Vitality Magazine | Spring Issue 2024

6 N E W S & N O T E S

Turmeric improves blood sugar levels; Health benef its of kef ir for metabolic diseases; Chocolate may reduce cardiovascular disease; Jozef Krop releases new “Total Health” book

12 SPRING CLEANSING WITH HERBS

Bitter Tonics Herald Ancient Rite of Spring

18 20 DRUG-FREE STRATEGIES for Safe and Effective Weight Loss by Zoltan Rona, MD, MSc

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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

Ididn’t

W o o d f o r d Files

realize that spring had come early this year until I saw my first robin scratching around in the grass yesterday Eh? It’s only March! The next day a flock of Canada geese flew overhead honking loudly – we’re back! What a magical sound. It reminded me that even while we rush about preoccupied with our daily doings, nature is unfolding her cycles all around us with divine timing.

Another tr uism from nature is that an ounce of prevention is wor th a pound of cure It’s as tr ue today as it was a thousand years ago For example, many of the ailments that plague moder n humans could easily be cured by avoiding the triggers that cause illness Case in point: if there was no junk food sold in stores, and healthy food was widely available at a good price, the incidence of cancer, diabetes, and hear t disease would drop substantially.[1] It’s the sugar and bad fats in processed food that cause illness, yet they are easy to get and cheap to buy. (I paid over $8 for four organic apples the other day, yet a big bag of donuts was on sale for $2.50. Unbelievable.)

Instead of taking the most effective route to improving public health by taxing junk food and subsidizing healthy food, our gover nment is now introducing a new phar macare bill (Bill C-64) that will offer free dr ugs for diabetes Unfor tunately, treating Type 2 diabetes with dr ugs while i g n o r i n g t h e c r u c i a l r o l e o f d i e t a n d lifestyle is not only a reckless approach to p u bl i c h e a l t h , i t ’s a l s o ex p e n s ive

According to the Parliamentar y Budget Off ice, this phar macare prog ram is expected to cost taxpayers an estimated $40 billion annually.

Meantime, the rise in popularity of diabetes dr ugs like Ozempic for weight loss is causing concer n amongst healthcare professionals. These chemical injections are

not only being used by diabetics to control blood sugar, but also by plump people looking for a magic weight loss bullet. Alleged side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach paralysis, so lawyers are now preparing for a cascade of class action lawsuits (https://www forbes com/advisor/ legal/product-liability/ozempic-lawsuit/)

To remind people that there are simpler and less dangerous ways to drop excess pounds than using dr ugs, this month we bring you a feature by Zoltan Rona entitled “ D r u g - f r e e S t r a t eg i e s f o r S a f e a n d Effective Weight Loss.” Here we revisit the fundamental benef its of exercise – an easy and economical tool to boost metabolism and melt fat. And then there’s inter mittent fasting, which simply means avoiding food for 12 to 16 hours each day, say from 8 pm to 12 noon the next day. This helps to re-set the metabolism and give the digestive system a rest As a nutritional exper t, Zoltan Rona also likes spicy foods, probiotics, and herbs for their role in mobilizing fat stores Another g reat strategy for rebooting the system is a spring cleanse, which is one of t h e s e a s o n a l t r a d i t i o n s h i s t o r i c a l ly e m b r a c e d by i n d i g e n o u s p e o p l e a n d Europeans alike After a long winter season of heavy comfor t foods and stale indoor air, the body is in need of bitter herbs and fresh g reens to flush the liver, clear the lymphatics, and detox the lungs. This month we bring you an updated vers i o n o f Pa t C r o c ke r ’s c l a s s i c “ S p r i n g Cleansing with Herbs” feature that shares the best tonic herbs for this pur pose and offers recipes to make it easy.

For those who think that these herbs are too costly for the household b udget, remember that one key detox herb is free The lowly dandelion is one of nature’s most effective liver cleansers, so if you f ind a patch in your neighbourhood that’s free of pollutants, bring it home and chop up the leaves for greens in sandwiches or make dandelion flower tea And dandelion leaves are easily found at local markets too This is the kind of folklore medicine that our ancestors relied on daily to keep them well, which is good to know in these times when

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conventional healthcare is f ailing to keep up with demand. The more you can help yourself, the better your chances of survival

Meantime, new developments in the world of health include the release of Jozef Krop’s latest book A muchloved physician who helped t h o u s a n d s o f p e o p l e g e t we l l w i t h e nv i r o n m e n t a l medicine, he faced his own health challenge when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020. Not only did he recover from that devastating illness, he felt inspired to put together a collection of his best advice on alter native strategies for restoring wellness. We are proud to offer a summar y of the book in this issue

Happy spring!

Julia Woodford

[1] (Junk Food and Diabetes: h t t p s : / / t h e d a i l y 9 i n / p o s t / j u n kfood-and-diabetes/)

TURMERIC EXTRACT

IMPROVES BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS IN OVERWEIGHT INDIVIDUALS

According to f indings published in the Januar y 2024 i s s u e o f Fro n t i e r s i n Nutrition , c u r c u m a l o n ga extract (CLE), commonly k n ow n a s t u r m e r i c , m ay effectively reduce inflamm a t i o n a n d s u p p o r t g l ucose metabolism in overweight individuals

In early 2023, Japanese r e s e a r c h e r s f o u n d t h a t “daily intake of CLE may h av e t h e p o t e n t i a l t o improve insulin resistance a n d p o s t p r a n d i a l hy p og ly c e m i a by r e d u c i n g chronic low-g rade inflammation.”

This study evaluated the effects of a hot water mixture with supercritical carb o n d i ox i d e C . l o n g a e x t r a c t s , C L E , a n d t h e p o t e n t i a l a c t iv e c o m p on e n t s o f C l o n g a , tur meronols A and B, and b i s a c u r o n e o n i n f l a m m ation and glucose metabolism

For complete repor t, go to: https://www frontiersin org/ar ticles/10 3389/fnut 2024 13241 96/full News repor t cour tesy o f N u t r a i n g r e d i e n t s N e w s Headlines; information contact: visit: www.nutraing redients.com

NEWS & NOTES

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

COMPILED BY JULIA WOODFORD

Jozef Krop releases new book after recovery from cancer; Lavender essential oil produces significant improvement in sleep quality

The following 3 repor ts are r e p r i n t e d f r o m t h e c o l u m n “Shor ts” by Julie Klotter, which appeared in the January 27, 20 24 To w n s e n d e - L e t t e r https://www townsendletter co m/e-letter-27/

HEALTH BENEFITS OF KEFIR FOR METABOLIC DISEASES

Kef ir, which originated in the nor ther n area of the Caucasus Mountains, is a traditional fer mented milk product. Kef ir grains, used to make the beverage, consist of a symbiotic mix of lactic and acetic acid bacte-

ria (eg. Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, and Streptococcus spp ) and yeasts (eg Kluyveromyces, Saccharomyces, Torula)

A 2018 review ar ticle from Brazil suggests that kef ir may provide benef its for people with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Kef ir has antioxidative proper ties, according to multiple studies. Some kef ir bacteria synthesize antioxidant enzymes, such as peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reduc-

tase, as well as producing other substances that reduce oxidative stress Daily consumption of kef ir has also produced immunomodulator y and hypocholesterolemic effects

Experiments with spontaneously hyper tension rats found that kef ir, consumed for at least 30 days, produced a signif icant reduction in blood pressure levels as well as reduction in tachycardia and left ventricular hypertrophy, characteristic of these rats. Several species of Lactobacillus – L fermentum, L coryniformis, L gasseri, L helveticus, L paracasei, and L lactis – are among the probiotic bacteria found in kef ir grains that have these hypotensive effects Animal experiments have also shown that kef ir restores balanced parasympathetic and sympathetic activity to the heart.

The microbial composition of kef ir grains varies from region to region. Brazilian kef ir grains, for example, contain Lactobacillus kef iranofaciens, Bif idobacterium, and the yeast Candida And a Chinese study that analyzed kef ir grains taken from three

Tibetan households determined that Pseudomonas sp Leuco-nostoc mesenteroides, L helveticus, L k e f i r a n o f a c i e n s , Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus kef iri, Lactobacillus casei, Kazachstania unispora, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, to be the primary organisms.

