RESOLVING TRAUMA
• Dietary Influences on Health and Disease
• Nutrition and Aging
• The Herbal Medicine Chest
• Detoxification and Healing
• Antioxidants
• Health Psychology
Welcome to this issue in September, a month that brings with it the first whispers of autumn and new opportunities for growth and reflection. As the seasons transition, we invite you to journey through these pages, exploring topics that touch on personal well-being, environmental sustainability, and the wonders of nature.
AI in sustainability efforts, find a wealth of information on page 12 regarding the innovative approaches being developed to address our environmental challenges. Family dynamics play a crucial role in emotional well-being, especially for our children.
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In our ever-changing world, understanding and addressing trauma has become increasingly crucial. Our feature article delves into integrative approaches to healing, combining traditional treatments with innovative therapies like somatic exercises and mindfulness. For a comprehensive look at these promising methods, turn to page 16 and read how holistic practices are reshaping trauma recovery.
September is National Mushroom Month and we’re shining a spotlight on these remarkable fungi. From their culinary versatility to their health benefits, mushrooms offer possibilities for both the kitchen and personal wellness. Explore the Conscious Eating Department’s article on page 20 to uncover the many ways these organic organisms can enrich our diet and potentially safeguard our health. Environmental consciousness remains at the forefront of global concerns, and the article Emerging Sustainability Drivers by Kelcie Ottoes provides an insightful overview of the latest initiatives shaping our planet’s future. From advancements in renewable energy to the role of
Christina Connors’ article Emotional Healing as a Family offers valuable insights into how parents can model and teach essential mental health skills. With practical activities and expert advice, this piece on page 26 provides a roadmap for fostering emotional resilience within the family unit.
Lastly, we explore the numerous benefits of planting native trees in our communities. This article highlights the environmental advantages and provides practical tips for selection and care. Discover how you can easily contribute to local ecosystems and community wellbeing by turning to page 11.
We’re grateful for your readership and for considering our advertisers as you make choices in your daily life. Together, we form a community dedicated to personal growth, wellness, and positive change. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey.
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New Jazzercise Fitness Classes
Oakland Park
Celebrate the Grand Opening of Jazzercise iconic fitness classes, on September 14, at their new location, North Andrews Gardens Community Center, 250 Northeast 56th Court, Oakland Park. A special bonus for those ready to improve their health, appearance, fitness, and mobility, attendees enjoy free intro classes commencing at 9 a.m.
Darlene Marcroft, owner of Jazzercise of Oakland Park and Fort Lauderdale shares, “We offer an effective exercise program so members lose weight and get stronger, but we try not to take ourselves so seriously that it is intimidating. We encourage everyone to work at their own pace and know they’ve already done the hardest part which is walking in the door!”
Every 45- to 55-minute class is designed for people of every fitness level; each Jazzercise class provides dance-based cardio alongside strength training in a supportive environment. Both low and higher impact options are demonstrated in every class. Routines are choreographed to a diverse range of today’s top music, including pop, hip-hop, alternative, country, rock, and more.
To reserve your spot, call/text Darlene Marcroft, 754 224-8244, email Jazzerdarb@gmail.com or visit Jazzercise.com/location/north-andrews-garden. See ad page 30.
Discover the Healing Power of Watsu & Aquatic Healingwork
Imagine being gently cradled in warm water, your body floating effortlessly as stress and tension melt away. This is the essence of Watsu, an aquatic therapy that combines the soothing properties of water with gentle stretches and shiatsu techniques.
Watsu sessions take place in a chest-deep pool heated to around 95°F, creating the perfect environment for relaxation. The benefits are profound. Physically, Watsu helps alleviate pain, increase flexibility, and improve circulation. It’s especially beneficial for those with chronic pain, arthritis, or fibromyalgia, providing relief without the strain of traditional therapy.
Beyond the physical benefits, Watsu offers a sanctuary for the mind and spirit. The weightlessness of water allows release of deep-seated tension, reducing stress and anxiety. Many people find Watsu helps improve sleep and brings a greater sense of emotional balance.
Every Watsu session is a unique journey, tailored to each person’s specific needs. Whether seeking relief from physical discomfort or a break from mental stresses of daily life, Watsu can provide a profound sense of peace and well-being.
Dive in and let the water work its magic on body and mind. Experience this transformative power and discover a new level of holistic healing.
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Thermae Retreat
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Thermae Retreat, a leading wellness center in Fort Lauderdale, is set to host a groundbreaking “Pathway to Peace” Ketamine Retreat, taking place September 20 to 22, at their location, 604 South Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. This innovative program combines ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) with holistic wellness practices, offering a unique approach to healing and personal transformation.
A promising treatment for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, KAP is administered in a controlled therapeutic setting. Ketamine induces an altered state of consciousness, allowing participants to explore deep-seated emotional patterns and gain new insights. This powerful therapy is complemented by a range of wellness activities, including detoxifying saunas, sound baths, meditation, and massage, creating a comprehensive healing experience.
Pioneering Natural Hair Care
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Hypnotherapy: Debunking Myths and Unlocking Healing Potential
Dr. Corinne Scholtz, LMFT, who will be facilitating the retreat, emphasizes the synergistic effects of combining KAP with holistic practices in a serene environment. This integrated approach addresses mind, body, and spirit, fostering profound healing and lasting change.
Limited spots are available for retreats in September, October, and November.
For more information or to book the “Pathway to Peace” retreat, call Dr. Scholtz at 954-253-0985 or visit ConnectedLiving-fl. com. See ad, page 29.
Children see magic because they look for it. ~ Christopher Moore
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Hypnotherapy, a powerful therapeutic technique harnessing the subconscious mind, boasts a remarkable 93 percent success rate in addressing self-sabotaging issues and cyclical patterns. By targeting the emotional drivers of destructive behaviors, it offers long-lasting results often unattainable through conventional methods.
Contrary to popular myths, hypnotherapy is not a form of mind control, and individuals remain in control throughout the process. It’s accessible to most people, not just the “weak-minded”, as hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention we all experience daily.
While commonly associated with smoking cessation and weight loss, hypnotherapy effectively treats a wide range of issues, including anxiety, phobias, trauma, chronic pain, and insomnia. This safe, transformative modality offers profound benefits for those seeking positive change and personal growth, working where the problem originates—within the subconscious mind.
Keli Raymond, master hypnotic coach and instructor, of Pathway Hypnotherapy & Intuitive Counseling LLC/Florida, and Florida Hypnotherapy & Intuitive Training Academy, offers a course to become a certified hypnotherapist, with the next session starting this October. Raymond is also available for private hypnotherapy sessions. See ads on pages 17 and 30.
Contrast Water Therapy for Muscles
Exercise creates microscopic tears in muscle tissues, which the body repairs, and each repetition of this cycle allows muscles to grow back stronger. Contrast water therapy (CWT) is a post-workout recovery method that involves placing sore muscles in alternating hot and cold baths in succession. Data examined from 13 studies and published in a 2013 PLOS ONE review showed that CWT resulted in significantly greater improvements in muscle soreness and reduced strength loss at six, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after exercise, compared to rest without any other post-recovery approach. The results of CWT were comparable to other muscle recovery interventions such as cold-water immersion, warm-immersion, compression and stretching.
