Natural Awakenings Greater Pittsburgh November 2020 by naturalawakeningsswpa

E E R

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

HOW TO BE A

PEACEFUL

PARENT

HERBS THAT SOOTHE PETSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; SKIN PROBLEMS

TIPS TO PREVENT

TYPE 2

DIABETES

HEALTHY THANKSGIVING FARE

HOW TO LIGHTEN UP THE MEAL

HOMEMADE NATURAL SKIN CARE REMEDIES November 2020 | Pittsburgh, PA Edition | naturalawakeningsswpa.com November 2020

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

PITTSBURGH, PA EDITION Publisher Michelle Dalnoky Editor Martin Miron Calendar Editor Sara Peterson Ad Designer Zina Cochran Design & Production C. Michele Rose Sales & Marketing Michelle Dalnoky Lisa Doyle

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letter from publisher

Natural End-of-Life

I love this month’s article on green burial. In my years as a nurse on a med-surg/oncology floor of a hospital and later as a hospice nurse, I cared for many patients who were end-of-life. I was a night shift nurse, and one of the reasons that I liked working that shift was because I actually had time to spend with my patients. Many deeply meaningful conversations were held during those long nights with people facing the last hours or days of their life. Some felt comforted being in the hospital because they knew they wouldn’t be completely alone at the end, and if I was there, I made sure they weren’t. Many hospice patients choose to die at home, because that is where they felt was the best place to spend their final days and hours. I never became oblivious to the profound nature of what was happening. I gave as much as I could and I was able to provide comfort to the patients and their families. Just as I always looked and the natural aspects, treatments and processes of medicine, so did I with end of life care. I learned about and loved the idea of natural burial many years ago, and in fact always found many conventional rituals interesting, but unnecessary and hard to understand. I also learned about death doulas and thought this is a beautiful service to have. Doulas are commonly used for women giving birth to be there to support them through that experience, so why not death doulas? People who are transitioning through the end of life also need just the right kind of support, and so do their families. These are not for everyone. People who don’t live or even consider a green life can’t wrap their head around a green burial or a death doula, but more and more people are being exposed to the idea, and it really can be a beautiful passing with care and support and regard for nature, which is becoming more important to so many people. I would love to rest in a natural, park-like setting with a tree planted in my honor. That’s just me. There are so many details that can be refined for nature lovers. Many people love the idea of being returned to an ocean or body of water, or being buried in their natural state in a simple and natural burial chamber. For most of us, natural burial may seem like a strange idea at first, but after some thought, it may seem like a beautiful way to go.

Michelle Dalnoky, RN, BA, Publisher

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Natural Awakenings is a family of 55-plus healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

Contents 8 THE GREEN

BURIAL REVOLUTION

Sustainable End-of-Life Options

10 NATURAL BEAUTY Homemade Solutions for Glowing Skin

12 GIVING THANKS

Meditation on Gratitude and Joy

14 GIVING THANKS

FOR A HEALTHY FEAST

How to Lighten Up Thanksgiving Fare

16 PREVENTING TYPE 2 DIABETES Natural Lifestyle Choices to Curb the Disease

20 SHERRI MITCHELL

on Indigenous Wisdom for Our Times

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 724-271-8877 or email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@ NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com. Deadline: 10th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Calendar Events to: Publisher@NaturalAwakenings SWPA.com or visit NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

22 MINDFUL PARENTING

The Conscious Path to Raising a Child

24 SKIN-SOOTHING HERBS FOR DOGS AND CATS Simple Ways to Reduce Itching

DEPARTMENTS 4 health brief 6 eco tip 8 green living 10 healing ways 12 inspiration 14 conscious eating

20 22 24 26 29 31

wise words healthy kids natural pet calendar resource guide classifieds November 2020

health brief

Reiki Aids Other Healing Modalities Reiki is an alternative noninvasive therapy developed in 1922 by Mikao Usui. It has been described as the practitioner channeling life force energy to stimulate physical emotional and mental healing through touch or no-touch methods in person or distance sessions. No one should stop or switch their preexisting health care treatments without consulting a health care professional. Challenges in life sometimes create stress that affects the way our bodies respond and cause different ailments. Reiki can help to alleviate depression, anxiety and physical pain. Prior to a reiki session, a confidential consultation should take place. Many inconclusive studies have been done over the years, but some hospitals in the U.S. have adopted reiki as an adjunct to some treatments due to patient requests. With all the current COVID-19 restrictions in place, the demand for distance reiki Reiki Principles sessions have increased. Some people believe that en- Just for today do not worry. ergy is ever-flowing and that healing can be activated from Just for today do not anger. anywhere in the world. Changing our diet, exerJust for today cise and self-care routine are be thankful for a few things that may also help your blessings. with staying physically and Just for today mentally healthy. By holding do your work honestly. ourselves accountable for our Just for today well-being, we can remove as be kind to every much stress as possible, drink living thing. water and get fresh air.

Tyleda Worou is a reiki practitioner, herbalist, aromatherapist, and owner of 360 CafĂŠ LLC a holistic ecommerce business For more information, call 724-374-8089, email 360CafeSoulMindBody@gmail.com or visit 360cafellc. com. See ad, page 7. 4

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November 2020

products is reduced, resources are conserved and money is saved. It all helps the planet.

eco tip

A Repair Cafe Near Home

In concert with the do-it-yourself craze, there’s a growing interest in repair cafes and pop-up events where people can learn to fix things or have someone do it for them. It’s fun, and the camaraderie and guidance of knowledgeable neighbors makes all the difference. Visit RepairCafe.org to find a nearby location or for detailed instructions on how to start one.

How to Fix Anything

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Whether it’s a faulty toaster, broken wheelbarrow or torn jeans, some common principles apply:

FIX IT, DON’T NIX IT

Repairing Can Prolong Life of Products With every Amazon delivery and late-night QVC purchase, the verdict is in: America is the Godzilla of consumerism, and far too many of the products we buy are disposable or designed to become obsolete. Tons of waste ends up in landfills or is incinerated, causing pollution. Plus, non-renewable natural resources like petroleum and heavy metals are depleted to manufacture new products and the non-biodegradable packaging they’re wrapped in. Awakening to the consequences of consumption addiction, a more sustainable choice emerges: repairing. When something breaks, don’t replace it—fix it. By prolonging the lifespan of items, demand for new

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Don’t panic. When the bicycle chain breaks, remain calm. Split the task into manageable steps. Anticipate the feeling of empowerment when the wheels are turning again. Get informed. From hemming a skirt to rewiring a lamp, a detailed YouTube video awaits. Check online for product manuals that offer diagnostics and repair instructions. For an extensive collection of repair guides, visit IFixIt.com. Use the right tool. To get the job done quicker, easier and without possible injury or damage to property, the right tool is key. Local hardware store attendants can help. For one-time-use or expensive tools, consider renting or borrowing. Visit a repair shop. A great way to support local business is to patronize local repair shops for shoes, clothing, jewelry, computers, appliances and more.

Buying for Longevity

Choose quality products that are designed to last and easy to repair. To help evaluate options, iFixIt.com offers a list of repairability scores. In a perfect, sustainable world, the marketplace would be filled with beautiful, artful and clever products that everyone loves and can’t bear to replace.

Don’t Let it Go to Waste Landfills nationwide are brimming to capacity and every litter bit counts. Here are some great recycling resources courtesy of the Pennsylvania Resources Council and Zero Waste Pittsburgh. If an item is reusable, always try to find a new user first. Reuse is the greenest choice we can make. A great person-to-person service is Pittsburgh Freecycle Groups.Freecycle.org/group/PittsburghPA/posts/all. Art/Craft Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse. pccr.org. Batteries Frick Environmental Center free recycling of alkaline batteries – a recycling station including a tube for batteries is just inside, near elevator. Tinyurl.com/FrickBatteryRecycling. Call2Recycle, Recharging the Planet. Recycling batteries and bulbs. Call2Recycle.org.

Bikes Red Lantern Bike Shop receives donated broken and unused bikes at 420 Braddock Ave., Braddock. The bikes are then refurbished and redistributed back into the community. FreeStore15104.org. Free Ride Bicycle collective. freeridepgh.org.

PittsburghPa.gov/dpw/electronicwaste-disposal. Jurassic Junk Removal (1-877-5955865) Polystyrene and Styrofoam Appliance Warehouse, 523 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh (412-381-8800). Shingles Penn Waste Systems (412-771-1000). Wood from yard or waste pallets J. A. Rutter Co. jarutter.com.

CD cases – made from #6 plastic that local public works or other recycling services may not accept.

Also visit: Allegheny County Recycling Together Directory. alleghenycounty.us/ healthdepartment/index.aspx.

GreenDisk. GreenDisk.com/gdsite/ default.aspx.

Allegheny County services finder. Tinyurl.com/AlleghenyServiceFinder.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs Home Depot on North Highland Avenue, in Highland Park. The drop-off box is inside the store. Construction and demolition waste Penn Waste Systems (412-7711000). Electronic waste Pennsylvania Resources Council.