I don’t know if the kef ir beverages sold in US supermarkets have anything close to the microbial complexity or composition of traditional sources. The Brazilian authors say that “additional studies are required to verify if milk fer mented by kef ir grains from different origins and production processes could have similar benef icial effects ”

CHOCOLATE MAY REDUCE CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK

Chocolate, made from the s e e d s o f t h e c o c o a t r e e (Theobroma cacao), is a rich source of flavonoids that benef it the cardiovascular system, according to multiple studies. An Italian review and meta-analysis of 16 studies with a total of 3 4 4 , 4 5 3 p a r t i c i p a n t s repor ted that most of the

studies found “a signif icant reduction of cardiovascular disease risk in association with higher levels of chocolate intake after adjustment for potential confounders, i n c l u d i n g a g e , p hy s i c a l activity, BMI, smoking status, dietar y factor, education, and dr ug use.”

The meta-analysis repor ted an overall risk ratio of cardiovascular disease for the highest vs. the lowest categor y of chocolate cons u m p t i o n a s b e i n g 0 . 7 7 (95% conf idence inter val [CI], 0.71-0.84; P= 0.000). In addition, the meta-analysis showed chocolate cons u m p t i o n wa s a s s o c i a t e d with reduced risk for coronar y hear t disease (47%), s t r o ke ( 3 0 % ) , a c u t e myo c a r d i a l i n f a r c t i o n ( 2 2 % ) , a n d h e a r t f a i l u r e ( 1 7 % ) T h e d a t a i n t h e r ev i ewe d e p i d e m i o l og i c a l studies was derived from f o o d f r e q u e n cy q u e s t i o nnaires or self-repor ts. The type(s) of chocolate (milk, dark, white) providing the most benef it was unclear from the data.

A 2018 review, led by Sergio Davinelli, repor ted on the many known effects o f c o c o a ’s f l avo n o l s a n d

1st demonstrated by Georges Lakhovsky and Nikola Tesla.

suggested that using cocoa with omega-3 fatty acids might enhance the cardiovascular benef its synergistically Flavonol-rich cocoa increases antioxidant activity The flavonols also increase bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) in the endothelium, preventing leukocyte adhesion and mig ration, smooth muscle cell proliferation, platelet adhesion, and a g g r eg a t i o n . M o r e ove r, i n c r e a s e d N O bioavailability promotes relaxation of vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to vasodilation.

HEAVY METALS IN CHOCOLATE

Chocolate, made from the seeds of the cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao), is a rich source of flavonoids that benefit the cardiovascular system, according to multiple studies

Per vasive industrial pollution contaminating soil and water used in g rowing cacao is one source, but g rowing practices that use pesticides (lead and cadmiu m ) , p h o s p h a t e f e r t i l i z e r s ( c a d m i u m ) , and sewage sludge (lead and cadmium) can also affect cocoa’s heavy metal content Equipment used to ship and process the cocoa beans is also a signif icant source of contamination

People who are consuming chocolate for its health benef its may want to check the website by As You Sow This non-prof it organization strives to promote environmental and social cor porate responsibility. Since 2014, As You Sow has commissioned independent state-cer tif ied laboratories to measure lead and cadmium levels in chocolate products sold in Califor nia. Most products (96 of 127 tested products) had higher lead and/or cadmium levels than allowed by the Califor nia Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. The organization works with manufacturers to reduce heavy metal content.

C o n t a m i n a t i o n c a n c o m e f r o m s eve r a l s o u r c e s .

As You Sow lists results from tested chocolate products at its website. To see the test results, along with other i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t t ox i n s i n c h o c o l a t e , v i s i t : h t t p s : / / w w w. a s yo u s ow. o rg / e nv i r o n m e n t a l - h e a l t h / t ox i cenforcement/toxic-chocolate

The following repor t is reprinted from the column “Shor ts” by Julie Klotter, which appeared in the December 16, 2023 Townsend e-Letter https://www townsendletter com/e-letter-24/

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR SLEEP DISTURBANCE

by Julie Klotter

Essential oils are among the natural substances being investigated for mild sleep disturbance Some plants, including bergamot, lavender, sweet orange, valerian, cedar, and rose contain chemical compounds that produce a calming or a sleep-inducing effect, according to animal studies Human studies indicate that essential oils may be helpful for alleviating mild sleep disturbances, but more studies are needed to conf ir m which botanical oils, dosage, and mode of deliver y are most effective, according to two recent review ar ticles.

Angela S. Lillehei, MPH, and Linda L. Halcon, RN, MPH, PhD, conducted a 2014 systematic review, using 15 human studies on the effect of inhaled essential oils (aromatherapy) on sleep that were published in English between 1990 to 2012. The f ifteen studies, 11 of which were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), involved a total of 409 par ticipants. Lavender oil produced statistically signif icant improvement in sleep quality in four studies Another six studies repor ted positive improvement for lavender use or for essential oil mixtures containing lavender oil (not statistically signif icant, possibly because of cohor t size)

Lillehei and Halcon had several criticisms of the studies they found Impor tantly, only four of the 15 repor ted the Latin botanical name, and only one of those four actually analyzed the inter vention’s chemical composition “Different plant species have different chemical constituencies and therefore different therapeutic proper ties,” say Lillehei and Halcon. “With lavender, for example, Lavandula latifolia is considered stimulating and L. augustifolia is considered relaxing.” The authors say that

future studies also need to investigate mechanisms of action, possible synergistic effects in essential oil mixtures, and assess long-ter m effects

Instead of looking at English medical literature, Eunhee Hwang, PhD, and Sujin Shin, PhD, of the Republic of Korea used 13 Korean studies, published between 2000 and August 2013, for their 2015 systematic review of essential oil use to treat sleep disturbance. The studies, four of which were randomized controlled trials, involved 704 par ticipants. Unlike the previous review, botanical oils were administered in different ways: massage (n=7), inhalation (n=5), applied in a poultice (n=1).

Hwang and Shin perfor med a meta-analysis using 12 of the studies (The excluded trial lacked appropriate statistical analysis ) Of the many essential oils in these studies, lavender, cypress, and chamomile were the most effective Hwang and Shin also found that inhalation was more effective than massage and that aromatherapy’s effect was g reater in people with an illness compared to healthy participants

Using a random-effects model, the researchers found an “effect size of 3 72 (95% CI, 0 54-1 75; p<0 001), which i n d i c a t e d t h a t a r o m a t h e r a py s i g n i f i c a n t ly i m p r ove d sleep.” In comparison with other aromatherapy studies, this effect size was smaller than aromatherapy’s effect on anxiety (6.03), depression (5.11), and stress (5.29) but

larger than the effect size on pain (The calculated effect size could improve as effective oils and dosages are better identif ied ) Interestingly, the effect size of aromatherapy on sleep was less than the effect size of music therapy, deter mined in a 2014 Korean meta-analysis of 10 randomized studies, according to Hwang and Shin. Music therapy might be another way to improve sleep.

Hwang and Shin say that more studies are needed to identify essential oils with sedative or hypnotic effects, optimal inter vention time, and dosage. They suggest that future studies also measure physiologic indicators, using polysomnog raphy and other methods.

For a list of references, see the original report published in Townsend e-letter

DR KROP RELEASES NEW BOOK AFTER RECOVERING FROM CANCER

When you don’t feel well, it really hits home that good health is the only thing that matters

“Total Health: An Ecogical Approach” is packed with protocols for detoxification, nutritional healing, supplementation for specific conditions, along with therapy and treatment options

Throughout his 50+ year c a r e e r, D r. J o z e f K r o p noticed that the majority of h i s c l i e n t s h a d v i s i t e d a s many as 10 to 20 medical and alter native practitioners before they landed in his off ice That’s where these clients f inally got the answers they needed.

Factors such as an inability to see the total picture, inadequate testing, the influence of phar ma on healthcare, stealth infections (more common than people realize), and the constant onslaught of toxins from 21st centur y living – all of these were leaving many people in the dark about what it really takes to be healthy.

For his entire career, Dr. Krop has been the detective who investigated all these areas and looked at the whole person – all of which helped him succeed in getting his clients positive results that were comprehensive and lasting He recognized that medicine is a f ield fragmented by specialization, whereas human health is a composite of interdependent influences.

In 2020, Dr Krop’s alter native medicine approach was put to the test when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer himself. This was the moment when he had to draw upon all of his years of experience and knowledge in order to heal himself and save his life His book, Total Health: An Ecological Approach, was written during his healing jour ney as a comprehensive guide for anyone to understand the key root-cause issues that create disease and how to resolve them.

