Natural Awakenings Central & Eastern Connecticut - September 2024 by Natural Awakenings Central-Eastern Connecticut

Health Benefits of Yoga Resolving Trauma and Other Mind-Body Challenges Integrating Our Emotional Energy Into Our Bodies Stopping the Trauma Cycle Mind-Body Healing Strategies

Marvelous Mushrooms Celebrating a Culinary Powerhouse

Emotional Healing

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

Advertising Sales Kimberly Lawrence

Administrative Asst. Carolyn Coogan

Contributing Writer Timothy Tynan

Layout & Production Courtney Ayers Design

Distributor Man In Motion, LLC

CONTACT US

Tel: 203-900-4525 / 888-994-8664

Fax: 203-456-8509

Editorial@NaturalAwakeningsCT.com

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NATIONAL TEAM

CEO Kimberly B. Whittle

National Editor Sandra Yeyati

Editor Brooke Goode

Copy Editor/Proofreader Melanie Rankin Layout Flip180 Media

CONTACT US

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Ph: 239-206-2000

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Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Inspiring Ourselves to Forge Forward with Emotional Healing

Emotional healing is a broad term that can encompass many different pathways to get there, whether they are physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. But do we ever really “get there?” Isn’t it more of an evolving journey peeling back the “onion” of the good and not-so-good experiences of our lives as we try to acknowledge and grow emotionally for ourselves and our families? How do we find the tools that fit our needs, experiences, traumas, family and more? How can we inspire ourselves to heal when we lack inspiration and motivation?

In our local article, Timothy Tynan delves into the ties between our emotional energies and their effects on our bodies, and how we can recognize them to move toward healing our physical symptoms. Trauma directly affects our emotional health. In “Stopping the Trauma Cycle,” we delve into several tools that can help address issues. We explore how to emotionally heal as a family in our Healthy Kids section, while Natural Pets focuses on how therapy dogs foster healing. Check out other great articles in this September issues, including some yummy recipes with mushrooms.

We focus on the health benefits of yoga as well. Check out Kaia Yoga’s offerings on our back cover. We take it a step further—a warrior step!— by being a major sponsor of Transcend Festival’s weekend-long yoga/ wellness/spirituality event, taking place on September 14-15 at Powder Ridge Mountain with more than 90 workshops, a Mindful Market with over 60 vendors, an after-fest party and so much more. Come for a day or the weekend (TranscendFest.com). Make sure you stop by and say hi to us in the vendor market. Tag us in your pics and posts if you attend (FB @NAConnecticut, IG @NaturalAwakeningsCT)!

Blessings for a happy, healthy September!

Natural Awakenings is a network of natural lifestyle magazine publishers empowering local communities with knowledge, resources and connections to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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John Paul Beaudoin, Sr. to Keynote Fall Health Expo

The 13th Bi-Annual New England Passport to Health and Wellness EXPO keynote speaker will be John Paul Beaudoin, Sr., author of The Real CDC: Covid Facts for Regular People with a Q&A following his lecture. The EXPO take places October 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bristol, Connecticut.

The expo will feature speakers on the half-hour, over 75 vendors and readers, free raffles all day, and a grand prize of a Hilton overnight stay with breakfast for two, as well as a free sound healing event from 4-5 p.m. Beaudoin lecture will take place in the Atrium at 1 p.m. It is open to general admission (free) seating; reserved priority seating is available through EventBrite at Eventbrite.com/e/Passport-to-Health-and-Wellness-Expo-Tickets-886460486177

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Beaudoin obtained a B.S. in systems engineering, worked 30 years in the semiconductor research and design industry, and obtained an MBA in management. Beaudoin’s eldest son died in a motorcycle accident at the age of 20 in 2018. When the Covid narrative began circulating, he had a purpose again: to save children from harm. He enrolled in law school at 56 years old but was unenrolled due to his Covid “vaccination status.” Beaudoin uses engineering, economics, morality, law and philosophy to find evidence and bring truth. His book gives the background of data and on Covid, Connecticut and Massachusetts information and what happened in the last few years.

The expo, co-sponsored by the Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties and CentralEastern Connecticut editions of Natural Awakenings, is a free event to the public with advance tickets available on EventBrite.com. All door proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Health Defense New England Chapter.

For more information, call Shirley Bloethe at 860-989-0033, email YourHolisticEvents@ gmail.com or visit YourHolisticEvents.com. Location: The Bristol DoubleTree by Hilton, 42 Century Dr., Bristol, CT. See ad, page 7.

New Age Event Comes to Southbury

The New Age & Craft Expo will be held November 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Wyndham in Southbury, Connecticut. The day will be filled with creative and spiritual enlightenment. Vendors from the tri-state area will be on hand, as will a dozen readers skilled in past lives, angels, crystals, astrology and more. Attendees can also bring a photo of a pet to receive a pet reading. Other experiences include having your aura photo taken, reiki sessions and dynamic speakers. It’s a great opportunity to do some holiday shopping for crystals, natural oils, candles, Tibetan singing bowls, handcrafted gifts, jewelry, soaps, spiritual art, handbags and much more. There will also be two rooms of dynamic speakers, meditations and much more. Admission is $6 or $5 with a coupon in the event’s ad.

For more information, call 203-733-6560 or email Cryours87@yahoo.com. Location: Wyndham Southbury, 1284 Strongtown Rd., Southbury, CT. See ad, page 19.

Get your “umbrella” ready for you and your family Nutrition • Non-toxic • Movement Supplementation • Stress Management

Deana Rae

Certified holistic health coach specializing in essential oils for emotional and physical well-being. Appointments available via in person, online and phone 516-639-5293

My.Doterra.com/DeanaRae DeanaRae.AHealthierWay@gmail.com PROTECT • PREPARE • EMPOWER 203-671-4301 • SolarByKrista@gmail.com facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557665842435

MILFORD REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Wellness Committee

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

The CT Folk Fest & Green Expo Returns

The festival is back this year at New Haven’s Edgerton Park on September 7 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (gates open at 10:45 a.m.) The event includes live music from local acts to national headliners, food trucks and the Green Expo highlighting over 50 artisan vendors, nonprofits, and workshops as well as a jam-packed day of activities and experiences in the Green Kids Zone. CT Folk engages, entertains and inspires through diverse folk music, while helping to foster a socially just and environmentally sustainable community.

The suggested donation per person is $25. Donate early to receive a commemorative Fest lanyard. Donate $100 to be a VIP. With your VIP donation, you and a guest will have access to a special VIP viewing area near the Maine Stage, one drink ticket each and a commemorative 2024 CT Folk Fest lanyard.

Musicians include Leyla McCalla, Larry Campbell & Teresa Yamba Band, Ali McGuirk, Crys Matthews, Santos De Palo, and Inner Groove. The Green Kids Village offers workshops, eco-art projects, drum circles, magic shows, yoga, hula hooping and more.

For more information, visit CTFolk.org. Location: Edgerton Park, New Haven, CT.

Holistic Moms Network: Parenting with Homeopathy

OnTherapeutic 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

September 10 at 6:30 p.m., join the New Haven County chapter of Holistic Moms Network chapter to learn the ways homeopathy can help with parenting with Yashasvi (Yaashi) Jhangiani. The meeting will be held in Milford, Connecticut (check the chapter’s Facebook page for the location). Your own temperament, mood and daily pressures influence how you interpret and respond to your children's behavior. Learn more about remedies to manage your own stress and to deal with most childhood issues including tantrums, moodiness, fear, anxiety, anger, defiance, irritability, obstinance, impatience, sibling rivalry, impulsiveness and restlessness.

