Natural Awakenings NYC February 2019

EE R F

HEALTHY

Amazing Embrace

The Healing Power of Hugs

LIVING

HEALTHY

Heart of a Woman

PLANET

Making Love Last

The Right Choices Discover the Power of Intimacy Keep It Strong

February 2019 | New York City Edition | NA-NewYorkCity.com February 2019

1

JOIN US!

Manhattan!

Savvy Sisterhood takes

Saturday 8:30am - 5:30pm Sunday 8:45am - 5:15pm

at Columbia University!

May 4-5th

Looking to accelerate your career? Grow your business?

Or transform and reach your higher personal potential?

Savvy Sisterhood Summit is the place to be: • World renowned speakers from ‘the Secret’ • Find your mentor • Open your dreams

• Transformational weekend • Top Keynote speakers • Regroup, change your perspective

Bob Proctor

Alena Chapman

Elizabeth Gilbert

Ashley Berny Dohrmann Berges

Jamel Nancy Davenport Levin

Candice Harper

Erin Saxton

Michael Beckwith

Mariel Alvarado

Jill Lubin

Aunty Angel

Community + Opportunity = Success Be Here Live! Don’t Miss This Opportunity!

joinsavvysisterhood.com

2

New York City Edition

NA-NewYorkCity.com

Ricky Black

When all else has failed,

DIV OZONE THERAPY may be your only hope and the answer!

Dr. Howard Robins has been helping people using Ozone Therapy for over 27 years and is considered by many to be the foremost clinical expert in North America on Bio-oxidative Therapies for the SAFE treatment of diseases and illness with over 265,000 treatments performed.

DIV Ozone Therapy has successfully treated Herpes I and II, HIV, all forms of Hepatitis, Diabetic ulcers/neuropathy, Allergies, Chronic Fatigue, Candidiasis, MS, RA, Lyme Disease, Arthritis, Shingles, Acne, Psoriasis, HPV and now RSD/CRPS just to name a few diseases and conditions.

The Toxin Destroyer

INTRAVENOUS OZONE THERAPY

All Toxins, Virus, Bacteria, Fungus, Yeast and Parasites are

Destroyed by Ozone Therapy, Safely!

Please call and speak to Dr. Robins to find out more about this amazing treatment and/or go to

www.ozonedoctor.net

DrHowardRobins@gmail.com DR. HOWARD ROBINS

The Healing Center The World Leader in Bio-oxidative Therapies

200 W. 57th STREET • NEW YORK, NY 10019 (CORNER 7TH AVE BY CARNEGIE HALL)

50 OFF

$

INITIAL CONSULTATION WITH THIS AD

212-581-0101

February 2019

3

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

NEW YORK CITY EDITION

CO-PUBLISHERS

EDITORS MARKETING DIRECTOR DESIGN & PRODUCTION

CALENDAR EDITOR

DISTRIBUTION

Michael Lehrman Cyrece Lehrman Allison Gorman Roger Dubin Julee Bode Janet Merryman Creative Distribution

CONTACT US 244 5th Avenue (Suite T250) New York, NY 10001 NA-NewYorkCity.com Publisher@NA-NewYorkCity.com 212-726-1420

Natural Awakenings NYC

letter from publishers Here we are in the month of love—something our house has been full of since we welcomed a new, four-legged family member last year. Not that we were lacking before. Michael and I adore our boys, and thankfully they still think we’re cool enough to hang around with. We do everything together, and it keeps us close. So why did we add on to our little quad? The boys broke me by begging their “nonanimal-loving” mom for a dog. I caved at the photo of a rescue and fell in love, and the rest is history.

In light of our family’s happy expansion, I found Maya Friedberg’s article (page 7) especially helpful, because she explains how to love dogs the right way. Who knew swaddling my tiny Maltese in a blankie might not be to his liking?

Whether they’re human or animal, spread the love this month to all who live under your roof, and beyond!

Cyrece & Michael

naturalnyc

NATIONAL TEAM CEO/FOUNDER Sharon Bruckman

NATIONAL EDITOR Jan Hollingsworth

MANAGING EDITOR Linda Sechrist NATIONAL ART DIRECTOR Stephen Blancett

ART DIRECTOR Josh Pope FINANCIAL MANAGER Yolanda Shebert FRANCHISE DIRECTOR Anna Romano FRANCHISE SUPPORT MGR. Heather Gibbs WEBSITE COORDINATOR Rachael Oppy NATIONAL ADVERTISING Kara Scofield

GROW Your Business Publisher@NA-NewYorkCity.com

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4933 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 203 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

© 2019 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. 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.

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

4

New York City Edition

Call 212-726-1420 or email

NA-NewYorkCity.com

Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 25 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

12

Contents 17

12 HEART OF A WOMAN The Right Choices Keep It Strong

15 KEN PAGE

on Making Love Last

17 LOOKING FOR LOVE In All The Wrong Places

18

18 AMAZING EMBRACE The Healing Power of Hugs

20 RESOLVE TO HIKE In The Rain

21 PRACTICE IS KEY To Effective Public Speaking

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 212-726-1420, email: Publisher@NA-NewYorkCity.com Deadlines for ads: the 15th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Calendar Events to: Publisher@NA-NewYorkCity.com.

Deadline for calendar: the 15th of the month.

REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

Now serving 75 publications and over 1.5 million distribution, Natural Awakenings has been serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in multiple markets contact, Publisher@NA-NewYorkCity.com or 212-726-1420.

MARKETING & PROMOTIONS: For marketing and promotional opportunities, contact Roger, at Roger@NA-NewYorkCity.com or call 917-699-6492.

DISTRIBUTION To have our magazine placed at your residence or place of business free of cost, please contact Publisher@NA-NewYorkCity.com.

23 OVERCOMING THE PAIN of Shingles and Genital/Oral Herpes

20

24 TO BE LOVED

with the Alexander Technique

24 THE ABCs of CBD The Basics Explained

DEPARTMENTS 6 news briefs 10 health briefs 15 wise words 18 healing ways

23 reader

spotlight 26 calendar 28 resource guide February 2019

5

news briefs

Camp Fosters Children’s Connection to Nature

I

n 1985, environmental educator Ed Bieber was approached by parents asking him to begin a summer camp based not on sports or competition, color wars or pressured schedules, but instead on cooperation and each child’s inherent connection to nature. And so he did just that.

Located in Rockland County, and family-owned and operated for 33 years, The Nature Place has grown into a vibrant community of campers, families, staff, alumni and friends. Their mission, “which now feels more important than ever,” notes Director of Programming Scott Dunn, is “to foster connections—to ourselves, to each other and to the earth.”

Each summer, children ages 4 through 16 come to The Nature Place from throughout the New York-New Jersey area—busing provided—to unplug and connect with the natural world. Some 50 percent of the campers are from Manhattan and Brooklyn, Dunn says.

“Our exceptionally well-trained staff and pressure-free programming encourage campers to slow down and enjoy every moment of a summer spent in nature,” he says.

“With 200 acres of farms, fields, swamps and gardens to explore, plus day hikes and overnight trips for older campers, each child’s sense of wonder is encouraged.”

The Nature Place also offers year-round programming in Primitive Living Skills, with weekend sessions for children, adults and families.

Location: 285 Hungry Hollow Rd., Chestnut Ridge, NY. For more information, including summer 2019 details, call 845-356-1234 or visit TheNaturePlace.com. See ad on page 21.

Empowered Light Holistic Expo Returns to Oaks

T

EMPOWERED LIGHT

his spring’s Empowered Light Holistic Expo is just around the corner, running from 4 to 9 p.m., April 26, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., April 27 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 28, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, in Oaks, Lobby A, Pennsylvania. Plenty of free parking is available.

The expo’s focus is on holistic lifestyles, spiritual classes and personal development. “People feel stressed and distracted, and they are looking for more connection and answers,” says the expo’s founder, Sue Greenwald. “The expo offers new ideas, contacts and HOURLY PRIZES FUN • COMMUNITY connection with others and, most of all, a•community where people April 26-28 feel supported in a fun way.”

I really likesession this expo!

Friwill 4-9pm, Sun

The April expo feature Sat Brad9am-7pm, Johnson, who will10am-5pm be presenting a channeled It has the best vibe!

Daily and Weekend Passes with Adronis, which includes Q&A, and a workshop on Cellular Body Regeneration. John ~2018 Expo Attendee EmpoweredLight.com DeSouza The X-Man, former FBI Investigator, will present A Paranormal Life and a workshop on Clear-Hearing. There will be over 50 talks and presentations through the weekend.

Empowered Light engages attendees with experiential classes, meditation John and DeSouza sound Former FBI Paranormal Brad Johnson Investigator healing, or mini-treatments, such as reiki.

Attendees can choose from more than 50 workshops Saturday: Saturday: Channeling Adronis and lectures. Guests can linger and shop in between presentations with more than 150 holistic The X-Man: Sunday: A Paranormal Life Cellular Body vendors.

Sunday: Regeneration Workshop Clear-Hearer Workshop

Interested vendors are encouraged to apply now for a space.

HOLISTIC EXPO

Cost: General admission, $5-$20. Some presentations additional. 100+ Advance ticket purchases Vendors Offering: SKIP THE LINE! Buy tickets online at: encouraged. For more information, call 484-459-3082, email EmpoweredLightExpo@gmail.com Inspiring Lectures (see full schedule online) EmpoweredLight.com or visit EmpoweredLight.com.

See ad, page 16.

6

Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

Hall D & E, 100 Station Ave, Oaks, PA New York City Edition NA-NewYorkCity.com

I absolutely adore the environment and the atmosphere at this expo! I met good quality people and had

Healthy Food Samples

Natural Products for Personal & Home Care Massage, Reiki, Reflexology, More

Six-Session ‘True Voice’ Class Starts in March

J

ean McClelland, an acclaimed voice and Alexander Technique teacher, is passionate about helping people understand and improve their Jean McClelland breathing.

“Breathing is with us from the first second of our existence, yet few of us really understand this great miracle of our body,” she says. “Breath is fundamental to every aspect of our life. We are born with an ability to breathe deeply and fully, but as we go through life, stress and tension may cause our breathing to become shallow and constricted, and our voices strained and weak.”

For more than 30 years, McClelland has taught a class, Awakening Your True Voice, at the New York Open Center, where she has helped thousands of students improve their breathing and discover their “true voice.” The next six-session class will start on March 11, with a free intro session at 6 p.m. on March 4. She will also teach a free 90-minute workshop, Breathe for Life, on February 4. (Email her for details.)

In her classes, McClelland guides students in observing how they interfere with their natural and reflexive respiration and works with them to free, strengthen and coordinate their breathing muscles to uncover a stronger, more authentic voice.

“Getting back to the way nature designed us to breathe is a tonic that truly revitalizes body, voice and mind,” she says.

For more information, email Jean@ JeanMcClellandVoice.com. To register for the Awakening Your True Voice class that begins in March, visit OpenCenter.org. See ad on page 9.

CORRECTION: In the January issue of Natural Awakenings, We Love Our Advertisers (page 25) incorrectly listed SupHERBals phone number which is 833-SUPER 13 and Greg Prasker is the co-owner. We regret the error and appreciate the opportunity to correct it.

Lama Migmar Tseten to Teach Medicine Buddha Workshop

E

astover Estate and Eco-Retreat in Lenox, Massachusetts, will offer a Healing through the Medicine Buddha workshop April 5-7. Suitable for healers and those seeking practices to support their own health, this retreat offers “learning, community and the opportunity for self-cleanse and reflection.”

