Vitality Magazine | Winter 2021 Issue by VitalityMagazineTO

Nourish Your Mental Wellness: Brain-loving Herbs & Nutrients Dr. Zoltan Rona

WINTER 2021/22

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MCS A Look Inside the World of Environmental Illness

WINTER 2021•2022 FEATURES 6

MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY Inside the world of environmental illness

NEWS & NOTES Vitamin D deficiency risk factor for Covid severity; Colorectal cancer linked to low vitamin D

16 FIRE UP YOUR WINTER MEALS with immune-boosting chile peppers

20 NOURISH YOUR MENTAL HEALTH Uplifting strategies and brain-loving nutrients to help you beat the winter blues

32 RESOURCE DIRECTORY Retreat Centres & Vacations, Schools & Centres

34 MENDING OUR SPIRITUAL FABRIC Indigenous Ceremonial Practices for Healing

COLUMNS 38 Sun Sign Predictions: December forecast by Robin Armstrong

DEPARTMENTS 40 COMMUNITY NEWS 42 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Events, Classes, and Workshops Across Ontario

44 SERVICE DIRECTORY Toronto’s Comprehensive Monthly Health Resource

46 CLASSIFIEDS ............................................................................................... COVER PHOTO: Bird on a snowy branch; classic Canadiana STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:

While we recognize that, in some ways, our world is in crisis, we feel a great need at the same time to provide an antidote to the very distressing messages being broadcast worldwide. To help initiate new visions, we aim to inform you of the many worthwhile choices available for a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle. We welcome your participation, as we recognize the importance of our readers as an unlimited source of information about Canada’s evolution in this new age of wellness in body and soul. All Vitality articles represent the views of the writer, and not necessarily those of the publisher. We accept no responsibility for the variability in outcomes achieved by the usage of these views, and they are not meant to replace the advice of a physician. ISSN 1180-0291 Established October 1989 www.vitalitymagazine.com

VITALITY MAGAZINE – WINTER 2021 / 2022

Woodford Files ell, here we are at the end of another year of pandemic turmoil, one that’s challenged us to stay strong in the midst of global chaos. To help you cope with it all, we bring you some excellent guidance this month for living a happier, healthier life in spite of the madness. Here at Vitality, we continue to stand firm on our founding principle – freedom of choice in health care. So we encourage you to exercise your right to make your own healthcare decisions without being overly influenced by government authorities or the medical industry. To elaborate, I will borrow from a letter written recently by an employee of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) to his employer and co-workers, entitled “A Response to the OAG Vax Policy”: “To say that it is appalling and astounding that you have ordered mandatory inoculation and coercion of private medical information to OAG employees would be an understatement. Specifically, [I refer to] the submission of employees to the experimental gene therapy injections for Covid-19, commonly referred to as “vaccines”, currently in the Phase III trials until 2023. The OAG has joined the bandwagon with so many organizations to implement tyranny on their employees, showing little regard for the care and wellbeing of fellow humans. “This unlawful policy seeks to remove our fundamental freedoms and rights and seeks to take away our rights to privacy, autonomy, and consent, breaking numerous established Canadian and International laws... The claim that this policy has anything to do with improving public health and safety remains illegitimate at best, and diabolically unreasonable at worst... This barbaric policy seeks to deprive individuals and families of their livelihoods through threat, coercion, and intimidation. The provisions of this policy unlawfully place employees on Leave without Pay, taking away their fundamental right to earn a living and provide for their families. ... You are on course to punish Canadian Public Service

OPINION

VITALITY MAGAZINE – WINTER 2021 / 2022

employees and their families for refusing to give up their legal rights and freedoms. “The Canadian Bill of Rights, having received royal assent, protects our fundamental rights and freedoms as Canadians. Our rights and freedoms are inalienable and cannot be removed by some policy because someone in high office said so. This policy does not hold any such authority. Instead, there is plenty to be found in it that breaks established laws, infringes upon individual and group freedoms, and that perpetuates a state of holistic terror in the hearts and minds of its victims. This political gangsterism in the name of public health cannot be permitted in a free and open society. I will remind you of our country’s heritage in the words of John G. Diefenbaker: “I am a Canadian, a free Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship God in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” John G. Diefenbaker, Prime Minister of Canada, House of Commons Debates, July 1, 1960 (To read the complete OAG letter go to: https://tinyurl.com/lettertoOAG) Meantime, this year-end brings both good news and bad news for us. The bad news is that this is the last time you will see Vitality published in a magazine format. With rising costs and dwindling ad revenues due to the pandemic, we have found that we can no longer afford to produce, print, and circulate the magazine. We are deeply grateful to the wonderful advertisers who have supported us all these years, as they have enabled us to offer a high quality, free magazine to the public since 1989. The good news is that in the new year, instead of producing a quarterly print magazine we are shifting more fully online to focus on our monthly digital newsletter and a more robust website. This means you will still be able to find all your favourite writers, plus some new ones, sharing their commentary, health news, and tips every month starting with our February 2022 newsletter. And best of all, it will still be free of charge when you sign up for a subscription. You can do this by sending your request for

Advertising & Accounts JODY HATT SEETA SHIWMANGAL (seeta@vitalitymagazine.com) Production Department PATRICK CADEGAN Listings Manager SEETA SHIWMANGAL (listings@vitalitymagazine.com) Cover Design CS-GRAPHIC DESIGN Contributing Writers HELKE FERRIE PATRICK HOLFORD PAT CROCKER ZOLTAN RONA SACHI FLYING EAGLE MEDICINE WOMAN Columnists ROBIN ARMSTRONG Circulation RORY DAVIES DANIEL PIKELIN PATRICK CADEGAN (circulation@vitalitymagazine.com) Editorial Department JULIA WOODFORD Office Manager JODY HATT Publisher NATURE’S WAY NORTH PUBLISHERS INC.

Vitality magazine, formerly published 4X per year in magazine format, will be published in digital newsletter format starting in 2022.

For a FREE SUBSCRIPTION to our digital magazine, please visit www.vitalitymagazine.com We welcome contributions from writers, photographers, and others. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent.

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the free newsletter to us at: subscribe@vitalitymagazine .com or go on our website and drop your email address into the subscribe box on the right margin. We sincerely hope you will follow us online where you’ll be able to read our latest health news, watch videos, post your comments and questions at the end of any article, and easily share articles and newsletters with friends and family. Our best to you and yours over the holiday season. See you in the new year. Julia Woodford www.vitalitymagazine.com

OPINION

MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY

days, tingling in hands and feet, irregular heartbeat, watery and itchy eyes, generalized itching, depression, and more. Most symptoms are now known to overlap with the world’s fastest spreading infectious disease – Inside the World of Lyme – which can be successfully treated with antibiotics, but MCS cannot. Environmental Illness The inconvenient truth is that MCS is caused by substances upon which industrialized BY HELKE FERRIE economies depend. This situation began some 200 years ago when coal-fired industries caused Fortunately for those of us asthma, allergies, and cancer cases to appear in with Multiple Chemical unprecedented numbers. Since then, tens of thouSensitivity, we are no longer sands of even more toxic substances have become considered as nutcases if we part of our environment — with a predictable identify ourselves as being increase in corporate and government attempts to sensitive to scents. Best of avoid responsibility. all, the availability of nonThe problem with MCS is that it challenges the toxic choices in groceries, way we run our world. It challenges the chemical clothing, laundry detergents, industry in the same way that cancer research building materials, bedding, challenged the tobacco industry. Both industries and more has dramatically brought their products to market before their safeincreased ty was established, and both have to face the fact that these products are not, and never will be, safe. In addition to industrial toxic chemicals and tobacco, the hat has happened in the area of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) over the past two decades? A lot, last decade has also shown up the pharmaceutical industry and most of it is good. However, for those whose lives were for the toxicity of many of its products. (Editor’s note: For ruined by toxic chemicals, finding help still remains a chal- example, the vaccines for COVID-19 have been found to lenge, and restoring the health of their damaged central contain genetically modified ingredients and heavy metals.) When a person carries an MCS diagnosis, the competing nervous systems remains problematic and slow. Thankfully, what has become less of a challenge is find- interests of insurance companies, employers, and governing safer nontoxic environments that don’t trigger an ments often erect seemingly insurmountable barriers for the extreme reaction in sensitive individuals. Most hotels now applicant. That’s because treating environmental illness use unscented products and offer organic and even gluten- requires sophisticated, expensive, highly individualized free food options. Public awareness of the problem has detoxification and nutritional support protocols. increased as has accommodation for the afflicted. Science, Medicine, and Law Acknowledge MCS So you are no longer considered a nutcase if you identify as a Legitimate Diagnosis yourself as sensitive to scents. Best of all, the availability of In 2004, Ontario’s College of Family Physicians published a nontoxic choices in groceries, clothing, toiletries, laundry masterpiece of a report on the effect of pesticides on childetergent, building materials, bedding, furniture, carpets, and more has increased. It’s not perfect, but as a former dren, which led then Premier McGuinty to ban the use of MCS patient I can say that I’m far less likely to come in cosmetic pesticides in 2008. Most Canadian provinces have done the same. contact with food, drink, or fragrances that knock me over. In 2011, Women’s College Hospital produced a report that Symptoms of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity everyone suffering from MCS should read. It is entitled: MCS is a family of diseases, the best-known of which are “Environmental Sensitivities – Multiple Chemical Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Gulf War Sensitivities Status Report, Environmental Health Clinic, Syndrome, and Cacosmia (the MCS variant in which people Women’s College Hospital.” Also in 2011, the Canadian Environmental Law lose all tolerance for scents, toxic or otherwise). Common symptoms include acute intolerance to light and noise and Association, Ontario College of Family Physicians, and the chemical and natural smells of all kinds, extreme fatigue, Environmental Health Institute of Canada published a muscle pain, swollen joints, muscle weakness, shortness of review on what exposure to hazardous chemicals does to breath evolving frequently into asthma, anemia, chronic uri- cause chronic disease. It is an excellent tool for people nary tract infections, nausea, diarrhea, migraines lasting working to clean up toxins in schools.

