Natural Awakenings – Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess NY Edition, March 2024

KEEP THIS ISSUE ALL YEAR LONG

As spring unfolds, it marks an opportune time for a fresh start, emphasizing renewed energy and vitality. It’s also perfectly timed to align with the roll out of our 2024 Natural Living Directory—New York’s premier holistic health resource—helping you envision and achieve the healthiest version of yourself possible. With over 75 committed wellness practitioners, including health coaches, acupuncturists, herbalists and energy healers, this thoughtfully curated edition is poised to steer you through a transformative journey.

Although 2024 is well underway, there is still time to make it your best year yet. If you need a little inspiration, be sure to check out life and business coach Kim Childs’ insightful piece on page 14 that is all about using positive psychology to seek out the good, focus on solutions and find the fun along your journey. Go ahead and embrace the essence of spring as you cultivate this positivity and well-being, igniting a mindset of growth and resilience amid life’s challenges.

Just as vital as nourishing the mind and spirit, it is important to remember that our bodies will happily respond when we make healthier and more informed food choices this year. In “Food Trends for 2024,” on page 28, stay in the forefront with culinary trends that will elevate meals and boost your zest for living. Discover innovative approaches to nutrition and align with the season’s vibrant energy in “Revolutionizing Our Plates for Vibrant Living” by Rev. Dr. Jessica Chichester on page 32.

It’s time to begin considering how this year’s garden will be shaping up and, in “Planting for the Planet” on page 34, we invite you to have fun some with herbs. We also hope you gain inspiration for creating pollinator-friendly spaces, nurturing the well-being of our planet in this month’s Green Living department article on page 36. We can all contribute to biodiversity and ecological balance as we make conscious plans for our yards.

As you engage with this annual Natural Living Directory, design your “2024 Wellness Dream Team” from the local practitioners in this issue’s profiles and business spotlights beginning on page 18. They are eager to become integral allies, supporting your well-being journey and helping you achieve your wellness goals. Envision yourself transforming just as this season of growth, renewal and well-being is. May this be a new chapter of self-discovery and vibrant living, ushering in a year filled with health and happiness for you.

Yours in Health,

WESTCHESTER, PUTNAM & DUTCHESS COUNTIES EDITION

Publisher Erica Mills

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AWAKEN

Sunday, April 14, 2024

10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Study Shows Long COVID Patients Benefit From Acupuncture

Acupuncture, a form of integrative medicine, can ease pain and help with stress management. It can also help if you are dealing with long COVID.

According to a recent pilot study by the Middlesex Health Burris Center for Integrative Medicine, in Connecticut, acupuncture can help when patients experience a loss of taste, a loss of smell and even brain fog—all symptoms of long COVID.

The pilot study included 20 adult patients who experienced long COVID symptoms, but did not have any other medical conditions. Each patient received two acupuncture treatments a week for three weeks. At three points in time, they were asked to complete a questionnaire, assess their ability to taste through a taste test strip, and assess their ability to smell through a “scratch and sniff” test.

Ultimately, the research found significant improvement in brain fog, smell and taste. In fact, both smell and taste improved after just three acupuncture treatments.

The research was published by The Journal of Alternative, Complementary & Integrative Medicine through Herald Scholarly Open Access. Authors included acupuncturist Amy Calandruccio; Deborah Pantalena, a registered nurse who serves as a clinical research nurse; Elizabeth Molle, a nurse scientist and Magnet Program director; Justin Drew, vice president of ambulatory and clinical services; and Lynn Jansky, a registered nurse who serves as professional practice and development program manager. The study can be found at Tnyurl.com/542z83rs

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is when very thin needles are inserted into your skin at strategic points on your body. The needles may sometimes be gently moved or twirled after insertion, and heat or mild electrical pulses

may be applied. They usually stay in place for 15 to 25 minutes while you lie still and relax. Commonly used to treat pain, its role in medicine has expanded over time—now even more so with this latest finding regarding long COVID.

“Although acupuncture dates back thousands of years, recent research has revealed the neurological effects within the brain, and this supports the potential effectiveness of acupuncture for treating the symptoms associated with long COVID,” says Calandruccio.

At Middlesex Health, acupuncture is offered through its Burris Center for Integrative Medicine by Calandruccio, who is a boardcertified acupuncturist. Any needles used are properly sterilized and are single use, making the risks associated with this treatment very low. Common side effects could include soreness or minor bleeding or bruising where the needles are inserted.

Acupuncture is not a substitute for normal medical treatment. Instead, it works alongside it, treating the whole person—body, mind and spirit.

The Middlesex Health Burris Center for Integrative Medicine (MiddlesexHealth.org/ Cancer-Center/Supportive-Care-Programs/ Integrative-Medicine), with locations in Middletown and Westbrook in Connecticut, offers other integrative medicine modalities in addition to acupuncture, such as massage therapy.

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Study authors Amy Calandruccio, Deborah Pantalena and Elizabeth Molle

Healthy Plant-Based Diets Reduce Diabetes Risk

In 2021, diabetes affected 6.1 percent of the global population, and that percentage is expected to increase to more than 10 percent by 2050. According to a study in the journal Diabetes & Metabolism, the consumption of a healthy plant-based diet can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 24 percent as compared to those following an unhealthy plant-based diet. These results also applied to those that were genetically predisposed to develop diabetes or had other risk factors such as age, lack of physical activity and obesity.

The study defined a healthy plant-based diet as one that eliminates animal fats and is low in sugar, sugary drinks, refined grains and starches like potatoes. The research included more than 113,000 British participants that were observed for 12 years. In addition to a lower body mass index and waist size, the researchers noted that normal levels of triglycerides, blood sugar, inflammation and the insulin-like growth factor 1 were also associated with a lower risk of diabetes, and they surmised that a healthy plant-based diet reduced diabetes risk by improving liver and kidney function.

Complementary Treatments for Kids With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Treating children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be complex, and parents are looking for complementary and alternative therapies. A paper published in the journal Nutrients evaluated studies regarding the effect of herbal remedies and spices in youngsters with this painful disorder.

The researchers found that iberogast, or STW-5, an herbal remedy containing licorice, peppermint and chamomile, improved symptoms in children with functional gastrointestinal disorders including IBS, and that peppermint oil reduced the severity, duration and frequency of IBS pain. Peppermint oil’s primary benefit in IBS seems to be its anti-spasmodic effect, although more research is needed to understand its impact on the gut microbiome of pediatric IBS patients. Psyllium was also found to offer effective, short-term relief in children with IBS, but further studies are needed.

Although not yet studied for childhood IBS, remedies found to provide IBS symptom relief for adults are curcumin, the active component of the turmeric spice; fennel in combination with curcumin; and artichoke leaf extract.

NataliaAlkema from Getty Images_pixelshot/CanvaPro

designer491 from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Championing Opioid-Free Pain Management

According to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, more than 130 Americans die each day from opioidrelated drug overdoses. Recognizing that alternative pain management protocols are needed to curtail this ongoing national problem, the state of Minnesota has created a website to identify and promote evidence-based, non-opioid and non-pharmacological options that use complementary and integrative methods.

As reported in the Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, NoPainMN.org was established to provide user-friendly information, including a description of each modality, video demonstrations of the treatments and links to published research and additional online resources. Minnesota’s website covers a wide range of treatment options, such as acupuncture, chiropractic, psychology, rehabilitative therapies, movement classes like tai chi and qigong, and mind-body therapies such as biofeedback and music therapy. The website also includes a searchable list of more than 17,000 practitioners in the state.

Toxins and Colorectal Cancer

An article published by The Institute for Functional Medicine evaluated the relationship between environmental toxins and colorectal cancer (CRC), the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Studies suggest a connection between CRC and exposure to certain pollutants, including some pesticides that are legally used in the U.S., asbestos, industrial pollutants and particulates in air pollution. Personal care items containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phthalate and triclocarban were also found to be associated with CRC.

To reduce the risk of developing CRC, functional medicine practitioners recommend supporting the body’s detoxification and elimination processes while limiting exposure to these toxins. They offer toxinassessment and treatment options that include the adequate intake of fiber and water, as well as a nutrient-dense diet that is low in animal fats and high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Mohammed Haneefa Nizamudeen from Getty Images Pro/CanvaPro

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Adding Sails to Ships to Save Money and the Planet

The maritime shipping industry contributes around 3 percent of the world’s annual greenhouse gas emissions, and industry leaders are exploring ways to reduce their carbon footprint and save money. One promising innovation is the addition of specialized sails to cargo ships. In a collaboration between Cargill, BAR Technologies, Mitsubishi Corporation and Yara Marine Technologies, a cargo ship was retrofitted with cutting-edge rectangular sails called WindWings that tower nearly 123 feet. By harnessing wind power, the developers hope to save 30 percent in fuel expenditures.

Unlike traditional canvas sails, WindWings are comprised of rigid mechanical panels that rotate and spin based on computer instructions designed to maximize wind usage. The wings fold down to permit the ship to pass under bridges and allow for loading and unloading of cargo. This is one of many steps being taken by the maritime shipping industry to reduce emissions by 50 percent by 2050.

Mount Everest Is Melting Climbing Mount Everest and standing at the highest point on Earth has long been the pinnacle of human achievement and spirit. However, the trail to the top of the world is being affected by global warming. While glaciers worldwide are melting, ice loss across the Himalayas has been especially rapid due to a rise in temperatures, threatening to disrupt waterways that feed the Indian subcontinent and endangering living conditions for hundreds of millions of people.

At Everest, the Khumbu Glacier and its ice falls serve as the primary route to the top by way of the Everest Base Camp, as well as a source of drinking water for climbers. Growing channels of water are destabilizing the glacier, exposing ice cliffs and creating ponds. In addition, the heat and activity from the hundreds of people living and working at Everest Base Camp are contributing to the decay of the glacier each year.

This glacial destabilization caused the deaths of three sherpas last April as they laid out a path for climbers. The government of Nepal is considering moving the base camp to a spot lower down the mountain, which would make the climb tougher and more dangerous. Changes at Mount Everest also threaten Nepal’s $2.4 billion tourism industry and millions of jobs.

Cargill and BAR Technologies/ CanvaPro

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alexandrumagurean

Storing Renewable Energy in Hot Rocks

Storing energy from renewable power sources such as solar and wind remains a challenge. The use of large battery packs is expensive; relies on nonrenewable, environmentally problematic minerals like lithium; and comes with inherent safety risks. California-based Antora Energy is investigating ways to store energy inside insulated boxes of extremely hot rocks. The technology is based on blast furnaces that use massive towers of stacked bricks to absorb wasted heat to provide energy.

Antora’s innovation uses solar electricity to heat blocks of carbon to almost 3,000° Fahrenheit, preserving it for later use. The stored thermal energy can then be delivered to customers as electricity or on-demand industrial-process heat. Antora’s use of hot carbon solves the unreliability of providing 24/7 zero-carbon power solely with solar and wind energies, which vary depending on the weather. Notably, the rocks are not heated by burning coal or gas but by capturing sunlight with thousands of photovoltaic solar panels.

Company leaders assert that this technology is compact and modular, making it flexible enough to be configured to fit different needs, and manufacturers will not have to wait for grid connections and upgrades. Whether this technology can be scaled to meet the growing demand remains to be seen.

Forest Stewardship

Spanning more than 31 percent of our planet’s land, forests produce clean air and fresh water, offer a home to a multitude of plants and animals, and sequester enormous amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. And yet, human activity threatens these natural settings with deforestation, climate change and illegal logging. Here are actions we can take in celebration of International Day of Forests on March 21 and every day to ensure the future of our woodlands.

Support sustainable forestry. When purchasing wood, paper and other forest products, look for those that come from sustainably managed forests or are certified by reputable organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (fsc.org) or BM TRADA (bmtrada.com)

Plant trees. Get those hands dirty and participate in tree planting initiatives with organizations such as the Arbor Day Foundation (ArborDay.org).

Reduce, reuse and recycle. Opt for recycled and eco-friendly products that lessen the demand for new products that may contribute to deforestation. Remember to recycle paper products to conserve valuable forest resources.

Go digital. Embrace digital solutions that minimize the need for paper. Store important documents electronically, read e-books instead of printed ones and consider digital alternatives before printing something.

Back sustainable livelihoods. Many communities depend on forests for their livelihoods. Encourage fair trade practices that support sustainable, forest-based industries, such as those promoting non-timber forest products like honey, nuts, mushrooms, palm oil and maple syrup.

Engage in advocacy. Join local or global organizations dedicated to forest preservation and conservation such as the Rainforest Alliance (Rainforest-Alliance.org), The Nature Conservancy (Nature. org), Sierra Club (SierraClub.org) or Trees Forever (TreesForever. org). Each voice helps shape policies and promotes sustainable practices on a larger scale.

Educate others. Share knowledge about the importance of forests and their challenges. Organize workshops, give talks or simply have conversations with friends and family to raise awareness and inspire action.

Practice responsible tourism. When exploring forested areas, minimize the impact by following designated trails, respecting wildlife habitats, refraining from touching or feeding wild animals and taking trash home.

Support forest restoration initiatives. The Global Restoration Initiative (GRI) works with governments, businesses and communities worldwide to restore degraded forests and bring back life to these vital ecosystems. Consider supporting GRI (wri. org/initiatives/global-restoration-initiative) or local initiatives like American Forests (AmericanForests.org), Pennsylvania Parks & Forest Foundation (PAParksAndForests. org) and Tree Folks (TreeFolks.org) through donations or volunteer work.

“Highly recommended! The atmosphere was lovely. This is the place to go if you are skeptical or have any reservations about Laser for your skin! Your skin will love you for it.” Michelle

Making the Most of 2024 with Positive Psychology

by Kim Childs

It seems the changes that began with the pandemic keep coming as we move into the spring of a year filled with its own changes and challenges. No matter what is happening around us, we can work to cultivate internal states that optimize our chances for achieving greater peace, resilience, happiness and success in life. Positive psychology, the so-called “science of happiness” that was established in the late 90s by Martin Seligman, Sonja Lyubormirski, Barbara Frederickson and others, offers

By mavoimages AdobeStock

research-based practices and concepts to move past surviving and actually thrive in life. Many focus on using what’s known as Appreciative Inquiry to shine a light on what is strong in us and our lives, even when other things feel lacking, uncertain, or difficult.

Look for the Good

At night, asking “What went well today, and why?” involves recalling three positive

events from the day and identifying how our own choices, actions, and perhaps other conditions created those outcomes, aiming to repeat what works.

In the morning or evening, identifying three things we’re grateful for helps to flip the internal script from complaining to appreciating. Adding “Why?” and keeping the list fresh embeds the attitude of gratitude, according to researcher Robert Emmons.

Begin the day by asking “What am I looking forward to today? How do I want to feel in that experience, and how can I support that outcome?” to practice what Seligman calls prospection. While we can’t guarantee things will go as desired, this exercise primes us for good by rehearsing that outcome and identifying ways to bring it about.

Focus on Solutions and Potential Good in the Bad

While it’s human nature to entertain worstcase scenarios when worried, choosing to then imagine the best-case scenario and desired solutions to problems broadens our perspective and taps into our imagination and creativity, leading to more effective actions.

Hardships and loss are built into life and, while not everything seemingly happens

for the best, the practice of benefit finding helps people make the best of challenges by looking for the growth, gains, lessons and gifts in them. This is after we’ve let our natural emotions flow.

Appreciate Strengths and Acknowledge Imperfections

The free strengths assessment offered by the field of positive psychology is found at the VIA Institute on Character (ViaCharacter. org). Once we know our top strengths, we can honor and implement them in our work and life for the greatest personal fulfillment and satisfaction. Asking each day “How can I use one of my strengths to make this day better?” directs us to our internal resources, especially when facing a problem.

Understanding that we are imperfectly human works in progress—here to learn and evolve in this lifetime—can help to cultivate self-compassion. This motivates us to improve, notes researchers like Kristin Neff. Self-criticism and shame can keep people stuck.

Find the Fun

Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, advocates so-called Artist Dates for anyone seeking to live a more self-directed, colorful life. They can be as simple as a visit to the ocean and as grand as a night at the opera, and many things in between. The idea is to pick something that sounds delightful or intriguing, go alone to have a mostly personal experience, and soak up the fun or fascination.