Medicine Buddha, the guru of physicians, was first introduced to Tibet in the eighth century. Since then, Medicine Buddha has become a powerful spiritual healing practice in Tibetan Buddhism. Guided by Lama Migmar Tseten, the workshop will include teachings on the Medicine Buddha Sutra, emphasizing the healing of sentient beings.

“I will bestow the Medicine Buddha empowerment, connecting participants with Medicine Buddha and offering the opportunity to receive the blessings and healing energies of his enlightened light body, mantra and wisdom,” Lama Migmar says.

All participants will receive instruction on the meditation practice of Medicine Buddha. They will also learn how to combine the sadhana (spiritual practice) with the technique of blessing medicinal substances to enhance their healing function. The program will conclude with Medicine Buddha sadhana and a medicine-blessing ceremony.

Participants should bring any fresh, unopened medicines they might have for this ceremony.

The Buddhist chaplain at Harvard since 1997, Lama Migmar received both a traditional and a contemporary education in India. He is the founder of Sakya Institute for Buddhist Studies in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He teaches throughout North America and Europe.

Cost: $295 (lodging and meals not included). For more information or to register, visit Eastover.com.

ATTENTION NATURAL AWAKENINGS R E A D E R S – We w a n t t o s p o t l i g h t one of you in the next edition.

Please email publisher@na-newyorkcity.com to learn more.

No Hugs for Pugs on Valentine’s Day

I

n February we show our appreciation for those we love— and for many of us, that means special attention for our dogs too. But dogs don’t always enjoy the same kind of attention that people do, says certified dog trainer Maya Friedberg.

“As you dive into this month of affection and cuddles, remember that certain activities we find special may not be Maya Friedberg seen the same way by your dog,” she says. “Extra play time in the park, longer walks on weather-permitting days and even some pet-approved treats are all great ways to show that extra devotion. Some things to avoid are hugging and wrapping pets up in blankets. Hugging is not perceived the same way by our furry companions, and some dogs may feel trapped more than loved when we bundle them up in a blanket.”

A graduate of the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training and Behavior, Friedberg offers in-person training in Manhattan and the Hamptons, as well as virtual training services. She says that with the right kind of interaction, humans and their dogs can form a truly special and mutually beneficial relationship, with each family taking part in bonding activities unique to them.

“It’s no longer a secret that owning a pet can have many physical and mental health benefits,” she says. “Both owner and companion benefit from this human-animal bond, particularly the bond between humans and dogs, since both species thrive off social interaction and close-knit bonds For more information, contact Friedberg at 646-675-8692, follow her on social media @tails_of_dog or visit TailsOfDog.com.

Tuvan Shamaness Leads Monthly Circle at United Palace

T

he United Palace of Spiritual Arts (UPSA) will host its first monthly shamanic circle led by Tuvan shamaness ChokBar at 4 p.m. February 16. “As the descendant of a long lineage of shamans, ChokBar considers shamanism not just a tradition, but a life dedicated to service as a powerful healer, agent of change, and mediator between the physical and spirit worlds, and a commitment to keeping the balance between humans and nature,” says UPSA Program Director Arda Itez.

Shamanism predates organized religion but has been practiced globally in different cultures and societies for millenia.

“A shaman, with the assistance of spirit guides, moves into altered states of consciousness to retrieve higher wisdom and facilitate life-changing transformation for people,” Itez says.

“At the United Palace of Spiritual Arts, ChokBar will bring ancient wisdom into the modern world.”

Itez notes that shamanism has seen a huge rise in popularity recently, particularly among younger generations.

“People are starved for a personal connection to the sacred without dogma and traditional religious tropes,” she explains. “For many, especially the eco-conscious and animal loving, nature is the church, temple or mosque. It’s spirituality that makes sense, despite being thousands of years old. Now people have the rare opportunity to learn from a real Tuvan shaman, one of the very few left in the world.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring drums or rattles, important tools in the experiential process. “This will be unlike anything they’ve ever seen before,” Itez says. “Shamanism is about doing, not discussing.”

Cost: $20. Location: 4140 Broadway. Register at UPSpiritualArts.org. See ad on back cover.

February 2019

7

HILDA DEMIRJIAN SINCE 1974

Love your skin!

Free Skin Consultations Laser CoLLagen treatment Effective on the full face, neck and body for: Fine Lines • Wrinkles Sun Damage • Brown Spots Scars • Dark Circles Rosacea • Acne Cellulite • Stretch Marks Skin Tightening • Turkey Neck Laser Hair removaL for aLL CompLexions • Suitable for ALL areas on the body • Short course of treatment, accurate, non-invasive HiLda demirjian Laser and skin Care Center 34 South Broadway | Suite 607 White Plains, NY 10601 | 914-374-1756

www.hildademirjianlaser.com

Support Your Immune System and Nervous System to function properly

news briefs

Multisensory ‘Affirmation Yoga’ Facilitates Release and Empowerment

K

ay Yin, creator of Affirmation Yoga, will offer a special class in this new, multisensory mind-bodysoul method, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. February 9, at the Yoga Collective in Manhattan.

“This class, called I Am Free, combines spoken words of affirmation with traditional yoga postures, breathing exercises and guided meditations to help the practitioner release the past and reaffirm who they truly are,” Kay Yin says. “Though I created Affirmation Yoga for the emerging feminine energy, this class is open to both women and men.”

All Affirmation Yoga classes include a sequence of lights and music designed specifically for these movements. In I Am Free, an open-level hatha yoga class, practitioners move through the sequence and colors of the chakra system—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet and white.

“Whether you are new to yoga or have practiced for many years, this is a completely new experience,” Kay Yin says. “There’s an emphasis of collective unity—meditating together, breathing together and moving together. Individually, each practitioner gets to create and manifest their own personal affirmation. This is a new and beautiful expression of yoga.”

A yogi for more than 14 years, Kay Yin bases her practice in the tantric philosophy of collective awareness and pulls from different yoga traditions and healing modalities, including Tibetan sound healing and trauma release techniques.

Cost: $30. Location: 135 W. 29th St., Ste. 603. Kay Yin will also lead a workshop at Yoga Herald Square on March 30. For more information, call 917-745-6159 or visit AffirmationYoga.com.

CBD Oil has been used in conjunction with symptoms related to arthritis, chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, insomnia, digestive disorders and many more difficulties.

15% off

IS EVERYWHERE

your first order with the code “awake”

THANK YOU

www.SupHERBals.com info@SupHERBals.com

to the local businesses that display Natural Awakenings Magazines!

833-SUPER13

DIGITAL EDITION AVAILABLE @

Don’t just live life… live life SupHERBally!!

8

New York City Edition

NA-NewYorkCity.com

NA-NewYorkCity.com

Connect Oral and Overall Health with Alkalinity

F

Jamaican Retreat Designed as ‘Naturopathic Reset’

E

xperience Anahata is hosting a Yoga and Naturopathic Wellness Immersion from February 25 to March 1, in Jamaica’s lush Portland Parish. This “naturopathic reset” was designed to blend relaxing but enlightening structured activities with restorative personal time, says the company’s CEO, Isabella Powell.

“Imagine watching the sunrise through the tops of the rainforest canopy trees, sipping aromatic herbal tea and rising with sun salutations, or riding a wild horse along coastal white sands and into the turquoise sea,” she says.

Structured activities include 10 dynamic Vinyasa Yoga classes with Kelley Snyder, who currently teaches with Y7, The Yes Studio and Balance Yoga Barre in New York City, and five naturopathic workshops and treatment sessions with Dr. Lana Butner, an American board-certified naturopathic doctor. Sessions will include GuaSha, acupuncture, Chinese cupping, herbology and aromatherapy.

Powell has also planned live excursions to Jamaica’s north coast, to locations such as Swift River, Nanny Falls and the famous Blue Lagoon.

Accommodations include six nights at Mango Ridge Guest Cottages, a modernized eco-village in the rainforest. Healthy, local farm-to-table cuisine will be supplied daily by The Living Daylights Café in Port Antonio, Jamaica, Powell says.

To register, visit ExperienceAnahata.com.

For more information, email AnahataYogaJamaica@gmail.com or follow Experience Anahata on Instagram @experienceanahata.

See ad on page 14.

or years now, we have approached our overall health through a singular lens, focused on what we do, what we eat and how we exercise, says Dr. Lewis Gross, director and general dentist at Holistic Dentists, in Tribeca.

“While this approach is not wrong, it is missing the oral health perspective,” he says. “Our dental health is directly connected to our whole-body wellness.”

Over the past decade, new research has continued to prove the connection between oral and overall health, he says. “Some of the deadliest lifestyle diseases are directly connected to poor oral health. For example, people with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease, and researchers believe that’s because diabetes diminishes the body’s resistance to infection. Studies also show that people with gum disease are more likely to have cardiovascular problems. While the studies have not shown causation between the two diseases, they do share many risk factors.”

Current research also suggests that an alkaline diet and alkaline oral care products help protect overall health, Gross says.

“Alkaline diets are helping people better balance their pH in their body and protect themselves from the detrimental effects of acid,” he says. “As for oral health, an alkaline mouthwash cleanse is the solution. With an alkaline cleanse, you can balance the pH in your mouth to protect your gums and teeth from acid erosion. So as you go forward, remember to connect your oral and overall health with alkalinity.”

For more information, visit Holistic-Dentists.com.

Awaken, Free, and Strengthen Your True Voice

Release Tension and Improve Your Breathing with Jean McClelland Awakening Your True Voice, New York Open Center Six Monday Evenings Beginning March 11th Free intro class on Monday, March 4th, 6:00 pm

www.JeanMcClellandVoice.com www.opencenter.org/awakening-true-voice

Empowerment Through Movement.

IS NEGATIVE SELF TALK KEEPING YOU FROM REACHING YOUR GOALS? Celeste Decamps shows her audience the secrets of looking and feeling confident even when our minds tell us the opposite.

If you want to change your attitude for the better, start with your body.

IF YOUR BODY BELIEVES, YOUR MIND WILL FOLLOW

Call today to book Celeste for your next workshop! 917-907-4424 Mention Natural Awakenings when you book Celeste and get a FREE bellydance class included.

CelesteDeCamps.com • CelesteDeCamps@gmail.com February 2019

9

Harmful Bacteria Linked to Certain Showerheads Harmful bacteria from the genus Mycobacterium have been shown to linger in showerheads and lead to lung infections through inhalation of steam. University of Colorado researchers analyzed 656 biofilms coating the inside of showerheads sent to them by volunteers throughout the U.S. and Europe, and found twice as much mycobacterium in showerheads from households receiving municipal water than in those receiving well water. Chlorine disinfection methods were suspected by the researchers. Plastic showerheads had levels that were, on average, two times lower than showerheads made of metal or metal and plastic components. “Hot spots” with high levels of mycobacteria—such as Hawaii, southern California, Florida, the upper Midwest and the mid-Atlantic states—generally overlapped regions where mycobacterium-related lung diseases are most prevalent.

Screen Time Doubles Kids’ Risk of Anxiety and Depression Children and teens that spend more than seven hours a day on screens have twice the risk of being diagnosed with anxiety or depression compared to those that spend one hour a day similarly engaged, concluded a San Diego State University study of more than 40,000 youngsters.

Zinc Combo Fights Aging Diseases When zinc, a trace mineral, is combined with tea, coffee, chocolate and other foods that contain specific antioxidant compounds, it boosts protection against the oxidative stress linked to aging and diseases such as dementia, cancer and heart disease, report researchers from Auburn University, in Alabama, and the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, in Germany. Zinc activates a plant compound known as hydroquinone, which boosts foods’ antioxidant properties. Hydroquinone alone cannot break down harmful free radicals, but when combined with zinc, a type of enzyme is created that helps prevent damage to organs and tissues.