Microbiome and Addictive Eating
While food addiction is not considered an official diagnosis, some people have a hard time controlling the amount of highly processed foods they consume. In research published in the journal Gut, scientists analyzed the microbiome bacteria of mice and humans with food addictions. They found that the bacteria in mice and humans with food addictions were different from their counterparts with a healthy food relationship. The foodaddicted groups had lower levels of the beneficial Blautia bacteria and high levels of the detrimental Proteobacteria in their microbiomes. When the researchers increased the Blautia bacteria levels in the mice that had become compulsive eaters, the compulsive behavior stopped. While a correlation between the microbiome makeup and eating patterns has been identified, more research is needed to understand whether that relationship is a cause or a marker for compulsive eating.
Cause of Lupus Discovered
Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, damaging joints, skin, muscles, connective tissue and major organs such as the kidneys, brain and heart. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, an estimated 1.5 million Americans have lupus, with nine out of 10 being women. Researchers at Northwestern Medicine and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Boston, say they have identified the root cause of lupus. In research reported in the journal Nature, the scientists identified a molecular defect that promotes the immune response in lupus, as well as a way to reprogram the lupus-causing cells to correct the imbalance in the immune response. Work continues to find a safe and effective way to deliver these molecules to the body for reprogramming.
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Childhood Diet Linked to Long-Term Cognitive Health
The findings of a study on the long-term effects of diet were presented at the June 2024 meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, in Chicago. The study tracked diet and cognitive abilities of more than 3,000 adults enrolled in a British survey since 1946. The participants’ diet was analyzed at five points in time, and their cognitive ability at seven points. The researchers found that higher dietary quality was closely linked with greater cognitive ability, including working memory, processing speed and general cognitive performance. Those with the highest cognitive abilities over time ate more vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains, and less sodium, added sugars and refined grains. Only 8 percent of participants with low-quality diets sustained high cognitive abilities. The results of the study suggest that the cumulative effects of diet are linked to how sharp the mind is as we age.
Standardizing Acupuncture for Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is estimated to affect 18.4 percent, or about 18 million, American men. Acupuncture has long been used as a treatment with fewer potential side effects than pharmaceutical treatments. Unlike conventional medicine, the application of acupuncture and other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine may vary by practitioner. A research article published in Karger’s Complementary Medicine Research journal sought to reach consensus on the most effective diagnostic and treatment protocols for clinical use and for future research into the effectiveness of acupuncture. Eleven acupuncture experts identified 24 acupoints and suggested an optimal dose of between 11 and 15 treatments given once or twice a week.
Rare Frog-Faced Turtle Found in India
A group of international scientists have discovered a breeding population of Asian giant softshell turtles on the banks of India’s Chandragiri River. According to an article in the conservation journal Oryx, people from the local community reported sightings and aided in the live release of turtles caught by fisherman.
The softshell turtle has frog-like facial features and is native to the rivers of South and Southeast Asia. They can grow to be more than three feet in length and weigh more than 200 pounds. These turtles are classified as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. The turtle’s population has been in decline due to habitat destruction, over-harvesting for meat and harm from fishing gear. This discovery offers hope for future conservation efforts to help the turtles thrive.
Camembert and Brie Cheese Risk
A decrease in biodiversity may lead to the loss of some of the most beloved cheeses—camembert, brie and blue cheese—according to a warning from the French National Center for Scientific Research. The fungi used to ferment these cheeses and give them their unique taste, smell, color and texture are in decline, and it is believed that efforts to engineer consistent results using fungi made in the lab is partially to blame for this decline.
In the case of camembert, the objective was to create a standardized, pristine-white look and silky texture by using a specific strain of albino fungus. But over time, that fungus has lost its ability to reproduce naturally and is losing its capability to produce asexual spores. Relying on a single form of an organism also makes it susceptible to disease, which could wipe out the whole population. In the future, cheese lovers may need to accept the greater degree of variability in the look and taste of their favorite cheeses that results from using wild fungi.
Climate Change Impacts on Earth’s Rotation
A 24-hour day seems like a constant, but a day has slowly been getting longer. A day was less than 19 hours long 1.4 billion years ago and was only 23 hours long when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Natural events such as earthquakes, volcanoes, tides and wind patterns can affect how fast or slow the world turns.
Recently, scientists observed that the dynamics of the Earth’s liquid outer core were causing the planet to speed its rotation, suggesting that we might need to delete a second of time from our clocks for the first time ever. In our highly connected world that relies on precise timekeeping, losing a second could lead to unforeseen complications. However, a new study in the journal Nature concludes that the redistribution of water caused by the melting polar ice caps caused by climate change will delay the need to delete a second from the clock to 2028 or 2029.
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Benefits and Tips for Planting Native Trees
As people become increasingly aware of their environmental footprint, planting native trees stands out as an impactful action. In addition to their beauty and shade, indigenous species offer numerous other benefits.
Habitat Preservation
According to the National Wildlife Federation, loss of habitat is the primary threat to wildlife. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends planting native vegetation to maintain a biodiverse, robust and resilient ecosystem. Because these varietals have evolved over centuries to adapt to the local soil and climate, they are hardy providers of essential shelter and food for an area’s wildlife.
Soil Health and Water Conservation
The root systems of native trees play a vital role in maintaining soil health, helping to regulate soil temperature, prevent erosion and promote water infiltration. Native trees require less fertilizer and water than non-natives—of particular significance in drought-prone areas.
Climate Resilience
By sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gases, trees contribute to the fight against global warming. They also lower utility bills by shading the house in the summer while allowing the sun to warm it in the winter. Native trees are better equipped to withstand a region’s weather extremes, pests and diseases. The nonprofit American Forests suggests planting species that will be suitable for an area’s expected climate conditions in 30 to 50 years.
Human Enrichment
Native trees improve air quality by filtering pollutants. They also provide a sense of place and community. A neighborhood with abundant green spaces can enhance mental well-being by offering a natural retreat, especially in urban settings. Integrating native trees into community planning can foster a stronger connection between residents and their local environment, too.
Tips for Planting Native Trees
• Select the right tree. Consult the USDA tool (PlantHardiness.ars.usda.gov), which predicts a tree’s resilience in light of current and future climatic variables. To ensure genetic diversity, select plantings that are grown from seed instead of cloned.
• Choose the right spot. Make sure the tree’s mature size will fit the available space.
• Mulch and protect. To support microorganisms, control weeds, hold moisture and help a young tree flourish, spread two to four inches of mulch in a ring extending to the tree’s drip line; avoid piling it against the tree trunk. To enrich the soil, choose organic mulch such as composted leaves or aged hardwood bark.
• Water wisely. Research the water requirements of the species. During the initial establishment period, it is important to provide adequate water without overdoing it.
Emerging Sustainability Drivers
From Artificial Intelligence to Citizen Scientists
by Kelcie Ottoes
Emerging sustainability initiatives such as renewable energy, greenwashing regulation, artificial intelligence (AI) applications and biodiversity programs are all being championed by stakeholders for the greater good of our planet.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is derived from natural sources, such as the sun and wind, that are replenished at a higher rate than they are
consumed. In 2023, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that renewable energy made up 9 percent of total energy consumption from these sources: biomass waste, biofuels and wood (60 percent); wind (18 percent); solar (11 percent); hydroelectric (10 percent); and geothermal (1 percent).
