you will take part in postures and breathwork. No experience necessary. All postures modified to each individual and their abilities, building up to a level of comfort that your body allows. $20. The Center for Higher Living, 130 Webster Square Rd., Berlin, CT. Info: MindfulWithMary. com. Registration required: MindfulWithMary.com/ Booking-Calendar/All-Levels-Chair-Yoga.

All Level Flow. 5:15-6:15 p.m. With Melissa Andersen. This class is a moderate-paced flow where you will be guided through sequences and modifications will be offered for different levels of practitioners. Some previous yoga experience is beneficial. $15. Just Be Yoga & Wellness, 234 New Haven Ave., Milford, CT. Info, RSVP: 203-693-3174, JustBeYogaandWellness@gmail.com, JustBeYogaandWellness.com.

Restorative Yoga. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Gather to support one another through the practice of movement, breath and meditative body scans with Mary from Mindful Movement & Meditation. Class opens with a few minutes of finding your space and grounding your breath, followed by gentle yoga sequences and a final resting pose. $20. The Center for Higher Living, 130 Webster Square Rd., Berlin, CT. Info: MindfulWithMary.com. Registration required: MindfulWithMary.com/Booking-Calendar/ Restorative-Yoga.

Weekly Sound Healing Meditation. 7-8:15 p.m. Relax, restore, and receive healing energy. Rotating weekly topics. Plan to arrive early and bring a mat, blanket, pillow and water. $35/session or $100/4 sessions (use within 3 months). Location: The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main Street, Durham. Register: Katie@FeelYourLight.com.

wednesdays

Qigong Class. 10-11 a.m. Qigong focuses on breath and movement to open up the energy flow in the body. There will be a meditation with a combination of singing bowls, aromatherapy and an inspirational reading at the end of class. $20/class, $50/month. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Info, RSVP: ChiforHealing. com, Erik@ChiforHealing.com, 860-593-8397.

Heart Jewel Prayers w/ Meditation. Noon-1 p.m. Everyone welcome. Heart Jewel is a New Kadampa Tradition of Mahayana Buddhism daily practice. There will be a pause within the prayers for silent contemplation and meditation. Prayer booklets available and prayers played on the ipod are in English. No cost. Odiyana Buddhist Center, 450 New London Tpk., Glastonbury, CT. Info, RSVP: 860-266-6041, Info@Odiyana.org, MeditationInConnecticut.org.

Hartford: Learn to Meditate. 12:15-1 p.m. With Buddhist teachers Vinny Tiu and Bill Prouty. Class includes guided meditation and brief practical advice from Buddha’s teachings. Learn to let go of distractions and experience a sense of inner calm. No experience necessary. $8/class. Center Church Parish House, 60 Gold St., Hartford, CT. Info, RSVP: 860-266-6041, Info@Odiyana.org, MeditationInConnecticut.org. Meditations & Buddhist Wisdom for a Happy Life 7 p.m. Explore meditation techniques to cultivate positive intentions and harness the power of Buddhist wisdom. Classes based on Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche’s How to Transform Your Life and The New Meditation Handbook books. No meditation experience required. $12/class. Odiyana Buddhist Center, 450 New London Tpk., Glastonbury, CT. Info, RSVP: 860-266-6041, MeditationInConnecticut.org.

thursdays

Thursday Morning Yoga Flow. 9-10 a.m. Start off the morning with Mary from Mindful Movement & Meditation in an awakening meditation that leads into an invigorating yoga flow, utilizing fluid, repeated sequences to warm your body and breath. Ages 16+. All abilities welcome. $20. The Center for Higher Living, 130 Webster Square Rd., Berlin, CT. Info: MindfulWithMary.com. Registration required: MindfulWithMary.com/Booking-Calendar/Thursday-Yoga-Flow.

Salt & Sound Morning Meditations. Weekly at 10-10:45 a.m. Pause & Breathe. Minimum of 3 participants to run a session. $60/session. More info at Sacred-Cocoon.com. Located at the SoulShine Salt Cavern at The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main Street, Durham. RSVP to Katie@FeelYourLight.com.