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November 2020

The Green Burial Revolution Sustainable End-of-Life Options by Sandra Yeyati

here’s an emerging movement in the funeral industry, fueled by environmentalism and a yearning to accept mortality and reclaim a connection to Earth and to each other. Although it seems revolutionary, a green burial is as old as humanity, while the conventional burial commonly practiced in the United States is only a bit over 150 years old. Continuing a practice that began in the Civil War, the conventional funeral typically involves embalming with toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde to preserve the body for viewing. Elaborate metal and varnished hardwood caskets are lowered into cement or steel burial vaults and entombed in memorial parks, where lawns are maintained with heavy machinery and liberal applications of herbicides and pesticides. These materials are not just polluting the Earth, but depleting resources only to bury them forever. “You can build a replication of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco annually with all the metal placed in the ground. Why would we bury these materials that people could actually be using?” says Elizabeth Fournier, a licensed mortician in Portland, Oregon, and author of The Green Burial Guidebook. In a true green burial, the body is put in repose in its natural state; refrigeration or dry ice replaces embalming fluids. Families may choose to bathe and dress their loved one’s body, wrap the body with a natural cotton shroud or place it in a casket made of sustainably grown and biodegradable materials including pine, bamboo, wicker or even cardboard. The burial site has a more natural feel, with indigenous plants, meadows and soil untouched by chemicals. The grave is dug and refilled by hand, while family and friends use ropes to lower their loved one directly into the earth. “You’re going back to nature. Your body will decompose and in turn it can nourish the environment. New life will come from your death,” says Ed Bixby, owner of Steelmantown Cemetery Companies and president of the Green Burial Council, which certifies eco-friendly cemeteries and funeral services. Natural burial sites are public recreational havens where people can hike, birdwatch, cross-country ski or camp. These beautiful cemeteries are full of life 8

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and regeneration. “The neat part is that they’re using their income stream for open-space preservation—buying property, using it for burial purposes and dedicating that land so that it will always be open and green,” says Robert Prout, a third-generation funeral director in Verona, New Jersey. Every state has at least one natural burial site. There are hundreds nationwide, and 11 of them are legal preservation grounds, owned and managed by conservation or state agencies. As people learn more about green burials and request them, traditional cemeteries are setting aside areas for these alternatives. Bixby is encouraged by the hybrid models. “It’s helping change the direction of the funeral industry. We’re empowering and educating families. That’s how we’re going to grow this movement,” he says. A green burial will usually cost less than the conventional one. “The environment is suffering, and people’s wallets are suffering,” says Fournier. “People are realizing that you don’t have to spend a lot of money after someone has passed away to show your love.” In some towns, backyard burials are an option, too. From an emotional and spiritual perspective, there’s a lot to be said for a green burial. “It’s been so clinical for so long, where you wear your black suit. You sit on the sideline. The gravedigger and undertaker do everything. You’re sort of a spectator,” says Fournier. “By being a part of the process, there’s a greater sense of acceptance. You can see a lot of the pain and grief wash away,” says Bixby. “It allows us to not only care for our dead, but also not be so afraid of our common denominator. We’re all going to die. It shouldn’t be a scary, disconnected experience.” Overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a burial at sea is yet another green option in which the body decomposes naturally on the ocean floor. To find a state-by-state list of natural burial sites, visit GreenBurialCouncil.com. Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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green living

November 2020

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healing ways

Natural Beauty Homemade Solutions for Glowing Skin by April Thompson

kin, our largest organ, plays an important role in supporting and protecting the rest of the body. That’s why it should be treated kindly by using natural, chemical-free ingredients. Many U.S. beauty products contain hidden chemicals, including dozens of ingredients that are banned in other counties. Even products labeled “organic” or “natural” can contain potentially harmful petrochemicals, according to the Environmental Working Group. A natural skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Balms, masks, scrubs and toners can be made from healthy, everyday products already present in most homes. “Oats, yogurt, coconut oil, honey: there are many kitchen staples that you can easily use in your skincare routine,” says Marlene Adelmann, founder of the Herbal Academy, in Bedford, Massachusetts, and author of Botanical Skin Care Recipe Book. As an example, face masks can be made with ingredients from the spice rack, including turmeric and black pepper. “One-ingredient treatments, like a honey or yogurt mask, feel so good and are easy to make,” says Stephanie Gerber, the Nashville author of Hello Glow: 150+ Easy Natural Beauty Recipes for A Fresh New You. Facial, body and foot scrubs are great beginner creations, according to Stepha10

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nie Tourles, author of Pure Skin Care: Nourishing Recipes for Vibrant Skin & Natural Beauty. The Marble Falls, Texas, esthetician recommends starting with a base of sugar or salt and adding an edible oil such as almond, plus a few drops of an essential oil. Essential oils should be diluted—add only six to 12 drops per ounce of finished product. Her favorites are lavender, tea tree, sweet orange and frankincense. Lemon, lime and bergamot are phototoxic and can cause sensitivity if added to any scrub before sun exposure. “Scrubs are wonderful for softening, soothing and exfoliating the skin,” Tourles says, cautioning that salt scrubs can sting if applied after shaving or waxing. Other common ingredients that can be added are oats, almonds or sunflower seeds ground in a coffee grinder. When mixed with water, cream or yogurt, they offer a moisturizing facial treatment. Tourles loves homemade body balms using oil and a thickener such as cocoa butter or beeswax. “Balms are easy to make, great for kids and good for dry cuticles and lips. You don’t have to worry

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

Homemade Mask Recipes Excerpted from Botanical Skin Care Recipe Book, by Marlene Adelmann Green Tea Facial Mask Green tea contains polyphenolic flavonoids called catechins, which are strongly antioxidant. It’s also an astringent and anti-inflammatory. Matcha green tea (a powder) makes a beautiful green mask that astringes and tones skin. Combined with aloe gel and honey for soothing moisture, this is a great recipe for the colder months when our skin needs rejuvenation.

photos by Herbal Academy

about ingredients spoiling. They condition the skin and smell great,” she says. In harsher weather, skin requires a little extra TLC. Tourles suggests a hydrating winter toner made with a 50/50 mix of aloe vera juice and rosewater. “Honey is also nice for the face and incredibly hydrating for winter,” she says. “Simply warm a little bit, apply it to your clean face for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.” “People often forget to apply more moisturizer in winter. One of the best things you can do is exfoliate your face with a simple scrub to slough off dry, dead skin. Use gentler ingredients for your face than your body, like oats, baking soda or almonds ground finely,” says Gerber. For chapped lips, she recommends a gentle exfoliant like sugar and honey applied as an antibacterial lip scrub. “Matcha green tea makes a beautiful mask that astringes and tones skin. Combine it with aloe gel and honey for some soothing moisture in the colder months when our skin needs rejuvenation,” says Adelmann. Some products are best purchased from a commercial source. “You can make many preparations at home—from masks to cleansing scrubs, cleansers, lotions and creams—but when these recipes contain water, they have a short shelf life. If you are looking for something with a longer shelf life, you’re going to run into more complicated instructions incorporating preservatives,” says Adelmann. “Moisturizers, creamy cleansers and hand creams have the steepest learning curve to craft yourself,” says Tourles. “Trying to emulsify watery ingredients like herb tea and aloe vera with oils, butters or waxes is like mixing oil and vinegar in a salad dressing; these ingredients want to separate.” According to Gerber, sunscreen is another product worth buying rather than trying to make at home. Homemade or store-bought products aside, the best skin enhancer is a drink of water, according to Gerber. It doesn’t get easier or more economical than that.

2 Tbsp matcha or another green tea (Camellia sinensis) leaf powder 4 tsp aloe vera leaf gel 1-2 tsp raw honey Combine all ingredients and mix well. Adjust proportions, as needed, to achieve the desired consistency—add more honey and/or tea powder if it’s too fluid, or more aloe if it’s too thick. Apply gently to the face, avoiding the eyes. Leave in place for 20 to 40 minutes. Rinse the face with warm water and lightly pat it dry with a towel. Follow with moisturizer. Turmeric Facial Mask

This is an anti-inflammatory, astringent and nutritive face mask with antimicrobial action that is well-suited for acne-prone skin. Combining turmeric with a fat, like yogurt, mitigates its staining effects. Test this recipe on a small area of skin before using.