Jhangiani, a homeopathic educator who has been practicing since 1994, has a bachelor’s degree in homeopathy from Mumbai University. In addition to being board certified by the Council for Homeopathic as a CCH (certified classical homeopath), she is registered with the North American Society of Homeopaths and the National Center of Homeopathy. She has been an EMT with Westport EMS since 2003 and also teaches their American Heart Association-affiliated CPR and First aid program.

The chapter meetings are open to the public and take place on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in Milford.

The mission of Holistic Moms Network, a nonprofit support and discussion network, is to connect parents and others who are interested in holistic health and green living. It welcomes people wherever they are on their own holistic path in an environment that does not judge. The monthly meetings, open to the public, are held the first Tuesday evening of each month.

For more information, event updates and locations for the New Haven County chapter, visit Facebook.com/HMNNewHaven. RSVP for the event on the Events page on the Facebook page or message the chapter on Facebook Messenger.

2024 Build Resilience:

Become a Reiki Practitioner

Eileen Anderson, an alumnus

CCRN, Reiki master practitioner and teacher, has extended her teaching reiki classes at Whole Health Natural Family Medicine in Hamden, Connecticut. She continues to teach at the Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts center in Middletown, Connecticut. Reiki is a healing practice originating in Japan. It restores balance to the body physically and emotionally, thereby promoting rest, relaxation, resilience and stress reduction.

Reiki Level 1 will be held on September 22 and 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts. Private classes can be set up at Whole Health in Hamden or the Buttonwood Tree in Middletown. For Reiki Level 1 (beginning level), students learn reiki’s benefits, uses, history, precepts and protocol for hand placements to others and yourself. Reiki 1 is the foundation for reiki practice and self-care. You will receive a certificate to practice Reiki 1 (must attend all sessions). Tuition includes a manual, which is provided at the beginning of the course.

Reiki Level 2 classes are offered for Reiki 1 practitioners who wish to deepen their practice. You will learn how to use Usui symbols. You must be a Reiki 1 practitioner with 2 months of practice (on self or others). You will receive a certificate to practice Reiki 2. Ample practice time and fun are part of both classes.

Anderson retired in 2017 after 32 years as a critical care nurse at Yale New Haven Hospital. Since 1999, she had been giving reiki treatments to patients, families and staff until her retirement. She offers Reiki treatments at Whole Health Natural Family Medicine after 7 years of Reiki Practice at Orange Chiropractic and has taught Reiki classes for 5 years.

For more information, call 203-3145401, email eilande@comcast.net and ReikiWithEileenAnderson.com.

Contrast Water Therapy for Muscles

Exercise creates microscopic tears in muscle tissues, which the body repairs, and each repetition of this cycle allows muscles to grow back stronger. Contrast water therapy (CWT) is a post-workout recovery method that involves placing sore muscles in alternating hot and cold baths in succession. Data examined from 13 studies and published in a 2013 PLOS ONE review showed that CWT resulted in significantly greater improvements in muscle soreness and reduced strength loss at six, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after exercise, compared to rest without any other post-recovery approach. The results of CWT were comparable to other muscle recovery interventions such as cold-water immersion, warm-immersion, compression and stretching.

Microbiome and Addictive Eating

While food addiction is not considered an official diagnosis, some people have a hard time controlling the amount of highly processed foods they consume. In research published in the journal Gut, scientists analyzed the microbiome bacteria of mice and humans with food addictions. They found that the bacteria in mice and humans with food addictions were different from their counterparts with a healthy food relationship. The food-addicted groups had lower levels of the beneficial Blautia bacteria and high levels of the detrimental Proteobacteria in their microbiomes. When the researchers increased the Blautia bacteria levels in the mice that had become compulsive eaters, the compulsive behavior stopped. While a correlation between the microbiome makeup and eating patterns has been identified, more research is needed to understand whether that relationship is a cause or a marker for compulsive eating.

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Stopping the Trauma Cycle

Mind-Body Healing Strategies

by Carrie Gauthier

Trauma can strike anyone at any time. Loss, heartbreak, abuse, violence, displacement, accidents, disasters, health problems—the list of possible traumas is endless. According to the National Council for Behavioral Health, 70 percent of adults have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lives, and more than a third of youth exposed to community violence experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma is a factor in most behavioral health and substance-use disorders. While trauma may be part of our lives, it does not need to define who we are or how we enjoy our lives. Healing from trauma can take time, but it is within reach.

Health Effects

Left untreated, trauma or repeated trauma has a wide range of short- and long-term effects on physical and mental health. Trauma increases stress and keeps the fight-or-flight response on elevated alert, resulting in the release of chronically high amounts of cortisol into the body. Initial reactions may include exhaustion, numbness, sadness, anxiety and dissociation. Excessive cortisol increases the risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, digestive problems, muscle tension, headaches, sleep issues, weight gain, irregular periods, anxiety, depression and cognitive challenges.

Cycle of Addiction

Trauma is a common precursor to addiction, because individuals often turn to substances as a coping mechanism for their emotional pain. The use of drugs or alcohol gives trauma sufferers a reprieve from their chronic stress by producing pleasure and reducing negative feelings, and may even slow their central nervous system. Untreated, trauma can lead to a vicious cycle where one condition feeds the other.

Holistic Healing

While medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotics can be effective in treating trauma symptoms, they may fall short in addressing the root cause. An integrative approach to trauma healing adds evidence-based therapies to tackle the underlying causes and promote longterm recovery.

Integrative Psychiatry

James Greenblatt, a board-certified functional and integrative psychiatrist and founder of Psychiatry Redefined, believes in a broader view of psychiatric care. “For example, if our patient is suffering from depression and we were to tell them they should exercise because it’s the best antidepressant we have, that could come off as incredibly insensitive, ruin our chances of gaining their trust and add to their feelings of helplessness and isolation. Alternatively, if we show them how to recover their motivation and energy, that is the way to begin the relationship.”

“Our bodies are different, and our genetics are different. How we react to stress and trauma are different too. I start with lab and genetic tests to see if there’s something I can optimize biologically. Then we supplement any nutritional deficiencies to restore their functionality and increase their energy. These tests also partially help inform the way we design the complementary healing modality plan. This is the piece that gets missed a lot,” says Greenblatt, adding that he tests depressed patients for a vitamin B12 deficiency, which may contribute to depression, anxiety and even psychosis.

Finding a Safe Place

Children are particularly susceptible to trauma, and an adverse childhood experience (ACE) can pose lifelong impacts. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 64 percent of adults say they have had at least one ACE, and 17 percent say they had four or more by age 18. ACEs can rob kids of the magic of childhood, disrupt their development and lead to maladaptive behaviors in adulthood.

Aimie Apigian, a double board-certified physician in preventative and addiction medicine and founder of Trauma Healing Accelerated, started her work with attachment and trauma by working with adoptive families to help their children with attachment insecurity. She explains that childhood traumatic experiences can result in “underlying mistrust—literally wiring a child’s nervous system, brain and body for survival—and overwhelm connection, security and safety.”

Somatic therapy is one modality that Apigian integrates to assist individuals on their trauma-healing journey, helping them connect with their bodies, learn to understand its messages and resolve stored trauma. Apigian explains that just 10 minutes of sequential somatic exercises over 21 days can restore a sense of safety. “For each person, the specific improvement or the degree of improvement will be different, but there will be an improvement as soon as we shift our biology into one of safety rather than of danger.”