Stop worrying about what you have to lose and start focusing on what you have to gain.

Please frequent our wonderful advertisers, their support brings Natural Awakenings to you each month.

10

New York City Edition

NA-NewYorkCity.com

Dmitry Bruskov/Shutterstock.com

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia), a spiky, cucumber-shaped fruit, has traditionally been used in Asian countries to lower blood sugar. Now, researchers at Universiti Sains Malaysia report that it can significantly improve symptoms and reduce the pain of knee osteoarthritis. Half of 75 patients were given a placebo and the other half 1,500 milligrams three times a day of a bitter melon supplement. After three months, the bitter melon group had significantly fewer symptoms and less knee pain and analgesic use, as well as lowered body weight, body mass index and fasting blood glucose levels.

Tatyana Vyc/Shutterstock.com

Bitter Melon Eases Knee Pain

Shamaan/Shutterstock.com

anat chant/Shutterstock.com

health briefs

Why don’t we use antibiotics to treat sinusitis anymore?

Because they make the problem WORSE.

Try the products recommended by ENT specialists!

Sinus Relief – eliminate bacteria & fungus Sinus Support – relax, moisturize & heal damaged nasal tissues Congestion Relief – clear congestion & relax inflamed membranes Super Neti Juice – deep antimicrobial cleaning Herbal Neti Soother – soothe & restore the sinus tissues

20%OFF

Order online at MyNaturesRite.com or call 800-991-7088

with coupon code SINUS20

We get calls every day from sinus sufferers like you thanking us for bringing them our fine products.

Nothing makes us happier than hearing our customers proclaim, “I can breathe again”. Check-out our website & see all of the wonderful products that we offer to help you maintain your health naturally. Here at Nature’s Rite, we’re ridding the world of sinusitis… one nose at a time. Why don’t we heal yours next?

Are you creative, driven and passionate about healthy living?

Inspire others to make choices that benefit themselves and the world around them by becoming a Natural Awakenings publisher.

Learn more today:

239-530-1377 NaturalAwakeningsMag.com/Franchise

This is a meaningful home-based business opportunity that provides extensive training and ongoing support.

No previous publishing experience is required.

February 2019

11

HEART OF A WOMAN The Right Choices Keep It Strong

by Lisa Marshall

We have all this sophisticated equipment and all these medications, but when it comes down to it, the vast majority of cardiovascular disease can be prevented.

mimagephotography/Shutterstock.com

~Christina Adams, M.D.

12

New York City Edition

NA-NewYorkCity.com

stockfour/Shutterstock.com

S

ometime between the salad and the main course at her grandson’s bar mitzvah, Joyce Lenard, then 69, felt a crushing pressure deep within her chest.

A tireless go-getter who had worked in Hillary Clinton’s district office when she was a U.S. senator, raised two daughters and recently donated a kidney to one of them, Lenard had spent months painstakingly planning the 100-guest gala, so when the pain came, she ignored it and got on with the party. She even drove herself to her Long Island home that night. “I just assumed I was having indigestion and it would pass,” Lenard recalls.

Hours later, her husband rushed her to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with a rare, often-fatal form of heart attack, takotsubo cardiomyopathy, in which intense stress literally changes the shape of the heart. Thankful to be alive, she has since taken up meditation, cleaned up her diet and now leads a support group for female heart patients of all ages. Like her, many of them never saw it coming.

“Women tend to be the caregivers,” says Lenard. “We take care of our husbands, our families, our friends, our careers, and we often forget about our own health. Then look what happens.” Lenard is among the 44 million U.S. women with

cardiovascular disease, an insidious illness that until recently has been erroneously framed as a “man’s disease”. In reality, it is the number one killer of women, responsible for one in three deaths each year, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). By comparison, one in 26 women die of breast cancer.

While awareness has risen since 2004, when AHA launched its Go Red for Women campaign, surveys show only 17 percent of women view cardiovascular disease as something that should concern them. It should, experts say, because 80 to 90 percent of cases are avoidable with lifestyle and dietary changes. In some cases, natural remedies can even reverse it. “We have all this sophisticated equipment and all these medications, but when it comes down to it, the vast majority of cardiovascular disease can be prevented,” says integrative cardiologist Christina Adams, M.D., of the Scripps Women’s Heart Center, in La Jolla, California.

Know Risks and Address Them Early

In the late 1990s, researchers discovered women were about as likely as men to be diagnosed with the disease, and far more likely to die from it. “They didn’t have the classic signs and symptoms, so they often

went undiagnosed and untreated,” explains Jennifer Mieres, M.D., a cardiology professor at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, in New York.

Along with chest pain, women often suffer fatigue, shortness of breath, indigestion, pain in the neck, back or jaw, nausea or anxiety in the months leading up to a heart attack. In more than half of the cases, according to one recent study in the journal Circulation, doctors fail to recognize these symptoms.

Then there is the “not now” factor. “I used to see women all the time who said, ‘I have had these symptoms for months, but I just didn’t have time to take care of it,’” says Mieres, co-author of Heart Smart for Women: Six S.T.E.P.S. in Six Weeks to Heart-Healthy Living.

Recent research has also shown that women are uniquely vulnerable to developing heart disease in ways that men don’t share. Taking birth control pills (especially while smoking) can boost risk. Complications during pregnancy such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes can be hard on the heart, increasing vulnerability for years to come. Because estrogen is believed to be cardio-protective, when it wanes during perimenopause and menopause, risk goes up again.

Supplements for a Healthy Heart Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock.com

ª Red yeast rice extract: This over-

the-counter (OTC) extract, commonly used in Chinese medicine, has been shown to significantly lower both total cholesterol and LDL, or “bad” cholesterol levels, much like a statin does. Studies show 1.2 to 2.4 grams per day can reduce cholesterol by 26 percent in 12 weeks.

ª Omega-3 fatty acids: Eating fatty fish or taking fish oil supplements (one to four grams daily of EPA/DHA) has been shown to reduce risk of heart disease in healthy people and lower triglyceride levels and risk of heart attack in those already diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. Walnuts, chia, hemp and flax seeds are excellent vegan sources of Omega-3s.

ª Coenzyme Q10: Found in small

amounts in organ meats, sardines, cauliflower and asparagus, this powerful antioxidant—also available in OTC supplements—can lower blood pressure and help combat the side effects of statins.

ª Nicotinomide riboside: Fairly

new on the supplement scene, this compound, known as NR, has been shown to mimic the beneficial impacts of calorie restriction, improving blood pressure and arterial health in those with mild hypertension.

ª Garlic: Some studies suggest that garlic, either fresh or in supplements, can lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

February 2019

13

Food Not Meds

Thirty years after the first cholesterol-lowering medication hit the market, so-called statin drugs have become the largest class of medications in the world, with U.S. sales doubling between 2000 and 2010 to reach $20 billion, according to the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. While drugs can be appropriate for those already diagnosed with heart disease and at high risk of heart attack or stroke, they are not without serious side effects. Statins can cause chronic muscle pain, memory loss and increased blood sugar, while hypertension drugs can precipitate fainting and kidney damage.

For many patients, there’s another way, integrative cardiologists say. Unfortunately, most of the talk about prevention focuses on prescription medications, says Stephen Devries, M.D., executive director of the Chicago-based Gaples Institute for Integrative Cardiology. “What often gets lost in the discussion are the dietary changes, which can be equally important.”

Devries recommends a plant-based Mediterranean diet—low in the saturated fat found in beef, processed meats and cheese—and high in leafy greens, whole grains and the “good” fats found in fatty fish, olive oil and avocados. Specific foods have also been shown to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Nuts, including walnuts, peanuts and almonds, have been shown to lower LDL. One 2017 study of 77,000 female nurses, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found those that ate peanuts or tree nuts (including almonds and cashews) two or more times per week had a 19 percent lower risk of developing heart disease. Those that ate walnuts once a week cut their risk by 23 percent.

Dark purple and red fruits contain compounds called anthocyanins that boost production of nitric oxide, and in turn expand blood vessels, improving circulation. Another recent study, published in the journal Circulation, followed 94,000 women for 18 years and found those that ate four servings or more per week of blueberries and strawberries were a third less likely to have a heart attack.

Pomegranates are also key for heart health, with recent research published in the journal Clinical Nutrition showing a daily serving of juice can make platelets less sticky, lower blood pressure and reduce plaque formation.

Dark leafy greens like kale and broccoli—which are rich in vitamin K—play an important role in fostering a healthy heart structure, with each serving per week cutting the risk of heart disease by 23 percent, according to the Gaples Institute.

Nurturing the Emotional Heart

No discussion of heart health would be complete without an emphasis on social and emotional health, a critical risk factor which until recently has been largely absent, says Sandeep Jauhar, M.D., director of the Heart Failure Program at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center, and author of the new book, Heart: A History.

But research shows the emotional heart can break, too, as in Lenard’s case. With as 14

New York City Edition

NA-NewYorkCity.com

many as 90 percent of incidents occurring in women, the condition that landed her in the emergency room often shows up in patients with no signs of obstructed blood vessels or high cholesterol. Rather, factors like financial worries, work stress or the death of or breakup with a loved one can flood the heart with stress hormones, changing its shape to one that resembles a Japanese pot called a takotsubo and weakening it profoundly. “Remarkably, in many cases, once the emotional state returns to normal, so does the heart,” says Jauhar.

Longer-term, emotional stress has been shown to lead to platelet aggregation, or stickiness in the blood, which can impact blood flow. Also, constant bombardment by stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol can damage the inner walls of blood vessels, boosting accumulation of plaque.

To nurture the metaphorical heart, integrative cardiologists recommend taking time to maintain healthy personal relationships and minimize work stress. As well, exercising five to six days per week for at least 30 minutes and practicing activities like mindfulness meditation or yoga have been shown to lower heart rate. A recent study published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes looked at 201 people with coronary heart disease. It found those that practiced meditation were 50 percent less likely to die or have a heart attack or stroke in the span of five years.

Finding quiet spaces to retreat to can also be important. A study published in November by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital, in Boston, found that living and working in chronically noisy environments can boost the risk for heart problems. It is also wise to prioritize sleep (at least seven hours per night), because the lack of it can inflame arteries.

The bottom line is that a holistic approach is best, says Jauhar. “If you want to live a long life, don’t smoke, eat well and exercise, but also pay attention to the quality of your relationships and your ability to withstand stress and transcend distress. Those are also a matter of life and death.”

Lisa Marshall is a freelance health writer in Boulder, CO. Connect at LisaAnnMarshall.com.

viphotos/Shutterstock.com

“As soon as we hit menopause, our biological milieu starts to change,” says Mieres, noting that “good” cholesterol tends to decrease and “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides tend to increase.

Yet, arterial plaque—which can ultimately build up, break loose and cause a heart attack or stroke—starts accumulating as early as age 20, so the earlier women start paying attention, the better.

wise words

Ken Page on

Making Love Last

by Emily Courtney

K

en Page is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist and author of Deeper Dating: How to Drop the Games of Seduction and Discover the Power of Intimacy.

A relationship, intimacy and dating expert, he has led hundreds of workshops on intimacy and spirituality and taught at Columbia University, the Omega Institute and the Garrison Institute. Page also hosts the Deeper Dating Podcast (DeeperDatingPodcast.com).

What are Core Gifts, and what role do they play in the search for lasting love?

In my decades of work as a psychotherapist and coach, I’ve come to realize again and again that the qualities people feel most embarrassed or awkward about—their deepest insecurities—are some of their greatest gifts.