Kim Childs is a certified life and career coach specializing in Positive Psychology, creativity, life transitions and empowered living. Her writing is featured in several Chicken Soup for the Soul books, the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, the Wholebeing Institute and her own blog, A Pilgrim on the Path. For more information or to arrange for a consultation, visit KimChilds.com.

How to Achieve Optimal Health

by Joseph V. Cassarino

Lately it seems as if almost everyone—regardless of age—has some sort of health issue. Whether it’s a respiratory ailment, Long COVID, Zoom fatigue, autoimmune disorders or just plain exhaustion, it appears that much of the population, including children, struggles with their health.

According to ChildrensHealthDefense.org, 54 percent of American children are chronically ill. It reports that among kids four in 10 have depression, anxiety or ADHD; one in five are obese or have suicidal thoughts; one in six have developmental disorders; one in 12 have asthma; one in 13 have food allergies; one in 36 have autism; and one in 285 have cancer by age 20.

The root cause of many of these illnesses

Lack of education about nutrition is one reason. Also, the food industry is controlled by a handful of conglomerates that produce food with their bottom line as the number one concern. Rather than focusing on the consumer’s health and wellbeing, they focus on reducing costs by any means possible and often opt for ingredients containing chemicals, toxins and cheap fillers over anything natural. The final product has often been stripped of important nutrients and filled with unhealthy oils known to clog arteries, addictive sugars and unnatural, synthetic ingredients. Then we wonder why our children have illnesses that were quite uncommon just a few decades ago. We have crossed the line in maintaining health.

Kids aren’t the only ones affected

It’s not only the youth that are sick. A vast majority of middle-aged people and senior citizens are struggling with suboptimal health. According to the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors, in 2022 nearly 60 percent of adult Americans had at least one chronic disease. Presently, 25 percent have obesity, 21 percent have depression and 11 percent have high blood pressure. Asthma, COPD, arthritis and hypertension are the more common forms of chronic disease, and many people are also suffering from COVIDrelated issues including ubiquitous inflammation. Additionally, more younger adults are developing neurodegenerative diseases as early as 30 years old. This is not the trajectory of a bright, healthy future.

Helpful steps

We all have the power to create a healthier future for ourselves. First, we need to be aware of what we put into our body and the effect it has on our health. Unfortunately, we have become accustomed to eating junk food on a regular basis. Our diets often consist of processed fast foods, soft drinks full of sugar and alcoholic beverages. Even our tap water can contain chemicals and toxins. Most of us fail to eat the daily servings of fruits and vegetables that our body needs.

Instead, many start off their days with cereals or muffins, grab pizza or burgers for lunch and often eat processed or frozen foods for dinner. All of these choices lack nutrients, vitamins and minerals. We need to make healthy choices.

Get back to the basics

First, select healthier choices and shop for nutrient-based, real foods. There’s no shortage of health food and farmers markets, vitamin stores, functional medical professionals and integrative medical professionals to assist us along our path to better health. While it’s critical to supplement and to replenish lost nutrients, it’s equally important to mitigate toxins and chemicals built up inside cells. Become customers of businesses that value consumer health as much as the bottom line.

Ensure a healthy immune system

Strong immunity is like a shield that mitigates illness, helps with recovery and protects the body from toxic substances. With many forces working against us, it’s most important to take care of our immune system. Fortifying it involves multiple actions including plenty of sunshine and rest, refraining from alcohol and eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals. However, all of these aspects combined are often not enough to combat the excessive toxins infiltrating our cells.

One of the best ways to strengthen the immune system is to maintain ample glutathione levels. Glutathione is considered the master antioxidant and helps reduce oxidative stress in the cell to keep them at their healthiest. Its role in vital bodily processes can’t be understated. Also, healthy levels of glutathione possess many other potent health benefits including healthier skin; better brain function; increased heart, tissue, lung, kidney and joint health; enhanced athletic performance; and improved digestion.

It’s time to create a healthier, happier America and it starts with us. Our healthy, chronic-illness-free life is just a few simple choices away.

Joseph V. Cassarino is a published wellness author and radio talk show personality on the topic of health. He is also the founder of Best Immune Support, a distribution arm of the flagship formula, ProImmune: Immune Formulation 200, that helps reduce oxidative stress and toxins directly inside cells naturally for optimal immune support and strength. For more information, visit TheBestImmune Support.com. See ad, page 30.

Not feeling your best? Do you have symptoms that have not been explained by traditional Western medicine?

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Laurie R. Mallis, MD LAc

NATURAL LIVING WELLNESS DREAM TEAM PROFILES

The following practitioners and businesses are ready to help you achieve your health and wellness goals in 2024.

Balancing 4 Life, LLC

ANNE H. BENTZEN, MSOT

Jikiden Reiki Teacher and Practitioner

25 Broadway, Ste. 101, 2nd Fl., Pleasantville

914-588-4079 • Balancing4LifeUSA@gmail.com  Balancing4Life.com

Balancing 4 Life is a holistic, restorative wellness center offering non-invasive energetic solutions for natural healing.

What drew you to this profession?

I discovered the relationship between energetic flow and our conscious ability to direct energy over 25 years ago while providing occupational therapy services for autistic children who are highly sensory sensitive. Realizing energy was the foundation of all life changed my perspective toward health and wellness. I now teach personal energy management skills to all clients as part of their reiki sessions. How does your work differ from that of others in your profession?

I’ve been teaching and practicing Jikiden reiki exclusively since 2019. As an intuitive healer, I identify and monitor fluctuations of low energy problem areas and guide clients to achieve greater transformational healing of body, mind and spirit. Counseling provides vital information for clients to make conscious energy choices grounded in self-love for a positive future.

What should a person expect from working with you?

Your life experience provides me with an energetic road map to understand your health imbalances. My intuitive senses guide me to know where you are holding stress. All clients experience a deep state of relaxation and the compassionate touch I provide with Jikiden reiki. As excess mental energy is released, clients experience relief from mental and emotional stress relaxing the body further. As energy flow is restored, clients experience relief from bodily pains and inflammation. An inner feeling of tranquility arises as the body begins to heal naturally. All sessions conclude with an energy integration technique leaving clients feeling lighter, grounded and refreshed. What do you have planned for 2024?

We will be providing Jikiden reiki seminars for students to learn beginner and advanced levels of Jikiden reiki with area teachers. As a Stargate Circle host for The Stargate Experience of Mt. Shasta, I will host free monthly livestream meditations. Additionally, we’ll host The Magic of Intention, an eight-week group series based on the work of Lynne McTaggert, An Evening with Spirit featuring different psychic mediums providing group readings, The Power of Gesture program with Jen Acks for mental-emotional healing, and shamanic healing sessions with Scott Nelson. Associate wellness practitioners will also offer monthly drumming circles and sound baths.

Anything else our readers should know?

As an independent BEMER distributor, I offer BEMER Wellness Days with free demos and presentations of this FDA-registered vascular care device designed to improve your microcirculation. Choose from BEMER package treatments or combined BEMER and reiki treatments, one of the best solutions in non-invasive health care available. See ad, page 17.

The Center for Holistic Dentistry

DR. DAVID LERNER

2649 Strang Blvd., Ste. 201, Yorktown Heights  914-245-4041 • Info@HolisticDentist.com  HolisticDentist.com

The center offers a holistic/biological approach to general dentistry including reconstructive/cosmetic dentistry, periodontal treatments, implant/oral surgery, neuromuscular dentistry and myofunctional therapy.

What drew you to this profession?

After becoming a dentist in 1978, I suffered from mercury toxicity and subsequently started exploring alternative methods for my own treatment. By 1983, I started transitioning my practice to offer more holistic methods to treat our patients. Since then, my thirst for knowledge has stayed with me over the years and has resulted in an ever-expanding expertise in dentistry and the mouth-body connection. I’m now known as an authority on holistic dental health care. Patients come from all over Putnam County, Westchester County and beyond (even from Hawaii) to seek our holistic approach to dental care.

How does your work differ from that of others in your profession?

The Center for Holistic Dentistry provides an innovative approach to your dental care. From mercury-free dentistry to the use of biocompatible materials, we treat your mouth with the whole body in mind.

What should a person expect from working with you?

Attentive and gentle care from an expert doctor with over 40 years of experience in holistic dentistry. Our goal is to create a positive experience for all of our patients and have them actually look forward to going to the dentist!

What do you have planned for 2024?

To continue to provide our current and prospective patients with comprehensive dental wellness care.

Anything else our readers should know?

Dental care is just as important as medical care. Infections and decay in the mouth can affect your heart and other organs, leading to further disease. Please make sure you visit your dentist routinely for exams and cleanings!

See ad, page 3.

See the 2024 NATURAL LIVING DIRECTORY LISTINGS on page 50.

Dr. Kaushik’s Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Clinic

DR. SOMESH KAUSHIK, ND, BAMS, MPH, E-RYT-500  Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Physician

Yellow Monkey Village, 792 Rte. 35, Cross River   914-875-9088 (clinic M-F) • 646-670-6725 (telemedicine)

DrKaushik@DrKaushik.com • DrKaushik.com

Dr. Kaushik’s Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Clinic is a practice that combines the ancient art of Ayurvedic healing with the modern, science-based principles of naturopathy to create a holistic path to wellness. Services include panchakarma therapy, hydrotherapy, vitamins, herbal supplements, homeopathy, diet and nutritional counseling, lifestyle management, support for emotional well-being, detoxification, support for food sensitivity, parasite elimination, heavy metal detox, therapeutic yoga, anti-aging programs, pediatrics, pain management, and women’s and men’s health.

What drew you to this profession?

Ayurveda understands that the body consists of the five major natural elements: air, fire, water, earth and space/ether. This understanding underlies the philosophy that we are part of nature—not separate—and that keeping these elements in balance is the key to health.

How does your work differ from that of others in your profession?

The centuries-old healing art of Ayurveda, coupled with scientifically proven modern naturopathic research, blends the wisdom of the past with the knowledge of the present to recreate balance and harmony in the body. That’s the basis of health.

What should someone expect from working with you?

Ayurveda recognizes that each individual is unique. After an indepth analysis of your situation based on your body constitution, treatment options are discussed. Options may consist of supplement, diet and lifestyle recommendations, along with possible detox protocols, such as panchakarma and ozone therapy.

What do you have planned for 2024?

We will be offering a certification course for Ayurvedic Health Counselor in the spring and fall. To find out more, contact DrKaushik@ DrKaushik.com. We’re also offering a free yearlong online lecture series. Held monthly, “Food as Medicine” meets every second Tuesday. To register, visit PawlingFreeLibrary.org.

Anything else our readers should know?

We follow Ayurveda’s principles, recognizing that although we are all composed of the five major elements found in nature, these elements are uniquely combined in each of us. When they are out of balance, illness or disease results. Ayurveda can restore that balance, boost the immune system and bring the body back into its natural state of health by treating the whole person—body, mind and spirit—not just the symptoms.

See ad, page 12.

Earth Angels Veterinary Hospital

DR.

ALEXANDRA BARRIENTOS, OWNER

44 Saint Nicholas Rd., Wappingers Falls 845-227-7297 • Staff@EarthAngelsVet.com  EarthAngelsVet.com

Earth Angels is a local, familyowned and operated integrative veterinary hospital with services that include surgery, dentistry, holistic protocols with Dr. Barrientos in conjunction with our pain center that features laser therapy, acupuncture, CBD’s, dog/cat boarding and more.

What drew you to this profession?

I’ve wanted to become a veterinarian since the age of 5. Caring for animals and improving upon the important human/animal bond quickly became my purpose in life, and becoming a veterinarian was the best way to achieve my goal.

How does your work differ from that of others in your profession?

Twenty-five years of practicing holistic medicine gives me the experience as a veterinarian that sets our hospital apart from others with a uniqueness when it comes to knowledge of alternative modalities. My conventional training at Cornell University, combined with all my years of working alongside holistic veterinarians, makes our hospital a unique resource for pet owners.

What should a person expect from working with you?

We strive to offer all effective options, alternative and conventional, for the treatment of various ailments from birth through senior care. We also aim to educate our clients so they have the ability to choose what best suits them and their furry family members.

What do you have planned for 2024?

We now offer ONCOK9, an early detection multi cancer blood test for dogs, and Embark dog DNA testing which we are currently offering at a discounted price. We are also working on incorporating our “Stance Mat,” which can detect orthopedic issues, into our wellness protocols later in the year.

Lorraine Hughes specializes in herbal medicine and nutrition. She offers comprehensive wellness consultations using assessment techniques based in Traditional Chinese Medicine to provide each person with their own unique treatment plan. She also offers stress-reduction services, including reiki, reflexology, acupoint aromatherapy and qigong (private and group classes).

What drew you to this profession?

About 25 years ago, I embarked upon my own health journey. During this process, I was fortunate to meet with naturopaths and practitioners of Chinese medicine, to which I owe a debt of gratitude. Nature heals, and this is my way of paying it forward.

How does your work differ from that of others in your profession?

I feel that my approach is unique in that I utilize assessment techniques based in Chinese medicine, correlating the client’s “patterns” in an East-West approach, including lifestyle, diet, detoxification, movement and breath work. I am also a Chinese and Western custom herbal formulator, after seeing them in a consultation.

What should someone expect from working with you?

They should expect an open and honest discussion concerning their health and wellness goals. Each person will determine their own progression to vibrant health based upon taking ownership of their journey by making the changes they need to make. Most people are experiencing chronic illness, and they must acknowledge that this did not evolve overnight. With that said, returning to vital health is a process in which the person must be patient, kind (to themselves) and exert discipline to regain resilience. I will be there to guide them along the way.

What do you have planned for 2024?

I will continue to teach in-person classes in the second part of 2024, including qigong, reflexology and herbal medicine.

Anything else our readers should know?

It is so critical and essential that the general public embrace the healing power of nature by connecting to their inner nature, their original healer; specifically through plant medicines and healing philosophies that have been practiced over 2,000 to 5,000 years. Are you ready to embark on your path to wellness?

Mind-Body-World Optometry

SAMANTHA SLOTNICK, OD, FAAO, FCOVD

495 Central Park Ave., Ste. 301, Scarsdale

914-874-1177 • Support@DrSlotnick.com

DrSlotnick.com

Dr. Samantha Slotnick takes a holistic approach to vision care, for all ages. She and the entire team at “Mind-Body-World Optometry” help patients maximize their natural ability to see with clarity, comfort, and open awareness for space. Her practice specializes in vision therapy and rehabilitation for a broad range of vision problems which interfere with reading, learning, attention, performance and efficiency. They facilitate an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to patient care.

What drew you to this profession?

I was “born” to do this work, with personal challenges interfering with my binocular vision. Through vision therapy (VT), I retrained my brain to coordinate my eyes, and enhanced my ability to process visual and spatial information.

How does your work differ from that of others in your profession?

I bring a unique blend of knowledge and experience to the Art and Science of Behavioral Optometry. I am a sought-after lecturer, renowned for my communication skills and ability to relate personal habits and patterns to people’s use of their visual systems.

What should someone expect from working with you?

I have a great facility in connecting with children and “children of all ages.” Patients are often surprised by the natural positive boost in reading comprehension and efficiency at work/school which comes along with the functional benefits of therapeutically designed glasses. Alleviation of stress in the head, neck and eyes naturally redistributes energy for cognitive processing. Many of our patients are also benefiting from lenses which improve posture, gait and freedom of movement (myself included!).

What do you have planned for 2024?

After 10 years in Westchester, we have been blessed to witness the rewarding long-term impacts of vision therapy on many of our patients’ educational trajectory. We are striving towards greater community education, so that we may reach more children whose vision problems interfere with their ability to read, learn and attend with comfort and ease.

Anything else our readers should know?

Vision is our means of touching what lies beyond our grasp. Who we are shapes our view of the world, our use of our vision, and our outlook for the future. Behavioral optometry provides each individual with a personalized opportunity for self-evaluation, growth and change, with impacts extending far beyond the visual process. You can indeed "Envision Your World!”