By following an essential sequence to safely address stored trauma through

somatic exercises, Apigian says people “experience 30 percent less depression, 30 percent less anxiety, 30 percent fewer digestive issues, 30 percent improvement in energy and a 60 percent increase in their feelings of safety. The essential sequence has to start with creating a felt sense of safety, then a sense of support and then opening up while pacing our process. It is such a powerful way to empower them for their lifetime.”

Reaching Our Inner Child

Inner-child work can help develop a dialogue to reach the place where we hold past emotions, memories, beliefs, hopes and dreams. “I tell people when they’re starting this journey, if they put their hands on their belly above and below their bellybutton and just let the hands be there, that will calm down an aspect of us so that it begins to feel safe. It’s called the basic self,” says Dr. Lin Morel, a trauma management specialist and founder of Beyond Words Group. “It’s an aspect of our consciousness that is roughly 5 years

old, if you were to give it an age. So it gets very fearful, and if it’s not loved, it will act out.”

According to Morel, embracing the basic self can help people out of some of the darkest corners of trauma. No stranger to childhood and adult trauma herself, she empowers her patients with the W.I.N. protocol (willingness, intention, neutrality), which offers them a fresh approach to handling challenges while developing their intuition and regulating emotions as a neutral observer.

Mindful Self-Regulation

There is growing evidence that mindfulness-based practices such as meditation and yoga aid in shifting focus from the negative to the positive aspects of experiences. These techniques calm the nervous system and empower individuals to take control of their narratives and become more resilient.

A 2017 review of trials involving 650 trauma sufferers that underwent mindfulness-based stress reduction, yoga

and mantra repetition was published in Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. The researchers concluded that meditation was an effective treatment for PTSD and depression symptoms as compared to the control groups.

A 2022 systematic review of 149 records and 11 peer-reviewed articles published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that those that practiced yoga had an increased sense of self-compassion, felt more centered, developed coping skills, had a better mind-body relationship and improved their relationships with others. Participants also experienced a feeling of safety in yoga classes that included others recovering from trauma.

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is a mind-body practice that uses a trance-like state of deep relaxation to treat psychological and emotional disorders. Guided imagery, progressive relaxation and suggestion therapy are used to explore thoughts, feelings and memories that may be hidden from the conscious mind. Selfhypnosis techniques are also taught for ongoing support, empowering individuals to continue their healing outside of therapy sessions. A 2016 meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis concluded that hypnosis is effective in alleviating PTSD symptoms.

“A miracle, simply, is a shift in the mind. Once you find the root cause of the problem in the mind and bring that to consciousness, we’re shifting from ego to true self, from fear to love, from illusion to truth,” says Matthew Brownstein, executive director of the Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy. “Through hypnotherapy, that shift is actually remarkably easy. You can shift as quickly as I can snap my fingers. So, basically, when you change your mind, everything changes. When a decision is made, it stays in place until you choose again.”

Carrie Gauthier is a writer in the healing arts with interests in clinical and transpersonal hypnotherapy.

Integrating Our Emotional Energy Into Our Bodies

By Timothy Tynan

We all know, to some capacity, that stress can cause dysfunction in the body. This is also becoming more accepted within the medical community. But what exactly is “stress?” It’s almost become somewhat of an amorphic term that is a catch-all for the wide spectrum of emotions that are not integrated. But what exactly are our emotions? What is their purpose? How and why can they become stuck in the body, causing pain and dysfunction?

Emotions are meant to be felt within the experiential part of our consciousness, but we are taught to “think” about our emotions in our minds. The problem with this is that our minds have no mechanism to feel, as it cannot be present; it can only exist in the past or the future (which does not exist). Emotions only exist in the present moment and connect us to our bodies and our needs.

Emotions are meant to flow through us—emotion equals energy-in-motion— just as a young child does. They feel their emotions in the present, and move on without creating assumptions, judgements

or victimizations. They feel them and move on without creating a large story or drama around them that lingers.

As we get older, we develop our egos and identities within our minds, which creates resistance to feeling our emotions, depending on our individual experiences and stories about them. The deeper we sink into our egos, the less we are present within our bodies, and the less able we are to feel our emotions consciously.

Our society teaches us that it is not okay to feel, such as “big boys don’t cry” and “be a good, nice girl.” This creates resistance in us from allowing the stream of emotion to flow. We’re also taught that our emotions are caused by the world, which disconnects us from them and disempowers us. The outside world can stimulate our emotions, but the root cause is an unmet need, and the emotion that arises connects us to that need. When we blame the outside world for our emotions, it makes it more difficult to get our needs met and leaves us feeling powerless and alone. Needs are universal, including safety, love, autonomy, sustenance and creativity, to name a

few. When we connect to our needs, we become connected to our inner selves; we can begin to see the needs of others, as we all share the same basic needs.

When our needs are not met in the present moment, the emotion stays in the body and creates a resonance that attracts similar experiences that resonate with that underlying emotion. This is the law of attraction in action; it is why we feel, in some ways, we keep doing the same things over and over again. They are actually opportunities to integrate previous experiences; it is another chance to feel the same underlying emotion. But as we keep teaching ourselves to “think” and not “feel,” we repeatedly go through this cycle.

As this emotion stays trapped in the body longer and longer, it becomes more of a burden and starts to show up in the physical plane. This can arise as chronic pain, weakness, injury and disease.

While it is still very important to treat the physical body when this occurs, if the underlying emotion isn’t addressed, this may arise again in the same area or in a new area of the body. This is how we can start to look at our areas of pain and disease as “messengers” for the lessons we need to learn. By learn, it means to experience the lesson through the emotion that is trapped. But again, we have become more identified with the mind and ego. We judge and blame our bodies for the pains that arise, as if it is wrong and bad. This creates more separation within us; we think we are more and more helpless within our own bodies.

The way we can stop this cycle is by seeing this process in the body for what it is: the mechanism to help us come back into our body and the present moment, and become less identified with our minds. By coming into acceptance for what is, and noticing where we resist in our minds, we begin to create connection and gratitude for the body as well as our pains, as they show us where to focus our conscious awareness.

Sensation is the language of the body. It is a language that we were all born fluent in as a young child, but forgot how to use as we became less present and more identified with the mind.

Emotions, when experienced fully in the present moment, become merely a

HayDmitriy / DepositPhotos.com

sensation. It is only our thoughts that label them as anger, fear, grief and other emotions, which limits what they actually are. The sensations present in the body are merely the breadcrumbs left behind that we can use to see where we have become disconnected. As we allow these sensations to be fully experienced within our awareness, in total surrender and acceptance for what is, without condition or judgment, the emotion that was trapped can begin to move to be experienced by the consciousness.

Where bodywork can play a role in this is by changing our intention as the giver and receiver of the work. The giver does not release anything within the tissue; they merely stimulate the areas of chronic tightness and hold space so that the receiver may receive the sensation that is present in that tissue. The receiver will have resistance to feeling in that part of the body, hence why there is chronic tightness. With guidance by the giver to have gratitude for the body and notice where the mind tries to pull them away, they may begin to surrender into the sensation. This creates a conscious connection to that part of the body. It allows the emotional energy that was trapped to move and be experienced. The more the receiver can stay in the state of acceptance and surrender, the more the energy can move, sometimes being experienced as an emotion, or just being experienced as a sensation; one is not better or worse than the other.

The breath can be used as well to stimulate these trapped energies. By using the breath, we can charge the body up so that the body’s vibration elevates and thus stimulates stuck energies to move and be experienced—like turning up an amplifier. The more the receiver can keep their awareness on the breath and the body and away from the mind, the stuck energies can move and open up the areas of tension in the body.