In addition to a chapter devoted to cancer, this book explores impor tant issues such as:

– chronic f atigue and hor monal disturbances;

– how to deal with toxicity;

– understanding your health histor y;

– little-known but impor tant factors in the effectiveness of total health medicine;

– the connection between the microbiome and the neurological system;

– healing the digestive system;

– resolving autoimmune disorders;

– dealing with hear t disease without dr ugs;

– healing mood disorders; and

– therapeutic approaches for Lyme disease, Parkinson’s and Autism

TOTAL HEALTH: AN ECOLOGICAL APPROACH

By Jozef Krop, MD (retired), CNP

Total Health is thorough and comprehensive in exploring the actual root causes of illness – especially the kinds of conditions that don’t appear to have easy solutions. It is packed with protocols for detoxif ication, nutritional healing, supplementation for specif ic conditions, along with therapy and treatment options.

For example, one condition that is underser ved by Wester n medicine is adrenal insuff iciency and subclinical thyroid disorders. This book has a whole chapter that

explores how to heal these issues – and the impact they have on other areas of health. An overlooked solution is the proper use of iodine The safe use of iodine (along with other supplementation and detoxif ication protocols) is integ ral to restoring balance to the body to overcome many conditions

Practitioners can use the book as a guide for addressing client concer ns. And healthseekers will f ind solutions to their health problems – solutions that work This book will take you from confusion and fragmentation to a framework and understanding of what it takes to achieve “total health” for yourself and your family.

Dr Krop’s cancer is now in remission and he is enjoying his work and family with renewed enthusiasm.

The Total Health book is available for sale through the health clinic founded by Dr. Krop, called EcoHealth and Wellness, in Mississauga, Ont. The book costs $27 (Cdn)

+ HST The book can be ordered by calling the clinic at (905) 816-9657 For more information about the clinic, see ad on page 21 or visit: www.ecohealthcentre.ca

Cleansing

tonics are an ancient rite of spring that reflects the season’s central theme of self-renewal. By def inition, a tonic is an infusion of herbs that invigorates or strengthens the system Tonics often act as stimulants and alteratives as well Taken either hot or cold, tonics restore tone, purify the blood, and act as nutritive builders

Spring Cleansing with Herbs

Throughout histor y, and even as late as the 20th centur y, herbs and herbal spring tonics have been used by Nor th Americans and Europeans to cleanse the body after a long winter of eating preser ved meats with little or no fresh fr uits or vegetables. The six-week fasting and abstinence period of Lent, apar t from its spiritual signif icance, had a practical effect of helping the body prepare for the bite of astringent spring g reens.

The common ‘tonic water’ we now use mainly as a mixer for alcohol is a vestige of earlier times when bitter herbal tonics were widely used. By the 1500s, Europeans had lear ned of cinchona bark (Cinchona off icinalis) which contains quinine, a substance that is extremely effective against malaria

It was the British living in colonial India who began to add gin to the bitter-tasting quinine tonic to make that essential medicinal drink more palatable Most moder n brands of tonic water still contain quinine for flavour but in amounts that are too small to be effective medicinally

Benefits of Tonic Herbs

Tonic herbs suppor t the body’s systems in maintaining health. Depending on what herbs are used, they can suppor t the whole body or specif ic systems or organs. They are able to do this because they contain opposing g roups of constituents that can lower (or raise), stimulate (or depress), increase (or decrease) individual biological processes

B Y P A T C R O C K E R

Tonics increase the tone of body tissues, impar ting strength and vitality by promoting the digestive process, improving blood circulation, and increasing the supply of oxygen to the tissues Tonic herbs are safe to use daily except during pregnancy

The following is a list of tonic herbs:

• ALFALFA , dried flowers and leaves (Medicago sativa) is a nutritive tonic for the musculoskeletal system

• ASTRAGALUS (Astragalus membranaceus) promotes tissue regeneration, and is a hear t tonic as well as a powerful immune system stimulator for vir tually ever y phase of immune system activity.

• DANDELION (Taraxacum off icinale) is a liver tonic and digestive.

• DEVIL’S CLAW (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a liver tonic.

• ECHINACEA (Echinacea purpurea or E. angustifolia) is an immune system tonic.

• GINSENG (Panax quinquefolius) is an adaptogen used to relieve stress

• LICORICE ROOT (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is considered to be one of the best tonic herbs because it provides nutrients to almost all body systems

• PARSLEY (Petroselinum crispum) acts as a general tonic

RECIPES

These tonics are best consumed f irst thing in the mor ning on an empty stomach, or between meals in the after noon Another option is to avoid food for a few days and just drink tonics and smoothies

Green Goddess Tonic

Parsley is a ver y good tonic and diuretic herb but it should be avoided during preg-

Green Goddess Tonic utilizes the cleansing power of parsley

nancy and in cases of kidney inflammation.

1 spear broccoli

1⁄2 cucumber

1⁄2 red bell pepper

2 sprigs fresh parsley

1) Using a juicer, process broccoli, cucumber, parsley, and pepper. Whisk and pour into a glass.

Spring Smoothie

Because of their pleasant taste, smoothies are the perfect drinks for delivering the cleansing proper ties of spring tonic herbs In this recipe, you make a tea f irst using Tonic Blend (recipe for blend and how to make tea follows), and then use the chilled tea as the liquid base for this cleansing drink

2/3 cup steeped Tonic Blend tea (see recipe below)

1 cup organic chopped kale or spinach

1⁄2 cup organic broccoli florets

1⁄2 cup organic g reen g rapes

4 sprigs parsley

1) In a blender, combine tea, kale, broccoli, g rapes, and parsley. Secure lid and blend (from low to high if using a variable speed blender) until smooth. Drink immediately.

Tonic Blend Tea

This tea feeds the cells of the body and boosts the immune system It can be used ever y day by young and old alike Make it up in a larger quantity and store in a jar with a lid for up to 2 days in the refrigerator Add a cup or more to soups and stews, and use in smoothies or in place of other liquids in cooking This tonic may be used by cancer patients before, during, and after treatment

1 par t chopped dried astragalus root (purchase from Chinese Medicine practitioners or health food stores)

1 par t dried parsley leaves

1 par t dried alfalfa, aerial par ts (available in health food stores)

1) Blend and store herbs in a labelled air tight tin or dark-coloured jar in a dark, cool, dr y cupboard.

2) Cr ush a heaping teaspoon of the herb blend to a f ine powder for ever y cup of tonic you plan to make. Then measure one cup of pure water for ever y cup of blend into a pot and bring to boil. (So two cups of tonic has two teaspoons of herb + two cups of water )

3) Place the herb powder into a war med ceramic teapot, and add one extra teaspoon of herb powder “for the pot” Pour the boiled water into the teapot on top of herbs

Spring Smoothie blends

Tonic Tea with spinach and g rapes

4) Cover the pot and put a cork in the spout Steep for about 5 minutes and strain into cups

Iron Builder Tonic

Young people experiencing puber ty require extra iron to help them cope with the rapid changes in their bodies. This tonic has a pleasant taste, is quite refreshing, and may be kept in the refrigerator for thirsty teens. Stinging nettle and burdock g row abundantly in wild areas, or you can use dried leaves and roots, which are available from health food stores. Growing your own sweet cicely is easy, and its sweet anise flavour is delicious in tonics and teas *

(Makes: 2 to 3 ser vings)

6 fresh pepper mint sprigs

4 fresh stinging nettle tops (4 – 6” each) or 2 Tbsp dried

1 small fresh burdock leaf, chopped (from g rocer y stores or herb shops)

1⁄2 cup chopped fresh sweet cicely 3 cups boiling water

1) In a non-reactive (ceramic or glass) teapot or heatproof jar, combine herbs and pour freshly boiled water over them. Steep, covered, for at least 12 hours (the longer steeping time is necessar y to extract the minerals from the herbs). Strain and drink 1⁄2 cup twice daily.

2) Store tonic in a clean jar with a lid in the refrigerator, up to 3 days.