Qigong Class. 6-7 p.m. Qigong focuses on breath and movement to open up the energy flow in the body. Meditation with a combination of singing bowls, aromatherapy and an inspirational reading at the end of class. $20/class, $50/month. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Info, RSVP: ChiforHealing.com, Erik@ChiforHealing.com, 860-593-8397.

Spiritual Awakening Circle. 6-7 p.m. With Stephanie Rosally-Kaplan. Are you looking for a place to gather with other spiritually minded people? Are you opening up to new things that are somehow familiar? $5. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Info, RSVP: TheRedBarnInDurham.com/Classes.

Meditation Toolkit. 7-8 p.m. Program designed to support those who wish to develop and sustain an enduring meditation practice. Study the Lamrim system of 21 meditations. Each week includes guided meditation, short teaching, discussion, and Q&A time. Everyone is welcome. $12/class. Odiyana Buddhist Center, 450 New London Tpk., Glastonbury, CT. Info, RSVP: 860-266-6041, MeditationInConnecticut.org.

fridays

Gentle Yoga. 9:30-10:30 a.m. With Nancy Werfel. This class is designed for everyone. It’s a great practice for beginners as the pace is slower and allows for you start to understand the poses and learn proper alignment. Just Be Yoga & Wellness, 234 New Haven Ave., Milford, CT. Info, RSVP: 203693-3174, JustBeYogaandWellness@gmail.com, JustBeYogaandWellness.com.

saturdays

Cards and Coffee: Tarot Collaboration. 10-11:30 a.m. Bring your coffee and cards. Learn, practice, study, share. Open to anyone with an interest in tarot or oracle cards. All levels welcome. Donation: $10. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Info, RSVP: TheRedBarnInDurham.com/Classes.

sundays

Wuji Gong Sunday Mornings. 10-11 a.m. A relaxing moving meditation. Arrive 5-15 minutes early. Wuji Gong is the fundamental form of Emei Qigong with 14 standing postures/movements practice with a recording of Grand Master Fu. No previous knowledge required. Very low impact. Suggested donation: $10. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Info, RSVP: Maureen.Funke@gmail.com, 203530-5156.

Sunday Morning Meditation. 10-11:15 a.m. Class will look at Buddha’s teachings contained in the text Eight Verses of Training the Mind and its commentary The New Eight Steps to Happiness. Each week includes a guided breathing meditation, brief teaching on how to access inner calm and kindness, Q&A and a contemplative time. Everyone welcome. $12/ class. Odiyana Buddhist Center, 450 New London Tpk., Glastonbury, CT. Info, RSVP: 860-266-6041, MeditationInConnecticut.org.

Potluck and Drumming. 4:30-7:30 p.m. First eat and mingle as a community, then drum and dance at 6 p.m. on The Roots of Life Foundation farm. Burgers, hot dogs and vegetarian options. Bring a side dish for the potluck/cookout, such as fruit, paper plates, napkins, bag of chips, pasta salad, potato salad, etc. Donations also welcome (suggested: $5-$20). All ages welcome. 1056 Durham Rd., Wallingford, CT. Info, RSVP: TheRootsofLifeFoundation.org/Calendar.

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. DEADLINE: All listings must be received by the 12th of the month prior to publication.

ANIMAL COMMUNICATION

CARRIE PURCELL

Certified Animal Aromatherapy Specialist

Reiki Master, Energy Medicine Practitioner

Animal Holistic Health and Nutrition Coach

CarriePurcell.com

Carrie teaches pet parents and those called to work with animals holistic techniques, including animal communication, energy healing, aromatherapy, acupressure and nutrition, to help animals live healthy, happy, high quality lives. Pet owners can learn how to use simple, at-home techniques in her Pet Parent class series. No experience with aromatherapy or energy healing needed to support your pet and witness positive changes. In person and online classes. See ad on page 23.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY

SOURCE COLON HYDROTHERAPY

Elizabeth Regal

106 Rte. 66 East, Columbia, CT

860-634-7523

SourceColonHydrotherapy@gmail.com

SourceColonHydrotherapy.com

Colonics promote hydration and loosening of waste matter, assisting elimination by natural peristalsis of the colon. Sessions are offered at Roots Natural Medical Center in Columbia on an FDA-approved closed system device. I-ACT certified hydrotherapist. More info and videos on colonics at RootsMedicalCenter.com.