This is something that has been used and discussed in ancient traditions, such as yoga, meditation, tai chi, qigong and others. The more we connect to our bodies and have gratitude for what it’s trying to show us, we can use this lived experience to be more present and peaceful in our lives overall.

Timothy Tynan, co-owner of Sanctuary Center, is a bodyworker and Structural Energetic therapist, combining cranial/structural therapy, myo-fascial unwinding, acupressure, applied kinesiology, postural assessment, and energy and breath work to relieve root causes of pain and dysfunction. Connect at SanctuaryCenterCT.com.

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Aimie Apigian on Releasing Stored Trauma

by Sandra Yeyati

Aimie Apigian is a double board-certified physician in preventative and addiction medicine with master’s degrees in biochemistry and public health. As the founder of Trauma Healing Accelerated, she instructs individuals and practitioners on how trauma gets stored in the body and what to do once it creates a chronic health condition. Her signature methodology looks at the effects of trauma on cell biology, a missing piece in trauma therapy approaches. Patients begin with a six-week foundational journey before digging into deeper trauma work and the biology piece.

How do you define trauma and the trauma response?

Dr. Bessel van der Kolk uses three words to define trauma: overwhelming, unbelievable and unbearable. A trauma is something that overwhelms us in our ability to respond. We can’t believe it’s happening, and it’s so unbearable we disconnect from our body to not feel it—it’s things like loneliness, shame or abandonment. That’s why we numb, suppress, repress, distract or avoid. The body shifts from using energy to conserving it, so we only do the bare minimum to get through the day—and that includes thinking; many people will have decision fatigue. Also, the diaphragm loses its tone in the trauma response because our body goes into, “I’m going to breathe only enough to keep me alive.”

Why does trauma get stored in the body?

If there isn’t a completion of the trauma response, then the body will hold onto that trauma. The nervous system never gets that completion that says, “That was awful, but it’s over now.” The brain never stores it as a memory of the past, which means that it’s always in our present moment. When our whole biology continues to operate in fear, this can affect our hormones, immune system, digestion and cardiovascular system. Without a reset back to safety, we stay in danger mode and the body will close down at the cellular level.

How can we achieve a sense of safety?

During the first week of my foundational journey, I have people learn seven somatic exercises intended to help them create an immediate felt sense of feeling safer in their body. So no matter where they are—at the grocery store, at home—if they lose their sense of safety, they have tools in the moment to get it back.

Can you give an example of a tool?

Bring your hands up as close to your shoulder as possible and imagine there’s this huge boulder in front of you. Start pushing it away, going as slow as you can. It’s not easy; you’re going to feel your arm muscles because you’re pushing hard. When you get to full extension, pause and wait for a few seconds. There are changes happening in our body, and it takes time for that message to travel up our vagus nerve to our brain stem to register. Take notice of any changes in your body. You might feel a sense of release. You might have this deep breath come that you didn’t plan for.

What comes next in the sequence?

Once we create that felt sense of safety, the body is opening up, and now it needs to feel support or it’s going to go back into trauma response. I lead people through the process of creating a felt sense of support. Here’s an example: Put your hands over your heart, one on top of the other, and push in quite a bit. A really deep breath comes for me; that’s how my body gives me the message that this is nice for me. Experiment and move your hands around—sometimes we can do it higher, more centered, over to the side—and find the spot that feels the nicest for your heart.

Courtesy of Dr. Aimie Apigian

What is titrated expansion?

We each have a current capacity for how much we can hold at the moment without being overwhelmed, and I want to build my capacity so that a year from now I’m able to hold more. For many people in my courses, when they feel a lot of joy, then tears, sadness and grief seem to come, so it has been safer for them to just not feel much joy. To expand into your capacity to experience joy, you can’t go all the way immediately. You’ve got to find a safe amount of joy that you can have today that feels manageable, and then use a tool so that tomorrow you can feel a little more joy and still feel safe. We do this titrated or paced expansion, staying safe enough as we grow.

Can you explain your parts-work approach?

If we don’t complete a trauma response, there’s going to be a part that is still stuck there in that moment of danger, kind of not knowing that we survived. In parts work, I teach people how to know their major parts in order to stabilize their system. Your inner critic, for example, is a major part that we’ve got to work with pretty soon, because otherwise your critic will continue to shame you and get you into trauma response. I guide people to notice how these parts show up in the body. Next time you feel something familiar in your body, you know, “That’s my inner critic,” and it doesn’t scare or frustrate you anymore. You’re like, “Oh, hello.” That is a true mindbody connection.

Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings.

To read a longer version of this conversation, visit Tinyurl.com/ ApigianNA or scan the QR code.

Marvelous Mushrooms

Celebrating a Culinary Powerhouse

by Marlaina Donato

September is National Mushroom Month, and with it comes bountiful inspiration to plate up some earthy goodness. Whether we follow the nearest woodland path to forage or visit the local market to stock up on our favorite fungi, autumn is the perfect time to appreciate the delicious world of edible mushrooms. From creamy vegan risotto to golden soups, or from daring sautés punctuated with

chiles to savory broths, consuming more mushrooms benefits our palate and well-being.

Health Benefits

The Mayo Clinic reports that mushrooms help curb high blood pressure and protect us from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Most mushrooms available at the market are a good source of B vitamins and minerals,

especially selenium-rich creminis and vitamin D-rich maitakes.

A 2021 Penn State study published in Advances in Nutrition involving data of more than 19,500 cancer patients over several decades reveals that individuals consuming one-eighth to one-quarter cup of mushrooms daily had a 45 percent lower risk of total cancer compared to those that did not. It is believed that the antioxidants ergothioneine and glutathione—present in all mushrooms— contribute to beneficial metabolic processes in the body. Other research is focused on a correlation between white button mushroom consumption and a lower risk of prostate and breast cancer.

Off the Trail and Into the Kitchen

Mushrooms have been used as both nourishment and medicine for ages, but their versatility in the kitchen is what delights Sharon Palmer, a plant-based dietician and author of California Vegan and The Plant-Powered Diet. “You can sauté or grill them as a side dish, stir them into soups and stews, add them to grain and pasta dishes, chop them into salads or bowls and include them in casseroles,” she advises. “Use finely chopped mushrooms in lentil patties, veggie burgers, veggie ‘meat’ balls and veggie loaves. You really can’t detect their texture, but you get that rich, savory flavor in the recipe.”

Palmer favors certain commonly available varieties: shiitake and trumpet mushrooms for their reliable, firm texture; oyster mushrooms for

their delicate softness suited for stir fries; and petite enoki mushrooms for a crisp addition to salads. To obtain memorable flavor, gourmet varieties such as porcinis can be purchased dried and easily rehydrated for soups and sauces.

On the wilder side, foraged mushrooms such as golden chanterelles are an annual favorite among connoisseurs. “The mossy, old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest are some of my favorite fall destinations,” says Langdon Cook, a Seattlebased forager and author of The Mushroom Hunters, who recommends taking a foraging class or joining a mycological society for hands-on safety tips and in-the-field learning.

Cook notes that mushrooms are ideal for vegetarians and vegans because many varieties are firm in texture and pair well with vegetables. “Black trumpet or yellowfoot mushrooms take a basic dish of creamy polenta to the next level, and most grains and pastas will benefit from the addition of fungi,” he asserts. “Try a dry sauté method: heating the mushrooms in a bare pan until they release their water, cooking off that liquid and then adding butter or oil near the end of the cooking process to brown them.”

While mushrooms can dress up gourmet dishes, they are surprisingly quick and easy for everyday eating, too. “You don’t need to fuss over mushrooms too much,”

Palmer points out. “Just rinse in water and pat dry; then you’re ready to cook with them. My favorite way to cook mushrooms is to slice and sauté them in a small amount of olive oil with garlic and lemon as a side dish.”