The International Energy Agency predicts that renewables will provide more than a
third of global electricity generation by early 2025—surpassing coal—due in large part to increasingly cheaper photovoltaic technology. The quest continues to improve the efficiency, cost effectiveness, adaptability and environmental footprint of existing solar panels. Advanced photovoltaics use innovative materials such as perovskites, organic and tandem solar cells, which may surpass the efficiency of traditional silicon-based solar cells. The use of floating solar panels and panels above or adjacent to agricultural production serves to minimize land use and increase opportunities for energy production. Flexible, transparent solar cells also allow for their integration into a wider range of applications.
These advancements are also aided by improvements in energy storage. Lithiumglass batteries and redux flow batteries manage the intermittency of renewable energies like wind and solar better and have a lower environmental impact than other batteries. Flow batteries, in particular, show potential as a cost-effective, long-term storage solution.
Greenwashing Regulations
Greenwashing is the practice of making a product appear to be more environmentally friendly or less environmentally
damaging than it really is, and new anti-greenwashing laws are being promoted to help consumers make better choices. The European Union has banned environmental claims that are not supported by transparent, verifiable data. It also imposes strict regulations on potentially misleading terms such as “environmentally friendly”, “eco-friendly”, “green”, “biodegradable” and “carbon neutral”.
In a similar move intended to provide environmental transparency and oversight, the California Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act will require companies with more than $1 billion in revenues to report their direct and indirect emissions from energy consumption with third-party certification beginning in 2026. This information will be made public online.
Artificial Intelligence
AI is expected to play a larger role in fighting climate change. Some applications include:
• Identifying carbon inefficiencies within a supply chain to influence reduction strategies
• Improving the efficiency and maintenance of renewable energy infrastructure, optimizing the management of the power grid, forecasting power consumption and managing energy distribution
• Supporting the agriculture industry by analyzing soil data, plant health and weather forecasting
• Boosting recycling rates by using AIpowered machines to sort materials to be recovered
These advancements in AI are not without cost. According to Nathan Childress, Ph.D, a nuclear engineer and CEO of Macorva, “AI’s voracious appetite for energy is straining power grids and causing some tech giants to miss their carbon reduction targets. This highlights a critical need for immediate action in expanding clean energy infrastructure to support AI’s growth.”
Biodiversity Stewardship
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According to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a United Nationsled initiative, more than half the world’s population—4.3 billion people—depend on biodiversity and nature for their livelihood, with 70 percent of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable relying directly on nature for their everyday needs. And yet, biodiversity is dwindling at an alarming rate.
“Urbanization and deforestation lead to habitat fragmentation, while pollution—particularly plastic and chemical waste—degrades ecosystems,” says Abdullah Choudhry, chief impact officer at Arbor, a carbon assessment company. “According to the World Wildlife Fund, wildlife populations have declined nearly 70 percent since 1970, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive conservation efforts.”
To protect biodiversity, volunteers are teaming up with researchers on long-term ecological projects. The nonprofit Biodiversity & Development Institute, for example, enlists citizen scientists with smartphones to
identify African mammal, aquatic, insect and plant species for their Virtual Museum project. In Japan, the mobile application Biome was able to collect more than 6 million species observations with the help of the public. In a study published in eLife, scientists combined these citizen sightings with traditional data to improve ecosystem assessments and protected-area designations.
In a journal article published in BioScience, experts report a growing opportunity for citizen-led research in biodiversity, noting that people onsite are able to identify under-sampled species and help scientists gain a deeper understanding of ecological interactions among species or habitats. Offering hope for future generations, kids are also getting involved. The Biodiversity Group, in Arizona, offers a K-12 curriculum that encourages biodiversity stewardship at a young age.
Kelcie Ottoes is a copywriter and content creator specializing in sustainability and environmental topics.
Natural Solutions for Alopecia
In Search of a Full Head of Hair
by Zak Logan
For many of us, our hair can feel like an outward expression of our identity, and we may struggle emotionally and socially when it is compromised. According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, an estimated 6.7 million Americans suffer or have suffered from alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune disease resulting in hair loss on the scalp, face and other parts of the body. Whether AA manifests as bald patches or complete hair loss, the conventional courses of action may involve oral prescription medication, over-the-counter topical products and oral or injected steroids that are often unsuccessful and may come with side effects.
There is evidence that stress and anxiety can play a role in AA, as can certain underlying health conditions such as thyroid disease, celiac disease and lupus. Hormonal imbalances and vitamin and mineral deficiencies can also be key factors. Although AA can be a stubborn condition, alternative approaches such as centuries-old Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including acupuncture, can offer hope.
Ayurvedic Techniques
According to allopathic medicine, AA may be caused by hormonal imbalances or an excessive immune response that attacks the hair follicles, but from the perspective of Eastern medicine, the issue is more complex. Ayurveda, India’s 5,000-year-old holistic-health system, approaches AA and other health conditions from the concept of individual constitution. Energetic forces called doshas are believed to be inherent in all cells and organ systems and embody five natural elements: earth, air, fire, water and ether.
“Our doshic makeup is very unique, with the ratios between the three doshas (vata, pitta and kapha) being different for each one of us. In alopecia, it is most commonly seen as a pitta condition when the metabolic fires within us are excessive and too hot, causing inflammation,” says Virender Sodhi, an Ayurvedic and naturopathic physician in Redmond, Washington. He adds that for alopecia cases caused by thyroid disorders, in which the hair becomes dry and brittle before falling out, he would look into the health of a person’s vata, the dosha that corresponds to the element of air.
A 2022 case study of an individual AA patient published in Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine reported that the patient saw improvement within 15 days of an Ayurvedic treatment plan that included a combination of cleansing, detoxification, blood purification and naturally derived medications. The researchers recommended further study of these techniques. Another study published in the same journal a year later noted the effectiveness of certain Ayurvedic medicines comprised of natural elements,
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combined with cupping, in which heated cups are placed on the back, stomach, arms, legs or other parts of the body, forming a vacuum or suction force.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
From the approach of 3,000-year-old TCM, imbalances and illnesses are attributed to obstructions within the body’s subtle energetic system. “This is the concept of the life force, or the energy of our body as it takes care of itself,” explains Brian Keenan, a naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist at Sagelight Integrative Wellness Center, in Columbia, Maryland. “In Chinese medicine, qi is the energy of the body, and it flows along a set pattern similar to a well-connected network of roads and highways. Meridians are the names of the major highways an acupuncturist will use to influence the qi flowing through them.”
In cases of alopecia, Keenan would dive deeply to find the origin of the pathology. “The specifics of your symptoms will help an acupuncturist figure out where exactly the problem is coming from, since there can be several issues at once,” he explains. “This is why your acupuncturist may spend a great deal of time asking you detailed questions about every nuance of not just your symptoms but also your whole body’s health.”
A 2022 review of eight studies published in Frontiers of Medicine found that acupuncture or moxibustion (the burning of dried mugwort on or near the body during acupuncture), used by themselves or in combination with other treatment modalities, may be effective in treating hair loss.
Vitamin Fortification
Clinical findings published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology in 2017 report that systemic vitamin D levels are lower in people with AA, and improvement might result from supplementation. Recent research also shows that zinc deficiency was noted in sufferers and adding the mineral to the diet might be helpful. Mount Sinai Health System, in New York City, suggests that biotin and trace minerals might foster hair growth and recommends including beneficial foods such as carrots, tomatoes, chard and romaine lettuce.
Lifestyle Changes
Practitioners of both Ayurveda and TCM attest to the value of eliminating processed foods as a way to support the liver in its role of minimizing systemic inflammation. They also recommended streamlining busy schedules and employing meditative practices to reduce stressors.