1 Tbsp plain yogurt 1 tsp turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome powder 1 tsp raw honey Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. After washing the face, apply this mask and let it set for approximately 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and gently pat dry with a clean towel. Black Pepper Facial Mask Piperine, a well-studied constituent of black pepper, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions and can benefit acne-prone or mature skin. Mix ground peppercorns with body or facial scrub ingredients for a terrific exfoliant. Black pepper also does wonders for dull skin, encouraging blood to flow to the surface for a healthy radiance. Test this recipe on a small area of the skin before using and consider wearing gloves, as this recipe may discolor fingernails. 1 tsp plain yogurt ¼ tsp black pepper (Piper nigrum), ground Combine ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. After washing the face, apply this mask and let it set for approximately 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and gently pat dry with a clean towel. November 2020

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inspiration

Giving Thanks

Meditation on Gratitude and Joy by Jack Kornfield

offer this meditation that opens our hearts to gratitude and joy this holiday season. Let yourself sit quietly and at ease. Allow your body to be relaxed and open, your breath natural, your heart easy. Begin the practice of gratitude by feeling how that, year after year, you have cared for your own life. Now let yourself begin to acknowledge all that has supported you in this care: With gratitude, I remember the people, animals, plants, insects, creatures of the sky and sea, air and water, fire and earth, all whose joyful exertion blesses my life every day. With gratitude, I remember the care and labor of a thousand generations of elders and ancestors who came before me. I offer my gratitude for the safety and well-being I have been given. I offer my gratitude for the blessing of this Earth I have been given. I offer my gratitude for the measure of health I have been given. I offer my gratitude for the family and friends I have been given. I offer my gratitude for the community I have been given. I offer my gratitude for the teachings and lessons I have been given. I offer my gratitude for the life I have been given. Just as we are grateful for our blessings, so we can be grateful for the blessings of others. Continue to breathe gently. Bring to mind someone you care about; someone it is easy to rejoice for. Picture them and feel the natural joy you have for their well-being, for their happiness and success. With each breath, offer them your grateful, heartfelt wishes: May you be joyful. May your happiness increase. 12

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May you not be separated from great happiness. May your good fortune and the causes for your joy and happiness increase. Sense the sympathetic joy and caring in each phrase. When you feel some degree of natural gratitude for the happiness of this loved one, extend this practice to another person you care about. Recite the same simple phrases that express your heart’s intention. Then, gradually open the meditation to include neutral people, difficult people and even enemies, until you extend sympathetic joy to all beings everywhere, young and old, near and far. Practice dwelling in joy until the deliberate effort of practice drops away and the intentions of joy blend into the natural joy of your own wise heart. Jack Kornfield is a bestselling author, Buddhist practitioner and a key teacher in introducing and spreading mindfulness practices in the West. For more information about his teachings, podcasts and books, visit JackKornfield.com.

November 2020

Giving Thanks for a Healthy Feast How to Lighten Up Thanksgiving Fare by April Thompson

ue to travel restrictions, tighter budgets and concern for family members that may be older or have underlying health conditions, Thanksgiving might be a smaller affair this year, but that’s no reason to give up on having a scrumptious, celebratory meal. With a little creativity and lots of flavor, our treasured American holiday need not suffer. Giant turkeys may not grace as many tables as usual, so it’s the perfect time to up the side-dish game, embracing healthier options and taking full advantage of an abundant supply of delicious, in-season produce. To right-size the Thanksgiving spread for carnivores, “Get a Cornish hen or another small bird from a local poultry producer, or consider turkey parts like breasts or thighs, instead of cooking an entire big bird,” advises Steven Satterfield, co-owner and executive chef of the Miller Union restaurant, in Atlanta, and author of Root to Leaf: A Southern Chef Cooks Through the Seasons. For sides that rate high in both nutrition and taste, the James Beard winner favors in-season veggies like brassicas and Asian greens. “Napa cabbage is great roasted, grilled or prepared raw as a salad. Brussels sprouts shaved on a mandolin and sautéed briefly with shallot and garlic, and dressed with apple cider vinegar and diced apple, is another nice option,” Satterfield says. One of his go-to dishes is a root vegetable salad with shaved celery root, walnuts, apples and dried cranberries with a simple dressing of olive oil and lemon. 14

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Sweet potatoes and pumpkin offer a nutritional edge over white potatoes, giving them top billing at Satterfield’s holiday table. He suggests simplifying the traditional sweet potato casserole by first parboiling, straining, peeling and cutting the potatoes into thick chunks, and then baking with lemon juice, nutmeg and water. “The sweet potatoes will caramelize and form a natural syrup. It has a bright and refreshing flavor without adding the usual butter, marshmallows and sugar,” he explains. According to Satterfield, many nutritious bitter greens are plentiful this time of year, including chicory, radicchio, frisée and endive. “Last Thanksgiving, I made a chicory salad with dates, pecans, shaved parmesan and persimmon with a sherry vinaigrette with olive oil and shallots. The sweetness of the fruit balances nicely with the bitter greens, which add fiber and help with digestion and the circulatory system.” Thanksgiving offers a good opportunity to go meatless, according to Kim Campbell, vegan chef and author of The PlantPure Nation Cookbook. “There is a substitute for every animal product out there, so it’s not hard to make traditional recipes plant-based,” says the Durham, North Carolina, native. Her recipe for a nutty or beanie loaf ramps up the flavor and health profiles by using fresh, rather than dried, herbs such as rosemary, thyme and sage, as well as natural binding agents like lentils, flax seeds or chia seeds mixed with water. “Guests will be amazed that whole foods can be so flavorful and satisfying,” she says. “Go the extra mile with quality ingredients for a special meal like this.” Campbell encourages people to enjoy the abundance of fresh produce and learn how to cook in season. Fruit-based desserts can be a great way to showcase what’s in season and still keep guests light on their feet. “You don’t have to use crust or a lot of added sugar for something like an apple crisp or cobbler,” she says. Annemarie Ahearn, founder of the Salt Water Farm cooking school, in Lincolnville, Maine, also suggests a healthful rethinking of traditional Thanksgiving dishes. “Instead of a green bean casserole, consider blanched green beans with almond and cranberry. Dried cranberries can go in a salad, rather than a sauce. You can have the same ingredients and keep the same focal point, but use less cream and dairy,” says the author of Full Moon Suppers at Salt Water Farm: Recipes from Land and Sea. Ahearn, who teaches a class on Thanksgiving cooking, encourages people to take a stroll after the main meal to let food settle before having dessert. She also suggests serving some dishes at room temperature to relieve the pressure of having everything arrive hot at the table. For those unable to be with extended family, Satterfield suggests trading recipes in advance, and then having a virtual Thanksgiving by sharing a visual image of how the meal turned out. “You can even send leftovers if you’re in the same vicinity,” he says. Connect with Washington, D.C., freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

photo by Brian Olson

conscious eating

Savory Thanksgiving Dishes Mushroom Gravy This rich, flavorful gravy is perfect over potatoes and veggie loafs. It’s easy to prepare and inexpensive. Yield: 4 servings 1 onion, minced 6 white button mushrooms, chopped 2½ cups low-sodium vegetable stock, divided ½ tsp minced garlic ½ tsp dried thyme ½ tsp dried sage ½ tsp crushed dried rosemary

1 Tbsp cooking sherry 2 Tbsp tamari sauce or low-sodium soy sauce 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast flakes ¼ cup whole wheat flour ¼ tsp black pepper Sea salt to taste

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the onions and mushrooms in one-half cup of the vegetable stock. Add the garlic, sage, thyme, rosemary, sherry, tamari and nutritional yeast, then continue to sauté for just a minute or two over high heat. Pour the remaining vegetable broth into a bowl and whisk in the flour until there are no lumps. Add to the pan with the onion and mushrooms. Simmer over medium heat, stirring until the gravy has reached its peak thickness, about 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Reprinted from The PlantPure Nation Cookbook, by Kim Campbell.

Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole Yield: 6 servings

photo by Kim Campbell

Breaded Onion Rings: 1 large white or red onion, sliced into ¼-inch thick rings 2 cups whole wheat breadcrumbs 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast flakes ½ tsp sea salt (optional) 1¼ cups whole grain flour 1 cup nondairy milk Sauce: 1½ cups nondairy milk ½ cup raw cashews 2-3 garlic cloves 1½ Tbsp cornstarch

1 tsp onion powder ¼ tsp nutmeg 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast flakes 2 tsp apple cider vinegar ½ tsp sea salt ½ tsp black pepper Veggies: 12 oz fresh mushrooms (any variety), sliced or chopped 2-3 Tbsp dry white wine for sautéing 24 oz frozen green beans, French cut or whole

Preheat oven to 425° F. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, nutritional yeast flakes and sea salt. Place the flour, milk and bread crumb mixture into three separate bowls. Bread the onion rings by coating them in the flour, the milk and then the breadcrumbs. Several onion rings can be prepared at the same time. Place the breaded onions onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Place the sauce ingredients into a high-powered blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside. In a large fry pan over medium-high heat, sauté the mushrooms using small amounts of white wine to prevent the mushrooms from sticking. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until tender. Place the thawed green beans and mushrooms into nine-by-13-inch casserole pan. Pour the cream sauce over the vegetables, distributing the sauce evenly. Top the casserole with the baked onion rings and cover with foil. Bake at 375° F for 20-30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes. Chef ’s note: You can soak your cashews if you don’t have a high-powered blender for easy blending. This creamy white sauce can be used for scalloped potatoes, creamed corn or even on pasta. Reprinted from The PlantPure Nation Cookbook, by Kim Campbell.

DECEMBER

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Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible. November 2020

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Preventing Type 2 Diabetes Natural Lifestyle Choices to Curb the Disease by Marlaina Donato

ix decades ago, only one American in 100 had diabetes. Today, it’s almost one in 10, including rising numbers of youth and one in four people older than 65. More than 90 percent of the cases are Type 2, once known as adult-onset diabetes, which is linked to diet, obesity, inactivity, environmental toxins, heredity and other factors. It can wreak havoc throughout the body—attacking blood vessels, eyes, nerves and organs—and make COVID-19 harder to combat. The good news is that scientists have identified lifestyle strategies that lower the risk and harm of diabetes. “Type 2 diabetes is a condition, not a disease. It exists in a particular environment; when you change the environment, you can change the condition,” says San Francisco-based Nicki Steinberger, Ph.D., author of Wave Goodbye to Type 2 Diabetes. That’s important news for the one in three Americans—about 88 million people—that have prediabetes, 84 percent of whom are not aware of the fact, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A key player is the pancreas, a multitasking organ of both the 16

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endocrine and digestive systems, which produces insulin to help make and store energy from sugars, as well as enzymes to break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates. While Type 1 diabetes, a genetic autoimmune disease, negates the body’s ability to produce insulin, Type 2 results from an insufficient or improper use of insulin. Type 2 diabetes can be triggered by metabolic syndrome, a condition marked by high blood pressure, a large waist circumference and high triglycerides. Insulin resistance—the body’s improper use of insulin—can also be a sneaky forerunner to the disease, often manifesting as excessive abdominal fat, fatigue and frequent infections years before hyperglycemia—too much sugar in the blood—becomes evident. “Diet and lifestyle play a tremendous role,” says Lauren Bongiorno, a virtual diabetes health coach and creator of The Diabetic Health Journal. “Increasing insulin sensitivity is a multi-prong approach, most notably influenced by improving circadian rhythm, reducing stress, eating lower glycemic carbs, reducing animal fats and increasing activity.”