The Office of Michael Wald

DR. MICHAEL WALD, DC, CDN

29 King St., 2nd Fl., Chappaqua 914-552-1442 • Info@BloodDetective.com  DrMichaelWald.com

Dr. Wald is nicknamed “the blood detective” for developing a lab interpretation software that nutritionally interprets large amount of lab data. He began as doctor of chiropractic, then gained a master’s degree and board certifications in nutrition. Among the most qualified nutritional doctors, Wald offers a range of blood tests, hyperbaric, low-temperature sauna, non-radiation bone density and other advanced tests.

What drew you to this profession?

My father was a nutritionist and chiropractor, and I witnessed over many years how he helped so many people. I was hooked! My father also managed my diagnosis (at 18 years old) of multiple sclerosis, and at age 57 I run marathons, lift weights and have no physical limitations, without meds!

How does your work differ from that of others in your profession?

I might be considered different mainly because of my development of the BloodDetective software and approach to determining healing plans for my patients. It helps me interpret large amounts of lab data quickly and accurately by comparing a patient’s test results not merely to those of average people, but also to those of healthy people—often uncovering many hidden health problems.

What should someone expect from working with you?

Those that work with me will soon see that I can effectively provide my patients with my full attention and BloodDetective approach. I strive to develop doable health plans targeted to each person’s unique needs.

What do you have planned for 2024?

My goals include publishing three books: Long Covid & Natural Solutions, the Dangers of Alcohol & Other Toxins and Dementia Dilemma - how to prevent and treat memory loss naturally.

Anything else our readers should know?

Integrating nutrition based upon your biochemistry allows for real healing to take place. Incorporating how to get and stay healthy is another challenge that is possible for anyone with the right support structure and healing intentions carefully incorporated into your life. Helping people make this happen is my number one intention.

See ad, page 31.

See ad, page 8.

Quantum Healing & Wellness

DR. MICHELLE ADAMS, FOUNDER & OWNER

7 Norm Ave., Bedford Hills • 914-218-4328

Info@QuantumHealingAndWellnesspma.com

QuantumHealingAndWellness.pma.com

Quantum Healing & Wellness, in Bedford Hills, New York, combines holistic health with technologies like the Energy Enhancement System (EES), an active White Himalayan Salt Room, and Infrared Sauna with Red Light Therapy. Offering services such as Microcirculation Treatment (Avacen) for pain management, BioResonance Quantum Body Scanning for comprehensive health insights, Multi-Therapeutic Healing Mats (PEMF) with seven different healing modalities, and Acoustic Light Waves for holistic wellness, enhanced by BrainTap for mental clarity and stress reduction, the center provides a comprehensive wellness experience. Experienced practitioners provide energy healing and tailored workshops and programs, including detoxification consults.

What drew you to this profession?

After 27 years in the pharmaceutical industry and earning a doctorate in pharmacy, I pivoted to holistic medicine, inspired by the EES. This shift led me to open a holistic healing center in 2022, marrying science with natural wellness, and marking a profound transformation in my approach to health.

How does your work differ from that of others in your profession?

Our center stands distinctively in Westchester County as the sole provider of the EES and Salt Room, alongside a variety of cuttingedge healing technologies, services and practitioners by providing a comprehensive wellness experience.

What should someone expect from working with you?

Collaborating with us means embarking on a journey with cuttingour edge healing technologies. We’re committed to a holistic approach that addresses individual health goals, offering a range of modalities to empower and inform your health journey.

What do you have planned for 2024?

In 2024, we’re building on our recent expansion with a renewed focus on innovation and holistic wellness. Our commitment includes engaging with the latest bio-hacking advancements through conference participation, cutting-edge research and the careful selection of products and nutraceuticals designed to enhance our clients’ well-being.

Anything else our readers should know?

Our center is at the forefront of holistic health, blending advanced technologies and services. We’re deeply committed to enhancing wellness through continuous innovation, integrating bio-hacking research, and providing all-encompassing wellness.

See ad, page 30.

Quit with Quinn

STEPHEN QUINN, OWNER/PRACTITIONER

All-Natural Addiction Cessation

Garrison and Midtown Manhattan

914-473-2015 • Steve.Healingny@gmail.com  QuitWithQuinn.com

At Quit with Quinn, Stephen Quinn helps people overcome alcohol, smoking and sugar addictions; achieve weight loss; and overcome other unwanted habits quickly and naturally. His treatment programs are simple and painless, with a 90 percent success rate.

What drew you to this profession?

Over 25 years ago, I saw the incredible efficacy of healing energies in helping transform people’s lives. I was “called” to this work and began practicing in the year 2000, becoming more and more effective at helping people overcome addictions, heal physically and on many levels, and progress in their spiritual development.

How does your work differ from that of others in your profession?

My work is quite different from traditional addiction-cessation assistance. I deal on the level of energies and am very skilled at the application of healing energies to restore a person to proper balance and remove the energies of an addiction. This results in a tangible, sustained feeling that the addiction is simply gone—because it is, on the energetic level. The results come fast and don’t involve any chemicals or a stay in a treatment facility.

What should a person expect from working with you?

With two elements present—readiness to quit and the healing treatments you’ll receive—you can expect to overcome your addiction without the usual struggle. Cravings disappear or are dramatically reduced, greatly assisting your ability to quit and stay that way.

What do you have planned for 2024?

I offer free informational sessions including time for Q & A regarding smoking, alcohol, sugar, overeating, weight loss (see Natural Awakenings’ Community Calendar for upcoming dates). I will also continue getting the word out more about these unique, effective treatment programs.

Anything else our readers should know?

They should know that change can happen quickly and they can have the life they want. It can be done alone, but people usually negate their own best intentions. At Quit with Quinn, my expertise is transferring healing forces that can dispatch a person’s problem, resulting in real, sustained change.

See ad, page 17.

Reiki Fusion

CYNTHIA M. CHASE, FOUNDER AND OWNER

1 Abbey Pl., Yonkers

860-395-0284 •

CynthiaMChase@gmail.com

CynthiaMChase.com

Reiki Master Cynthia Chase offers reiki sessions and reiki certification for levels I and II and master level at this integrative practice. Her background as a psychotherapist for 30 years enriches the offerings.

What drew you to this profession?

My own near-death experience many years ago catapulted me to an understanding that we are spiritual energy beings in a physical body. I understood that the energy that underlies our essence can be brought to a higher vibration for healing.

How does your work differ from that of others in your profession?

I combine more than 30 years of psychotherapy experience with my training as an energy healer reiki master. I founded an integrative practice, Reiki Fusion, honoring the wisdom and healing power within us all.

What should someone expect from working with you?

The feeling of empowerment! Through my guidance, the seeker will find their way to an amazing wisdom and healing capacity that has been within us all along. Energy blocks, when liberated, unleash unlimited potential for manifestation.

What do you have planned for 2024?

I’m excited to announce that this is the year my book is coming out. You may pre-order the book Life Lessons: A Healer’s Journey to the Light and Back by emailing CynthiaMChase@gmail.com. It is the story of my near-death experience, what I learned in the light and I share the gifts that I received with the reader. You don’t have to have a near-death or out-of-body experience to be able to move into a joyous wisdom state. The principles outlined in this book will help you reach balance, healing and the integration of your spiritual and physical self.

Anything else our readers should know?

You have so much more power than you may think. This work, in a pragmatic way, helps you to be the creator of your own life and to harness the potential so your life actually works for you.

Rise Above Floatation

MICAH SACCOMANNO, OWNER

111 E. Main St., Mount Kisco 914-241-1900 • Micah@RiseAboveFloatation.com

RiseAboveFloatation.com

Rise Above Floatation is Westchester’s first and only floatation center dedicated to providing deep relaxation and exceptional awareness through the power of sensory deprivation.

What drew you to this profession?

With a deep love for meditation and an interest in consciousness, I was drawn to the spectacular benefits of floatation therapy and saw they were lacking in Westchester County. I found a great situation in Mount Kisco to create a float sanctuary and have now been providing sessions for the past eight years.

How does your work differ from that of others in your profession?

The effects of floatation therapy were discovered in a scientific study in the National Institute of Health, and through continued peer-reviewed research are increasingly being shown to treat specific health problems such as chronic stress and eating disorders.

What should a person expect from working with you?

Someone working with us would expect to become part of our commitment to the perfect float environment, which focuses on the feelings of the client at all stages of the process. Freeing up mental processes in order to strengthen the individual power of focus on the self means that harmony between colleagues, staff and clients are prioritized.

What changes do you have planned for 2024?

With an international push to elevate awareness of the proven medical benefits of the float session, we will be starting an educational campaign to bring floating into the awareness of the citizens of Westchester County.

Anything else our readers should know?

The float session is nothing more than allowing the individual access to their internal healing mechanisms and amplifying their sense of self. The vast majority of floaters have a powerful experience of relaxation and awareness from between one to three sessions.

Never give up. Expect only the best from life and take action to get it.

—Catherine Pulsifer

Photo by nanda kishore on Pexels

SearchLight Medical

LAURIE R. MALLIS, M.D., LAC

2424 Rte. 52, Ste. 1A, Hopewell Junction

845-592-4310

•

SearchLightMed@Optimum.net

SearchLightMedical.com

SearchLight Medical offers medical acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, reiki, Ondamed biofeedback therapy, AcuGraph qi analysis, Jade Vitality mat heat therapy, Blood Energy Treatment (BET), Gunalight Qi Infusions, Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture System for face and neck, and Mei Zen Abdominal Acupuncture for fertility or weight loss.

What drew you to this profession?

After more than 25 years in traditional Western medicine, I wanted to treat my patients in a more natural way, without the use of pharmaceutical or nutraceutical remedies. I’ve always believed that all people have the ability to heal when their qi energy is balanced and flowing freely within their body.

How does your work differ from that of others in your profession?

I combine my Western and Eastern knowledge to plan a course of treatment that is specific and unique for each patient. Working one on one, I become a partner with my patient to achieve long-lasting deep healing.

What should someone expect from working with you?

An extremely high level of dedication to helping my patients achieve better health and wellness, whether the illness is acute or chronic. My passion has always been to find ways to heal illnesses without the need for any kind of medication—prescription or natural supplements.

What do you have planned for 2024?

For 2024, I am very excited to be offering a new non-invasive treatment that gives an infusion of qi energy directly into the energy meridians of the body. This treatment will allow the body to immediately jump start the healing process, allowing the body to build its own levels of qi energy as it heals. This leads to the clearing of any energy blockages and imbalances resulting in enhancing your body’s natural ability to heal as well as achieving a better state of health and well-being.

Anything else our readers should know?

The best results are achieved when you’re willing to devote time to allowing your body to heal on its own timetable. Energy work is not a quick fix. It is very important to understand that a problem that has been going on for a long time is not going to be resolved with only a few treatments. To get the most benefit from any energy treatment it should be done on a regular basis and not only when you have a health concern.

See ad, page 17.

Yoga in the Adirondacks at The Divine Acres

RHODELLA

HUGHES, E-RYT500; YACEP AND PATRICK, OWNERS

2 Coulter Rd., Bakers Mills • 518-251-3015

Rhodella@YogaInTheAdirondacks.com

YogaInTheAdirondacks.com

Yoga in the Adirondacks is a yoga farm shala nestled in the Adirondack State Park. It’s privately owned with over 300 acres, nurturing miniature donkeys, sheep, ducks and chickens. The renovated 1905 farmhouse creates safe space for our seasonal yoga retreats, workshops and events. The farmhouse country store stocks Young Living Essential Oils, divine maple syrup and the farm’s organic chicken and duck eggs. The yoga studio schedule can be found on their website. Call for a tour. Also, gift certificates are available.

What drew you to this profession?

I started a self-taught yoga practice when I was 13 years old. Through intuition, trust in the process and my digestive fire, I feel in tune to where I am. Through clarity, peace and an open heart, I find myself as a yoga teacher and yoga therapist candidate enjoying the journey through the grace of divine.

How does your work differ from that of others in your profession?

My work is authentically me, using all the tools in my toolbox and always recognizing I am a bridge to support others. A yoga practice is a practice of the self, though the self, to the self. Yoga is becoming the observer of the self.

What should someone expect from working with you?

My work with someone creates itself through the connection of compassion, understanding and meeting people where they are with acceptance, gratitude and openness to the outcome. Working together, we create a bridge for wholeness; a connection with wellness through our four-chambered heart—strong, clear, open and full.

What do you have planned for 2024?

We will be offering three upcoming seasonal yoga retreats: Spring Renewal, from March 22 through 24; Spring into Summer, from June 21 through 23; and Autumn Transformation, from September 20 through 22.

Anything else our readers should know?

You are worth it! You are enough! Breathe and listen to the beauty of your own heartbeat. Namasté.

NATURAL LIVING BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

Amy Estersohn, Educational Consultant, Guides Unique Journeys to Success

Educational Consultant Amy Estersohn supports motivated, intense, curious and eclectic young adults as they discover their educational and professional goals. She helps them and their families with choosing schools to apply to (K-12, college and graduate programs); strategic resume development; major/program selection; scholarship identification; and brainstorming/coaching/editing of application materials.

Estersohn typically interviews a student and family to get a sense of the student and their strengths, talents and goals. From there, she will assemble an individualized list of recommended educational programs and action steps for the student.

“No two students are the same, and a student who wants to major in environmental studies and pursue music at a high level may be applying to different colleges than a student who wants to major in accounting and stay close to home,” explains Estersohn, who established her Hartsdale-based company, named after her, in 2021.

Estersohn believes that the process of finding an educational program has a “soul-searching” element to it, and many clients tell her that one of the best parts about their partnership is the opportunity to learn more about themselves. She has more than a decade of experience in college admissions, writing and education, and she has worked with clients in more than 16 states. In addition, she has personally visited and evaluated more than 50 college campuses and is a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association.

For more information, call 914-340-4392, email LeadWithTalents@ gmail.com or visit LeadWithTalents.com.

Experience Healing Solutions with Bonnie Rogers

Bonnie Rogers, owner of Bonnie’s Herbals, in Briarcliff, New York, provides solutions for individuals that are feeling perpetually sick and who are seeking a unique approach to health. As a Biomagnetism practitioner and clinical herbalist who launched her practice in 2001, Rogers has a passion for helping clients create wellness. She uses Biomagnetism (aka Biomagnetic Pair Healing) along with herbal medicine and nutrition to help clients truly focus on their health. “I have a non-invasive approach that allows clients to let go of what is really hindering their healing,” she shares.

Biomagnetism is a natural health approach that helps to restore and maintain physical, emotional symptoms, syndromes and other conditions by balancing the acid and alkaline levels (pH) in the body which in turn can help eliminate pathogens (including viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites). In the same way that a fish tank needs to be maintained with clean and pH balanced water, so too does the body.

Sessions can reduce and/or eliminate acute infections, adrenal fatigue, asthma, allergies, chronic infections, digestive disorders such as IBS, IBD, GERD, eczema, fibromyalgia, fungal infections, migraines, muscle spasms, respiratory issues, toothaches, urinary tract infections and more.

Rogers sees clients in person at her office and virtually. She explains, “Since we are using magnetic energy, the process can be done from anywhere.”

Location: 13 Tappan Terrace, Briarcliff. For more information or to make an appointment, call 914-522-4221, email Bonnie@BonniesHerbals.com or visit BonniesHerbals.com/magnets.

Experience Wellness with CBD Live Natural

In operation since 2015, CBD Live Natural, in Bedford Hills, New York, carries oil tinctures, capsules, gummies, candles, edibles and pet products from the CBD Living brand, in addition to its own inhouse line of vast CBD products. Owner Marcie Manfredonia stands behind the excellence of her products and the way they are sourced noting that the higher the quality of CBD, the better benefits customers can expect. “Organic growing methods use natural pest and disease control, as well as techniques like crop rotation. This improves the quality of the plants, and it helps the Earth, too,” she explains.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in cannabis, yet it is derived directly from the hemp plant itself and doesn’t contain any tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), so it is not intoxicating or psychotropic. CBD can be formulated into oils, capsules, tinctures, extracts, food items, beauty products and more. Clinical research indicates that CBD is effective at treating epilepsy. Anecdotal evidence suggests it can help with a variety of other conditions.

