Vitality Magazine | Spring Issue 2023

Have You Considered Becoming a Waldorf Teacher?

Rudolf Steiner College Canada

Invites You to a Series of Five FREE Thursday Evenings

March 30 to

April 27, 2023

7:00 - 8:30 pm

at RSCC, 9100 Bathurst St. Thornhill and on Zoom

At a time when we are increasingly wary about becoming trapped in careers we see as unfulfilling or actively contributing to the world’s problems, becoming a Waldorf teacher can be a path of liberation, inner development and service to the world. Learn more by taking part in one or all of the evenings below. No need to register, just show up in person or on Zoom. Find the Zoom link on the rscc.ca website. It’s the same link for all the evenings. These evenings will be followed by an Open House on Sunday May 7, 3:00 to 4:30 pm.

March 30: Education for Our Time – The Journey of Waldorf Education – Robert McKay, RSCC

April 6: A Deed of Love – Teaching the Early Years – Karen Weyler, RSCC, Star Seedlings

April 13: The Rewards of Being a Waldorf Teacher – Kathryn Humphrey, Toronto Waldorf School

April 20: Why is the Sky Blue? – Sciences in Grades School – James Brian, RSCC

April 27: The Waldorf Experience – Colloquium Panel Discussion led by Grant Davis, RSCC

Rudolf Steiner College Canada’s full-time grades and early childhood Waldorf teacher education programs are approved vocational programs under the Ontario Private Career Colleges Act 2005. Foundation Studies in Anthroposophy and the full-time and part-time Waldorf teacher programs for both grades and early childhood are recognized by the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA). Full-time and part-time early childhood Waldorf teacher programs are recognized by the International Association for Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Education (IASWECE) and by the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN).

Editor’s note: All Vitality ar ticles 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

Atlast the spring sunshine is returning to our northern hemisphere, and frozen Canadians are waking up to a new season. With the arrival of spring it’s time to release our burden of winter weight as we clear out metabolic sludge from organs and tissues Undertaking a spring detox is especially vital this year due to increased environmental contamination from the train wrecks happening in North America, along with other chemical spills that have occurred recently [1] These toxic chemicals (such as vinyl chloride) are now circulating in our environment in addition to everyday contaminants such as fluoride in drinking water, glyphosate in foods, and electromagnetic radiation in the air.

For tunately there are many plant medic i n e s t h a t c a n h e l p t o c l e a r o u t a n d strengthen the body’s detoxif ication pathways while cleaning up the bloodstream and flushing our airways This month we bring you an updated feature by herbalist Keith Stelling that discusses recommended plant medicines such as dandelion for the liver, horseradish for the lungs, and stinging nettle for the kidneys Most of these plants g row locally, and if you don’t have them in your garden they are easily found in specialty markets.

There are other tissue cleansing strategiess that can help to flush out poisons as well. Sweating, for example, is a g reat way

to release toxins through the skin If you don’t have a sauna, crank up the heat in your home while doing some vigorous exercise Or even better, go out in the sunshine and soak up the rays while you get your sweat on

To see more infor mation on this topic, just type “detoxif ication” into the search bar on our website and up will pop at least 15 ar ticles covering different types of detoxes, including one on homeopathic remedies for tissue cleansing.

In other news, Covid vaccine side effects have increasingly been found to take the for m of hyper tension. As repor ted in The Daily Clout (founded by Dr. Naomi Wolf), “There are 36,578 records in the Vaccine

A d ve r s e E ve n t R e p o r t i n g S y s t e m (VAERS) as of December 2, 2022 that s h ow u p wh e n t h e s e a r c h t e r m s Hyper tension or High Blood Pressure are queried ” And according to Dr Henr y Ealy, the real number of hyper tension cases is assumed to be even higher than that [2]

So this month we bring you a feature by Zoltan Rona, MD, on healing hyper tension (also known as high blood pressure) n a t u r a l ly. H e r e we l e a r n a b o u t a n t iinflammator y foods, magnesium, CoQ10, ginger, and more. I wish I had known about these things back when my g randmother was diagnosed with hyper tension. If I had known, I would have put her on a regimen of natural remedies rather than the dangerous blood pressure medication prescribed by her doctor. It tur ned out that one of the side effects of that diuretic dr ug is pancreatic inflammation [3] She ended up dying of pancreatic cancer, yet she was

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never infor med of the risks

So I suppose I have her doctor to thank for my subsequent distr ust of Wester n medicine that has endured to this day. Thankfully, it shifted me towards a career ex p l o r i n g t h e wo n d e r f u l alter natives.

Julia Woodford, Editor

1] https://www poynter org/repor tingediting/2023/chemical-accidents-united-states-every-two-days/

2] https://dailyclout io/bombshellrepor t-from-dailyclout-team-finds-massive-hypertension-signal-after-the-shots/

3] https://pubmed ncbi nlm nih gov/ 17101581/

(The following three reports are reprinted from the monthly “Literature Review & Commentary”

by Dr Alan R Gaby, MD in Townsend Letter for Doctors )

SAW PALMETTO BERRIES FOR PROSTATITIS & PELVIC PAIN SYNDROME

Two h u n d r e d t we n t y - o n e men (aged 18-50 years) presenting to one of 11 Chinese u r o l og i c a l c e n t e r s w i t h a histor y of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain synd r o m e ( C P / C P P S ) f o r a t least three months were randomly assigned to receive, in double-blind fashion, in a 2 : 1 r a t i o , 1 2 0 m g o f a n ex t r a c t o f S aw Pa l m e t t o B e r r i e s ( S e re n o a re p e n s ) twice a day or placebo for 12 weeks.

A t b a s e l i n e , t h e m e a n score on the NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) was 26 on a scale of 0 to 43, with higher n u m b e r s i n d i c a t i n g m o r e s eve r e s y m p t o m s . A response to treatment was def ined as a decrease in the NIH-CPSI score by at least 6 points The propor tion of patients who had a response was higher in the serenoa g roup than in the placebo g roup (73% vs 33%; p < 0 0 0 0 1 ) N o s e r i o u s s i d e effects occur red.

The mean reduction in the

NEWS & NOTES

Research reports on Nutrition, Health & Anti-Aging from Around the World

COMPILED BY JULIA WOODFORD

the treatment of patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial World J Urol 2021;39:3489-3495

GLUTEN-FREE DIET HELPS RELIEVE PAIN

Twenty-f ive women (aged 18-55 years) with at least a 3 month histor y of moderateto-severe myofascial pain in masticator y muscles due to t e m p o r o m a n d i b u l a r j o i n t syndrome (TMJ), were randomly assigned to consume a gluten-free diet for four weeks, or to an untreated control g roup.

In one study, Saw Palmetto Berries were an effective treatment for prostatitis; in another, exercise helped prevent cancer

NIH-CPSI score was g reater in the serenoa g roup than in the placebo g roup (9.39 vs. 5 21; p < 0 0001) The diff e r e n c e i n t h e c h a n g e between g roups reached statistical signif icance by the end of the second week.

C o m m e n t : S e r e n o a i s widely used as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Many, though not all, studies have found that treatment with serenoa improves symptoms, increases urinar y flow rate, and decreases residual urine volume in men with BPH In

the present study, serenoa was also found to be an e ff e c t ive t r e a t m e n t f o r CP/CPPS. If the results of this study from China can be conf ir med by additional research, it would represent a signif icant medical breakthrough because CP/CPPS is often a chronic and diff icult-to-treat condition.

H oweve r, a p r ev i o u s study conducted in the U.S. found that serenoa was not an effective treatment for CP/CPPS.

Zhang K, et al The eff icacy and safety of Serenoa repens extract for

Women on the gluten-free diet had a reduction in pain intensity (p =0 006) and an increase in the pressure pain threshold of the masseter (p <0.02) and anterior temporalis (p =0.03) muscles. In contrast, the control g roup had no improvement.

Comment: In a previous s t u d y, c o n s u m p t i o n o f a g l u t e n - f r e e d i e t r e l i eve d chronic low back pain in a large propor tion of patients wh o h a d b e e n d i a g n o s e d with f ibromyalgia, spondyloar thritis, or both. In a case repor t, a 46-year-old woman with a two-year histor y of severe heel pain diagnosed a s p l a n t a r f a s c i i t i s h a d marked improvement within two weeks of commencing a

gluten-free diet Symptoms recur red when she resumed eating gluten but resolved with gluten avoidance.