Cook advises, “Don’t try to cook mushrooms too fast or over high heat. Medium heat is fine. Take your time. Mushrooms are mostly water, and you need to cook off that liquid content to give them a nice sear.” He underscores the importance of cooking wild mushrooms fully to prevent digestive upset, especially morels, which “absolutely cannot be served raw or undercooked.”

Palmer concurs, saying, “Eating raw mushrooms may cause mild GI [gastrointestinal] issues in some people; cooking the mushrooms typically eliminates this issue.” She also suggests covering the pot or pan when cooking them in soups or stews to lock in flavor and nutrition.

For Cook, the magical lure of mushrooms goes beyond the tastebuds. “To me, morels mean springtime trips to woodlands reawakening from winter slumbers with birdsong and snowmelt, and porcinis mean long summer hikes to subalpine meadows in the Rockies and North Cascades,” he says.

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

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HOUSE OF THE TRIPLE MOON

Vegan Pot Pie With Sage, Lentils and Mushrooms

YIELD: 6 SERVINGS

FOR LENTIL MUSHROOM FILLING:

1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium red onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 8-oz sweet potato, peeled, cubed

4 oz fresh green beans, chopped

8 oz mushrooms, sliced

1 cup brown or green lentils, dried

2 Tbsp fresh sage (or 1 Tbsp dried)

2 tsp thyme

1 Tbsp whole-grain prepared mustard

½ tsp black pepper

2 cups vegetable broth

½ cup water

2 Tbsp gluten-free soy sauce

¼ cup plain, unsweetened, plant-based milk

2 Tbsp flour

Salt, to taste

FOR SAGE PASTRY CRUST:

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup whole wheat flour

¼ tsp salt (optional)

2 Tbsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 Tbsp dried)

⅓ cup vegan butter

4-5 Tbsp ice-water

Transfer filling into a deep pie dish or round casserole that fits 1½ quarts.

While filling is cooking, make the sage pastry crust. Preheat oven to 425°F. In a medium bowl, mix all-purpose and whole-wheat flours and salt. Mix in sage. Cut in vegan butter with a fork until it makes a crumbly texture. Add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix using clean hands until it creates a firm dough that holds together but is not sticky. Do not overwork dough, as it will get tough.

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Heat olive oil in a heavy pot or saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes. Add sweet potato and green beans and sauté for 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and sauté for 2 minutes. Add lentils, sage, thyme, mustard and black pepper and sauté for 1 minute. Add vegetable broth, water and soy sauce and cook for 15 minutes.

Mix plant-based milk with flour until smooth. Stir into vegetable mixture and cook until thickened and bubbling, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, as desired.

Turn out pastry dough on a floured surface and roll out with a pastry roller to create a circle about 11 inches in diameter. Place the pastry over the top of the savory pie and crimp the edges with your fingers to secure the pastry dough to the top of the dish. Cut several vents with a knife along the pie.

Place the savory pie on a baking sheet (in case it boils over) and place in the oven. Bake for about 20 to 22 minutes until golden brown. Remove and serve.

To make this recipe gluten-free, use corn starch instead of flour and gluten-free flour blend instead of all purpose and whole wheat flour.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Sharon Palmer.

Courtesy of

Sharon Palmer

Mushroom Bomb

Lentil Pasta

YIELD: 6 SERVINGS

1 8-oz package lentil pasta

3 Tbsp truffle oil or extra-virgin olive oil

1 lb mixed mushrooms (enoki, shiitake, cremini, hen of the woods, maitake, oyster), coarsely sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp chopped fresh or dried thyme

1 cup dry white wine

Sea salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cook lentil pasta in boiling water according to package directions. Rinse and drain.

While pasta is cooking, heat truffle oil in a large sauté pan and add mushrooms, garlic and thyme. Sauté for 3 minutes. Add white wine and continue sautéing for an additional 5 minutes to reduce liquid and make a more concentrated sauce. Add cooked pasta to mushroom mixture and toss together. Season as desired with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Sharon Palmer.

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Conscious Eating

Creamy Polenta With Wild Mushrooms

YIELD: 2 SERVINGS AS A SIDE DISH

FOR POLENTA:

1 cup water, plus more as it cooks

½ cup milk

½ cup polenta

½ tsp salt

1 Tbsp butter

Parmesan cheese, grated, to taste

FOR MUSHROOMS:

¼ lb (or more) wild mushrooms, roughly cut into pieces

2 Tbsp butter, divided

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp porcini powder*, rehydrated with ½ cup warm water

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1 Tbsp heavy cream

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1 tsp olive oil

Salt and pepper

* To make porcini powder, pulverize a storebought package of dried porcini into powder with a spice grinder. Chicken or vegetable stock may be substituted for porcini powder.

Over medium-high heat, bring water and milk to simmer in a medium-sized sauce pan or pot. Slowly add polenta while whisking to prevent clumping. Season with salt and continue to whisk for a min-

ute or two. Turn heat to low and cook for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more water as necessary to maintain creaminess.

While the polenta cooks, in a small pan sauté garlic and mushrooms in a tablespoon of butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook mushrooms until they release their water and then cook off liquid, allowing mushrooms to brown slightly; this might take several minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Add ½ cup rehydrated porcini stock (or chicken or vegetable stock) to mushrooms. Continue to cook on medium heat until the liquid is reduced by half and then turn heat to low. Add soy sauce, cream and a drizzle of olive oil. Stir together and allow to thicken. Keep warm in pan over low heat while waiting for polenta to cook. If sauce becomes too thick, add another splash of water, cream or stock. Just before plating, melt one more tablespoon of butter into mushroom sauce and stir.

When polenta is thoroughly cooked and creamy, add butter and cheese (and more liquid if necessary). Adjust seasoning. Serve in a bowl and spoon mushrooms and sauce on top.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Langdon Cook.

Courtesy of Langdon Cook

Stir-Fried Oyster Mushrooms With

Chicken

YIELD: 2 SERVINGS

3 Tbsp peanut oil

¾ lb oyster mushrooms, cut into half-dollar pieces

¾ lb chicken breast, thinly sliced into a similar size as mushrooms

4 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces

3 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1 large thumb-sized piece of ginger, thinly sliced Salt and white pepper, to taste

FOR MARINADE:

½ tsp salt

1 tsp Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing)

1 tsp potato starch

FOR SAUCE:

3 Tbsp chicken stock

1 Tbsp oyster sauce

½ tsp potato starch

Combine sliced chicken in a bowl with marinade ingredients, stir and set aside. Whisk together sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

In a wok over medium heat, sauté oyster mushrooms in 1 tablespoon oil, stirring occasionally. Remove to a bowl when slightly browned.

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in wok over high heat and add mar inated chicken. When the chicken is partly cooked but still pinkish, add garlic, ginger and green onion. Cook together, stirring, for 30 seconds until aromatic before returning oyster mushrooms to wok. Continue to cook together another min ute or so until chicken is barely cooked through.

Pour in sauce, stir to coat and reduce heat. Season to taste and serve immediately with rice.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Langdon Cook.

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Healing Power of Therapy Dogs

Benefits for Post-Traumatic Stress Sufferers

by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN

Pet therapy, also known as animalassisted therapy (AAT), has long been recognized for its therapeutic benefits across a range of mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychiatric service dogs are empathetic in nature and intuitively respond to human emotions. These capacities allow them to provide comfort and support precisely when it’s needed, often without the need for verbal communication. These dogs are not just pets but vital partners in the journey toward mental and emotional healing.