* See Resource List at end for sources of herb seeds

Nerve Support Blend Tonic

If the fresh ing redients for this blend are not in season, you can pick up the dried herbs from herb shops or health food stores

1 par t dried chamomile flowers

1 par t dried lemon balm leaves

1 par t dried linden flowers

1 par t dried St John’s Wor t flowers (omit if using prescription dr ugs)

1) Blend and store herbs in a labelled air tight tin or

dark-coloured jar in a dark, cool, dr y cupboard

2) To make tea, cr ush a small amount of blend to a f ine powder, then measure 1 tsp powder per cup Place the powder in a war med ceramic teapot, add one additional teaspoon of the powder ‘for the pot’ and pour boiling water over the herbs Cover the pot and put a cork in the spout Steep for about 5 minutes then strain into cups

Stress Tonic Blend

2 par ts dried chamomile flowers

1 par t dried lemon balm leaves (Melissa off icinalis)

1 par t dried oat straw

1) Blend and store herbs in a labelled air tight tin or dark-coloured jar in a dark, cool, dr y cupboard.

2) To make tea, cr ush a small amount of blend to a f ine powder, then measure 1 tsp powder per cup. Place in a war med ceramic teapot, add one additional tsp powder ‘for the pot’ and pour boiling water over the herbs. Cover the pot and put a cork in the spout Steep for about 5 minutes and strain into cups

A Favourite Spring Tonic of Indigenous Peoples

The Iroquois and other tribes of Canada and the nor ther n US considered the sugar maple (Acer saccharum) to be a special gift of the Creator. Maple sap was obtained by cut-

ting a ver tical slit in the tree about two inches deep and a foot long just below eye level on the tr unk of the tree A flat stick was then driven into the lower end of the slash With the war m days and freezing nights of early spring, the alter nating expanding and contracting wood in the tr unk drove the sap through the drainage hole over the stick into a birch bark trough

Considered to be an impor tant spring ritual, the sap was dr unk fresh as a spring tonic ever y day that it ran in the trees. It is a clear, thin liquid with a high sugar content easily obtained. An easy method of ‘evaporating’ the water was to let the sap freeze over night and simply chip away the ice from the sugar/syr up the following day.

Wild Fresh Spring Tonic

If available, use maple sap fresh ever y day. It is possible to store it in the refrigerator but not more than 2 days as it is prone to bacteria before being ‘boiled off ’ Use 2 Tbsp maple syr up if fresh maple sap is not available This makes a nice spring ‘celebration’ toast (Makes: 2-3 ser vings)

3 cups f iltered water

One 2-inch piece fresh ginseng root, chopped

One 2-inch piece fresh dandelion root, chopped

One 2-inch piece fresh burdock root, chopped

2 tsp chopped fresh parsley leaves

2 tsp chopped fresh stinging nettle tops (or 1 tsp of dried stinging nettle tops) 1⁄4 cup maple sap or Kiki Maple Sweet Water (or 2 Tbsp maple syr up)*

1) In a medium non-reactive saucepan (not aluminum or steel), pour water over ginseng, dandelion, and burdock. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Tur n off heat and steep, covered, for 5 minutes.

2) Stir in parsley and nettle. Steep, covered, for another 10 minutes. Strain into a clean jar, stir in maple sap. Use immediately or cover tightly and keep in refrigerator for up to 2 days

*If you don’t have your own maple trees for tapping maple sap, one alter native is a Canadian-made product called Kiki Maple Sweet Water, derived from the sap of the maple tree, visit: https://vitalitymagazine com/ar ticle/healthy-product-news1/ Available at health food stores across Ontario

RESOURCES

Maple Syrup Festivals in Ontario

Interested in visiting a sugar bush and learning more about traditional maple syrup? There are a number of maple syrup festivals in

The Stress Tonic blend utilizes the soothing proper ties of chamomile flowers

Lemon balm tea is a rela xing and cleansing drink on a spring day

and around the Greater Toronto Area that continue into early April:

MAPLE SUGAR FESTIVAL & PANCAKE HOUSE – Brooks Farms (Mount Albert) – weekends in March plus March break: www brooksfarms com • (905) 473-3246

ELMIRA MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL –April 6 www elmiramaplesyrup com • (519) 669-6000

SUGARBUSH MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL (two locations)

1) Kortright Centre for Conservation ( Wo o d b r i d g e ) a n d 2 ) B r u c e ’ s M i l l Conservation Area (Stouffville) – March 9 to April 7

HOLSTEIN MAPLEFEST, LOVE’S SUGAR BUSH near Holstein, Ont (between Brampton & Owen Sound) – April 13 and 14 www holsteinmaplefest com • (519) 334-3490

Good Sources of Organic and Local Herb Seeds

• URBAN HARVEST provides certified organic seeds, seedlings and garden supplies that promote ecological diversity and preserve the health of our planet Everything they sell is 100% certified organic Their organic and heirloom varieties are specially chosen for their unique qualities for both urban gardens and market gardeners Based in Ontario Visit: https://uharvest ca/shop or call (416) 523-2236

• HERITAGE HARVEST SEED is a Canadian heirloom/heritage seed mail order company specializing in rare and endangered heirloom/heritage varieties of vegetables, flowers, herbs and ancient grain seeds With over 800 varieties to choose from, they claim to have something for everyone Based in Manitoba To order, visit: https://heritageharvestseed.com/pages/heirloom-herb-seeds (204) 372-6477

• SATURDAY SEED CO – Their mission is to support and guide individuals on their journey of growing their own food Saturday Seed Company’s commitment is to fostering self-sufficiency and contributing to the broader community. They aim to build a repository of open-pollinated seeds, enabling our customers to save and share their own seeds, thereby promoting seed sovereignty Based in Guelph, Ont To view their herb seed catalogue, visit: https://saturdayseedco ca/collections/herb-seeds or call: (519) 362-7038

• CANADIAN ORGANIC GROWERS is an organization which offers a directory of organic seed companies in Canada Visit: https://cog ca/organic-seed-directory/

Pat Crocker cleanses in the spring and again in the fall. She is a Culinary H e r b a l i s t , H o m e E c o n o m i s t , a n d healthy food writer. Photographer, lecturer, and author of several award-winn i n g b o o k s , i n cl u d i n g Ju i c i n g & Smoothies for Dummies, Preserving, Everyday Flexitarian (with co-author Nettie Cronish), The Yogurt Bible, The Vegan Cook’s Bible, The Vegetarian Cook’s Bible, The Juicing Bible, and The Smoothies Bible, which are available at bookstores throughout Canada and the United States Visit Pat at www patcrocker com and enjoy her blog at www foodwedsherbs blogspot com

Walking in the park can bring many health benefits including weight loss

Drug-free Strategies for Safe and Effective Weight Loss

by Z O LTA N P R O N A , M D, M S c

The rising popularity of weight loss dr ugs worldwide is causing increasing concer n amongst researchers and health practitioners who wor r y about their side effects Desperate patients are tur ning to these medications after unsuccessful attempts to lose weight the old-fashioned way.

The newest class of weight loss dr ugs –semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) –is all the rage these days With media ads promoting it almost 24 hours a day, Ozempic is gaining a reputation as the dr ug of choice to treat obesity even in non-diabetics. Typically injected once weekly in g radually increasing doses, the side effects are claimed to be mild with symptoms such as decreased appetite and gastrointestinal distress.

The use of semaglutide in ever increasing numbers has led to a worldwide shor tage of this class of dr ug While largely effective in either injected or oral for ms for obesity, it unfor tunately can come with dangerous lifethreatening side effects as described in several recent medical jour nal repor ts.

ever-increasing use of this dr ug, we may be seeing more cases of gastroparesis in the near future. This can delay the digestive process and cause severe pain, nausea and diar rhea

While cer tain dr ugs and surger y can control the symptoms of gastroparesis, there’s cur rently no cure. Aside from stomach paralysis, other severe side effects of the dr ug include suicidal ideation, self-har ming thoughts, pancreatitis, kidney damage, and gallbladder disease

Semaglutide does not cure either Type 2 diabetes or obesity As soon as the dr ug is discontinued the blood sugar control and weight retur n to pre-dr ug levels.

Safer Natural Alternatives

"If you just cut the crap out of your diet, and if you spend an hour a day doing something physical that will make you sweat, six months will pass by, you will feel better mentally, physically, spiritually. It all is tied together." –Chris Pratt, Actor

Most nutrition exper ts will tell you that diets don’t wo r k . N e a r ly 1 0 0 % o f p e o p l e wh o f o l l ow d i e t a r y extremes gain back the weight they lost within a year. What does usually work well for stable weight loss in those attempting to lose weight is changing one’s lifestyle and dietar y habits Here are some approaches that could be adopted for safe and effective weight control:

Increasing exercise can boost metabolism and aid weight loss according to Zoltan Rona, shown here on his bicycle

The Journal of the American Medical Association links semaglutide to gastroparesis, a chronic debilitating condition that severely weakens the muscles in the stomach walls making it harder to push food over to the small intestine. It is thought by most doctors to be rare but, with the

1) AVOID PROCESSED FOODS a n d replace them with more unadulterated foods

Examples of processed foods include meats like bacon, salami, ham, other cold cuts, instant noodles, sugar-sweetened beverages including soft drinks, juice and spor ts drinks, c h i p s , m i c r owave d p o p c o r n , m a rga r i n e , flavoured yogur t, cookies, cakes, pastries, fried foods like French fries, g ranola bars, candy bars, pizza, ref ined g rains and white bread. Most f ast foods are also heavily processed.