VITALITY MAGAZINE – WINTER 2021 / 2022

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In 2015, the pesticide One of the most significant Roundup (glyphosate) was drivers for change has declared a carcinogen by been consumer demand. the International Agency When people ask for for Research in Cancer fragrance-free products, (IARC), and California pesticide-free foods, made labeling that product and so on – the industry as such legally mandatory hops to it... The power in June 2017. of consumer demand One of the most significannot be overstated. cant drivers for change has been consumer demand. When people ask for fragrance-free products, pesticide-free foods, and so on – the industry hops to it. And fast! The power of consumer demand cannot be overstated. Misleading Quebec Report on MCS Puts Patients at Risk

Now for the bad news. In June of 2021, Quebec’s Institute of Public Health published a massive new report on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity under the direction of its department of environmental toxicology. The report declared that MCS is merely “a belief system” which can be lumped together with what they claim are “similar belief systems such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, compulsive-obsessive disorder, chronic fatigue, electrosensitivity, fibromyalgia, chronic anxiety, depression, somatization disorders and panic disorder.” The 800-page Quebec report backed up its assertions with over 4,000 mostly irrelevant and outdated citations, apparently chosen to misguide the reader into accepting their conclusions. Wow! What a way to dismiss the many and varied health problems caused by a toxic environment while disregarding mountains of mainstream research that confirms the existence of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Needless to say, the report is without merit due to its lack of up-to-date scientific evidence about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. It is an embarrassment to science and to Canada within the domain of the world’s medical science. Why should you care? Because it will influence treatment protocols used for MCS patients across the country. In September, when this report was released, a momentous event occurred at the same time. The Nobel committee announced that David Julius of the University of California at Berkeley, and Ardem Patapoutian of Scripps Research at La Jolla in California, were to receive the 2021 Nobel prize for their discovery of how experience of the outside world (for example temperature and smell) sparks an electrical signal in the nervous system for processing by the brain. Certain so-called ‘vanilloid receptors (TRPV1)’ that the Nobel prizewinners had discovered were found to be widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous system and are genetically anchored. TRPV1 and their companions now not only explain the pathophysiology of temperature, smell, and pain, but – guess what! – that system of receptors 8

VITALITY MAGAZINE – WINTER 2021 / 2022

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is “hyper-responsive to environmental toxins observed and reported in MCS,” as Martin Pall had already reported. This is an exciting discovery because it now provides the scientific explanation for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity phenomena. So, in light of that breakthrough research, Quebec’s Public Health report on MCS is irresponsible and a hazard to public health. The significance of that report, which was not published in a peer-reviewed journal but represented as expert opinion to support public health policy, is huge. For example, a $2 million safe housing project previously approved for MCS-

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diagnosed people in Quebec, was cancelled recently on the strength of that report. So it has become apparent that the political precedent is now set and all current and future discussions about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity will be railroaded away from published peer-reviewed science right across Canada, and towards uninformed opinions by those with a political or economic agenda. The report’s misrepresentation of scientific literature is demonstrated in two ways: firstly, the authors don’t go beyond 2009 except in a few cases which are not relevant to MCS. Why? Because that’s the year the creation of the

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ĐĞƌĞďƌĂů ŚĞĂůƚŚ͖ ŵĞŶƚĂů ĐĂůŵ͕ ĞŵŽƟŽŶĂů ŚĞĂůƚŚ ĂŶĚ ďĂůĂŶĐĞĚ ŵŽŽĚƐ͘ ŶŚĂŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ĞŶĐŽƵƌĂŐĞ ŵĂůĞ ĂŶĚ ĨĞŵĂůĞ ƐĞǆƵĂů ŚĞĂůƚŚ͘ WƌŽŵŽƚĞƐ ƋƵĂůŝƚǇ ŽĨ ƐůĞĞƉ͕ ƌĞůĂǆĂƟŽŶ͕ ĂŶĚ ŵŽƌĞ͙,ƵŶĚƌĞĚƐ ĂŶĚ ŚƵŶĚƌĞĚƐ ŽĨ ĐŽŵƉĞůůŝŶŐ ƚĞƐƟŵŽŶŝĂůƐ͊ VITALITY MAGAZINE –WINTER 2021 / 2022

HELKE FERRIE

Quebec report went into hibernation until arriving in print in 2021 as supposedly ‘new’. Basing new research reports on publications more than 10 years old would never pass peer review! This report was therefore dead on arrival. (Current literature would bring the Quebec authors The Quebec report face to face with the TRPV1 declared that MCS is vanilloid receptors and that merely “a belief system” would render their findings which can be lumped as invalid.) together with “similar Secondly, the misrepresenbelief systems such as tation of scientific literature Post-Traumatic Stress becomes evident when we Disorder, compulsiveobsessive disorder, see who is being cited (accichronic fatigue, dentally maybe?) to support electrosensitivity, their conclusions, such as the fibromyalgia, chronic MCS-literate researchers anxiety, depression, who in the referenced articles somatization disorders say exactly the opposite of and panic disorder.” what the Quebec authors assert. For example, Dr. Kathleen Kerr and Dr. Lynn Marshall of Toronto’s Environmental Health Clinic in Women’s College Hospital do not correlate MCS with phobias, as claimed (without evidence cited) in the Quebec report. And the worst part of this report is that the authors made their pronouncements without consulting any clinicians who are currently treating MCS patients. How dare they present themselves as experts on MCS? Ironically, the Quebec report does admit that many countries recognize the MCS diagnosis, provide treatment for it, and compensate debilitated victims. However, Quebec Public Health opines that while those so-called MCS patients have a hard time, they need to be helped out of their debilitating “belief system”. Strangely, no mention is made of the environmental health clinics already operating in various parts of Canada and the world (such as Germany, Japan, many EU countries, the USA, etc.). These Quebec authors even go so far as to state: “At low concentrations, like those found in the usual environment [what exactly is this usual environment and where do we find these low concentrations?] these chemicals [even toxic ones] do not reach the brain.” The authors seem to have forgotten that our man-made chemicals can be lethal and cause chronic illness even with minute exposures. For example, DDT is not good for you as the 1950’s advertisements claimed because a little supposedly just kills mosquitoes but not humans. And bovine growth hormone is carcinogenic when consumed in minute amounts in contaminated milk or meat. As well, mercury amalgam when swallowed does not create a problem, but its methylated gas outgassing from dental composites into the 10

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brain can wreck the central nervous system. Here are some key points to take away: 1. Quebec’s MCS patient group has announced that an action against the unconscionable report of the INSPQ (National Institute of Public Health, Québec) on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) has been launched. Please go to https://aseq-ehaq.ca/en/action/ to learn more and join this effort. 2. According to the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) of Statistics Canada, over one million Canadians have a formal medical diagnosis of MCS with 72% of that population identifying as women and nearly 50% seniors (CCHS, 2020). MCS is a disability protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act (2007). 3. The same chemicals that are implicated in global warming, are also the key actors in MCS. Climate change is visible also in MCS; the prevalence of diagnosed cases of MCS is rising (CCHS, 2015-2016, CCHS, 2020). – MCS is situated at the intersection of gender equality, sustainability and accessibility. It is critical that governments take action to remove barriers to care and accommodation for the MCS disabled. Take Action Now! For more information visit: https://aseq-ehaq.ca/en/demand-change-for-mcs-takeaction-now-1/ Helke Ferrie is a medical science writer with a master's degree in physical anthropology. Her specialty lies in investigative research into ethical issues in medicine and the politics of health. References: • The Quebec report: http://www.inspq.qc.ca. Watch for the chapter headings which fool you into believing these areas were actually studied. The most relevant is totally avoided. • Read the excellent response by Dr. John Molot written October 15, 2021 on the website of Environmental Health Association of Quebec • The 2021 Nobel Prize for medicine: www.nobelprize.org • Molot, J, Sears, M., Marshall, L. & Bray, R. Neurological susceptibility to environmental exposures: pathophysiological mechanisms in neurodegeneration and multiple chemical sensitivity. Reviews in Environmental Health, Sept. 2021 • Martin Pall et al. The vanilloid receptor as a putative target of diverse chemicals in multiple chemical sensitivity. Archives of Environmental Health 59 (2) 2004 • Ashford, N. & Miller, C. Chemical Exposures – Low Levels and High Stakes, 1998 • American Academy of Enviro Medicine website URL is: https://www.aaemonline.org/ • Environmental Health Clinic, Women’s College Hospital, 76 Grenville Street, Toronto http://tinyurl.com/enviroclinic www.vitalitymagazine.com

VITALITY MAGAZINE –WINTER 2021 / 2022

STUDY SHOWS VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IS STRONG RISK FACTOR FOR COVID SEVERITY, MORTALITY

In a retrospective analysis of 646 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, researchers found that those patients deficient in vitamin D had more comorbidity, longer hospitalizations, and more ICU admissions. They also required more invasive mechanical ventilation and had significantly more overall complications than those whose levels of vitamin D were adequate. The authors concluded that “Vitamin D supplementation may be able to prevent or improve the prognosis of COVID-19 during this pandemic.” The report, entitled Prevalence and Clinical Outcomes of Vitamin D Deficiency in COVID-19 Hospitalized Patients: A Retrospective Single-Center Analysis was published online at: https://pubmed. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34645738/ in October 2021 by Afaghi S, Esmaeili Tarki F, et al. Tohoku J Exp Med. Oct. 2021;255(2):127-134. doi: 10.1620/tjem.255.127. (Report submitted by the Council for Responsible Nutrition)

NEWS & NOTES

The Latest Research on Nutrition, Health & Anti-Aging From Around the World COMPILED BY JULIA WOODFORD

Health Study was published online at: https://www. bumc.bu.edu/busm/2021/10/ 25/low-vitamin-d-statusmay-lead-to-elevated-colorectal-cancer-risk-in-blackwomen/ on October 25, 2021. Authors: Barber LE, Bertrand KA, Petrick JL, et al. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2021 Oct 7 (Submitted by the Council for Responsible Nutrition) TWELVE INTERVENTION TRIALS CONCLUDE THAT VITAMIN C WORKS FOR COVID

The evidence is clear: vitamin C taken when a person is infected can reduce Covid symptoms and duration of illness HIGHER COLORECTAL CANCER RISK IN BLACK WOMEN MAY BE DUE TO LOW VITAMIN D LEVELS

Studies have shown that the lower the blood level of vitamin D, the higher the risk of colorectal cancer for White people. However, because Black people have more colorectal cancer, a finding from the Black Women’s Health Study estimated that Black women have a 41% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer due to low vitamin D status. “Our findings, taken together with established evidence

VITALITY MAGAZINE – WINTER 2021 / 2022

that vitamin D levels are generally lower in the Black population than other groups, suggest that low vitamin D may contribute to disproportionately high colorectal cancer incidence among Blacks,” said corresponding author Julie Palmer, ScD, director of BU’s Slone Epidemiology Center and the Karin Grunebaum Professor in Cancer Research at BUSM. The report, entitled Predicted vitamin D status and colorectal cancer incidence in the Black Women's

by Patrick Holford Everyone knows that vitamin C is important for immunity. Sales of both oranges and vitamin C tablets have risen sharply during the Covid pandemic. Indeed, a review of twelve studies, including five “gold standard” randomized controlled trials, shows that this simple vitamin saves lives when given in the right dose. Vitamin C can prevent a serious Covid infection. The scientific evidence is clear: vitamin C taken when a person is infected can reduce Covid symptoms and duration of illness. The review of the 12 studies was published in the open access journal Life [ w w w. v i t a m i n C 4 c ov i d .com/12trialreview] on November 1, 2021. The review was carried out and funded by VitaminC4Covid, a consortium of vitamin C experts including Dr. Marcela Vizcaychipi from the Faculty of Medicine at London's Imperial College, Associate Professor Anitra Carr who heads the Nutrition in Medicine group at the University of Otago, and Dr. Paul Marik, chief of www.vitalitymagazine.com

