Natural Awakenings Pittsburgh October 2024

Whole Body Alignment

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January | Health & Wellness

March | Food & Nutrition

April | Eco-Travel

February | Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

June | Men’s Health

2024 Editorial Calendar

May | Women’s Wellness

July | Keeping It Cool

August | Finding Your Tribe

September | Emotional Healing

October | Whole Body Alignment

November | Grateful Aging

December | Reconnect & Rejuvenate

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Preserve Your Tomatoes and Your Humanity

My garden was mostly neglected this year, but still I have a really nice crop of tomatoes and enough sauce in the freezer to last the winter. I also have some cabbage, kale, lots of squash, potatoes and some watermelon. Oh…and I can’t forget my first pawpaw crop. Oh my. Yum!

I get great enjoyment and satisfaction out of eating and sharing food that I have grown, and it is in itself, a way to resist the degradation of our food system. I refuse those chemicals and pesticides and GMOs. I refuse those artificial preservatives and the high cost of clean food. We are so used to what is being offered that we overlook those things as long as it looks and tastes good. Part of how I take care of myself is to grow some of my own food. It gives me exercise, hard work and clean, delicious nutrition.

It is also no wonder that people are losing their humanity. Sometimes I think we don’t realize that taking care of others and society in general is also a part of self-care. We had over 21,000 murders in the U.S. in 2022. In addition to that, there are 1.4 million ER visits each year directly due to domestic violence. We are getting more numb to the violence in our society.

Plus, there are real-life scenarios that look like something from a movie or TV series where entire regions are being destroyed, along with their people. We have lost tens of thousands of children to war and famine. We don’t have to be consumed by this, but we should bear witness and do something to help one or 10 or as many of our fellow human beings as possible.

Realize the ripple effect and remember that we are all the same—only our circumstances are different, and for most people in this world, that is through no fault of their own. There are many homeless and hungry children right here in the U.S. Let’s not forget them. Loving, helping, supporting one person or one child helps our society and indeed, our world. They are all our children. Let’s grow some love.

Michelle Dalnoky, RN, BA, Publisher

Free Avian Lab Tour

The Powdermill Avian Research Center (PARC) is offering a free guided tour of the bird banding lab and research facility, including the flight tunnel, from 8 to 9:30 a.m., October 11. This event takes place in an area typically closed to the public.

Participants will see up-close how researchers safely capture and band birds, and learn about the data they gather. They will also hear about how scientists are studying avian perception of glass to provide glass manufacturers and building designers with important information that will help reduce bird-window collisions.

PARC is part od the Carnegie Museum of Natural History Powdermill Nature reserve, a field station and laboratory where researchers do long-term studies of natural populations in western Pennsylvania. In addition to being positioned for Appalachian-specific studies in ornithology, ecology, invertebrate zoology and botany, Powdermill is a great place to spend a fun-filled day outdoors with the family.

Admission is free with preregistration. Location: Parc Pl., Stahlstown. For more information, visit Tinyurl.com/PowdermillTour.

Diane Burko to Speak at Palmer Museum

Award-winning Pennsylvania-based artist and activist Diane Burko will be featured from 6 to 7:30 p.m., October 3, as part of the Penn State Sustainability and Palmer Museum of Art Sustainability Showcase Series, sharing insights about her career and ongoing engagement with climate scientists and environmentalists. She will also will participate in a variety of campus events from October 2 through 4 critiques with students, meetings and roundtables with campus and community groups

Burko has traveled the world in search of evidence of humankind’s impact on the natural world. Her monumental painting currently on view bears witness to the unprecedented convergence of global crises—the COVID pandemic, climate change and sociopolitical unrest—since 2020.

The artist shifted to analyzing the impact of industrial and colonial activity on familiar landscapes. Her practice seeks to visually emulsify interconnected subjects—extraction, deforestation, extinction, environmental justice, indigenous genocide, ecological degradation and climate collapse—so viewers might feel their connection viscerally through her work. She has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women’s Caucus for Art.

Admission is free. Location: Palmer Museum, 650 Bigler Rd., University Park. For virtual attendance, visit Tinyurl.com/DianeBurko.

Festival of Combustion

The Festival of Combustion, presented by U.S. Steel, will celebrate industrial arts and American crafts at the Carrie Blast Furnaces from 1 to 9 p.m., October 5, showcasing the creativity of our artists, makers and builders. The Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation takes inspiration from the local iron-making legacy, and an all-day iron pour is at the heart of the festival.

There will be demonstrations by blacksmiths, glassblowers, welders and metal fabricators, and hands-on activities. After dark, a glowing ceramic reveal will be followed by fireworks over the furnaces.

Tours, craft beer, food trucks, live music, tattoos and a maker marketplace with regional artisans will add to the festival atmosphere, including performances by Ames Harding & the Mirage, Tom Breiding and the Union Railroad, and The Polkamaniacs. The Heritage Craft Corner, presented by West Overton Village, will be providing rye whiskey tastings and education.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the gate; kids under 18 are free. Location: 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh. For tickets, visit Tinyurl.com/RiversOfSteel.

Evening Primrose May Ease Childbirth

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

Synthetic Protein May Slow Alzheimer’s Progression

Experiments on mice with Alzheimer’s at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) have made significant progress in slowing cognitive decline and improving memory, using a synthetic protein called PHDP5 delivered through the nasal cavity that can cross the blood-brain barrier to directly affect the memory center. Researchers believe this protein could also prevent Alzheimer’s symptoms if administered early in the disease’s progression. Brain cell communications depend on the health of nerve synapses and synaptic vesicles, which need the protein dynamin to function properly. In Alzheimer’s, the tau protein, which usually stabilizes structures inside neurons, detaches and binds to dynamin, disrupting synaptic vesicle recycling and causing communication problems between neurons. As the disease progresses, tau forms tangles that further damage synapses. PHDP5 works by preventing tau from interacting with dynamin. Researchers note that turning this discovery into an approved treatment for humans will likely be a long process.

According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, the disease is expected to affect 78 million people by 2030 and 139 million by 2050 globally, leading to high economic costs. Alzheimer’s is a complex disease caused by a mix of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors, making it hard to treat, especially after symptoms appear.

Heike Brauer from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Hank Grebe from Getty Images Pro/CanvaPro

Integrative Medicine at Gerold Medical Wellness

by Martin Miron

MMark H. Gerold, M.D., DC

ark H. Gerold, M.D., has continued in the tradition that was established by Martin Gallagher, M.D., DC and his wife, Charlotte Ciotti, DC. Their vision was to utilize non-toxic therapies to help each person regain their health. Dr. Gallagher, who currently is an associate professor at West Virginia University and the University of Wisconsin, is an international leader in the field of integrative and regenerative medicine. He developed safe and effective clinical protocols that are now used extensively at Gerold Medical Wellness.

Services include medical acupuncture; medical ozone; IV nutritional therapy; chelation; regenerative injection therapy; platelet-rich plasma (PRP); laser therapies; bioidentical hormone therapy; and allergy and environmental medicine. They host a show on KHB radio every Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. to discuss health topics and case studies on experiences in the clinic, as well as at local health fairs.

Gerold states, “Integrative medicine is important because it can help people feel better, improve their health outcomes, help people regain control of their well-being and feel empowered to make lifestyle changes. It is a philosophy of care that combines conventional medical treatments with alternative therapies to address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the patient. It takes a holistic approach to healthcare, considering the whole person, rather than just specific symptoms or diseases. This allows healthcare providers to address the underlying causes of health issues and promote overall well-being.”