I n s t e a d, e a t m o r e veg e t a bl e s , f r u i t s , legumes, seeds like flaxseed and chia, nuts, c l e a n m e a t s ( u n p r o c e s s e d ) a n d f i s h Increase soluble f iber intake like that found in oats, barley, peas, car rots, beans, apples, citr us fr uits and psyllium Make water your only drink as a habit and avoid any kind of alcohol Eating more high protein foods like g rass-fed beef, organic chicken breast, wild caught cod and salmon, as well as natural protein powders all can help maintain nor mal blood sugar levels and lose excess weight. The amount of

protein needed by most obese individuals is 0.7 to 0.75 g rams of protein per pound of body weight. That’s about 25 to 30 g rams of protein daily. To have a better idea of what to eat to replace processed foods consult a holistic nutritionist

2) REDUCE STRESS because it elevates cortisol levels that can raise blood sugar, increase weight gain, and interfere with restorative sleep Stress causes blood sugar levels to rise, increases appetite, interferes with digestion and can affect the endocrine glands and hormone levels Sleeping well can help prevent excess weight gain, especially in the abdominal or waist area. Stress often prevents proper sleep. Natural stress relievers like regular exercise, meditation, and natural remedies like rhodiola, ashwagandha, magnesium-L-threonate, 5-HTP, L-theanine and GABA can all be helpful for reducing cortisol and combatting stress.

3) INCREASE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY because a sedentar y lifestyle can slow metabolism and prevent weight loss For those who rarely if ever go to the gym or have any regimented exercise, just star t by going for shor t walks and increasing the time walked g radually ever y day.

4) CONSIDER INTERMITTENT FASTING. This is not a diet and not suitable for ever yone but this shift in lifestyle and eating patter ns can be quite effective for a majority of people. One example is to fast for 16 hours and limit eating for 8 hours. For example, it can mean not eating anything after dinner, and skipping breakfast the next mor ning.

5) AVOID DIETARY EXTREMES like the no-carbohydrate or ketogenic diets. These types of diet are used therapeutically for various medical conditions like Type 2 diabetes (e.g. the Atkins Diet) and seizure disorders, but are diff icult to follow for most relatively healthy people wanting to shed excess weight They are not for the majority But these extreme diets do have some positive aspects There is value in high protein intakes provided kidney function is normal, but ketogenic diets have many negatives including the diff iculty of following them for long periods of time. We avoid them because they can cause hyperacidity (ketoacidosis) in the body as well as kidney stress On a positive note – by eating more high protein foods like eggs – instead of a high carbohydrate intake – your appetite can be satiated, and you are more likely to lose unwanted weight.

6) USE METABOLISM BOOSTERS like spicy foods if you can tolerate them because these can increase your hear t rate, make you sweat, and boost your metabolic rate. One example of a good spice is cayenne pepper which contains capsaicin that can help bur n off more calories. Capsaicin enhances the breakdown of fat Other natural foods that

improve f at breakdown include matcha g reen tea and wakame – a type of seaweed

7) TRY A FAR INFRARED SAUNA because it can boost metabolism and burn up to 600 calories per hour. Besides helping with weight loss, this type of sauna has many other health benef its, such as ridding the body of toxic heavy metals through the skin as well as other toxins and drug residues. One of my patients lost well over 50 pounds during a period of 3 months by using this type of sauna for half an hour on a daily basis If you use the sauna this often then be sure to take at least a multi-mineral supplement and omega-3 oil to replace nutrients lost in heavy sweating.

Chile peppers can increase heart rate and help you sweat off those extra pounds

8) GET ENOUGH SLEEP because sleep is one of the modulators of hor mone functions and glucose metabolism Weight gain and obesity have been linked with sleep deprivation and insomnia. See my ar ticle on how to improve sleep naturally: https://vitalitymagazine.com/ar ticle/help-for-insomnia/

9) DRINK MORE WATER – at least 8 ounces of water any time you get hungry – because that can keep you feeling full and prevent you from consuming excess calories.

Drink water from a glass or stainless-steel container between meals Avoid plastic containers Aim for drinking at least 2 litres of water daily, sipped throughout the day.

10) ENJOY HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS like cinnamon which can help control appetite and glucose levels As well, holy basil, rhodiola, and ashwagandha are adaptogenic herbs that help balance cor tisol levels and reduce stress.

11) USE COCONUT OIL because it contains mediumchain fatty acids which can stimulate fat loss Use 2 to 4 tablespoons daily added to foods or a smoothie.

12) CONSUME COLLAGEN as a supplement because it not only helps with weight loss, it also suppor ts skin and joint health Bone broth is a good source of collagen and is highly nutritious.

13) TAKE A PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENT because studies show that it can suppor t nutrient absor ption, bowel function, improved bowel flora, and healthy weight loss

14) EAT MORE FERMENTED FOODS like sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, pickled vegetables and kef ir – all g reat sources of probiotics that suppor t weight loss.

15) EAT MORE HIGH FIBRE FOODS because f ibre expands in your gut helping you feel full for a longer time. It also improves elimination. Sources include whole g rains (avoid those containing gluten), whole fr uits (but not fr uit juice due to the concentrated high sugar), vegetables, avocado, seeds, nuts, psyllium seed, flaxseed and chia seeds Fibre feeds the gut bacteria and that helps weight loss

16) EAT MORE GOOD FATS found in foods like avocado, olives, nuts and seeds, cashews, chia seeds and g round flax seeds – they are slow to digest and help curb appetite

17) AVOID ADDING SUGAR TO COFFEE OR TEA. Use xylitol or stevia as sweeteners if needed. Other sweeteners can be high in calories or outright toxic like aspar tame. Coffee and tea contain antioxidants and can stimulate metabolism when used in moderation (1 to 2 cups daily)

18) AVOID SOFT DRINKS – substitute with sugar-free soda water instead. It can still give you the satisfying bubbles without added sugar and other weight-stimulating chemicals Avoid all ‘diet’ sodas since some studies show that they are associated with sugar cravings and weight gain.

19) EAT MORE SLOWLY because fast eaters are more likely to become obese compared to slower eaters. Your digestion works more eff iciently if you take more time chewing your food

20) SUPPLEMENT CURCUMIN Curcumin is an extract of the common spice tur meric. Obesity is driven by the inflammator y process and curcumin is strongly antiinflammator y Most obese individuals can supplement about 1,000 mg daily Other natural anti-inflammator y supplements that can also be effective include vitamin D3 and K2, ser rapeptase, pancreatic enzymes, omega-3, vitamin C and bioflavonoids like quercetin.

Do as many of these natural strategies as possible to help you lose excess fat and maintain a stable weight Work with a natural health care practitioner for a personalized plan of action.