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The studies show that the Division of Pulmonary Covid patients have and Critical Care Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical depleted vitamin C levels, often to the level found School. The studies show that in scurvy. In patients Covid patients have depleted with serious pneumonia, vitamin C levels, often to the a depleted vitamin C level found in scurvy. In level greatly increases patients with serious pneuthe risk of widespread monia, a depleted vitamin C internal organ damage level greatly increases the and death. risk of widespread internal organ damage and death. They need high doses of vitamin C to recover and survive. Dr. Vizcaychipi, who heads research in intensive care medicine at the UK's Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, has been giving Covid and non-Covid patients in their Intensive Care Units up to 6 grams (6,000 mg) of vitamin C intravenously. The dosage is dependent on the severity of disease and the amount needed to correct deficiency, as indicated by vitamin C urine test sticks. “Vitamin C is certainly one of multiple factors that contribute to better outcomes and speed of recovery. It should be standard practice. We have not had any safety issues at all,” says Dr. Vizcaychipi. In the U.S., a group of medical doctors, members of the Frontline Covid Critical Care Alliance (www.flccc.net) have more than halved the mortality rate in their ICUs using a protocol of steroids (methylprednisolone), plus vitamin C (ascorbic acid), plus vitamins B1 (thiamine), D and anticoagulants (heparin) – a strategy known as MATH+. This protocol was pioneered by Drs. Paul Marik, Pierre Kory, and Joseph Varon (a critical care expert recognized by the United Nations for his life-saving work). The above is excerpted from a longer article published by the Orthomolecular News Service. To read the complete article, go to: https://vitalitymagazine.com/article/twelveintervention-trials-conclude-that-vitamin-c-works-forcovid/ For a free subscription to OMNS visit their site: http://orthomolecular.org/subscribe.html QUESTIONS ABOUT COVID VACCINES

In an interview with Dr. Joseph Mercola posted at www.mercola.com, Steve Kirsch, executive director of the COVID-19 Early Treatment Fund, reviewed some of the COVID jab data he’s presented to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during various meetings. For example, during the September 17, 2021, FDA VRBPAC (Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee) meeting, Kirsch cited data suggesting that one in 317 boys aged 16 to 17 will get myocarditis from the shots, and after a third booster that number may be even higher. He also cited data showing the COVID vaccine kills more people than it saves. 14

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Kirsch also created and submitted a 177-page PDF slideshow to the October 26, 2021, VRBPAC hearing, titled, “Questions About the COVID Vaccine.” It’s a treasure trove of information and a great resource that he is updating in real time with new data. To view it online, go to: https://www.skirsch.com/covid/VRBPAC-10-26-21.pdf MEASURING HEART ATTACK RISK POST-VACCINE

The American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2021 were held from November 13 to 15, 2021. At one AHA Session, Dr. Steven R. Gundry made a presentation showing that the mRNA vaccines dramatically increased inflammation on the endothelium and T-cell infiltration of cardiac muscle. This may account for the observations of increased thrombosis, cardiomyopathy, and other vascular events following vaccination. This determination was made using a test called the Protein Unstable Lesion Signature Test (PULS) that measures traces of proteins that leak from cardiac lesions in the blood vessel walls in patients after receiving the vaccine compared to before the vaccine. The presence and levels of these proteins provides valuable information to help determine one’s risk for a heart attack. See the abstract from the presentation posted at: https:// www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circ.144.suppl_1.10712

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VITALITY MAGAZINE – WINTER 2021 / 2022

Fire Up Your Winter Meals with Immune Boosting Chile Peppers ~ BY PAT CROCKER

peppers are sweeter than green), he mighty capsicum (botaniwith no discernable burning, but cal name for pepper) was are not high in capsaicin. named Herb of the Year by the Hungarian paprika is only slightInternational Herb Association in ly hotter, with 1,500 units, but it 2016. Since then, these remarkimparts an apple note that is perable pods have moved into the fect for stew and goulash dishes, spotlight thanks to their health or in vegetable stir-fries. Poblano benefits and the incredible endorphin rush they cause. To chiles and New Mexican types this day, these popular peppers move up the scale to 7,000 SHU bring welcome heat to cold and are roasted or stuffed and weather meals. baked for a mildly hot experiCapsaicinoids are the naturally ence that dissipates quickly. Chile peppers bring medicinal heat to cold occurring compounds that give weather meals, working to aid digestion and chile peppers pungency and Health Benefits increase circulation while fighting viruses heat. Every type of pepper has a Being high in vitamin A, which unique taste – from slightly floacts as an antioxidant to help ral, fruity, sweet and spicy to pungent – and each type has a fight aging and cell damage, cayenne peppers, and all others heat rating based on the kind and intensity of the capsaicin above them on the Scoville Heat scale, deliver an array of it contains. healing gifts. Buy or grow them and use fresh, or dry and Chile heads (lovers of hot peppers) have long known that crumble them into all kinds of dishes (see “Cooking with the hotter the chile pepper (and the more capsaicin it con- Chiles” below). tains) the greater will be the endorphin rush they experience. Here is what you can look forward to once you begin to Endorphins are produced by the pituitary gland and the enjoy the buzz of cayenne conflagration: hypothalamus – when released they cause a positive feeling • Lowers cholesterol – for heart health; in the body, similar to that of morphine. By triggering endor- • Fights bacteria and viruses – with its high vitamin C; phins, capsaicins work as natural painkillers along with • Increases circulation – by improving blood flow and stimboosting memory function. ulating sweating (an important process of detoxification). A tea made of warm water, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper is How to Gauge the Heat an excellent morning beverage for total body health; Want to eat more chiles but are afraid of their blazing bite? I • Anti-fungal properties – Soak feet in warm water with one have two tips. First, get familiar with the Scoville Heat Unit tablespoon of powdered cayenne pepper to help alleviate (SHU) system of measuring the heat in chile peppers. The athlete’s foot. Scoville Scale is a standard measurement of the heat in chile • Aids digestion – Capsaicin stimulates the digestive tract peppers; it measures the concentration and may give relief to people suffering of capsaicin (constituent that causes the from peptic ulcers by stimulating blood skin and mouth to tingle or burn) in flow that nourishes the gastric mucosal every type of pepper and assigns it a membrane; number from 0 to 5 million. • Helps relieve allergies – and acts as a Secondly, start cooking with peppers decongestant by stimulating the release that are low on the Scoville scale and of mucus from respiratory passages; begin to work your way towards a high• Reduces blood clots – and can be used er rated pepper. Sweet bell pepper types as a first response for wounds to stop rate 0 to 1,000 Scoville Units, which bleeding; means that they are delicious (red bell Black Bean Chile with Chile Peppers • Anti-inflammatory action – It reduces

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the pain and swelling of arthritis. Cayenne cream or salve is applied topically to treat arthritis and muscle pain.

Cooking with Chiles The active components that fire up chiles are the capsaicinoids concentrated in the placenta, the thin white membrane surrounding a spongy white centre found in the middle of the pepper, to which seeds are attached. According to Tucker and DeBaggio, authors of The Encyclopedia of Herbs, “The pure seeds themselves contain none, or up to 10%, of the total capsaicinoids; the heat on the seeds primarily arises from contamination by the placenta.” These irritating components transfer easily, not only to the seeds, but to your hands, the knife and cutting surface, and anywhere you touch with your hands like your eyes or lips. When harvesting, handling, and cooking with hot chiles, use disposable gloves and avoid touching your face and eyes. After handling, wash hands, knives and countertops thoroughly in hot, soapy water, and rinse well. Start with small amounts, but use cayenne pepper often so that you can gradually increase the amount with which you are comfortable. Here are some guidelines: • For whole, fresh or dried peppers: One cayenne pepper (ribs and seeds removed) in a recipe will be hot enough for a 2 to 4-person serving dish. • For dried or ground peppers: A pinch and up to 1/4 tsp cayenne seeds or powder is sufficient for 2 to 4 servings. Taste and add more, if required. www.vitalitymagazine.com

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RECIPES Black Bean Chile Serve this robust chile over baked potatoes for a main dish or with whole-grain nachos for an appetizer or party dish. Because many of the water-soluble nutrients are in the canned liquid, try to use both the beans and the liquid from the tin (if using home-cooked dried beans, do not use cooking liquid). (Serves 4 to 6) 1 cup chopped onion 2 Tbsp olive oil 1-1/2 cups chopped red bell pepper 1/2 cup chopped celery 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 fresh or dried hot chiles, chopped finely 1-1/2 Tbsp Cajun Spice or chile pepper 1 lb firm tofu, frozen, thawed and crumbled (see tip) 1 can (28 oz) tomatoes, including juice 1 can (19 oz) black beans with liquid 1 can (19 oz) dark red kidney beans with liquid 1/4 cup chopped parsley 1 Tbsp chopped fresh savory 1 Tbsp blackstrap molasses, optional Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1) In a large saucepan, combine onion, bell pepper and oil. Sauté over medium heat for 7 minutes. Add celery, garlic, chiles, Cajun Spice and tofu. Reduce heat and gently simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. 2) Add tomatoes with juice. Increase heat and bring to a boil, stirring up browned bits in bottom of pan. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add black and red beans with liquid, parsley and savory. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes or until heated through. Add molasses, if using. Add salt and pepper, to taste. 3) Tip: Freezing tofu overnight or for a few hours and then thawing gives it a meaty texture. It crumbles nicely and seems to absorb more of the cooking liquid. Corn Chowder Sweet and hot, this recipes adds a dash of sour to this ultimate of comfort foods. Add parsley or other fresh green herbs, or shredded, cooked chicken for a hearty meal. (Makes 4 to 6 servings) 3 Tbsp coconut oil 1 onion, chopped 1 jalapeño pepper, chopped 1 fresh or dried cayenne pepper, minced 1 can coconut milk 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth 2 potatoes, scrubbed, cubed 2 cups frozen corn, organic 2 Tbsp gluten-free flour mix or all-purpose flour 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional) 18

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In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, jalapeño, and cayenne pepper, cooking and stirring for four minutes or until onions are soft. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Add coconut milk and broth and bring to a boil. Add potatoes, reduce heat to keep the soup simmering and cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Stir in corn and heat through. Ladle into bowls and serve with a Tbsp. of shredded cheese, if using. Pat’s Cayenne Fire Cider The name sounds daring, and the brew is ablaze with the energy of healing ingredients. This natural sinus, cold and ‘flu folk remedy has been home-brewed for eons by herbalists, naturalists, and anyone who has learned of its efficacy. Grated horseradish root, garlic, onion, ginger, and hot peppers are the main ingredients that are steeped in organic unpasteurized apple cider vinegar, but you can develop your own amounts and combinations. Before my horseradish plant grew large enough for me to dig the roots, I developed the following simple and very potent blend. Now I add the horseradish, but you can omit it if you can’t find fresh root. See the Resources section for a link to herbalist Rosemary Gladstar’s Fire Cider method [1] and visit the Mountain Rose Blog [2] to read about this well-known herbalist’s Fire Cider. (Makes 4 cups)