For best results, commitment is key. Regarding TCM, Keenan sug gests an eight-week treatment plan of herbs and acupuncture. “Is it possible to see results sooner? Absolutely. But from my experience as a practitioner, it’s better to set realistic expectations, and if we get there sooner, then that’s all the better.”
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Stopping the Trauma Cycle
Mind-Body Healing Strategies
by Carrie Gauthier
Trauma can strike anyone at any time. Loss, heartbreak, abuse, violence, displacement, accidents, disasters, health problems—the list of possible traumas is endless. According to the National Council for Behavioral Health, 70 percent of adults have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lives, and more than a third of youth exposed to community violence experience
According to the National Council for Behavioral Health, 70 percent of adults have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lives, and more than a third of youth exposed to community violence experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma is a factor in most behavioral health and substance-use disorders.
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma is a factor in most behavioral health and substance-use disorders. While trauma may be part of our lives, it does not need to define who we are or how we
enjoy our lives. Healing from trauma can take time, but it is within reach.
Health Effects
Left untreated, trauma or repeated trauma has a wide range of short- and long-term effects on physical and mental health. Trauma increases stress and keeps the fight-or-flight response on elevated alert, resulting in the release of chronically high amounts of cortisol into the body. Initial reactions may include exhaustion, numbness, sadness, anxiety and dissociation. Excessive cortisol increases the risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, digestive problems, muscle tension, headaches, sleep issues, weight gain, irregular periods, anxiety, depression and cognitive challenges.
Cycle of Addiction
Trauma is a common precursor to addiction, because individuals often turn to substances as a coping mechanism for their emotional pain. The use of drugs or alcohol gives trauma sufferers a reprieve from their chronic stress by producing pleasure and reducing negative feelings, and may even slow their central nervous system. Untreated, trauma can lead to a vicious cycle where one condition feeds the other.
Holistic Healing
While medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotics can be effective in treating trauma symptoms, they may fall short in addressing the root cause. An integrative approach to trauma healing adds evidencebased therapies to tackle the underlying causes and promote long-term recovery.
Integrative Psychiatry
James Greenblatt, a board-certified functional and integrative psychiatrist and founder of Psychiatry Redefined, believes in a broader view of psychiatric care. “For example, if our patient is suffering from depression and we were to tell them they should exercise because it’s the best antidepressant we have, that could come off as incredibly insensitive, ruin our chances of gaining their trust and add to their feelings of helplessness and isolation. Alternatively, if we show
them how to recover their motivation and energy, that is the way to begin the relationship.”
“Our bodies are different, and our genetics are different. How we react to stress and trauma are different too. I start with lab and genetic tests to see if there’s something I can optimize biologically. Then we supplement any nutritional deficiencies to restore their functionality and increase their energy. These tests also partially help inform the way we design the complementary healing modality plan. This is the piece that gets missed a lot,” says Greenblatt, adding that he tests depressed patients for a vitamin B12 deficiency, which may contribute to depression, anxiety and even psychosis.
Finding a Safe Place
Children are particularly susceptible to trauma, and an adverse childhood experience (ACE) can pose lifelong impacts. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 64 percent of adults say they have had at least one ACE, and 17 percent say they had four or more by age 18. ACEs can rob kids of the magic of childhood, disrupt their development and lead to maladaptive behaviors in adulthood.
Aimie Apigian, a double board-certified physician in preventative and addiction medicine and founder of Trauma Healing Accelerated, started her work with attachment and trauma by working with adoptive families to help their children with attachment insecurity. She explains that childhood traumatic experiences can result in “underlying mistrust—literally wiring a child’s nervous system, brain and body for survival—and overwhelm connection, security and safety.”
Somatic therapy is one modality that Apigian integrates to assist individuals on their trauma-healing journey, helping them connect with their bodies, learn to understand its messages and resolve stored trauma. Apigian explains that just 10 minutes of sequential somatic exercises over 21 days can restore a sense of safety. “For each person, the specific improvement or
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the degree of improvement will be different, but there will be an improvement as soon as we shift our biology into one of safety rather than of danger.”
By following an essential sequence to safely address stored trauma through somatic exercises, Apigian says people “experience 30 percent less depression, 30 percent less anxiety, 30 percent fewer digestive issues, 30 percent improvement in energy and a 60 percent increase in their feelings of safety. The essential sequence has to start with creating a felt sense of safety, then a sense of support and then opening up while pacing our process. It is such a powerful way to empower them for their lifetime.”
Reaching Our Inner Child
Inner-child work can help develop a dialogue to reach the place where we hold past emotions, memories, beliefs, hopes and dreams. “I tell people when they’re starting this journey, if they put their hands on their belly above and below their bellybutton and just let the hands be there, that will calm down an aspect of us so that it begins to feel safe. It’s called the basic self,” says Dr. Lin Morel, a trauma management specialist and founder of Beyond Words Group. “It’s an aspect of our consciousness that is roughly 5 years old, if you were to give it an age. So it gets very fearful, and if it’s not loved, it will act out.”
According to Morel, embracing the basic self can help people out of some of the darkest corners of trauma. No stranger to childhood and adult trauma herself, she empowers her patients with the W.I.N. protocol (willingness, intention, neutrality), which offers them a fresh approach to handling challenges while developing their intuition and regulating emotions as a neutral observer.
Mindful Self-Regulation
There is growing evidence that mindfulness-based practices such as meditation and yoga aid in shifting focus from the negative to the positive aspects of experiences. These techniques calm the nervous system and empower individuals to take control of their narratives and become more resilient.
A 2017 review of trials involving 650 trauma sufferers that underwent mindfulness-based stress reduction, yoga and mantra repetition was published in Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. The researchers concluded that meditation was an effective treatment for PTSD and depression symptoms as compared to the control groups.
A 2022 systematic review of 149 records and 11 peer-reviewed articles published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that those that practiced yoga had an increased sense of self-compassion, felt more centered, developed coping skills, had a better mind-body relationship and improved their relationships with others. Participants also experienced a feeling of safety in yoga classes that included others recovering from trauma.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is a mind-body practice that uses a trance-like state of deep relaxation to treat psychological and emotional disorders. Guided imagery, progressive relaxation and suggestion therapy are used to explore thoughts, feelings and memories that may be hidden from the conscious mind. Self-hypnosis techniques are also taught for ongoing support, empowering individuals to continue their healing outside of therapy sessions. A 2016 meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis concluded that hypnosis is effective in alleviating PTSD symptoms.
“A miracle, simply, is a shift in the mind. Once you find the root cause of the problem in the mind and bring that to consciousness, we’re shifting from ego to true self, from fear to love, from illusion to truth,” says Matthew Brownstein, executive director of the Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy. “Through hypnotherapy, that shift is actually remarkably easy. You can shift as quickly as I can snap my fingers. So, basically, when you change your mind, everything changes. When a decision is made, it stays in place until you choose again.”
Carrie Gauthier is a writer in the healing arts with interests in clinical and transpersonal hypnotherapy.
Marvelous Mushrooms
Celebrating a Culinary Powerhouse
by Marlaina Donato
September is National Mushroom Month, and with it comes bountiful inspiration to plate up some earthy goodness. Whether we follow the nearest woodland path to forage or visit the local market to stock up on our favorite fungi, autumn is the perfect time to appreciate the delicious world of edible mushrooms. From creamy vegan risotto to golden soups, or from daring sautés punctuated with chiles to savory broths, consuming more mushrooms benefits our palate and well-being.