In the present study, a g l u t e n - f r e e d i e t i m p r ove d myofascial pain in patients with TMJ. Taken together, these f indings suggest that avoiding gluten can in some cases relieve various types of myofascial and musculoskeletal pain. Sensitivity to dair y products and other foods also appears to be involved in some cases of myo f a s c i a l a n d m u s c uloskeletal pain; but according to some investigators, gluten-containing foods are involved in the largest propor tion of cases

A r a u j o O l ive i r a B u o s i J, e t a l Gluten-free diet reduces pain in women with myof ascial pain in masticator y muscles: a preliminar y randomized cont r o l l e d t r i a l . J O r a l Fa c i a l Pa i n Headache 2021;35:199-207

VITAMIN D ACCELERATES RECOVERY FROM COVID-19

Fifty patients admitted to a hospital in Belgium with Covid-19 between August 2020 and August 2021 were r a n d o m ly a s s i g n e d t o r e c e ive , i n d o u bl e - bl i n d fashion, vitamin D (25,000 IU per day for 4 days foll owe d by 2 5 , 0 0 0 I U p e r week for up to 6 weeks), or

placebo

Compared with placebo, v i t a m i n D s h o r t e n e d t h e median length of hospital stay (4 days vs 8 days; p = 0 003) At day 7, a lower percentage of patients were still hospitalized in the vitamin D g roup than in the p l a c e b o g r o u p ( 1 9 % v s 54%; p< 0.02). At 21 days, none of the patients in the vitamin D g roup and 14% of those in the placebo g roup were still hospitalized

Vi t a m i n D r e d u c e d t h e median duration of supplemental oxygen use among t h e p a t i e n t s wh o n e e d e d oxygen (4 days vs 7 days; p = 0.01).

C o m m e n t : I t h a s b e e n hypothesized that vitamin D c o u l d h e l p p r eve n t o r d e c r e a s e t h e s eve r i t y o f Covid-19 infection by regulating the renin-angiotensin system and by enhancing innate or adaptive immunity.

S eve r a l p r ev i o u s s t u d i e s found that supplementation with vitamin D or calcifedio l ( 2 5 - hy d r ox y v i t a m i n D ) i m p r ove d o u t c o m e s i n patients with Covid-19 The results of the present study suppor t those f indings

A double-blind study conducted in Brazil and published in the Journal of the A m e r i c a n M e d i c a l A s s n .

Starts in the Aura Well Being Learn to make it shine

found that vitamin D supplementation did not decrease the mean length of hospital stay and had no signif icant effect on mor tality, need for intensive care, or need for

wa s given as a single large dose of

vitamin D that way appears to be less effective than giving it in smaller, more frequent doses

2022;14:3048

Several previous studies found that supplementation with vitamin D or calcifediol (25-hydroxyvitamin D) improved outcomes in patients with Covid-19

The results of the present study support those findings.

(The previous three reports are by Dr Alan Gaby, author of the book “Nutritional Medicine”, a comprehensive textbook for healthcare professionals and educated nonprofessionals. Find more information about his book and other writings at: https://doctorgaby com/

These reports are reprinted with permission from Townsend Letter: The Examiner of Alternative Medicine. For information about subscriptions, visit their website: www.townsendletter.com, info@townsendletter.com)

PROBIOTICS CAN HELP PREVENT AND TREAT A LOSS OF MUSCLE STRENGTH IN OLDER ADULTS

In a literature search of randomized controlled trials, investigators compared the effect of probiotic supplements and placebo on loss of muscle mass and strength in mostly older adults The researchers looked at 24 studies and found that the probiotic supplements enhanced muscle mass as well as muscle strength They suggest that more research is needed.

Abstract: The aim of this systematic review and metaanalysis was to explore the impact of probiotic supplementation on muscle mass, total lean mass, and muscle strength in human adults

A l i t e r a t u r e s e a r c h o f r a n d o m i z e d c o n t r o l l e d t r i a l s (RCTs) was conducted through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Librar y from inception until June 2022. Eligible RCTs compared the effect of probiotic supplementation versus placebo on muscle and total lean mass and global muscle strength (composite score of all muscle strength outcomes) in adults (>18 years)

Our main analysis (k = 10) revealed that muscle mass was improved following probiotics compared with placebo Probiotic supplementation enhances both muscle mass and global muscle strength; however, no benef icial effects were obser ved in total lean mass

Impact of probiotics on muscle mass, muscle strength and lean mass: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials A, Isanejad M J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2022 Nov 22 doi: 10 1002/jcsm 13132

Report courtesy of The Council for Responsible Nutrition

EXERCISE CAN HELP DEFEAT CANCER BY INCREASING GLUCOSE CONSUMPTION

A new study at Tel Aviv University has found that aerobic exercise can reduce the risk of metastatic cancer by 72% According to the researchers, intense aerobic exercise increases the glucose (sugar) consumption of inter nal organs, thereby reducing the availability of energy to the tumour The study was led by two researchers from TAU’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine: Prof Car mit Levy from the Depar tment of Human Genetics and Biochemistr y and Dr. Yftach Gepner from the School of Public Health and the Sylvan Adams Spor ts Institute. Prof. Levy emphasizes that by combining scientif ic know-how from different schools at TAU, the new study has led to a ver y impor tant discover y which may help prevent metastatic cancer – the leading cause of death in Israel.

Prof. Levy and Dr. Gepner stated: “Studies have demonstrated that physical exercise reduces the risk for some types of cancer by up to 35%. This positive effect is similar to the impact of exercise on other conditions, such as hear t disease and diabetes In this study we added new insight, showing that high-intensity aerobic exercise, which derives its energy from sugar, can reduce the risk of metastatic cancer by as much as 72%

If so far the general message to the public has been ‘be active, be healthy’, now we can explain how aerobic activity can maximize the prevention of the most agg ressive and metastatic types of cancer ”

Repor t cour tesy of the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University Full study at: https://en-med tau ac il/news/study/aerobic/activity/reduce/cancer/22

FROM THE ARCHIVES.....

News Briefs by Michael Downey

AFTERNOON NAPS CAN ENHANCE MEMORY

Research has found that older adults who nap after lunch have better memor y and thinking skills than those who do not nap at all or who nap for more than 90 minutes A study of this type cannot deter mine whether the napping causes this boost in cognitive functioning, but the researchers suggested that a one-hour nap in the after noon may result in better mental and memor y perfor mance. Inter vention studies would be required to f ind out

As we age, cognitive functioning often declines, but for some older individuals, the decline in cognitive functioning can be more severe, potentially leading to dementia. Studies have shown that being active, both mentally and physically, can help to keep the mind shar p in older age. According to the National Sleep Foundation, an after noon nap of around 20-30 minutes is best for boosting aler tness and mental perfor mance, without interfering with nighttime sleep.

For this study, scientists analyzed data on 2,974 adults, aged 65 and older, all of whom underwent tests of attention, episodic memor y, and visuospatial abilities, including m

Moderate-nappers had better cognitive perfor mance than non-nappers or extended-nappers (over 90 minutes) The reductions in mental abilities of non-nappers, shor t-nappers, and extended-nappers were around four to six times g reater than those of moderate nappers, which is comparable to the cognitive function of a f ive-year older age

This study was released online by the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, ahead of publication in an upcoming issue The study repor t can be accessed at http://tinyurl.com/js2xj8r free of charge.

YOGA MAY HELP TREAT MAJOR DEPRESSION

Researchers have repor ted that a breathing-based for m of yoga known as Sudarshan Kriya may be an effective add-on therapy for patients with major depressive disorder who fail to respond to antidepressants (Antidepressant medication is considered a primar y treatment for major depression, but these dr ugs fail to fully work for more than half of those who use them, and they can lead to unpleasant side effects. Depression is the most common mental illness in the U.S. Around 15 7 million adult Americans experience at least one major depressive episode in a given year. Sudarshan Kriya yoga is a meditation technique that focuses on rhythmic breathing exercises, with the aim of placing the mind into a deep, restful state )

For their study, the team enrolled 25 adults who had been diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) All patients had been taking antidepressants for at least eight weeks but had seen no signif icant improvement in symptoms The prog ram included six sessions of Sudarshan Kriya yoga exercises, yoga postures, and stress education in the f irst week For the remaining seven weeks, par ticipants attended a once-weekly yoga follow-up session, with practice sessions at

home

In this f irst-ever clinical study of this type, the study team found that eight weeks of Sudarshan Kriya yoga improved symptoms of anxiety and depression in outpatient patients with MDD who were not responding to antidepressants. The control g roup experienced no improvement

This study was published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry: http://tinyurl com/j78dg26

Dandelion has the ability to extract toxins – even heavy metals – from the tissues and is at the same time an ideal remedy for restoration and support of the liver

Herbs for Detox

Feelinglethargic lately? Tired when you get up and exhausted when you get home at night? Or are you just plain low on energy? People used to call this spring fever, and there was a simple cure for it: a spring tonic In Europe, at one time it was the custom for ever y member of the family to take a spring “cure” for a couple of weeks each year In fact, herbs have been used for spring cleansing for centuries by people all over the world.

Today we call this detoxif ication Moder n investigation of some of the traditional spring tonics reveals valid reasons for their effectiveness But why would a healthy person need detoxif ication?