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25 fresh cayenne peppers 1 head garlic cloves, peeled and sliced 1 cup fresh ginger, grated 3 – 4 cups raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar (ACV) Optional Ingredients 2 cups fresh horseradish, grated 6 sprigs rosemary, horehound, thyme, sage, parsley 2 onions, chopped Clean and slit, or halve, the peppers. Loosely pack them into a one quart mason-style jar. Add garlic slices and ginger. Add horseradish and other optional ingredients, if using. Fill the jar, covering the ingredients with vinegar, leaving a half-inch space. Make sure the peppers are below the vinegar, and cap the jar with the 2-piece lid. Set aside in a cool, dark cupboard for a month or longer. After steeping the ingredients, you can refrigerate the jar (although it isn’t required). If you don’t strain the vinegar, you can fish out, drain and use the chiles, garlic slices, and ginger in recipes until they are finished. Alternately, you can strain the vinegar and make syrup as follows. To make a cough syrup: Strain the steeped vinegar into a 6-cup measuring cup,

tablespoon at the first sign of a cold and repeat every two to three hours until symptoms subside. Ed note: This article is adapted from a longer version posted at: https://tinyurl.com/chilecrocker Fire Cider, a sinus, cold and ‘flu folk remedy, has been homebrewed for eons by herbalists, naturalists, and anyone who has learned of its efficacy

pressing on the solids to extract as much vinegar as possible. Discard the solids. For every cup of strained vinegar, add 1/4 – 1/2 cup liquid honey. Stir well or heat over low setting in a saucepan to melt and combine the honey. Pour into 1cup jars, cap, label, and store in a cool, dark cupboard. Serving suggestions: • Tonic: Take one tablespoon of vinegar in a glass of warm water with one to two teaspoons of honey every morning for its benefits. • Substituting steeped vinegar in recipes that call for regular vinegar (salad dressing, dips, spreads, sauces, condiments) will infuse them with the healing benefits of Fire Cider. • Cough Syrup: Take one

RESOURCES: [1] Rosemary Gladstar, video of her Fire Cider method: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU8U 0bDmXks&feature=youtu.be [2] Mountain Rose Blog: http:// mountainroseblog.com/fire-cider [3] Heinerman, John, Ph.D. The Health Benefits of Cayenne. New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, 1997

Author bio: Pat Crocker’s mission in life is to write with insight and experience, cook with playful abandon, and eat chilies with gusto. As a professional Home Economist (BAA, Ryerson U., Toronto) and Culinary Herbalist, Pat’s passion for healthy food is fused with her knowledge and love of herbs. Her wellness practice transitioned over more than four decades of growing, photographing, and writing about what she calls, the helping plants. In fact, Crocker infuses the medicinal benefits of herbs in every original recipe she develops. An award-winning author, Pat has written 23 herb/healthy cookbooks, including The Healing Herbs Cookbook,The Juicing Bible, and her latest books, Cooking with Cannabis and The Herbalist’s Kitchen. www.patcrocker.com

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Nourish Your Mental Health Uplifting Strategies and Brain-loving Nutrients to Help You Beat the Blues BY DR. ZOLTAN P. RONA, MD, MSc

We have just gone through Herbs such as St. John’s an unparalleled year of Wort and Rhodiola, along severe stress with the pan- with specific nutrients like demic. Many have lost their vitamin D, magnesium, jobs or have had threats to and B-complex, can their livelihoods as a result go a long way towards of bankruptcies, layoffs, alleviating anxiety sudden health challenges, and depression and various government mandates. The end result of all these stressful situations has been a loss of emotional well-being. Many people have therefore turned to their doctors and prescription medications for anxiety and depression. I’m not doubting that this type of approach is helping some people, but those who prefer more natural strategies have some good options to consider.

Counselling and Therapy There are numerous stress-relieving strategies that can work to lift your mood and nourish your mental wellness. These include mindfulness-based stress reduction, meditation, regular exercise, massage, yoga, and psychotherapy. (See the Service Directory in this issue for local counsellors and therapists.) “It’s not stress that kills us, it’s our reaction to it.” Hans Selye There is also the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). Many of you may have already heard of EFT. It includes a strategy called “Tapping.” This is a simple technique for reducing the harmful effects of stress. You can download

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instructions on the technique for free (see references) from the internet and there are numerous websites that have videos demonstrating how it’s done. Or you can consult a local expert. (See Resource List at end.) This may not be for everyone but it’s well worth trying as an alternative to more potentially harmful drug-based treatments.

Diet Considerations “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” Hippocrates As most of you already know, what you eat has a direct impact on your brain function. Processed foods that are high in sugar, white flour, and chemical additives can cause cravings for more leading to emotional highs and then lows. At one time not too long ago we used to label this as “hypoglycemia.” Years later, thanks to numerous books and theories, we then called it a “Candida” problem. In any event, it’s best to focus on avoiding these hormonal disruptors and go for nutrient-rich foods instead, especially fruits and vegetables, preferably the organic type. Some sensitive individuals will also have to avoid gluten and various other food triggers such as dairy products, eggs, and certain seeds or nuts. Not only does consumption of processed foods cause one to become hooked on them, but they also lead to inflammation throughout the body and the brain. Mental illness of

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At least 60% of the any kind, including anxiety brain is made up of and depression, is associated fat, and omega-3 with inflammation in the is the most important brain. Stress then often leads of these to help brain to reaching out for a quick pick-me-up like ice cream, cell communication as well as to reduce coffee, or a candy bar. inflammation Although it may be difficult at first, try to avoid junk food temptations and reach for a tall glass of water or a healthy organic snack without sugar and chemicals. Have snacks of fresh fruits and vegetables handy or just some nuts and seeds. Your body will eventually kick the destructive food addiction habit. An excellent resource you can use for menu ideas and other healthy advice is Julie Daniluk’s book Meals the Heal Inflammation. As I’m sure she would tell you, she also has a new book out on how to kick the sugar habit (see Becoming Sugar-Free in Resource list). There is a strong connection between the gut and the brain. What happens in the gut is often reflected by what goes on in the brain. It is the very rare individual who has great mental health in spite of suffering from poor digestion, irritable bowel, chronic constipation, or other gut disturbances. The vagus nerve provides the link between the gut and the brain so it’s quite understandable how one organ can directly affect the other. Gut bacteria produce a large number of neurochemicals that can regulate mood, mind, memory and behaviour. At least 95% of the body’s serotonin (the key hormone that stabilizes our mood, sense of well-being, and happiness) is produced by our gut bacteria. Our response to stress can certainly adversely affect our friendly gut bacteria, creating ever decreasing serotonin levels. “I cannot always control what goes on outside. But I can always control what goes on inside.” Wayne Dyer A healthy diet for the brain should therefore contain an adequate supply of complex carbohydrate foods like brown rice and starchy vegetables, sweet potatoes, quinoa, millet, and fresh fruits. Avoidance of high gluten-containing grains

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will be of help to many individuals. Lean protein from poultry, lamb, eggs, fish and seafood will provide the protein one needs for sharper thinking and reactions. Be careful with fish and seafood because of its mercury content. For vegetarians, use various beans, nuts, seeds and hemp products for protein as well as essential fatty acids. Consume as much healthy fat as you can from sources such as olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil because they also support healthy brain function. (Avoid margarine, hydrogenated, and trans fats when possible.) Supplements for Optimum Mental Health

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS: The average person could supplement with approximately 4,000 mg daily of combined DHA and EPA from fish oil (salmon and herring) or plants such as hemp, chia seeds, walnuts, and flaxseed to improve depression and anxiety. At least 60% of the brain is made up of fat, and omega-3 is the most important of these to help brain cell communication as well as to reduce inflammation.

VITAMIN D: Most physically healthy adults can get adequate amounts of D from sunshine exposure during the spring and summer months, but supplementation is usually required in order to have optimal levels – especially for Canadians and those living far north or south of the equator. The usual amount of vitamin D required during times of low sunshine exposure is 5,000 to 10,000 IU daily. Get a blood test done before engaging in supplementation and always take about 120 mcg of vitamin K2 with each 1,000 IU of vitamin D. This adds an anti-inflammatory benefit as well as preventing calcium deposition in your arteries and vital organs. Depression, especially the type known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), can be helped – at least to some degree – with supplementation. Good food sources of vitamin D include cod liver oil, salmon, white mushrooms, fortified dairy products, and eggs. (Please note that a high intake of fish and seafood can raise the levels of toxic mercury in your system so limit these foods to a maximum of 4 times a month.) Also note that omega-3 supplements produced in Canada have had mercury and other heavy metal toxins removed from the supplement. This may not be true for omega-3 supplements sold by other countries.

MAGNESIUM:

is a mineral commonly found to be low in those suffering from anxiety or depression. Most adults can get adequate magnesium from the diet if they consume a lot of spinach, kelp, almonds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and other nuts. Magnesium is often needed by the body in higher amounts than food provides for most adults with the typical Canadian diet (400-800 mg daily). The best absorbed forms of magnesium are bisglycinate www.vitalitymagazine.com

VITALITY MAGAZINE – WINTER 2021 / 2022

and L-Threonate. These are also the least likely to cause loose bowel movements. The citrate and oxide forms of magnesium tend to loosen bowel movements and excesses can cause diarrhea; their absorption is poor but they are beneficial in cases of chronic constipation.

Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogenic herb that grows wild in the mountains of Europe and Asia

ZINC: is a mineral that is depleted by stress, aging, poor diet, inflammation, drugs, and alcohol. Deficiency leads to worsening depression, anxiety, and chronic inflammation. Low blood levels of zinc lead to less available serotonin, the hormone that causes feelings of well being. High amounts of zinc can be found in most animal protein sources including beef, oysters, seafood, lamb and organic eggs. Good plant sources are various legumes (beans) and fortified gluten-free breakfast cereals. For adults with nutrient-deficient diets, the usual recommended dose of either zinc citrate or picolinate is 50 mg twice daily with food.

B-COMPLEX VITAMINS: These vitamins can easily be depleted by a poor diet, stress, drugs and alcohol so supplementation is usually of great benefit. Our cells require them for energy and our brain needs them in the manufacture of neurotransmitters (the chemicals that allow communication between nerve cells). Normal nerve conduction is also dependent on B complex vitamins. Low levels of B vitamins can create anxiety and irritability. The most important of the B vitamins are B1, B2, B6, B12 and 5-MTHF (5-methyl-hydro-folate, the active form of folic acid). A deficiency of any of these predisposes a person to chronic anxiety and depression. The best food sources of these are organ meats like liver as well as whole grains. If you need more detailed information on the B-complex vitamins, see the article I wrote for Vitality in 2007 on the benefits of B vitamin supplementation. It’s still available online at: https://vitalitymagazine.com/article/boost-yourbrain-and-body-with-b-vitamins/

PROBIOTICS: These are basically known as friendly bacteria that both aid digestion and manufacture vitamins and numerous immune system modulators in the GI tract. As mentioned earlier, there is a strong connection between gut and brain health. Inflammation in the gut directly affects the brain. Probiotics regulate the production of serotonin in the gut and this feel good neurotransmitter is 95% manufactured with the help of probiotics. Therefore, probiotics can help improve anxiety and depression.

