CAREGIVING COMPANIONS

THE MANY BENEFITS OF SERVICE, THERAPY AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS

by Karen Shaw Becker

Sukjai Photo/AdobeStock.com A nimals offer support to humans in innumerable ways, acting as loyal companions, providing soothing therapy and emotional support, and being attentive service animals for invaluable medical assistance. As animals increasingly take on these roles in public spaces, it is necessary to understand what each category offers and the type of access each is given.

“Some people misrepresent their animals as assistance animals in order to bring them to places where pets are not allowed, to avoid fees or out of a misunderstanding of the animal’s role,” states the American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org). It points out that although service, therapy and emotional support animals are sometimes referred to interchangeably, they are distinct categories, each with its own definition.

Assistance Animals

As defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, an assistance animal is “any animal that works, provides assistance or performs tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability, or provides emotional support that alleviates one or more identified symptoms or effects of a person’s disability.” If certain conditions are met, a person may be entitled to keep an assistance animal in a housing facility that would otherwise prohibit animals.

Service Animals

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 defines a service animal as “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical,

sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disability.” Aside from miniature horses, no other species are included.

Service animals perform such tasks as helping with navigation, pulling a wheelchair, assisting during a seizure, providing protection or rescue work, alerting a person to allergens and interrupting impulsive or destructive behavior.

Emotional Support Animals

Emotional support animals (ESA), according to the Fair Housing Act and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), can be any species. Both laws require a disability-related need and a recommendation by a medical or mental health professional. ESAs do not have to be trained to perform a particular task and may be permitted in otherwise banned housing facilities. Some international airlines allow them to travel at no extra cost. As of January 2021, following a U.S. Department of Transportation rule-tightening, virtually no American domestic airline allows ESAs to fly free. (Small dogs can still be flown by passengers paying extra.)

Therapy Animals

According to the ACAA, therapy animals may take part in animal-assisted interventions when there’s a “goal-directed intervention in which an animal meeting specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process.” Animal-assisted therapy may involve dogs, cats, horses, llamas, pigs and other species, typically in hospitals, schools and rehabilitation centers.

Why They Can Be Controversial

While service animals are highly trained and can even receive certifications as psychiatric service dogs, ESAs are often pets that help a person to cope with daily life or situations they may otherwise find intolerable, such as being in stores, restaurants, museums and on airline flights and other public transportation.

Controversy has arisen when some people have pushed the line, claiming their pet is necessary for emotional support, but in reality, are just there to enjoy access benefits. Yet, in a survey of more than 500 Americans, both service dogs and emotional support dogs were viewed favorably, and most participants reported feeling that the majority of people with such dogs were not taking advantage of the system.

The Many Benefits

There is seemingly no end to the emotional, physical and mental benefits dogs offer to humans. Regular visits with therapy dogs may improve the well-being of people seeking addiction and mental health treatment. Animal-assisted interventions have been used among Canada’s correctional population, for which mental health, addictions and trauma histories are major concerns. Research published in the journal Anthrozoös found that animal-assisted therapy decreased the need for pain medication in people receiving joint replacement therapy. Studies by the Delta Society suggests holding, stroking or simply seeing an animal may lower blood pressure while lessening feelings of hostility and increasing self-esteem. For children, service dogs can be trained to detect the scent of allergens like peanuts or gluten in food and even provide comfort to them and adult witnesses in courtrooms. Be aware that out in public, certain rules of etiquette apply. Service dogs, in particular, should never be approached, talked to or touched unless permission is granted by the dog’s handler. And take no offense if the handler says no. Distracting a working dog can result in potential harm to the handler and may interfere with the dog’s focus and ability to follow potentially lifesaving commands or cues.

Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker, DVM, has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their animals.