By the end of winter, the body’s natural mechanisms for self-cleansing have simply become sluggish. We tend to accumulate more of the wastes of nor mal metabolism over the winter period. Less outdoor exercise and work in buildings with stale air means less oxygen for our tissues. This leads to the build-up of carbon dioxide and other waste metabolites such as uric acid.

We’re also forced to rely on impor ted fr uits and vegetables that have been picked long before ripening and stored for considerable periods during transit

Traditional spring tonics were not just bowel cleansers. (In fact, herbal laxatives such as senna pods and cascara can be ir ritating for the intestinal tract and eventually they become habit-for ming like any other laxative ) Real cleansing must encompass all systems of the body: the liver and kidneys, the skin and lymphatic system, and the cells in deep tissues, not just the bowels Even the respirator y tract needs attention because it often endures longter m congestion as a result of moder n pollution Chronic

mucus or catar rh is an indicator that stale air or poor diet has predisposed this system to the vulnerability of infection.

The best place to star t is with cleansing remedies that suppor t and restore the organs of elimination so that wastes can be transpor ted right out of the body

So let’s look at some of the famous spring cleansing remedies that have been used in the past and discover why they are still effective. It is no accident that the herbs traditionally used for spring tonics are either roots or plants that begin vigorous g rowth with all their constituents intact ver y early in the season.

Dandelion Leaf and Root

One of the f irst plants to appear in spring is the dandelion. This is really a remarkable cure because it has the ability to extract toxins – even heavy metals – from the tissues and is at the same time an ideal remedy for restoration and suppor t of the liver itself. That’s why skin problems (a sure indicator of toxicity) always respond favourably to dandelion root. This root is even used to treat jaundice and hepatitis as well as gall bladder problems.

How does it work? The liver restoration process is accomplished by stimulating production of bile which then flushes through the liver cells triggering natural decongestion and self-restoration

Moder n studies indicate that dandelion root also has an effect on the body’s ability to eliminate cancer cells Some investigations show possible anti-tumour and immunostimulant activity as well as antioxidant and hepatoprotective actions. But one of the most interesting

Dandelion tea

The best place to start is with good cleansing remedies that support and restore the organs of elimination so that wastes can be transported right out of the body

studies shows that par t of dandelion’s spring tonic effect is due to the fact that it “stimulates respirator y function at the cellular level ” What an elegant way to increase energy!

As soon as the g round thaws, before the flowers appear, you c a n d i g t h e r o o t s f r o m a ny unused land that has not been sprayed Or you can gather them in autumn after the flowers and leaves have died down Dandelion root is also commonly available in dried for m in health food stores

Simmer a decoction of 2 to 8 g rams of the root (dried or fresh) per cup of boiling water for 10 minutes A cup of this can be taken three times a day as a gentle cleansing tea Alter natively, eat the fresh root in salads A piece 2 to 3 inches long is suff icient. (A spring “cure” would be continued for two or three weeks )

I have never seen anyone who was allergic to dandelion, although that is always a possibility with any of the herbs mentioned here But if you are diabetic, you should carefully monitor your blood sugar levels while taking it since it lowers blood sugar And you shouldn’t use any of the bitter remedies if you have gastritis.

The leaves of dandelion are also used in salads as a spring cure, and they act as a drainer for the kidneys and urinar y tract. They contain most of the nutrients of the root but also potassium (more than any other plant), chlorophyll, and the powerful energy of the plant’s f irst g rowth You can eat them as soon as they appear in spring, and continue until the flowers come out.

Dandelion leaves are also available in super markets and taste bitterly delicious alongside other salad vegetables. Remember, however, that the French name for this plant is “Pis-en-lit” (piss in the bed) and the diuretic effect of the leaves is equivalent to that of thiazide diuretics, except

that dandelion leaves have t h e a d va n t a g e o f a d d i n g potassium to the body rather than depleting it. So if you are taking diuretics, you will want to monitor the effect of this activity ver y carefully

R ECI P E: Change of Season Soup

The ancient Chinese made preventive medicine something of a specialty They invented change of season soup. It was designed to prevent clients from experiencing poor health during the subsequent three months.

The ancient Chinese made their change of season soup from the carcass of a mature hen – something that our affluent society doesn’t even consume But poor people from all over the world know that a hen provides protein and minerals as well as the fat necessar y to extract fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K

To prepare this recipe, I like to sauté garlic and onions from my own garden in olive oil Then I add a few cardamom seeds, black mustard seeds, and a bay leaf.

When the mustard seeds begin to pop it is time to add chunks from the carcass of a hen and coat it with tur meric powder This is an effective antiviral and it also enhances the activity of the liver. The disinfectant proper ties of the tur meric powder also assure the safety of the meat

I also like to sprinkle a little cinnamon powder –a favourite of the Elizabethans Along with cloves and oregano, cinnamon is effective against E coli. And sage, another pioneer far mhouse herb, is also added at this point, and then lots of clear spring water to cover the meat and the vegetables I use our own potatoes, parsnips, carrots, tur nips, beets, and herbs from the garden. The vegetables are diced and thrown in with the rest.

My change of season soup always contains a root of dandelion if the g round is thawed enough to extract it. That assures better liver perfor mance and tissue oxygenation. And for the lungs I like to add a little horseradish and some black radish – two ver y powerful lung cleansers commonly available in the super market.

Then to sweeten the whole medicine, I add a handful of apricots for their iron and their sunshine. I also like to add winter savor y, thyme. and g rated ginger root – all with similar lung cleansing activity Finally there is garam masala (a mixture of spices sold in Indian g rocer y stores), a few star anise seeds, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to facilitate deliver y of the constituents to the cells.

If you happen to have a little wine handy, you can throw

Change of Season Soup

in half a cup or so And half a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar will help coax the calcium out of the chicken bones. The whole pot then simmers on my wood stove over night.

Editor’s note: The above recipe is excerpted from a longer article by Keith Stelling posted at: https://vitality magazine com/article/change-season-soup/

Chicory Root

Chicor y root (Cichorium intybus) is another gentle cleanser that adds minerals and vitamins to the system It contains calcium, magnesium, and vitamins B and C The root should be simmered for f ive minutes and then steeped for a fur ther 15 minutes Fifteen to 30 g rams of herb per litre of water are used and you can drink one cup before meals (and if you are constipated, drink two cups in the mor ning).

Chicor y is an impor tant liver and spleen decongestant, and a gentle laxative. A two-week course of treatment should be suff icient. Belgian endive is a moder n descendant of wild chicor y with the same (but weaker) medicinal proper ties, and it can be used in salads with olives.

Couch Grass (Crab Grass)

Another impor tant French spring tonic was couch g rass (Triticum repens). A tea made from couch g rass roots is not unpleasant to taste It was used for centuries in French hospitals as the classic drink given to patients. And it is still recognized as an effective kidney and liver drainer. A good handful of the chopped fresh or dried roots should be simmered in half a litre of water for 20 minutes and allowed to steep for another 10

Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is one of the earliest plants to emerge from the g round each spring At one time the young leaves were chopped f ine and added to salads as a revitalizing spring remedy. But they are more often used as a herbal tea which provides gentle cleansing for the skin and the liver.

Nettles not only extract toxins from the body but at the same time provide remineralization and vitamins: iron, silica, calcium, and vitamin A are abundant There is also a kidney drainage function to this plant which removes uric acid

and is used for nephritis

You can make the tea by pouring boiling water over a few fresh leafy stalks (using gloves to handle them) or the dried leaves Use one teaspoon per cup of boiling water Nettles can be steeped over night to make a stronger infusion and three cups can be dr unk each day for two weeks (Editor’s note: Stinging nettles are also rich in vitamin K which increases the blood’s clotting action, so they are best avoided if you are on blood thinning medication.)

Horseradish

Horseradish (Armoracia rustic a n a ) i m p r ove s d i g e s t i o n a n d assimilation and is a disinfectant for the entire respirator y tract It a l s o wo r k s a s a ly m p h a t i c cleanser. The fresh root is often available in super markets A small slice (1/8-inch) of the root can be chewed with a piece of bread or in a sandwich or even g rated into car rot juice, twice a day.

When g rating the root, do not allow the fumes to come near your eyes because they can cause ir ritation.

Editor’s note: Here are two recipes courtesy of Herbalist Carol Little, whose “Humble Horseradish” feature is posted at: https://vitalitymagazine.com/article/horseradish/

R ECI P E:

CH RZ AN: Polish Horseradish Condiment

Years ago, I had the good for tune to visit Poland with my friend Grace The entire trip was a feast, an adventure in new tastes. Thanks to Grace for sharing her family recipe for “Polish Horseradish”. It is historically made from horseradish root and white wine vinegar, prepared by hand. I confess to using a food processor, which makes this recipe much easier to prepare

1 pound fresh horseradish root, peeled and g rated

1/2 cup white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

1/4 teaspoon each sea salt and pepper (to taste)

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon demerara sugar (optional)

Combine all ing redients in a glass bowl. Pack the mixture into clean, sterilized pint jars The condiment can be stored, covered, in the fridge for up to two weeks.