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One can access these friendly bacteria from cultured dairy products (yogurt), soy products (miso), coconut products (kefir), fermented foods such as pickles, sauerkraut, kombucha and many others. Supplementation of a broad spectrum of these friendly bacteria is also available and swallowing a few capsules daily can be beneficial to many with chronic gut-related symptoms. For more information on probiotics see my Vitality article: “In Praise of Probiotics” (https://vitalitymagazine .com/article/in-praise-of-probiotics/).

L-THEANINE: This is an amino acid commonly found

in green tea. Taken as a supplement, it can increase alpha waves in the brain, allowing for a similar level of relaxation as that found with meditation. In doses of 500 to 1,000 mg before bedtime, it helps to relax a person well enough to fall asleep within 20 minutes. L-Theanine increases the production of GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter capable of relaxing overactive nerves. The drug version of this amino acid is known as Gabapentin but it has significant side effects that GABA or L-Theanine supplementation does not. With L-Theanine, there is no grogginess upon awakening in the morning. Taken during the daytime, L-Theanine is an excellent anti-anxiety agent that actually improves focussing while calming agitation and restlessness. There is no known toxic effect seen with this amino acid, and those who awaken frequently in the middle of the night can repeat their bedtime dose as needed without fear of overdosing.

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ST. JOHN’S WORT:

This is a very common herbal remedy frequently used with success for mild to moderate depression. If you are not taking any medications (birth control pill, heart medications, cancer treatments, antidepressants), St. John’s Wort could be an ideal remedy for your emotional distress. Unfortunately, it interacts with numerous prescription drugs so check with your pharmacist before using it. Dosing is in tablet or tincture form (empty stomach) and is variable, depending on the individ-

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ual. Like many natural antidepressants it may take a few weeks to feel the effects, so some degree of patience is required by patients.

- Traditional Chinese Mediicine Practitioner

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5-HTP:

NAC is an amino acid that is a precursor for glutathione, the body’s most important antioxidant that protects us from inflammation and oxidative damage

5-hydroxytryptophan is an amino acid naturally found in the body. It is made from Ltryptophan which is found in certain high protein foods and is converted into serotonin and eventually into melatonin. Thus it is something that can regulate moods and the sleep cycle. 5-HTP can work to extend the time one spends in REM sleep, making refreshing sleep more possible. As a supplement it is superior to L-tryptophan because it goes through the blood brain barrier more easily and is more effective as a serotonin and melatonin enhancer. It usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks for the benefits of daily supplementation to be effective, but be careful if you are on antidepressants or tranquilizers due to drug interactions. This supplement is best taken with the supervision of a natural health care practitioner. The usual effective dose is between 100 – 500 mg at bedtime. MELATONIN: is made by the pineal gland and

allows for restful sleep. It is also a strong antioxidant that declines with aging. As little as ½ mg could be effective as a sleep remedy for many people, but doses of 5 to 20 mg might be needed by some to achieve refreshing rest. Stress can increase our need for melatonin so it’s easy to understand how sleep can be adversely affected by severe stress. L-TYROSINE: This is an amino acid that raises the

amount of dopamine in the brain which also influences healthy mood. It is also one of the building blocks of thyroid hormone. It’s generally found in high animal protein foods but many depressed people just don’t get enough of it in their diets or are unable to digest and absorb this amino acid. Supplementation of 1,000 – 3,000 mg daily can

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improve energy and mood in many that take it. Once again, be careful using it if you are on any prescription antidepressants or thyroid medications. Work with a natural health care practitioner if you decide to try it. SAMe (S-AdenosylMethionine) is another amino acid often recommended as a natural treatment for depression as well as osteoarthritis. It can be highly effective for some individuals because it helps boost the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. The usual effective dose is 400 mg daily. It takes 2 to 3 weeks for it to build up beneficial effects on mood.

RHODIOLA is what’s known as an adaptogenic herb particularly beneficial for adrenal stress. Depression and low energy caused by stress can be helped by rhodiola rosea supplementation. It can reduce overactivity or underactivity of the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis), thus enhancing energy and mood. Effective doses are between 500 – 1,000 mg daily depending on the individual. Other well known adaptogens with similar properties include ginseng, ashwagandha and astragalus.

NAC

(N-ActeylCysteine): is an amino acid that is a precursor for glutathione, the body’s most important antioxidant that protects us from inflammation and oxidative damage. Many of you will recognize it as a supplement that has been used to treat excessive mucous production, breath-

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VITALITY MAGAZINE – WINTER 2021 / 2022

Stress-relieving strateing problems, and viral gies that can lift your infections. NAC can help mood and nourish your reduce inflammation and lead to an improvement of mental wellness include depression. The usual effecmindfulness-based tive dose is between 2,000 stress reduction, and 3,000 mg daily. I usualmeditation, regular ly recommend people take it exercise, massage, with high dose vitamin C yoga, and psychotherapy (2,000 - 3,000 mg daily) for improved effectiveness. As noted earlier some of these natural health products need supervision by health care practitioners, but most are safe and effective unless one is on certain prescription drugs. Check with your health care provider before using anything in high doses. Stay stress free!

“Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.” Ralph Waldo Emerson Dr. Zoltan P. Rona, MD, MSc, practises Complementary Medicine in Thornhill and is the medical editor of The Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. He has also published several Canadian bestselling books, including Vitamin D, The Sunshine Vitamin. To see more of Dr. Rona’s articles, please visit: www.highlevelwellness.ca For appointments, call (905) 764-8700; office located at: 390 Steeles Ave. W., Unit 19, Thornhill, Ontario REFERENCES AND RESOURCES l EFT Manual: https://eftinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/EFTInternational-Free-Tapping-Manual.pdf l Studies on EFT for Depression: http://patcarrington.com/abouteft/eft-research/eft-studies-on-depression/ l Julie Daniluk. Meals That Heal Inflammation. Random House. 2011. l Julie Daniluk: Becoming Sugar Free: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Becoming_Sugar_Free_H ow_to_Break_Up_with_Inflammat?id=JJcpEAAAQBAJ&gl=US l Health and Wellness Trends to Watch in 2022: https://curated-digital.com/4-health-wellness-trends-to-watch-2022/ l Emotional Freedom Technique: teacher and practitioner Crystal Hawk: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/crystalhawkeft l Eating Well For Mental Health: https:// www.sutterhealth.org/health/nutrition/eating-well-for-mental-health l Natural Supplements for Mental Health: https:// .com/learning/natural-supplements-mental-health l The Six Best Supplements to Help You Stay Mentally Strong: https://www.getthegloss.com/article/the-best-supplements-to-supportyour-mind-and-mood l 11 Herbs and Supplements to Fight Depression: https:// www.healthline.com/nutrition/herbs-supplements-for-depression l Adaptogens: Nature’s Stress Relievers: https:// heartmdinstitute.com/stress-relief/adaptogens-natural-stress-relief/ l The No BS Guide to Adaptogens: https:// www.healthline.com/health/stress/smart-girls-guide-to-adaptogens l Boost Your Body and Brain with B complex vitamins: https://vitalitymagazine.com/article/boost-your-brain-and-body-with-b-vitamins/ l In Praise of Probiotics: https://vitalitymagazine.com/article/inpraise-of-probiotics/ l The Amazing Benefits of NAC: https://vitalitymagazine.com/article/the-amazing-benefits-of-n-acetyl-cysteine/ 30

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any moons ago, Aboriginal and Indigenous cultures lived off the land and were connected to the spirit of all living things. They believed that the foundation of who we are is made up of three parts – the mind, body, and spirit – and that all sickness starts in the spirit. The rigorous demands of Aboriginal and Indigenous lifestyles necessitated a deep relationship with the Creator and nourishment of the spirit through a strong connection to nature, community, and ceremony. These relationships and connections were believed to be an integral part of sustaining the health of the individual, and the community as a whole. Today, we take very little time for self-care and spiritual nourishment. Rather than being connected to the seasons, nature, and the Creator, we are driven by time constraints and social expectations. Since we have little time to access deep connections in our current lifestyles, we have begun to suffer from spirit sickness. Mental, emotional, spiritual, and social hypersensitivity are a reflection of varying degrees of spirit

VITALITY MAGAZINE – WINTER 2021 / 2022

Mending Our Spiritual Fabric

Indigenous Ceremonial Practices for Healing the Root of Mental Health Issues by SACHI FLyING EAGLE MEDICINE WOMAN

The health of our spiritual fabric and inner spirit essence form the foundation of our mental and physical well-being sickness which, in turn, form the basis for many common mental health issues. To understand spirit sickness, we must consider the integrity of our spiritual fabric. Our spirit body is like an intricately woven tapestry or fabric. Its power and health depends on the quality and strength of its unique woven pattern, and its threads are woven together in a way that mimics a fractal found in

nature. A fractal is created by repeating simple patterns or processes over and over again. In both nature fractals and in our spiritual fabric, each thread is woven in a repeating pattern that adds to the physical and energetic integrity of its structure. The quality and intricacy of the repeating woven pattern reflects the power of its ability to function effectively. Both men and women possess these repeating patterns in the layers of their spiritual body, and this intricate and delicate part of ourselves has several functions. When it is stress- and trauma-free, it creates a healthy boundary between you and intrusive or harmful matter from the outside world, acting like a protective barrier. This barrier allows you to maintain healthy boundaries between what is yours and what is not yours. It also creates a mesh-like chamber that holds our spirit essence inward so that it does not leak out. www.vitalitymagazine.com

When Our Spiritual Fabric is Torn Because our spirit essence forms the foundation of who we are, it is the key to our connection to all living things, including ourselves. It is the source of all inner joy and peace and it feeds our life force. It forms a platform for our personal growth and ascension, and it is a source of nourishment for our heart. It is our way to the Creator and our sense of wholeness. Hence, the health of our spiritual fabric and inner spirit essence form the foundation of our mental and physical well-being. When we endure ongoing emotional, physical, and/or spiritual traumas, our spiritual fabric becomes unhealthy because these traumas cause the fabric of our spiritual body to pull and/or stretch. This causes a thinning, so that we are left vulnerable to the environmental noise around us. When a tear or hole develops in the fabric due to ongoing trauma, external matter is able to breach our protective boundary and get in. As the holes become bigger, the energetic fabric itself begins to unravel and the spiritual tapestry of who we are loses its integrity. We are then left without healthy boundaries and we become hypersensitive to the triggers of the outside world. Imagine that you went on vacation and left your windows and doors open without screens. Upon returning home, you may be surprised at what types of things took up residence in your sanctuary. The spirit world reflects the same issue. If our spiritual fabric has holes in it or www.vitalitymagazine.com

is unravelling, it functions just as ineffectively at keeping stuff out as an open window with no screen. Our spiritual sanctuary becomes unsafe as we become overstimulated and overpowered by stuff that is not ours. We then become disconnected from ourselves, lose heart resonance and become spiritually misaligned. Hence, we become hypersensitive spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and socially with the size and quantity of the holes in our spiritual fabric, reflecting the degree of the symptoms experienced.