Zoltan P Rona, MD, MSc, 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. To see more of Dr. Rona’s articles, visit: www.highlevelwellness.ca and for appointments, please call (905) 764-8700 Office address: 390 Steeles Ave W , Unit 19, Thornhill, Ontario

REFERENCES

• Absolute Disaster: https://childrenshealthdefense org/defender/calley-means-ozempic-tucker-carlson/?utm source=luminate&utm medium=email&utm campaign=defender&utm id=20240207

• Ozempic (Semaglutide) side effects: https://www drugs com /sfx/ozempic-side-effects html

• Risk of Adverse Gastrointestinal Side Effects of Semaglutide: https://jamanetwork com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2810542

• The Unintended Side Effects of Popular Weight Loss Drugs: https://www popsci com/health/semaglutide-side-effects/

• Dr Axe Shares 7 Secrets: https://www dietofcommonsense com/ draxe-7secrets-weight-loss/

• 15 Wa y s t o L o s e We i g h t Wi t h o u t D i e t i n g : https://www eatthis com/lose-weight-without-dieting/

• Supplements for Weight Loss: https://www webmd com/vitaminsand-supplements/herbal-remedies

• To p We i g h t L o s s S u p p l e m e n t s i n 20 24 : h t t p s : / / www forbes com/health/weight-loss/top-weight-loss-supplements/

• 29 Ways to Lose Weight Naturally: https://www healthline com/nutrition/30-ways-to-lose-weight-naturally

• P r o c e s s e d a n d U l t r a P r o c e s s e d Fo o d s : https://draxe.com/nutrition/processed-foods/

• Fa r I n f r a r e d S a u n a C a l o r i e s B u r n e d : https://mysaunaworld com/blogs/my-sauna-world-blog/calories-burnusing-infrared-heat-sauna

• Help for Insomnia: https://vitalitymagazine com/article/help-forinsomnia/

• C u r c u m i n f o r w e i g h t l o s s : h t t p s : / / w w w a m y m y e r s m d c o m / article/turmeric-curcumin-weight-loss

• D i e t s o f t d r i n k a d v e r s e h e a l t h e f f e c t s : https://www healthline com/nutrition/symptoms-of-drinking-too-muchdiet-soda#7 -Might-be-related-to-weight-gain

Stories of Healing with Reiki and Hypnotherapy

BY VIRGINIA HART NELSON, C CHt

Inthese remarkably intense times, we are so fortunate to have alternative and complementary avenues of healing available to us These include reiki energy therapy which enables a person to decompress while balancing and strengthening their immune system. It also includes hypnotherapy and meditation which work to establish deep peace, bringing forth insights and a reconnection to our indwelling Spirit.

Reiki

Reiki originated from the spiritual practices of Tibetan Holy men who were helping people ref ine their state of mind by meditating on Sanskrit symbols to remind them of the divine power in their daily lives

Today, reiki is a form of vibrational healing widely used by health care workers, natural medicine caregivers, therapists, and holistic healers. Energetically, the practitioner harnesses the cosmic life force in his or her hands and lays them gently on the recipient at specif ied points. For the client, reiki works to stimulate a natural tendency to be vibrant and is benef icial in maintaining and extending their health and emotional well-being.

A reiki session conducted in an atmosphere of stillness and calm will help clients to sometimes have a spiritual experience And some insomniacs will eventually relax and fall into a restful sleep.

Reiki is a g reat for m of preventive medicine, not to be

u s e d o n ly f o r e m e rg e n c i e s o r crises. Long-distance healing is also an option for someone who is far away, or cannot come in person

Hypnotherapy

H y p n o t h e r a py e s s e n t i a l ly involves guiding a person into a deeply relaxed state from which they can get in touch with underlying patter ns that ser ve to free up physical or emotional blocks. It provides an oppor tunity for loving kindness and forgiveness to transfor m countless circumstances, and to change behaviour going forward

Tumour Responds to Energy Therapy

A client came to see me because surgery was in the off ing. There was a tumour on her pancreas, and the doctors planned to remove a signif icant portion of the gland.

Prior to the surgery, she wanted to explore other options

For tunately, she was open-minded and involved with Eastern spiritual traditions. We commenced a series of sessions involving reiki, hypnotherapy, meditation and visualization. During these sessions, it emerged that she was holding onto deep emotional pain from a relationship with her former spouse where there was a betrayal of trust.

As the sessions continued, she was able to tune into what her dreams were telling her, and she also prog ressed to lear ning reiki Levels I & II from me so that she could

Reiki is a form of vibrational healing widely used by health care workers, natural medicine caregivers, therapists, and holistic healers

practice reiki on herself and with others She was ver y dedicated to this endeavour, and eventually forgave her exhusband while also recognizing her par t in letting the union go forward.

She continued with her meditation, energy work, and hypnotherapy sessions for several more months. The mass began to shrink and in the end, it disappeared. Surger y was no longer necessar y In g ratitude, she travelled overseas to visit one of her spiritual temples to donate her time and money This is an individual who is ver y generous to others. She remains well to this day.

Hypnotherapy and Reiki Used with Other Health Conditions

Other situations that, on the surface, may not appear so dramatic never theless come with their own challenges and oppor tunities And if, say, an operation is inevitable, a surround of Light can be provided that assists not only prior to and during surger y, but in the after math, so that trauma to the body and central ner vous system can be g reatly reduced

At the level of the ego, we do not know all the factors at play in someone’s life There is a wonderful phrase by a spiritual leader named Uranda who said, “Let love radiate without concer n for results.” In other words, there is no need to manipulate or tr y to affect a par ticular outcome

One client of mine in her 60s had three surgeries in six years: two knee replacements (with hear t f ibrillations after the second) and a full hysterectomy. Each time she made it a priority to include reiki treatments pre- and post-op as well as the meditations and visualizations that assisted in her recover y In spite of the intense pain that can result from knee surger y, she also faithfully kept her sense of humour and did her exercises and physiotherapy. Ever y day, people like this are an inspiration to me

In the mid-1980’s when I was working for CBC-TV’s The Fifth Estate, I co-produced a prog ram on cancer and self-healing, inter viewing practitioners and patients in

Canada and the U.S. who were in the vanguard of wh a t wa s c a l l e d p s ychoneuroimmunology.

Hypnotherapy essentially involves guiding a person into a deeply relaxed state from which they can get in touch with underlying patterns that serve to free up physical or emotional blocks

One of the many pioneers we inter viewed was D r B e r n a u e r N ew t o n , M.D. in Los Angeles. He wa s u s i n g hy p n o t h e r a py with cancer patients to assist them in recognizing and freeing up areas of their lives that may have contributed to their illness (holding onto g rief, reg ret, anger, afraid to speak up, etc.). He provided space for insight, and included visualizations, kindness, forgiveness, and no blame

As a result, many of his patients went into remission, and for those who were in the f inal stages of their illness he assisted them with the dying process. I was deeply moved by his compassion and steadfastness, and would say he was a major inspiration in my own life and future work I have since had the privilege of working with others who were in the transition process from life to afterlife, a number of whom felt the unwavering love that was waiting for them

My Own Story

I emerged from a traumatic childhood which left in its wake a trail of habit patter ns and health issues that took decades to undo. I chose a spiritual path with its own challenges, but for me it was a rewarding one Patience is an acquired vir tue I have since let go of many debilitating, longstanding conditions including severe depression, panic attacks, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), digestive disorders and IBS, psoriasis, acute mig raine headaches, and much more

I have been able to avoid surger y a few times, the f irst of which was in 1990 An ultrasound revealed a large multilocular ovarian cyst, and I was scheduled for an operation within three weeks. Cancer or not, I was probably going to be eviscerated I went for a second opinion and was told I would absolutely have to have the surger y.

Even though I was working as a freelancer, I made time ever y day for meditation as well as Attunement and acupuncture treatments from two practitioners with a spiritual focus. In one session, I felt my fear over what might happen begin to dissolve, and knew that things would work out either way. There was higher help here for sure, and it was a major tur ning point in allowing the mass to dissolve

In the end, my gynecologist cancelled the surger y because the cyst had disappeared, but needless to say he was sur prised. For him this was a complete anomaly. I told him it didn’t happen by accident, and although he

wasn’t interested, he was g racious and said we’d keep our eye on it. It did not retur n. This is not to say that if there is no remission, there has been a lack on anyone’s par t

In my early 50’s I discovered I car ried a genetic predisposition for iritis I had a painful and virulent attack (severe inflammation of the eye which needed immediate treatment) It was misdiagnosed three times and I almost lost my left eye (An uncle did lose an eye in the days before steroids).

The damage caused black floaters in my eye, which I was told would be per manent. For tunately, by doing regular self-Reiki on my eye region, the floaters disappeared This had an added bonus of eliminating my need for prescription glasses, even though I’d wor n them from the age of six.

Like so many illnesses, one of the triggers for iritis is stress As one gets older, iritis falls away – so mercifully I haven’t had an episode for many years.

You’ve heard the saying, “Before Enlightenment, hewers of wood, drawers of water; after Enlightenment, hewers of wood, drawers of water ” In other words, even when we’ve come into a place of g reater equanimity, we will still feel things; but the difference is that we don’t personalize it –just obser ve, so that we can lear n to be here in a more peaceful way, and offer blessing. The good news is that the goal is tantalizingly closer than we think, because others have done it.

The ego is addicted to trauma and drama, and wants you to believe that peace is boring.