THE COLONIC INSTITUTE

Avon, CT

860-481-2702

ColonicsCT46@gmail.com

ColonicsCT.com

Colon hydrotherapy improves digestion, energy, sleep, hydration and mental clarity; normalizes bowel movements; rids the body of gas, mucous and toxins; and helps reduce appetite. Ideal for individuals experiencing constipation and digestive issues or looking for a detox to clean up diet and boost energy and mental clarity. I-ACT-certified therapists. Other detoxification services include foot baths, ear coning and bioelectric lymphatic drainage. See ad on page 26.

ENERGY HEALING

EAGLE FLIGHT HEALING, LLC

Cathy Stubbs

Remote-based healing

203-535-8849

Info@EagleFlightHealing.com EagleFlightHealing.com

Eagle Flight Healing’s shamanic energy healing service provides transformative energy work helping clients resolve the traumas, pain, shame and struggles of the past. They experience new self-value and mattering, and feel more vitality, happiness and joy with which to enjoy life and dream the future. Make an appointment today to change your life. See ad on page 26.

EMPATHIC MOJO, LLC

Annie Mojo, HMPO

Milford, CT or remote (475)-3EM-MOJO

Mojo@EmpathicMojo.com EmpathicMojo.com Heal.me/EmpathicMojo

Energy healing, intuitive guidance, medical intuitive, psychic-medium, spiritual counselor, intuitive business coaching, pet readings, meditation music. Empower the inner you! Find your Mojo! Contact today for your FREE 20-minute consultation. See ad on page 7.

KATHY STALTER

Sanaré Wellness, LLC

Southington, CT 860-600-0106

Kathy@Sanare.Life Sanare.life

The Future of Energy Medicine is here! This 24-unit Energy Enhancement System creates multiple bioactive, regenerative energy fields, including scalar waves and biophotons, that can assist your body’s ability to repair and heal itself from disease. The body can become capable of rejuvenating and recalibrating itself back to homeostasis. Appointment only.

BRADFORD W. TILDEN, MM, CMT, UWT

Crystal Music Healing

Southington, CT and via Zoom 860-830-5841

info@CrystalMusicHealing.com

CrystalMusicHealing.com

Want spiritual healing and growth? Release anxiety, stress and trauma with the energy and benefits of Universal White Time (UWT). Receive spiritual development support through gemstone healing, energy work, sound and guided visualization. Schedule your free discovery call! Bradford also offers certification courses in UWT for people to transform their lives or professions.

HEALTH COACH

CATHERINE SHAW NTP

Root Wisdom LLC

Nutritionist, Health Coach, Biofield Tuning Plantsville, CT (+ remotely)

386-479-9019

Catherine.Shaw@mailfence.com

RootWisdomHealth.com

Body-mind-spirit are all connected. I help people heal the root of their suffering through nutrition therapy, lifestyle choices and a profound modality called Biofield Tuning. It can shift mindsets/beliefs and ease physical ailments. Let me help you liberate your true potential for vibrant health and raise your voltage!

MARCIA PUC

Rewind Wellness

Certified Integrative Health Coach & Professional Chef

203-577-8344

Marcia@RewindWellness.com

RewindWellness.com

Work with women to address weight management, nutrition, sleep, nervous system restoration, stress and hormone balance. Holistic approach with an emphasis on creating mindset shifts and lasting habit changes for lifelong health. Book a free 30-minute consultation at RewindWellness.com to see how we can work together to achieve your wellness goals in a non-judgmental, caring space. See ad on page 27.

RENEE EDGE

Edge to Health

860-681-3427

Renee@EdgeToHealth.com

EdgeToHealth.com

Board-certified health/wellness coach with certifications from Cornell University (nutrition/healthy living), Epidemic Answers (nutritional impacts on childhood illnesses) and Mindfulness Educators (mindfulness facilitator). Partnering with individuals and families to bring about positive health changes with functional nutrition and mindfulness. Help remediate the biological and behavioral impacts of trauma, ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression and more to improve physical, mental and emotional health. See ad on page 17.