(Note: I have sometimes made a huge batch by using 2 pounds of roots and adapting the recipe accordingly.)

CWI KL A: Polish Horseradish & Beet Condiment Recipe (pronounced CHEEK-wah)

This is a tasty, pretty pink condiment – and a totally fabulous flavour enhancer! The beets add colour and sweetness to the traditional g rated horseradish

1 pound beets (cooked, peeled, cooled, and g rated)

2 cups g rated fresh horseradish root (or ‘prepared’ horseradish available in fridge section of g rocer y store)

1 tsp unpasteurized apple cider vinegar

1/4 tsp sea salt

In a large bowl, mix vinegar, brown sugar, horseradish and salt until well combined

Add g rated beets and mix thoroughly.

Spoon into clean, sterilized glass jars and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Horseradish condiment

White Horehound

White horehound (Marrubium vulgare) is a stimulant for the liver, a tonic depurative, as well as a n i m p o r t a n t c l e a n s e r f o r t h e lungs. It has been used to treat tuberculosis and typhoid

The tea is made in the same way as for nettles, and three cups a day can be taken during the period of a two-week cleanse. Although it is sometimes thought of as a cardiotonic, excessive use of this herb is best avoided if you have a hear t problem

Carrot Juice

Freshly expressed raw organic car rot juice was a favourite spring cleanser for the famous Swiss naturopath Dr Alfred Vogel It is regarded as an ideal food for the liver itself and it stimulates the liver’s cleansing function. D r J e a n Va l n e t , t h e r e n ow n e d Fr e n c h a r my surgeon/herbalist, author of Phytothérapie and the founder of moder n French phytotherapy, points out that this dynamic healing root even stimulates natural immunity.

One of the reasons for its effectiveness as a spring tonic is the fact that raw car rot increases the number of red blood cor puscles and hemoglobin in the blood, in this way improving oxygen transpor t to the cells French research has shown that it also renews and revitalizes interstitial fluids, so this is deep tissue restoration at its best

At the same time, car rot’s influence extends to the intestines where the fresh juice can regulate intestinal activity, slowing it down in diar rhea and increasing activity in constipation Even the lungs are affected by its healing power with noticeable improvement in pulmonar y infections including tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, and asthma.

Valnet recommended the freshly extracted juice of 50 to 500 g rams of car rots a day, preferably on an empty stomach It can be combined with other vegetable juices especially beets. This is really quite a delicious way to treat spring fever – fresh vegetables are easily juiced at home or take advantage of the fresh juice bars around the city when you need a quick spring tonic

Keith Stelling is a retired member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists of Great Britain and the College of Practitioners of Phy totherapy (England) He has been researching rural community health issues including the adverse health and environmental effects of industrial wind turbines See https://www windconcernsontario ca/

Carol Little R H is a traditional herbalist in Toronto where she has a private practice working primarily with women Follow her on social media here: FaceBook @ http://www facebook com/studiobotanica Twitter: http://www twitter com/herbgal Instag ram: http://www instag ram.com/studiobotanica

Carrot and beet juices are g reat tonics for spring cleansing

HEALING HYPERTENSION

My Top 20 Strategies to Lower Blood Pressure

“My doctors told me this morning my blood pressure is down so low that I can start reading the newspapers. ”

~ Ronald Reagan

Hypertension affects one in three people which adds up to at least a billion people worldwide Nor mal blood pressure for an adult is said to be below 1 2 0 s y s t o l i c ove r 8 0 d i a s t o l i c ( 1 2 0 / 8 0 ) P r e hy p e r t e n s i o n i s t h o u g h t t o b e s y s t o l i c between 120–129 and diastolic of less than 80 Stage one high blood pressure is def ined as systolic between 130–139 or diastolic between 80–89. Stage two high blood pressure is systolic of at least 140 or diastolic at least 90 mm of mercur y (Hg)

Causes of Hypertension

At least 90% of elevated blood pressures have an unknown cause which is strangely ter med ‘essential hyper tension.’

That said, lifestyle factors such as a high salt diet, emotional stress, high alcohol intake, excessive caffeine intake, cigarette smoking, food intolerances, allergies, obesity, inactivity, dr ugs like the bir th control pill, amphetamines (e.g. Ritalin) and toxic heavy metal excess can all be potential causes of hyper tension. Most recently, hyper tension has also been linked to the Covid-19 vaccines

Only 10% of hyper tension cases are known to be caused by dr ugs, organ diseases (e.g. hear t, kidneys), or other conditions such as poor diet, cigarette smoking, lifestyle, chronic inflammation, nutrient excesses or def iciencies, and obesity Long ter m use of the herbal remedy licorice can also be a cause of hypertension

Hyper tension increases the risk of stroke, aneur ysms, hear t attacks, hear t failure, kidney disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, loss of cognitive function and memor y loss.

In most cases there are no symptoms which is why doctors have called it the “silent killer.” War ning signs that one may have elevated blood pressure can include chest pain, ir regular hear tbeat, headaches, ringing in the ears, nosebleeds, tiredness, or vision changes

Aside from periodically checking your blood pressure at a phar macy or doctor’s off ice, you can monitor it at home using a blood pressure monitoring device like the one recommended by the American Hear t Association This is an automatic, cuff-style biceps monitor that f its properly around the upper ar m. Instr uctions on how to use this device can be found in the package that comes with the instr ument. Your health care practitioner can help you lear n how to use it properly if you have any diff iculties

Top 20 Strategies

“Nature tops the list of potent tranquilizers and stress reducers The mere sound of moving water has been shown to lower blood pressure. ”

~ Patch Adams

Garlic can thin the blood, lower high LDL cholesterol, and reduce blood pressure

1) Eat more anti-inf lammatory foods: Most of these can be found in a Mediter ranean diet Consume more oil from olives, flax seeds, chia seeds, wild-caught f ish like salmon or cod, g rass-fed beef, and lots of fr uits and vegetables The high f ibre content of these foods is thought to be impor tant in lowering high blood pressure Eat more ber ries because they are rich in polyphenols that have a natural blood pressure lowering effect The same is tr ue for hibiscus herb tea which is a tasty drink that helps lower high blood pressure

Avoid sugar, gluten, caffeine, and alcohol since all of these are associated with a g reater risk of hyper tension If you are overweight, then losing weight can make a huge difference to nor malizing your blood pressure The same

can be said for quitting cigarettes and nicotine from vaping Food intolerances or environmental allergies can also elevate blood pressure (BP) so testing by the IgG RAST method may help discover unsuspected connections to certain foods

2) Avoid high-sodium foods: Many cases of high blood pressure (at least 20%) are associated with an intake of sodium of more than 2,000 mg daily. Tr y keeping your salt intake below that f igure by avoiding processed or fast foods.

1st demonstrated by Georges Lakhovsky and Nikola Tesla. PolarAid® encourages the overall health of the body:

3) Avoid herbs that can elevate blood pressure: These include ephedra, Siberian ginseng, bitter orange, and licorice.

4) Eat some dark chocolate: This is recommended because of its phenol content that lowers blood pressure. Dark chocolate is also a magnesium source and this mineral can help reduce high blood pressure levels.

5) Take Omega-3: (1,000 – 4,000 mg daily) because the EPA and DHA content of omega-3 from f ish oils are antiinflammator y and high blood pressure can be caused by inflammation in the ar teries.

6) Take Magnesium Bisglycinate (400 mg twice daily): This should help lower blood pressure quickly because it has a calming or relaxing effect on ar teries, ner ves, and muscles. Greens like spinach are high in magnesium and folic acid, both of which have benef icial effects on normalizing high blood pressure.

“This will be the fourth PolarAid I’ve purchased! I fully believe in this product and it’s power! I’ve given them to family members and we’ve all had great success with it.” C.A.T. (Vista, CA)

Your VITALITY booster! Everyone needs more VITALITYthere is no limit! ONE FREE WITH 3! TWO FREE WITH 5! -46% VITALITY MAGAZINE – SPRING 2023 19 www vitalitymagazine com

7) Eat more high-potassium foods like avocado, melons (e g c

r

e l o n ) , o

g e s , a p r i c o t s , b r o c c o l i , coconut water and bananas These are recommended because potass i u m c o u n t e r a c t s t h e a d ve r s e effects of excess sodium in the d i e t S u n f l owe r s e e d s ( r aw, u n r o a s t e d ) a r e a n o t h e r g o o d source of potassium as well as magnesium. I do not recommend taking a potassium supp l e m e n t s i n c e ex c e s s ive amounts can produce side effects in the hear t. In cases where a diuretic that causes low potassium has been prescribed, a doctor can prescribe a potassium supplement if the diet is not providing enough potassium as measured through blood testing.