He explains, “Integrative medicine can help people with medical conditions like cancer, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, fibromyalgia and diabetes feel better by reducing fatigue, nausea, pain and anxiety. It can help people reduce stress and promote a state of relaxation, increase value and lower costs by shifting the emphasis of healthcare to health promotion, disease prevention and enhanced resiliency. It can also bring low-tech, less-expensive interventions into the mainstream that preserve or improve health outcomes.” He advises people transitioning to a healthier lifestyle to:

Eat healthier: Decrease portion sizes, increase daily servings of vegetables and fruits, and eat more anti-inflammatory foods.

Move more often: A short walk once or twice a week is a great place to start. Additionally, any activity or exercise that increases the heart rate can help burn calories, lower cholesterol and even prevent cancer.

Don’t smoke: Smoking cigarettes is the number one cause of preventable death in the U.S. Prioritize longevity by reaching for a mint or stick of gum when feeling the urge to smoke.

Limit alcohol: Excessive alcohol use can lead to chronic disease and obesity. Instead, practice moderation by limiting use to one or two drinks or less per day. Red wine is a “heart healthy” option that may help prevent coronary artery disease.

Drink more water: Staying hydrated has many positive impacts on our physical, mental and emotional well-being. Increase water intake by carrying a reusable water bottle and/or setting daily reminders to drink water.

Find meaning in work: Improve the outlook on life and sense of purpose by cultivating work that is personally meaningful. Likewise, it is important that this work provides a comfortable standard of living.

Practice mindfulness: Start by finding three to five minutes each day to bring attention to breathing, bodily sensations and surroundings.

Smile often: Make a conscious effort to smile often to family, friends, coworkers and even ourself. It can boost mood, improve social relationships and create a ripple effect of positivity.

Focus on hygiene: A personal hygiene routine can protect us from illnesses, boost confidence and improve the quality of life. For example, showering daily and visiting the barber or salon for a regular haircut can make a big difference.

Always keep learning: Learning new things has many benefits. It can starve off boredom, improve adaptability and even prevent dementia.

Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is associated with many chronic conditions. For example, heart disease, diabetes and osteoarthritis are all linked to excess weight. Making healthy lifestyle choices can put us on the right track to maintaining a healthy weight and preventing chronic disease.

Gerold Medical Wellness is located at 6402 State Rte. 30, in Jeannette. For appointments and more information, call 724-523-5505 or 800834-4325 or visit MedicalWellnessAssociates.com. See ad, back cover.

Sweet Nostalgia

Celebrating National Dessert Month

by Deborah Bevilacqua

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

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

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

From Ancient Times to Modern Bites

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

American Favorites

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

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

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

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

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

The Sweet Benefits of Desserts

Aside from satisfying our sweet tooth, some desserts come with nutritious benefits. Dark chocolate contains flavanols that help lower blood pressure and fight cell damage, as well as polyphenols that, according to a 2022 study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, help maintain a better mood. Fruits and nuts are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber, which play an important role in lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Indulging in a sweet treat may even lead to a sweeter disposition, according to research led by North Dakota State University.

Healthy Alternatives

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

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

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

Celebrating National Dessert Month

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

Deborah Bevilacqua is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.

Courtesy of Lynn Feder

Lynn’s Pumpkin Cheese-Less Cake

YIELD: 10-12 SERVINGS

BASE

1¾ cups raw almonds

8 dates, pitted

1 tsp vanilla extract

⅛ tsp Himalayan salt

FILLING

3 cups raw cashews

1 cup coconut milk or almond milk

¾ cup maple syrup

2 Tbsp lemon juice

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

2 Tbsp vanilla extract

1 tsp ground cinnamon

¼ to ½ tsp nutmeg, to taste

¼ tsp ground ginger

¼ tsp cloves

½ tsp Himalayan salt

1 cup melted coconut oil

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

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

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

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

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

Recipe and photo courtesy of Lynn Feder.

Taking the Cold-Therapy Plunge From Icy Showers to Cryotherapy Chambers

by Madiha Saeed, M.D.

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

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

Benefits of Cold Therapy

According to Tom Moorcroft, a board-certified physician specializing in chronic, tick-borne illnesses, “People with chronic inflammatory conditions generally do really well [with cold therapies], both from a perspective of lowering inflammation and dealing with the stress of chronic illness. Patients with chronic, tick-borne infections typically report less pain and inflammation, improved energy and better overall quality of life with even a short 60- to 90-second cold shower daily. A cold plunge three to four times a week improves symptoms even more.”

Maloof notes the following benefits:

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

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

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

ticularly useful for those experiencing inflammation during certain phases of their menstrual cycle.

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

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

• Fertility and Reproductive Health: Cold therapy might improve fertility in women by reducing inflammation and

balancing hormones, but more studies are needed.

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

Contraindications

Moorcroft states that common side effects of cold therapies include cold skin, temporary dizziness, lightheadedness or headache, an increase in blood pressure and, rarely, frostbite or skin rash. According to both Maloof and Moorcroft, cold therapies are contraindicated for patients with uncontrolled hypertension, an inability to sense the extremities, an allergy to cold, Raynaud’s disease, pregnancy, open wounds, skin infections or recent surgery.

Cold therapy might also be inadvisable for people with eating disorders, as it can

exacerbate a disordered metabolism. Cryotherapy is not recommended for those with cardiovascular conditions, stroke history, claustrophobia, severe anxiety disorders, deep vein thrombosis or serious respiratory problems. Cold plunges or ice baths are not recommended for those with epilepsy, diabetes or hypothyroidism.

Tips for Taking the Plunge

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

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

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

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

two minutes in-between at the highest immersion temperatures.

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

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

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

• A cool shower before bed may help with sleep, especially for menopausal women.

“[Cold showers] are more accessible, and more people I work with are likely to start with these than a cold plunge or a cold chamber,” says Moorcroft. “Personally, I prefer a cold plunge by a long shot. It’s a more Zen and focusing experience.”

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

Carol Orsborn on Growing Whole, Not Just Old

by Sandra Yeyati

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

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

What do we get wrong about aging?

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

The flip side, which has been holding sway and is just as insidious, is called “activity theory”. It keeps older people active—the more active they are, the longer they are active, the better it supposedly is. So, we say things like “60 is the new 30” as we try to extend midlife, turning us into desperate robots.

What is a better way to look at aging?

Getting old is a life stage with meaning and purpose of its own. You have the freedom to choose how you want to live your life. Sometimes you may want to be contemplative, quiet and take time away from the limelight. Other times, you may want to roar like a lion; you might have a lot left in you that you want to give.

How do you define spiritual aging?

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

As we confront physical and mental diminishment, what role does grief play in this spiritual experience?

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

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

Of course not. In fact, I would say the opposite. It takes growing old to finally be able to live with some degree of purity of purpose, because you’re not going to be as distracted by what society’s expectations are of you. For those with physical and mental impairments, there is an opportunity to find meaning and purpose not only despite those challenges, but through them. If you’re taking a walk and you’re going much slower than you’re used to, you’re much more likely to notice the flower growing out of a crack in the sidewalk, for instance.

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

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

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

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

Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings.

Carol Orsborn courtesy of Carol Orsborn

The Rise of Bodywork Modalities

Integrating Innovative and Ancient Healing Arts

by Marlaina Donato

Only a few decades ago, healing modalities like chiropractic care and acupuncture received little attention in the realm of conventional medicine. Today, the wellness spectrum is much more diverse, and although additional research is needed to confirm their efficacies and treatment guidelines, many forms of bodywork once associated with only spa pampering are now considered allies in the treatment of a wide array of health conditions. With new therapies emerging an-

nually, there are more than 180 bodywork modalities, including cold laser therapy for non-invasive pain management and ancient massage techniques.