These Core Gifts are like secret parts of ourselves that we often want to hide because we feel so vulnerable around them. But these gifts are where we have the greatest sensitivity and passion; they’re the things we feel and care the most deeply about and the keys to finding someone who really loves us for who we are. When we learn to lead with and cherish our Core Gifts instead of hiding them away, the story of our romantic life completely changes.

But the opposite is true, too. Suppressing our gifts is actually an act of

quiet violence against our most authentic self, and it always leads us into situations where we end up feeling diminished or hurt. The degree to which we feel ashamed of those vulnerable parts of ourselves is the degree to which we’re going to be attracted to people who are bad for us.

How can we move past our insecurities to discover and honor our Core Gifts?

If you find yourself repeatedly attracted to people who don’t treasure you for who you are, there are Core Gift qualities you haven’t learned to honor. Anywhere you’re insecure, you can ask yourself questions that really change the way you think about yourself. What might be the gift that lies inside this insecurity, and how have I not honored it? Who are the people in my life who have valued my gifts and how did that feel?

You can also discover your Core Gifts by asking yourself what sensitivities keep getting stepped on or neglected—those are qualities you haven’t learned to treasure enough yet.

Why is it important to differentiate between what you call Attractions of Inspiration and Attractions of Deprivation?

This is perhaps the most important distinction you can make in your search for love.

Attractions of Deprivation are attractions to people who are only sometimes available to love and treat you well, but you become deeply invested in trying to get them to love you because you’re unconsciously trying to heal old childhood wounds through the relationship.

But there are also Attractions of Inspiration; these are people who inspire you by who they are in the world and how they treat you and others. When you start really learning how to honor and lead with your Core Gifts, your attractions change. You’ll start becoming attracted to available people who love you for who you are.

Deciding to say no to Attractions of Deprivation to only pursue Attractions of Inspiration is quite simply the most important decision you’ll ever make in your search for healthy love.

What is the Wave of Distancing, and how can it sabotage relationships?

The Wave of Distancing is the single greatest saboteur of healthy love that I know of.

If you haven’t yet learned to honor your Core Gifts, you’ll want to flee when you meet Attractions of Inspiration who are available and kind. You may begin noticing qualities about them that irritate you and find yourself wanting to leave—this is what I call the Wave.

The Wave is fear, because something deep inside you knows that this person could be special, and to open yourself up to and possibly be hurt by a kind person is a very scary thing. So your psyche unconsciously protects you by making you want to flee, and if you don’t understand this, then you may leave what could be a wonderful relationship.

If you do understand it, you’ll come to realize that like a wave, it hits hard, but then passes. If you can stick around long enough and just keep enjoying that person throughout the Wave, those feelings will disappear and the attraction will return.

Emily Courtney is a freelance health and wellness writer and editor living in northern Colorado. Connect at EmilyCourtneyWrites@gmail.com.

February 2019

15

EMPOWERED LIGHT HOLISTIC EXPO

HOURLY PRIZES • FUN • COMMUNITY

April 26-28

Fri 4-9pm, Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm Daily and Weekend Passes

EmpoweredLight.com

I really like this expo!

It has the best vibe! ~2018 Expo Attendee

John DeSouza Brad Johnson Saturday: Channeling Adronis Sunday: Cellular Body Regeneration Workshop

SKIP THE LINE! Buy tickets online at:

EmpoweredLight.com Greater Philadelphia Expo Center Hall D & E, 100 Station Ave, Oaks, PA

I absolutely adore the environment and the atmosphere at this expo! I met good quality people and had great sales at each event. The vendors are friendly and supportive. ~ 2018 Expo Vendor 16

New York City Edition

NA-NewYorkCity.com

Former FBI Paranormal Investigator Saturday: The X-Man: A Paranormal Life Sunday: Clear-Hearer Workshop

100+ Vendors Offering: Inspiring Lectures (see full schedule online)

Healthy Food Samples Natural Products for Personal & Home Care Massage, Reiki, Reflexology, More Angelic & Intuitive Readings Yoga & Meditations Sponsored in part by

Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places

by Alena Chapman

L

ove! It’s the fleeting feeling we are always looking outside ourselves for—something glimpsed through books, movies and other people. But what if love starts with loving ourselves? What if understanding self-love helps us love more deeply and create a more complete love with another person?

Maya Angelou once quoted an African saying: “Be careful when a naked man offers you a shirt.” How can we understand love fully if we do not love ourselves?

Self-love is not some crazy New Age concept, and it doesn’t mean taking an occasional spa day. It’s much deeper than that.

Self-love requires you to invest in yourself, spend time with yourself, and be a friend to the one person who has seen the good and the bad in you and everything in between.

Yes, a facial feels great and a pedicure looks nice, but these are temporary treats, and short-lived at best. Dive deeper—why not invest in you? Maybe take the time to attend a seminar or class that interests you or go for a walk out in nature, or find some quiet time to read a book or meditate.

Invest in You Investing in yourself means spending time with you and allowing yourself to grow your relationship with you. A little time alone, or with others who also want to grow, can help you gain a new perspective on who you are and even the world around you.

Ask yourself some questions: What would you like to do? Where would you like to go? What are you waiting for? No more excuses—this is your life. Just do it!

Take the trip or see the show. Stop sitting on the sidelines of life.

Become Your Own Best Friend Often we treat others much better than we treat ourselves. However, it is ourselves we wake up with, eat with and live our entire lives with. Rarely do we show ourselves the unconditional love we crave so dearly from others.

We carry false labels of ourselves like chains around our hearts, not realizing that they are

beautiful gifts that make us who we are inside.

I was often called bossy, but eventually I learned that being “bossy” meant that I was organized and decisive and had the ability to see the bigger picture in order to meet the end goal. All these negative labels, often considered flaws, actually reflect our gifts, which can have a positive impact in our lives.

Isn’t it time to be your own best friend, open to the beauty you have inside?

Happy Valentine’s Day to you.

Alena Chapman is a soul nurturer, thought leader and two times international bestseller, and the founder of JoinSavvySisterhood.com.

See ad on inside front cover.

Don’t wait until you’re in severe pain...

Free Yourself From Unnecessary Stress And Tension!

Learn To Access Your Built-in Support With

Downtown Manhattan - 200 Vesey Street - Regus, Office 24118

Think-AT.com

First 3 Individual Sessions $45 ea.

Introductory Offer - Regular Fee $90

Three Sessions Recommended To Start Seeing Results Mona@Think-AT.com or 646-632-5181 • Faisal@Think-AT.com or 646-460-1666

February 2019

17

healing ways

AMAZING EMBRACE The Healing Power of Hugs

Dmytro Zinkevych/Shutterstock.com

by April Thompson

These behaviors also turn down our biological response to stress and may even improve how our immune system works. ~Michael Murphy, researcher

H

ugs don’t just feel good; they do good. A simple embrace can boost our health and mood, connect us spiritually and even help mend society.

Hugs and other types of affectionate touching can provide numerous benefits in the face of threats or stress, according to Mi18

New York City Edition

chael Murphy, Ph.D., a researcher with the Laboratory for the Study of Stress, Immunity and Disease at Carnegie Mellon University, in Pittsburgh. “The research shows that touch behaviors like hugs reduce negative responses to threats and make people feel happier, more secure and more supported.”

NA-NewYorkCity.com

In a study of 404 adults, Carnegie Mellon researchers looked at how social support and hugs affected participants’ susceptibility to the common cold after being exposed to the virus.

“People experiencing lots of conflict are more likely to get a cold when exposed to a virus,” says Murphy. “But individuals who also tend

to receive lots of hugs appear protected from this additional risk.”

A Primal Need for Connection Mata Amritanandamayi, a 65-year-old Indian spiritual leader better known as Amma, has hugged tens of millions of people around the world, earning her the nickname, “the hugging saint.”

Amma’s tradition of hugging people grew organically, from hugging someone she noticed in distress, to how she receives massive crowds clamoring for one of her loving, compassionate embraces.

“A hug is a gesture that reveals the spiritual truth that, ‘We are not two—we are one,’” says Swami Amritaswarupananda, one of Amma’s senior disciples. “In today’s world, where people often feel alienated and lonely, a hug can uplift and make us feel reconnected to the people and world around us.”

Intention is key to the exchange of energy that occurs with a hug, says Amritaswarupananda. “What is important is the sincerity behind the action—the genuine feeling of love and compassion. A simple glance or mere touch of the hand can have that same power to make us feel whole if that genuine, heartfelt connection is there.”

Hugs tap into that fundamental human need to belong, says Murphy. “Hugs and other forms of affectionate touch act as powerful reminders that we belong. “These behaviors also turn down our biological response to stress and may even improve how our immune system works.” For example, researchers think that touching might trigger our body to release oxytocin, a hormone that can reduce fear and improve social bonding, Murphy notes. Hugs and the associated oxytocin release can have powerful ripple effects in the body, decreasing heart rate and levels of

stress hormones cortisol and norepinephrine, along with improving immune function and pain tolerance. Oxytocin can also trigger the release of feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine.

Bridging Divides With a Hug While Murphy cautions that the jury is out on the effects of hugs on strangers, as most research has been done on embraces between loved ones, Ken Nwadike, Jr. has built a national campaign around the concept. Known as the “free hugs guy”, the former competitive runner began offering up hugs during the 2014 Boston Marathon, the year after the deadly bombing. Nwadike has since brought the Free Hugs Project to more divisive spaces, from political rallies to protests, offering hugs to all to spread love and inspire change.

The Los Angeles activist’s all-embracing hugs are a symbol of unconditional love, respect and unity at a time when tensions and political divisions are running high. For Nwadike, hugs are a way of de-escalating conflict and mending the human divide. “Communities are divided because of fear, hatred and misunderstanding. Starting the conversation with kindness, rather than hatred, will get us a lot further,” he says.

Consent is always important, and not everyone appreciates an unsolicited hug. But like compliments, hugs are free to give and usually well received. As humans, we bear arms that were built not to harm, but to heal.

Connect with freelance writer April Thompson, of Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.

February 2019

19

RESOLVE TO HIKE IN THE RAIN

by Roger Dubin

T

he holidays are over. January is in the books. Some of us made New Year’s resolutions. If we did, then there is a good chance that healthy practices were a part of them.

Eat better, exercise more, meditate, get outside and experience nature, become more spiritual, be a better parent, spend less time connected to our phones and other devices—these are just a few of the popular ones. But there is one activity that can help with all of them, and that’s hiking.

My suggestion will come as no surprise to any of you who know me or have read my previous columns. I hike about three times a week, and this practice has improved my mental and physical health tremendously. Last year I also became a volunteer trail supervisor in Harriman Bear Mountain State Park, fulfilling one of my other resolutions from the year before: Find a way to give back.

Among other duties, my supervisor responsibilities require me to hike each of my 55 miles of trails at least once a year. Last July I found myself with a little time to check some trails. It was a hot day, with occasional showers forecast for the afternoon. I didn’t mind the prospect of rain on a hot day, but because of the potential storms, I picked a lower elevation in a more protected section of the park.

As predicted, we did get some rain and sporadic thunder.

But the day was hot and the rain provided relief from the heat.

The occasional thunder in the distance made for an exciting soundtrack. Being out there in the wet sparkling woods, enjoying a wondrous hike, made me want to hike in the rain more of20

New York City Edition

NA-NewYorkCity.com

ten. It reminded me of the joy my children experienced jumping in puddles when they were younger. Just as I was having this euphoric thought, what did I hear through the trees? The magical sound of children’s laughter, coming from a group of about 15 kids and their counselors cavorting in one of the park’s shelters.

A couple of counselors spotted me as I approached, and they immediately came to greet me, putting themselves between the kids and me. The group was from the nearby Nature Place Day Camp, and I was very impressed with the friendliness, the professionalism and also the cautiousness of the counselors.