Celery may help lower blood pressure by acting as a natural calcium channel blocker

8) Celery: This may help lower blood pressure by acting as a natural calcium channel blocker. Eating 4 stalks of celer y daily on a regular basis provides iron, magnesium, manganese, calcium, and f ibre. Juicing celer y also is a viable option Research indicates that it helps lower elevated BPs. Celer y exer ts its blood pressure-lowering p o t e n t i a l t h r o u g h a

i

3 - NButylphthalide (3NB). 3NB improves elasticity of blood vessel walls by helping them to relax them more relaxed Hippocrates’ obser vation that fresh celer y is good for the hear t tur ned out to be tr ue.

9) COQ10 (200 mg twice daily with food): CoQ10 is the most impor tant antioxidant for the cardiovascular system and is depleted by dr ugs that lower cholesterol (e.g. statins) and cer tain blood pressure dr ugs like beta blockers. CoQ10 supplementation has been well documented to help lower high blood pressure and is compatible with most anti-hyper tensive dr ugs

10) Garlic and Garlic Supplements: These can thin the blood, lower high LDL cholesterol, and reduce blood pressure There are deodorized for ms in capsules available from most health food stores.

11) Ginger: Both human and animal studies have shown that taking ginger reduces blood pressure by acting as a natural calcium channel blocker and natural ACE inhibitor. Ginger also has applications as an anti-inflammator y spice that reduces the pain of ar thritis In addition, it functions as an effective remedy for nausea and mor ning sickness during f irst trimester pregnancy

Meditation reduces stress levels

12) Berberine (500 mg, 3 times daily): Berberine is an herbal remedy that can help reduce high blood sugar levels. It works by a similar mechanism as the popular diabetes prescription dr ug Metfor min. Side effects are rare and the blood pressure-lowering effects are often good

“During meditation, our breathing slows, our blood pressure and heart rate decrease, and stress hormone levels fall ” ~ Deepak Chopra

13) Reduce stress and get better sleep: This will help reduce your cor tisol levels and prevent spikes in blood pressure. Exercising on a daily basis helps, as does yoga and various relaxation techniques (especially deep breathing exercises). There are also many supplements that can be of help here and they include the amino acids L-Theanine, GABA, 5-HTP, magnesium-L-threonate and holy basil

14) Take B-complex vitamins: Take at least 100 mg daily of a full spectr um B complex not only to improve energy but also to combat stress which helps with lowering elevated blood pressures Make sure the supplement contains 5-MTHF (5-methyl tetra hydro folate) which is the active for m of folic acid

15) Use essential oils – Inhaling the scents of lavender, ylang ylang, clar y sage, and frankincense essential oils is recommended because they can lower blood pressure by dilating ar teries and reducing emotional stress

16) L-Arginine (2,000 mg, 3 times daily): This is an amino acid that is conver ted in the body to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide dilates blood vessels and this reduces elevated blood pressure. The effect in the body lasts only for a few hours, so by itself this is inadequate for stable blood pressure control Used in conjunction with the other measures discussed earlier it might make a good addition to lowering blood pressure naturally

L-arginine is also effective to improve erectile dysfunction in some men One drawback to using this amino acid on a regular basis is that it can cause a relative def iciency in the amino acid L-lysine and this can lead to a higher risk of her pes outbreaks. Nitric oxide can be increased in your system also by consuming more of certain foods especially beets, garlic, dark chocolate, leafy greens, citrus fruit, pomegranate, nuts, seeds, watermelon and red wine.

17) L-Citrulline (1,000 mg, 3 times daily): This is benef icial because it conver ts to L-arginine, providing more of it and making L-arginine last longer in the body and thus helping reduce high blood pressure on a more long-ter m basis

18) Vitamin C (1,000 mg, 3 times daily): This is a strong antioxidant so theoretically it will reduce elevated blood pressure levels despite the lack of adequate published studies suppor ting its use for that pur pose. Excessive amounts can cause loose bowel movements and diar rhea so just take the bowel tolerance dose that allows for nor mal bowel movements.

19) Cinnamon: This is a spice well wor th adding to your diet It reduces high blood sugar levels as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressures. It contains several antiinflammator y compounds It also lowers high cholesterol levels, has antibiotic proper ties, anti-cancer effects, and prevents ner ve damage associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease Cinnamon can be used as a powder or taken in capsules with each meal.

20) Take Vitamin D (5,000 IU daily if you get no sun exposure): Def iciency of this vitamin (actually a hor mone) has been linked to high blood pressure so if lab testing indicates a low level then supplementation is wor th doing The ideal way to take vitamin D as a supplement is together with vitamin K2 (120 mcg for each 1000 IU of D supplemented) This prevents calcium from being deposited into ar teries and organs and therefore prevents circulator y blockages and kidney stones

Conclusion

“The most common objection that I hear to walking as exercise is that it’s too easy, that only sweaty, strenuous activity offers real benef its. But there is abundant evidence that regular, brisk walking is associated with better health, i n cl u d i n g l owe r bl o o d p re s s u re, b e t t e r m o o d s a n d improved cholesterol ratios.” ~ Andrew Weil

Treating high blood pressure naturally can get complicated, especially when individuals have been on prescription dr ugs for many years. Attempting to make these huge changes in diet and lifestyle is diff icult to accomplish on one’s own. As for choosing the right combination of supplements ever y individual is biochemically unique and not all the supplements listed would be suitable for ever yone

It’s best to work with a natural doctor on reducing your elevated blood pressure naturally This is especially tr ue if you are taking prescription dr ugs (blood thinners, diuretics, statins, beta blockers, etc ) which may have interac-

tions with cer tain nutritional supplements. With some diligence and persistence, success in reducing the need for medications can be accomplished over a period of 3 to 6 months. By success I mean a lowering of the amounts of medications taken or a complete replacement of dr ugs with natural remedies.

Zoltan P Rona, M D, M Sc, offers consultations on nutrition and natural remedies in Thornhill He has recently retired from medical practice as a Complementary and Alternative medical practitioner and now strictly offers nutritional consultations. He is the medical editor of The Encyclopedia of Natural Healing and has also published several Canadian bestselling books, including Vitamin D, The Sunshine Vitamin To see more of Dr Rona’s ar ticles, visit: www highlevelwellness ca; for appointments, (905) 764-8700; office located at: 390 Steeles Ave. W., Unit 19, Thornhill, Ontario

REFERENCES

• Effective treatment of hypertension without medication: Is it possible? https://onlinelibrary wiley com/doi/10 1111/j 1524-6175 2004

02875 x

• Wilburn AJ, King DS, Glisson J, et al The natural treatment of hypertension. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2004; 6: 242– 248.

• The effects of nonpharmacologic interventions on blood pressure of persons with high normal levels Results of the Trials of Hypertension Prevention, Phase I JAMA 1992; 267: 1213– 1220

• Dietary Supplements and Hypertension: potential benefits and precautions: https://pubmed ncbi nlm nih gov/22747620/

• Blood pressure lowering efficacy of Coenzyme Q10 for primary hypertension: https://pubmed ncbi nlm nih gov/26935713/

• L-Arginine: does it lower blood pressure? https://www mayoclinic org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/exper t-answers/l-arg inine/faq-20058052

• Coffee and hyper tension: https://www worldhealth net/news/ d

e a t h - p e o p l esevere-hypertension/

• L- C i t r u l l i n e : h t t p s : / / w w w w e b m d c o m / v i t a m i n s - a n d - s u p p l ements/l-citrulline-uses-and-risks

• The role of magnesium in hypertension and cardiovascular disease: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22051430/

• H o w t o L o w e r B l o o d P r e s s u r e ( D r A x e ) https://draxe com/health/natural-ways-to-lower-blood-pressure/

• Vitamin D and Hypertension: https://www mayoclinic org/diseasesc o n d i t i o n s / h i g h - b l o o d - p r e s s u r e / e x p e r t - a n s w e r s / v i t a m i n - ddeficiency/faq-20058280

• Berberine and Blood pressure: https://www healingheartdiseasenat•urally com/berberine-decreases-blood-pressure/

• Celery for hyper tension: https://thedrjoe com/celery-for-highblood-pressure/

Hypertension Signal After the Shots: https://dailyclout io/bombshellreport-from-dailyclout-team-finds-massive-hypertension-signal-after-theshots/?utm source=substack&utm medium=email

• Gluten and food allergies and hypertension: https://www.glutenfreesociety org/what-causes-high-blood-pressure/

• IgG RAST testing for food intolerances: https://sciencebasedmedicine org/igg-food-intolerance-tests-what-does-the-science-say/

•Nitric Oxide from foods: https://www healthline com/nutrition/nitricoxide-foods#TOC TITLE HDR 12

Statistics

show that we have done a poor job of nurturing healthy relationships with our par tners. According to John Gottman, the chance of a f irst mar riage ending in divorce in the United States over a forty-year period is 67%. Divorce rates are slightly lower in Canada, but why are the numbers so high? Answer: We have learned ways of coping that often do not give us the opportunity for having our needs met in a relationship

We are wounded people, and we car ry those wounds into relationships. Our wounds can feel raw and vulnerable to attack. In order to protect ourselves from being hur t, we have all developed ways of coping.