Full-Spectrum Acupuncture

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

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

“Our patients love having one more expert on their integrative medicine team, an additional professional to help them navigate the rollercoaster stressors of cancer treatment, recovery and survivorship,” says Pauline Sok Yin Hwang, an acupuncturist, registered Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner and the clinical director of Hillgreen Oncology Acupuncture & Herbs, in Toronto, Canada. Hwang also employs other therapeutic

elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine that harmonize well with oncology acupuncture, including herbal applications; nutrition; moxibustion, the burning of dried mugwort near parts of the body; cupping; and electroacupuncture, which combines electrical pulses with needles to target specific energetic points on the body.

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

Feel-good neurotransmitters are major players in the complex journey of addiction recovery, as spotlighted in a clinical trial published earlier this year in Annals of Internal Medicine. Participants given acupuncture treatments three times a week for eight weeks reduced their methadone dosage by 20 percent or more as compared to subjects that received placebo treatments.

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

Moxibustion—an extension of acupuncture that utilizes an herb called Ai Ye may be promising for chronic kidney disease as a complementary therapy. A 2020 meta-analysis published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine shows the potential of moxibustion to significantly reduce serum creatinine, 24-hour urine protein excretion

and blood urea nitrogen—all of which are indicators of compromised kidney function—and markedly improve quality of life of chronic kidney disease patients.

Chiropractic Goes High-Tech

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

The chiropractic use of electric currentbased muscle stimulation encourages circulation in muscles along the spine to minimize

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

As with traditional chiropractic care, the objective of modern styles is to address the root cause of neuromusculoskeletal

Mariah Maven/CanvaPro

dysfunction, which, if not treated, can lead to health issues and pain. “When the body is unable to adapt to chemical, physical or emotional stressors, tension within the nervous system is a common result. This often shows up as misaligned vertebrae [bones in the spine], but it can manifest in many ways,” says Brian Stenzler, a chiropractor and author in Sarasota, Florida, and vice president of operations at KnoWEwell, P.B.C. “Every organ, muscle, gland, tissue and cell of the body knows exactly what to do, when to do it and how to do it, as long as the ‘communication lines’ are clear between those body parts and the brain.”

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

New Horizons

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

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

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

Guided by overhead bars for balance and support, practitioners of the Japanese modality ashiatsu primarily use their feet to ease their clients’ tight muscles. “The foot’s broad surface allows for comprehensive muscle manipulation, targeting larger groups while maintaining precision for specific areas. While we may combine foot and hand techniques for certain areas such as the neck, the primary focus is on harnessing the foot’s unique capabilities for a truly transformative experience,” explains Mariah

Maven, a licensed massage therapist, ashiatsu educator and owner of THE SPACE, in Spokane, Washington.

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

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

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

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

Part One of Special Series on Fertility

The Eye-Opening Truth About Fertility

by Dr. Susan Fox

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Increases in testicular cancer rates.

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

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

There is hope! Watch in November for our next article in this series. Also, learn more, access valuable resources today, and get your COMPLIMENTARY ACCESS PASS for the very special January 20-24 fertility immersive event. Scan the QR Code.

Ergonomic Solutions at Work and Play

How Good Posture and Mindful Habits Prevent Injury

Regardless of lifestyle, many people experience everyday aches as they strive to balance work and play. Recurring movements while sitting or standing with bad posture can take a toll on the body. Jobs involving typing, hairstyling, power-tool use or assembly-line tasks, as well as asymmetrical recreational activities such as golf, tennis, bowling, electronic gaming or even playing musical instruments, can amplify the risk for chronic pain.

by Maya Whitman Imágenes de Hassel/CanvaPro

The American Heart Association reports that 80 percent of all U.S. jobs are mostly sedentary, a problem even without the added burden of too much screen time, poor sitting positions and the longterm effects of repetitive motion. The National Spine Health Foundation offers three recommendations for office workers: be mindful of posture, don’t look down at screens and get up and move around on a regular basis.

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

Pressure Points

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

“Ergonomics is the design of working environments to help individuals use the best postures and habits that will keep their bodies healthy and avoid injuries,” Bissinger explains, noting that good posture is designed to maintain the inward curve of the lower back. To reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, pain on the pinkie-finger side of the wrist or other related injuries, she recommends keeping the shoulders relaxed, the wrist in a neutral position, the thumb in line with the forearm and elbows close to the body while typing.

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

“Gamers have a lot of repetition of movement in small joints, as well as holding patterns in the arms, shoulders and spine over a prolonged period. They would benefit from using ergonomic devices that require very little force to press buttons, toggle, etc.,” she advises, adding that players should position themselves to support the entire body, not just the wrists. Whether working or playing, Berkowitz stresses the need to step away from the desk every hour for five minutes to get something to drink, go to the bathroom or just move around.

Bissinger cautions that slouching at the desk or while playing electronic games is a surefire way to set off pain patterns. “You don’t want to be on the couch hunched with your low back rounded,” she says. “You should make sure your neck is looking straight ahead, not up or down, for extended periods of time.”

Exercise Ergonomics

Bad habits in the gym or on the yoga mat can foster chronic pain in the lower back, knees, neck, shoulders and wrists. “Learn about proper joint alignment for whatever exercises you’re doing and then try to achieve that for each movement,” advises Berkowitz. “When a set of muscles that are primary to a movement is fatigued, synergists, or assistant muscles, must work more than they are supposed to. That means strain is going to happen.” She recommends stopping as soon as there is a feeling of muscle fatigue and decreasing the weight and repetitions.

For a well-rounded approach to exercise that aids in preventing issues, Berkowitz suggests mobility training such as Pilates, yoga, tai chi and dance, along with running, walking or strength training. She also suggests replacing backless shoes like flip-flops and slides with ankle-supporting, foot-forming options such as Flux Footwear.

Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.

January

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The Case for Cloth Diapers

Saving Money and the Environment

by Kelcie Ottoes

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

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

Health Benefits

Babies are more susceptible to harmful chemicals due to their thinner, more permeable skin. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission does not require diaper manufacturers to test their products for toxins other than lead. A 2019 study published by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety tested 23 bestselling disposable diapers and found toxic substances, including volatile organic compounds like naphthalene, styrene, toluene, chlorobenzene, phthalates, formaldehyde, pesticides and dioxins. A 2000 study published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood showed that boys exhibited a higher scrotal temperature when wearing disposable diapers than cotton varieties, posing possible fertility issues in later life.

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

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

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

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

actually gives you a process to deal with poop, so when a blowout happens—cloth diaper or not—you can deal with it quickly and efficiently.”

A Cleaner Option

Each year, 3.6 million tons of disposable diapers are sent to landfills. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that a child will require up to 3,000 diapers in the first year, and about 8,000 by the time they’re potty-trained. Most disposable diapers are made of cellulose, polypropylene, polyethylene and absorbent polymers that take up to 500 years to break down. The fecal contents can also leach into groundwater.

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

Cheaper in the Long Run

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

A Flexible Approach

Families that want the benefits of cloth diapering do not have to make it an all-or-nothing decision. Many use disposable

diapers when a newborn first comes home, because they require so many changes at that time, and then switch to cloth diapers once the child is a few weeks old. Some parents choose to use cloth diapers only during the day and avoid fuss by using disposables at night when they are tired and trying to get back to sleep. Others go with cloth diapers at home and disposables when they are out, so they aren’t carrying around soiled diapers at the grocery store or park.

Kelcie Ottoes is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.

Zuzule from Getty

Images/CanvaPro

Financial Planning for Pet Illnesses

How Pet Insurance Can Help

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

Although approximately 82 million U.S. households own a pet, only a small fraction—around 5.4 million—were insured by the end of 2023. A 2018 survey by the Access to Veterinary Care Coalition found that 28 percent of American pet owners encountered barriers to pet care in the past two years, primarily due to financial constraints.