According to Manfredonia, the CBD found in the company’s products is derived from hemp and has less than 3 percent THC, the primary psychoactive component that would produce a high. For CBD to be the most effective, Manfredonia offers the following advice: “When taking CBD products, it is very important that you are consistent. In order to see results faster, be sure to speak to someone knowledgeable, so that they can recommend the right dosage for you, as well as how often you should take the products.”

CBD Live Natural is located at 720 N. Bedford Rd., in Bedford Hills. For more information, call 914-705-1111, email Info@CBDLiveNatural.com or visit CBDLiveNatural.com. See ad, page 10.

Peace of Mind in Trusts and Estates Law with Anthony Nigro

The Law Office of Anthony Nigro, PLLC, in Dobbs Ferry, New York, focuses their practice on trusts and estates, with potential home visits being an option if location is an issue for estate planning matters. On top of estate planning, including wills and trusts, Nigro's office handles contested matters like will disputes, fiduciary appointments, accountings and turnover proceedings. Nigro, a member of both the New York State bar and the New Jersey State bar, is a Surrogate’s Court practitioner. His experience spans into probate, administration, estate litigation, contested accountings and contested fiduciary appointments. Nigro has been practicing for 14 years, and brings a wealth of experience, handling noncontested administration in small and very large estates to complex and contested estate work. His practice extends to civil litigation related to estates, including real estate partition actions, fraud cases and cases involving the breach of fiduciary duty. He also has substantial experience in residential and commercial real estate closings.

Nigro's law practice attempts to offer a holistic approach to provide legal peace of mind. His goal consistently remains to not only provide excellent representation, but help ease the stress of potentially complex matters, helping to bring his clients experience a towards the least of amount of stress possible. His experience, coupled with a client-centered focus, makes him an invaluable guide for those seeking peace in their legal affairs. Whether addressing contested estate issues or crafting personalized solutions for last will and testaments, irrevocable (Medicaid) trusts, revocable (living) trusts, power of attorneys, healthcare proxies or living wills, Nigro's office provides a roadmap to help plan for a secure and mindful future.

Location: Law Office of Anthony Nigro, PLLC, 52 Cedar St., Dobbs Ferry. For more information, call 914-595-6527, email Anthony@NigroLaw.com or visit NigroLaw.com. See ad, page 9.

Discover Your Potential at Omega Institute

Just 90 miles north of New York City, Omega Institute—a global community that awakens the best in the human spirit and cultivates the extraordinary potential that exists in us all—is easily accessible yet a world away from life’s everyday stresses. This unique destination, nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley, offers innovative educational experiences and Rest & Rejuvenation Retreats for adults led by world-class teachers. Based in Rhinebeck, New York, the campus is open seasonally from late May through October.

Omega’s 250 acres feature a Wellness Center (offering massage, facials and acupuncture) and the grounds include a waterfront for kayaking and row boating, tennis and pickleball courts, hiking and gardens. It’s also home to one of the greenest buildings in the world, the Omega Center for Sustainable Living, an environmental education center and water reclamation facility, where guests become part of a closed-loop hydrological system and experience the future of sustainability first hand.

An all-inclusive accommodations package provides many options, from campsites to dorms to private rooms. Farm-to-table meals are included with each stay plus guests have access to onsite amenities and the opportunity to participate in classes such as yoga, tai chi and meditation. (Workshop tuition is not included in this accommodations package).

Can’t make it to Rhinebeck? With livestreams and on-demand courses, Omega now also brings its transformative experiences online for a worldwide audience.

Location: 150 Lake Dr., Rhinebeck. For more information, call 800-944-1001 or visit eOmega.org. See ad, page 29.

Explore the Benefits of CranioSacral Therapy with Joy Matalon

Revitalize Your Well-Being with Flowing Rivers Acupuncture

Joy Matalon offers many healing services, including CranioSacral Therapy, Somato-Emotional Release, Process Acupressure, Swedish and medical massage. As a certified provider of these modalities, she helps with anxiety, depression, traumatic brain injuries, migraines, back and neck pain, tinnitus, TMJ, vertigo, autoimmune disorders and ADHD, among other conditions.

“My journey began over 35 years ago when I became certified in a form of body-centered meditation that allowed me to move through my own anxiety with grace,” she says. “I discovered how softly shifting our approach toward ourselves creates insight and healing.

“CranioSacral Therapy is a hands-on way to assist this process of developing intimacy with parts of ourselves that, through stress or trauma, have become unconscious” and a “gentle method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of the craniosacral system, comprising the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Releasing [such] restrictions enhance the functioning of the central nervous system, helping to eliminate pain and stress while strengthening the immune system.”

Adults experience a 75-minute session—a physically connected meditation whereby the central nervous system is supported, alleviating stress, trauma and physical restrictions. Five- to 18-year-olds can receive 45-minute sessions.

Clients are treated “in a nonjudgmental and unconditionally loving, sacred space” that creates “safety so you can unwind and connect deeply with yourself.”

Location: 100 Executive Blvd., Ste. 203, Ossining. Newly added Garrison location and house calls are also available. For more information or make an appointment, call 914-5198138, email JMatalon@optonline.net or visit JoyMatalon.com or DropIntoYourBestSelf.com.

Flowing Rivers Acupuncture offers “relief, comfort, resilience and overall well-being,” according to board-certified licensed acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist Pamela Todd Battle. Acupuncture can help reset the body’s nervous system, and the effects have been likened to rebooting a computer. This ancient modality is thought to rebalance the action of neurotransmitters, hormones and other biochemical agents to promote better blood flow; reduce pain and distress; and improve mental clarity, immunity, metabolism, resilience and hormonal and emotional balance.

Prior to becoming a licensed acupuncturist, Battle had gained extensive experience working with many medical specialties, which now provides additional insight and understanding of her patient’s health concerns. She utilizes a variety of natural therapies such as Oriental medicine (acupuncture and Chinese medicine herbal formulas), functional medicine assessment, alchemical healing, stress reduction, phototherapy, cupping, auricular therapy and dietary support. Patients visit her practice for treatment of headaches and body pain; anxiety, depression and insomnia; women’s health concerns; and other chronic health issues.

“My approach is a fusion of my intuition and my varied knowledge and skills,” explains Battle. “The result is a combination of medical and spa-like treatments. I customize sessions in collaboration with my patients, targeting their specific conditions and objectives while empowering them to take charge of their health and well-being.”

Battle offers free 20-minute consultations by appointment, and she accepts insurance when acupuncture is a covered benefit for a patient’s particular complaint.

Location: 601 Warbuton Ave., Hastings. For more information, call 914-572-1559 or visit  FlowingRivers.net.

Empower Your Wellness Journey with Vibrant Glo

Vibrant Glo Wellness (VGW)—a Somers, New York-based company dedicated to helping empower women through health coaching, mindset mentoring and more to live vibrant, healthy and meaningful lives—is offering a free consultation.

“Take the first step and sign up for your comprehensive complimentary consultation. We listen to your story and desires and identify your unique challenges, and present a personalized roadmap to achieve your goals together,” says Lisa Cito, president and founder.

Established in 2014, VGW offers health coaching complemented by private or group yoga, Pilates, reiki, meditation, chakra balancing, creative art classes, Ayurveda, workshops and seminars.

“Beyond health coaching, we are mindset mentors, empowering women to break free from negative patterns,” adds Cito. “It all starts with your thoughts. You know what to do to live a vibrant life, but sometimes overcoming limiting beliefs and taking action can feel overwhelming.”

Cito explains that VGW is there to help bridge that gap. VGW helps clients identify the underlying blocks holding them back; shift their mindset from scarcity to abundance; open doors to self-love, confidence and purpose; develop practical tools and strategies for tackling challenges and creating lasting change; and explore holistic wellness practices.

“We assist you in realizations of who you are to radiate vibrant energy, to feel revitalized from within and break free from struggles to achieve health and confidence, emotional resilience, inner peace and self-esteem,” Cito shares.

Location: 166 Rte. 202, Somers. For more information or to book a consultation, call 914-4478396, email Info@VibrantGloWellness.com or visit VibrantGloWellness.com.

Food Trends for 2024

What We’re Looking for at the Dinner Table

by Carrie Jackson

Few factors are as important to overall wellness as our diet. Besides taste and nutritional value, food preferences are influenced by convenience, availability, cost and personal values. Trends are shifting away from fad diets to more balanced eating, as people across generations are focused on living healthier well into their golden years. Equally as urgent is a demand for more sustainable products and manufacturing practices as consumers become increasingly aware of the impact their food choices have on the planet.

Dr. Melinda Ring is the executive director of the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University, in Chicago. As a leading center for integrative medicine, their team helps patients achieve optimal health through innovative, whole-person care. Ring says that personalized nutrition, plant-forward diets and longevity protocols are overtaking older trends like low-carbohydrate or high-fat fads.

“In recent years, there’s been a movement away from highly restrictive diets toward

more balanced, sustainable eating patterns that emphasize whole foods over highly processed alternatives,” says Ring. “Interest in local food sources is growing, driven by concerns about sustainability and food quality. While the pandemic highlighted concerns about access to healthy food for all, busy lifestyles continue to make convenience a key factor influencing food choices.”

Ring cites nutritional psychiatry as a burgeoning field. “Emerging research suggests a link between diet and mental health, with diets rich in fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids potentially benefiting mood and cognitive function,” she explains. Ring adds that there is an increasing focus on incorporating protein for overall health, as well as personalized nutrition, in which advances in genomics and biotechnology are used to tailor dietary recommendations to individual genetic, lifestyle and health factors.

Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, is a New York Times bestselling author and nationally recognized health expert. Her latest book, Everyday Snack Tray, outlines fun, flavorful

and nutrient-dense charcuterie boards for every occasion. She asserts that members of Generation Z—those born in the late 1990s and early 2000s—are driving many of the current shifts in food and beverage choices.

“The sober movement is rapidly gaining momentum, with an influx of mocktails, non-alcoholic beer and zero-proof wines on the market,” she explains. “People in their 30s and older are realizing that alcohol interrupts their sleep and are looking for other ways to relax at night. They’re also moving away from caffeine, which has a long halflife, so while the body may feel tired at night, the brain is still triggered. Fast-casual restaurants and cafes have increased their selection of fruit-forward, caffeine-free drinks, and a new all-natural brew called figgee, made from ground figs, is emerging online.”

Zoomers tend to be more conscious of the connection between their food decisions and impacts on the planet, which explains why they are more likely to choose and demand sustainably grown and packaged products. “This generation is drawn to brands that have carbon buy-back programs or help sequester nitrogen in their manufacturing,” says Largeman-Roth. “While we’ve seen an influx of meat alternatives in the past, there’s starting to be a pushback against the ones with long ingredient lists that are highly processed. Rubi protein made from lemna, or duckweed [a free-floating, aquatic plant], is gaining popularity as a plant-based protein alternative. It contains nine essential amino acids and uses 10 times less water to grow than soybeans and 100 times less water than beef. And, people are turning to the root system of mushrooms, instead of the caps, as a higher protein source. Their versatility makes them ideal for nuggets, jerky and other substantial snacks.”

Consumers are looking for foods that can help regulate blood sugar, especially as more of the population is concerned about prediabetes. “People are continuing to choose nuts, beans and other high-protein boosts to refuel after a workout or in-between meals,”

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Largeman-Roth points out. “Products such as Good Measure bars, made of almonds, peanuts and pumpkin seeds, are emerging as nutrient-rich and satisfying snacks. Consumers also realize how important fiber is for gut optimization, skin quality and mental health. Perhaps most top-of-mind in a post-pandemic world, it’s vital for immune health, as well. Overall, people of all ages want products that make them feel better and fit into their lifestyle. A lot of boxes have to be checked for people to try a new product, and food manufacturers are stepping up.”

Perhaps taking a cue from the younger generation, members of Generation X—Americans born between 1965 and 1980—are pioneering a new approach to healthy aging to help them thrive in their diverse lifestyles. According to the global market research company Mintel, aging concerns that were once considered taboo, such as menopause, are now being openly discussed.

“The new focus for our aging society will be an extended healthspan—the period of life spent in good health,” says Mintel Principal Analyst Jolene Ng. “This is an important shift, as population aging is a defining global trend of our time. By 2030, one in six people in the world will be aged 60 years and older, according to the World Health Organization. Brands need to consider the various nutritional, physical and mental health needs for middle-aged and older adults. Opportunities to improve healthspan include maintaining brain function with age and functional health solutions for common problems like disrupted sleep.”

Increasingly, Gen Xers aged 44 to 58 prioritize sleep as a tool for improving overall physical and emotional health. “Research has shown that total sleep time, sleep efficiency and deep sleep decrease with age,” says Ng. “Brands are focusing on innovating products with nutrients such as fiber or botanicals like lavender that can improve sleep quality. Products such as Bardo’s Calm

snacks, which contain lemon balm and thyme, are emerging as a snack option for Gen Xers who are interested in trying food that supports relaxation.”

Many consumers are part of the “sandwich generation”, a term used to describe people in their 30s or 40s that are raising children while also caring for aging parents. Ng notes that brands are adjusting product lineups and marketing campaigns to address the specific requirements of these families. She expects to see more services like Magic Kitchen, which, she explains, is “a meal kit service that offers a range of healthy, dietitian-designed meals for families with different health needs, including seniors. Their objective is to bring families together during dinnertime, while respecting the specific dietary needs of individuals within the family unit. Brands also can help ease the stress and strain on these compound caregivers by offering convenience products and helpful tools for themselves and the loved ones they care for.”

Historically, food and beverages have been a source of great pleasure and social interaction, and Mintel Food & Drink Director David Faulkner envisions this as a continuing trend. “Just as we saw during COVID-19, food and drink will be the go-to source of comfort for consumers, delivering precious moments of joy,” he says. “It will be all the more relevant during the worsening climate crisis for food and drink companies to position pleasurable products as necessities, not as guilty self-indulgences.”

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.

Petar

Chernaev/CanvaPro

Revolutionizing Our Plates for Vibrant Living

by Rev. Dr. Jessica Chichester

In the bustling life of the Northeast, where wellness is as much a conversation starter as the weather, our connection to food is getting a serious makeover. In the midst of constant chatter about new diet trends and wellness advice, it’s crucial to sift through the hype and pinpoint what truly nourishes our health, activates our body’s detox pathways, and enhances our overall well-being. This deep dive into the latest in nutrition isn’t just about chasing tasty trends—it’s about discovering how the right foods can profoundly transform our health, in language as straightforward and vibrant as a New York minute.

Plant-Based Eating: More Than a Trend

The shift toward plant-based diets is not merely a trend but a reflection of a growing awareness of the impact our food choices have on our health and the planet. This

movement emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods, which are rich in nutrients and naturally support the body’s detoxification systems. Foods like legumes, nuts, seeds and a rainbow of fruits and vegetables are celebrated for their health benefits, ranging from reducing inflammation to enhancing our digestive and immune systems.

The Critical Role of Fermentation

Revered for their role in supporting gut health, fermented foods have made a significant comeback. The beneficial probiotics created during the fermentation process are key players in maintaining a balanced gut microbiome which is crucial for effective digestion, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of toxins. Incorporating foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, miso and raw kefir into daily meals can be a delightful way to support the body’s natural detox pathways and boost gut health.

Clean Eating and Conscious Consumption

The essence of clean eating lies in embracing foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. This approach inherently supports detoxification by minimizing the intake of artificial additives and preservatives. However, it’s crucial to extend this consciousness to packaging and the broader environmental impact of our food choices. The prevalence of “forever chemicals” in non-stick cookware and some food packaging raises concerns about their long-term health effects, making the case for organic foods and safer packaging options more compelling than ever.

Hydration: A Foundation for Detoxification

Water is the lifeblood of detoxification processes. Beyond the basics of staying hydrated, the emergence of hydrogen water and alkaline water offers intriguing benefits. Hydrogen water, with its antioxidant properties, and alkaline water, believed to help balance the body’s pH, are innovative ways to enhance hydration and support overall health. These options add a new dimension to the vital act of quenching our thirst, potentially aiding in the removal of toxins and improving cellular health.

Intermittent Fasting and Time-Restricted Eating

Intermittent fasting and time-restricted eating have gained attention not just for their weight loss benefits but for their role in health optimization. By limiting food intake to specific windows, these practices give our digestive system a rest, potentially enhancing the body’s natural repair processes and making detoxification more efficient. This approach to eating, aligned with the body’s circadian rhythms, underscores the importance of not just what we eat but when we eat.