Fatigue, Anxiety, and Depression Symptoms of spiritual hypersensitivity can include decreased coping skills, fatigue, anxiety, depression, emptiness, and feelings of un-groundedness. Emotional hypersensitivity is experienced as over-reactions, despair, and hopelessness. And mental hypersensitivity includes lack of focus, obsessive thoughts, paranoia, and lack of tolerance for noise. Social hypersensitivity involves unwarranted fears, inability to set healthy boundaries, and feeling overwhelmed in group settings or public places. Regardless of the type of hypersensitivity experienced, we lose our connection to Mother Earth, the Creator, and to others. If left unacknowledged for a time, we forget our value and sacredness within our life circle. Feelings of separation, fear, guilt, heart sickness, and physical disease develop. In essence we become a “broken spirit walking.” VITALITY MAGAZINE – WINTER 2021 / 2022

HYPNOTHERAPY HYPNOTHERAPY • PAST LIFE ENERGY HEALING Turn your experiences and conditioning into powerful catalysts for healing and change. In a deeply relaxed state you can access many empowering realizations from a fresh perspective. Remember: • strengths & insights from other lifetimes • why you came here • the Source of your real supply

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Aboriginal and Indigenous healing practices and ceremonies are powerful tools used for repairing our spiritual fabric. One of the first steps in starting your own healing process is to bring your awareness back to yourself through ceremonial practices so you can observe where you begin and where you end. As you become mindful of this, you can start releasing what is not yours and come back to yourself.

A Three-Part Ceremony A combination of plant, smoke, and water medicine used in this ceremony will help you cleanse and realign yourself and reduce symptoms of hypersensitivity. Smudging – Smudging is a Native American ceremony that clears negative and heavy energies that have built up in and around our personal boundaries. The healing medicine of the smoke and plant work in unison to cleanse, raise your vibration, and bring you back to yourself. Once we find ourselves again, we can be brought back into resonance with the vibration of Mother Earth and the Creator. The two most effective smudges for people who suffer from hypersensitivity are Palo Santo and smudge made from a mixture of lavender and sage. The mixed smudge removes what is not ours, and the Palo Santo is reparative and gently realigns us spiritually. Water Medicine – In addition to smudging, water medicine is very cleansing, especially when used in combination with plant medicine. A 20-minute cedar 36

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bath releases unwanted energies and body give gratitude to the Creator, the plant, the One of the first steps in toxins. If allowed to dry without a towel, the water, and the smoke medicines and yourself starting your own healing cedar medicine will help to re-create boundfor the healing and wisdom you experienced. process is to bring your aries around holes in your spiritual fabric. Many of us have forgotten that ritual and awareness back to yourself When preparing for your cedar bath cerethrough ceremonial prac- ceremony have played an integral role in mony, it is important to give a tobacco offerhealing the mind, body, and spirit for many tices so you can observe ing to Mother Earth while you are harvesting moons, and that Aboriginal and Indigenous where you begin and fresh cedar boughs to honour her and the ceremonial practices provide a wealth of where you end plant medicine she is gifting to you. Then healing tools that we can access when treatgive the cedar back to Mother Earth when ing mental health issues. The smudging, you are finished, so that the cedar medicine goes back to bathing, and breath work ceremony is a powerful tool not where it came from. Be sure to wash the cedar thoroughly only for reducing hypersensitivity, but in providing relief for before submerging it in your hot bath. the myriad of symptoms that accompany it. Additionally, the Breath Work – After you have smudged and taken a cedar cleansing and realigning of the spiritual body that are expebath, Spirit Medicine breath work will assist you with further rienced during the ceremony offers a harm-free, holistic cleansing, realign you spiritually, and bring you back into adjunct to conventional medicine. heart resonance. It may be wise to more deeply consider how we might Place one palm on your sacrum at the base of your back bridge the gap between traditional healing and conventional between your hips, and one palm on your forehead. Breathe medicine. deeply, and as you breathe in, imagine that you are pulling a line up from the centre of your sacrum to the centre of your Sachi, Flying Eagle Medicine Woman is an Indigenous healer pracforehead. As you breathe out, pull the line back down from tising in Yorkville (Toronto). She uses Indigenous medicine and the centre of your forehead to the centre of your sacrum. practices to achieve spiritual and psychological mending and reSpend at least 10-15 minutes doing spirit medicine breath- patterning. Her sessions focus on restoring health and fortification ing. Once you have finished, take note of how you feel and from an Indigenous perspective. For more information or appointments call 647-930-1832 or visit www.sacredmedicineways.com

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December 2021 Zodiac Predictions ★★★ by Robin Armstrong ★★★ Editor’s note: To view Robin’s “Special Focus” for each sign, see the extended version of this column posted at: https://vitalitymagazine.com/astrology/robin-armstrong/ ARIES: MARCH 20 to APRIL 20:

In December, spontaneous initiative will prevail and open up many new adventures. Your sense of enthusiasm will generate great expectations, however your sense of satisfaction will be diminished. Go with the positive actions but do not try to collect rewards this month. Give your energy freely. The New Moon Eclipse of Dec. 4 will be a harmonious lunation. Go at your own speed! The Full Moon of Dec. 19 (18th in North America) will also be a harmonious lunation. Trust your instincts! TAURUS: APR. 20: to MAY 21:

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You may experience low energy and impatience for the first 13 days of December. Expects delays and mechanical problems. The tide will turn on the 13th. For the rest of the month you will be more relaxed and contented. No need to force things in the first half of the month when you can succeed using charm in the last half. The New Moon Eclipse of Dec. 4 will be a relatively uneventful lunation. Don’t complain! The Full Moon of Dec. 19 (18th in North America) will also be a relatively uneventful lunation. Be comfortable!

A 12-month, transformative,

GEMINI: MAY 21 to JUNE 21:

spiritual journey through

Loose lips will sink ships in December! You will have trouble living up to your promises this month, so it is in your best interest to tone down the commentaries, especially in the first half. Your energy output will be challenged for the last half of the month. Too much to do, too little focus. The New Moon Eclipse of Dec. 4 will be a stressful lunation. Don’t exaggerate! The Full Moon of Dec. 19 (18th in North America) will bring contradictory energies to the surface. Don’t choose sides!

the Celtic Wheel of the Year.

Launching early 2022 Learn more: Email: anne@purplegoddess.guru Website: purplegoddess.guru/online-pilgrimage

CANCER: JUNE 21 to JULY 23:

No matter which way you turn, you may meet with indifference and detachment in December. If you take it personally you will get your feelings hurt. If you do get some really good ideas, sit on them for a while. Keep them to yourself. Let them mature. Why give your personal insights out to people who do not deserve them? The New Moon Eclipse of Dec. 4 will be a relatively uneventful lunation. Stay aloof! The Full Moon of Dec. 19 will also be 38

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a relatively uneventful lunation. Do not contend! LEO: JULY 23 to AUG. 23:

In December, big matters will be put on hold, they will not change quickly. You must bide your time. Be patient. In small matters there will be much room for adventure. When the big cycles block your way, freedom will come from the ability to find momentum in smaller cycles. It will be better to align with others than to try and lead! The New Moon Eclipse of Dec. 4 will be a harmonious lunation. Express optimism! The Full Moon of Dec. 19 (18th in North America) will also be a harmonious lunation. Keep physically active! VIRGO: AUG. 23 to SEP. 23:

Amidst all the hype and adrenaline, you would be wise to take a cautious stand in December. Those who talk don’t know, and those who know don’t talk! This is a time for defence and for listening. To do this well you will have to stop trying to explain yourself. You will gain far more from a smile than a discussion. The New Moon Eclipse of Dec. 4 will be a stressful lunation. Don’t trust your instincts! The Full Moon of Dec. 19 will also be a stressful lunation. Don’t encourage fools! LIBRA: SEPT. 23 to OCT. 23:

This will be a month of good energy output but poor returns for most Librans. Don’t expect immediate returns. Be patient. Defence wins championships. Keep your discontent to yourself. It’s telling you what you need to fix. This will be a month of diplomacy rather than of charm. The New Moon Eclipse of Dec. 4 will be a relatively uneventful lunation. Minimize your budget! The Full Moon of Dec. 19 (18th in North America) will also be a relatively uneventful lunation. Avoid those who talk too much! SCORPIO: OCT. 23 to NOV. 22:

Your energy level will stay high for the first 12 days of December and then it will begin to dissipate or get scattered. What you have accomplished by force and initiative will progress with discipline and hard work. The time for impulse is passing. Start listening! Consolidate your gains. The New Moon Eclipse of Dec. 4 will be a relatively uneventful lunation. Keep active! The Full Moon of Dec. 19 will also be a relatively uneventful lunation. Be responsible! www.vitalitymagazine.com

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COMMUNITY NEWS PURPLE GODDESS ONLINE PILGRIMAGE

In early 2022, Anne Elliott will be launching a year-long course called the Purple Goddess Online Pilgrimage™ – a transformative, spiritual journey through the Celtic Wheel of the Year. “The goal of this pilgrimage is to inspire each pilgrim to embrace their unique Goddess path through the sharing of practical Goddess/Spiritual wisdom. And to allow all the pilgrims on this journey to establish a mutual support network through the medium of women’s circles,” says Anne. Once a week, participants will gather online in small women’s circles. The bonding and sharing within these intimate circles provide some of the most powerful and transformative experiences of this online journey. “We will discuss issues that Goddesses everywhere deal with: feminine power, accepting our sovereignty, the mystery of the labyrinth, the true meaning of Divinity, sexuality, grief, Feminine Essence and more…” Email Anne Elliott at: anne@purplegoddess.guru

VITALITY MAGAZINE – WINTER 2021 / 2022

Book of the Month HEALING WORDS & POEMS

by Tom Fung This inspirational book, released in November 2021, is filled with thought provoking poems and quotations, each accompanied by beautiful colour photos. The book is a “must-have” for spiritual wisdom seekers who are eager to improve their overall state of wellbeing and are consciously striving to develop and deepen their inner knowledge. The book’s healing words and poems offer valuable insight about one’s spiritual purpose, while evoking inner harmony and a state of balanced mindfulness. This book is helpful for improving and uplifting emotions

and finding wisdom in daily challenges. It helps cultivate deep inner peace of body, mind, and Spirit. Here’s a sample poem: BE Be strong enough to face to the world each day. Understand your enemies. Loyal to your friends. Finish all the work before we sleep. Wise enough to know we do not know everything. Understand that we need team work. Foolish enough to believe in miracles. Be highly organized as usual. You can purchase the book on Amazon, or call 905-5548849 to speak with author Tom Fung, R.TCMP, R.Ac. GUELPH ORGANIC CONFERENCE UPDATE