After I introduced myself as a New York-New Jersey Trail Conference volunteer supervisor, I explained that I was also writing an article on hiking with children. So under the watchful eyes of the counselors, I got to speak a little with some of the older kids. They were clearly thrilled to be there, to have nature and the outdoors as part of their lives. And not a single one of them was looking down at a tablet or cell phone.

So how does this all fit into my theme of Resolve to Hike? It’s very simple. If you want to get healthy, have fun and enjoy some magic, don’t forget your mother—Mother Nature. Don’t let a little rain in the forecast put you off. And if you want to do something wonderful for your kids, send them to a nature camp, where they can develop skills and have experiences that will last a lifetime.

Roger Dubin is marketing director for Natural Awakenings. Contact him at MrNaturalNYC@gmail.com or on Instagram @MrNaturalNYC.

PRACTICE IS KEY TO EFFECTIVE PUBLIC SPEAKING

by Celeste DeCamps

O

ne of the questions I’m asked most in my line of work is “What’s one thing I can do to get over my fear of public speaking?” My answer is always the same: “Practice, practice and practice some more.”

Celeste DeCamps

It sounds simple, yet most people avoid doing it. They put off organizing their thoughts and decide to wing it once they get up in front of an audience. That’s when the real fear comes in. They suddenly realize they have no opening statement, no real middle and no ending to wrap it all up. They have put themselves in an embarrassing situation and chalk it up to not being comfortable speaking in front of people.

With public speaking, as with most skills, preparation is the key to success. Practicing and rehearsing is what will make you a confident public speaker.

Practicing means going over your speech and hearing it as you say it out loud. To keep from sounding scripted, you need to say your speech over and over.

The best example I give my students is talking about a bad date.

When you’ve had a disastrous date, the first thing you do is call a friend and go over all the gory details. It might take a good 20 minutes.

Then you call another friend, and then another. Before you know it, you’ve told the story 10 times, and you’ve got it down to a solid six minutes. You’ve kept all the punch lines that made your friends laugh, and you have a strong beginning, middle and end to a story that you didn’t write down or memorize. The whole process happens organically, as your friends’ feedback and questions help you refine the story over time.

Putting a speech together should involve a similar process. You want to get feedback from your friends to make sure your message is understandable and engaging.

When you rehearse your speech, make sure you’re standing and moving as you speak. Have it timed so you know you’re not going too long. Pay attention to how you’re projecting your voice, holding your hands and making eye contact.

The next time you have to make a presentation, do yourself a favor and practice. Your fear will be replaced with confidence.

Celeste DeCamps is the co-founder of Authentic Voice. Twice a month, she and Michele Marshall help people find their voice and their message through lectures and interactive workshops. For more information, visit Meetup.com/Authentic-Voices. See ad on page 9.

LEE SCHWALB H E A L I N G

Bringing over 15 years of clinical experience in treating a wide variety of health problems.

ENERGY HEALING

Pulsed Electro Magnetic Field therapy (PEMF)

ACUPUNCTURE Lee Schwalb

Licensed Acupuncturist, Certified Herbalist, Certified Kambo Practitioner(IAKP)

*Most insurance accepted • Weight Loss & Detoxification • Male & Female Disorders • Gastrointestinal Disorders • Depression & Anxiety

KAMBO DETOX THERAPY

LeeSchwalbHealing.com • 646-577-0142 370 Lexington Avenue, Suite 2300, New York City, 10017 2 Overhill Road, Suite 102, Scarsdale, NY 10583

Call today and mention Natural Awakenings to sign up for your FREE CONSULTATION. February 2019

21

ADVERTORIAL

Overcoming the Pain of Shingles and Genital/Oral Herpes The Latest Answer

From the Desk of Dr. Howard Robins at The Healing Center in New York City…

Did You Have Chickenpox or a “Cold Sore”?

eating foods high in a protein called L-arginine, found commonly in nuts and chocolate, among other foods.

Most everyone answers “yes” to this question. If you answered yes, then you have a herpes infection. Both types of viral infections are easily transferred by contact It Can Be Eliminated! with someone that has a current outbreak. You likely may Treatments with antivirals can reduce outbreaks and may have both! alleviate the severity of symptomatic episodes

Herpes zoster (HZ), commonly known but will not get rid of the infection. Medical as shingles, is a viral disease characterized ozone is the only medicine known to destroy by a painful skin rash with blisters in a limand rid the body of this horrible infection. ited area on one side of the body, often in a

Please don’t believe the commercials stripe. The initial infection causes the illness on television saying you can never get rid of it. chickenpox, which usually occurs in children Though with no promises or guarantees, mediand young adults. Once the chickenpox is cal ozone has been used all over the world to gone, the virus is not eliminated from the treat infections that normally cannot be fixed, body and can go on to cause shingles. HZ is i.e., herpes in all its forms. Medical ozone is a Dr. Howard Robins not the same disease as herpes simplex type gas that when it enters the body intravenously 1 and 2, despite the similar name, though both HZ and acts like “glue” to all viruses, bacteria, fungus, yeast and herpes simplex belong to the same viral family. mold. It destroys or inactivates them so the body can

HZ becomes dormant in some of our nerve cells remove them completely. without causing any symptoms. Many years after a

Most importantly, medical ozone does it without chickenpox infection, the virus may break out of nerve harmful adverse reactions or side effects so typical with cells and cause a viral infection of the skin in the area pharmaceuticals. In more than 50 countries, over 45,000 around the nerve. The virus may spread from one nerve physicians have been using it worldwide for over 70 to another causing a painful rash. Although the rash usu- years to successfully and safely treat diseases such as ally heals within two to four weeks, most people experi- herpes. ence nerve pain for months or years, a condition called

So, don’t give up hope and don’t wait! It is absolute“postherpetic neuralgia.” In the past, outbreaks usually ly possible to eliminate herpes from your body. To learn occurred in the elderly, but now it is common for anyone more about medical ozone therapy, visit OzoneUniversity. at any age that is under great stress or has a comprocom or buy a copy of Ozone Therapy: The Miracle Medimised immune system. cine, available at GaryNull.com, which has testimonials

Herpes simplex 1 and 2 cause the oral or genital on its benefits and effectiveness. forms of what we commonly simply call “herpes.” It also spreads in a way similar to the HZ virus. Herpes simplex For more information, call Dr. Howard Robins at 212-581is a viral disease caused by both herpes simplex virus 0101. Robins is considered the foremost clinical expert on type 1 and 2. Oral herpes, the visible symptoms of which the use of ozone in North America, with more than 27 years are often called “cold sores” or “fever blisters,” is an of clinical practice and 265,000 treatments performed. See infection of the face or mouth. Oral herpes is the most ad on page 3. common form and genital herpes is the second most common form of infection. However, both types can be MENTION NATURAL AWAKENINGS AND GET $50 OFF found both orally and genitally!

YOUR INITIAL CONSULT!

Recurrent outbreaks may occur from time to time, especially in times of stress, using alcohol, or when 22

New York City Edition

NA-NewYorkCity.com

reader spotlight

Who is a Natural Awakenings NYC Reader?

WE LOVE OUR ADVERTISING

PARTNERS WE THINK YOU WILL TOO!

Meet Michele Marshall Life’s mission: I’m a personal development junkie, constantly striving for improvement while being open to express my true authenticity. I continually seek out various modalities of learning about the mind, body and spirit. I also enjoy pouring into people and helping them discover their authentic selves.

Work: As site administrator for NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, I have a unique perspective on the infrastructure of our city’s parks. It’s a wonder to witness and be part of the vision to create and sustain thriving public spaces for New Yorkers. Along with my friend Celeste DeCamps, I co-founded Authentic Voice, a speaker-training service that helps people become dynamic communicators.

Proudest achievements: In December 2018, I received the Distinguished Toastmaster Award, a culmination of my journey with Toastmasters International. That journey included delivering 50 speeches, mentoring dozens of fellow Toastmasters, providing leadership support for six other clubs, competing in speech contests and so much more.

Expectations for the future: My hope is that collectively, as a people, we show greater love and compassion to one another. In my opinion, this can be accomplished with open and connected communication. I also hope that we all take the necessary steps to ensure the longevity of our planet, improving the quality of our air, soil, trees, wildlife, oceans and streams.

Favorite apps: Headspace, Meetup, Trello, Slack, ImageQuote, Spotify, Instagram, Pinterest.

Favorite websites: I subscribe to more than 90 YouTube channels, including Abraham Hicks, E-Motion, Liferegenerator, Your World Within, TED, TEDx Talks and Times Talks, and I manage Meetup.com/Authentic-Voices and AuthenticLiving.me.

Local causes supported: CityHarvest; Angels in the Night; Ready, Willing and Able.

Favorite thing about Natural Awakenings: I appreciate Natural Awakenings as a trusted resource for lifestyle, health, wellness and personal development.

Most frequented healthy food restaurant: Peacefood Café.

How do you invest in your community?Through Authentic Voices and its workshops.

Favorite quote: “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson What are you doing to be the change you want to see in the world?

I try always to be loving, supportive and joyful, motivated by my vision to impact communities by cultivating opportunities for self-expression, communication and connection.

JEAN MCCLELLAND Awakening Your True Voice at the New York Open Center JeanMcclellandVoice.com

WE ARE GRATEFUL! Thank you to our advertisers who make publishing this FREE publication possible each month. They are leaders in our natural living community.

Please support them with your business and tell them you saw it in Natural Awakenings!

CONNECT

with our online community at

NA-NewYorkCity.com

February 2019

23

To Be Loved with the Alexander Technique

A

while back, Michael Jackson released his hit “Black or White,” singing, “It don’t matter if you’re black or white.” The lyrics of the song seem to emphasize our humanity regardless of color. We are all on this earth sharing the human experience together.

Each of us is blessed with the gift of life, along with other gifts, yet struggling with a set of challenges through which we find ourselves and our paths.

One of the greatest gifts is self-love, although this gift is sometimes hidden from our consciousness—perhaps wrapped in layers of doubt, anxiety and other negative emotions, as well as physical tension that acts as a barrier against connecting to our inner selves. But when we unwrap layer by layer, we feel deep love for ourselves as we are, and that self-love spreads into loving others.

Writing from my own personal and professional journey as an Alexander Technique instructor, I have found that the more I let go of muscular tension in my body, the easier it is to tap into my inner resources of balance, integration and joy.

The journey of discovery continues for me, as it does for all of us as long as we are breathing, but I am grateful to have Alexander Technique in my life, and even more grateful to be able to share it with those who are ready to give it a try.

“May we all be well, happy and peaceful.”

Mona Al-Kazemi is the director of Think AT, an Alexander Technique education studio based in New York City. For more information, contact her at 646-632-5181 or visit Think-AT.com. See ad on page 17.

24

New York City Edition

The ABCs of CBD

By Greg Prasker

I

n August 2017, when Lee Regenbogen and I sat down to discuss launching a CBD oil company, we knew that education would be a big part of our mission. That’s because there is still some confusion about what CBD is, how it works, and how it differs from its “sister” cannabinoid, THC, which is found in marijuana.

So here are the basics:

CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. While the plant contains many such compounds, only two have been widely studied for their therapeutic effects—CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

THC is responsible for the intoxicating effects of smoking or ingesting marijuana (cannabis).

An important distinction is that CBD is non-intoxicating. It produces no euphoria, no high, no discomfort. Instead it has the remarkable potential to treat a wide range of physical and mental conditions.