HEMP WELLNESS

LAUREN MAGEL

Holistic Hemp Wellness Green Compass Advocate

631-877-0441

LaurenMagel.GreenCompassGlobal.com/ share/191341

Lauren offers small group education sessions and individual consultations in Connecticut and online to help you identify products to feel your best every day with a full line of USDA-certified organic hemp wellness products, including full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD, collagen, skin care, topicals and drink powders. Let’s get you started with a CBD brand you can trust.

HOLISTIC NETWORKING

HOLISTIC COMMUNITY PROFESSIONALS

Shirley R. Bloethe, Executive Director 860-989-0033

HCPinc.ORG@gmail.com

HolisticCommunityProfessionals.org

Holistic Community Professionals is an organization of holistic practitioners and businesses focused on improving health and wellness with products and services throughout New England. We also connect consumers with a wide variety of modalities, holistic products, and services as well as offering two expos a year at The DoubleTree by Hilton in Bristol. See website for details. See ad on page 17.

LIFE COACHING

CHANNELING YOUR WISDOM COACHING

Lynda Mettler, ACC

Transformation Coach, Reiki Master Lynda@YourWisdomCoaching.com

Specializing in Internal Family Systems, Reiki energy and meditation. Guiding clients to transform their inner view to embody self-compassion and trust. Ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure to ignite your spark and unleash your talents? This coaching is for you. Now offering Clarity Coaching, a single session to ease decision-making stress.

LIGHT THERAPY

JEANNINE JAMESON-BUCKLEY, HHP, RM

Karuna Holistic Therapies LLC 808-382-4614

KarunaHolisticTherapies.com KarunaHolisticTherapies@gmail.com

The RoXiva lamp uses flickering light to simulate the brain’s natural production of neurochemicals. Experience deep meditation, let go of stress and anxiety and improve mental health. Light therapy is combined with sound for an immersive light and sound journey. Karuna Holistic Therapies also offers massage, Reiki, NLP, yoga, grief recovery, channeling, meditation and nutritional counseling.

MASSAGE THERAPY

A MOMENT IN TIME MASSAGE, LLC

Jill Andrzejewski, LMT, RMT, Psychic Medium

3490 Whitney Ave., Ste. 205, Hamden, CT 203-909-1108

JillaMomentinTimeMassage@gmail.com AMomentinTimeMassage.org

We partner to set physical, mental and spiritual goals to empower you. I advocate gentle stretching, crystals and breath work to maintain grounded, calm feelings. Services: massage; Reiki; chakra balancing; angel tarot, oracle card and tea leaf readings; group events/classes. A Moment In Time Treasures items available for purchase. Appointment only. See ad on page 31.

CAROL MEADE

Massage2Movement

Wallingford, CT

203-415-8666

Massage2Movement.com

Celebrating 30 years as a licensed massage therapist, Carol focuses on restorative massage, her Feldenkrais Method training and movement education to guide individuals from a state of pain to feeling freer and more empowered in their bodies. She offers restorative massage, group and individual Feldenkrais lessons, cranial sacral therapy, and manual lymph drainage. Call/email Carol for your next appointment.

NURSE PRACTITIONER

CHERYL CUOZZO, MSN, APRN, ANP-C, FNP-C, FAIHM

Integrative Medicine Nurse

Practitioner

Berlin, CT and remote 203-484-2069

Info@CuozzoHealth.com

CuozzoHealth.com

CT’s first FAIHM-credentialed NP! Focus on chronic multi-symptom illnesses, undiagnosable conditions and military service-related issues. Personalized treatment plans, vitamin and herbal therapies, acupuncture, cupping. Cost-saving memberships, packages and military discounts available. Cuozzo sees adult patients in Berlin, CT. Virtual visits available. See ad on page 17.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

JENNIFER GLOVER-KELLER, LLC

Productivity Consultant

In Person or Virtual

JenniferGloverKeller.com

Feeling overwhelmed? I help business owners and leaders create personalized systems to reduce stress, reclaim time, and achieve peak productivity. We ditch endless to-do lists, prioritize effectively, streamline workflows, and more. Find flow, focus, and freedom to pursue your wildest ambitions. I can help you reduce stress and reclaim your time. Contact me today!