Superfoods, Supplements and Detox Technologies

The allure of superfoods and supplements continues to grow, driven by their promise

oksanashufrych/5PH/CanvaPro

to fill nutritional gaps and support the body’s detoxification. Yet, the true power of detoxification is magnified when combined with advanced wellness technologies. Modern wellness centers offer a range of services from infrared saunas to lymphatic drainage technologies, which, when paired with a nutrient-rich diet, can significantly enhance the body’s ability to detoxify. The synergy between diet and technology represents a frontier in holistic health, offering pathways to deeper cleansing and rejuvenation.

Embracing a Holistic View

As we journey through the evolving landscape of nutrition and wellness, it becomes clear that our food choices, the timing of our meals, and the technologies we embrace for detoxification are interconnected threads of a larger tapestry. Each decision we make— from the water we drink to the packaging of our food—plays a role in our health ecosystem.

The current trends in food and nutrition underscore a collective shift toward more mindful, health-conscious eating and living. In embracing these trends, we align with a vision of health that is grounded in authenticity, backed by science, and enriched by the wisdom of our bodies and the natural world. The journey toward health and detoxification is both personal and universal, inviting each of us to explore, experiment and, ultimately, thrive.

Rev. Dr. Jessica Chichester, a visionary and the founder and CEO of Haute Healing Oasis (HHO), brings more than 25 years of experience in health, wellness and spiritual science to her role. An acclaimed Hall of Fame athlete and a master conduit in energy medicine and healing, she employs ancient techniques to instruct individuals on energy transmutation. Beyond her extensive background, Jessica is also a food archaeologist gearing up to release an allergen-friendly cookbook. She organizes international psychedelic retreats for healing. For more information, call 203-595-5304 or visit HauteHealingOasis.com.

1. Warm cooked quinoa with coconut or oat milk. Add collagen.

2. Top with sunflower seeds, banana slices and cinnamon.

3. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup and MCT oil.

4. Serve warm.

QUINOA MORNING BOWL

1 cup cooked quinoa (can combine some oats as well)

¼ cup coconut or oat milk

1 Tbsp sunflower seeds

½ banana, sliced

A sprinkle of cinnamon

A splash of pure Madagascar vanilla

Optional: 1 scoop collagen powder (plant-based if available)

A drizzle of honey or maple syrup

1 tsp to 1 Tbsp of MCT oil

Note: You can play with it and also try adding in some cacao nibs and blueberries.

AVOCADO CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

2 ripe avocados

¼ cup cocoa powder

¼ cup maple syrup

½ tsp vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.

2. Chill for an hour before serving.

Recipes and photos courtesy of Rev. Dr. Jessica Chichester.

Planting for the Planet

Seven Herbs to Grow, Eat and Heal

by April Thompson

Growing herbs at home has myriad benefits, enhancing health, boosting flavor and saving money while supporting local ecosystems. Home growing not only provides fresh herbs for cooking needs, but also offers access to easy and affordable natural remedies that can soothe common ailments.

“There is nothing like having your own fresh herbs in home-cooked meals. You can also dry and prep your own herbs for winter. Herbs retain more fragrance and vibrant color when you dry and process your own,” says Nadine Clopton, an herbalist who serves as regenerative education program manager for Rodale Institute.

Clopton likes to grow medicinal herbs like holy basil, as well as culinary herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano and basil, which serve as both nutrition and medicine. “They have minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, and are deeply supportive of different systems in the

body,” says Clopton, who maintains a small deck herb garden in her Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, apartment.

A home herb garden boasts multiple environmental benefits, reducing our carbon footprint by eliminating the miles most herbs travel to reach the local grocery store, and eliminating pesticide use, if grown organically. Herbs are also great for attracting pollinators like bees, birds and butterflies to support a balanced and healthy ecosystem.

Great Herbs to Grow, Eat and Heal

“Rosemary is a multifaceted herb high in calcium,” says Linda Conroy, an herbalist, farmer and herb educator in Albion, Wisconsin. She uses it in topical lotions for pain relief, makes rosemary-infused salt for a flavor-booster and incorporates this pungent herb into her homemade feta cheese. Rosemary has been shown to enhance cognition and memory. It is also a natural mosquito repellant, making it a great addition to summer patios.

Sage is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and as a natural treatment for sore throats and coughs. “This easy-togrow perennial also helps attract pollinators,” says Conroy.

Dandelion is an excellent detoxifier that can help cleanse the liver and promote healthy digestion. “Every part of the dandelion is edible; it’s really a powerful, supportive herb. There are so many herbs like dandelion that grow wild around us, asking for our awareness and acknowledgment,” Clopton remarks.

Thyme has powerful antimicrobial properties that can help fend off bacterial infections. “It’s also anti-spasmodic and a natural expectorant, making it an excellent addition to cough remedies, which can save money compared to over-the-counter treatments,” Conroy advises.

Lemon balm is a natural stress reducer that can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. “I love growing lemon balm and holy basil together,” says Clopton. “They act like a natural mosquito repellent, in addition to all their medicinal and culinary benefits.”

Chamomile is an essential herb for relaxation and digestion. Regular consumption of chamomile tea can help reduce anxiety and promote restful sleep. Conroy also uses this herb for topical applications like lotions, body washes, foot baths and even eyewashes to soothe sore, irritated eyes.

Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help fight infections. The bulb is also known to reduce blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. “Garlic, chives and other plants in the allium family are all important immune-system boosters,” says Conroy.

Getting Started

For first-time growers, an herb garden may sound intimidating, but with patience and care, it can flourish even in small, indoor spaces. Conroy recommends trying chives, as they are easy to sprout and thrive in a box or pot. She also suggests starting by growing just one herb at a time.

While Conroy grows her herbs from seed in her own greenhouse, it is perfectly acceptable to buy plants that already have a head start. Clopton suggests plants like lemon balm because it is easy to root from a cutting. She also recommends supplementing soil with organic compost to give plants an extra boost, and making sure growing containers have good drainage.

Adding herbs to an outdoor garden or indoor space is an easy way to shrink our carbon footprint and support pollinators for the good of the planet, all the while saving on groceries. Start small with an herb garden and enjoy the numerous health and other benefits herbs offer.

April Thompson is a Washington, D.C., freelance writer covering food, travel, sustainability and spirituality topics. Learn more at AprilWrites. com.

Foodie Guide

Farmers Markets

HUDSON VALLEY REGIONAL FARMERS MARKET

Sundays, 10am-2pm

15 Mount Ebo Rd. South, Brewster

HudsonValleyFarmers Market.org

Farm Stand

HILLTOP HANOVER FARM

1271 Hanover St., Yorktown Heights

Thurs – Sun, 10am-4pm

HilltopHanoverFarm.org

Markets

GREENS NATURAL FOODS

Briarcliff Manor

97 North State Rd., Briarcliff Manor

914-800-9146

Eastchester

780 White Plains Rd., Scarsdale

914-874-5481

Mount Kisco

666 Lexington Ave., Mount Kisco

914-864-1274

Somers

57 Rte. 6. (in Baldwin Place)

Somers

914-485-8093

GreensNaturalFoods.com

GREEN ORGANIC MARKET

275 S. Central Park Ave., Hartsdale

914-437-5802

FB: GreenOrganicMarket

MOTHER EARTH’S STOREHOUSE

300 Kings Mall Ct., Kingston 845-336-5541

MotherEarthStorehouse.com

NATURE’S PANTRY HV 1545 NY-52, Fishkill 845-765-2023

NaturesPantryhv.com

NATURE’S HARVEST MARKET HV

1955 South Rd., Poughkeepsie 845-296-1069

NaturesHarvesthv.com

WHOLE FOODS MARKET

575 Boston Post Rd., Port Chester 914.708.1985

1 Ridge Hill Rd., Yonkers 914-378-8090

WholeFoodsMarket.com

Microgreens

TINY GREENS FARM

Retail, wholesale, workshops, local pickup or delivery.

TinyGreensFarm.com

Restaurant

BROOKLYN ORGANIC KITCHEN

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 890 South Lake Blvd., Mahopac

845-621-2655

BOKMahopac.com

LiliGraphie from Getty Images / CanvaPro

Pollinator Corridors

Tips to Reestablish Lost Habitats

by Kelcie Ottoes

Awell-known Chinese proverb says, “The flapping of the wings of a butterfly can be felt on the other side of the world,” poetically reminding us that small actions can produce large effects. When it comes to the world’s disappearing pollinators, the modest steps we take today can generate life-saving results tomorrow.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), “Pollinators provide vital benefits to people and wildlife, keeping animals and plants that we depend on thriving while bringing us food and supporting the economy.” Almost 90 percent of flowering plants depend entirely or in part on animal pollination, and yet, the FWS reports that pollinator populations are on the decline. One way to support these important species is to create a pollinator corridor—a pesticide-free, native-plant zone that provides food and shelter for indigenous pollinators.

The Pollinator’s Role

While the word pollinator may conjure up images of butterflies and bees, the category is much broader and includes birds, bats, lizards, moths, flies, beetles, wasps and some small mammals. “Virtually every ecosystem on Earth that contains flowering plants depends on animal pollinators,” says Kim Eierman, author of The Pollinator Victory Garden: Win the War on Pollinator Decline with Ecological Gardening. “Many are keystone species in the ecosystems where they occur. If a keystone species becomes extinct or vanishes, that ecosystem fundamentally changes, and not for the better.”

From apples, melons and potatoes to almonds, coffee and cocoa, the food we eat is not available without pollination. Losing just one pollinator can have a significant impact. Without bees, fruit and nut trees produce fewer and smaller crops, if any. Of the top 100 edible flowering crops, 80 are pollinated by honeybees.

“Every ecosystem is dependent on pollinators to maintain healthy environmental balances in global food webs,” explains Jen McDonald, the founder of Garden Girls, a Houston-based company that designs and installs home landscapes. “Pollinators don’t make food just for us, but also for livestock and virtually all other living things. Many plants that require pollination are also needed for shade habitats for birds, insects and small animals.”

Challenges Facing Pollinators

The decline in pollinators is attributed to a loss of feeding and nesting habitats that occurs when native plants are replaced by non-native grasses, farmlands and urban landscapes. Pesticides, chemicals, parasites, non-native species, new diseases and climate change are also modern-day threats. Monarch butterflies are considered vulnerable to extinction. Nearly one in four bees (347 native species) are at increased risk of

Created by NAPC combining adaptations of CraigRJD and Signature Saddako from Getty Images, Глеб Коровко from Pexels, Anna Subbotina, Annette Shaff, and Scopio Images / CanvaPro

extinction. More than half of the 154 North American bat species are at severe risk of population decline.

Designing a Pollinator Corridor

The good news is that when native plants are re-introduced, pollinators return. “Abundant, diverse pollinators ensure fertile, resilient landscapes and secure food systems for communities, and backyard gardens can restore numbers that strengthen regional plant reproduction,” says Kiersten Rankel, a botanist for Greg, an app that helps people optimize their plant-growing efforts.

To get started, select a strip of land, rooftop, wall or yard that supports pollinators, including their migration, foraging and overwintering. Next, pick native and flowering plant species for the space. Perennials require less maintenance, as they come back each year. Start small. Even a few potted plants or a converted curb strip can have a big impact. Avoid using pesticides and herbicides. Beyond flowers, be sure to also include shrubs, twigs, rotting logs, branches, vines, ground cover and bare gravel. Determine if it is helpful or harmful to remove leaves from the ground in the fall and reduce or eliminate mowing practices, especially on roadsides or curbs.

To make a bigger impact, talk with neighbors and community members to create a larger corridor. Consider working with local schools, colleges, nature-focused nonprofits, government officials that oversee parks and city planning, nurseries and farmers. The more people that are involved and invested in the corridor, the higher the odds of its continuing success.

Create a map to see the full footprint of the corridor; fill any gaps and remove invasive plant species. Include a wide diversity of native plants to serve pollinators at each stage of their life cycles. The Wild Seed Project suggests having at least 10 pollinator-friendly plants to support them year-round with continuous blooms and shelter.

An example of a giant pollinator corridor is Project Wingspan, located in the Midwest and Great Lakes region. The people behind this program are striving to create 18,000 acres of high-quality habitat to support local wildlife and pollinators. On a smaller scale, the town of Orleans, Massachusetts, is working to ensure their entire community is pollinator friendly.

There has never been a better time to start or join a pollinator corridor. Those efforts could be the flap of a butterfly’s wing that changes the future for these vital creatures.

Kelcie Ottoes is a content writer for sustainable businesses, specializing in blog posts, case studies and white papers.

NARRATED BY MICHAEL BUBLÉ

"Like so many families, I have been deeply affected by Alzheimer's, so I was thrilled to become a part of this film when I realized that there's hope, and it's not just a death sentence."

- Michael Bublé

Functional Medicine Approach to Colon Health

Simplified Steps to Repair and Restore the Gut

by Madiha Saeed, M.D.

In the United States, colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, the disease is expected to precipitate approximately 53,000 deaths in 2024, and incidence rates for people under 55 have been increasing by 1 to 2 percent each year. Regular screenings and lifestyle improvements, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, can decrease the risk.

“The gut is the root and the foundation of health,” says Vincent Pedre, M.D., a boardcertified internist specializing in functional medicine and the best-selling author of The GutSMART Protocol. In addition to dramatically improving overall health, his protocol incorporates science-backed lifestyle modifications that have been shown to optimize gut health and reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer.

Optimizing Digestive Health

Research has proven that chronic inflammation is highly correlated with the development of colorectal cancer. A functional medicine approach begins by easing inflammation and then taking steps to restore the population of healthy bacteria in the gut by replenishing nutrients, repairing the gut lining, rebalancing the body and managing stress.

Putting out the fire in the gut: The first step is to remove the possibly offending triggers of inflammation, beginning with gluten; grains; dairy; sugar; soy; nutrientdepleted foods containing artificial ingredients, preservatives and additives; processed foods; genetically modified foods; and any ingredient for which there is a sensitivity. A practitioner can also test for and address chronic illnesses that may be impacting the gut such as hepatitis, Epstein-Barr and other viral and fungal infections.

Replenishing nutrients: To restore the vitamins, minerals, nutrients and other essential ingredients needed for proper digestion and absorption, it is important to incorporate more organic, whole foods in the diet, but that is not the full story. As Pedre explains, “There is not one right diet. If you eat foods that you cannot break down into little nutrients and absorb, then it doesn’t get broken down and tends to feed bad bugs that can grow inside of you. We really need to think about whether our gut is capable of breaking

down the foods we actually eat because that is really what determines whether the diet is right for you.”

In his book, Pedre offers a quiz that helps people determine their level of gut dysfunction. Alternatively, a practitioner can evaluate stomach acid and digestive enzyme levels to ensure that food is being broken down properly. “Digestive enzyme supplements can help pick up where your body might be falling short, breaking down your foods, making them more digestible,” explains Steven Wright, co-founder of the Healthy Gut Company. To help support the gut microbiome, Pedre recommends altering the diet to increase the number and quantity of vegetables and fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi.

Restoring the balance of good bacteria in the gut: Crucial for colon and overall health is a robust population in the gut of probiotics (the good bacteria) and prebiotics (the food for probiotics). Fermented foods are excellent probiotic sources, while green, leafy vegetables and other high-fiber foods, as well as asparagus, carrots, garlic, leeks, raw onions, radishes and tomatoes, are some of the best prebiotics. If levels are insufficient with just food, probiotic and prebiotic supplementation may be necessary.

Repairing the gut lining: Our intestines are lined with millions of cells that create a tight barrier—the gut lining—which in essence determines what is absorbed into the bloodstream and what stays in the gut to eventually be eliminated. When the gut lining is not healthy, however, the barrier is not able to perform its job properly, allowing toxins and bacteria to leak into the body and preventing the system from properly absorbing nutrients. To repair the lining naturally, it is imperative to eat plenty of organic, whole foods that include zinc; vitamins A, C, D and E; omega-3 fatty acids; and selenium.