PTSD Recovery

Interacting with psychiatric service dogs can reduce anxiety and stress levels by increasing the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and stress reduction, while decreasing cortisol levels, which are linked to stress. Psychiatric service dogs provide a calming presence, which is crucial for reducing anxiety and hypervigilance, common symptoms of PTSD. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology involving 134 veterans with service dogs found that trained skills such as calming and interrupting anxiety are highly valued by veterans with

PTSD, suggesting their critical role in daily PTSD management. The study also noted that untrained behaviors of the dogs are often perceived as more beneficial than their trained tasks, highlighting the intrinsic value of simply having a dog as a companion.

A 2022 study of 82 post-9/11 military veterans published in PLOS ONE reported that their psychiatric service dogs helped them with PTSD by performing calming actions and interrupting the veterans’ disturbing behaviors and thoughts during anxiety episodes. Researchers noted that all of the tasks the dogs had been trained to perform were used daily by the veterans, providing benefits for nearly all PTSD symptoms, except amnesia and reckless behavior. The human-animal bond and untrained qualities, such as companionship, also significantly improved the participants’ symptoms and quality of life.

Psychiatric service dogs enhance emotional regulation and improve social interactions for PTSD sufferers. Their non-judgmental and accepting nature creates a safe space for individuals to explore and manage difficult emotions. Additional research reported in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology

Challenges for Service Dogs

While the therapeutic benefits for the handlers are significant, the European Journal of Psychotraumatology study also noted that the dogs in the training programs exhibited increased anxiety and decreased attention. This highlights a critical aspect of AAT: The welfare of the animals must be considered alongside the therapeutic benefits. Training programs need to ensure that the dogs are not overly stressed or burdened by their roles.

Practical Advice for Prospective Handlers

Prospective handlers of psychiatric service dogs should choose programs that prioritize the well-being of both dogs and humans through training, support and follow-up care. Engaging with a psychiatric service dog is a significant commitment that requires handlers to invest time in training and bonding with their dogs, as well as managing their emotional and physical needs to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship. Understanding the legal rights pertaining to psychiatric service dogs, including accessibility in public spaces and accommodations, is crucial. Handlers should educate themselves about local and national laws that protect their rights and those of their service dogs.

Psychiatric Service Dog

Obtaining a psychiatric service dog involves careful consideration of the therapeutic benefits versus the potential stress on the animal. Look for reputable programs that train dogs to assist individuals with PTSD, while also prioritizing the welfare of the dogs and properly matching dogs and handlers.

The integration of psychiatric service dogs into mental health care offers more than just companionship; it opens a dynamic pathway for healing and managing PTSD symptoms. As we continue to explore and understand the unique bond between humans and animals, it becomes increasingly clear that dogs are not only cherished pets but also invaluable partners.

Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian and holistic health coach for pets, as well as the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.

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Emotional Healing as a Family

How Parents Can Model Mental Health Skills

by Christina Connors

The mental health of our children is in crisis. According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2021 advisory on the youth mental health crisis, one in five children aged 3 to 17 has a mental, emotional, behavioral or developmental disorder.

To turn the tide on mental health, kids need emotional regulation skills, including the ability to identify emotions, self-soothe, obtain perspective, walk in another’s shoes, think flexibly and solve problems. By developing these emotive sensitivities, children can then improve their self-confidence, sense of selfworth and empathy, as well as begin to develop lasting and meaningful relationships.

“Kids will learn to regulate in the face of challenge. The only question is whether they learn healthy or unhealthy ways to do it,” says Brad Chapin, a licensed clinical psychologist in Topeka, Kansas, and author of selfregulation resources for children. “Removing challenges from children isn’t the answer. The focus should be on building self-regulation skills, and then those challenges become opportunities for strengthening those skills.”

What Adults Can Do

In the words of lyricist Stephen Sondheim, “Careful the things you say / Children will listen.” Janet Philbin, LDSW, a certified, conscious-parenting coach and author, says, “When people become parents, they will tell you they want to parent differently than how they were parented because of the

emotional childhood pain they endured. However, generational patterns will more than likely repeat unless the parent has done the emotional work to deconstruct their own childhood pain through coaching or counseling. As a result of doing the necessary inner work, a parent’s ability to connect with their children will improve because they are able to be more connected with themselves.”

Practicing Emotional Regulation Together

“When we choose to look at behavior issues as a lack of skill-development, it changes the story from one of shame and negativity to one of hope,” says Chapin, whose recent book SelfRegulation Skill Set supports adults in their journey to self-regulation.

As with learning any new skill, practice is key. Here are a few fun activities for parents and children to do together to strengthen connections and build emotional regulation skills. Teaching kids when they are young is ideal, but it is never too late to start.

I Spy: While in a store, on a walk or at a park, challenge each other to notice the body language and facial expressions of people (or themselves) and identify the emotion they might be feeling. This game is a way to practice the skill set of recognizing warning signs when we start to feel upset. Parents should encourage their kids to take notice of the different expressions their peers make while at school to develop empathy and compassion.

The Paws (Pause) Game: To play, the first person who sees a dog says, “paws”, takes a calming breath and puts their hands out like paws. The person with the most points at the end of the excursion wins. This game develops the skill of slowing down the alarm system within our bodies. Parents and caregivers can remind kids that throughout the day when they start to feel their own warning signs of anger or frustration, they can take a breath and “paws” to help prevent acting in a destructive way.

Balloon Party: In this game, parents invite their kids to sit comfortably with them and imagine that they are all preparing for a big party and need to blow up lots of balloons. While blowing up pretend balloons, remind each child to blow them up slowly so they don’t pop. After blowing up several balloons, enjoy a pretend party. This is a fun way to connect with children through imaginative play while practicing peaceful breathing, which helps calm the nervous system.

Christina Connors is a writer, singer and creator of Christina’s Cottage, a YouTube series to strengthen kids’ resilience, connection and joy through music, mindful play and the power of the heart. Learn more at ChristinasCottage444.com.

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A Pilgrimage to Wholeness

by Marlaina Donato

One of the most beautiful aspects of youth is envisioning the future with undaunted optimism, but even the most strategic plan for life can go off the rails. Whether we carry the weight of unprocessed trauma and never quite reach our potential or zoom into the fast lane of success only to be brought down by sudden change, pain is part of every person’s story. The quest for healing and finding our whole self beneath the rubble

becomes a new objective that can be the most arduous but the most significant. We might accomplish monumental feats, transforming our trauma or going into physical remission from disease. We might even feel a calling to guide others along the path we have come to know so well, but it is important to remember that the deep healing process is a spiral. Our linear brains may be startled when our most gut-wrenching, seemingly resolved issues loop back around, and we are plunged even deeper into the crucible. During these times, it is easy to forget that we are multidimensional beings. A physical injury or illness involves much more than flesh or organ systems, and agonies of the spirit can greatly impact the physical body.

We heal layer by layer—sometimes even layers within layers—and despite our full commitment and steady growth, the task of peeling the onion is never quite finished. One of our greatest challenges is overcoming the illusion that we are failing miserably when we fall out of resonance; evolution is not a course that we can flunk. With each descent, our pain can provide an opportunity to lessen the chasm between mind and body and to acknowledge parts of our being that might need tending. For as long as we inhabit a human vehicle, we will always be in the process of healing something, and that is okay. We can rest assured that our process, like all spirals, will lead us safely back outward to continue our journey.

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

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Health Benefits of Yoga

Resolving Trauma and Other Mind-Body Challenges

by Carrie Gauthier

The first known reference to yoga is in the Upanishads Sanskrit texts, written 2,500 years ago. The practice originally comprised breath work, and the physical postures developed over time.