The Guelph Organic Conference, in partnership with Organic Council of Ontario (OCO), is excited to announce 6 virtual workshops from January 24 to 29, 2022. The theme of this year’s conference is Organic Climate Solutions. The environmental benefits of organic farming will be featured throughout the conference’s series of virtual webinars. They are currently looking for sponsors, engaging farmers, and scientist speakers to present on various topics such as “Organic Weed Management in Field Crops.” Be a part of Canada’s longest running organic marketing event by sponsoring these presentations. For more information contact Tomas Nimmo, organix@auracom.com; or phone: 705-444-0923 https://guelphorganicconf.ca www.vitalitymagazine.com

December 2021 Predictions ~ continued ~

SAGITTARIUS: NOV. 22 to DEC. 22:

For the first 13 days of December you will be talking or thinking a lot. On the 13th Mars enters Sagittarius and the Force will be with you. You will be in your element running around having many adventures. This will be a proactive holiday. Take your good energy and share it with others. The New Moon Eclipse of Dec. 4 will be the most sensitive lunation of the year. Take some time out for personal reflection! The Full Moon of Dec. 19 (18th in North America) will bring contradictory energies to the surface. Ride the wave! CAPRICORN: DEC. 22 to JAN. 20:

In December, Capricorns should be able to keep calm when the world around them seems to be in shock. Your sense of restraint and your ability to maintain discipline will give your character a special presence. This is not a time for you to follow others. Develop your strategy and stick to it. The New Moon Eclipse of Dec. 4 will be a relatively uneventful lunation. Stay cool! The Full Moon of Dec. 19 (18th in North America) will also be a relatively uneventful lunation. Don’t get distracted! AQUARIUS: JAN. 20 to FEB. 19:

December will start off on a sour note for most Aquarians. Energy will be stressful, and irritability will prevail. Try to keep well rested and control your temper. The tide will turn by Dec. 13 when the stress will fall away, and positive energy will return. It will be easier for you to get around over the holidays. The New Moon Eclipse of Dec. 4 will be a harmonious lunation. Mind over matter! The Full Moon of Dec. 19 (18th in North America) will also be a harmonious lunation. Be spontaneous! PISCES: FEB. 19 to Mar. 20:

Most Pisceans will be easily irritated this month. You will be restless and accident prone. If you protect what you like and want, then you should be able to bypass the irritation. You will need to be patient in dealing with others and keep your expectations to a minimum. The New Moon Eclipse of Dec. 4 will be a stressful lunation. Try to stay calm! The Full Moon of Dec. 19 will also be a stressful lunation. Don’t trust your instincts! Robin’s predictions are meant for entertainment and insight. Any serious decision made by astrology requires a full personalized horoscope to be calculated and studied. For a personal consultation with Robin Armstrong, or to inquire about his School of Astrology, or to be put on his email list, email Robin at info@iastro.com, or visit the website at www.iastro.com; call 905-841-8565 www.vitalitymagazine.com

VITALITY MAGAZINE – WINTER 2021 / 2022

DEC 2 LET'S STAY POSITIVE AND FOCUSED zoom 8 - 9 pm. Please visit www.marlenegeorge.com

FEB 3 & MARCH 3 HAPPINESS THROUGH LEADERSHIP: 7 pm central time. Stepping Into Your Greatness. Topics: Purpose, Direction, Freedom, Fulfillment. Register: https://www.eventbrite. com/e/stepping-into-your-greatness-tickets-215752781377

DEC 4 REIKI 11 9 am - 4 pm www.marlenegeorge.com DEC 6 VISION BOARD zoom 8 to 9 pm www.marlenegeorge.com DEC 9 REIKI SHARE 7- 9 pm www.marlenegeorge.com DEC 18 REIKI I CERTIFICATION Learn to treat yourself & others. Includes Principles of Healing, chakras, endocrine glands... Illustrated Workbook. Virginia Hart Nelson, 28 years' experience. (416) 960-1690 virginia@theinnereye.ca

JAN 5 LET'S TALK REIKI zoom 8 - 9 pm www.marlenegeorge.com JAN 10 MINDFUL MEDITATION zoom 8 - 9 pm Please visit www.marlenegeorge.com JAN 13 REIKI SHARE 7- 9 pm www.marlenegeorge.com JAN 15 REIKI 1 9 am - 4 pm www.marlenegeorge.com

Vitality Magazine is moving 100% online in 2022. Advertising inquiries: listings@vitalitymagazine.com

The staff at Vitality Magazine wish all of our readers, advertisers, and suppliers a happy Winter Solstice on December 21st JAN 15 REIKI I CERTIFICATION Learn to treat yourself & others. Includes Principles of Healing, chakras, endocrine glands... Illustrated Workbook. Virginia Hart Nelson, 28 years' experience. Please call (416) 960-1690 Email: virginia@theinnereye.ca JAN 15-18 THE HABIT RESET RETREAT: An immersive retreat experience for individuals seeking wellbeing, transformation, and wishing for a reset. Join a supportive community with diverse goals and values as we create personal habits & routines that will help us step into who we want to be and how we want to be living. NorthernEdgeAlgonquin.ca/Habits Call 1-888-383-8320. JAN 17 9 PRINCIPLES 8 - 9 pm zoom www.marlenegeorge.com

VITALITY MAGAZINE – WINTER 2021 / 2022

JAN 18 MINDFUL MEDITATION 7.30 - 8.30 pm Information, visit: www.marlenegeorge.com JAN 22 REIKI II CERTIFICATION Learn more potent healing applications, including Symbols, Long-distance healing. Illustrated Workbook. Virginia Hart Nelson, 28 years' experience. (416) 960-1690, virginia@theinnereye.ca JAN 27 LET'S STAY FOCUSED AND POSITIVE zoom 8 - 9 pm www.marlenegeorge.com JAN 31 LET'S STAY FOCUSED AND POSITIVE zoom 7:30 - 8:30 pm www.marlenegeorge.com

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FEB 3 - 6 HEART FLAME RETREAT: Coming home to the Fire Within, we gather under the stars in the stillness of winter to re-ignite our passions. Connect deeply with yourself and nature in this Way of the Circle retreat. NorthernEdgeAlgonquin.ca/ Circle 1 888 383-8320. FEB 10 REIKI SHARE 7- 9 pm www.marlenegeorge.com FEB 11 - 13, 18 - 21 FIRE & ICE: A Winter Retreat: Slow down to the quiet pace of winter, stay in a private forest cabin and enjoy guided winter adventures paired with heart-warming meals during the most magical time of the year. We welcome you to visit over Valentines or Family Day weekend. NorthernEdgeAlgonquin.ca/retreats /winter-getaway 1-888-383-8320. FEB 13 MINDFUL MEDITATION zoom 8 - 9 pm Please visit www.marlenegeorge.com FEB 16 LET'S STAY FOCUSED AND POSITIVE zoom 8 - 9 pm www.marlenegeorge.com

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FEB 19 REIKI I CERTIFICATION Learn to treat yourself & others. Includes Principles of Healing, chakras, endocrine glands... Illustrated Workbook. Virginia Hart Nelson, 28 years' experience. Please call (416) 960-1690, email: virginia@theinnereye.ca FEB 21 LET'S TALK REIKI on zoom 8 - 9 pm Information: www.marlenegeorge.com FEB 24 LET'S STAY POSITIVE AND FOCUSED 7.30 - 8.30 pm www.marlenegeorge.com FEB 26 REIKI 11 9 am- 4 pm www.marlenegeorge.com FEB 26 REIKI II CERTIFICATION Learn more potent healing applications, including Symbols, Long-distance healing. Illustrated Workbook. Virginia Hart Nelson, 28 years' experience. (416) 960-1690, virginia@theinnereye

HEALING TRANSFORMATION CLINIC: Bioenergy healing that gives remarkable results to a wide variety of conditions. Change everything in just four days a month. Please contact Ellen Lewinberg: (416) 203-2744, ellen@healingtransformation.ca, www.healingtransformation.ca. BIG CARROT ONLINE SPEAKER SERIES: Join us for our Free Instagram LIVE Series. Hear experts deliver informative workshops on a diverse range of topics. More info:ˇhttp://thebigcarrot.ca/eventsˇ or visit us on Instagramˇ@thebigcarrot LOW-RATE REMOTE QI HEALING SERVICES: Master Teresa has been training Remote Healers in a 16week program. Her graduates are offering one-on-one $20 for 30minute (Zoom) to help our communities. For information, visit: www.purelandqigong.com

Purple Goddess Online Pilgrimage™ A 12-month, transformative, spiritual journey through the Celtic Wheel of the Year.

Launching early 2022 Learn more: Email: anne@purplegoddess.guru Website: purplegoddess.guru/online-pilgrimage

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VITALITY MAGAZINE – WINTER 2021 / 2022

SERVICE DIRECTORY AYURVEDIC MEDICINE

COLONIC IRRIGATION

COURSES & WORKSHOPS

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

THE ANDREA OLIVERA CENTRE FOR AYURVEDA RITUALS offers Ayurveda ONLINE Workshops in Indian Head Massage and Ayurveda Facials, Ayurveda products and Jyotisha/Vedic Astrology Readings Contact (416) 504-6049, Email: info@ayurvedictouch.com www.ayurvedarituals.ca

COLON HYDROTHERAPY offered at Hockley Valley Naturopathic & Chiropractic Clinic, near Orangeville. Call Elinko at (519) 941-7553 or 1 800 397-3085.

THE FOUNDATION FOR SHAMANIC STUDIES is offering online workshops beginning with The Shamanic Journey: Pathway to Knowledge and Power, a visionary method for entering other realities with discipline and purpose. This experiential 7-hour online training of two half-days uses ZOOM Teleconferencing. Advanced online workshops in Core Shamanism are also offered. Check out the Shaman Spirit Path website for details and registration info (www.shamanspiritpath.com) or contact Glenn Campbell at (905) 655-6756 or email: glenn@shamanspiritpath.com. Glenn is a faculty member with the FSS and teaches the workshops.

MARLENE GEORGE. Craniosacral Therapy. Private appointments. www.marlenegeorge.com, (905) 796-0101.

BODY / MIND THERAPY COMBINED PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL HEALING using regression and individualized vibrational remedies. 30 years' medical intuition. Call Kathy Walker: (416) 285-8759, or visit her website: www.askkathywalker.com RELAX AND REJUVENATE. Offering Japanese Cosmo Face Lifting, Facial Reflexology, Trauma or Bipolar Therapy, and BodyTalk. London, Ont. Visit: www.carolearle.ca or call (519) 709-5688.

BREATH WORK MARLENE GEORGE. Healing Through Breathing workshops & private sessions. www.marlenegeorge.com, (905) 796-0101.