The American Diabetes Association cites excess weight and lack of exercise as significant risk factors in the development of Type 2 diabetes, while recent studies also point to impacts from toxic air, chemicals and mercury exposure. Research published in 2018 in Environmental Science and Pollution Research International reveals a correlation between exposure to phthalates found in plastics and the incidence of new-onset Type 1 diabetes in children, suggesting that the loss of beta cells from phthalate exposure leads to a compromised insulin response. “Plastics containing BPA can mimic estrogen (xenoestrogens) and can contribute to insulin resistance, insulin over-secretion, beta cell exhaustion and the development and progression of Type 2 diabetes,” says registered dietician and nutritionist Brenda Davis, the Alberta, Canada, author of The Kick Diabetes Cookbook and Kick Diabetes Essentials. An earlier Indiana University study published in Diabetes Care showed young-adult exposure to mercury can raise the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life by 65 percent. Davis adds, “Heavy metals, such as mercury and arsenic, have been linked to impaired insulin secretion and decreased insulin sensitivity.” Choosing organic produce and fish that contain lower levels of mercury, such as salmon, shrimp and catfish, is advised.

Medication Backlash Improving gut flora is vital in improving most health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes. “Microbes in the gut that have become toxic for a multitude of reasons create an inflammatory response. This type of assault repeated over time increases the risk of fatty liver and compromised cells—conditions linked to a decrease in insulin sensitivity,” says Steinberger. Research published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests that antibiotic use, especially narrow-spectrum ones, can contribute to diabetes. The side effects of certain medications like statins and other cholesterol-lowering drugs has been debated for decades, and 2019 research published in Diabetes Metabolism Research and Reviews concludes that statins can more than double the risk of Type 2 diabetes, especially for people taking them for two years or longer.

Sleep and Sugar The National Sleep Foundation considers sleep deprivation a significant diabetic risk factor and recommends that people take melatonin as a sleep aid and avoid working night shifts. It cites a study in which healthy adults that were restricted to four hours of sleep for just six nights exhibited a 40 percent reduction in their ability to break down glucose. Although the role of dietary sugar in diabetes is debated by scientists, evidence shows a strong correlation between Type 2 diabetes and sugar, fructose and high-fructose corn syrup in the diet. A 2015 review of 21 studies published in The British Medical Journal found that regular intake of sugary beverages can lead to diabetic conditions even when obesity is not a factor. Many ho-

listic health advocates identify all sweeteners, including “healthy” alternatives like honey and maple syrup, as sugars that harbor similar potential. This mindset is harmonious with glycemic index recommendations, so avoiding any added sweeteners and opting for fresh, low-glycemic fruits like berries, citrus and apples, as well as eschewing pasta, white rice and bread, can go a long way toward

Strategies to Prevent Diabetes

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Hidden Environmental Factors

Nutrition Tips from Brenda Davis The foundation of the diet should be whole-plant foods—organic, whenever possible—deriving the vast majority of calories from vegetables, legumes, fruits, intact whole grains, nuts and seeds, which are rich in protective components, such as fiber, phytochemicals and antioxidants. Eliminate or minimize inflammatory items, including fatty dairy products like cheese and ice cream, ultra-processed and fried foods, refined carbohydrates like sugar and white flour, alcohol and meat—especially red and processed varieties. Avoid all sugar-containing beverages.

Holistic Reminders from Lauren Bongiorno “All areas of our lives are linked together, and if one area is depleted, it’s going to impact your ability to thrive in the others. The 8 pillars of diabetes wellness within my practice are exercise, diet, sleep, stress, self-love, relationships, energy and diabetes management. For improved blood sugar management and sustainable habit changes, you must identify where you are least fulfilled and work to fill that gap.”

Inspiration from Nicki Steinberger “The area where we are most vulnerable, without a doubt, is our own toxic thoughts. Because our thoughts and beliefs trigger emotions which lead us to action and non-action, mindset is the first place to investigate to understand the results of our lives.” November 2020

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and onions. For someone taking insulin, it’s important to introduce herbs slowly and be sure to take them with meals, monitor blood glucose levels closely and keep their physician informed of herbal protocols and follow their physician’s recommendations.” Improving diet choices can be highly rewarding and fun, too. “Not only does eating well not have to be tortuous, it can be enjoyable, inspiring and creative,” says Steinberger. “It helps to keep it simple by using fresh, whole foods with basic herbs and spices.” Vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin C, B complex and chromium are also valuable in managing Type 2 diabetes. Polyphenols—antioxidants found in tea and unsweetened cacao nibs—also pack a healthy punch. Alpha lipoic acid, found in broccoli, spinach and fish oil, can help to reduce inflammation. Berries, kale and other nutrient-packed greens, nuts, sweet potatoes and beans promote sugar balance and are versatile for delicious, healthy meals.

maintaining healthier blood sugar levels. Stevia, an herb, is a better sweet substitute. Preferable in drops or bulk form rather than blended with sugars, it’s been shown to help control blood sugar.

Promising Phytotherapy Insulin-supporting medicinal herbs offer many benefits for Type 2 diabetics. Aloe vera, bilberry, cinnamon, goldenseal, bitter melon, milk thistle, fenugreek, fennel and gymnema sylvestre, among others, have been found to aid in the utilization and production of insulin. Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is a heavy hitter for reducing blood glucose and buffering the kidneys and liver from the metabolic side effects of high blood sugar. Herbs that support the liver, such as milk thistle, dandelion and artichoke, are other noteworthy plant medicines, especially when blood sugar fluctuates from high to low. Renata Atkinson, a clinical herbalist in Greenbelt, Maryland, says of blood tests, “Clinical trials have shown that many of these herbs can have a significant effect on the clinical markers for diabetes and prediabetes in fasting blood glucose, postprandial glucose and HbA1C, or glycosylated hemoglobin.” Animal and in vitro studies show that they impact blood sugar by slowing digestion and the absorption of carbohydrates, thereby improving insulin sensitivity, increasing the release of insulin and modulating the metabolism of glucose in the liver. Some of Atkinson’s favorite plant allies are hawthorn, hibiscus and tilia for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as lipid, glucose and vascular support. Atkinson also emphasizes the wisdom of keeping it simple. “I encourage clients to incorporate culinary herbs and spices into their daily diet, like cinnamon, fennel, garlic 18

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Whole-Body Healing Holistic bodywork modalities such as acupuncture also support diabetic health. In 2019, Iranian researchers reported in the journal Hospital Practices and Research that biofeedback training lowered glucose levels and improved the quality of life for diabetic patients. “The biggest mistake I see people with diabetes make is to view the mental piece as not as important as the physical,” says Bongiorno. Linking all the vital threads in the complex web of Type 2 diabetes, she adds, “I would say to start with the basics—plant-based foods, exercise, stress management and better sleep. When you have a solid base, your body will be less susceptible to the other factors.” Thriving is possible through commitment and wise choices. As Davis says, “There is strong and consistent evidence that many people who are motivated to reverse Type 2 diabetes can succeed in this task.” Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

November 2020

wise words

Sherri Mitchell on Indigenous Wisdom for Our Times by Linda Sechrist

uthor of Sacred Instructions: Indigenous Wisdom for Living SpiritBased Change, Sherri Mitchell (Weh’na Ha’mu Kwasset) has been an attorney, spiritual teacher and indigenous rights activist for more than 25 years. Born and raised on the Penobscot Indian Reservation, she draws upon her ancestral knowledge to address environmental protection, social justice and spiritual change, offering a set of cultural values to help preserve our collective survival for future generations.

Why is a deeper understanding of the foundational laws of creation so important now? What people really need to understand about the laws of attraction and manifestation, which are foundational laws of creation, is that humans have been manifesting the reality they’ve been living in for a very, very long time. Connected by the laws of entanglement, whatever we are giving life to, whatever we are thinking, speaking and breathing out is creating the current that is manifesting the storm we are currently living. We are co-creators of this reality, and it is time to move beyond the kindergarten-level of the law of attraction and take conscious responsibility for what we are actively creating, whether we intend it or not, because we are creating and putting things into motion all the time. We, as spiritual beings having a human experience, need to begin taking grownup responsibility and move beyond the childlike dependence that colonization has imprinted within us. Human beings have set in motion all the ideologies and beliefs that are currently governing and manifesting the reality that 20

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post-colonial era. Colonization, like capitalism, reaches what appears to be an end point, and then it turns around and begins cannibalizing itself. For example, we’re seeing colonization of the commons— companies taking control of the majority of the Earth’s drinking and potable water and making a statement that human beings don’t have a right to that water. Water should be part of the commons and available to everyone equally. Cannibalization by ongoing colonization is also happening to our air through the Paris Agreement. Trading for shares of clean air through a carbon credit program is the greatest smoke-and-mirrors scam of our time. We are in the midst of the “Dance of the Cannibal Giant” with colonization and capitalism as key players.