CBD acts as an “adaptogen.” It works synergistically with the body to deliver relief where it is needed. Because of this, it has become a popular holistic remedy that is gaining the attention of scientists and researchers worldwide. But the path to CBD’s popularity began with scientific research into its sister cannabinoid, THC.

In the late 1980s, scientists were trying to find out how THC worked in the body. Their research revealed a previously undiscovered

NA-NewYorkCity.com

physiological system that plays a vital role in maintaining optimum health. They aptly named it the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS is a vast network of receptors located throughout the human body. They outnumber all our other neuromodulatory receptors combined, including neurotransmitters. Animals possess this system as well.

The body creates its own internal cannabinoids, which we call endocannabinoids.

They help maintain the proper functioning of various biological systems by interacting with the corresponding receptors. These receptors are located throughout the central nervous system and in the brain, lungs, kidneys, liver, eyes and digestive tract.

When CBD is introduced into the body, it fits perfectly into these receptors and helps restore or maintain homeostasis. This jumpstarts the body’s own cannabinoid production as well.

In this way, CBD helps relieve anxiety, depression and insomnia, as well as symptoms related to inflammation—including migraines, arthritis, fibromyalgia and chronic pain— without any intoxicating effects.

Questions? I’m happy to answer them.

Just give me a call.

Greg Prasker is co-owner of SupHERBbals. For more information, contact him at 833-787-3713 or Info@SupHERBals.com, or visit SupHERBals.com.

See ad on page 8.

UNLOCK THE HEALING POWER WITHIN Grow a New Body offers shamanic practices alongside cutting-edge science, detox strategies, and power-plant foods that can switch-on every cell’s ability to regenerate and repair.

Do you think you’ve got what it takes to be a publisher?

Are you interested in a meaningful career?

OWN A BUSINESS THAT HAS BEEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR 14 YEARS Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley, CT Natural Awakenings Magazine is FOR SALE • Well-established, growing business since 2004 • 80,000 loyal and engaged readers • More than 1,000 established distribution points • No experience needed; training and support provided • Create your own schedule and lifestyle • Collaborate with a supportive, franchise network of 70+ Natural Awakenings publishers

This is a turnkey business.

JOE DISPENZA, DC “Alberto Villoldo, PhD does a brilliant job in carefully demystifying age-old wisdom with practical cutting edge science.”

The current owner wishes to transition this business to someone with similar passion, enthusiasm and vision.

For more information: Call 203-885-4674 or Email NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

ADVERTORIAL

Good Green Cleaner are non-toxic, bio-

based, biodegradable, sustainable, effective and affordable cleaners. Traditional cleaners are know to cause allergies, asthma and hormone disruptors. Not to mention the negative effects on our environment.

Good Green Cleaner has reusable bottles and 100% recyclable PODS. Visit us at goodgreencleaner. com or amazon.com to get your set today!

Odor Eliminator & All Purpose Cleaner is the first probiotic enzyme cleaner that will naturally clean and eliminate odors at their source. Good bacteria occupies space so bad bacteria like MRSA, E-COLI, Candida and Salmonella can't grow! It's safe on fabrics too!

Kitchen Cleaner & Degreaser is a FOOD CONTACT SAFE Cleaner

Learn more at

GrowaNewBody.com Available March 12

Glass & Multi Surface Cleaner is ammonia free and streak free.

Bathroom Tub & Tile Cleaner is a mild bio acid cleaner.

www.GoodGreenCleaner.com February 2019

25

calendar of events NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 15th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email Publisher@NA-NewYorkCity.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

No phone calls or faxes, please. Visit NA-NewYorkCity.com to view our entire calendar online.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3 Revitalizing Cleanse Retreat – Feb 3-8. With Alison Shore Gaines. Lose the holiday bloat and enjoy greater clarity, zest and radiance. Get a jumpstart on weight loss and guidance for establishing healthy lifestyle habits. Slow your pace, attune to deeper aspects of yourself and your life, and experience a journey of awakening. Eastover Estate and Retreat, 430 East St, Lenox, MA. 413-212-2903. Eastover.com.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 Seeds of Love – 5-7:15pm. With Dr Deepak Chopra and Dr Vandana Shiva. Celebrate the reclaiming of traditional methods of seed saving, sowing, growing and harvesting to insure a healthy future for all. Activate the inherent rights of people to practice indigenous, organic and biodiverse farming. abcV Restaurant, 38 E 19th St, Manhattan. abckreservations@gmail.com. abchome.com/news-events/

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Vegan Soapmaking: Using Clays, Botanicals and Essential Oils – 4 Wed sessions, Feb 6-27, 8-10pm.

With En Tsao. Craft all-natural soaps from scratch to target your​o​ wn skin needs! Make 4 different vegan clay loaves of soap and leave class with increased knowledge of natural, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial soap. Materials $30, Class-Members $115/Nonmembers $145.

New York Open Center, 430 E 30th St, Manhattan.

212-219-2527. OpenCenter.org/vegan-soapmaking.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8 United Palace Historical Tour – 6-7pm. Get up close and personal as you explore this stunning, 3,400-seat theater, its mezzanine, grand foyer, balcony, exterior, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to go up on stage! Manhattan’s 4th largest theatre is a landmarked building began in 1930. Thirty people per tour. For tickets, visit UnitedPalace.org. United Palace, 4140 Broadway at 175th St, Manhattan. 212-568-6700. info@UnitedPalace.org. UPSpiritualArts.org.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9 “I Am Free” – Affirmation Yoga – 11am-12:15pm.

New multisensory yoga designed to move the body, mind and soul. Combines affirmations, breathing exercises, guided meditations and yoga postures. $30. The Yoga Collective, 135 W 29th St, Suite 603, Manhattan. 917-745-6159. AffirmationYoga.com.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10 A Course in Miracles Lecture – 1:30pm. With Jon Mundy, PhD. Jon was introduced to the Course by its scribe Dr Helen Schucman in 1975 and is the author of ten books based on the Course. The topic will be Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism) and the Course. The course states that Heaven is our Home and God’s Will for us is perfect happiness. Center for Remembering and Sharing, 123 4th Ave, Manhattan. 212-677-8621.

Crsny.org or MiraclesMagazine.org.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Public Speaking: I Can’t Move! – 6-8pm. With Michele Marshall and Celeste DeCamps. Learn the importance of body language, gestures and eye contact in

26

New York City Edition

the context of a speech. To be selected to have assistance honing a speech during the workshop, submit your draft and the message you wish to deliver by February 8th.

Limited seating, reserve early. WeWork, 450 Lexington Ave, Manhattan. (Building entrance between Lexington and Depew Pl.) Meetup.com/Authentic-Voices.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 The 3rd Annual One Spirit Learning Alliance Luminous Heart Breakfast – 8-10am. Join us as we proudly honor Marianne Williamson with our Luminous Heart Award. Marianne has over 25 years of ongoing heart-centered service to the world. Seats limited, register now! $125. The Cosmopolitan Club, 122 E 66th St, Manhattan. 212-931-6840 x0. info@OneSpiritInterfaith.org. OneSpiritInterfaith.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Mindfulness and Nature Winter Renewal Weekend - Being in the Wild – Feb 15-17. With Lin Gordon and Lee Steppacher. Every season has its unique gifts. Spend extended time outdoors and experience beautiful states of joy, peace, wonder, love and connection with oneself, each other and the larger web of life. Eastover Estate and Retreat, 430 East St, Lenox, MA. 1-866-2645139. Eastover.com.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Chant UP with Gaura Vani – 3-5pm. Join us for a monthly celebration of the ancient, mystical tradition of mantra music. Elevate your spirit and cultivate community through the joyous, sacred sounds of kirtan at the all-inclusive UPSA. Raise your voice and vibration! United Palace, 4140 Broadway at 175th St, Manhattan. 212-568-6700. info@UnitedPalace.org. UPSpiritualArts.org.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Blue June, Reader of Crystals, Tarot Cards and Tea Leaves – 11am-8pm. This highly intuitive reader conveys genuine compassion to her clients while still maintaining a no-nonsense style of council. No subject is off limits as you explore your heart, career or spiritual wellness. Namaste Bookshop, 2 W 14th St, Manhattan. 212-645-0141.

NamasteBookshop.com.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Naturopathic Reset – Feb 25, 8am-Mar 1, 10:30pm.

Spend a week devoted to yourself. Enjoy 10 yoga classes, 5 excursions, 5 Naturopathic workshop and treatment sessions and 2 gourmet farm-2-table vegan meals per day in the lushest Jamaican rainforest. Facilitated by a talented team of yoga instructors and an American board-certified Naturopathic doctor. The Living Daylights JA, Richmond Hill, Port Antonio, Jamaica. Visit ExperienceAnahata. com to find out how to join this once-in-a-lifetime event!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Eat to Love, A Conversation on Transforming Your Relationship with Food, Body, and Life – 7-8:30pm. Jenna Hollenstein and Supermodel Emme share their personal journeys of overcoming disordered eating. It is so important to make peace with your body. Buddhist philosophy, meditation

NA-NewYorkCity.com

and a spiritual path are the tools that make this possible. Deepak HomeBase, on the mezz at ABC Home, 888 Broadway, Manhattan. Eventbrite.com.

plan ahead SATURDAY, MARCH 2 Maple Sugaring in Rockland County – 2 Sessions, 12-1pm or 2-3pm. Learn all about maple trees at our most popular public program. Tap one, taste the sap, and enjoy thickened maple syrup over crushed ice. Each family receives a spout. Summer program information will be held from 1-3pm at the camp Open House. Free and for all ages. The Nature Place Day Camp at Green Meadow Waldorf School, 307 Hungry Hollow Rd, Chestnut Ridge, NY. 845-356-1234. TheNaturePlace.com/events.

SUNDAY, MARCH 3 Primitive Living Skills for Children: Bow and Arrow Part 1 – 10am-12:30pm. This program is for children who are eager to explore the exciting world of primitive living skills. They will learn how to construct and use a personal bow and arrow, gain confidence in themselves and strengthen their connection with nature. $45 single session, ages 10-14. The Nature Place, 285 Hungry Hollow Rd, Chestnut Ridge, NY. 845-356-1234.

TheNaturePlace.com/primitive-living-skills.

Primitive Living Skills for Families: Bowl and Spoon Making Part 1 – 2-4:30pm. Families wanting to connect with each other and the earth will learn foundations in a fun, family-oriented way. In this part 1 of 2 sessions, learn how to make your own bowl and spoon from wood with coals, your own hands and your breath! $25/participant/session. The Nature Place, 285 Hungry Hollow Rd, Chestnut Ridge, NY. 845-3561234. TheNaturePlace.com/primitive-living-skills.

MONDAY, MARCH 4 Awakening Your True Voice Free Intro – 6pm. With Jean McClelland. Everyone possesses a powerful natural voice that reveals who he or she truly is. Tension, past experiences, and fears can restrict the natural flow of breath and voice, resulting in a forced, unnatural sound and blocked energy.

This is a supportive environment for your authentic voice to emerge. New York Open Center, 22 E 30th St, Manhattan. 212-219-2527. OpenCenter.org/awakening-true-voice.

SUNDAY, MARCH 10 Mysticism and Medical Intuition: ‘Honoring the Sacred on Your Practical Path to Wellness’ -10am-5:30pm. Medical Intuitive Laura Alden Kamm teaches how your sacred connection relates to the practical art of medical intuition. Develop self trust with your medical intuitive skills. Learn how to allow the mystical energy you experience to inform your developing intuitive skills. Guest Teacher Scott Clover - NYC based Intuitive Energy Healer. New York Open Center - 212-219-2527. www.LauraKamm.com - www.ScottClover.com

MONDAY, MARCH 11 Awakening Your True Voice – 6-7:30pm, 6 sessions Mar 11-April 15. See Description listed under Monday, March 4. With Jean McClelland. Learn skills to help you increase mental and physical awareness, open and align your body and develop natural, reflexive breathing. Group singing of folk songs and spirituals will help participants discover the joy of singing and self-expression. No vocal background required. New York Open Center, 22 E 30th St, Manhattan.