Health Benefits
The Mayo Clinic reports that mushrooms help curb high blood pressure and protect us from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Most mushrooms available at the market are a good source of B vitamins and minerals,
especially selenium-rich creminis and vitamin D-rich maitakes.
A 2021 Penn State study published in Advances in Nutrition involving data of more than 19,500 cancer patients over several decades reveals that individuals consuming one-eighth to one-quarter cup of mushrooms daily had a 45 percent lower risk of total cancer compared to those that did not. It is believed that the antioxidants ergothioneine and glutathione—present in all mushrooms—contribute to beneficial metabolic processes in the body. Other research is focused on a correlation between white button mushroom consumption and a lower risk of prostate and breast cancer.
Off the Trail and Into the Kitchen
Mushrooms have been used as both nourishment and medicine for ages, but their versatility in the kitchen is what delights Sharon Palmer, a plant-based dietician and author of California Vegan and The Plant-Powered Diet. “You can sauté or grill them as a side dish, stir them into soups and stews, add them to grain and pasta dishes, chop them into salads or bowls and include them in casseroles,” she advises. “Use finely chopped mushrooms in lentil patties, veggie burgers, veggie ‘meat’ balls and veggie loaves. You really can’t detect their texture, but you get that rich, savory flavor in the recipe.”
Palmer favors certain commonly available varieties: shiitake and trumpet mushrooms for their reliable, firm texture; oyster mushrooms for their delicate softness suited for
stir fries; and petite enoki mushrooms for a crisp addition to salads. To obtain memorable flavor, gourmet varieties such as porcinis can be purchased dried and easily rehydrated for soups and sauces.
On the wilder side, foraged mushrooms such as golden chanterelles are an annual favorite among connoisseurs. “The mossy, old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest are some of my favorite fall destinations,” says Langdon Cook, a Seattle-based forager and author of The Mushroom Hunters, who recommends taking a foraging class or joining a mycological society for hands-on safety tips and in-the-field learning.
Cook notes that mushrooms are ideal for vegetarians and vegans because many varieties are firm in texture and pair well with vegetables. “Black trumpet or yellowfoot mushrooms take a basic dish of creamy polenta to the next level, and most grains and pastas will benefit from the addition of fungi,” he asserts. “Try a dry sauté method: heating the mushrooms in a bare pan until they release their water, cooking off that liquid and then adding butter or oil near the end of the cooking process to brown them.”
While mushrooms can dress up gourmet dishes, they are surprisingly quick and easy for everyday eating, too. “You don’t need to fuss over mushrooms too much,” Palmer points out. “Just rinse in water and pat dry; then you’re ready to cook with them. My favorite way to cook mushrooms is to slice and sauté them in a small amount of olive oil with garlic and lemon as a side dish.”
Cook advises, “Don’t try to cook mushrooms too fast or over high heat. Medium heat is fine. Take your time. Mushrooms are mostly water, and you need to cook off that liquid content to give them a nice sear.” He underscores the importance of cooking wild mushrooms fully to prevent digestive upset, especially morels, which “absolutely cannot be served raw or undercooked.”
Palmer concurs, saying, “Eating raw mushrooms may cause mild GI [gastrointestinal] issues in some people; cooking the mushrooms typically eliminates this issue.” She also suggests covering the pot or pan when cooking them in soups or stews to lock in flavor and nutrition.
For Cook, the magical lure of mushrooms goes beyond the tastebuds. “To me, morels mean springtime trips to woodlands reawakening from winter slumbers with birdsong and snowmelt, and porcinis mean long summer hikes to subalpine meadows in the Rockies and North Cascades,” he says.
Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and recording artist. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.
Mushroom Bomb Lentil Pasta YIELD: 6 SERVINGS
1 8-oz package lentil pasta
3 Tbsp truffle oil or extra-virgin olive oil
1 lb mixed mushrooms (enoki, shiitake, cremini, hen of the woods, maitake, oyster), coarsely sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chopped fresh or dried thyme
1 cup dry white wine
Sea salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cook lentil pasta in boiling water according to package directions. Rinse and drain.
While pasta is cooking, heat truffle oil in a large sauté pan and add mushrooms, garlic and thyme. Sauté for 3 minutes. Add white wine and continue sautéing for an additional 5 minutes to reduce liquid and make a more concentrated sauce. Add cooked pasta to mushroom mixture and toss together. Season as desired with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Sharon Palmer.
Courtesy of Sharon Palmer
Vegan Pot Pie With Sage, Lentils and Mushrooms
YIELD: 6 SERVINGS
FOR LENTIL MUSHROOM FILLING:
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium red onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 8-oz sweet potato, peeled, cubed
4 oz fresh green beans, chopped
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
1 cup brown or green lentils, dried
2 Tbsp fresh sage (or 1 Tbsp dried)
2 tsp thyme
1 Tbsp whole-grain prepared mustard
½ tsp black pepper
2 cups vegetable broth
½ cup water
2 Tbsp gluten-free soy sauce
¼ cup plain, unsweetened, plant-based milk
2 Tbsp flour
Salt, to taste
FOR SAGE PASTRY CRUST:
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup whole wheat flour
¼ tsp salt (optional)
2 Tbsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 Tbsp dried)
⅓ cup vegan butter
4-5 Tbsp ice-water
Heat olive oil in a heavy pot or saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes. Add sweet potato and green beans and sauté for 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and sauté for 2 minutes. Add lentils, sage, thyme, mustard and black pepper and sauté for 1 minute. Add vegetable broth, water and soy sauce and cook for 15 minutes.
Mix plant-based milk with flour until smooth. Stir into vegetable mixture and cook until thickened and bubbling, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, as desired. Transfer filling into a deep pie dish or round casserole that fits 1½ quarts.
While filling is cooking, make the sage pastry crust. Preheat oven to 425°F. In a medium bowl, mix all-purpose and whole-wheat flours and salt. Mix in sage. Cut in vegan butter with a fork until it makes a crumbly texture. Add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix using clean hands until it creates a firm dough that holds together but is not sticky. Do not overwork dough, as it will get tough.
Turn out pastry dough on a floured surface and roll out with a pastry roller to create a circle about 11 inches in diameter. Place the pastry over the top of the savory pie and crimp the edges with your fingers to secure the pastry dough to the top of the dish. Cut several vents with a knife along the pie.
Place the savory pie on a baking sheet (in case it boils over) and place in the oven. Bake for about 20 to 22 minutes until golden brown. Remove and serve.
To make this recipe gluten-free, use corn starch instead of flour and gluten-free flour blend instead of all purpose and whole wheat flour.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Sharon Palmer.
Courtesy of Sharon Palmer
A Pilgrimage to Wholeness
by Marlaina Donato
One of the most beautiful aspects of youth is envisioning the future with undaunted optimism, but even the most strategic plan for life can go off the rails. Whether we carry the weight of unprocessed trauma and never quite reach our potential or zoom into the fast lane of success only to be brought down by sudden change, pain is part of every person’s story. The quest for healing and finding our whole self beneath the rubble becomes a
new objective that can be the most arduous but the most significant.
We might accomplish monumental feats, transforming our trauma or going into physical remission from disease. We might even feel a calling to guide others along the path we have come to know so well, but it is important to remember that the deep healing process is a spiral. Our linear brains may be startled when our most gut-wrenching, seemingly resolved issues loop back around, and we are plunged even deeper into the crucible. During these times, it is easy to forget that we are multidimensional beings. A physical injury or illness involves much more than flesh or organ systems, and agonies of the spirit can greatly impact the physical body.