Pet insurance can provide crucial financial support during unexpected emergencies or costly treatments, but deciding whether to invest isn’t always simple. Some pet owners are hesitant due to concerns about cost, policy complexity or the belief that insurance might not be necessary. However, many that do opt for insurance report significant benefits.

Eases Financial Worries

One of the most significant benefits of pet insurance is the peace of mind it provides, allowing families to focus on their pet’s health without constantly worrying about the financial implications. Patrons of Trupanion Pet Insurance have noted how insurance has made managing their pet’s health care easier because they have to meet the deductible only once per new condition, after which 90 percent of the costs are covered. Trupanion also covers alternative treatments like acupuncture.

Simplifies Decision-Making

AKC Pet Insurance covers preexisting conditions after 365 days—a crucial factor when a pet has medical problems at the time of adoption. If a pet later develops a related

ailment that requires costly testing, the insurance will cover these costs, allowing a pet owner to make the best decision for their pet without financial constraints.

Promotes Preventive Care

Many insurance plans, like those offered by Pets Best, include coverage for preventive care such as check-ups, vaccinations and wellness visits, which encourages pet owners to maintain regular veterinary visits. By catching potential health issues early, pet owners can avoid more costly treatments down the road, ensuring that their pets live healthier lives.

Reduces the Burden of High-Cost Treatments

Facing a high-cost treatment can be daunting, and in such cases, an insurance company that provides this level of coverage can be a lifesaver, enabling pet owners to provide the necessary care without the fear of financial ruin. A study published in Animals found that pet health insurance significantly increased the amount spent at the veterinarian, with insured dog owners spending an average of $211 more on veterinary care compared to those without insurance. While extra spending appears to be an argument against the value of pet insurance, the study’s authors present it as a positive,

noting that as pet insurance alleviates owners’ financial stress, it encourages them to invest more in their pet’s health care.

Saves Lives

The financial strain of veterinary care can often lead to emotional distress for pet owners, particularly when they are forced to make difficult decisions in an emergency. A 2020 study published in Frontiers of Veterinary Science showed that insured dogs had a significantly lower pre-surgical euthanasia rate (10 percent) compared to non-insured dogs (37 percent). This suggests that pet insurance allows owners to choose lifesaving treatments rather than face the heartbreaking decision of euthanasia due to financial constraints.

Pet Insurance Shopping Guidelines

• Preexisting Conditions: Most pet insurance policies do not cover preexisting conditions. To ensure coverage, enroll a pet in an insurance plan before any significant health issues arise.

• Waiting Periods: Many pet insurance plans include waiting periods before coverage begins, during which illness or injury may not be covered.

• Coverage Limits: Pet insurance policies vary in their coverage limits, including annual, per-incident or lifetime caps. Review these provisions carefully to understand the maximum amount the insurance will pay in different scenarios.

• Deductibles and Reimbursement Levels: Policies differ in how they handle deductibles and reimbursement levels. Some may have higher deductibles but offer higher reimbursement rates. Choose a plan that fits both the budget and healthcare needs.

• Alternative and Holistic Care: Not all plans include coverage for holistic treatments like acupuncture and chiropractic care, so the selected policy should align with the owner’s preferences.

• Understanding Exclusions: Some insurance plans may exclude services for routine wellness care, dental cleanings or certain hereditary conditions. Understanding these exclusions can prevent unpleasant surprises when filing a claim.

• Plan Flexibility: Some insurance providers offer customizable plans, allowing pet owners to choose their deductible, coverage limits and options. While this flexibility can be beneficial, it requires careful consideration to ensure the best value for the money.

Deciding whether to invest in pet insurance is a personal choice that should align with the owner’s financial planning, the pet’s health and the priorities set for their pet’s care. Pet insurance can be a useful tool for managing veterinary expenses, offering peace of mind when unexpected medical issues arise.

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

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Tuesday, October 1

Earn Your Holistic Reflexology Certification (300-Hour) – Hosted by the Brauer Institute for Holistic Medicine. Enroll now for the October 2024 cohort. Grow your confidence as a wellness provider; make a positive impact on your clients’ lives. Serving Greater Pittsburgh, Morgantown, Wheeling, and Youngstown. 412-925-0812. Info at BrauerInstitute.com. Fall Homeschooler’s Day at the Bradford House – 10am-2pm. Hosted by Bradford House Historical Association. A day of learning, laughter and hands-on history. Tour the National Historic Landmark home of David Bradford, a leader of the 1794 Whiskey Rebellion. Learn about 18th century life. Cooking demon in the log kitchen, sample a sugar cake, hands-on activities like writing with a quill pen and dyeing wool, 18th century games and toys. $10 at the door. The Bradford House, 175 S Main Street, Washinton, PA. 724-222-3604. October 2024 Green Drinks Environmental Voter Project @ East End Brewing – 6-10pm. Hosted by Green Drinks Pittsburgh. Hear from Citizen’s Climate Lobby volunteer leader and acting Canvas Organizer for the Environmental Voter Project, Ray Roberts. Green Drinks holds free monthly meets that are open to the public and free to attend. East End Brewing company, 144 Julius St. Info at GreenDrinks. org/PA/Pittsburgh.

Wednesday, October 2

Awesome Opossums Webinar – 5-5:45. Hosted by Allegheny Land Trust. Fierce foe or fantastic friend? Learn the fascinating biology and folklore behind this misunderstood mammal. Join this free webinar at US02Web. Zoom.US/J/86557098761. Info at AlleghenyLandTrust.org.

Thursday, October 3

Balloons Over Morgantown – 3 Oct thru 6 Oct various hours. Hosted by Balloons Over Morgantown. Launches take place from the Morgantown Airport. Visit BalloonsOverMorgantown.com for updates on launch dates and times.

TRADITIONS IN FOOD, FARMING AND THE HEALING ARTS

Oktoberfest Pittsburgh – 3 Oct thru 11 Oct various hours. Hosted by Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and Flyspace Productions. A celebration of Bavarian heritage and Pittsburgh pride at Market Square. A traditional Oktoberfest village with booths, a beer tent, brats, pretzels, strudel, competitions, live music, a KinderPlay family area, and a Karneval on the Roberto Clemente Bridge featuring family-friendly activities and a Ferris wheel! Info at OktPGH.com.

Friday, October 4

Urban Farms: Certifying Organic, One Step at a Time – 11am-3pm. Hosted by Grow Pittsburgh. Designed to guide urban farmers to organic certification. Review organic farming practices, record-keeping, soil health management, and navigating certifications standards. $Free. Register at Eventbrite. com/E/Urban-Farms-Certifying-OrganicOne-Step-At-A-Time-Tickets-950813236987. Garden Dreams, 806 Holland Ave. Info GrowPittsburgh.org.

46th Annual Oglebayfest – various hours, FriSun Oct 4-6. Presented by WVU Medicine. Fall fest with regional foods, handcrafted wares, artisans, quilts, food, animals, fireworks and a parade. Competitions for all ages including butter making, hog calling, fiddling, rock throwing, and baby crawling. Parade, fireworks, and more. Oblebay Fest, 465 Lodge Dr, Wheeling, WV. Information Oglebay.com/ OglebayFest.

Saturday, October 5

7th Annual Braddock Farm Fall Festival –10am-2pm. Hosted by Grow Pittsburgh. FREE family-friendly community event with food, crafts, games, pumpkins, demos and more. Free street parking along Braddock Ave. Let us know you are coming at Eventbrite. com/e/7th-Annual-Braddock-Fall-Festival-Tickets-950819184777. Braddock Farms, The Weston A. Price Foundation teaches about healthy foods of the past and how to incorporate them in the present. We explain the science of why certain foods are healthy, where to get them and how to prepare them.