Willee Cole/AdobeStock.com

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NOTE: Events were accurate at the time the magazine went to press – please call ahead to check for date or time changes. All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review submissions guidelines at NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com or email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com for more information.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Honoring the Ancestors: A Ritual & Ceremony –

7:30pm. Hosted by Arts & Crafts: Botanica & Occult Shop. Join a ritual and ceremony to honor our departed loved ones. Libations and an invocation followed by a participatory ritual ceremony and blessing which will be broadcast on our social media for those who cannot attend. $10/donation. Info at ArtsNCraftsPGH. com. Register at ArtsNCraftspgh.Square.site/product/ honoring-the-ancestors-a-ritual-ceremony/1718. Candles and ceremonial items provided by the Yaya. Arts N Crafts PGH, 4901 Penn Ave.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Neighborhood Legal Services Presents Infor-

mation on Removing Criminal Records – 1011:30am. Hosted by Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh at Carrick Library. An attorney from Neighborhood Legal Services will present information on different legal methods of clearing a criminal record through expungement, sealing, and pardons. Carrick Library, 1811 Brownsville Rd. 412-882-3897

Carnegie Museum of Natural History Presents

Science Adventures: Insects – 1-2pm. Hosted by Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh at Mt Washington. Interactive program where participants examine biodiversity of insects. Free. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Mt. Washington, 315 Grandview Ave. 412-622-3114. The Marriage of Figaro – Nov 5,8,11,13. Sat, 8pm; Tues, 7pm; Fri, 7:30pm; Sun, 2pm. Hosted by Pittsburgh Opera. The Marriage of Figaro is an all-time comic favorite. Tickets $7.50-164 at Opera. CulturalDistrict.org/production/78174/list_performances. Benedum Center, 7th St and Penn Ave. Box office 412-281-0912 ext 3. Day of the Dead College Night – 9pm-1am. Hosted by Los Sabrosos Dance Co. Join us in this fundraiser for Pitt Salsa Club. $15 cover. 9pm Social Dancing Skills Workshop followed by dancing until 1am. Face painting and surprises included. 4909 Penn Ave. 412-465-0290.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

32nd Annual Slovak Heritage Festival – Noon4pm. Hosted by The Slovak Heritage Festival held at the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning Commons Room. One of America’s biggest annual Slovak events with live performances, lectures, displays, ethnic food, pastries, and gift items. Free entry, free parking. 4200 Fifth Ave. 412-624-5906.

A Season of Good Taste: Dinner with Modern

Homestead – 6-9:30pm. Hosted by West Virginia Botanic Garden. Trellis Smith and his partner at Modern Homestead merge home and garden with a variety of goods and services. Enjoy a multi-course dinner at the Botanic Garden featuring local produce and seasonal flavors. Info at MyModernHomestead.com.Tickets. $95 at FlipCause.com/Secure/ Cause_pdetails/MTQ1OTY5 West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Rd, Morgantown, WV.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9

on fall prevention and combining Kum Nye Yoga with Hatha Yoga, this seminar will teach how to use your body energy to keep two feet planted firmly on the ground – rooted, strong, and balanced. $30. Tickets and info at HipYoga.org. Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh, 300 Beverly Rd. 412-344-7434. Tea Tasting – Tea 101 – 6-7pm. Hosted by the Tea Shoppe at Seneca Center. Discuss how five types of true tea as well as herbals and tisanes are produced, their health benefits, and how to prepare them. Taste different teas alongside light refreshments. $12.50. Register at TheTeaShoppeWV.com/ shop/tea-tasting-tea-101-6. 709 Beechurst Ave, Morgantown, WV.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10

Public Information Session: Reserve & Shaler Project – 3-4pm. Online Event by Allegheny Land Trust. The Reserve & Shaler Project is Allegheny Land Trust’s effort to protect 62 acres of stunningly beautiful farm and forest land in the Girty’s Run Watershed in Reserve and Shaler Townships, upslope and upstream from Millvale Borough and near downtown Pittsburgh. Please join us to discuss the project, learn about funding and protection status, and explore the next steps together. Join the link on the event date and time: us02web.zoom. us/j/82768567611. Info at AlleghenyLandTrust.org. Clothing Swap Fundraiser! – 4-8pm. Hosted by Ruckus Coffee Gallery & Café, and Millvale Community Development Corp in support of the Shaler/ Reserve Woods Conservancy. Bring clothing to contribute to the cause and earn up to $10 in shopping credit. Admission $20 ($25 at the door) includes macn-cheese bar and refreshments, raffles, and vendors. Coffee bar open for business. Tickets at RuckusCafe. com/event-details/clothing-swap. 1707 Babcock Blvd.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12