VITALITY MAGAZINE’S NEXT ISSUE WILL BE IN A DIGITAL NEWSLETTER FORMAT, RELEASED IN FEBRUARY 2022

For information on advertising, call (416) 964-0528, or email Listings@ vitalitymagazine.com

VITALIFE COLON & DIGESTIVE HEALTH CLINIC (Colonics/ Enemas /Diet Consultation) Toronto East Beaches area. Since 2009. Quiet, private, effective. Visit www.vitalife clinic.com/(416) 849-0004

COUNSELLING / COACHING ARE YOU FEELING POWERLESS & MISUNDERSTOOD by family, friends, or co-workers? Would you like to stop the hurt & anger and start enjoying some peace & satisfaction in your most important relationships? To get started, attend an Introductory Workshop or book a private session with Lynn. Call (416) 469-2033, http://www.forgiveandlaugh.com HEALTH, STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACHING – Identify root causes of diseases and heal naturally, increase vitality, decrease stress. Learn healthy eating habits, lifestyle management, appropriate types of exercise, achieve the body you dream of. Email Alex.Zimnickas@pm.me, call, text (416) 553-5191. CORE BELIEF ENGINEERING. We repeat what we don’t resolve. Lisa Sidorowicz, MA, B.Ed., CBE Master Practitioner & Trainer. Please call (905) 510-7562, (905) 842-3305, lisa@thecore.ca, www.thecore.ca

SOMATOFULNESS: RETURN TO THE BODY Connecting to the body and life energy to - heal trauma & attain complete emotional and mental health, experience fullness of life and live-in synergy with nature. Online courses starting in Jan. 2022. Information and registration: call Jivasu (905) 818-9150; email: jivasu.natural@gmail.com, visit: www.jivasu.org MAKE YOUR OWN DRUM: Ongoing workshops held in Guelph, Ont. Frame drums, Djembe, African Talking Drums, Ocean Drums, more. We also travel to Your location! Information: Visit: www.EarthTonesStudio.org, Email: EarthTonesStudio@gmail. com, call (548) 988-9150.

CRANIOSACRAL: Gentle yet powerful healing. In practice 27 years. Holistic therapies include CranioSacral, Registered Nutrition, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Reiki, Osteopathic Techniques, Living raw Food lifestyle expert, massage. Graduate of: Hippocrates & Esalen Institutes, Matthew Kennedy Academy & Young Living Essential Oils; Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. Call Fabienne Thuet (416) 558-7441.

EAR CANDLING EAR CANDLING $35; WITH SINUS DRAINAGE $45. Info: www. Wellnesstogo.ca (416) 707-4896.

ENERGY THERAPY BICOM BIORESONANCE: German frequency healing technology for burnout, stress, EMF, Lyme and Mold toxicity and 100s of other symptoms & conditions. Painless. Effective. No side-effects. Jozef Krop www.ecohealthcentre.ca (See ad on page 20) LOVE ENERGY HEALING. For more information visit: https://audwin trapman.com/healing/

Deadline for advertising in Vitality’s February newsletter is January 15

A Kripalu Yoga programme in Richmond Hill and Thornhill. Yoga classes, Yoga Therapy, Retreats, 200 and 500 hour Yoga Teacher Training. 905 770 9210 | sunlilyoga.ca 44

VITALITY MAGAZINE – WINTER 2021 / 2022

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HEALTH SERVICES

PSYCHOTHERAPY

HOLISTIC HEALTH SERVICES: Thai/Yoga Massage, Acupressure Massage & Foot Reflexology, Exercise & Wellness Coaching, Weekly Nutrition Seminars provided Monday to Friday in Toronto at 2 St. Clair Avenue West, 18th floor. Please contact Tahira at (647) 795-6252. Or visit: https://www. tholistichealthservices.com/

HOLISTIC PSYCHOTHERAPY. The most powerful work. Integrating Psychotherapy with body/energycentred modalities. Remote work during pandemic. Registered Psychotherapist, Canadian Certified Counsellor with Master's Degree & Board Certified Polarity Practitioner. Over 25 years' experience. See ad pg. 36. Visit www.visualization works.com, or call Victoria: (416) 916-6066.

HYPNOTHERAPY VIRGINIA HART NELSON. Turn your experiences & conditioning into powerful catalysts for healing & change. (416) 960-1690, www.theinnereye.ca, see ad pg. 36.

MASSAGE THERAPY DEEP TISSUE SWEDISH MASSAGE. Visit: experience. years 20 www.Rickvassallo.com or call (416) 871-1677, West Toronto.

PAST LIFE THERAPY REMEMBER ACCOMPLISHMENTS from other lifetimes, transform old habit patterns & liberate your purpose. Virginia Hart Nelson: (416) 960-1690, www.theinnereye.ca. See ad pg. 36. PSYCHICS & CLAIRVOYANTS JACKIE LEWIS PSYCHIC/ARTIST, Tarot Card Reader, author on amazon.com The Secrets of Reading Tarot Cards,. Please contact (647) 347-5373, jackietarot@gmail.com, view my profile on www.jackie lewis.deviantart.com MARGOT PSYCHIC SERVICES. Professional, accurate, insightful readings by renowned psychic medium. Reading by phone or in person, contact: (416) 921-0611, www.margotpsychicservices.com

REFLEXOLOGY PAM RUSSELL. Pain and stress relief from head to toe. Dupont and Spadina. House calls. Feet, hands & ears. Plus Thai foot reflexology. Please call (416) 856-6589, or email: pjrussell@sympatico.ca REIKI REIKI, EMOTION CODE, Healing Codes, Theta Healing, & Psychotherapy. Effie Hadzis B.A., B.Ed., Registered Psychotherapist. (416) 751-9619, www.aocliving.ca VIRGINIA HART NELSON. Private treatments, and Certification all Levels. 28 years' experience. (416) 960-1690, www.theinnereye.ca, email: virginia@theinnereye.ca. See ad pg. 36. RISE WITH JACKIE. Reiki Practitioner located in Scarborough. Available for in-person & distance Reiki sessions, Crystal Reiki + Sound Healing. Contact me by C: (416) 841-3455, IG: risewithjackie, Email: risewith jackie@outlook.com, or visit me online www.risewithjackie.com Continued next page

• Great Selection! • Full Time, Part Time & Occasional Rentals • Reasonable Rates • Workshop Space Also

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VITALITY MAGAZINE – WINTER 2021 / 2022

CLASSIFIED S

SERVICE DIRECTORY ~ continued ~

REIKI MARLENE GEORGE. Reiki. Recognized Master Teacher by the CRA Ontario. Over 30 years' experience. Certificate, Attunement manual. All levels. Practice groups and private sessions. Please visit: www.marlenegeorge.com, or call (905) 796-0101. RETREATS & EVENTS THE HABIT RESET RETREAT 2022: JAN 15 - 18: An immersive retreat experience for individuals seeking wellbeing, transformation, and wishing for a reset. Join a supportive community with diverse goals and values as we create personal habits & routines that will help us step into who we want to be and how we want to be living. NorthernEdgeAlgonquin.ca/Habits 1 888 383-8320

Vitality’s NEW Online Advertising rates: Classifieds, Service Directory, and Calendar listings cost 50 cents per word, plus HST. For this price, your ad appears on our website at: www.vitalitymagazine.com for a one month period For more information or to book your advertisement, email listings@vitalitymagazine. com or call (416) 964-0528, ext. 102 Next deadline: January 15 for the February Newsletter

Clear Seeing Naturally Tired of • Blurry Vision • Glasses • Deteriorating Vision • Computer Eyestrain

Online Classes and Private Sessions Alexandra 416-923-3893 www.awareness-matters.ca 46

HEART FLAME RETREAT FEB 3 - 6: Coming home to the Fire Within, we gather under the stars in the stillness of winter to re-ignite our passions. Connect deeply with yourself and nature in this Way of the Circle retreat. Information at: NorthernEdgeAlgonquin.ca/Circle 1888-383-8320. FIRE & ICE: FEB 11 - 13, & 18 - 21 A Winter Retreat: Slow down to the quiet pace of winter, stay in a private forest cabin and enjoy guided winter adventures paired with heart-warming meals during the most magical time of the year. Visit over Valentines or Family Day weekend. More information at: NorthernEdgeAlgonquin.ca/retreats /winter-getaway 1-888-383-8320.

HEALTH PRODUCTS CHRONIC DISEASE? We have one of the very few supplements that is able to heal or at least /decrease it. Salespeople are welcome. Email: find1376pbs@gmail.com COLLOIDAL SILVER GENERATORS: Make your own fresh, high potency with our professional domestic and commercial colloidal generators. We supply large area electrodes of 99.99% pure silver, gold, copper, magnesium, zinc, iron, platinum, palladium, tin, titanium & 3 more. 20% discount for zoomers. Made in GTA. Please visit: www.biophysica.com, or call (647) 478-6946 or 1-800-488-2032. FREE KANGEN WATER FOR THIRTY DAYS. More information at: http://www.kangenpeachtree.com 2239 Bloor St. W. Toronto.

RETREATS & VACATIONS HELP WANTED HIDDEN BUDDHA HEALING CENTER: Retreats, Rentals, Bed & Breakfast, Reiki, Macrobiotics, Health Coaching. Contact Lidia: (416) 912-1721, or www.hidden buddhahealingcenter.com THERAPEUTIC TOUCH©ˇ THERAPEUTIC TOUCH© PRACTITIONER, Marlene George, www.marlenegeorge.com, (905) 796-0101. YOGA SUNLILYOGA - A Kripalu Yoga Programme in Richmond Hill and Thornhill. Yoga classes, Yoga Therapy, Retreats and 200- & 500hour Yoga Teacher Training: Visit www.sunlilyoga.ca, or call (905) 770-9210.

HOUSEKEEPER REQUIRED live in or live out (state preference). If live in, will provide a very nice 2 bedroom well furnished APT. Central (Forest Hill) Toronto. Email: hiremail12@gmail.com OFFICE/CLINIC SPACE FOR RENT PSYCHOTHERAPY/HEALING ARTS OFFICES: Beautiful building across from Allan Gardens - 120 Carlton at Jarvis. Six rooms available on fulltime, part-time and occasional basis. Accessible. Inquiries Dr. Nick Ashfield (416) 567-2205 or info@torontohealingarts.ca

Vitality’s circulation for the Winter issue is 50,000 (combined print and digital)

BEAUTIFUL OFFICES: Toronto Healing Arts Centre, established 1983, variety of rooms - Bloor Street West at Christie Subway. Psychotherapy / Healing Arts offices. Inquiries (416) 535-8777 or info@torontohealingarts.ca PARKDALE PSYCHOTHERAPY SPACE: Queen West near Brock. Beautiful renovated offices available full-time, part-time and occasional. Please contact Nick (416) 567-2205. PERSONALS SUCCESSFUL GENTLEMAN looking to meet lady 35-40 for relationship. Send email to: Metaphysicalmind 2019@gmail.com VACATION/RETREATS RENTAL HIDDEN BUDDHA HEALING CENTER: The Perfect Place to Host Your Retreat. Rental space for retreat leaders, year-round. Contact Lidia: (416) 912-1721, visit www.hidden buddhahealingcenter.com

CHECK YOUR AD! VITALITY magazine requires advertisers to check their ad upon publication. We will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion. There shall be no liability for non-insertion of any ad. Liability for errors in ads is limited to the amount paid.

EXPLORE THE GREAT MYSTERY through Yoga nidra online in a safe community. Contact Tabitha at peaceiswithinyou@gmail.com, www.tabithakot.com.

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VITALITY MAGAZINE – WINTER 2021 / 2022