What is the Dance of the Cannibal Giant?

we step into, moment-by-moment. According to the law of motion, this is going to stay in motion until it meets with an equal or greater force. That force is us. We need to stand in the path of the energy we have created and actively stop its movement. We need to transform the energetic pattern of it and shift it in another direction.

What is colonization? It’s difficult to talk about colonization in sound bites because it’s a complex subject. With regard to history, colonization was about taking over lands occupied by an indigenous population. The romanticized myth of colonization, the settling of the Americas, was unsettling. The language surrounding colonization makes it sound as if it was a wonderful thing, when it was actually disruptive, destructive and filled with violence and domination. Moving into and taking over an already occupied area to gain and maintain control over resources is an act of conquest and domination. We are not living in a

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It’s an indigenous extinction story for the human species. There are a number of them relevant to the times we are living in. In the Wabanaki tradition, Giwakwa, the cannibal giant, lives deep in the forest and only awakens to the Earth mother’s distressed cry. This lets Giwakwa know that humans are consuming faster than she can produce and harming her faster than she can heal. Awakened, Giwakwa plays music on his flute that dances people into frenzied, mindless, faster and faster consumption until they consume themselves off the planet, giving Mother Earth the opportunity to heal and renew. These indigenous extinction stories are active now across the globe. The only way to put the cannibal giant back to sleep is for us to wake up fully to the fact that the Earth is being damaged at a rate far greater than she can heal herself, and that there are many species on the verge of extinction. We are one of them. People must be incredibly discerning now. They must get grounded in their center to listen and heed the direction of their inner compass that will guide them in a right direction. For more information, visit SacredInstructions.life. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings.

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Mindful Parenting The Conscious Path to Raising a Child by Ronica O’Hara

o Bannerman, a Tucson nutritionist, was making homemade cookies with her toddler. “Or rather, making a mess while stirring cookies,” she recalls. “Something in me snapped. I wanted to take control, kick her out of the kitchen and do everything the ‘right’ way.” As Bannerman took a deep breath, a memory arose. “As a child, I was only allowed to count scoops of flour or teaspoons of vanilla. I was never allowed to fully, actively participate in the kitchen. Everything had to be perfect, and I was not ‘good enough’ to make it so. I felt this in my core. Was I passing this on to my daughter?” Bannerman recalls that, after taking a moment to reset, she and her daughter “happily made a mess, a memory and a foundation for a brighter future together.” Bannerman, who blogs at NourishingFamilies.org, was practicing an increasingly popular approach in raising children known as either conscious, mindful, soulful, awake or peaceful parenting. Instead of focusing on shaping a child’s behavior through rules and discipline, which can bring up contentious issues of fear, ego and control, the focus is on connecting deeply with a child through love, authenticity and acceptance of the child’s innate nature. 22

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“It’s crucial we realize that we aren’t raising a ‘mini-me’, but a spirit, throbbing with its own signature,” says psychologist Shefali Tsabary, Ph.D., author of The Conscious Parent: Transforming Ourselves, Empowering Our Children. “Children aren’t ours to possess or own in any way. When we know this in the depths of our soul, we tailor their raising to their needs rather than molding them to fit our needs.” The transformation starts with—and hinges upon—parents understanding themselves deeply and realizing how their upbringing shapes their parenting actions. It’s not always easy, especially during housebound pandemic months. “Our children have the capacity to trigger us more than anyone else. So, when they exhibit childish behavior—which is, of course, part of their job description—it’s often hard for parents to stay calm,” says Laura Markham, Ph.D., a Brooklyn clinical psychologist and author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids. “We see our child’s behavior (He hit her again!), and we draw a conclusion (He’s going to be a psychopath!) which triggers other conclusions (I’ve failed as a mother!). This cascade of thoughts creates a runaway train of emotions—in this case, fear, dismay, guilt. We can’t bear those feelings. The best defense is a good offense, so we lash out at our child in anger. The whole process takes all of two seconds, and later we wonder why we overreacted.” The answer often lies in our past, Markham says. “Any issue that makes you feel like lashing out has roots in your own early years. We know this because we lose our ability to think clearly at those moments, and we start acting like children ourselves, throwing our own tantrums.” The more deeply we know ourselves—whether through therapy, reading, journaling, meditation, mindfulness practices or simply facing head-on the hard knocks of life—the more open we are to forging a deep relationship with our children and the easier it is to calm ourselves in the moment of a trigger, psychologists say. Correcting a child becomes then a matter of being a guide or coach, rather than a law enforcer. “Disciplining from a place of presence or awakened consciousness means having the willingness to pause, reflect, course-correct as needed in the moment, apologize, take ownership, ask for help and to drop history and reset as needed,” says Renée Peterson Trudeau, the Brevard, North Carolina, author of Nurturing the Soul of Your Family and The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal. “Most of all, practice self-compassion. You will make mistakes. Forgive yourself and move on; this is beautiful modeling for your kids.” Jessica Speer, a family-book author in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, lives that process. Raised in a home “where anger wasn’t managed well,” she had no tools to draw on when she got triggered by her toddler’s tantrums. It was, she says, “a wake-up call that I needed help.” Diving deeply into books, mindfulness and meditation helped her to understand herself better. “Fast forward 10 years, and I still meditate regularly,” she says. “Now, when my daughter experiences big emotions, I try to ground myself so I can be there by her side. This has been so healing for both of us.” Ronica O'Hara is a Denver-based health writer. Connect at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

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Skin-Soothing Herbs for Dogs and Cats Simple Ways to Reduce Itching by Greg Tilford

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rom allergies to liver deficiency, many factors can itch, inflame and irritate the skin of our pets. A dog’s or cat’s skin can become damaged or compromised because the skin is the first line of defense against attacks from external substances. Skin problems in pets have many causes, yet a variety of herbs can help a dog or cat feel more comfortable. While the catalysts of acute-onset skin issues such as insect bites or sunburn are obvious and can be dealt with directly, most forms of skin and coat disease are caused by deeper issues that can be extremely difficult to identify and address. Chronic or recurring skin conditions that cannot be attributed to influences outside the body usually point to deeper health issues, some of which can be serious or even life-threatening. The greatest mistake one can make when assessing a skin problem is assuming the problem is only skin deep. And while topical salves, liniments, shampoos or lotions can be quite effective in temporarily suppressing itching and pain, they will not likely address the root causes of a dog’s or cat’s skin ailment. For that, the situation must be approached from the inside-out with diet and several key herbs.

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Dandelion (Taraxacum oﬃcinale). The roots and leaves are highly nutritious. They contain a complex assortment of liversupporting compounds as well as diuretic properties that aid the body in eliminating toxins via urination.

Red clover (Trifolium pretense), alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and milk thistle (Silybum marianum). These are well-known blood cleansers worth considering. Look for formulas that contain a balanced array of all three. Greg Tilford is the CEO of Animal Essentials Inc., a natural pets supplement company. He is the author of five books, including Herbs for Pets: The Natural Way to Enhance Your Pet’s Life. For more information, visit AnimalEssentials.com.

Topical Herbs that Relieve the Itch

o heal a pet’s skin problems from the inside-out with good food and supplementation can take a few weeks. In the meantime, the itchy misery can be reduced with topical remedies. One of the most effective approaches is herbal astringents that work by quickly tightening skin and subcutaneous tissue, reducing inflammation and redness.  Witch hazel. This herbal extract can be purchased as a clear liquid at any drugstore. It’s also the primary active ingredient in many commercial hemorrhoid ointments, as it reduces inflamed membranes very quickly. A dab or two of witch hazel applied with a cotton ball can work wonders against flea or mosquito bites. It’s important to know that most products are made with isopropyl alcohol, which is quite toxic if ingested in large amounts. Therefore, this extract should be reserved for situations in which only a few dabs are needed (i.e., don’t use it as a rinse). Better yet, look for witch hazel extract made with ethanol (grain alcohol) or vegetable glycerin, an edible palm oil derivative used in natural soaps and cosmetics for its emollient, skin-soothing qualities.  Aloe vera. With its antibacterial properties, aloe vera gel works especially well when spot-applied directly to hot spots or insect bites. However, unless combined with an emollient, the drying and tightening properties of aloe vera could further exacerbate discomfort caused by dry, chapped skin.  Calendula. Calendula oﬃcinalis, small marigold, is easy to grow or purchase in dry bulk form at natural product retailers. Cooled calendula tea, liberally applied to an animal’s skin and coat, can bring fast relief to inflamed skin and accelerate the healing of open sores. To make a soothing skin rinse, simply infuse two to four tablespoons of dried calendula flowers into a quart of near-boiling water. Allow the tea to cool completely, drench the pet with the tea and allow it to drip dry.  Tea. Peppermint, chamomile and green teas are great for relieving itchy skin. Infuse four to six tea bags of any (or all) of these herbs into one quart of boiling water. Cool thoroughly and rinse the animal. Not only will it feel better, it will smell great, too.