Comedy Nite Fundraiser at Knead Café –

6-9:30pm. Hosted by KNEAD Community Café. Join us for dinner and a comedy show fundraiser with Dueling Guitars of comedians Mark Eddie & Carlo Vohl. Seats limited. $40. Contact Robert Heinle at 412-780-7098. KNEAD Community Café, 1011 Barnes St, New Kensington. Owl Prowl – 7-9pm. Hosted by National Aviary. Who-o-o will you hear calling from the trees at night? Take a twilight trek through Frick park to search for owls, learn about local species, their adaptations and behaviors. $20/person. Age 7+. Register at Shop.Aviary.org. Info at Aviary.org. Dallas Black Dance Theatre – Nov 12, 13. Sat 7pm, Sun 2:30pm. Hosted by Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse. Founded in 1976, Dallas Black Dance Theatre is the 9th largest contemporary modern dance company in the U.S. and creates and produces dance at the highest level of artistic excellence with a diverse multi-ethnic troupe performing for audiences on 5 continents with over 4.5 million patrons and 2.7 million students worldwide. Tickets $35-73 at Playhouse. PointPark.edu/Shows-Events/Playhouse-PresentsThe-Artists-Series/Dallas-Black-Dance-Theatre1. Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse, 350 Forbes Ave. 412-392-8000.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13

Story Hike: Ruby’s Birds – 10-11am. Hosted by Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy at Frick Environmental Center. Join a naturalist educator for a reading of Ruby’s Birds by Mya Thomson, then make a pair of binoculars and hit the trail to look for birds in Frick Park. Best suited for families with small children. Please RSVP at Support.PittsburghParks.org/site/Calendar. Frick Environmental Center, 2005 Beechwood Blvd. 412-586-4576. Fall Drum Circle – 2-4pm. Hosted by West Virginia Botanic Garden. Drumming is a link to healing for body, soul, and Earth. Percussion instruments provided or bring your own. All ages. Donations welcome. Register at bit.ly/3Og3PxT. Info WVBG. org. 1061 Tyrone Rd, Morgantown, WV.

Autumn Harvest: Vegan Pop Up (Brookline) –

4-8pm. Hosted by Thrive on Health and Pittsburgh Vegan Expo. This family-friendly event boasts a feast with vegan Thanksgiving foods and snack by Antonio’s Pizzaria and Snackever along with wine tasting and more than a dozen vendors offering tarot and oracle card readings, jewelry, candle creations, soap and more. Free Admission. Thrive on Health. 730 Brookline Blvd. 412-714-6620.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Guided meditation with Energy Healing – 6-7pm. Hosted by Salt of the Earth. Relax in an anti-gravity recliner to the sounds of soft music and trickling water in the serenity of the Himalayan salt cave. 50-minute guided meditation and gentle reiki with Kara Anthony. $55 at Clients.MindBodyOnline.com/classic/ws. Salt of the Earth, 504 Valley Brook Rd, McMurray.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Tea and Chocolate Pairing – 7-8pm. Hosted by the Tea Shoppe at Seneca Center. Pair and taste teas with our hand-made artisan chocolates from Twenty-Four Blackbirds. Registration required. $22.50 at TheTeaShoppeWV.com/shop/tea-chocolatepairing-2. 709 Beechurst Ave, Morgantown, WV.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17

2022 Chefs Create Pittsburgh – 6-10:30pm. Hosted by Autism Speaks Pennsylvania. Combine food, fun, and philanthropy as the region’s finest chefs share their inspired culinary creations at Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square to benefit Autism Speaks. Tickets $150, VIP $200, table of 10 $1300 at Act. AutismSpeaks.org/site/Calendar. Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square, 300 W Station Square Dr.

New Moon Candle Walk-in Workshop – Noon6pm. Hosted by Well Oiled Dormont. With the new moon in Sagittarius, we highlight confidence, long-term planning, and decision making. The focus is on candles because Sagittarius is a fire energy. Set your intentions, goals, desires, and truth as you create a custom ritual candle to ignite your manifestations over the next few weeks. $15. Tickets at GetWellOiled.com/collections/workshops/products/ November-22-New-Moon-Candle-Workshop. Well Oiled, 1414 Potomac Ave, Dormont. 412-531-6457. Les Misérables – Tues, Nov 22 through Sun, Nov 27. Hosted by Pittsburgh Cultural Trust at the Benedum Center. An enthralling story of broken dreams, unrequited love, passion, and redemption. One of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Tickets from $35 to $155. Dates, times, seating options at TrustArts.org/production/81545/ list_performances. Benedum Center, 7th St and Penn Ave. Box Office 412-456-4800.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26