212-219-2527. OpenCenter.org/awakening-true-voice.

SATURDAY, MARCH 16 Creating Fire by Friction | Build Your Own Bow Drill Kit Full Day Adult Workshop – 10am-4pm. The bow drill is one of the most reliable ways to create fire by friction. Make your own bow drill kit from start to finish and learn about each component, what materials to work with/avoid and practice proper technique. $75, materials included. Ages 17 and up. The Nature Place, 285 Hungry Hollow Rd, Chestnut Ridge, NY. 845356-1234. TheNaturePlace.com/primitive-living-skills.

SUNDAY, MARCH 17 Chant UP with Gaura Vani – 3-5pm. Join us for a monthly celebration of the ancient, mystical tradition of mantra music. Elevate your spirit and cultivate community through the joyous, sacred sounds of kirtan at the all-inclusive UPSA. Raise your voice and vibration! $20 advance/$25 day of. United Palace, 4140 Broadway at 175th St, Manhattan. 212-5686700. info@UnitedPalace.org. UPSpiritualArts.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 24 Outragehiss Pets Live Animal Program – 121pm. Experience a menagerie of wild animals to learn about, see up close, and even touch or hold.

Some animals are soft (chinchillas), fluffy (fennec foxes), rough (armadillos), scaly (snakes), spiky (hedgehogs), but all are outrageous! Optional camp Open House follows from 1-4pm. Free, all ages. The Nature Place Day Camp at Green Meadow Waldorf School, 307 Hungry Hollow Rd, Chestnut Ridge, NY. 845-356-1234. TheNaturePlace.com/events/

SATURDAY, MARCH 30 Affirmation Yoga® with Kay Yin – 2pm. Affirmations Yoga® is a new multisensory yoga designed to move the body, mind and soul. Combines affirmations, breathing exercises, guided meditations and yoga postures. $32 early bird/$38 full price. Yoga Herald Square, 139 W 35th St Fl 8, Manhattan.

917-940-8935. love@YogaHeraldSquarenyc.com.

YogaHeraldSquareNYC.com/schedule.

FRIDAY, APRIL 26 World Qigong Taichi Day 2019 Weekend Retreat – Apr 26-28. Bring your family and friends and dive into the wisdom of ancient Eastern healing traditions.

Discuss and experience practical, modern applications of these healing practices with knowledgeable teachers. Presentations, demonstrations and miniclasses are offered by nationally-recognized leaders of Taichi, Qigong, Chinese Medicine and Eastern philosophy. Eastover Estate and Retreat, 430 East St, Lenox, MA. 1-866-2645139. Eastover.com.

Empowered Light Holistic Expo – Apr 26-28. Fri 4-9pm, Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm. Alternative healing treatments, inspiring lectures, intuitive readings, meditations, natural products and unique gift items. The expo’s focus is on healthier lifestyles, self-care, stress reduction, new information and ideas and connection. Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Ave, Oaks, PA. EmpoweredLight.com.

SUNDAY, MAY 4 Savvy Sisterhood Sales Summit – May 4-5. This is an amazing transformational weekend of learning, sharing, caring and growing as individuals and as a community. Network with established successful professional women, find your mentor and experience the latest innovations in business, personal growth and spirituality. Columbia University, 116th St and Broadway, Manhattan. 212-854-1754. JoinSavvySisterhood.com.

ongoing sunday Introduction to Alexander Technique – 11am and 3pm.

Small group instructions of 2-3 students. First class must be taken before other 7 classes, then choose others in any order. Learn about your internal built-in organization, move with more ease, balance and coordination.

Improve posture, breathe more efficiently, avoid, reduce or eliminate back, shoulder and neck pain. $45 each 90-minute class. Think AT Studio, 200 Vesey St (AMEX Bldg 24th floor), Manhattan. Contact Mona Al-Kazemi, 646-632-5181 or mona@think-at.com.

Reiki Group Class – 2nd Sun, 3-9pm. With Jyogan, Reiki Shihan (master teacher). Namaste Bookshop, 2 W 14th St, Manhattan.

917-723-4342. Jyogan@TraditionalReikiCenter.com.

TraditionalReikiCenter.com.

Reiki Share – 4th Sun, 5:30-8pm.With Jyogan, Reiki Shihan (master teacher). Namaste Bookshop, 2 W 14th St, Manhattan. 917-723-4342. Jyogan@TraditionalReikiCenter.com.

TraditionalReikiCenter.com.

tuesday Authentic Voices Meetup – 6-8pm, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. Do you have a presentation to deliver? One of the biggest fears people deal with on a regular basis is public speaking. Celeste DeCamps and Michele Marshall can help you develop great communications skills, which are keys to financial and emotional wellbeing.

CelesteDeCamps.com or Meetup.com/Authentic-Voices.

wednesday Jyogan Reiki Treatments – 5-8pm. Jyogan is a Reiki Shihan (master teacher). $25/15-minute sample sessions; $50/30-minutes (front of the body); $100/60-minutes (front/back of the body). Namaste Bookshop, 2 W 14th St, Manhattan. 212-645-1014. info@NamasteBookshop.com. NamasteBookshop.com.

friday Tarot Card Reader Carmen – 5-9pm, last 2 Fridays monthly. Sometimes we have a good idea of what’s happening but want extra confirmation, and other times, we feel confused and unsure regarding a specific situation or event. Carmen gives clarity on how to resolve your situations for the best possible outcome.Aum Shanti Bookshop, 230 E 14th St (between 2nd & 3rd Aves), Manhattan. 212505-2665 or 212-260-2866. AumShantiBookshop.com.

saturday Introduction to Alexander Technique – 10am and 2pm.

Learn about your internal, built-in organization that helps you move with more ease, balance and coordination.

Improve posture, breathe more efficiently, avoid, reduce or eliminate back, shoulder and neck pain. $45 each 90-minute class. Think AT Studio, 200 Vesey St (AMEX Bldg 24th floor), Manhattan. Contact Mona Al-Kazemi, 646-632-5181 or mona@think-at.com.

DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS Thank you for being part of our community!

Awakening Your True Voice

9

Beauty Plus Aesthetics Celeste DeCamps Empowerment Movement

28 9

Center for Green Building

10

Custom Candle Company

29

Dr. Howard Robins Ozone Therapy

3

Eastover Estate of Eco-Village

28

Empowered Light Holistic Expo

16

Experience Anahata

14

Good Green Cleaners

25

Grow A New Body

25

Herbasway 19 Hilda Demirjian Laser & Skin Care Center

8

Jon Mundy - A Course in Miracles

26

Kay Yin - Affirmation Yoga

27

Lee Schwalb Healing

21

Live Green

29

Namaste Bookshop

29

MyNaturesRite.com 11 Rev. Jyogan Traditional Reiki Center

29

Tails of a Dog

29

The Nature Place

21

Think AT

17

Tribeca Center for Integrative Holistic Dentists

29

Savvy Sisterhood

2

Scott Clover Intutitive Energy Healer

28

Skin Spa New York

31

Supherbals 8 United Palace

Back Cover

Whole Foods Market Wholistic Food Therapy

February 2019

4 29

27

NEW YORK CITY COMMUNITY resource guide Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Publisher@NA-NewYorkCity.com to request our media kit.

Conscious Centers

Counseling & Mental Wellness

AUM SHANTI BOOKSHOP

MICHAEL MONGNO, MFT, PH.D.

230 E 14th St, NYC 212-260-2866 • AumShantiBookshop.com Aum Shanti Bookshop is a community-oriented spiritual gallery providing offerings that inspire clarity, guidance and inspiration on one’s journey. They offer high-vibration, reiki-charged and spiritually energized items such as a semi-precious gems and tumbled stones, one-of-a kind rare crystal specimens and clusters, beautifully hand-crafted jewelry made with love and empowering energy. Join for tarot, psychic and astrology readings.

NAMASTE BOOKSHOP & HEALING CENTER

2 W 14th St, NYC 212-645-0141 • NamasteBookshop.com Namaste Bookshop and Healing Center offers a unique and large selection of Eastern and Western philosophy books, tarot cards, crystals, pendulums, calendars, wind chimes, incense, greeting cards, yoga accessories, meditation cushions, instructional and music CDs and DVDs, salt lamps, and 20 sections of books – including Spanish. The event space above the bookshop holds classes, workshops and book signings, and provides rooms for regular readers and practitioners.

THE NATURE PLACE DAY CAMP 285 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge NY 10977 845-356-1234 • TheNaturePlace.com

A nature-oriented, non-competitive summer camp for children ages 4-16. The Nature Place is entering its 34th summer of helping children unplug and connect with themselves, with each other, and with the natural world. On 200 beautiful acres in Rockland County, NY with busing service provided throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Year-round programming for kids, adults, and families is also offered.

UNITED PALACE OF SPIRITUAL ARTS

Present Centered Therapies Upper West Side DrMongno@PresentCenteredTherapies.com 212-799-0001 • PresentCenteredTherapies.com Awarded the 2015 Best Business of New York for Counseling and Mental Health, Dr. Mongno has helped both couples and individuals communicate better, heal faster and achieve a better quality of life for more than 20 years. Dr. Mongno’s practice originates from his personal work over the course of his life journey, and integration of the most effective therapeutic modalities. His clients report he is both compassionate and professional with an ability to create insightful and emotionally corrective experiences leading to lasting change. He is available for appointments in person, by phone and via Skype.

Getaways & Retreats EASTOVER ESTATE AND RETREAT 430 East St, Box 2282, Lenox, MA 866-264-5139 • Eastover.com

Eastover is a 600-acre sanctuary and residential holistic retreat center in Berkshire Lenox, MA, a dedicated facilitator of holistic events and retreats.

Minutes to Stockbridge and Great Barrington, next to October Mountain with views of Mt. Greylock.

Healing & Wellness DR. MARIANA BONEVA

Beauty Plus Aesthetics 353 Lexington Ave, Suite 1603, NYC 10016 212-371-6097 • BeautyPlusAesthetics.com Beauty Plus Aesthetics emphasizes the uniqueness of each person. 3 main principles govern their approach: Holistic – a person’s body, mind & emotions. Personalized – treatment plans molded to each client’s lifestyle & body type. Coherent–interrelated advice & treatments.

Dr. Mariana Boneva pioneered the most advanced laser treatments 2D and 3D Skin Rejuvenation in Manhattan.

Her goal is not only to correct skin’s imperfections, but to create actual improvement in patients’ self image.

4140 Broadway, NYC 212-568-6700 • UnitedPalace.org

As an inclusive spiritual community, the United Palace of Spiritual Arts seeks to cultivate compassion, wisdom, and peace through spiritual practices born of the great wisdom traditions, sacred service, and joyous connection to spirit through music, arts and entertainment. Join us for Sunday service at 12pm EST or on live stream.

28

New York City Edition

NATURAL AWAKENINGS READERS

We want to spotlight one of you in the next edition. Please email publisher@na-newyorkcity.com to learn more.

NA-NewYorkCity.com

SCOTT CLOVER INTUITIVE ENERGY HEALER West Village, NYC • 917-916-8584 Scott@ScottClover.com • www.ScottClover.com Heal what holds you back. Feel better in your body. Scott reads your energy fields and guides you to a better understanding of yourself, your somatic (bodyoriented) energy, your intuition, and the energetic dynamics that make up your life. Scott’s practical and non-dogmatic approach helps you perceive, address and resolve barriers that prevent you from achieving optimal well-being. Stand-alone or complementary with other healing modalities.