We heal layer by layer—sometimes even layers within layers—and despite our full commitment and steady growth, the task of peeling the onion is never quite finished. One of our greatest challenges is overcoming the illusion that we are failing miserably when we fall out of resonance; evolution is not a course that we can flunk. With each descent, our pain can provide an opportunity to lessen the chasm between mind and body and to acknowledge parts of our being that might need tending. For as long as we inhabit a human vehicle, we will always be in the process of healing something, and that is okay. We can rest assured that our process, like all spirals, will lead us safely back outward to continue our journey.
Marlaina Donato is an author, artist and musician. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.
Philippe Degroote/CanvaPro
Health Benefits of Yoga
Resolving Trauma and Other Mind-Body Challenges
by Carrie Gauthier
The first known reference to yoga is in the Upanishads Sanskrit texts, written 2,500 years ago. The practice originally comprised breath work, and the physical postures developed over time. According to the global data platform Statista, nearly 34 million Americans practice numerous types of yoga, while science continues to provide evidence of its healing potential.
Calming Effects
With the frenetic pace of life today, many people live in a permanent state of anxiety. Yoga can ease the panic and malaise by activating the parasympathetic nervous system to decrease stress hormones, blood pressure and heart rate.
“Yoga therapy differs from traditional psychotherapy in scope and aim. Rather than delving into traumas, yoga empowers individuals to be present, moving away from personal narratives,” says Adam Flores, a certified yoga therapist from Port St. Lucie, Florida, specializing in addiction and mental health. “Trained yoga therapists offer grounding techniques and skillful checkins, especially for trauma cases, improving heart rate variability, vagal tone and overall nervous system health.”
Mental Health Benefits
A 2011 meta-analysis study published in Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders indicates that yoga may be an effective treatment option for severe mental illness, with the added advantage of being less toxic than pharmaceutical treatments.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant issue facing the U.S. military and
Immagini
di Michelangelo
Oprandi/CanvaPro
a growing problem for teens that have experienced violent or traumatizing events. Conventional treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing have shown limited effectiveness due to high dropout and nonresponse rates. On the other hand, studies have found that engaging in yoga and other mind-body practices can reduce intrusive memories, avoidance and emotional arousal symptoms, as well as anxiety, depression and anger associated with PTSD.
Yoga therapy improves critical factors in addiction recovery, including emotional balance, mental clarity and stress reduction. In a 2021 study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, yoga for the treatment of substance abuse disorder was determined to be an effective option.
Popular Yoga Disciplines
Yoga has developed into a variety of styles that can meet the goals and objectives of their practitioners. Some of the more popular formats include:
• Vinyasa: An up-tempo class of postures or poses (asanas) often accompanied by high-energy music that typically results in a consistently elevated heart rate. A 2017 study published in The FASEB Journal found that eight weeks of vinyasa yoga improved physical fitness, relieved stress and improved mental well-being.
• Yin: This form of yoga focuses on gentle, passive stretches held for
one to three minutes, offering ample opportunity to release stress and tension. Poses are often supported by props such as bolsters, straps, blocks, pillows and blankets. Long, slow, deep breathing promotes relaxation to help the practitioner hold each pose for extended periods of time. Yin yoga stimulates and stretches fascia, the thin connective tissue throughout the body, as well as ligaments and joints, resulting in increased flexibility.
• Hatha: This is a classic yoga style involving breathing exercises and poses that are held for longer periods of time than other formats. Although the slower, more meditative pace may seem easier, holding a proper pose for extended periods of time can be challenging for the body and mind. According to a 2018 study in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 12 sessions of hatha yoga significantly reduced stress, anxiety and depression in women.
• Kundalini: This yoga style prioritizes spiritual growth and awareness, with a focus on energy and chakras. Kundalini awakenings are common via movement sequences, breath work, mantras and chanting. Different studies in 2021 found that kundalini yoga is an effective short-term therapy for generalized anxiety disorder and can be helpful in reducing the severity of insomnia.
Maintaining Self-Esteem
One of the core tenets of a yogic practice is self-compassion, and it is important to resist the inclination for negative self-talk. To adopt the yogic way is to choose happiness over suffering.
“In my experience, the best healing experiences happened by tapping into the body and unlocking the energies we hold onto,” says Paty Renda, a certified Ananda hatha yoga instructor and co-owner of Premah Wellness, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “I believe in serious work done through fun exercises such as breath, dance, laughter and movement. A simple, slow and deep hatha yoga practice can create profound changes. Gratitude is another very easy, and yet immensely powerful, practice I infuse into everything I do.”
Carrie Gauthier is a writer in the healing arts with interests in clinical and transpersonal hypnotherapy.
Emotional Healing as a Family
How Parents Can Model Mental Health Skills
by Christina Connors
The mental health of our children is in crisis. According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2021 advisory on the youth mental health crisis, one in five children aged 3 to 17 has a mental, emotional,
behavioral or developmental disorder.
To turn the tide on mental health, kids need emotional regulation skills, including the ability to identify emotions, self-soothe,
obtain perspective, walk in another’s shoes, think flexibly and solve problems. By developing these emotive sensitivities, children can then improve their self-confidence, sense of self-worth and empathy, as well as begin to
kids need emotional regulation skills, including the ability to identify emotions, selfsoothe, obtain perspective, walk in another’s shoes, think flexibly and solve problems. By developing these emotive sensitivities, children can then improve their self-confidence, sense of self-worth and empathy, as well as begin to develop lasting and meaningful relationships.
develop lasting and meaningful relationships.
“Kids will learn to regulate in the face of challenge. The only question is whether they learn healthy or unhealthy ways to do it,” says Brad Chapin, a licensed clinical psychologist in Topeka, Kansas, and author of self-regulation resources for children. “Removing challenges from children isn’t the answer. The focus should be on building self-regulation skills, and then those challenges become opportunities for strengthening those skills.”
What Adults Can Do
In the words of lyricist Stephen Sondheim, “Careful the things you say / Children will listen.” Janet Philbin, LDSW, a certified, conscious-parenting coach and author, says, “When people become parents, they will tell you they want to parent differently than how they were parented because of the emotional childhood pain they endured. However, generational patterns will more than likely repeat unless the parent has done the emotional work to deconstruct their own childhood pain through coaching or counseling. As a result of doing the necessary inner work, a parent’s ability to connect with their children will improve because they are able to be more connected with themselves.”
Practicing Emotional Regulation Together
“When we choose to look at behavior issues as a lack of skill-development, it changes the story from one of shame and negativity to one of hope,” says Chapin, whose recent book Self-Regulation Skill Set supports adults
in their journey to self-regulation.
As with learning any new skill, practice is key. Here are a few fun activities for parents and children to do together to strengthen connections and build emotional regulation skills. Teaching kids when they are young is ideal, but it is never too late to start.
I Spy: While in a store, on a walk or at a park, challenge each other to notice the body language and facial expressions of people (or themselves) and identify the emotion they might be feeling. This game is a way to practice the skill set of recognizing warning signs when we start to feel upset. Parents should encourage their kids to take notice of the different expressions their peers make while at school to develop empathy and compassion.
The Paws (Pause) Game: To play, the first person who sees a dog says, “paws”, takes a calming breath and puts their hands out like paws. The person with the most points at the end of the excursion wins. This
game develops the skill of slowing down the alarm system within our bodies. Parents and caregivers can remind kids that throughout the day when they start to feel their own warning signs of anger or frustration, they can take a breath and “paws” to help prevent acting in a destructive way.