Rebalancing our lifestyle: “Slowing down when you eat and saying some prayers between bites is a real big deal,” Wright advises. “It allows your gut to make acid in your stomach and make enzymes work in your intestines.” He also recommends playing and spending time outdoors with our hands in the dirt and breathing in the smells and molecules that “tell our body that it is a normal environment.” Activities like gardening and yard work add diversity of microbes from the soil and will help to balance our microbiome.

Managing stress: “Stress is an attack on your gut, a self-induced attack,” Pedre notes. By incorporating coping techniques, exercise routines, consistent sleep patterns and time in nature, we help optimize gut healing and maintain the body’s well-being and balance.

Madiha Saeed is a holistic, functional and integrative doctor in Naperville, Illinois, and director of education for Documenting Hope and KnoWEwell.

Intuitive & Healing Arts

Energy Medicine

ONE LIGHT HEALING TOUCH

Penny and Ron Lavin, MA Sessions and Schools 845-878-5165 • OLHT1.com

Healing Sanctuary

MOSS AND MOONLIGHT

Reiki, Women Circles, Yoga, Workshops, In-person & Virtual Hopewell Junction

MossAndMoonLight.com

Intuitive Card Readings

PURPLE LOTUS ZEN

Psychic Card Readings, Medium & Energy Healing 914-513-8398

PurpleLotusZen.com

Intuitive Healing

WHITE LOTUS GRACE

Healing/Dance/Readings 845-677-3517

Millbrook & Remote

WhiteLotusGrace.com

New Age Stores

PERSEPHONE’S PEARL

1014 B Main St., Peekskill 914-737-3460

PersephonesPearl.com

UNIVERSAL HEALING ARTS

Metaphysical, Crystals, More!

Cortlandt Manor 914-737-HEAL

SoulConnectionShop.com

Psychic Medium

CELESTIAL TOUCH

Laura Schek, Psychic Medium, Reiki Master 7 Arch St., Pawling 845-244-1767

CelestialTouchllc.com

Reiki

BALANCING 4 LIFE

Anne Bentzen, Jikiden Reiki Certified Teacher/Practitioner 25 Broadway, Pleasantville 914-588-4079

Balancing4Life.com

NATALIE RAPINI, LMT

Reiki Practitioner 175 King St., Chappaqua By appt. 914-275-1865

Tarot

MARTHA'S TAROT

Angel Tarot Readings

Reading, Classes, Meditations 845-288-1890

MarthasTarot.com

nikkized/123rf.com

The Energy Enhancement System

Achieve Higher States of Health, Consciousness and Self-Actualization

By steffenak AdobeStock

After working in the pharmaceutical industry for 27 years, Dr. Michelle Adams, realized there was a more natural way to treat disease, which led her to open Quantum Healing & Wellness, a holistic health and wellness center located in Bedford Hills, New York.

The center proudly features a 24-Unit Energy Enhancement System (EESystem). “In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and environmental factors take a toll on our health, innovative wellness solutions like the EESystem are gaining attention for their potential health benefits,” she says, noting that approximately 300 public centers in the U.S. now offer it. “The expansion is worldwide in over 48 countries through the efforts of Jason Shurka, founder of the UNIFYD Healing Network, a humanitarian mission to raise awareness for this technology and

make it more affordable and accessible to everyone around the world.”

The EESystem, Adams’ favorite modality offered at the center, uses custom built and precisely installed units and computer screens developed to create a specific energetic environment of bio-photonic fusion filled with a unique blend of bioactive fields. “These fields are specially designed to produce Nicola Tesla’s scalar waves, a concept rooted in quantum physics,” she explains. “Scalar waves are believed to interact with the body’s biofield, influencing the electrical charge of our cells, promoting various health benefits.”

According to Adams, “Our cells are not just influenced by physical and chemical factors; they are also responsive to the energetic environment surrounding them. This is where

the EESystem’s role becomes vital. It’s based on the principle that by creating an environment with an energetic resonance of 70 to 90 millivolts, it can encourage our cells to synchronize with this optimal charge.” Adams asserts that this synchronization is crucial because a cell’s health and functionality is maximized when it maintains an electrical charge within this range.

Adams invites us to imagine the EESystem as a charging station for the body’s cells. “Just like how a battery needs the right charge to function effectively, our cells need an optimal electrical charge for health,” she affirms. “The EESystem, through its generation of scalar waves, acts like a continuous source of ‘energy nourishment’ for our cells, helping them to maintain or regain their ideal electrical charge while restoring balance and rejuvenating the body at a cellular level.”

The EESystem has been shown to be beneficial in the areas of stress reduction, energy enhancement, improved sleep, faster healing processes, increased mental clarity and enhanced cognitive function.

Adams attests that the Energy Enhancement System presents an intriguing addition to the world of alternative healing modalities. “By harnessing the power of scalar energy, it offers a non-invasive way to support stress reduction, improve energy and sleep,” she says. “As we continue to explore the intersection of technology and wellness, systems like the EESystem represent a frontier in understanding and enhancing our body’s innate healing capabilities.”

The center also offers a salt room, infrared sauna with red-light therapy, yoga and microcirculation therapy (Avacen), among other services including Dr. Adams’ detoxification consults.

Location: 7-9 Norm Ave., Bedford Hills. For more information or to make an appointment, call 914-218-3428, email Info@ QuantumHealingAndWellnesspma.com or visit QuantumHealingAndWellnesspma.com. See ad, page 30.

By PheelingsMediaon

Yoga, Pilates & Fitness Network

Dance

MILLBROOK

WHITE LOTUS BALLET

Heal, Dance, Stretch South Rd. 845-677-3517

WhiteLotusBallet.com

Fitness Studios

MAHOPAC

HEALTH-BALANCED

FITNESS

Fitness for Active Aging

900 South Lake Blvd., Ste. 6 845-216-6810

HealthBalanced.com

Movement Centers

CORTLANDT MANOR

EXPRESSION DANCE & WELLNESS

Dance. Yoga. Wellness 2141 Crompond Rd. 914-293-7021

ExpressionDanceWellness.com

COLD SPRING ASCEND CENTER + COLLECTIVE

Yoga. Pilates. Dance. Wellness 75 Main St. 846-265-4444

AscendCenter.com

Yoga Associations

YOGA TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

Workshops 2nd Sat. 1:30 p.m. Club Fit, Briarcliff Manor and via Zoom; YTAYoga.com

Yoga Retreats

YOGA IN THE ADIRONDACKS, LLC 2 Coulter Rd., Bakers Mills 518-251-3015 • 914-494-2266

YogaInTheAdirondacks.com

Yoga Studios

AMENIA AMENIA YOGA

A Place for Wellness 18 Old North Rd. 646-401-4188

AmeniaYoga.com

BEDFORD HILLS

QUANTUM HEALING & WELLNESS

7 Norm Ave. 914-218-3428

QuantumHealingAndWellnessPMA.com

BREWSTER

LUNA POWER YOGA

Move, Sweat & Breathe 175 East Main St. 845-276-4619

LunaPowerYoga.com

TULA YOGA FOR WELLNESS

Group, Privates, Specialties 22 Sutton Place 914-806-3286

TulaYogaForWellness.com

DOBBS FERRY

SACRED SPIRIT YOGA & HEALING ARTS CENTER

343 Broadway (on campus of South Presbyterian Church) SacredSpiritYogaCenter.org

MAHOPAC

PUTNAM YOGA

30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place 845-494-8118

PutnamYoga.com

PEEKSKILL

PRANAMOON YOGA

In Studio + Zoom

1000 N. Division St., 2H 845-528-0318

PranaMoonYoga.com

SOMERS

ZEN GARDEN HEALTH

COACHING & YOGA

Edit Babboni; CHC, RYT 200 61 Lakeview Dr., Yorktown Heights 917-721-2529

Ear Infections

Holistic Treatments for Kids

by Jennifer Zethner, RN, MS, CPNP

More than two-thirds of children develop at least one ear infection by the time they are 3 years old, and a third of these kids experience three or more episodes. “Ear infections may be painful, can lead to complications and are stressful for the child and their parents,” says Andy Smith, a chiropractic doctor who treats adults and children in Denville, New Jersey. But as children grow, the structures in their ears enlarge, their immune systems strengthen and their risk of infections decreases, with most youngsters outgrowing ear infections by age 5.

The common ear infection, or acute otitis media (AOM), is caused by a buildup of mucus in the middle ear and is accompanied by pain, fever, redness, swelling and possibly discharge, as viewed through an otoscope by a pediatric provider. Mucus can develop from nasal congestion and cough associated with the common cold, as well as from inflammation caused by diet, allergens, smoke, mold and other environmental toxins.

Symptoms of an ear infection in babies and toddlers include tugging on their ears, irritability and fever. Older children may complain of ear pain that may worsen when lying down, have a fever or display irritability, clinginess, decreased activity, loss of appetite, dizziness, vomiting or difficulty hearing. AOM may be caused by bacteria or viruses. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly urges pediatric providers to wait and watch before prescribing antibiotics for ear infections because they often clear on their own within two to three days.

Children may also develop fluid in the middle ear without signs of an infection, pain or fever. Middle-ear fluid can be chronic and may lead to hearing loss and speech delays. Symptoms can include complaints of difficulty hearing, lingering cough and nasal congestion, or no symptoms at all. If a child is diagnosed with AOM and does not have pain or fever, parents should work with their pediatric provider to address the cause of the buildup of fluid rather than treat it with unnecessary antibiotics.

Prevention Strategies

Ear infections may be prevented by avoiding foods that lead to inflammation and mucus development. Many parents report their child’s first ear infection between 1 and 2 years old when they switch from formula or breast milk to dairy, including milk, butter, yogurt, cheese and ice cream. Dairy may also be an ingredient in prepared or processed foods found at the grocery store. Dairy is associated with recurrent AOM because it causes mucus production in the body.

Frequent ear infections may also be caused by other food sensitivities or allergies to eggs, nuts, soy, corn or gluten, as well as exposure to environmental allergens. A child with recurring infections should consider a food elimination diet to identify the culprit. Avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke,

wood burning stoves, scented detergents, shampoos, conditioners, body care products, candles, air fresheners and other artificially scented items can also decrease the risk of developing an ear infection and its symptoms.

Breastfed infants have a decreased risk of developing ear infections, according to a study in the journal Pediatrics. A healthy diet for a child or breastfeeding mom aids in optimal bowel function, which decreases the risk of mucus proliferation. Healing foods include organic, leafy greens and other vegetables; seasonal fruits; seeds; nuts; beans; seafood; seaweeds; whole grains; healing roots, such as turmeric and ginger; and plenty of water.

Natural Treatments

• Rest.

• Increase fluid intake, but avoid overly sugary drinks.

• Eat a healthy diet that includes warm, home-cooked meals that include garlic, onion, turmeric and ginger.

• Avoid dairy, processed foods and sugary, floury, cold and raw foods.

• Ear drops containing mullein or garlic oil assist in decreasing inflammation associated with AOM, unless there is discharge from the ear, which can indicate a ruptured eardrum. Breast milk can also be used as ear drops to decrease inflammation.

• Gentle massage with essential oils containing oregano or lavender to the outer ear and surrounding area assists in clearing mucus. However, never place these oils inside the ear.

• “Chiropractic care is often effective in decreasing the symptoms and removing the cause of AOM,” says Smith. “It enhances the brain-ear neurological control. A chiropractic treatment also improves cervical and thoracic lymphatic drainage, which allows the inner ear to properly drain.”

• Homeopathic remedies, such as belladonna, ferrum phosphate, pulsatilla, chamomilla and silica, may reduce symptoms. For optimal results, consult with a homeopath.

• Vitamins C and D, zinc and elderberry boost immune function and aid in fighting many infections. Check with a pediatric provider to determine the appropriate dosage for a child.

As a holistic pediatric nurse practitioner on Long Island, New York, Jennifer Zethner focuses on the root cause of chronic and acute childhood conditions.

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Calendar of Events

Please call ahead to confirm times and dates. Pre-register early to insure events will have a minimum number to take place. To place a calendar listing, email us before March 8 (for the April 2024 issue) and adhere to our guidelines. Email Admin@WakeUpNaturally.com for guidelines on how to submit listings.

Friday, March 1

Quit with Quinn, Addiction-Free Naturally –6:30pm, lasts 30-45min. Quit with Quinn addiction-cessation treatments bring remarkable, fast and sustainable results for overcoming all sorts of addictions. Q & A regarding smoking, alcohol, sugar, overeating, weight loss. Free. Details: 914473-2015; QuitWithQuinn.com.

Saturday, March 2

Old-Fashioned Winter’s Afternoon – 12-3pm. Enjoy log-sawing, archery, maple sugaring, live raptor shows, fire-roasted marshmallows, archery, winter-themed carnival games, and fun crafts like candle-making and decorating walking sticks! We will also have soup, hot dogs, waffles, and popcorn. All ages are welcome for this fun-filled afternoon. $15. Rye Nature Center, 873 Boston Post Rd., Rye. Info/register: RyeNatureCenter.org.

Sound Healing Basics – 3-6pm. With Sekhem Sound Healer, Marissa Dinki. Learn the basics of sound healing with crystal bowls, singing bowls, chimes and tuning forks. $88. Universal Healing Arts, Cortlandt Manor, 914-737-4325. Register: UniversalHealingArts.com.

Sunday, March 3

Reiki Infused Sound Bath – 3-4:30pn. This restorative opportunity is ideal for those looking to find time to unwind and find healing and peace. Also, the chance to restore your nervous system and enjoy a deeply meditative experience. Let Marissa’s healing sound waves wash over you, while Rebecca comes around with collective and hands-on reiki (an energy healing modality) for each participant. $55. Luna Power Yoga, 175 E. Main St., Brewster. Info/register: 845-2764619; LunaPowerYoga.com/upcoming-events.

Monday, March 4

Tai Chi – 8:30am. This is a gentle class. Increase muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. Still Mind Tai Chi, 398 S. Central Ave., Scarsdale. Pricing/info: 914-648-0492.

Wednesday, March 6

Uniting for Change: Harnessing the Power of Community – 9am. Join Catskill Hudson AHEC upcoming community event where we will discuss the importance of community partnerships to advance health equity and literacy. Light breakfast and networking. Free. Family Partnership Center, 29 N. Hamilton St., Poughkeepsie. More info: 845-883-7260.

NEXT DEADLINE

3/8/24

Friday, March 8

Laughing Yoga – 11am-12pm Embark on a journey of joy and rejuvenation with our Laughing Yoga event in the Energy Enhancement System. Immerse yourself in a unique blend of laughter, mindfulness, and positive energy that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized. Free but registration is required. Quantum Healing & Wellness, 7 Norm Ave., Ste. 202, Bedford Hills. Info/register: 914-218-3428; QuantumHealingAndWellnesspma.com/events.

Quit with Quinn, Addiction-Free Naturally –6:30pm, lasts 30-45min. Quit with Quinn addiction-cessation treatments bring remarkable, fast and sustainable results for overcoming all sorts of addictions. Q & A regarding smoking, alcohol, sugar, overeating, weight loss. Free. Details: 914473-2015; QuitWithQuinn.com.

Saturday, March 9

Reiki Level 1 & 2 Training – 10am-4pm. Mar. 9 & 10. Start your reiki practitioner journey with us to facilitate healing for yourself and others this weekend. $350. Moss and Moonlight Sanctuary for Healing Arts, Hopewell Junction. Info/register: MossAndMoonlight.com/calendar.

How to Practice Conscious Business: Five Steps to Empowered Growth as a Wellness Practitioner – 1:304:30pm. With Laura Cornell. Learn from a pro how to focus your offerings and harness your divine power to attract clients and grow your yoga or other wellness business. Gain tips and inspiration to grow your clientele, increase income, and boost confidence. Held via Zoom, $45 members/$65 nonmembers. Learn more/ register: Gina Callender: 914-374-9749. ytayoga.com.

Hudson Valley 5 Rhythms – 5-6:30pm. Mar. 9 & 30. 5Rhythms is a dance practice in which participants gather in a supportive community, dancing instinctively to music, guided by a certified teacher/DJ. It is a combination between group meditation and dancing with the ecstatic abandon of someone who is absolutely certain they are all alone, but instead are in a supportive community. $20. Ascend Center, 75 Main St., Cold Spring. Register: AscendCenter.com/events-summary.