The world is a place of noise, distraction and pain Yes, there is also beauty here – that’s duality. In Oneness, we can acknowledge the radiant love that each of us car ries within.

Virg inia Har t Nelson, C CHt is a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Traditional Reiki Master, Past-Life Reg ressionist and Attunement Practitioner She teaches Reiki and has been working with others for 30 years For appointments call (416) 960-1690 or email: virg inia@theinnereye ca

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

SPRING PROGRAMS, RETREATS & GETAWAYS

Spring Cleanse Juice and Soup Detox Week

SugarRidge Retreat Centre invites one and all to join them for a week of spring cleansing, April 14 to 19 This week has a focus on all aspects of your body – what you eat, how you eat, how you feed your mind, and how you feel in your body. You will eat well and nourish your body with yummy organic juices, smoothies, and vegan soups and salads freshly made every day

Explore yourself via yoga, meditation, healthy food and group discussions Come into physical balance with daily yoga classes that will flex your muscles as well as your mind and spirit Anyone can do yoga! If you’re breathing you can do yoga!

For more infor mation about this and other themed retreats, such as wellness and yoga retreats in March, and a Mother’s Day Getaway in May, see Service Directory on page 29, call SugarRidge at 1-866-609-1793, email: info@sugar ridge ca, or visit: https://www.sugar ridge.ca

Spring Cleanse Week at SugarRidge Retreat Centre

Women’s Healing and Shamanic Journeying Week

Sachi, Flying Eagle Medicine Woman and founder of Sacred Medicine Ways, invites you to join her to experience two days of connecting with your Spirit Guides and Ancestors to receive healing Indigenous Ceremonies and practices involving dance, drumming, and f ire will plant the seeds of healing and rejuvenation At this 2-day retreat taking place May 18th and 19th, you will be able to: – Release pain and sickness – Reduce wor ry and grief – Make space in your heart for joy – Start a new relationship of

self-love.

Cost: $575 plus tax Location 324 Harold Road, Stirling Ontario For more information please call (647) 930-1832 or visit: https:// sacredmedicineways.com

Ayurveda Rituals Healing Sanctuary Packages

Kick off the spring season with a getaway to an Ayurvedic Healing Sanctuary in the countr y Andrea Olivera, Toronto’s popular Ayur veda rejuvenation expert, is offering a range of packages at her country spa, including the 3-hour package that will provide an Ayurveda Head Massage, Ayur veda Facial, and an Ayurveda body massage.

For more infor mation about the rejuvenating spa packages available in 2024, as well as the Yoga Teacher Training for Women coming up in July, visit: https://ayur vedarituals.ca or call (416) 504-6049. See ad on page 17

Workshop: Dream Journeying to the Plant People

The Living Earth School is presenting a workshop entitled Dream Journeying to the Plant People on June 8 and July 20th, 2024 �� In this workshop, participants will learn how to speak to plants through an easy and effective method called ‘dream journeying’ Dream journeying is a two-stage process of getting to know the nature of a plant and then dreaming in an intentional way while still awake to meet and commune with their spirit

The way of dream learning from plants is available to everyone. You do not need years of specialized training to awaken this gift. It is inherent within you. By dream jour neying to the plant people you will devel-

Nourishing juices, salads & soups will be on the menu during

Indigenous ceremonies will plant the seeds of healing and rejuvenation at the Women’s Healing Week

op an intimate, two-way relationship with them and directly receive their wisdom, blessings and medicines

This workshop is available both online and in-person at Living Ear th School of Herbalism in Vaughan, Ontario. Dates: June 8th, July 20th, 10:30 am - 5:30 pm This workshop is taught by LESH instructor Monika Ghent Visit their website for more info and to register www.livingearthschool.ca or call 905-303-8723, ext. 1.

The Toronto Tantra Festival

The Toronto Tantra Festival is a 4-day immersive festival exploring and celebrating love, spirituality, Eros, creativity, and community. Consent, healthy boundaries, and conscious communication are the cornerstones of the festival. Canadian and international facilitators create a sacred, safe(r), sex-positive, and inclusive environment for all experience levels and intensities

Lear n – Experience –Transform. Join them from Sept 5 to 8, 2024. Infor mation, www toronto tantrafestival com

NHPPA Still Fighting for Protection of Natural Health Products

Shawn Buckley, President of the Natural Health Products Protection Association (NHPPA), has drafted a new Private Member's Bill to repeal sections 500-504 of Bill C-47.

The Bill aims to repeal Sections 500-504 of the Budget Implementation Act, 2023, No 1 (formerly Bill C-47) These sections,

embedded within the annual budget bill, redef ine natural health products and subject the entire industry to heightened regulation and excessive f ines up to $5,000,000 per day, by moving them fully into the therapeutic products category, alongside chemical drugs

A Private Member's Bill is a Bill that can be introduced by any Member of Parliament that is not a Member of the Cabinet. After a Bill is introduced to Parliament, the Bill will be debated and voted on by other Members of Parliament, becoming law if it garners suff icient support This Bill is a draft law.

On Tuesday December 5, 2023, MP Blaine Calkins of Red Deer Lacombe, Alber ta, took a decisive stand in support of our cause and off icially tabled our Private Member's Bill in the House of Commons The Bill was seconded by MP Brad Vis, and given the off icial Bill number C-368. This action by MP Calkins effectively amplif ies our voices, champions the cause for the natural health industry, and acts in the interests of every Canadian citizen that relies on natural health products to care for their health and well-being

Fill in your information on the petition to populate a form letter to your Member of Parliament, our Prime Minister, the Minister of Health, and all 12 MPs on the Standing Committee on Health. To sign the petition, go to: https://oneclickpolitics global ssl fastly net/messages/edit?promo id=21516 or visit: https://nhppa.org/ for more information

AP R I L 7 F R E E D O C U M E NTARY

F I LM SC R E E N I N G – In 1949 and 1950 one name dominated the h e a d l i n e s : B r u n o G r o e n i n g . Newspapers printed special editions, radio and newsreels repor ted about him Due to extraordinary healings, wherever he went thousands of people from all over thronged to him and Groening became an international sensation The Sensation from 1949 is still very relevant today Great healings are still occurring all over the world, thanks to the teachings of Bruno Groening.

All are welcome to attend free documentary screenings at the South Asian Women’s Centre, 800 Lansdowne Ave (@Dupont), Unit 1, Toronto, ON April 7 May 19, June 30, Aug 11, Sep 22 & Nov 3 Time: 1:00 to 4:30 pm (includes a break) Admission is free, donations are appreciated.

A must-see film - Inspiring & E x t r a o r d i

: (647) 242-0761 or send email to: s o u s a d i n @

www bruno-g roening-film org

MAY 4: TH E LEGACY EX P O is a free event that aims to reshape t h e c o n v e r s a t

Happy Spring Solstice March 19, 2024

AU R AS AN D ALC H E MY Join our free online session each Thursday night at 8 pm to study and discuss these fascinating topics Visit www humanaura org to view the c o u r s e m a t e r i a l s To r e g i s t e r, email bookstudy@humanaura.org o r v i s i t w w w h i g h e r c o n s c i o u sness.ca

AWAR E N ESS TH RO U G H M OVEM E NT C L ASS ES Stay flexible and learn to move with ease and efficiency Classes online and in person Visit https://www feldenkrais centre.com/events/categories/on l i n e - c l a s s e s / s i n g l e - c l a s s e s / o r c o n t a c t u s b y e m a i l a t abigail@feldenkraiscentre com

R E I K I I C E RTI F I CATI O N All-day class by appointment Central Toronto Learn to treat yourself & o t h e r s 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 Virg inia Har t Nelson, 30 years' experience. Email: virg inia@the innereye ca (416) 960-1690

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' e x p e r i e n c e E m a i l : v i r g i n i a @ theinnereye ca (416) 960-1690

W E E K LY F R E E M E D I TAT I O N C L ASS ES O N LI N E and in person Find inner peace and reduce stress by meditating 10 to 15 minutes daily For more informat i o n a n d t o r e g i s t e r : h t t p s : / / www sahajayoga ca/reg ister

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planning Join us at 60 Low ther Avenue, Toronto. 10 am - 4:30 pm www thelegacyexpo com

CO M M U N I CATE WITH AN G E LS B a l a n c e y o u r l i f e w i t h i n n e r p e a c e . Fr e e o n l i n e s e m i n a r offered by Inner Peace Movement of Canada. See the events sect i o n o f o u r w e b s i t e a t : h t t p s : / / w w w i n n e r p e a c e m o v ementptyltd com/ Send email to: i p m w i t h L e s l i e @ g m a i l c o m a n d visit facebook.com/I P MCanada