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Burdock root (Arctium lappa). This herb has an ancient history as a skin remedy. It contains inulin, an indigestible polysaccharide constituent that serves as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial microflora in the gut and improving digestion. It also contains a broad variety of compounds that gently stimulate the liver at various levels to help detoxify the body and aid in

transporting waste out of the bloodstream. Burdock can be found as a tincture or a fresh root at many health food stores. Grate the fresh root liberally onto the pet’s food at each mealtime. Burdock is fairly neutral in flavor and very safe, so there’s no need to worry about overfeeding.

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Many cases of chronic skin issues in dogs and cats are either directly attributable to or strongly influenced by inappropriate and allergy-inducing ingredients in pet foods. Be critical about the quality of pet foods and avoid those that contain meat byproducts, artificial flavors and preservatives, as well as all grains, especially wheat and corn. It’s also important to give a good fish or krill oil supplement to dogs and cats. The omega-3 fatty acids in these marine lipids play critical roles in regulating immune system inflammatory response to allergens. More specifically, they inhibit inflammation, while omega-6 fatty acids typically found in grains and vegetable oils stimulate inflammation. Both processes are necessary for healthy body functioning, but an imbalance of too much omega-6 sets the stage for skin allergies, a dull coat and excessive shedding. Liver deficiency is another common factor to consider. The liver is responsible for producing digestive enzymes and acids needed to break down and assimilate food while also filtering waste from the bloodstream. If the liver is deficient in any of these functions, excess waste that cannot be eliminated via normal pathways will wreak havoc on the body, often manifesting as a skin condition. If this happens, symptoms commonly recognized as pyoderma, eczema or psoriasis will increase as the body tries to eliminate the waste, pushing the toxins outward and away from vital internal organs toward the skin. In addition to dietary adjustments, liver support is helpful when it comes to skin problems, and this is where herbs come in.

November 2020

calendar of events

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18

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.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2 Thanks/Giving Launch Party – 11am-2pm. Vendors include Laura Cordera, nutrition coach, Kathi Hursh, personal stylist at Macy’s in South Hills Village. Plus Diane Scabilloni, author of many children’s books, will speak at noon on the topic “I just want peace, why do I feel fight or flight”. Relaxology Spa will introduce its Angel Tree for the Washington County City Mission: “30 days of giving” giveaway every day in November on social media. 1445 Washington Rd Bldg 6, Washington, PA. 724-222-2825. Info@RelaxologySpa.com.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4 Drawing Dynamics – 4:30-6:30pm. With Joe Shildkamp. Approaches and assigned practice work applied to improving your observational eye. Work with various marking techniques that imply pattern/ texture and value contrasts that suggest form/space, students explore options for presenting their subject imagery in a visually dynamic manner. Linear perspective methods are presented for consideration. Bring a pencil and sketch pad to the first class. Ages high school-to-adult. Masks and social distancing required. $70. 724-837-6791. Greensburg Art Center, 230 Todd School Rd. 724-837-6791. CindyRegina@comcast.net.

Ages high school-to-adult. Masks and social distancing required. $70. 724-837-6791. Greensburg Art Center, 230 Todd School Rd. 724-837-6791. CindyRegina@comcast.net. Reiki Share – 6:30-9:30pm. Join to experience the healing, high vibrations, joy and fellowship that are the natural result of our reiki gatherings. Free. Visions Reiki and Soul Spa, 206 Alexander Ave, Strabane. 724-745-1785. Wendy@VisionsReiki. com. Tickets: Eventbrite.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Calliope Folk Song Night – 7-8:30pm. Singers and instrumentalists of all ages are welcome at this informal gathering of people who want to sing together and share songs. Sing songs from the Rise Up Singing songbooks and the shared musical knowledge of all group members. Bring your song ideas. Monroeville Public Library, 4000 Gateway Campus Blvd, Monroeville. 412-372-0500. MonroevillePublicLibrary@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Wilderness Survival 101 – 9am-4pm. Hosted by True North Wilderness Survival School. Perfect intro to fundamentals of wilderness survival. The goal of Wilderness Survival 101 is to introduce you to the skills and information to better deal with an emergency in the outdoors. Learn the same “modern” approach to wilderness survival that is taught in US military survival schools. Harrison Hills County Park. Erik@ExploreTrueNorth.com. 412-913-6000.

Creating Backyard Habitat – 7-8:30pm. Online hosted by Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Our gardens can support a variety of life; providing wonder and entertainment. Learn how to create a backyard habitat that attracts birds, pollinators and other wildlife, and the benefits of native plants and the importance of different habitat elements. Students will receive locally relevant plant lists and other resources. $25/members, $30/nonmembers. Register: 3989p. blackbaudhosting.com/3989p/Creating-BackyardHabitat-for-Birds-Pollinators-and-more.

Youth Writers Camp – 11am-1pm. Hosted by August Wilson African American Cultural Center. Curriculum addresses social justice issues with focus on poetic monologue in imitation of characters across Wilson’s plays. Free and via Zoom. Register at aacc-awc.org. 412-339-1011.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Stress Reduction Techniques for Mind and Body – 6-8pm. This workshop will help participants alleviate some of the symptoms resulting from stress. Participants will learn hands on instruction in pressure point relief for common areas affected by stress. Also learn stretches to loosen taut muscle areas. Dress in comfy clothes. $25. Dr. Lillian Ronzio School of Holistic Health, 275 Pleasant Valley Rd, Connellsville. 724-603-2444. RonzioSchool@ gmail.com. Tickets: Ronzioschool.com/productpage/stress-reduction-techniques-for-mind-body.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Drawing Dynamics – 4:30-6:30pm. With Joe Shildkamp. Approaches and assigned practice work applied to improving your observational eye. Working with various marking techniques that imply pattern/texture and value contrasts that suggest form/space, students explore options for presenting their subject imagery in a visually dynamic manner. Linear perspective methods are presented for consideration. Bring a pencil and sketch pad to the first class. Other material options will be discussed.

Pittsburgh, PA

Electronic Recycling Drop-off Event – 10am-1pm. Hosted by Recycle Right Morgantown. In honor of America Recycles Day, the City of Morgantown in partnership with Republic Services’ is hosting a free electronic recycling drop-off event at the Morgantown Farmers’ Market Pavilion. This event is open to all county residents. Accepted electronics: computers/ laptops, TVs/monitors, printers, fax machines, modems, cable boxes, gaming equipment, VHS, DVD players, stereos. Morgantown Farmers Market. 400 Spruce St, Morgantown, WV. mfmgaManager@ gmail.com. Info: RecycleRightMorgantown.com. New Moon Women’s Circle and Meditation – 6:30-8pm. Gather for a global meditation to heal ourselves and the planet. Then join for Thought Exchange on the theme of the month. Hosted by Back To The Earth Healing Center and The Millvale House. This is an in-person outdoors event that will be limited seating due to social distancing protocols. $10. 22 Butler St, Pittsburgh. 412-821-2265. RSVP/ticket: Eventbrite or TheMillvaleHouse@gmail.com.

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Learn to Draw Zentangle Online – 6:30-8pm. Zentangle is a simple technique for pattern drawing that is relaxing, meditative, intriguing and fun. Zentangle artist and instructor Sue Schneider will guide you stepby-step through the basic process for creating small, abstract designs using repetitive pattern skills. Teens and adults welcome. Hosted by Monroeville Public Library, 4000 Gateway Campus Blvd. RSVP: 412372-0500. MonroevillePublicLibrary@gmail.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 Vegetarian Thanksgiving: Stuffed Acorn Squash – 5-6:30pm. Online event. Take Thanksgiving to a new level this year and add some unique vegetarian inspired side dishes to your line up. Whether you’re vegetarian or just need a change of pace, these dishes will surprise your Thanksgiving dinner guests and leave them wanting more. Make delicious quinoa stuffed acorn squash. Hosted by Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. $25/members, $28/nonmembers. Register: 3989p.blackbaudhosting.com/3989p/Vegetarian-Friendly-ThanksgivingDishes--Quinoa-Stuffed-Acorn-Squash. SH Holiday Ceramic Class – 6-8pm. By PA Connecting Communities at That Pottery Place. Preregistration/payment required. Must be able to pick up finished piece the following week. $25/person. 7224 Baptist Rd, Bethel Park. 412-835-3616.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20 3rd Annual Greater Pittsburgh Arts & Crafts Holiday Spectacular – Nov 20-22. 10am – 9pm. One of the area’s biggest and best Christmas arts, crafts and food marketplaces featuring more than 300 indoor booths in two huge exhibit halls. Monroeville Convention Center, 209 Mall Boulevard, Monroeville. Healing Collective – 7-9pm. Hosted by Calli Tony, CPT. During this Healing Collective, dive into a variety of healing modalities. Healing Collective is a mini retreat with journaling, EFT tapping, yoga, cleansing and clearing, meditation, reiki, make and take essential oil product. Online Collectives also available for $33. Preregister in advance. 201 E Fairview Ave, Connellsville, PA. Tickets: CalliTony-cpt.square.site/product/healing-collective/4.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 Sweat, Spin and Sip – Noon-1pm. With Cycletique. A 45-minute cycle class, bubbly sips and light bites, healthy giveaways by local companies. Meet other women and connect. $15 at Eventbrite.com. 4607 Library Rd, Ste 200, Bethel Park. 412-409-4500. Info@Cyucletiquepgh.com. Annual Winter Coat Drive – Noon-3pm. Hosted by Community Empowerment Association. There are families in the community who lack winter clothing. Seeking donations of new winter coats, gloves, and scarves to keep our children warm this winter. Thank you for your humanitarian spirit. 7120 Kelly St, Pittsburgh 412-371-3689 ext 244.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22 Overhill Lane at the Artisan Market – 9am-4pm. Hosted by Overhill Lane Bath & Body Products. Shop small and local. Try some new products; samples with each purchase. Artisan Market in the Strip, 20th St & Penn Ave, Pittsburgh. OverhillLane.com. Salty Vibrations: Sound Healing at the Salt Cave – 4-5pm. Hosted by Salt of the Earth and Sacred Centered You. Join Lesa for a 55-minute