QUANTUM PSYCHOTHERAPY

CELESTIAL EMPOWERMENT

QUANTUM HEALTHCARE

Celeste Emelia Mattingly, LCSW 860-470-5404

CMattingly100@comcast.net CelestialEmpowerment.com

Take a quantum leap to improve your quality of life with Celestial Psychology and Tachyon Chamber Zero Point Energy technology. Celeste incorporates standard psychotherapy with state-ofthe-art holistic modalities, including Tachyon and anti-aging products and tools. Come meditate in New England’s largest Tachyon Chamber. Stay tuned for workshops, lectures and special events. Accept most insurance plans for psychotherapy, including Medicare and CT Medicaid. See ad on page 14.

SKIN CARE

ESTHER NICHOLLS, MASTER NURSE ESTHETICIAN

Intuitive Skin Care Coach

Intuitive Skin Care And More West Hartford, CT 860-951-9355

IntuitiveSkinCare4u.com

Energy balancing, age spot removal, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, permanent makeup, skin care coaching, natural handcrafted skin care products, meditation and chakra balancing, reflexology, lymphatic drainage, non-surgical laser lipo, energy guided product and, service selection, eyelash extensions, and more! Happily serving CT and the world since 1997.

SOUND HEALING

SACRED COCOON HEALING, LLC

352 Main Street, Durham, CT 860-655-5527

Katie@FeelYourLight.com

Sacred-Cocoon.com

Focus on personal development and transformation through spiritual healing practices, hypnosis, sound healing, energy/card readings and education. Unlearn your patterns, shift timelines, heal your body and manifest your dream life. Group classes and personalized individual services. Sound healing training and certification program available. ICBCH-certified hypnotist. Copywriting and spiritual business consulting. Apprenticeships for sound healing, magick/energy work and business.

SPIRITUAL READINGS

JOANNE CORTES, MS, CSC, RMT

Explore Taro’Chi, LLC Higganum, CT 203-896-0577 (call/text)

ExploreTaro.Chi@gmail.com

ExploreTaroChi.com

Move beyond awareness into action and purpose with psychic/tarot readings with shamanism/astrology/numerology/ mediumship elements, energy healing/ reiki and mentoring/spiritual coaching. Psychic clairvoyant/clairaudient and Master Tarot Reader for three decades. Individual & couples work, classes & private parties, virtual & in-person. Reach out today to better understand your current situation and healing potential. See ad on page 26.

TAI CHI

AIPING

TAI CHI

Shirley Chock, CCWS

49 Research Dr., Milford, CT 203-795-0203

AipingTaiChi.com/links Info@AipingTaiChi.com

Discover Aiping Tai Chi, recommended by The New York Times for Tai Chi beginners. For nearly three decades, we’ve been a trusted authority, imparting authentic Tai Chi, Qigong, and internal martial arts. We were founded by the renown Chinese Martial Arts Grandmaster Aiping Cheng and presently led by her disciple, “The Stressbender” Shifu Shirley Chock. Experience our inclusive international community, uniting 150K+ followers of diverse backgrounds, ages and genders on our social media platforms (@aipingtaichi). When you are ready to let go of tension and cultivate resilience, we can teach you how to be strong not hard, soft not weak. See ad on page 11.

WELLNESS TRAVEL

CRUISE PLANNERS - THE TRAVELING BUDDIES

Christina & Chip Bafumo 860-573-3199

Chris.Bafumo@CruisePlanners.com

TheTravelingBuddies.com

Interested in an escorted tour, or a resort, rail vacation, river, ocean or exploration cruise? We plan vacations on all 7 continents. Let us take the stress away; you can start relaxing now. Specials announced on website and Facebook.com/TheTravelingBuddies page. Get deals and quarterly Cruise Planners contests: TheTravelingBuddies.com/ TravelDeals/OptIn. See ad on page 27.

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