Request a free copy of our 28-page booklet about Dr. Weston A. Price’s research: Timeless Principles of Healthy Traditional Diets: westonaprice.org/infopack (703) 820-3333 westonaprice.org

Tosca – Oct 5 thru Oct 13, various times. Hosted by Pittsburgh Opera. She lived for art. Would she die for love? Puccini’s whirlwind political thriller packs high romance, dark motives, love, murder, betrayal and intrigue into a plot that unfolds over a short 24 hours. One of the most powerful operas ever written. Tickets $15 - $170 at Opera.CulturalDistrict. org/Production/92654/List_Performances. Benedum Center, 7th St and Penn Ave. Info at 412-281-0912

1000 Bradedock Ave, Braddock. Info at GrowPittsburgh.org.

Mal’s Pumpkin Festival – 1-7pm. Hosted by Mal’s Fresh Produce. Watch the WVU game on an inflatable tv, enjoy a petting zoo, live local music, chili cookoff, baked potato bar, costume and pumpkin painting contests, and fireworks. Buy a pumpkin to benefit our children’s hospital. Mal’s Fresh Produce, 312 Old Cheat Rd, Morgantown, WV. Info 240468-1847.

Sunday, October 6

Chunky Knit Blanket Class – Noon-3pm. Hosted by Our Father’s Farm at Watson BnB & Deer Creek Winery. A night of fun sipping wine and making chunky blankets with your fingers. Yarn provided. Tickets $75 at OurFathersFarmPA.com. Watson BnB, 234 Balsinger Rd, Uniontown, PA. Info 724-263-7682.

Ancestor Nichos and Shrines – 1-3pm. Hosted by Uniontown Art Club. Hands-on workshop on the process of using your photos and mementos to create a Dio de los Muertos style nichos to celebrate and honor your ancestors, loved ones, and pets. Supplies included. Tickets and info $25 at UniontownArtClub.org. Uniontown Art Club, 86 W Main St, Uniontown, PA.

Monday, October 7

PA’s Beautiful Bats – 6:30-7:30pm. Hosted by Allegheny Land Trust and The Bethel Park Historical Society. Age 18+. Bats are misunderstood, underrated, and underappreciated. Learn about this beautiful species and their role in our ecosystem. $Free. Register at AlleghenyLandTrust.NetworkForGood.com/ Events/72699-Pennsylvania-s-Beautiful-Bats. Info at AlleghenyLandTrust.org.

Friday, October 11

Fort Ligonier Days – 11 Oct thru 13 Oct various hours. Hosted by Fort Ligonier. Reenactors commemorate the 12 October 1758 attack on Fort Ligonier during the French and Indian War. Experience artillery firing, historical demonstrations, bagpipe music, vendors, crafts, food, parade, 5k walk/run and more. Admission free for 17 and under; $10 to $17 for adults. Info at FortLigonierDays.com. Ligonier, 200 S Market St, Ligonier.

Saturday, October 12

North Belle Vernon Community Fest – 3-7pm. Hosted by North Belle Vernon. Vendors, live music, pumpkin painting, face painting and more. North Belle Vernon Community Bank Park, 725 Graham St, North Belle Vernon. NBVPark.com.

Tuesday, October 15

Cover Cropping on Urban Farms and Gardens – 6-7pm. Hosted by Grow Pittsburgh. Cover cropping is an amazing tool for protecting and building soil. Learn techniques and benefits. $10 at Eventbrite.com/e/CoverCropping-On-Urban-Farms-And-Gardens-

Tickets-950830037237. Braddock Farms, 1000 Braddock Ave, Braddock. Info at GrowPittsburgh.org.

Wednesday, October 16

Nature’s Vampires and Zombies Webinar – 5-5:45pm. Hosted by Allegheny Land Trust. Zombies and blood meals, is this a horror movie or a walk in the woods? Learn about creatures that feed on blood, like ticks and lampreys, and about fungi that can control an insect’s mind! Join this $Free webinar at US02Web.Zoom.US/J/86588071604. Info at AlleghenyLandTrust.org.

Saturday, October 19

Nobuntu - Female A Cappella quartet from Zimbabwe – 7:30-9pm. Hosted by Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Multi-award-winning quartet with inventive performances of traditional Zimbabwean songs, Afro Jazz and Gospel. Nobuntu is an African concept that values humbleness, love, unity, and family from a woman’s perspective. Tickets $15-$31 at TrustArts.org/Production/96697/ Performance/96697/Seat_Selection. Byham Theater, 101 6th St. Info 412-456-6666.

Wednesday, October 23

The Hobbit – Oct 23 thru Nov 10, various times. Hosted by Pittsburgh Public Theater. Rated PG, age 7+. J.R.R. Tolkin’s magical Middle Earth is the setting for a spellbinding journey starring homebody Bilbo Baggins. Tickets $35-$103 at PPT.org/Production/94335/Performance/94347/Seat_Selection. Pittsburgh Public Theater at the O’Reilly theater. 621 Penn Ave. Info 412-316-1600.

Thursday, October 24

Chunky Knit Blanket Workshop – 6-9pm. Hosted by Our Father’s Farm and Bella Terra Vineyards. Learn to knit a lap-sized blanket with your fingers. No experience necessary. Price includes yarn and a glass of wine.

Tickets $70 at OurFathersFarmPA.com. Bella Terra Vineyards, 121 Sunny Ln, Hunker. 724-635-3658.

Friday, October 25

Boos & Toos Tattoo Horror Fest – Fri-Sun various hours. Hosted by Gratzi Ventures. Tatoos, contests, vendors and more! Tickets $20/day or $45/weekend at BoosAndToos. com. Monroeville Convention Center, 209 Mall Blvd, Monroeville. Info at GratziVentures.com.

Saturday, October 26

All Hallows Spirit Fest at the Soul Spa –10am-4:30pm. Hosted by Visions Reiki and Soul Spa. Featuring A Loved Ones Gallery Reading with Rev Marjorie Rivera, the Pittsburgh Medium. Honor the harvest and welcome the crisp energy of fall. Tickets $20, include access to vendor fair and the Loved Ones Gallery Reading. Private readings not included. Info and registration VisionsReikiAndSoulSpa.com/Event/All-Hallows-SpiritFest-At-The-Soul-Spa. Visions Reiki and Soul Spa, 206 Alexander Ave, Strabane.

Harmony Acres Trunk or Treat – 2-4pm. Hosted by Harmony Acres. An afternoon trunkor-treat at Harmony Acres Dairy. Wear your costume, enjoy fall activities, food trucks, and more. Harmony Acres Dairy, 355 Perryopolis Rd, Belle Vernon. HarmonyAcresDairy.com.

Tuesday, October 29

Slightly Spooky Mushroom Walk – 4-6:30pm. Hosted by Allegheny Land Trust. Age 3+. Join us for a mushroom hike at Dead Man’s Hollow. Hear the haunted history of Dad Man’s Hollow along the 0.9 mile hike along the Great Allegheny Passage to enter the ruins of the Hollow. Costumes encouraged, but make sure you can walk safely. No foraging on this hike. Walk-ins not permitted. Registration $5 at AlleghenyLandTrust.NetworkForGood.com/ Events/72721-Slightly-Spooky-Mushroomwalk. Info at AlleghenyLandTrust.org.

Ongoing Events

Sunday

Hatha/Tantra Yoga with Lesley Eckenrode – 11am-12:15pm. Hosted by Visions Reiki and Soul Spa. Advanced class with challenging pace for those with prior yoga experience. $15. Register at VisionsReikiAndSoulSpa. com/yoga.

Art as Therapy – 1-3pm. 2nd and 4th Sunday. Hosted by Atithi Studios. Unlock the therapeutic potential of artmaking. All disciplines and levels. Pay what you can to keep this program going. Registration required: AtithStudios.com/programs.  412-301-5374.