Harvest Feast – 1-5pm. Hosted by Chanel Wissner and Council of Three Rivers Indian Center. Join our community potluck event to celebrate the harvest season. The Council will provide turkey and fry bread. Please contact Chanel, KIrisa, or Mike with your food contribution. RSVP by Sat, Nov 18. Info at Cotraic.org. Council of Three Rivers Indian Center, 120 Charles St.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30

The Hip Hop Nutcracker – 7-9pm. Hosted by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust at Benedum Center for the Performing Arts. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber. Hip Hop Tchaikovsky with a supercharged cast and an opening set by MC Kurtis Blow – one of Hip Hop’s founding fathers. Tickets $32 to $77 at TrustArts.org/production/76110/performance/76110/seat-selection. Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, 237 7th St.

ongoing events

sunday

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.

monday

Monday Evening with the Wellness Warrior –6:30-7:15pm. Learn about a different health and wellness topic every week. Zoom in at Zoom. us/j/92446493853. Meeting ID: 924 4649. Steve@ WellnessWarrior.coach. 1 Hood Power Hour – 7-8pm. A virtual forum hosted by 1 Hood Power to discuss all things political in SWPA and beyond. A virtual public affairs forum featuring elected officials, policymakers and thought leaders. 617-517-7600. Facebook. com/1HoodPower.

tuesday

Table-Top Tuesday – 11am-2pm. Hosted by Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy at Schenley Plaza. Enjoy a selection of free, classic table-top games through October. Games are available on a first-come basis. Schenley Plaza, 4011 Forbes Ave. Laser Cutting Workshop – Thru Nov. 7-9pm. Meets once a month. Hosted by Prototype PGH. Learn to use the Full Spectrum Muse CO2 Laser at Prototype PGH for etching and cutting. This laser cutter can cut acrylic, fabric, leather, paper, rubber and wood. It can also etch coated metals, glass, and stone. $10 at Eventbrite. 460 Melwood Ave, Oakland. Info: PrototypePGH.com.

Finding Calm Within – Nature Walk Series

– 7am. Through 8 Nov. Hosted by Venture Outdoors at Frick Environmental Center. Six week guided, themed walks led by Sara Feley, a somatic, relationship-oriented psychotherapist. Joint a single session or all six weeks! $10/each or $50/series. Info at VentureOutdoors.org. Frick Environmental Center, 2005 Beechwood Blvd.

wednesday

Yoga and Sound Bath – 7-8:15pm. 1st Wed. With Susannah Azzaro. $25. Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh, 300 Beverly Rd. 412-344-7434.

THRIVE Carmichaels Community Garden Proj-

ect Meeting – 6-7pm every second Wed. 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 Evening Yoga in the Garden – 6:30-7:30pm at West Virginia Botanic Garden. Use breathing techniques to relax, postures to strengthen muscles, and guided meditation to calm the mind, body, and spirit. $12/members, $15/nonmembers. Tickets and info at WVBG.org. 1061 Tyrone Rd, Morgantown, WV. Wellness Wednesdays – 6:30-8pm Through 14 Dec. Hosted by 10.27 Healing Partnership. A rotating series of wellness practitioners including acupuncture, reiki, and more. Hold meaningful conversations, build community in our space. 5738 Forbes Ave.

thursday

Yoga Classes – 9:30-10:30am. 1st & 2nd Thurs. 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. 304292-3359.

Volunteer Workday: Girty’s Woods Trail-build-

ing – 5-7pm Thru October. Hosted by Allegheny Land Trust. Join the ALT Stewardship team and volunteers in building and improving trails from the Irwin Lane trailhead from the Frederick Street trailhead in Gerty’s Woods Conservation Area. Register and info at AlleghenyLandTrust.NetworkForGood. com/events. 500 Irwin Lane, Millvale. Restorative Yoga in the Salt Cave – 6:45-7:45pm. Through Dec. Hosted by Salt of the Earth. Revive and restore with awesome and unique combination of restorative yoga and detoxifying salt. Tickets clients.MindBodyOnline.com/classic/MainClass. Salt of the Earth, 504 Valley Brook Rd, McMurray. Sound Bath Thursdays – 7-8pm. Hosted by Harmonic Egg Wellness and Rooted in Sound. Visit us in The Strip’s newest Wellness Center. Gongs and therapy grade Himalayan singing bowls create space for deep meditation and relaxation. $30. Tickets at WellnessLiving.com/schedule/harmonic_egg_ boardman. 412-609-8999.