sound-healing session as she plays the crystal bowls. Combines powerful vibrations and tones to induce immediate relaxation, which is the foundation of healing. These gentle vibrations clear blockages at the cellular level allowing the free and smooth flow of energy, restoring good health. $45/person. 504 Valley Brook Rd, McMurray, PA. 724-2600472. LisaMascara@gmail.com. Tickets: Clients. MindBodyOnline.com/classic/ws.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Non-Perishable Food Distribution – 1-5pm. Hosted by Saints John & Paul Parish of the Great Grouping. Non-perishable food box distribution at Saints John & Paul. If you or anyone you know is in need, stop by the Upper CDC to receive a box of non-perishable food items. 2586 Wexford Bayne Rd, Sewickley. 724-935-2104. Info@sts-jp.org. New Works Writers’ Meeting – 6-7:30pm. Hosted by New Works Coffeehouse and Scotch’n’Soda Theatre, and Carnegie Mellon University. Interested in learning more about playwriting and how new shows get made? Join for weekly writers’ meetings. No experience necessary, all skill levels welcome. NewWorksCoffee@gmail.com. 914-806-0411. Zoom: cmu.zoom.us/j/91750041202?pwd=ZEw1 VnV1QVlpWTBiOVhVeFR3VmhHZz09.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28 Small Business Saturday – 9am-9pm. Hosted by Appalachian Creativity Center and Ann Nicholson. Visit and support our local artists and small business owners. Lots of beautiful hand crafted gifts for everyone. Gift certificates also available for classes and Connellsville Escape Rooms. 139 West Crawford Ave, Connellsville. 724-208-1746. AppalachianCreativity@gmail.com. Holiday Pop-Up Shop: Clean Juice Cranberry – 10am-2pm. Also 12/12. Hosted by Enliven Your Spirit. Food should not be complicated, nor should the holidays. Support boutique collections, alongside fellow local businesses, and shop local goods for the special people in your life. Different vendors will be in attendance every week. Clean Juice, 2085 Mackenzie Way, Ste 300, Cranberry. 704-918-1217.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30 Full Moon Circle and Meditation – 7pm. Hosted by Back to the Earth Healing Center and The Millvale House. An in-person outdoor event with limited seating due to social distancing protocols. Bring a notebook and pencil, a candle, a drum or rattle, or any tool of your faith to help you celebrate the power of the full moon energy. Zoom option also available. $10. 22 Butler St, Pittsburgh. 412-821-2265. RSVP/ ticket: Eventbrite or TheMillvaleHouse@gmail.com.

ongoing events

sunday Heartfulness Meditation – 11am-noon. 1st Sun. Hosted by Heartfulness Pittsburgh. Age 15+. Guided relaxation and meditation for ages 15 and up. Learn the basics of heartfulness and how it can benefit you. Be casual. Free. Winchester Thurston Lower School in Shadyside, Rm 202. Info: Heartfulness.org. Thai Cooking Classes – Thru Mar 1. 1-2:30pm or 3-4:30pm. 2nd & 4th Sun. Hosted by Thai Me Up.

Get hands-on instruction, learn new skills and be inspired. Home-style Thai cooking classes are run by Chef Piyo and Chef Wasana. $45/person. 118 S 23rd St, Pittsburgh. 412-488-8893. Tickets/menu: Clover.com/online-ordering/thai-me-up-pittsburgh. 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 Tobacco Cessation Class – Thru Nov. Noon-1pm. With group support and a professional facilitator, participants will: pick a quit day, create a quit plan, measure carbon monoxide levels, practice stress management, meet with a registered dietician, strive to stay quit. Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center, 240 Wellness Way, Conference Rm A & B, Washington, PA. 724-225-9355. wrcwc@whs.org. Teen Workshop – Thru Dec 7. 4-5pm. Hosted by WashPAOutdoors. Discover outdoor spaces with free programs by local instructors. Join outside for an hour each Monday to discuss a new topic, explore, and take a hike. Washington Park, Log Cabin Dr, Washington, PA. WashpaOutdoors.wixsite.com/ washpa. 724-678-3823 or vviscardi@whs.org. Yoga for Wellbeing – 5:30-6:30pm. Wellbeing Solutions hosts in-person (limit 4) or online to harmonize body, mind, spirit, and breath with your dedication to attendance. Colleen Harshbarger, ERYT-500 and MS in Exercise Science Biomechanics, provides alignment-based instruction. All levels. $8. 304-508-2398. Wellbeingwv.com.

tuesday Lawrenceville Farmers’ Market – Extended Season – Thru Dec 17. 3-6pm. The market is extended by seven-weeks. Come shop in a safe, open-air environment with many of your favorite vendors. Arsenal Park, 250 40th St. Lunited.org. 412-802-7220. Tween Workshop – Thru Dec 8. 4-5pm. Hosted by WashPAOutdoors. Discover outdoor spaces with free programs by local instructors. Join for an hour outside each Tuesday to work on a project or take a hike in the woods. Washington Park, Log Cabin Dr, Washington, PA. WashpaOutdoors.wixsite.com/ washpa. 724-678-3823. Core Yoga Flow with Karen – Thru Dec. 6:307:30pm. Hosted by Gritstone Climbing and Fitness, LLC. Strengthen your core, improve your flexibility, and enhance your balance for climbing. This class is geared to help improve your body tension on the wall and your posture off the wall. 1901 Eljadid St, Morgantown, WV. 304-241-4187. Info@ClimbGritstone.com. Online Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. Hosted by WVU Collegiate Recovery. All skill-levels welcome. A password is required, but anyone can join! Free. Email olivia.pape@mail.wvu.edu to get the code. Guided Meditation with Reiki – Thru Dec 22. 7-7:50pm. 3rd Tue. Hosted by Salt of the Earth. Guided meditation begins with gentle relaxation leading to deep inner awareness and peace. $18.

Tickets: Clients.MindBodyOnline.com. Once registered you will receive an email link. Click the link five minutes prior to start. 724-260-0472. LisaMascara@gmail.com. The Salty Core – 7-8pm. 4th Tue. Hosted by Salt of the Earth and Valleybrook Pilates & Fitness. Pilates in the Cave to lengthen and expand muscles for a leaner, stronger you. Incorporate breath, stretch, and strengthening. Open to all levels. 504 Valley Brook Rd, McMurray, PA. Tickets: SaltOfTheEarthpgh.com.

wednesday Yoga for Wellbeing – 8:30-9:30am. Wellbeing Solutions hosts in-person (limit 4) or online to harmonize body, mind, spirit, and breath with your dedication to attendance. Colleen Harshbarger, ERYT-500 and MS in Exercise Science Biomechanics, provides alignment-based instruction. All levels. $8. 304-508-2398. Wellbeingwv.com. Listen to Black Women: What’s it like to be a Black Woman in Pittsburgh? – 6:30-8pm. Online event hosted by Black Women’s Policy Agenda. Join for a virtual community conversation. Free. 412-245-6771. Register: Eventbrite. BlackWomensPolicyAgenda.org. Introduction to Astrology – 6:30-8:30pm. Sept 23-Nov 24. Hosted by Sacred Centered You. Learn the basics of Astrology in this online six-week class taught by Stephen Jarvis. 14-hours. $300. Register at StephenJarvisAstrology.com. Includes workbook and 20-minute reading.

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, West Virginia. 304292-3359. Yoga – 10-11:30am. With Nancy Micheals. A series designed to focus on specific areas of the body to strengthen and stretch muscles. Classes will help participants build strength, balance the body’s system, increase body awareness, and increase energy while learning specific postures. CDC guidelines observed. YWCA Westmoreland County, 424 N Main St, Greensburg. 724-834-9390. Info@ywcawestmoreland.org. ywcawestmoreland. org/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/YWCA-Fall2020-Classes-and-Workshop-Insert.pdf. Wellbeing Solutions Webinars – 2nd & 4th Thur. Noon-1pm. Self-Care as Healthcare with BoardCertified Health and Wellness Coach and Yoga teacher Colleen Harshbarger and Natalie Geary, MD and Ayurveda Therapist. COVID rate: $25 1st (trial class); $40/thereafter. 4-pack: $150; 8-pack: $280. 12-pack: $399 includes one-year Wellness Inventory subscription ($49.95 value). On-demand times for groups. 304508-2398. Info/register: Wellbingwv.com/webinars. Restorative Yoga Nidra – Thru Dec. 7-8pm. 2nd Thur. Hosted by Salt of the Earth. Restorative yoga in the salt cave. Nidra, known as yogic sleep, is meant to induce total physical, mental and emotional relaxation. Bring a mat. 504 Valley Brook Rd, McMurray. 724-260-0472. Lisa@SaltOfTheEarthpgh. com. Tickets: Clients.MindBodyOnline.com.