The Writer’s Club – 1-3pm. 1st and 3rd Sunday. Hosted by Atithi Studios. All experience levels. Explore writing through discussions, feedback circles, prompts, and creative exercises. Pay what you can to keep this program going. Registration: AtithStudios.com/programs.

Community Acupuncture Circle – 2-4pm. 3rd Sun. Hosted by Sterling Yoga. $40/half hour. Sterling Yoga, 393 Vanadium Rd Suite 201. SterlingYoga.com.

Sound Healing in the Salt Cave with Patrick Keddie – 4-5pm. 1st Sundays. Hosted by Sterling Yoga. $25. Sterling Yoga, 393 Vanadium Rd Suite 201. SterlingYoga.com.

Sunday’s Restorative Rejuvenation –5-6:30pm. 3rd Sun. Hosted by Morgantown Power Yoga. All levels welcome. Learn to use breath, props, and focused awareness to decrease stress and anxiety in the body and the mind. Compliment your power yoga practice with restorative rejuvenation. $25. 235 Spruce St, Morgantown, WV. Tickets: Clients.MindBodyOnline.com.

The Poetry Atelier – 6-8pm. 1st Sunday. Hosted by The Space Upstairs. A series of sharing writings and writing processes, with writers invited to read their work, workshop their shared submissions, and experiment together in invented group exercises. Open and inclusive respectful forum. Drop-ins welcome. $5 suggested donation. 214 N Lexington Ave. 412-225-9269.

Monday

Mindful Mondays Youth Yoga – 5:45-6:30pm. Hosted by The Space GBG. Ages 8-15. $15. Registration and info at Sites.Google.com/ TheAlignedMindStudio.com/The-AlignedMind-Studio/Home. The Space GBG, 203 Old State Route 30, Greensburg. 724-672-3294.

Reiki Share at Visions Reiki and Soul Spa – 8:30-9:30am. 4th Monday. Free. Hosted by Visions Reiki and Soul Spa. Donations accepted. Experience healing, high vibrations, joy and fellowship of Reiki gatherings. Register at VisionsReikiAndSoulSpa.com/event/Reiki-Share-At-Visions-Reiki-And-Soul-Spa-24. Visions Reiki and Soul Spa, 206 Alexander Ave, Strabane.

1 Hood Power Hour – 7-8pm. A virtual public affairs forum hosted by 1 Hood Power to discuss all things political in SWPA and beyond. Featuring elected officials, policymakers and thought leaders. Building people-centered political power. 617-517-7600. Facebook.com/ 1HoodPower.

Tuesday

Chair Stretch I Yoga – 11-11:45am. Hosted by Sterling Yoga and Wellness Center. Online or in person. $12 at SterlingYoga.PunchPass. com/Classes. Also offering meditation, mindfulness, massage, reflexology, reiki, active salt room, infrared light and color therapy. Sterling Yoga, at the Davis Professional Building, 393 Vanadium Rd Suite 201 & 202. SterlingYoga.com.

Hatha / Tantra Yoga with Lesley Eckenrode – 11am-12:15pm. Hosted by Visions Reiki and Soul Spa. Introductory class with focus on learning poses, correct alignment and linking breath with the asanas. $15. Register at VisionsReikiAndSoulSpa.com/yoga/.

Exercise for Parkinson’s – 1:30-2:30pm. Online or in studio. Hosted by Sterling Yoga and Wellness Center. $12 at SterlingYoga. PunchPass.com/Classes. Also offering meditation, mindfulness, massage, reflexology, reiki, active salt room, infrared light and color therapy. Sterling Yoga, at the Davis Professional Building, 393 Vanadium Rd Suite 201 & 202. SterlingYoga.com.

Guided Meditation and Energy Healing in the Salt Cave – 6-7pm. Hosted by Salt of the Earth. Recline in an anti-gravity chair

amidst soft music, trickling water, and detoxifying Himalayan salt air during guided meditation to surrender stress and worries. Tickets $55 at Clients.MindBodyOnline.com/ Classic/WS. 504 Valley Brook Rd, McMurray. 724-260-0472.

Yoga Level 2/3 – 6-7:15pm. Online or in studio. Hosted by Sterling Yoga and Wellness Center. $18 at SterlingYoga.PunchPass.com/Classes. Also offering meditation, mindfulness, massage, reflexology, reiki, active salt room, infrared light and color therapy. Sterling Yoga, at the Davis Professional Building, 393 Vanadium Rd Suite 201 & 202. SterlingYoga.com.

Flute Circle Gathering – 7-8pm. Last Tuesday of the month. Hosted by Rooted in Sound. Join fellow music enthusiasts in a celebration of harmony and community, whether you’re a seasoned flutist or a curious beginner, we’ll create a unique symphony of connection. Tickets $10 at RootedInSound.com. Rooted in Sound, 209 Commercial Ave, Aspinwall. 412-609-8999.

Wednesday

Market on the Farm – 3-6pm. May 1st through October 30th. Harmony Acres Dairy, 355 Perryopolis Rd, Belle Vernon. HarmonyAcresDairy.com

THRIVE Carmichaels Community Garden Project Meeting – 6-7pm. 2nd Wednesday. Hosted by Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern PA. Attend in person or via Zoom. Fellowship Hall, 101 W South St, Carmichaels. Info 724-223-5477.

Gentle Yoga in the Salt Cave with Erin – 6:307:15pm. 3rd Wednesday. Hosted by Sterling Yoga. $25. Sterling Yoga, at the Davis Professional Building, 393 Vanadium Rd Suite 201 & 202. SterlingYoga.com.

Baby Loss Support Group – 6:30-7:30pm. 3rd Wednesday. Hosted by Pittsburgh Bereavement Doulas for people who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, medical termination, or death of a baby. RSVP to this free event. Donations welcome. EventBrite. com/e/Baby-Loss-Support-Group-Tickets-709518939247. The Space GBG, 203 Old State Route 30, Greensburg. 724-672-3294.

Reiki Share at Visions Reiki and Soul Spa –6:30-8:30pm. 2nd Wednesday. Free. Hosted by Visions Reiki and Soul Spa. Donations accepted. Experience healing, high vibrations,

joy and fellowship. Register at VisionsReikiAndSoulSpa.com/event/Reiki-Share-At-Visions-Reiki-And-Soul-Spa-24. Visions Reiki and Soul Spa, 206 Alexander Ave, Strabane. Inner Rituals | The Power of Your Voice –7:30-9pm through 18 Dec. Learn to use Nada Yoga practice to access your inner soul scape. $35 at RootedInSound.com/Event-Calendar. Rooted in Sound, 209 Commercial Ave, Aspinwall. 412-609-8999.

Thursday

Yoga Classes – 9:30-10:30am. 1st & 2nd Thursdays. Hosted by Spruce Street United Methodist Church. All ages and abilities with variations to accommodate health and movement issues, with students sitting or standing next to a chair. Emphasis on meditative practices. Wear comfortable clothing. 386 Spruce St, Morgantown, W Virginia. 304-292-3359.

Sound Bath Thursdays – 7:30-8:30pm. Hosted by Rooted in Sound at Green Heiress. One of the world’s oldest wellness practices, sound healing creates space for a deep meditative state using gongs and Himalayan singing bowls to send vibrations throughout your body. Registration required, $30 at RootedInSound.com/Event-Calendar. Green Heiress, 209 Commercial Ave.

Intermission: The Artful Happy Hour –6-9pm. Third Thursday. Hosted by August Wilson African American Cultural Center. Bring your favorite co-worker and enjoy live music, crafted cocktails and specialty hors d’ oeuvres. Unwind while you tour the galleries and chill on the patio. 980 Liberty Ave. 412-339-1011.