According to the global data platform Statista, nearly 34 million Americans practice numerous types of yoga, while science continues to provide evidence of its healing potential.

Calming Effects

With the frenetic pace of life today, many people live in a permanent state of anxiety. Yoga can ease the panic and malaise by activating the parasympathetic nervous system to decrease stress hormones, blood pressure and heart rate.

“Yoga therapy differs from traditional psychotherapy in scope and aim. Rather than delving into traumas, yoga empowers individuals to be present, moving away

from personal narratives,” says Adam Flores, a certified yoga therapist from Port St. Lucie, Florida, specializing in addiction and mental health. “Trained yoga therapists offer grounding techniques and skillful check-ins, especially for trauma cases, improving heart rate variability, vagal tone and overall nervous system health.”

Mental Health Benefits

A 2011 meta-analysis study published in Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders indicates that yoga may be an effective treatment option for severe mental illness, with the added advantage of being less toxic than pharmaceutical treatments.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant issue facing the U.S. military and a growing problem for teens that have experienced violent or traumatizing events. Conventional treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy and eye

movement desensitization and reprocessing have shown limited effectiveness due to high dropout and nonresponse rates. On the other hand, studies have found that engaging in yoga and other mind-body practices can reduce intrusive memories, avoidance and emotional arousal symptoms, as well as anxiety, depression and anger associated with PTSD.

Yoga therapy improves critical factors in addiction recovery, including emotional balance, mental clarity and stress reduction. In a 2021 study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, yoga for the treatment of substance abuse disorder was determined to be an effective option.

Popular Yoga Disciplines

Yoga has developed into a variety of styles that can meet the goals and objectives of their practitioners. Some of the more popular formats include:

• Vinyasa: An up-tempo class of postures or poses (asanas) often accompanied by high-energy music that typically results in a consistently elevated heart rate.

A 2017 study published in The FASEB Journal found that eight weeks of vinyasa yoga improved physical fitness, relieved stress and improved mental well-being.

• Yin: This form of yoga focuses on gentle, passive stretches held for one to three minutes, offering ample opportunity to release stress and tension. Poses are often supported by props such as bolsters, straps, blocks, pillows and blankets. Long, slow, deep breathing promotes relaxation to help the practitioner hold each pose for extended periods of time. Yin yoga stimulates and stretches fascia, the thin connective tissue throughout the body, as well as ligaments and joints, resulting in increased flexibility.

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• Hatha: This is a classic yoga style involving breathing exercises and poses that are held for longer periods of time than other formats. Although the slower, more meditative pace may seem easier, holding a proper pose for extended periods of time can be challenging for the body and mind. According to a 2018 study in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 12 sessions of hatha yoga significantly reduced stress, anxiety and depression in women.

• Kundalini: This yoga style prioritizes spiritual growth and awareness, with a focus on energy and chakras. Kundalini awakenings are common via movement sequences, breath work, mantras and chanting. Different studies in 2021 found that kundalini yoga is an effective short-term therapy for generalized anxiety disorder and can be helpful in reducing the severity of insomnia.

Maintaining Self-Esteem

One of the core tenets of a yogic practice is self-compassion, and it is important to

resist the inclination for negative selftalk. To adopt the yogic way is to choose happiness over suffering.

“In my experience, the best healing experiences happened by tapping into the body and unlocking the energies we hold onto,” says Paty Renda, a certified Ananda hatha yoga instructor and co-owner of Premah Wellness, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “I believe in serious work done

through fun exercises such as breath, dance, laughter and movement. A simple, slow and deep hatha yoga practice can create profound changes. Gratitude is another very easy, and yet immensely powerful, practice I infuse into everything I do.”

Carrie Gauthier is a writer in the healing arts with interests in clinical and transpersonal hypnotherapy.

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Natural Solutions for Alopecia

In Search of a Full Head of Hair

by Zak Logan

For many of us, our hair can feel like an outward expression of our identity, and we may struggle emotionally and socially when it is compromised. According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, an estimated 6.7 million Americans suffer or have suffered from alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune disease resulting in hair loss on the scalp, face and other parts of the body. Whether AA manifests as bald patches or complete hair loss, the conventional courses of action may involve oral prescription medication, over-the-counter topical products and oral or injected steroids that are often unsuccessful and may come with side effects.

There is evidence that stress and anxiety can play a role in AA, as can certain underlying health conditions such as thyroid disease, celiac disease and lupus. Hormonal imbalances and vitamin and mineral deficiencies can also be key factors. Although AA can be a stubborn condition, alternative approaches such as centuries-old Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including acupuncture, can offer hope. Ayurvedic Techniques

According to allopathic medicine, AA may be caused by hormonal imbalances or an excessive immune response that attacks the hair follicles, but from the perspective of Eastern medicine, the issue is more complex. Ayurveda, India’s 5,000-year-old holistic-health system, approaches AA and other health conditions from the concept of individual constitution. Energetic forces called doshas are believed to be inherent in all cells and organ systems and embody five natural elements: earth, air, fire, water and ether.

“Our doshic makeup is very unique, with the ratios between the three doshas (vata, pitta and kapha) being different for each one of us. In alopecia, it is most commonly seen as a pitta condition when the metabolic fires within us are excessive and too hot, causing inflammation,” says Virender Sodhi, an Ayurvedic and naturopathic physician

in Redmond, Washington. He adds that for alopecia cases caused by thyroid disorders, in which the hair becomes dry and brittle before falling out, he would look into the health of a person’s vata, the dosha that corresponds to the element of air.

A 2022 case study of an individual AA patient published in Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine reported that the patient saw improvement within 15 days of an Ayurvedic treatment plan that included a combination of cleansing, detoxification, blood purification and naturally derived medications. The researchers recommended further study of these techniques. Another study published in the same journal a year later noted the effectiveness of certain Ayurvedic medicines comprised of natural elements, combined with cupping, in which heated cups are placed on the back, stomach, arms, legs or other parts of the body, forming a vacuum or suction force.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

From the approach of 3,000-year-old TCM, imbalances and illnesses are attributed to obstructions within the body’s subtle energetic system. “This is the concept of the life force, or the energy of our body as it takes care of itself,” explains Brian

Keenan, a naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist at Sagelight Integrative Wellness Center, in Columbia, Maryland.

“In Chinese medicine, qi is the energy of the body, and it flows along a set pattern similar to a well-connected network of roads and highways. Meridians are the names of the major highways an acupuncturist will use to influence the qi flowing through them.”

In cases of alopecia, Keenan would dive deeply to find the origin of the pathology. “The specifics of your symptoms will help an acupuncturist figure out where exactly the problem is coming from, since there can be several issues at once,” he explains. “This is why your acupuncturist may spend a great deal of time asking you detailed questions about every nuance of not just your symptoms but also your whole body’s health.”

A 2022 review of eight studies published in Frontiers of Medicine found that acupuncture or moxibustion (the burning of dried mugwort on or near the body during acupuncture), used by themselves or in combination with other treatment modalities, may be effective in treating hair loss.

Vitamin Fortification

Clinical findings published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology in 2017 report that systemic vitamin D levels are lower in people with AA, and improvement might result from supplementation. Recent research also shows that zinc deficiency was noted in sufferers and adding the mineral to the diet might be helpful. Mount Sinai Health System, in New York City, suggests that biotin and trace minerals might foster hair growth and recommends including beneficial foods such as carrots, tomatoes, chard and romaine lettuce.