November 2020

Pittsburgh, PA

NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

community resource guide 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.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ALTERNATIVE REMEDIES

305 Jefferson Ave, Moundsville, WV 304-506-3585 Dr.Carol@Remedies.com AlternativeRemediesOnline.com Dr. Carol offers a personalized holistic approach to your health concerns through nutrition, supplements, exercise, cellular spa treatments, homeopathy and self-help classes. Twenty years of experience in naturally supporting the body, her specialties are digestive health, women and children, and gluten-free living. Health memberships and video conferencing available.

AROMATHERAPY WELL OILED

Melissa Robb, BSW, JD, CA, RPII Certified Aromatherapist, Reiki II Practitioner 1414 Potomac Ave, Dormont 412-531-6457 • GetWellOiled.com Be your own best wellness advocate. Melissa can help you learn about essential oils, answer questions about CBD or help you along your spiritual path. Holistic We l l n e s s S h o p p r o v i d i n g accessible, affordable, and safe products plus workshops for optimal health and wellness: mind-body-spirit. High-quality aromatherapy oils and accessories, CBD and spiritual workshops. See calendar for classes.

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

D r. L a z a r u s p r a c t i c e s compassionate biologic dentistry by looking at the whole body to offer 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 4.

CHIROPRACTIC APPALACHIA CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS, PC

Travis D Horne, DC • Gi Ming ‘‘Lili’’ Chan, ND 20120 Route 19, Ste 202, Cranberry Twp, PA 724-553-5312 AppalachiaChiropractic.com Best of natural medicine – combining both chiropractic and naturopathic care. We provide integrative and individualized care to the community where patients feel heard and truly cared for. We offer manipulation, sports medicine, nutrition, herbal, homeopathy and hydrotherapy.

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 9.

FAMILY AND LIFESTYLE MEDICINE GENTILE FAMILY DIRECT PRIMARY CARE Natalie Gentile, MD 5655 Bryant St, Pittsburgh GentileFamilyDPC@gmail.com GentileFamilyDPC.com

Affordable, high-quality, evidencebased direct primary care for patients of all ages, regardless of insurance status. Become a member for a low monthly fee and get unlimited office visits, quality healthcare, wholesale prices on prescription medication and at-cost labs. They support a plant-based lifestyle and specialize in intensive therapeutic lifestyle counseling.

We stand together to fight racism, injustice, brutality and backlash. To the black members of our community: we see you, we support you and we stand by you.

When enough people care about autism or diabetes or global warming, it helps everyone, even if only a tiny fraction actively participate. ~Seth Godin November 2020

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 9.

YOUR HEALTH INVESTIGATOR

Dr William Howrilla, DC, CFMP Pittsburgh • SW Pennsylvania • Telehealth 412-445-3168 • YourHealthInvestigator.com Dr. William Howrilla, DC, CFMP is a unique chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner who utilizes Contact Reflex Analysis or CRA, which assesses the energy connections within the body for health analysis, detailed health history and other testing modalities to help you restore your health and regain your vitality and quality of life. See ad, page 5.

HEALTH COACH COTERIE

Calli Tony, CPT 201 E Fairview Ave, Rm 211, Connellsville, PA 724-562-0682 • CalliTonycpt.com Calli Tony is a mother, spiritual entrepreneur and a holistic health and transformational coach. She is the creator of HYPE and podcast host. Her mission is to serve, empower and educate through holistic healing. She works with women who want to create a massive shift in their life!

SHE’S MY HEALTH COACH

D’Anna V. Kromer 1195 W Laurel Cir, Mount Pleasant, PA 724-331-3365 • ShesMyHealthCoach.com Certified health wellness coach and registered yoga teacher assisting individuals with habit change. Providing support, a c c o u n t a b i l i t y, a n d t o t a l t r a n sf o r m a t i o n a l p r o g r a m s addressing most pressing health issues like sugar cravings, energy and mood swings, stress, inflammation, emotional eating, chronic dieting, weight loss, diabetes, and sleep hygiene. Plus, offering private yoga instruction.

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 5.

HERBALISM BASIC EARTH ESSENTIALS

Michael Lausterer P.O. Box 6, Richeyville, PA 724-426-4579 • BasicEarthEssentials.com Getting back to our natural roots is the foundational philosophy that drives and inspires Basic Earth Essentials; using the purest botanicals of the earth to create handcrafted, superb blends of the finest quality. Products for pets, personal care, and inspirational settings. Custom products available. See ad, page 13.

Coming Next Month DECEMBER

Spending Locally

Plus: Creating Community & Connection

Pittsburgh, PA

NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

HERBS OLD THYME HERB SHOP, LLC Lisa Cunningham Old-Fashioned Family Herbalist 308 Liberty St, Perryopolis, PA 724-736-2400

Nothing fancy, just hundreds of organic bulk medicinal herbs at your beck and call. Heal yourself and 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. See holiday blessing greeting on back cover.

INTERIOR DESIGN DEBORAH BELLA INTERIOR DESIGN

Debbie S Bielawski, Allied ASID, Associate IIDA 412-216-5487 • DeborahBella.com Info@DeborahBella.com Redesigning your home or office beautifully by utilizing natural, eco-friendly, sustainable and biophilic solutions that are healthier for your mind, body and soul. See ad, page 6.

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! See ad, page 9.

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE APPALACHIA CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS, PC

Travis D Horne, DC • Gi Ming ‘‘Lili’’ Chan, ND 20120 Route 19, Ste 202, Cranberry Twp, PA 724-553-5312 • AppalachiaChiropractic.com Best of natural medicine – combining both chiropractic and naturopathic care. We provide integrative and individualized care to the community where patients feel heard and truly cared for. We offer manipulation, sports medicine, nutrition, herbal, homeopathy and hydrotherapy.

SPIRITUAL

LEARN AND GROW WITH SARA JO

THE PRAYER WARRIOR AND HEALER

Sara Remington, Consulting SaraRemington13@gmail.com 724-208-4977

Healing children, adults and pets through Divine Intervention practices. Specializing in: customized written prayer requests and crystal grids; assisting empathic and sensitive children; Akashic (past-life record) readings; energy clearing for self, home, property and workplace.

Family wellness coaching through holistic nutrition, transformational life coaching, and mindfulness-based practices. Teacher, parent educator, and mind body and wellness practitioner. Schedule a one on one 10-week coaching program on intuitive eating. Available to hold workshops on mindfulness for kids, nutrition and intuitive eating.

ThePrayerWarriorAndHealer.com ThePrayerWarriorAndHealer@gmail.com

URBAN FARMING GROW PITTSBURGH

Raqueeb Bey, Garden Resource Coordinator 6587 Hamilton Ave, Ste 2W, Pittsburgh 412-362-4769 ext 215 Raqueeb@GrowPittsburgh.org 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 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. See ad, page 19.

WELLNESS

SALT OF THE EARTH

Himalayan Salt Cave and Chakra Boutique 504 Valley Brook Rd, McMurray 724-260-0472 • SaltOfTheEarthpgh.com Salt of the Earth offers the ancient healing benefits of salt; serene, therapeutic, and exquisitely built with 16 tons of authentic Himalayan salt. Sessions are 45 minutes. Group events: guided meditation, yoga, sound healing, and pilates. Personal services in the cave: reiki, massage, cellular healing, Akashic Records, mediumship and spirit guide channeling. Known to heal respiratory and skin issues, the organically dispersed salt is naturally detoxifying, reduces inflammation, cleanses the respiratory system and improves sleep. See ad, page 9.

WINER WELLNESS CENTER 2419 Baldwick Rd, Pittsburgh 412-922-9355 • DrWiner.com

Holistic Wellness Center with practitioners for chiropractic, nutritional consultation, allergy elimination and muscle therapy. Workers’ compensation and accident insurance claims. Fully stocked all-natural supplement store.

YOGA AND MEDITATION THE HIMALAYAN INSTITUTE OF PITTSBURGH

360 CAFÉ LLC

300 Beverly Rd, Pittsburgh 412-344-7434 • HipYoga.org

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. See ad, page 7.

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. Offering 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 certification programs.

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

When you are balanced and when you listen and attend to the needs of your body, mind, and spirit, your natural beauty comes out. ~Christy Turlington

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OPPORTUNITIES ADVERTISE HERE – Are you: hiring, renting property/office space, selling products, offering services, or in need of volunteers? Advertise your personal/business needs in Natural Awakenings classified ad section. To place an ad, email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com. 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. START A CAREER YOU CAN BE PASSIONATE ABOUT – Publish your own Natural Awakenings magazine. Home-based business, complete with comprehensive training and support system. New franchises are available or purchase a magazine that is currently publishing. Call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsmag.com/MyMagazine.

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

November 2020

Natural Awakenings Greater Pittsburgh November 2020

Articles inside

PREVENTING

MINDFUL PARENTING

SHERRI MITCHELL

NATURAL BEAUTY

GIVING THANKS

GIVING THANKS

THE GREEN