Balloon Party: In this game, parents invite their kids to sit comfortably with them and imagine that they are all preparing for a big party and need to blow up lots of balloons. While blowing up pretend balloons, remind each child to blow them up slowly so they don’t pop. After blowing up several balloons, enjoy a pretend party. This is a fun way to connect with children through imaginative play while practicing peaceful breathing, which helps calm the nervous system.
Christina Connors is a writer, singer and creator of Christina’s Cottage, a YouTube series to strengthen kids’ resilience, connection and joy through music, mindful play and the power of the heart. Learn more at ChristinasCottage444.com.
Ongoing Events Calendar of Events
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine. Earn a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine in 36 months! — Learn how to become licensed Acupuncturist. Financial Aid available 954-763-9840 ext. 213 or admissions@atom.edu
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
Grand Opening of Jazzercise iconic fitness classes — starting at 9am: attendees enjoy free intro classes.North Andrews Gardens Community Center, 250 Northeast 56th Court, Oakland Park. 754 224-8244
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Pathway to Peace, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) Retreat — Sept 2022. Combines KAP with holistic wellness practices for healing and personal transformation, hosted at Thermae Retreat, 604 S Federal Hwy, Ft Lauderdale. Retreat Info: 954-253-0985, ConnectedLiving-fl.com
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Annual Coastal Cleanup — 9am to noon. For further information or to sign up simply email CoastalCleanup@Broward.org. Coastal Cleanup information can also be found on their website and will be updated if anything changes: Broward.org/ NaturalResources/BeachAndMarine/ Pages/CoastalCleanup.aspx
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
Tequesta Drum Circle — 7 - 11 PM $20 Bonfire and drumming. Let your Spirits fly. Moonpath Circle, Birch State Park, 3109 East Sunrise Blvd. Fort Lauderdale https://www.moonpathcircle.info/ tequesta-drum-circles
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Monthly Energy Integration — 7-8 pm, Free, Register to receive powerful energy medicine support, reboot & recalibrate the natural healing capacity of your bodymind while integrating the events of the month, ActivXchange, Virtual, 305-735-1283, https:// us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwvdCgqz0jGdw_tR-b4iy8BqaWQTot8LTS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Emotional Healing and Mindset Shifts Classes — 5-6pm, free. Join us for transformative and engaging discussions! Different topics each month. Held the last Thursday each month on Zoom. Call Ilka Handshaw to reserve your spot: 754-222-6971.
Sunday
Join our Leading Edge Spiritual CommUnity! — Sunday Services at 10am. Unity of Fort Lauderdale, 3331 NE 32 St, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33308. Visit UnityFortLauderdale.org
ECK Light and Sound Service, Creating Blessings from Hardships — 1st Sunday, 11am. All welcome, Eckankar, Experience HU, the Sound of Soul. The Rodeway Inn & Suites, Fort Lauderdale. Eck-Florida.org, 954-693-5681.
iRest Yoga — Third Sunday. 1–2:30pm. Free. iRest is proven to help with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and insomnia. Class includes discussion, life skills suggestions, and 40-minute meditation. The Pride Center, Wilton Manors. Register at WellnessProgramiRestYoga.Eventbrite. com.
IANDS South Florida - International Association for Near Death Studies
1st Sunday monthly, 3-5pm. Meeting Discussions include Spiritually Transformative Experiences. All interested in the studies are welcomed. Locations vary, call for details. Reverend Gail Fein, 305-798-8974.
Monday
ATOM Intern Clinic Open to public — Appointments Monday thru Saturday. Experience the benefits of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine. Low cost acupuncture and herbal treatments. Students supervised by Licensed Acupuncturist. 954-7639840 ext. 201, Ft. Lauderdale. atom.edu
Monday Meditation Club — 3pm, free. Guided meditations on themes from spirituality, breathwork, mindfulness, conscious creation, to stress release. Contemplations are channeled from higher intelligence that reaches deeper layers of awareness. Participants suggest topics. Register: https://www.VisionWholistic.net/
Tuesday
Restorative Yoga — Second Tuesday monthly. Noon-1pm. Free. Gentle Yin-restore and stretching yoga allows you to drop deep into the meditative aspects while loosening tight muscles and joints. The Pride Center, Wilton Manors. Register at WellnessProgramRestore. Eventbrite.com.
Pines Iyengar Yoga — Enjoy yoga classes with Asha! Tuesday/Thursday, 5:15-6:15pm. Specializing in small group and individual sessions. Enjoy personalized classes that cater to your needs. Call 954-866-3209 for directions or visit PinesYoga.com.
Move with Pride — First & Third Tuesdays. 6-7pm. Free. Stimulate and strengthen your mind, body, and spirit with this fun-filled low-impact dance-based class for all fitness levels. The Pride Center, Wilton Manors. Register at WellnessProgramMove. Eventbrite.com
Wednesday
Keep Cool under the Canopy — 10:30am - noon. Experience a memorable outing with friends for a midmorning picnic with light bites and flower crafting. Register early. TY Park, 3300 N Park Rd, Hollywood. Jowana, 786-678-8956.
Saturday
Paddle With A Purpose, Waterway and Shoreline Cleanup — 9–11am, help remove trash (third Saturday monthly). Kayaks, and canoes available on a first come, first serve basis; bringing your own. Location varies. Owen Gaither, Kool2care2@gmail.com
Talk@Ten Saturday with Jon Albee — 1011am, free. Regenerative backyard gardening protocols with an occasional seed exchange. Diversity for richness and balance. Urban Farming Institute (UFI), 1101 NE 40th Ct, Oakland Park, 954.696.9577.
The Mindful Thinker, Law of Attraction, Group Discussion — 3-4:15pm, 1st Saturday monthly, $25. Receive tools to help guide you in manifesting desires into your reality. Bombay Room Yoga, 3354 NE 33rd St, Ft Lauderdale, 954-567-1110
Ecstatic Dance Full Moon Immersions — 7pm. Six hour journey of Ecstatic Dancing under the Moon, Aquatic Rebirthing in a heated pool and Sound Healing, Hollywood. On the Saturday closest to the Full Moon. 754-273-5510. EcstaticDanceMiami.com
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Use Our Online Form
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Beauty & Health
ONENESS PERFUME
OnenessPerfume.com
Scents of Unity: Perfumes That Embrace Our Shared Humanity. Discover a fragrance that harmonizes with your values. Join the Oneness Movement.
Think Noble • Feel Noble • Be Noble
Scan the display ad’s QR code. See ad page 2.
Chiropractic Physician
EASY REACH PHYSICAL THERAPY & REHAB
2001 NW 62 St. # 101, Ft Lauderdale
754-200-4822
EasyReachChiro.com
We prioritize safe, effective recovery for patients, promoting holistic health programs. Our approach includes Physical Therapy, Chiropractic, and innovative pain management devices to aid rehabilitation and restore normal lifestyles.
Day Retreats
THERMAE STILLNESS RETREAT
604 S. Federal Hwy. Fort Lauderdale FL 33301
954-604-7930
ThermaeRetreat@gmail.com
ThermaeRetreat.com
FB: @ThermaeRetreat
IG: Thermae.FtLauderdale
Thermae Retreat
An organic serene daily retreat to prevent or heal. Infrared saunas, massage, skincare, body scrubs and masques, holistic healing, energy therapy. Yoga, meditation, hydrotherapy.