Sunday, March 10

Native American Style Drumming Circle –2-4pm. Scott Nelson leads to help you raise your vibration and release low residue following Native American traditions. Extra drums and shakers. Families welcome with children 10 and up. Adults $25. Balancing 4 Life, 25 Broadway, Ste. 101, Pleasantville. Preregister: Call or text Anne Bentzen at 914588-4079; Balancing4Life.com/upcoming-events.

Somatic Release Breathwork – 5-6:30pm. Somatic Release Breathwork is a healing practice to release trauma, stress and tension that has been stored in the body. Through guided breath patterns, NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) and co-regulation of your nervous system this modality is self-healing on a deep subconscious level. In this practice we access the sympathetic nervous system to allow what’s been stuck in the body to be expressed and moved out and invite in new more useful patterns.$30. Ascend Center, 75 Main St., Cold Spring. Register: AscendCenter.com/events-summary.

Tuesday, March 12

Free Online Lecture: “Eliminating Toxins” Kidney/Liver Health – 7-8 pm. Dr. Somesh N. Kaushik, an Ayurvedic and Naturopathic physician, will hold a free online lecture, “Food as Medicine: Eliminating Toxins: Kidney/Liver Health,” through the Pawling Free Library. Held online. Registration required through the library: 845-855-3444 or PawlingFreeLibrary.org.

Wednesday, March 13

Brain Health & Blood Sugar – 12-1pm. Join Dr. Cornelia Lenherr, MD, to learn how chronically elevated blood sugar leads to impaired glucose metabolism, insulin resistance and, potentially, cognitive decline. Participants will gain an understanding of normal/abnormal blood glucose and how diet and other lifestyle factors affect brain health. Info: SharpAgain.org/event/brain-healthblood-sugar.

The Power of Gesture – 4-5:30pm. Experience the power of gestures, a unique moving meditation created by Jen Aks, Embodiment Coach. Gain mastery over your emotions, gain clarity and confidence to be you. $44. Balancing 4 Life, 25 Broadway, Ste. 101, Pleasantville. Preregister: Call or text Anne Bentzen at 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com/upcoming-events.

Eyes... and the Brain – 7-9pm. Vision is so much more than 20/20 eyesight! Learn to reduce visual stress & make more efficient use of your vision at any age! Free. Dr. Samantha Slotnick, 495 Central Park Ave., Ste. 301, Scarsdale. RSVP: 914-8741177; DrSlotnick.com.

Thursday, March 14

Boundaries & Protection – 6:30pm. During our time together online, we will look at what Boundaries & Protection are, why we need them and why they are particularly important if you are empathic/sensitive and/or work in the healing arts. Online via Zoom. $50. 203-767-5954. SoulHealingJourney.com.

Friday, March 15

Quit with Quinn, Addiction-Free Naturally –6:30pm, lasts 30-45min. Quit with Quinn addiction-cessation treatments bring remarkable, fast and sustainable results for overcoming all sorts of addictions. Q & A regarding smoking, alcohol, sugar, overeating, weight loss. Free. Details: 914473-2015; QuitWithQuinn.com.

Friday Night Happy Hour Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. Fun and powerful Vinyasa flow class set to varying musical playlists each month. It is great for all levels, with simple modifications for beginner yogis and plenty of variations for those with a more advanced practice. Be prepared to build heat through Asana and Pranayama in this invigorating, musically inspired workout. No better way to start off a weekend then by energizing yourself amongst friends, music and a Disco Ball! $20. Ascend Center, 75 Main St., Cold Spring. Register: AscendCenter.com/events-summary.

Saturday, March 16

Rejuvenate Wellness Retreat – 10am-2pm. Enjoy a day of wellness to rejuvenate and restore. Begin your day with a yoga class focused on healing energies in the body. Then join the Culinary Classroom to taste and learn from a professional healthy chef about the benefits of whole food green smoothies. Lunch break is catered by Hayfields and includes free time to enjoy the lovely Weil Preserve. Retreat concludes with a deeply relaxing restorative yoga session accompanied by live sound bowl healing. $120. Tula Yoga for Wellness, Held at Weil Preserve, 3 Willow Ln., North Salem. Info/register: 914-806-3286. TulaYogaForWellness.com.

Mark Your Calendar

Omega Institute for Holistic Studies

A nonprofit educational retreat center in the heart of the Hudson Valley.

Open May through October offering more than 300 workshops with world-class teachers.

150 Lake Dr., Rhinebeck

For information and registration: eOmega.org • 877-944-200

Sunday, March 17

Stargate Circle Free Meditation Gathering –2-4pm. Join other locals connecting with a global Stargate family to experience meditations channeled by Prageet Harris and Jules Conard of Stargate Experience Academy to expand your consciousness. Free. Balancing 4 Life, 25 Broadway, Ste. 101, Pleasantville. Preregister: Call or text Anne Bentzen at 914588-4079; Balancing4Life.com/upcoming-events.

Monday, March 18

Baby Social Hour – 10:30-11:30am. For ages birth-12 months with a parent/caregiver. Play is essential to the development of young children. It contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children. Bring your little one for an hour of play and socialization! Scarsdale Public Library, 54 Olmsted Rd., Scarsdale. Info: Erin Goldberg, 914-358-6078.

Tuesday, March 19

An Evening with Spirit – 7-8:30pm. Celebrate the Spring Equinox with psychic Jessica Lawrence as she connects with your ancestors in a group reading. Bring clarity to your life issues. Everyone benefits even if you do not personally receive a reading. Limit 20. $44. Balancing 4 Life, 25 Broadway, Ste. 101, Pleasantville. Preregister: Call or text Anne Bentzen at 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com/upcoming-events.

Calendar of Events

Wednesday, March 20

Sound Meditation with Reverb Yogi – 6:30-7:30pm. Relax and connect with your breath on a journey of sacred instruments and sounds. Vinny Colandrea of Reverb Yoga will be guide a meditation and immerse the room in the soothing vibrations of gongs, crystal bowls, and chimes. The intention for the evening is to create space for you to find a deeper state of calm and self-care. $30. Ascend Center, 75 Main St., Cold Spring. Register: AscendCenter.com/events-summary.

Saturday, March 23

Restorative Remedy – 10am-4pm. Receive 1-hour private reiki and sound therapy session from two practitioners for deep relaxation, peace, renewal; all to yourself, or with a partner, during this one-day pop up. $200. Moss and Moonlight Sanctuary for Healing Arts, Hopewell Junction. Info/register: MossAndMoonlight.com/calendar.

Spring Kirtan – 2-4pm. With Jane Slotnick. Join this special bhakti yoga gathering to welcome the coming of spring! Kirtan is a call-and-response style of singing a mantra invoking one of the Hindu gods with roots in the Vedic tradition. The musical vibrations lead you to a place of well-being as we create a unique experience together. No experience

Ongoing Events

necessary. $15 members/$18 nonmembers. Held in Nyack. Learn more/register: Gina Callender: 914-374-9749. ytayoga.com.

Sunday, March 24

ZenCraft Reiki Workshop – 11:30am-1:30pm. Embark on a 2-hour soul-nourishing journey at our ZenCraft Reiki Workshop, a synergistic blend of meditation, Reiki healing, and the art of crafting Mala bracelets. This immersive experience is designed to bring balance to your mind, channel healing energies through your body, and allow your creativity to manifest in a tangible, wearable reminder of your inner peace. $77. Luna Power Yoga, 175 E. Main St., Brewster. Info/register: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.com/upcoming-events.

Tuesday, March 26

Zen Meditation– 6pm. Join Hudson Valley Books for Humanity and Yorktown Zen for an hour of silent meditation, including two 25-minute sitting periods and a short walking meditation. Free. Questions: 914-847-0773.

Thursday, March 28

Triduum Retreat: Celebrate Holy Week – 5pm.

Mar. 28-31. We invite you to join us once again at the Center at Mariandale for our Triduum Retreat. Experience the fullness of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil. Triduum is a time to immerse yourself in the true meaning of Easter, all as one rich and meaningful movement of transformation, from death through resurrection. $375, includes accommodations, meals, and materials. The Center at Mariandale, 299 North Highland Ave., Ossining. Info/pricing: 914941-4455; Mariandale.org.

Saturday, March 30

Easter Egg Hunt with Bluey – 10am. For kids ages 2-6. Join Bluey for an indoor Easter Egg Hunt! Children will do a short craft and then an egg hunt with Bluey herself and take pictures. Afterwards, kids can enjoy some bounce time. $30. Shake it Off, 365 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale. Info/register: 914-479-8843.

Wednesday, April 3

The ABC’s of Preschool Vision – 7-9pm. Crawling, walking, speaking… but is my child’s VISUAL development on track? Recognize the early signs of visual disturbances in time to correct their course. Free. Dr. Samantha Slotnick, 495 Central Park Ave., Ste. 301, Scarsdale. RSVP: 914-8741177; DrSlotnick.com.

Ongoing Calendar listings must be resent quarterly for our April, July & October editions. Email listings to Admin@WakeUpNaturally.com

Sunday

Luna Power Flow – 9:30-10:30am. This all-levels

Vinyasa-based class provides the opportunity to ground through mindful movement and build strength and endurance through power-driven flows. Modifications offered. $25 drop-in. Luna Power Yoga, 175 East Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-2764619; LunaPowerYoga.com.

Wayfinders on the Hudson: Moon Sisters –9:30am – 12:30pm. Sundays Mar. 10, Apr. 7, May 5, Jun. 1-2) For female-identifying youth ages 12-14. Moon Sisters supports a blossoming community of girls committed to the Wayfinders values of caring for ourselves, each other, and the earth. $1,000 (scholarships available; includes all materials and fees and camping weekend). Lenoir Preserve, 19 Dudley St.. Yonkers. Info/register: WayfindersOnTheHudson.com/moon-sisters-registration.

Journey into Power Yoga Class – 9:30-11am. This 90-min signature class is a journey to vitality, power and freedom. All levels. $25 drop-in; class cards and memberships available. RedTail Power Yoga, 810 Rte. 82, Hopewell Junction. Info: RedTailPowerYoga.com; 845-605-2257.

Hudson Valley Regional Farmers Market – 10am2pm. Year-round. 15 Mt. Ebo Rd. South, Brewster. Info: HudsonValleyFarmersMarket.org.

Foundations of Yoga – 1-2:15pm. With Robin Palmer. Develop a deeper understanding of the foundations of yoga, exploring asana (body posture) and pranayama (breath work) and yogic philosophy. All levels welcome. $17. PranaMoon Yoga, 1000 N. Division St., Ste. 2H, Peekskill. Info/register: 845528-0318; PranaMoonYoga.com.

Monday

TLC Online Holistic Networking Morning –8:30-10am. 2nd Mon. Are you a holistic health and wellness practitioner? A healthy living entrepreneur offering services, products, classes and workshops? Join us for breakfast! We are a vibrant and growing community committed to living consciously and offering healthy lifestyle opportunities through our businesses and passions. Come the first time as Beth’s guest, and later become a TLC member. RSVP to Beth at 203-856-9566 (call/text).

Barre Sculpt – 9am. A challenging total body workout utilizing low-impact and high-intensity movements to improve strength and flexibility. BYO mat. Grip socks recommended. $35 per class or monthly packages available. Barrebelle by Joelle, 83 N. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua. Info/register: 646734-6964; BarreBelleByJoelle.com.

1-hour L1 Alignment Vinyasa – 9:30am. All classes include movement, breathwork and meditation. Beginners welcome. $20 drop-in; call for packages. Tula Yoga for Wellness, 22 Sutton Place, Brewster. Info: 914-806-3286; TulaYogaForWellness.com.

Yoga for Back Care – 9:30-10:45am. Class designed specifically for back care includes restorative and supported active poses. This slower paced class is a good class if you have back pain, injuries, or specific individual needs. $22. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

Flow & Align with Sarah – 9:30-10:45am. Move mindfully through breath-centered sequences while fine tuning your alignment through the creative use of props. $17. PranaMoon Yoga, 1000 N. Division St., Ste. 2H, Peekskill. Info/register: 845-528-0318; PranaMoonYoga.com.

Slow Flow Yoga – 9:45-10:45am. (No class Dec. 25). This all-levels class combines the benefits of both dynamic and static postures, providing a balanced practice with mindful sequencing that follows the ebb and flow of the seasons. $20 single class, $72 4-class card. Embodied Arts & Wellness, 201 Scarborough Rd., Briarcliff Manor. Questions: Lucia Rich, 720-224-7930. Info/register: EmbodiedArtsAndWellness.com.

All-Level Vinyasa Flow Yoga – 11am. This class is meant to relax, stretch and rejuvenate the body and mind. $15. Expression Dance & Wellness, 2141 Crompond Rd., Cortlandt Manor. Info/register: 914293-7021; ExpressionDanceWellness.com.

Vinyasa Yoga – 11am. Relaxing and rejuvenating all level vinyasa flow class $20. Expression Dance & Wellness, 2141 Crompond Rd., Cortlandt Manor. Info/register: 914-293-7012; ExpressionDanceWellness.com.

Wise & Strong Zoom – 11:30am. Women need all the muscles they can get! Using body-weight and resistance bands, post menopausal women gain back muscle strength, safe and efficiently. Safe for women with osteoporosis. $15. Held via Zoom. Offered by Amenia Yoga – A Place for Wellness. Info/register: 646-401-4188; AmeniaYoga.com.

Gentle Hatha Yoga – 4pm. This gentle class begins with breath work, then gentle yoga poses follow, ending with relaxation. All levels are welcome. Held in person & virtually. Arrive 10-15 min before your first class to fill out our health care form and pay. $20 or $10 for seniors 65 and older (cash or check).

Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. No reservations needed. Questions: PutnamYoga.com.

All Levels Iyengar Yoga – 5:30pm. Yoga that emphasizes safety, optimal body alignment, and attention to detail. Modifications will be given as necessary for those new to yoga, injuries, or certain medical conditions. $22. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

Adult Dance Fitness – 6pm. Stretch & condition. Learn a fun new dance combination weekly and challenge your body and mind. Increase self-esteem while having fun! $15. Expression Dance & Wellness, 2141 Crompond Rd., Cortlandt Manor. Info/register: 914293-7021; ExpressionDanceWellness.com.

Luna Power Flow – 6-7pm. This all-levels Vinyasabased class provides the opportunity to ground through mindful movement and build strength and endurance through power-driven flows. Modifications offered. $25 drop-in. Luna Power Yoga, 175 East Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.com.

Reiki-Infused Restorative Yoga – 7pm. A restful practice that holds yoga poses (asanas) for a longer duration using props like yoga blocks, blankets, and bolsters. It is a practice of deep relaxation that emphasizes the meditative aspect of yoga—the union of body and mind. $20. Blue Lotus Yoga & Healing, 5 Dover Village Plaza, Ste. 3, Dover Plains. Register: 845-2423625; BlueLotusYogaHealing.com.

Reiki Circle – 7-8pm. 1st Mon. Class includes breathing exercise, visual meditation and guided instruction of hand placements for self-treatment utilizing universal life force energy, known as Reiki. Held via Zoom. $18. Info/register: 914-513-8398; PurpleLotusZen.com.

Tuesday

Moderate Kripalu-Based Yoga – 9:30-11am. With Chris Glover. For more experienced practitioners. Nurturing, yet strengthening. Develops a calm nervous system and embodied awareness thru compassionate self-observation. In-person or virtual. Info/ register: SacredSpiritYogacenter.org.

Scalar Restorative & Reiki Yoga Class – 9:30am. Cultivate mindfulness and release stress and find physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. Restorative Yoga is appropriate for all levels, and is practiced at a slow pace, focusing on long holds, stillness, and deep breathing. $45. Quantum Healing & Wellness, 7 Norm Ave., Ste. 202, Bedford Hills. Info/register: 914-2183428; QuantumHealingAndWellnesspma.com/events.

Green Street Radio – 10am. With Patti and Doug Wood. Environmental news, analysis and sciencebased information. Info: GreenStreetRadio.com. 99.5 FM and WBAI.org.