The problem emerges when our old ways of coping (which were probably necessary at the time and had a positive intention) become our cur rent way of coping in a relationship Most people cope with hurt, pain, sadness, and fear by either attacking (often in anger) or by withdrawing from our par tners both emotionally and physically; people often

Top Ten Ways To Get the Relationship You Always Wanted

BY ELLIS NICOLSON, M.DIV, RP, RMFT

successful couples have a dynamic that keeps negative thoughts and feelings about each other keep overwhelming positive ones.

Ten Things

Here are ten things you can start doing now to get the relationship you always wanted:

1. Avoid what John Gottman calls The Four Horsemen:

– Criticism

– Contempt (i e sarcasm, eye rolling)

– Defensiveness

– Stonewalling (e g emotional cut-off)

say that they are putting their “walls” up.

Couples get themselves stuck in negative patterns of relating to one another. One person’s negative behaviour invites a negative response.

For example, one partner does not feel like they are a priority so they pursue the other in hopes of closeness (often inter preted as nagging) The pursued feels smothered, so he/she may withdraw more, or lash out in anger which triggers more

feelings of separateness in the other, which then causes them to pursue more.

These kinds of negative patterns are common in relationships The problem is that over time, these patterns become entrenched, resulting in two people withdrawing or cutting each other off This is a dangerous time in a relationship; it is vulnerable to an affair or an ending in bitterness and regret

So, how do some couples sur vive? Gottman believes

2. Avoiding blame. Take responsibility for your own thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

3. Focus on the positives. We can easily become overwhelmed with the negative in a relationship which then causes us to respond negatively. Even in the midst of a diff icult situation, there are still positives Change only happens when you focus on the positives

4. Aff irm your par tner daily. Tell your partner the things you appreciate about who they are and what they do

Take steps daily to increase closeness and intimacy Choose to tur n towards your par tner rather than away.

5. Learn to speak each other’s Love Languages. Chapman says there are f ive main love languages: physical touch; quality time; words of aff irmation; acts of ser vice; and gifts It is impor tant that you speak your partner’s love language In other words, the way your partner receives love is the way you need to express love to him or her.

6. Choose your partner each day. Every day when you wake up, you need to choose to love that person today. Take steps daily to increase closeness and intimacy Choose to tur n towards your partner rather than away

7. Soften your position. It is vital to lear n how to soothe yourself in a relationship When you are

involved in a heated discussion and believe you are right and are entrenched in your position, you create a bar rier between you and your partner Learn to calm yourself, and try and place yourself in the other person’s shoes.

8. Make your relationship a safe place . We have a responsibility to open up to our par tners, but we also have a responsibility to make it safe for the other to open up. Invite the other person to open up by maintaining a soft and welcoming position

9. Develop your friendship and make time for one another. People change on a daily basis, so continue to get to know your partner Show that your partner is impor tant to you; spend

intentional time with one another

10. Learn to care for yourself. By caring for yourself you will express your needs to your partner, you will set healthy boundaries, you will be able to soothe yourself, your level of tolerance will remain stable, you will have healthy ways to manage your physical and emotional stress, and you will have a better relationship

Kahlil Gibran, in The Prophet gives a beautiful picture of a healthy marriage He says:

“You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memor y of God But let there be spaces in your together ness, And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.”

Ellis Nicolson is a Reg istered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, and a Reg istered Marriage and Family TherapistClinical Member of the Ontario Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Appointments: (289) 847-1127

Attract the Best in Life by Practising an Attitude of Gratitude

by Jennifer Longmore

Gratitude may seem like a simple concept that requires little attention Au contraire! Practising an attitude of g ratitude is an essential component of day-to-day living because it is directly aligned with the Universal Law of Attraction

According to this law, you attract what you focus on, and what you focus on expands.

If you focus on what you do not have, you will attract less of what you want and more of what you do not want. This type of focus feeds and nourishes the pervasive thought-vir us of “lack mentality”. When a lack mentality takes over your system and pervades every part of your life, it naturally limits the flow of money, relationships, and oppor tunities; just like a vir us In tur n, this vir us feeds anger, fear, shame, resentment, bitter ness, hopelessness, jealousy, apathy, and other viruses.

The quickest way to treat and eliminate the “lack mentality vir us” and any other viruses that it creates, is to continue expressing gratitude for what you have. The more you focus on what you have, the more of it you will attract, and create abundance in all areas of your life Changing the focus of your thoughts and actions by practising an attitude of g ratitude allows you to quickly and easily align

yourself with the flow of the Law of Attraction

Here are f ive tips to get you started on your journey:

1. Develop a daily ritual to celebrate at least f ive things that you are grateful for (and mean it). The more you practice this ritual, the easier it will become and the more your list will g row. Soon, you will f ind magic and miracles around you throughout each day Imagine how fully alive you will feel!

2. Celebrate your accomplishments. Write a list of at least 10 accomplishments that you have achieved since the beginning of the year and then f ind a creative way to celebrate them. Writing this list automatically puts you in an attitude of gratitude. You may also choose to celebrate by sharing your list with a friend over dinner, treating yourself to something special, or throwing a party for all of your friends and loved ones to bask in the glory of everyone’s accomplishments That way everybody is a winner!

3. Open yourself to receive compliments and be grateful for the feedback. Compliments are challenging for most people to accept as giving is often easier than receiving. The more comfor table you become in receiving positive words and actions, the more you train yourself to receive in the bigger picture. It opens you to more abundance in a variety of areas in your life which creates more gratitude.

4. Practice random acts of kindness. For example, you may wish to consider:

replenishing someone’s parking meter; sending anonymous flowers to someone who helped you; writing an anonymous thank-you note to your local schools, police, f ire, and rescue for the hard work that they do in the community. You will feel good about yourself and gratitude that you are in a position to do this for others.

5. Forgive your past. When you forgive yourself and others, you are not excusing the action, you are releasing yourself from the pain When you give yourself the gift of release (forgiveness), you heal yourself This opens you to receive more joy and abundance, and perhaps feel gratitude for how your past has served you and what it has taught you. In turn, this expands your awareness about the vast number of things for which you can be grateful.

Practising an attitude of gratitude serves us on so many levels. It also allows us to work with, rather than against, the eternal force of the Universal Law of Attraction Working against this law creates struggle and breeds lack and limitation, while working with it allows you to create and maintain a per manent state of tr uth, grace, wisdom, and love at the core of your being. This is a state of authenticity and can be created through a regular practice of gratitude. Being in this state is when you feel truly comfortable being in your own skin and living the truth of who you are and were meant to be Now, that is something to be grateful for!

C O M M U N I T Y N E W S

KARMA CO-OP OFFERS HEALTHY SHOPPING IN THE ANNEX

A r e yo u l o o k i n g t o f e e l more of a connection to the food you eat and the people who g row it? Kar ma Co-op i s a m e m b e r- ow n e d, f u l l s e r v i c e , f r i e n d ly g r o c e r y s t o r e o ff e r i n g e t h i c a l ly sourced, fairly priced food while reducing waste, suppor ting local g rowers, and giving you peace of mind at ever y meal

Choose from 400+ bulk items, learn new skills from member-led workshops, and enjoy discounts at partner b usinesses like Urbane Cyclist and Nella Cucina.

Plus their newly simplif ied membership structure makes joining easy.

They invite you to learn more at www.kar macoop .org and to stop by for a trial shop They’re located in a historic b uilding on a laneway a few minutes’ walk from Bathurst & Bloor at 739 Palmerston Ave Tel: (416) 534-1470 Open Tues to Fri 9 am to 8 pm; Sat & Sun 10 am to 6 pm; closed on Monday

RUDOLF STEINER COLLEGE HOSTS SPRING PROGRAMS IN THORNHILL AND ONLINE

Rudolf Steiner Centre

Toronto was founded in 1981 inspired by a question: “What can be done to answer the need for increased spiritual understanding in a world of escalating materialism?” Since then RSCT has become a leading Waldorf teacher education centre offering a variety of courses and services to support adult learning and development of the Waldorf school movement across Canada. As of 2021, the RSCT changed their name to Rudolf Steiner College Canada

This spring, Rudolf

Steiner College Canada presents a series of f ive Thursday evenings for people who are interested in becoming Waldorf teachers, starting March 30th. These will be followed by an Open House on May 7th. These events take place at RSCC Thor nhill, located on the campus of Toronto Waldorf School at 9100 Bathurst St in Thornhill The talks will also be live streamed over Zoom Free admission, free parking Come to one or all the evenings in the series Lear n more at: https://

r s c c c a / b e c o m i n g - a - w a ldorf-teacher/

• Thurs., March 30th, 7:00 pm

Education for Our Time: the Journey of

Waldorf Education, presented by RSCC board chair Robert McKay

• Thurs., April 6th, 7:00 pm – A Deed of Love: Teaching the Early Years, presented by Karen Weyler, director of Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Education at RSCC