Lifestyle Changes

Practitioners of both Ayurveda and TCM attest to the value of eliminating processed foods as a way to support the liver in its role of minimizing systemic inflammation. They also recommended streamlining busy schedules and employing meditative practices to reduce stressors.

For best results, commitment is key. Regarding TCM, Keenan suggests an eight-week treatment plan of herbs and acupuncture. “Is it possible to see results sooner? Absolutely. But from my experience as a practitioner, it’s better to set realistic expectations, and if we get there sooner, then that’s all the better.”

Zak Logan is a freelance health writer dedicated to holistic living.

Mariya Chichina from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Saturday After Fest

3 Hours of Ecstatic Dance Live DJ • Fire Performances Intuitive Readers • LED Hoop Jam Botanical Mocktail Bar (Entrance included in Saturday day and Mystical Warrior weekend passes. Purchase After Fest only for $35.)

Allie O’Kane, Kundalini Yoga, Numerology, Chinese Earth Astrology

Amanda Ananda Tantra and Red Tent

Reverb Yogi and Sama Shakti

Healing

Flower Shamanic Ceremony Megan Mulrine

Goddesses

Yoga Druminyasa Ashtanga

Bucket Beats

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

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/SoundHealing-Kelvin-Young/2024-09-05.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7-8

Universal White Time Gemstone Healing 1

Certification. 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. With Bradford Tilden. Learn to heal yourself, others, animals and the environment with this ancient ET-based crystal knowledge. All experience levels welcome. $600 (register with $100 deposit by Sept. 4). Crystal Music Healing, 92 North Summit St., Southington, CT. Register: tinyurl.com/ UWTGem1-Sept2024. Info: 860-830-5841, Info@CrysalMusicHealing.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Holistic Benefit Expo. Noon-4 p.m. 35+ readers and vendors. Free admission but donations appreciated to benefit The Plainville Food Pantry. Free raffles. VFW Hall, 7 Northwest Dr. (off RT 10 on Farmington town line), Plainville, CT. Info: YourHolisticEvents.com/Fairs-CT.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Tarot Workshop for All Levels with Mark Iwanicki. 7-9 p.m. This monthly workshop provides an easy way to understand the structure of tarot with the fundamentals explained in a clear, uncomplicated, engaging manner. All levels of experience welcome. $25. Location: Intuition at Hand, 2010 Silas Deane Hwy., Rocky Hill, CT. Call/text to reserve your spot: 860-518-4992.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Shamanic Crystal-Sound Bath . 6-7:15 p.m. Every other Thursday. Join master crystal/sound healer, Bradford Tilden, for a restorative crystal and sound bath. Relax, recharge and release stress and unwanted energies from your body, mind and field. Bring a blanket, chair or yoga mat. $25 (walk-in: $30). The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St., Farmington, CT. Info: 860-4042578, BridgeHAC.com. Register: tinyurl.com/ BridgeSoundHealing2024.

Tong Ren Healing Class. 7-8 p.m. Second Thursday of the month. This distance energy healing modality taps into the body’s bio-electrical system to allow healing to occur. Start with meditative relaxed state. Comment with three things you

would like healed and 3 people to send healing to. $10 donation. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Info, RSVP: ChiforHealing.com, Erik@ChiforHealing.com, 860-593-8397.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Soap Making for Beginners.10 a.m.-noon. Learn the history and fundamentals of soap making with Ansonia Nature Center’s Ranger Dawn, including safety, soap-making steps and saponification. The group will make a batch of soap. Each person will take home a soap they customized with oils and herbs. $20/person. Adults only. Ansonia Nature Center, 10 Deerfield Ln., Ansonia, CT. RSVP: AnsoniaNatureCenter.org/Calendar/SoapMaking-for-Beginners.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Stewardship Series: Meadow Seed Harvesting 1-3 p.m. Join Ansonia Nature Center’s Land Stewards Team during the Sunday guided walk and help gather seeds. The meadows are a very important part of the overall ecosystem. Join Ranger Maria in harvesting seeds from the milkweeds, asters and goldenrods to plant in the meadow next spring. Free. For adults and kids aged 12+ (accompanied by an adult). Ansonia Nature Center, 10 Deerfield Ln., Ansonia, CT. RSVP in advance: AnsoniaNatureCenter.org/Calendar/Stewardship-SeriesMeadow-Seed-Harvesting.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Full Moon Paddles: Full Harvest Moon. 5-8 p.m. A magical paddle under the setting sun and the full moon. Experienced paddlers only. All paddlers are required to bring their own light source or rent light in advance (headlamp, lantern, luci light, etc.). If bringing own boat, must bring and wear PFD, and have whistle and light. Reservations required. $50 ($25 byob). Scoot & Paddle. Info, register: ScootandPaddle.com/Special-Events.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

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-KelvinYoung/2024-09-19.

Astrology Lecture. 7 p.m. Pre-lecture at 6:15 p.m. Claudia Bader: The Alchemical and Astrological Mercury. Mercury’s two dimensions ask you who you are. Dabbling in astrology? Look further. A

mark your calendar

11TH NEW AGE & CRAFTS EXPO

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

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 with Katie Cavenagh. 7-8:15 p.m. Relax and let the sound waves take you on a journey within. 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 St., Durham, ct. 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.

Crystal-Sound Bath . 6-7 p.m. Every other Thursday . Join master crystal and sound healer Bradford Tilden for a deeply restorative crystal and sound bath. Relax, recharge and release stress and unwanted energies from your body, mind and field. Bring a blanket, chair or yoga mat. Register: tinyurl.com/BridgeSoundHealing2024. $25 (walkin: $30). The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St., Farmington, CT. Info: 860-404-2578, BridgeHAC.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. A place to gather with other spiritually minded people. Are you opening up to new things that are somehow familiar? A different topic each week (past life, active home, karma, moon cycles, etc.). Hosted by Stephanie Rosally-Kaplan, reiki master/teacher, shamanic healer, psychic medium, spiritual life coach. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. $5. RSVP: RosallyKaplan@gmail.com.

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 a.m. Bring your coffee and cards. Open to anyone with an interest in tarot or oracle cards. All levels welcome. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT.

sundays

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 RootsMedicalCenter.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 20.

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 24.

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 15.

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 24.

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 11.

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 7.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

DR. BEATA HARASIM, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT

Holistic & Integrative Doctor of Physical Therapy

860-266-7745

Beata@HolisticDrBeata.com www.HolisticDrBeata.com

Specializing in gut health, nutrition, nervous system regulation and alternative modalities. Provides expert care for chronic fatigue; autoimmune, digestive and skin conditions; food allergies, sensitivities and intolerances; anxiety; depression; acute and chronic pain; colic; reflux; eczema; and more. Feel empowered, calm and confident with your custom health plan for you or your family. 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 20.

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 15.

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-of-the-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 13.

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 & inperson. Reach out today to better understand your current situation and healing potential.

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 18.

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 31.

2024 Editorial Calendar

January | Health & Wellness Feature: Aging Gracefully

February | Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Feature: Oral Health for Healthy Heart

March | Food & Nutrition Feature: Plant-Based Healing

April | Eco-Travel Feature: N. American Eco-Adventures

May | Women’s Wellness Feature: Hormonal Health Journey

June | Men’s Health Feature: Mental Health for Men

July | Keeping It Cool Feature: Eating Seasonally

August | Finding Your Tribe Feature: The Power of Community

September | Emotional Healing Feature: Trauma & Addiction Recovery

October | Whole Body Alignment Feature: Chiropractic & Bodywork

November | Grateful Aging Feature: Becoming a Wise Elder

December | Reconnect & Rejuvenate Feature: The Gift of Self Care