CELESTE DECAMPS EMPOWERMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT

102-10 66th Road Apt. 17B Forest Hills, NY 11375 917-907-4424 • CelesteDeCamps@gmail.com Celeste DeCamps, a professional speaker who helps women find their empowerment through movement. Presentations are interactive and engaging. Learn how to change your attitude for the better in 2 minutes. Book Celeste DeCamps for your next event or workshop.

ROGER DUBIN

Mr. Natural NYC 917-699-6492 • MrNaturalNYC@gmail.com Instagram @MrNaturalNYC Roger Dubin is a volunteer trail supervisor for the New York New Jersey Trail Conference, managing over 55 miles trails in South Eastern Harriman State Park. Follow him on Instagram for pictures and videos of the beautiful land that we live in.

Roger is also the Marketing Director for Natural Awakenings in NYC.

JEAN MCCLELLAND, MMUS., MAMSAT

JeanMcClellandVoice.com Private lessons and workshops: voice, breathing and Alexander Technique. Jean McClelland has more than 40 years’ experience as a performer and teacher. She has helped thousands of students free their bodies, strengthen their breathing, and uncover the natural beauty of their voices.

LEE SCHWALB HEALING

370 Lexington Ave, Suite 2300, NYC 10017 2 Overhill Road, Suite 102, Scarsdale 10583 646-577-0142 • LeeJSchwalb@gmail.com LeeSchwalbHealing.com Lee Schwalb is a licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist and certified Kambo Practitioner. He has over eighteen years of clinical experience and has lectured around the world on the benefits of holistic medicine and detoxification. He specializes in autoimmune disorders and women’s health.

THINK AT

Natural Dentistry

Think AT is a new small business located in Battery Park City, dedicated to teaching Alexander Technique, mainly through individual lessons. The name is inspired by the focus of Alexander Technique on “thinking,” which affects the way we live, including how we move whether with patterns of tension or ease. Teachers at Think AT have expertise with more than 15 years of training.

TRIBECA CENTER FOR INTEGRATIVE HOLISTIC DENTISTS

646-632-5181 • Think-AT.com

Think AT Alexander Technique

WHOLISTIC FOOD THERAPY

280 Madison Ave, Ste 702, NYC 718-482-7197 • WholisticFoodTherapy.com WholisticFoodTherapy@gmail.com Sarah Thacker specializes in working with women who struggle with emotional/stress eating, eating disorders body-image issues, PTSD and anxiety. Using an integrative approach including EMDR, mindfulness/meditation training, nutritional awareness and creativity development you will identify, work through and release the root cause of your struggles with food.

Health Food Store WHOLE FOODS MARKET 8 Locations in Manhattan WholeFoodsMarket.com

Whole Foods Market is an Eco-minded chain with natural & organic grocery items, housewares & other products.

We support local communities & agriculture, practice and advance environmental stewardship, support & rewards team member excellence, and encourage and educate on all aspects of healthy living.

17 Park Place, NYC 212-732-2200 • Holistic-Dentists.com

Dr. Lewis Gross has more than 31 years’ experience providing holistic dentistry to adults and children with his staff of dental specialists and integrative practitioners. Offering less invasive and more natural solutions for patients with difficult dental issues and those who seek just a good family dentist.

Our recently renovated, state-of-the-art facility, offers among other things, laser dentistry, metal-free implants, non-invasive oral cancer screening, ozone and alternatives to surgery and root canal.

Natural Pet TAILS OF DOG: FORCE FREE TRAINING AND BEHAVIOR 646-675-8692 • TailsOfDog.com Tails of Dog provides forcefree, customized, top-quality dog training and behavioral guidance for owners and their dogs. From puppyhood to the golden years, communicating with your dog involves more than just training; it’s a lifestyle. Tails of Dog invites you to continue your tale whether you are navigating through basic manner cues or a more serious behavioral issue.

Ozone Therapy DR. HOWARD ROBINS The Healing Center 200 W 57th St, Ste 807, NYC 212-581-0101 • DrHowardRobins@gmail.com

Laser Skin Care HILDA DEMIRJIAN LASER AND SKIN CARE CENTER

34 South Broadway, Ste 607 White Plains, NY 914-374-1756 • HildaDemirjianLaser.com Since 1974, Hilda Demirjian has been a leader in the use of laser collagen treatments for better, younger- looking skin. Effective on the face, neck and body for fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, discoloration, scars, cellulite, rosacea, stretch marks, skin tightening and turkey neck. Noninvasive, fast treatments with no downtime. call today for your confidential consultation!

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK NATURALNYC

Products

If you have a disease or condition that you haven’t been able to get rid of, Ozone Therapy will most likely be the answer, even for people that have suffered for years and have lost all hope. If you are questioning if your condition can be treated, call or email Dr. Robins today.

GOOD GREEN CLEANER

844-285-8811 • info@goodgreencleaner.com GoodGreenCeaner.com Good Green Cleaners are non-toxic, biodegradable, reusable and recyclable cleaners for your home. Our Odor Eliminator & All Purpose Cleaner is the first Probiotic Cleaner on the market eliminating bacteria naturally.

Cleaning is now safer and better than conventional cleaners.

HERBASWAY

800-672-7322 • HerbaSway.com Founded in 1996, HerbaSway Laboratories is located in Wallingford, CT. Our formulas are based on traditional herbal combinations that have been used for thousands of years.

Using only the purest ingredients and wild-crafted herbs, in combination with the latest Western scientific research, HerbaSway’s formulas are synergistically blended to produce optimal balance in your body.

LIVE GREEN

LiveGreen.Life/evergreen Shop with LiveGreen where we make healthy affordable. LiveGreen is an online shopping portal for popular natural and organic products at 20%-50% off, alwaysfree shipping. Go to LiveGreen.life/evergreen to start your free 14-day trial membership then join for $99.95/year for continued savings.

SUPHERBALS

SupHERBals.com 844-857-4325 info@SupHerbals.com Provides the most premium and sacred CBD oil to love and nourish your mind and body.

CBD oil has been used in conjunction with symptoms related to inflammation, anxiety, insomnia, digestive disorders, and many more difficulties. Don’t just live life…

Live Life SupHERBally!!

Traditional Japanese Reiki REV. JYOGAN

CUSTOM CANDLE CO

Reiki Shihan (Master Teacher) 917-723-4342 • TraditionalReikiCenter.com Jyogan@TraditionalReikiCenter.com

Custom Candle was born from a need to find that perfect candle. An ecofriendly, nontoxic, and longlasting candle that had an aroma that would last long after the candle was extinguished. All candles are hand-poured and only use all-natural soy in high-quality natural productions.

Custom designs allow creativity and give a one-of-akind gift for your home

Jyogan is one of only a few reiki master teachers who have studied traditional Japanese-style reiki directly in Kyoto, Japan while he was living in that sacred city where reiki originated. Jyogan passes this direct connection to reiki root practices and teachings on to you. Learn and experience reiki from its source. Other teachers of reiki teach westernized reiki. Reiki group classes are held monthly on the 2nd Sunday and Reiki Shares on the 4th Sunday of every month at Namaste Bookshop’s Healing Center near Union Square. Private classes and treatment sessions can be scheduled at any time. Jyogan is also a Ministerial Director and officiates weddings as well as ordains other Ministers.

25 Depot Plaza, Bedford Hills, NY 914-218-8357 Westchester Mall • 914-245-6739 CustomCandleCo.com Info@CustomCandleCo.com

February 2019

29

Advertorial

Copper device stops a cold naturally last holidays,” she said. “The kids had colds going around, but not me.”

Some users say it also helps with sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had a 2-day sinus headache. When her CopperZap arrived, she tried it. “I am shocked!” she said. “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.”

Some say copper stops nighttime stuffiness if used just before bed. One man said, “Best sleep I’ve had in years.”

Copper may even stop flu if used earNew research: Copper stops colds if used early. ly and for several days. Lab technicians ew research shows you can went away completely.” It worked again placed 25 million live flu viruses on a stop a cold in its tracks if you CopperZap. No viruses were found alive every time he felt a cold coming on and take one simple step with a soon after. he hasn’t had a cold since. new device when you first feel a cold People have used it on cold sores He asked relatives and friends to try coming on. and say it can completely prevent ugly it. They said it worked for them, too, so Colds start when cold viruses get in outbreaks. You can also rub it gently he patented CopperZap™ and put it on your nose. Viruses multiply fast. If you on wounds, cuts, or lesions to combat the market. don’t stop them early, they spread in infections.

Soon hundreds of people had tried it your airways and cause misery.

The handle is curved and finely texand given feedback. Nearly 100% said But scientists have found a quick tured to improve the copper stops way to kill a virus. Touch it with copper. colds if used withcontact. It kills in 3 hours after the Researchers at labs and universities germs picked up first sign. Even up agree, copper is “antimicrobial.” It kills on fingers and microbes, such as viruses and bacteria, to 2 days, if they hands to protect still get the cold it just by touch. you and your That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyp- is milder and they family. tians used copper to purify water and feel better.

Copper even heal wounds. They didn’t know about Users wrote kills deadly germs Sinus trouble, stuffiness, cold sores. that have become viruses and bacteria, but now we do. things like, “It Scientists say the high conductance stopped my cold right away,” and “Is it resistant to antibiotics. If you are near of copper disrupts the electrical balsupposed to work that fast?” sick people, a moment of handling it ance in a microbe cell, destroying it in Pat McAllister, age 70, received one may keep serious infection away. It may seconds. as a gift and called it “one of the best even save a life.

Tests by the Environmental Protecpresents ever. This little jewel really The EPA says copper still works tion Agency (EPA) show germs die fast works.” Now thousands of users have even when tarnished. It kills hundreds of on copper. Some hospitals tried copper stopped getting colds. different disease germs so it can prevent for surfaces like faucets and doorknobs.

People often use CopperZap preserious or even fatal illness. ventively. Frequent flier Karen Gauci This cut the spread of MRSA and other CopperZap is made in the U.S. of used to get colds after crowded flights. illnesses by over half, and saved lives. pure copper. It has a 90-day full money Though skeptical, she tried it several The strong scientific evidence gave back guarantee when used as directed times a day on travel days for 2 months. inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When to stop a cold. It is $69.95. Get $10 off he felt a cold coming on he fashioned “Sixteen flights and not a sniffle!” each CopperZap with code NATA8. a smooth copper probe and rubbed it Businesswoman Rosaleen says when Go to www.CopperZap.com or call people are sick around her she uses Cop- toll-free 1-888-411-6114. gently in his nose for 60 seconds.

“It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold perZap morning and night. “It saved me Buy once, use forever.

N

30

New York City Edition

NA-NewYorkCity.com

ADVERTORIAL

NEW YEAR, FRESH YOU.

Take 30% off

your appointment use Code AWAKENINGS2019

Valid thru March 2019

Skin Spa New York is all things skin & body.

Our customized treatments were designed to fit the needs of your busy lifestyle.

SKINCARE. MASSAGE. ORGANIC SUNLESS TAN. LASER SKIN REJUVENATION. WAXING. LASER HAIR REMOVAL. RF FACE & BODY TREATMENTS.

VISIT US IN OUR NYC & BOSTON LOCATIONS Upper East Side • Midtown East • Midtown Central • Midtown West Fashion District • Flatiron • Soho • Back Bay • North End - Coming Soon!

www.SkinSpaNewYork.com

February 2019

31

32

New York City Edition

NA-NewYorkCity.com