• Thurs., April 13th, 7:00 pm – The Rewards of Being a Waldorf Teacher presented by Kathryn Humphrey, a Waldorf teacher who has taken three classes through from grade 1 to grade 8

• Thurs., April 20th, 7:00 pm – Why is the Sky Blue? Sciences in the Grade School, presented by James Brian, a for mer Waldorf teacher now executive

The Rudolf Steiner College of Canada is hosting a series of spring sessions for those interested in becoming Waldorf teachers, as well as an Open House

Karma Co-op offers a friendly shopping experience at their ethical grocery store

director and director of Waldorf Teacher Education at RSCC

• Thurs., April 27th, 7:00 pm – Panel discussion about Waldorf education with teachers and alumni from RSCC and from the Toronto Waldorf School

• Sun., May 7th, 3 - 4:30 pm

Open House at Rudolf Steiner College Canada

The College offers both full-time and part-time programs for people who want to become Waldorf teachers, as well as Foundation Studies programs, both inperson and distance, for those wishing to explore anthroposophy, a wester n spiritual path which is the basis for Waldorf education Meet the faculty, talk to the students, and get your questions answered

Learn more at this link: https://rscc ca/open-house/ or call: 905-764-7570

ISOLATED SENIORS DANCE TO LEONARD COHEN AT THE AGO ON MARCH 5TH

On March 5, 2023, Dancing with Parkinson’s (DWP) will celebrate its 15th anniversar y with a special in-person and virtual fundraising event hosted by the Ar t Galler y of Ontario

In collaboration with the AGO’s new exhibition, “Leonard Cohen: Ever ybody Knows,” DWP will offer guests, including hundreds of seniors across Canada, an opportunity to dance together to Leonard Cohen music and poetry. The program will include choreog raphy by the

National Ballet of Canada’s Guillaume Côté’s inter pretation of Leonard Cohen’s poem “A Thousand Kisses Deep”, Broadway performer from “Rent” Cary Shields, a sur prise performance by New Choir, and a chance for the public to dance along and play instr uments to Leonard Cohen music.

The event takes place from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the AGO in-person and online via Zoom

For seekers of joy, lovers of movement, vibrant, young-at-heart seniors and people living with Parkinson’s, DWP is changing lives, one free dance class at a time.

“You have no idea what you are doing for people with Parkinson's. You change lives… You give us all something special to look forward to each day, and at no charge. Thank you, thank you!" ~ DWP participant About Dancing with Parkinson’s : This organization offers free dance classes and artistic experiences that enrich the lives of thousands of people with Parkinson’s disease and seniors across Canada Through the joy and benef its of movement, connection and self-expression, DWP brings people out of isolation and into an artistic community where they can dance and connect with others.

For more infor mation call: (647) 217-9252, or email: info@dancingwith parkinsons com

MARC H 8 H U YO U R K EY TO

S P I R I T U A L L I V I N G 6 : 4 5 p m

Nor th York Central Library Meeting Room Free discussion https:// www.meetup.com/toronto-spiritual-experiences-g roup/events/ and https://www Eckankar org or call

1-866-I AM SOU L

MARC H 11 WE LLN ESS DAY –f r o m 10 a m t o 4 p m . Fo c u s : Financial wellness, Sleep Health, and Nutrition Health, dig ital detox, networking Raffle to win SleepM crystal bed topper ($2,500}, book launch "Sleeping your Way to Wellness", display of Bio Crystal S l e e p We l l n e s s p r o d u c t s Presentation for four renowned I n t e g r a t i v e M e d i c i n e d o c t o r s Space limited reg ister early: R SVP by email: info@cchm-edu.org Free Event; Donation for Clinics for Humanity is appreciated

M A R C H 15 F I N D I N G YO U R

LI F E’S P U R P OS E - 6:45 pm Bloor Gladstone Public Library, Meeting Room Free Discussion https:// www meetup com/toronto-spiritual-experiences-g roup/events/ and https://www Eckankar org or call 1-866-I AM SOU L

MARC H 18 R E I K I I C E RTI F I CA-

TI O N Learn to treat yourself & others Includes Principles of Healing, c h a k r a s , e n d o c r i n e g l a n d s Illustrated Workbook. Virg inia Har t N e l s o n , 30 y e a r s ' e x p e r i e n c e Please call (416) 960-1690 or email: virg inia@theinnereye ca

Happy Spring Equinox –Monday, March 20th

AP R I L 29 R E I K I 11 from 9 am4 pm www.marlenegeorge.com

MAY 25 H EALI N G C I RC LE from 7:30 - 8:30 pm Information at: www.marlenegeorge.com

MAY 30 H EALI N G C I RC LE from 8 - 8:45 pm on zoom Information at: www.marlenegeorge.com

AP R I L 11 R E I K I S HAR E 7 - 9 pm www marlenegeorge com

AP R I L 15 R E I K I 1 from 9 am to 4 pm www.marlenegeorge.com

AP R I L 17 LET'S TALK R E I K I zoom 8 – 8:45 pm Visit: www marlene george com

AP R I L 15 R E I K I I C E RTI F I CATI O N Learn to treat yourself & others. I n c l u d e s P r i n c i p l e s o f H e a l i n g , c h a k r a s , e n d o c r i n e g l a n d s Illustrated Workbook Virg inia Har t N e l s o n , 30 y e a r s ' e x p e r i e n c e Please call (416) 960-1690 email: virg inia@theinnereye ca

AP R I L 19 H EALI N G C I RC LE from 7 : 30 - 8 : 30 p m P l e a s e v i s i t www.marlenegeorge.com

AP R I L 19 H U YO U R K EY TO S P I R ITUAL LIVI N G - 6:45 pm B l o o r G l a d s t o n e P u b l i c L i b r a r y, Meeting Room. Free Discussion. https://www meetup com/torontos p i r i t u a l - e x p e r i e n c e s - g r o u p / events/ and https://www Eckankar org or call 1-866-I AM SOUL

AP R I L 24 H EALI N G C I RC LE on zoom 8 - 8.45 pm Information visit: www marlenegeorge com

AP R I L 25 H EALI N G TH RO U G H B R EATH I N G 7:30 - 8:30 pm www marlenegeorge com

AP R I L 26

T H E P O W E R O F G R AT I T U D E 6 : 4 5 p m N o r t h Yo r k C e n t r a l Library Meeting Room Free discuss i o n h t t p s : / / w w w m e e t u p c o m / t o r o n t o - s p i r i t u a l - e x p e r i e n c e sg roup/events/ and https://www Eckankar org or call 1-866-I AM SOU L

AP R I L 27 H EALI N G TH RO U G H

B R EATH I N G zoom 8 - 8:45 pm www.marlenegeorge.com

MAY 4 M I N D F U L M E D ITATI O N 7:30 - 8:30 pm Information, visit: www.marlenegeorge.com

M AY 6 L E A R N I N G TO M O V E F O RWAR D 9 am - 4 pm, Info: www marlenegeorge com

MAY 8 M I N D F U L M E D ITATI O N from 8 - 8:45 pm on zoom Info: www marlenegeorge com

MAY 10 R E I K I S HAR E 7 - 9 pm www marlenegeorge com

M AY 17 H E A L I N G T H R O U G H B R E AT H I N G 7 : 30 - 8 : 30 p m www marlenegeorge com

MAY 17

TH E P OWE R O F G R ATITU D E6:45 pm Bloor Gladstone Public

L i b r a r y, M e e t i n g R o o m Fr e e D i s c u s s i o n h t t p s : / / w w w m e e tu p c o m / t o r o n t o - s p i r i t u a l - e x p e r iences-g roup/events/ and https://www Eckankar org or call 1-866-I AM SOU L

MAY 20 R E I K I I C E RTI F I CATI O N

Learn to treat yourself & others

I n c l u d e s P r i n c i p l e s o f H e a l i n g , c h a k r a s , e n d o c r i n e g l a n d s I l l u s t r a t e d Wo r k b o o k Vi r g i n i a Har t Nelson, 30 years' experience Call (416) 960-1690, or email: virg inia@theinnereye ca

MAY 20 R E I K I 1 from 9 am - 4 pm www marlenegeorge com

MAY 23 LET'S TALK R E I K I from 8 p m – 8 : 4 5 p m o n z o o m www marlenegeorge com

MAY 24 S EC R ETS O F D IVI N E

C R EATIVIT Y 6:45 pm Nor th York Central Library Meeting Room

Fr e e d i s c u s s i o n h t t p s : / / w w w. m e e t u p c o m / t o r o n t o - s p i r i t u a lexperiences-g roup/events/ and https://www.Eckankar.org or call