friday

First Friday Walk/Hike – 10-11:30am. 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. Friday Family Walk – 10am-Noon. Hosted by West Virginia Botanic Garden. First Friday of every month. 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.

saturday

Morgantown Farmers Market – 8:30-Noon. Saturdays through October. Wide variety of food and farm products grown and made by vendors within 50 miles of the market. 400 Spruce St, Morgantown, WV. Info mfmgamanager@gmail.com. All-Levels Vinyasa Flow with Sarah – 10-11am. 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 – Noon2pm Second Sat of the month. Meet with members of our team to ask questions 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.

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.

APOTHECARY

MURRAY AVENUE APOTHECARY

Susan Merenstein, RPH, Holistic Clinical Pharmacist 4227 Murray Ave, Pittsburgh 412-421-4996 • MaaPgh.com A Compounding Pharmacy Boutique, Pittsburgh's Pet Pharmacy, and home to LabNaturals CBD. We offer holistic health services—hormone balancing and consultation, pharmacist picked supplements, detox, nutritional counseling, absorbable acetylated and palmitated Glutathione products, and pharmacist- compounded CBD products for people and pets. We are a very specialized compounding only pharmacy and we compound anything that is not one-size-fi ts-all. Check us out online today. See ad, page 3.

BIOLOGIC DENTISTRY

JANET LAZARUS – BIOLOGIC DENTIST

Dr Janet Lazarus, DMD, NMD Mail: 4313 Walnut St, Ste 178 Office: Olympia Shopping Ctr Arcade, McKeesport • 412-754-2020 • Dr.Lazlo@hotmail.com Dr. Lazarus practices compassionate biologic dentistry by looking at the whole body to off er preventative care and health maintenance. She offers compatibility testing on dental material, safe mercury removal, extraction and a host of other treatments including ozone therapy. She has been practicing for 28 years. See ad, page 8.

change can do you good

Join the Natural Awakenings Franchise Family 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 modifi cations, 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 HEALTH PHARMACY

SUSAN MERENSTEIN, BSPHARM, RPH, HOLISTIC CLINICAL PHARMACIST

4227A Murray Ave, Pittsburgh 412-421-4996 • LabNaturals.com Founded by Holistic Clinical Pharmacist Susan Merenstein, LabNaturals off ers an anti-aging line of skincare products that are safe, non-toxic and affordable. The company also carries a line of people- and pet-friendly CBD products and offers Vital Health consultation services on functional health and hormone balance. See ad, page 3.

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. 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 kefi r. See ad, page 9.

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.

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 benefi cial for relaxation and pain management. Other services provided are far infrared sauna with medical grade color therapy and Himalayan salt and ear candling.

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 confi dence 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! See ad, page 23.

For more info, visit: NaturalAwakenings.com Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way. ~Native American Saying

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.

SPIRITUAL

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 off ered. 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 nonprofi t 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 11. 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 benefi ts 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 fi nd the right crystal for you or your home décor. See ad, page 11.

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 off ers holistic services, workshops, and coaching to help you establish a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle.

YOGA AND MEDITATION

THE HIMALAYAN INSTITUTE OF PITTSBURGH

300 Beverly Rd, Pittsburgh 412-344-7434 • HipYoga.org The Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh is committed to creating and supporting programs for wellness in body, mind and spirit. Their purpose is to promote personal peace and global unity. Off ering a daily schedule of yoga and meditation classes and healing services including massage, reiki and Ayurvedic health consultations. They are a leader in education, providing authentic yoga and Ayurveda certifi cation programs. See ad, page 3. 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.

PRODUCTS

McCORMICK FAMILY FARM – 100% grass-fed/fi nished beef, pasture-raised chicken, and pure maple syrup following beyond organic, regenerative farming practices. 293 McCormic Rd, Portage, PA. 814-472-7259. Facebook: @ TheMcCormickFamilyFarm.

SERVICES

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

Natural Awakenings Client Testimonial

I have been advertising since the beginning of Natural Awakenings and I have to say. that it has been a great choice! I have gotten a lot of new patients from her magazine. The covers are always colorful and fun! Michelle has been very helpful and she is always available when I need to talk to her. I would highly recommend this magazine if you are considering advertising.

~Dr Janet Lazarus