Dental Health
ADVANCED DENTAL
WELLNESS CENTER
Boris Lipovetskiy, DMD
104 SE 1st St., Ft Lauderdale FL 33301
954-525-5662
ADWCenter.com
Dr. Lipovetskiy specializes in natural, biological, and cosmetic dentistry offering latest in technology in our relaxing environment. We provide mercury safe dentistry, metal-free braces, and biocompatible metal-free zirconia implants. He specializes in TMJ and sleep apnea.
GO NATURAL DENTISTRY
Yolanda Cintron, DMD
2021 E Commercial Blvd., Ste. 208 Fort Lauderdale FL 33308
855-381-6001
954-945-7355 (new patients) GoNaturalDentistry.com
All phases of dentistry for optimum health, holistic, bio-compatible dentistry.
• Sedation dentistry • Removing of toxic metals • Replacing them with biocompatible materials • Laser dentistry for painless surgeries & extractions • Zirconia/ceramic implants • Natural bone augmentation / Plasma Rich Growth Factor • Oral DNA Testing • Add gums to receding gums.
INTEGRATED DENTAL CENTER
Aurel Chebanu, DMD, PhD 333 NW 70th Ave., Ste. 207 Plantation FL 33317
954-792-6266
Chebanudmd@comcast.net
Dr. Chebanu recognizes the importance of natural therapies and health solutions. His office specializes in Biocompatible and Holistic Dentistry, Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry, Ceramic Dental Implants, Oral Surgery, and TMJ Disorders. See ad page 6.
Education
ATLANTIC INSTITUTE OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE (ATOM)
100 E Broward Blvd., Ste. 100 Fort Lauderdale FL 33301
954-763-9840
ATOM.edu
ATOM offers a Master’s degree and a Doctoral degree in Oriental Medicine. ATOM has an Intern Clinic that is open to the public. See ad back page.
Fitness
JAZZERCISE
250 NE 56th Ct, Ft Lauderdale, 33334 754-224-8244
Jazzercise.com/location/northandrews-garden
Fun and effective, Jazzercise Cardio Sculpt classes help improve health, appearance and strength!
Call or text for a special offer.
Homeopathy
HOMEOPATHY CURE
Dr. Iqbal Nazir, M.S.D.Pharm, D.H.S. Licensed Lab Medicine Practitioner 954-226-3652
HomeopathTreatment.com
Natural Cure in Homeopathy of most diseases and symptoms. No side effects.
Call Doctor Iqbal Nazir, Functional Homeopathic Specialist for an appointment today.
Hypnotherapy
PATHWAY HYPNOTHERAPY & INTUITIVE COUNSELING
954-649-3996
KeliRaymond.com
Holistic Hair Salon
HAIR HOLISTIC ECO-FRIENDLY STUDIO
Ibana Villasenor 141 NW 20th St., Ste. B7 Boca Raton FL 33431 561-372-5354
HairHolistic@gmail.com
HairHolistic.com
Hair services & products with a truly holistic approach like scalp-hair detox, and jet rejuvenation. Hair coloring with Henna or eco-friendly dyes, and formaldehydefree keratine.
Mental Health
HEALTH & LIGHT INSTITUTE
754-273-5510, Hollywood HealthAndLight.com
Restore your well-being, overcoming stress, trauma, anxiety. Our Holistic Approach incorporates Aquatic Therapy, Breathwork, and Somatic Psychotherapy.
Mention this ad for 10% off.
INTEGRATIVE WELLNESS
Josiane Bonté, PhD, LMHC 786-553-5871
DrJosiane@gmail.com
TheIntegrativeWellness.com
Naturally break free from subconscious blocks and live your best life. Hypnotic coaching helps heal procrastination, fears, relationship issues, anxiety, insomnia, and more, unlocking your true potential. See ad page 17.
Find inner power through compassionate love, Qi Gong, and EMDR therapy.
Foster self-love, harmony, balance, and relational integrity in your relationships. Changing your mind, changes your Life!
Integrative Wellness Coaching
ACTIVXCHANGE
Rebecca Marshall, MS, LMHC, CBP 305-735-1283
ActivXchange.com
Gain support, skills, and tools for nurturing and tending your emotional well-being. Increase confidence in navigating change, regulating emotions, strengthening relationships, and cultivating greater ease.
MERGENCE MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS
Vivian Thomas, DNP, MSN, ARNP 305-537-8143
MergenceWellness.com
Mergence’s bilingual psychiatric nurse practitioner treats anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, self-esteem issues, grief, and trauma. EMDR and CBTtrained, offering empathetic, realistic care.
English, Spanish
Pelvic Floor Health
NATURA DERMATOLOGY & COSMETICS
800 E Broward Blvd, Ste 507, Ft Laud. 954-537-4016
Discover the EMsella Chair: non-invasive, 30-minute sessions to strengthen the pelvic floor, relieve incontinence, and enhance sexual wellness. Call today for a FREE TRIAL!
A
moment’s insight is sometimes worth a life’s experience. ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.
Spiritual Response Therapy (SRT)
VISION WHOLISTIC
Malabika Shaw 515-720-9520, Plantation
MalabikaShaw@hotmail.com VisionWholistic.net
Clear your pathways to mind-body-spirit wellbeing with veteran SRT Healer and Spiritual Coach Malabika. Discover simple techniques to align with your highest potential.
Thermography
CHOICE THERMOGRAPHY
Nicole Austin, C.T., L.E 954-634-5511, ext 101 ChoiceThermography.com
Get to the root cause and monitor your body for inflammatory changes. Clinical Thermography offers Non-Invasive Full Body & Breast Imaging for Men & Women.
Upper Cervical
ATLAS CLINICS
41 N Federal Hwy, Suite D Pompano Beach, FL 33062 754-432-3653
Pompano@AtlasClinics.com AtlasClinics.com
Most innovative chiropractic technique utilizing spinal engineering software and soundwave technology fixing the root cause of dis-ease in the body without neck twisting or cracking.
Wholistic Physician
DR. AMADI’S WHOLISTIC HEALTH CENTER
Hepsharat Amadi, M.D., L.Ac. 10189 W. Sample Rd Coral Springs FL 33065 954-757-0064
DrAmadi@DrAmadi.com GreatNaturalDoctor.com
Primary Health Care with a Natural Approach including Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, Quantum Biofeedback, Weight Loss, Detoxification, Natural Allergy Treatment, Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies, Supplements, Nutrition, Lifestyle Counseling, Circulation enhancement/BEMER therapy, BrainTap and NeuralChek. See ad page 9.
Yoga
BOMBAY ROOM YOGA
Michelle Morris 3354 NE 33rd St, Ft Lauderdale 954-567-1110
BombayRoomYoga@yahoo.com
BombayRoomYoga.com
Experience guided spiritual and physical growth on your yoga journey. Disconnect from the outside world and connect within with our expert instructors. Join us now!
Natural Awakenings magazines are freely available at doctor offices, fitness centers, book stores, health care facilities, public libraries, & more. Following are Featured Locations that also carry our free publication:
CS FOODERIE MARKET
5651 Coral Ridge Dr. #400 Coral Springs FL 33076
NUTRITION SMART 10980 Pines Blvd Pembroke Pines FL 33026
YELLOW-GREEN MARKET 1940 N 30th Rd, Information Booth Hollywood FL 33021