Y12SR Relapse Prevention Group – 8:159:30pm. In person and online, hosted by Yoga Recovery Pittsburgh. Recovery services for those seeking holistic relief from addiction. Join Yoga for 12-Step Recovery on Thursdays at Yoga Factory Pittsburgh (space limited) and online. Complete member form, sign waiver, and register for session at YogaRecoveryPGH. com. $Donation requested. Yoga Recovery Pittsburgh, 3418 Penn Ave.

friday

First Friday Walk/Hike – 10-11:30am. First Friday. Hosted by Allegheny Land Trust at various interesting parks and green areas around greater Pittsburgh. For info on location, focus, and cost go to AlleghenyLandTrust.networkforgood.com/events. 412-741-2750.

First Friday Family Walk – 10am-Noon. First Friday. Hosted by West Virginia Botanic Garden. Enjoy a short story followed by a walk around the Garden, conclude with a simple craft. Trail accommodates off road strollers. Members/free, $15/donation per family suggested. Preregistration required: wvbg.org or Forms.donorsnap.com/form.

Friday 101 – Carnegie Science Center Fab Lab Public Workshops – 1-2pm. Hosted by BNY Mellon Fab Lab Carnegie Science Center. Take

a crash course in maker technology – learn the basics of 3D printing, laser cutting, vinyl cutting, and more. $30/nonmembers, $25/ members. One Allegheny Ave. 412-237-3400. Register: CarnegieScienceCenter.org.

Reiki Guided Meditation at Salt of the Earth

– 4-5pm, 1st Friday. Hosted in the Himalayan salt cave at Salt of the Earth. Balance your energy and raise your vibe in guided meditation and reiki healing with Wendy Bourne. Tickets $55 at Clients.MindBodyOnline.com. Salt of the Earth, 504 Valley Brooke Rd, McMurray. 724-260-0472.

Drawing Lessons for Kids – 6-7pm. Hosted by Mon Vally Academy for the Arts. Group lessons for grades K-5. All materials provided. $15. Register by calling 724-565-1687. Mon Valley Academy for the Arts, 119 Brownsville Ave, Brownsville.

Lit Fridays – 6pm on the last Friday of each month via Facebook Live and Zoom. Hosted by the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC), Lit Fridays is a literary-focused, virtual salon featuring conversations and guest performances moderated by AWAACC Literacy Curator Jessica Lanay. Find info for each session at AWAACC.org/ Series/Lit-Fridays. AWAACC, 980 Liberty Ave. 412-339-1011.

Kitty Bingo – 7:30-9pm. Hosted by Kitty Queen Cat Rescue. All proceeds support the cat shelter. Tickets $25 at Eventbrite. com/e/706706436977. Kitty Queen Cat Rescue, 4552 McKnight Rd Suite 400. KittyQueenCatRescue@gmail.com.

Saturday

Morgantown Farmers Market – 8:30-Noon. Through Nov 16th. Fresh, local food and farm products. 400 Spruce St, Morgantown, WV. Info at MorgantownFarmersMarket.org.

Sound Bath Saturdays – 11am-Noon. Hosted by Rooted in Sound at Green Heiress. One of the world’s oldest wellness practices, sound healing creates space for a deep meditative

state using gongs and Himalayan singing bowls to send vibrations throughout your body. Registration required, $35 at RootedInSound.com/Event-Calendar. Green Heiress, 209 Commercial Ave.

All-Levels Vinyasa Flow with Sarah – 1011am. Hosted by Gritstone Climbing and Fitness. Get your Zen on and bliss out with this gentle yet challenging flow. Member/ nonmember pricing and packages available. Tickets at ClimbGritstone.com. 1901 Eljadid St, Morgantown, WV.

3D Printer Workshop – Noon-2pm. Hosted by Prototype PGH. Learn to use the Elegoo UV Photocuring 3D resin printer. $10 at Eventbrite. 460 Melwood Ave, Oakland. Info: PrototypePGH.com.

Prototype PGH – Monthly Open House –Noon-2pm Second Saturday. Learn about Prototype and the events, workshops and services offered. Donations appreciated to cover free events and workshops. 460 Melwood Ave #208. RSVP on our Facebook page.

Second Saturdays at the Space Upstairs – 8-11:45pm. Hosted by The Space Upstairs. Begun in 2007, Second Saturdays are the signature jazz happenings at the Space Upstairs. Lightbulbs and couches, coffee tables and deconstructed pianos, vivid splashes of light and projection. Poetry scribbled on the walls. Improvisational postmodern jazz dance by the Pillow Project. Modern speakeasy magic and spontaneous art. A sober event serving several house-infused waters, specialty iced coffees and seasonal drinks for donation at the Space Bar. $15 at the door. 214 N Lexington Ave. 412-225-9269.

Classifieds

Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $20 for the first 20 words and $1 for each additional word. To place an ad, email Publisher@naturalawakeningsswpa.com.

Opportunities

ADVERTISING SALES – Natural Awakenings magazine is looking for experienced advertising salespeople covering the Greater Pittsburgh area, SW Pennsylvania and Morgantown WV to help others grow their natural health & wellness and sustainable living or green businesses. Commission-based. Full- or part-time. Paying 25% commission. Unlimited potential income. Be a part of something magical! Send resume to Michelle: Publisher@ NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com.

Services

READING POETRY RELAXES – Inquire at: wewuvpoetry@hotmail.com or P.O. Box 4725, Pittsburgh, PA 15206-0725.

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our Pittsburgh community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Publisher@naturalawakeningsswpa.com to request our media kit.

Chiropractic

PANTHER FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE AND CHIROPRACTIC

Dr Danielle Marra, DC

Murrysville • Greensburg

724-387-1014 • PittsburghHealthPro.com

Dr. Danielle Marra has nearly 20 years’ experience helping patients regain their health through conservative and holistic approaches utilizing functional medicine, chiropractic, diet modifications, and nutritional support. The practice provides advanced lab testing, allergy relief, spinal decompression, CDL physicals, massage therapy, thermography and more. Their philosophy is treating the root of your symptoms, naturally. See ad, page 6.

Functional Medicine

PANTHER FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE AND CHIROPRACTIC

Dr. Danielle Mara, DC

Murrysville • Greensburg

724-387-1014 • PittsburghHealthPro.com

Dr. Danielle Mara has nearly 20 years’ experience helping patients regain their health through conservative and holistic approaches utilizing functional medicine, chiropractic, diet modifications and nutritional support. Plus advanced lab testing, allergy relief, spinal decompression, CDL physicals, massage therapy, thermography and more. Their philosophy is treating the root of your symptoms, naturally. See ad, page 6.

Health Food

THE KEFIR CHICKS

Connellsville, PA

TheKefirChicks.com

TheKefirChicks@gmail.com Facebook.com/TheKefirChicks

Kathy and Haley, The Kefir Chicks, are two chicks on a mission to bring awareness to everyone about whole foods and gut health through whole, probiotic-packed food medicine –water kefir. See ad, page 6.

Herbs

OLD THYME HERB SHOP, LLC

Lisa Cunningham Old-Fashioned Family Herbalist 308 Liberty St, Perryopolis, PA 724-736-2400

Nothing fancy here; just hundreds of organic bulk medicinal herbs at your beck and call. Heal yourself ~ help others. In service and gratitude always. No Facebook, no website, no social media. Not enough thyme! Just you and I and your blessed healing herbs.

Holistic Dentistry

NUTRADENTIST

Dr. Mark Buzzatto 2555 Washington Rd, Ste 620 Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 412-831-9700 • nutradentist.com

Dr. Mark Buzzatto is a biological dentist who takes a holistic approach to your health. The use of whole food nutrition, biocompatible materials, essential oils, chromotherapy, sound, and spa services create a warm and relaxing environment, and comprehensive care for your family.