COSTA R I CA writing retreats (pick y o u r w e e k ) M o r e i n f o r m a t i o n www therightplacetowrite com

P U B LI S H I N G AN D P RO M OTI N G y o u r b o o k m a d e s i m p l e a n d affordable https://publishandpromote.ca

E D U CATI O NAL H EALTH WE B INARS 2-hour recorded webinars on a multitude of Health Topics, b y Ly n n e H i n t o n , M a r l e n e M a r s h a l l , a n d G i l d a R o v a n , designed to empower practitioners to achieve optimal health for themselves and their clients. Go to www nppwebinars com U p c o m i n g : L i v e w e b i n a r o n Rheumatoid Ar thritis, April 25, 2024 S E P T 5 – 8 T H E TO R O N TO TANTR A F ESTIVAL is a 4-day immersive festival exploring and celebrating love, spirituality, Eros, c r e a t i v i t y, a n d c o m m u n i t y. Consent, healthy boundaries, and c o n s c i o u s c o m m u n i c a t i o n a r e the cornerstones of the festival. Canadian and international facilitators create a sacred, safe(r), sex-positive, and inclusive environment for all experience levels and intensities LEAR N EXP ER IENCE TR AN SFOR M

Please Join us! Find more inform a t i o n a n d t e s t i m o n i a l s a t : www torontotantrafestival com

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

CH I ROP R ACTIC

SP I NAL DECOM P R ESSION AN D COLD L ASER TH ER APY For furt h e r i n f o r m a t i o n p l e a s e v i s i t : www.drpragnell.com or contact Dr Pragnell (519) 941-7553

COLON IC I R R IGATION

COLON HYDROTH ER APY offered at Hockley Valley Naturopathic & C h i r o p r a c t i c C l i n i c , n e a r Orangeville Call Elinko at (519) 941-7553 or 1-800-397-3085.

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 , ( 9 0 5 ) 8 4 2 - 330 5 , lisa@thecore.ca, www.thecore.ca

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 Jozef Krop www ecohealthcentre ca

HYP NOTH ER APY

VI RGI N IA HART N ELSON. Turn your experiences & conditioning into powerful catalysts for healing & change (416) 960-1690, www theinnereye ca, see ad pg 24

Vitality’s next issue is: SUMMER 2024

(released ear ly June)

Adver tising deadline: Apr il 22

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Vitality’s Classifieds, Calendars, and Ser vice Director y listings are pr iced at 60 cents per word + HST. For more infor mation or to place your ad, email: listings@vitalitymagazine com

MASSAGE

TA N T R I C M ASSAG E r e l e a s e s energetic and physical blockages through touch, breath, sound, and movement. Passionfruit + E r o s o f f e r s d e e p l y r e l a x i n g , restorative, healing, and transformative tantric massage and energ y bodywork For more information and to book a session, visit: w w w l o v e a n d e c s t a s y c a / p a s s i o n fruit-eros

PAST LI F E TH ER APY

R E M E M B E R ACCO M P L I S HM E N TS f r o m o t h e r l i f e t i m e s ; transform old habit-patterns & liberate your purpose Virg inia Har t Nelson: (416) 960-1690, www theinnereye ca See ad pg 24.

PSYCHOTH ER APY

HOLISTIC PSYCHOTH ER APY. The most power ful work. Integ rating Psychotherapy with energ y-cent r e d m o d a l i t i e s S e s s i o n s a r e remote Reg istered Psychotherap i s t , C a n a d i a n C e r t i f i e d Counsellor with Master's Deg ree & Reg istered in Polarity Principles and Reiki Master Over 25 years' experience See ad pg 23 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

PSYCH ICS & CL AI RVOYANTS

M A R GOT P SYC H I C S E R V I C ES . Professional, accurate, insightful readings by renowned psychic medium. Reading by phone or in person, contact: (416) 921-0611, www.margotpsychicservices.com

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

R EI KI, EMOTION CODE, Healing C o d e s , Th e t a H e a l i n g , & Psychotherapy. Please call Effie H a d z i s B A , B E d , R e g i s t e r e d Psychotherapist (416) 751-9619, www.aocliving.ca

VI RGI N IA HART N ELSON Private treatments, and Cer tification all Levels 30+ years' experience Call (416) 960-1690, or visit: www theinnereye ca, email: virg inia@theinnereye.ca. See ad pg. 24

R ETR EATS & EVENTS

I Y E N G A R YO G A O N E DAY I M M ERSION - March 14 - https: //www sugarridge ca/retreat/iye ngar-yoga-weekend-retreat-2/

W E L L N ESS W I T H I N : N o u r i s h your Mind, Body & Spirit - March 15-17 - https://www sugarridge

. c a / r e t r e a t / w e l l n e s s - w i t h i nr e t r e a t - t o - n o u r i s h - y o u r - m i n dbody-spirit/

GO D D ESS DAY R ET R E ATMARCH 20 - https://www sugarr i d g e . c a / r e t r e a t / g o d d e s s - d a yretreat-2/

S I L E N T S P R I N G M E D I TAT I O N R ETR EAT (3, 5 or 7 night) - March 28 - April 4 - https://www sugarr i d g e c a / r e t r e a t / s i l e n t - m e d i t at i o n - r e t r e a t - i n - o n t a r i o - 3 - 5 - o r - 7nights/

C U LT I VAT I N G BA L A N C E : IYENGAR YOGA R ETR EAT - April 12 - 14 - h t t p s : / / w w w s u g a rr i d g e . c a / r e t r e a t / i y e n g a r - y o g aweekend-retreat/

YOGA & M EDITATION: A Stress Reduction Retreat - April 19-21https://www sugarridge ca/retre a t / y o g a - m e d i t a t i o n - a - s t r e s sreduction-retreat-2/

YOGA AN D M EDITATION LONG WEEKEN D R ETR EAT - May 17-20 https://www sugarridge ca/retre at/yoga-meditation-stress-reduction-weekend-retreat/

R EBAL ANCE WEEKEN D R ETR EAT MAY 3-5 - https://www sugarr i d g e c a / r e t r e a t / r e b a l a n c e - w e e kend-retreat/

K N OW YO U R S E L F, F O R G ET YOU RSELF: A Silent Week with Liz - May 5-10 - https://www.sugarr i d g e c a / r e t r e a t / k n o w - y o u r s e l ff o r g e t - y o u r s e l f - a - s i l e n t - w e e kwith-liz/

MOTH ER'S DAY GETAWAY - May 10-12 - https://www sugarridge .ca/retreat/mothers-day-getaway/

R ETR EATS & VACATIONS

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, day trips or two to three night stays. ON LI N E workshops in Indian Head Massage, Ayurveda products, Jyotisha/Vedic Astrolog y Readings Call (416) 504-6049 i n f o @ a y u r v e d i c t o u c h c o m , www ayurvedarituals ca

H I D D E N B U D D H A H E A L I N G CENTER: Retreats, Vacation and Cottage Rental, Bed & Breakfast, Reiki, Holistic Wellness Coaching Vegan and Macrobiotics, Contact Lidia: (416) 912-1721, www hiddenbuddhahealingcenter com

CLASSIFIED

H EALTH P RODUCTS

H E R BA L A N T I - V I R A L f o r C o l d and Flu Check www VF1 ca

HOUSE FOR R ENT

WASAGA B EACH LONG TER M

LEASE $2,999/Month + Utilities 4 B e d r o o m s / 2 B a t h r o o m s B u n g a l o w S u r r o u n d e d b y P r o v i n c i a l Fo r e s t & O r g a n i c

Garden, Healthy Forest Air. This Enclave of beautiful houses is o c c u p i e d b y p r o f e s s i o n a l s Call/Text: (416) 919-4689 Watch: https://www youtube com/watch ?v=6dzJiJ9Gukc&t=82s

OF F ICE SPACE FOR R ENT

F U R N ISH ED ROOM FOR R ENT

I N R M T c l i n i c i n E t o b i c o k e .

Suitable for any reg istered practitioner Available 2 days per week, Th u r s d a y s a n d S u n d a y s . $ 4 50 / m o n t h I n c l u d e s l a u n d r y o n - s i t e a n d f r e e p a r k i n g info@isling tonwellness com