1-866-I AM SOU L

R E I K I I I C E RTI F I CATI O N All-day class by appointment. Includes Healing Symbols, Long-distance h e a l i n g , I l l u s t r a t e d Wo r k b o o k Virg inia Har t Nelson, 30 years' experience Call (416) 960-1690, email: virg inia@theinnereye ca

AWAREN ESS TH ROUGH MOVEM ENT classes Stay flexible and learn to move with ease and efficiency. Classes online and in person Visit https://www feldenkrais centre com/events/categories/onli ne-classes/single-classes/ or email abigail@feldenkraiscentre com

AU R AS AN D ALC H E MY Join our free online session each Thursday night at 8 pm to study and discuss t h e s e f a s c i n a t i n g t o p i c s Vi s i t www.humanaura.org to view the course materials To reg ister, email b o o k s t u d y @ h u m a n a u r a o r g o r visit www.higherconsciousness.ca

F R E E D O C U M E N TA RY F I L M SC R E E N I N G Due to extraordinary healings, Bruno Groening made headlines around the world in the 1950s He was the last ray of hope for thousands of people seeking help and healing and the inconceivable happened: sick people became healthy again. Thanks to the knowledge Bruno Groening left behind, g reat healings are still o c c u r r i n g t o d a y r e g a r d l e s s o f one’s relig ious affiliation and culture

Screenings take place at the South Asian Women’s Centre, 800 Lansdowne Ave (@Dupont), Unit 1, Toronto, ON

Dates: Mar 26, Apr 23, May 28, June 25, July 23, Aug 27, Sep 24, Oct 22 Time: 1:00 - 4:30 pm (incl 1 break). Admission is free, donations are appreciated A must-see film, there is no other like it Contact: (647) 242-0761, Email: bgdocfilm1906@gmail com

P l e a s e v i s i t o u r w e b s i t e a t : www bruno-g roening-film org

S E R V I C E D I R E C TO RY

AK ASH IC R EADI NGS

A K AS H I C R ECO R D R E A D I N G joebencze@rogers com

B R EATH WOR K

M A R L E N E G EO R G E H e a l i n g Through Breathing. www.marlene george com, (905) 796-0101

COLON IC I R R IGATION

VITALI F E CLI N IC (Since 2009) –Digestive Health through Colonics, Enemas, Home Cleanse Kits Located in Toronto East Beaches Quiet, private, effective Visit www vitalifeclinic com / or call (416) 849-0004 / 2251A Queen St. East

COLON HYDROTH ER APY offered at H o c k l e y Va l l e y N a t u r o p a t h i c & Chiropractic Clinic, near Orangeville. Call Elinko at (519) 941-7553 or 1800-397-3085.

COU NSELLI NG / COACH I NG

COR E B ELI EF ENGI N EER I NG We repeat what we don’t resolve Lisa Sidorowicz, MA, B Ed , CB E Master Practitioner & Trainer Call (905) 510 - 756 2 , o r ( 9 0 5 ) 8 4 2 - 330 5 ; lisa@thecore ca, www thecore ca

CR AN IOSACR AL TH ER APY

M A R L E N E G EO R G E . C r a n i o s a c r a l Therapy www marlenegeorge com, (905) 796-0101.

EAR CAN DLI NG

H E A L I N G C A N D L ES a v a i l a b l e a t www candlesbysandra com

EAR CAN DLI NG $35 with sinus lymph drainage, massage $45 clearing blocked ears/sinuses with infection, alleviating nasal drip, allergies, headaches, asthma, Vist our website: www Wellnesstogo ca or call (416) 707-4896.

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Vitality’s next magazine: SUMMER 2023

Adver tising deadline: April 22

Email: listings@vitalitymagazine com

EN ERGY TH ER APY

B ICOM B IOR ESONANCE: German frequency healing technolog y for burnout, stress, EM F, Lyme and Mold toxicity and 100s of other symptoms & conditions. Painless. Effective No side-effects Founded b y J o z e f K r o p P l e a s e v i s i t : www ecohealthcentre ca

H EALTH SERVICES

DETOXI NG FOR B ET TER OVER ALL

H EALTH, Special 45 minute session $65. Please call (416) 707-4896, www Wellnesstogo ca

HYP NOTH ER APY

VI RGI N IA HART N ELSON. Turn your experiences & conditioning into power ful catalysts for healing & c h a n g e C a l l ( 416 ) 9 6 0 - 16 9 0 , www theinnereye ca, see ad pg 26

MASSAGE TH ER APY

DEEP TISSU E SWEDISH MASSAGE. 20 years’ experience Visit: www Rickvassallo.com; (416) 871-1677, West Toronto

PAST LI F E TH ER APY

R EM EM B ER ACCOM P LISH M ENTS from other lifetimes, transform old habit patterns & liberate your purpose Virg inia Har t Nelson: (416) 9 6 0 - 16 9 0 , w w w. t h e i n n e r e y e . c a . See ad pg 26

PSYCH ICS & CL AI RVOYANTS

M A R GOT P SYC H I C S E R V I C ES . P r o f e s s i o n a l , a c c u r a t e , i n s i g h t f u l r e a d i n g s b y r e n o w n e d p s y c h i c medium Reading by phone or in person, contact: (416) 921-0611, www.margotpsychicservices.com

PSYCHOTH ER APY

HOLISTIC PSYCHOTH ER APY. The most power ful work Integ rating Psychotherapy with body/energ ycentred modalities Remote work d u r i n g p a n d e m i c R e g i s t e r e d P s y c h o t h e r a p i s t , C a n a d i a n C e r ti f i e d C o u n s e l l o r w i t h M a s t e r ’ s deg ree & Board Cer tified Polarity Practitioner Over 25 years' experience See ad pg 27 Please visit: w w w . v i s u a l i z a t i o n w o r k s . c o m , Victoria: (416) 916-6066

R EF LEXOLOGY

PAM EL A R USSELL. Reflexolog y for pain and stress relief from head to toe Dupont and Spadina office House calls. 20 years of experience. Feet, hands & ears (416) 856-6589, pjrussell@sympatico ca

R EI KI

M A R L E N E G EO R G E R e i k i Recognized Master Teacher by the CR A Ontario Over 30 years' experience Cer tificate, Attunement manual All levels Practice g roups and p r i v a t e s e s s i o n s P l e a s e v i s i t : www marlenegeorge com, or call (905) 796-0101

R EI KI, EMOTION CODE, Healing C o d e s , Th e t a H e a l i n g , & Psychotherapy Effie Hadzis B A , B Ed , Reg istered Psychotherapist (416) 751-9619, www aocliving ca

VI RGI N IA HART N ELSON Private treatments, and Cer tification all Levels. 30years' experience. (416) 9 6 0 - 16 9 0 , w w w t h e i n n e r e y e c a , email: virg inia@theinnereye ca See ad pg 26

JACQ U E L I N E E LS I E , E N E R GY & SO U N D H E A L E R I n - p e r s o n (Scarborough) and Remote sessions Call (416) 841-3455, visit www risewithjackie com

R EI KI H EALI NG 1 hour $90 both in-person and distance, also Reiki Attunements (416) 707-4896 Visit: www.Wellnesstogo.ca

R ETR EATS & VACATIONS

H I DDEN B U DDHA H EALI NG CEN-

T E R : R e t r e a t s , R e n t a l s , B e d & B r e a k f a s t , R e i k i , M a c r o b i o t i c s , H e a l t h C o a c h i n g C o n t a c t L i d i a : (416) 912-1721, visit: www.hidden buddhahealingcenter com

AY U R V E DA R I T UA LS o f f e r s

A u t h e n t i c Ay u r v e d a G e t a w a y retreats, Online workshops in Indian Head Massage, Ayurveda products, Jyotisha/Vedic Astrolog y Readings ( 416 ) 50 4 - 6 0 4 9 i n f o @ a y u r v e d i c touch.com, www.ayurvedarituals.ca

TH ER AP EUTIC TOUCH©ˇ

TOUCH© P R ACTITION ER, Marlene George, www marlenegeorge com, (905) 796-0101

B UY / SELL

M E D I C A L OZO N E M a c h i n e f o r s a l e : D r H a n s l e r O z o n o s a n Contact krophealth@gmail com

S ET O F SO L F EGG I O T U N I N G FOR KS used in sound healing by Elana Vinnik. Retired. Please call (647) 894 - 0025 Asking $150

H EALTH P RODUCTS

F R EE K ANGEN WATER FOR TH I RT Y DAY S h t t p : / / w w w k a n g e npeachtree com 2239 Bloor St W Toronto

SPACE FOR R ENT

L ARGE P R ACTICE ROOM full of natural light available for workshops and classes Central location in the Annex with parking Contact abigail@betterlifestudios.com.

B EAUTI F U L CLI N IC SPACE FOR R E N T i n p r i m e l o c a t i o n , 124 6 Yo n g e S t r e e t R o o m r e a d y f o r immediate use, full or par t time Competitive pricing. Please contact drnmeghji@gmail com

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