Homeopathy

MELANIE KRNETA

DIP HOM. ACH, Reiki Master 1252 Liberty St, Franklin, PA • 814-428-9895 Facebook: Melanie Krneta Homoeopathy Plus Classical homoeopathic consultations providing individualized care for the entire family. Migraines, hormonal imbalances, PTSD, grief, arthritis, digestive imbalance. Reiki sessions are beneficial for relaxation and pain management. Other services provided are far infrared sauna with medical grade color therapy and Himalayan salt and ear candling.

Integrative Medicine

GEROLD MEDICAL WELLNESS

Mark H. Gerold, MD 6402 State Rte 30, Jeannette, PA 15644 724-523-5505 • 1-800-834-4325

MedicalWellnessAssociates.com

Dr. Gerold, double board certified in Family Medicine with certifications in Integrative Medicine and certified in Integrative Oncology, helps patients from a holistic approach of treating the body as a whole, by offering IV nutritional therapy, Regenerative Injection therapy, acupuncture, bio-identical hormone therapy and allergy and environmental medicine. See ad, back cover.

Massage Therapy

WHY KNOT WELLNESS LLC

7500 Brooktree Rd, Wexford 412-501-3239 • WhyKnotWellnessLLC.com

Our massage therapy services focus on people living with a cancer diagnosis past or present, those with chronic illness such as fibromyalgia, anxiety, TMJ/TMD, chronic pain, or migraines, as well as caregivers. We offer oncology massage, therapeutic massage, reiki, scar tissue massage, lymphatic drainage, and spontaneous muscle release technique in our approach to helping you find better health and relaxation. See ad, page 8.

Medical Acupuncture

GEROLD MEDICAL WELLNESS

GEROLD MEDICAL WELLNESS

Mark H. Gerold, MD 6402 State Rte 30, Jeannette, PA 15644 724-523-5505 • 1-800-834-4325

MedicalWellnessAssociates.com

Dr. Gerold, double board certified in Family Medicine with certifications in Integrative Medicine and certified in Integrative Oncology, helps patients from a holistic approach of treating the body as a whole, by offering IV nutritional therapy, Regenerative Injection therapy, acupuncture, bio-identical hormone therapy and allergy and environmental medicine. See ad, back cover.

Life is just a slide. Back and forth between loving and leaving, remembering and forgetting, holding on, and letting go.

—Nicole Lyons

Medical Cannabis

MEDMJ HEALTH

Dr. Irina Staicu, DO 267-337-8944 • office@medmjhealth.com

Telehealth medical cannabis evaluations and personalized recommendations regarding product choice with a state-approved physician. Chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, cancer, glaucoma, inflammatory bowel conditions, HIV, autism, seizures, multiple sclerosis, etc. An alternative option for many sources of medical ailments and bodily imbalances.

Natural Beauty Products

NAPTURAL BEAUTY SUPPLY

724-307-8487

NapturalBeautySupply.com

Naptural Beauty Supply was created to end the stigma around natural hair by empowering men and women to love themselves naturally. We do this by instilling confidence in our community and increasing convenience by having the tools and services in one place, such as hair and body butters, beard care and apparel. We are beauty supply with naturals in mind!

Naturopathic Medicine

DR. ARETI, LLC

Dr. Areti Fitsioris

421 Cochran Rd, Pittsburgh 412-419-1537 (call/text) Facebook.com/Dr.Areti

Dr. Areti is a board-certified naturopathic physician who implements manual therapy, lifestyle medicine, nutritional analysis, and non-invasive methods to address functional and structural imbalances – services are 100% grounded in evidence-based science. She goes the extra mile to identify and address root causes of conditions and to provide ongoing support.

Organic Stylist

ORGANIC INSPIRED WITH ZOE

Zoe Morris-Almasi, Organic Stylist Now available at Creative Hair Solutions 2853 Oxford Blvd, #101, Allison Park, 151012 412-492-1688

Everyone deserves a healthier option for their haircare and salon services. Organic hair care gives you the option to maintain a healthy lifestyle and look your best. More than 10 years of experience and passion for the industry.

Reflexology

HOLISTIC REFLEXOLOGY

CERTIFICATION PITTSBURGH

The Brauer Institute for Holistic Medicine Dorit Brauer, Founder and Owner Carnegie, PA • 412-925-0812

Spiritual

Learn and achieve the highest level of knowledge in Holistic Reflexology, Energy Medicine, Personal Development, Ancestral Strength and gain a holistic view of the world.

SACRED, CENTERED, YOU, LLC 412-258-0766 • SacredCenteredYou.com

Leza is known widely for her abilities as a sound healer, inspirational speaker and interfaith spiritual counselor. Healing arts services include vibrational sound healing, past life and soul regression, journey work counseling and conscious relationships counseling. Private and group services offered. Lesa Vivio, MS, LPC, CMHIMP, DDiv, DSM.

Urban Farming

GROW PITTSBURGH

Raqueeb Bey, Garden Resource Coordinator 6587 Hamilton Ave, Ste 2W, Pittsburgh 412-362-4769 ext 215 • GrowPittsburgh.org Raqueeb@GrowPittsburgh.org

Grow Pittsburgh is an urban, agriculture nonprofit that teaches people how to grow food. They envision the day when everyone grows and eats fresh, local and healthy food. Get involved. Take a tour, become a member, learn, volunteer! Visit their website for workshops and events.

Vibrational Medicine

ROOTED IN SOUND

Wyatt Melius 2000 Smallman St, Pittsburgh 412-609-8999 • RootedInSound.com

Sound massage, Nada yoga, forest bathing, and acoustic-induced meditation. Check the calendar for sound baths on Sundays and Thursdays. See ad, page 7.

SACRED, CENTERED, YOU, LLC

412-258-0766

SacredCenteredYou.com

Offering individual and group experiences that promote healing through self-discovery and personal acceptance. Special focus on sound healing, life coaching, qigong, and vibrational medicine.

Wellness

360 CAFÉ LLC

Tyleda Worou Pittsburgh • 724-374-8089 • 360Cafellc.com

360 Café LLC is an alternative health and wellness business with the goal of helping others to heal from the inside out while taking a holistic approach to healing by offering distance reiki, and crystal healing sessions to help our consumers restore physical and emotional balance.

SALT OF THE EARTH

Himalayan Salt Cave and Crystal Boutique 504 Valleybrook Rd,McMurray, PA 15317 724-260-0472 • SaltOfTheEarthPgh.com

Experience the known ancient healing benefits of halotherapy in the Himalayan salt cave, built from 16 tons of pure Himalayan salt. 45-minute sessions scheduled on the hour. Can be rented for private groups up to 10. Provides an inviting and relaxing environment for events and classes: yoga, meditation, sound healing, and reiki. The crystal boutique offers an array of authentic crystals, jewelry, candles, locally-made bath and body, and Himalayan salt products. The knowledgeable staff will help find the right crystal for you or your home décor.

VISIONS REIKI AND SOUL SPA

206 Alexander Ave, Strabane 724-745-1785 • VisionsReikiAndSoulSpa.com

As a full-service energy-health and wellness center, our goal is to empower people to be the best version of themselves. With the understanding that all wellness begins with a healthy energy system, Visions Reiki and Soul Spa offers holistic services, workshops, and coaching to help you establish a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle.

Yoga And Meditation

STERLING YOGA AND WELLNESS CENTER

393 Vanadium Rd, Ste 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15243 SterlingYoga.com

Sterling Yoga is invested in our students’ health and well-being. We offer alignment-based Iyengar and Hatha style yoga and meditation classes, YTT programs, Himalayan salt cave, reiki, reflexology, massage and sound healing. Our studio is dedicated to helping you find the right path of healing and joy for you. See ad, page 23.