Chair Yoga – 10:30am. With Lisa Cito. A gentle form of yoga. Improves flexibility, strength, and balance $12. Universal Healing Arts, Cortlandt Manor, 914-737-4325. Register: UniversalHealingArts.com. Fall Prevention and Balance Class with Elena – 3-4pm. Balance and functional training. Fall prevention strategies. All levels are welcome. Inperson at Health Balanced Fitness Studio, 900 South Lake Blvd, Ste. 6, Mahopac. $25 drop-in or $80/4 classes. For reservations: call/text 845-216-6810 or HealthBalanced.com.

Priceless lifetime, life-changing whole health bene ts for less than the cost of a smoothie a week!

Power Flow – 4:30-5:30pm. Fun and energetic class with a strong emphasis on breath, alignment and flow. $25 drop-in; class cards and memberships available. RedTail Power Yoga, 810 Rte. 82, Hopewell Junction. Info: 845-605-2257; RedTailPowerYoga.com.

Yoga for Educators – 4:30pm. With Elana Master. Cultivate the healing power within through chakrainformed yoga, breathwork, movement, and meditation. $20 or $15 4-class pass. Universal Healing Arts, Cortlandt Manor, 914-737-4325. Register: UniversalHealingArts.com.

Smooth and Steady – 5:30pm. Taking it slow and steady, we flow through slow movements and dynamic stretching, integrating breath to improve posture, balance and stability, core strength, and range of motion. $20. Amenia Yoga – A Place for Wellness, 18 Old North Rd., Amenia. Info/register: 646-401-4188; AmeniaYoga.com.

Yin Yoga – 5:30pm. This is a meditative slow practice. The postures are muscularly passive and held for 3-5 minutes, letting gravity do the stretching, no effort is involved. Arrive 10-15 min before your first class to fill out our health care form and pay. $20 or $10 for seniors 65 and older (cash or check). Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. No reservations needed. Questions: PutnamYoga.com.

Vinyasa Flow – 6-7pm. Fast-paced, energetic and fun weekly class. $22 drop-in; class package. Rhinebeck Yoga Center, 6400 Montgomery St., Flr. 3, Rhinebeck. 845-876-2528; RhinebeckYogaCenter.com.

Strong Vinyasa – 7pm. A Vinyasa-style class inspired by the Ashtanga lineage. This class integrates strength, flexibility, concentration, and contemplation through a series of traditional postures linked together through breath and movement. $20. Blue Lotus Yoga & Healing, 5 Dover Village Plaza, Ste. 3, Dover Plains. Register: 845-242-3625; BlueLotusYogaHealing.com.

Open Vinyasa with Kristi – 7pm. In this all levels, uplifting Vinyasa class, each student will experience their own personal journey finding increased strength, balance, flexibility, and a sense of personal growth and discovery. $17. PranaMoon Yoga, 1000 N. Division St., Ste. 2H, Peekskill. Info/register: 845-528-0318; PranaMoonYoga.com.

Tarot & Tea – 7-8pm. 2nd Tues. This program is good for those curious about psychic readings. Offered via Zoom. $18 per person (for adult females only). Info/ register: 914-513-8398; PurpleLotusZen.com.

Wednesday

TLC Networking Breakfast in Mount Kisco – 8:3010am. 3rd Wednesday. Are you a holistic health and wellness practitioner? A healthy living entrepreneur offering services, products, classes and workshops? Join us for breakfast! We are a vibrant and growing community committed to living consciously and offering healthy lifestyle opportunities through our businesses and passions. Come the first time as Beth’s guest, and later become a TLC member. RSVP to Beth at 203-856-9566 (call/text).

Gentle Embodied Yoga – 9am. With Elana Master. Connect with your body, and release tension with Gentle poses and movements. $20 or $15 4-class pass. Universal Healing Arts, Cortlandt Manor, 914737-4325. Register: UniversalHealingArts.com.

Luna Power Flow – 9:45-10:45am. This all-levels Vinyasa-based class provides the opportunity to ground through mindful movement and build strength and endurance through power-driven flows. Modifications offered. $25 drop-in. Luna Power Yoga, 175 East Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-2764619; LunaPowerYoga.com.

Chair Yoga for Healthy Aging – 11am. Participants practice poses seated in a chair or standing with assistance of a chair. Great for active older adults who want to build strength and improve balance, coordination, and posture. $20. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

Lunch Break Yoga – 12-12:30pm. Take a break from your workday with this 30 minute yoga stretch and relaxation. $15 in-studio. $10 virtual. Expression Dance & Wellness, 2141 Crompond Rd., Cortlandt Manor. Info/register: 914-293-7021; ExpressionDanceWellness.com.

The Magic of Intention - 1-2:30pm. (Wednesdays Mar. 6 – Apr. 24). In-person 8 week series led by Carol Canter, MSW based on Lynne McTaggert’s “Power of Eight” work. Learn the essential keys to effective intention setting for success in any area of your life. Group dynamics magnify intentions. $195. Balancing 4 Life, 25 Broadway, Ste. 101, Pleasantville. Preregister: Call or text Anne Bentzen at 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com/ upcoming-events.

Gentle Alignment Vinyasa – 4:30pm. 1-hour class includes movement, breath work and meditation. Beginners welcome. $20 drop-in; call for packages. Tula Yoga for Wellness, 22 Sutton Place, Brewster. Info/ register: 914-806-3286; TulaYogaForWellness.com. Yoga for Scoliosis – 5:30-7pm. 4-week series beginning Mar. 6. This series will teach you the foundational skills you need to work with scoliosis and/ or fusions, including understanding your curves and how to work with them. You will learn basic anatomy of the spine related to scoliosis and how to modify the poses so you may develop greater spinal length and create new patterns of movement. $205. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845-202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

Yoga Level ½ – 5:30pm. This class offers both basic and slightly more complex poses and flows. Great for beginners looking for a little more (with modifications) or for the intermediate yogi, looking for an added challenge. Arrive 10-15 min before your first class to fill out our healthcare form and pay. $20 or $10 for seniors 65 and older (cash or check). Putnam

Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. No reservations needed. Questions: PutnamYoga.com.

Restorative Chakra Informed Yoga – 5:45pm. With Elana Master. This class focuses on relaxing the body and mind through supported postures. $20 or $15 4-class pass. Universal Healing Arts, Cortlandt Manor, 914-737-4325. Register: UniversalHealingArts.com. Qigong Yoga with Justine – 6-7pm. This class will enhance strength, flexibility, balance. It will relieve stress, promote vitality for a calmer body and inner harmony. Beginners are welcome. In-person or via Zoom. Health Balanced Fitness Studio, 900 South Lake Blvd., Ste. 6, Mahopac. $25 drop-in or $80/4 classes; $22 online. For reservations: call/text 845216-6810 or HealthBalanced.com.

1-Hour Level 2 Vinyasa – 6pm. Class includes movement, breath work and meditation. $20 dropin; call for packages. Tula Yoga for Wellness, 22 Sutton Place, Brewster. Info/register: 914-806-3286; TulaYogaForWellness.com.

TLC Online Holistic Networking Evening –6-7:30pm. Last Wednesday. Are you a holistic health and wellness practitioner? A healthy living entrepreneur offering services, products, classes and workshops? Join us for breakfast! We are a vibrant and growing community committed to living consciously and offering healthy lifestyle opportunities through our businesses and passions. Come the first time as Beth’s guest, and later become a TLC member. RSVP to Beth at 203-856-9566 (call/text).

Thursday

TLC Networking Breakfast in Rye – 8:30-10am. Last Thursday of the month. Are you a holistic health and wellness practitioner? A healthy living entrepreneur offering services, products, classes and workshops? Join us for breakfast! We are a vibrant and growing community committed to living consciously and offering healthy lifestyle opportunities through our businesses and passions. Come the first time as Beth’s guest, and later become a TLC member. RSVP to Beth at 203-856-9566 (call/text).

1-Hour Gentle Alignment Yoga – 9:30am. Class includes movement, breath work and meditation. $20 drop-in; call for packages. Tula Yoga for Wellness, 22 Sutton Place, Brewster. Info/register: 914-806-3286; TulaYogaForWellness.com.

All Levels Iyengar Yoga – 9:30am. Yoga that emphasizes safety, optimal body alignment, and attention to detail. Modifications will be given as necessary for those new to yoga, injuries, or certain medical conditions. $22. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

Chair Yoga – 11am. A 40-min relaxing stretch and conditioning chair yoga class helps build strength and flexibility to alleviate pain and stress in the body. $15. Expression Dance & Wellness, 2141 Crompond Rd., Cortlandt Manor. Register: 914293-7021; ExpressionDanceWellness.com.

Chair Yoga/Balance with Elena – 12:30-1:30pm. Gentle, breath-based flow. Increases flexibility and joint mobility, reduces stress, and improves balance. Standing and seated exercises. No experience necessary. In-person on via Zoom. $25 drop-in or $80/4 classes; $22 online. Health Balanced Fitness Studio, 900 South Lake Blvd., Ste. 6, Mahopac. For reservations: call/text 845-216-6810 or HealthBalanced.com.

Stretch & Release – 4:30pm. This class focuses on increasing flexibility through deep stretching, functional movement and the occasional long-held stretch. Great class for beginner yogis or regular practitioners. Makes great cross-training option for athletes and high-impact workouts. Arrive 10-15 min before your first class to fill out our healthcare form and pay. $20 or $10 for seniors 65 and older (cash or check). Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. No reservations needed. Questions: PutnamYoga.com.

Yoga for Back Care – 5:30-6:45pm. This gentle yoga class is good for beginners, older students, and those desiring a slower paced class. Includes restorative poses as well as supported active poses. A good class for you if you have back pain, injuries, or specific individual needs. $22. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845-202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

Barre Pilates Blend Class – 6-6:50pm. Combining ballet inspired movements with Pilates alignment principles, this class incorporates light resistance with high repetition moves that challenge strength, coordination and balance. $25 drop-in or $80/4 classes. HealthBalanced Fitness Studio, 900 South Lake Blvd, Ste. 6, Mahopac. For reservation call/ text: 845-216-6810 or visit our website HealthBalanced.com.

Slow Flow Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. (Dec. 21 & Dec. 28). This all-levels class combines the benefits of both dynamic and static postures, providing a balanced practice with mindful sequencing that follows the ebb and flow of the seasons. $20 single class, $72 4-class card. Embodied Arts & Wellness, 201 Scarborough Rd., Briarcliff Manor. Questions: Lucia Rich, 720-224-7930. Info/register: EmbodiedArtsAndWellness.com.

Open Vinyasa with Kristi – 7pm. In this all levels, uplifting Vinyasa class, each student will experience their own personal journey finding increased strength, balance, flexibility, and a sense of personal growth and discovery. $17. PranaMoon Yoga, 1000 N. Division St., Ste. 2H, Peekskill. Info/register: 845-528-0318; PranaMoonYoga.com.

Women’s Healing Circle – 7-8pm. 3rd Thur. With Michelle B. Whitney, spiritual teacher, spiritual healer and wellness advocate and founder of Purple Lotus Zen. Each class will focus on an issue relating to women and will provide supporting exercises to related topic. A variety of modalities such as breathing exercise, visual meditation, reciting affirmations and guided instruction of hand placements for energy healing will be incorporated to promote relaxation and bring wellness to all participants. Program offered via Zoom $18. Info/register: 914-513-8398; PurpleLotusZen.com.

“Famunity” Chanting – 7-8:30pm. A weekly practice of love, love, love via beautiful Omnifaith Chanting (it’s like Kirtan for all traditions). If you love to sing – come! If you want to sing, but feel self- conscious – come and reclaim your voice! Event ends with sound healing. All are welcome. Brief check in and out. Love offerings accepted to honor the musicians. Held in person at The Healing House in Beacon. RSVP requested: text Eileen at 914-456-7789; EileenOhare.com.

Movement and Meditation – 7:30pm. For those who are more familiar with yoga, we incorporate yoga poses and techniques that are designed for in-depth strength training, as well as improvements in breathing, posture, and mobility. Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. Pricing/register: Christine Dodge, 845-494-8118; PutnamYoga.com.

Friday

Gentle/Moderate Kripalu-Based Yoga – 9:3011am. With Chris Glover. Gentle, nurturing, yet strengthening. Develops a calm nervous system and embodied awareness thru compassionate selfobservation. In-person or virtual. Info/register: SacredSpiritYogaCenter.org.

Wise & Strong – 9:30am. Muscle Strength Building Class for Post-Menopausal Women. We rebuild muscle strength with high-intensity, short-duration, and low-force with body weight and resistance bands. We overload muscles so they grow—it’s the safest and most efficient way to build muscles. $20. Amenia Yoga – A Place for Wellness, 18 Old North Rd., Amenia. Info/register: 646-401-4188; AmeniaYoga.com.

Healthy Spine Series – 10:30am-12pm. 3-week series starting Mar. 15. This specialized series will include a sequence of poses intended to lengthen and strengthen the spinal muscles, alleviate back pain, and support a healthy spine. Each week, we’ll focus on a specific area – low back, thoracic, and neck – providing you with a comprehensive and targeted approach to spine health. $85. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845-202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

Luna Gentle Flow – 5:30pm. This all-levels gentle class is geared towards those looking to ease into their practice, while still developing awareness of their body through stretching, strength building, and breathwork. Modifications offered. $25. Drop-in. Luna Power Yoga, 175 East Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.com.

Sound Meditation Thursdays – 7pm. With Marique Schimmel. We invite you to go on an intimate excursion with your breathe, your body and your whole being. All it takes is an open mind and a willingness to engage with yourself and a symphony of sonic vibrations. $25. Viale Yoga, 39 Main St., Bedford Hills. Preregister: VialeYoga.com.

Saturday

Yoga Teachers Association Workshops – 2nd Sat. Open to yoga teachers and practitioners, members, and nonmembers. In person at Club Fit, 584 N State Rd., Briarcliff Manor and/or via Zoom. Info/ schedule: 914-374-9749; ytayoga.com.

Barre Sculpt – 8:45am. A challenging total body workout utilizing low-impact and high-intensity movements to improve strength and flexibility. BYO mat. Grip socks recommended. $35 per class or monthly packages available. Barrebelle by Joelle, 83 N. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua. Info/register: 646734-6964; BarreBelleByJoelle.com.

An optimist is the human personification of spring.

—Susan J. Bissonette

1-hour L1 Alignment Vinyasa – 9am. With Kathy. All classes include movement, breath work and meditation. Beginners welcome. $20 dropin; call for packages. Tula Yoga for Wellness, 22 Sutton Place, Brewster. Info: 914-806-3286; TulaYogaForWellness.com.

Intermediate Kripalu-based Yoga – 9:1510:30am. With Kathleen Hinge. For more experienced practitioners who desire more of a challenge. Be guided through more advanced postures, and invited to hold poses longer and explore personal variations. In-person or virtual. Info/register: SacredSpiritYogaCenter.org.

Luna Power Flow – 9:30-10:30am. This all-levels Vinyasa-based class provides the opportunity to ground through mindful movement and build strength and endurance through power-driven flows. Modifications offered. $25 drop-in. Luna Power Yoga, 175 East Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-2764619; LunaPowerYoga.com.

Shamanic Soul Constellations – 10am-5pm. 1st Sat. Everyone circles up. Eileen O’Hare weaves simple shamanic healing tools with IFS/Parts Work and Family Constellation Wisdom into a powerfully loving and potent healing field in which everyone comes away lighter, brighter, feeling better. It’s like “Famunity” healing day! The “Famunity” co-creates a compassionate and tenderly curious circle of love and beauty in which everyone transforms. All are welcome. Come as an attendee ($75) or come with a piece of personal or ancestral healing work and take The Healing Chair ($140). Held in person at The Healing House in Beacon. RSVP requested: text Eileen at 914-456-7789; EileenOHare.com.

Yoga Props & Flow Tuesdays – 10am, With Francesca Bove. This class combines the elements of Vinyasa with the use of props, including blocks, straps, chairs and ropes. By having boundaries, this practice plays with the dance between being held and moving. All levels welcome. $25. Viale Yoga, 39 Main St., Bedford Hills. Preregister: VialeYoga.com.

Beginner Kripalu-based Yoga – 10:45am-12pm. With Kathleen Hinge. A very nurturing practice, promoting mindfulness, flexibility and relaxation. Classes include setting intentions, guided breathing, meditation and gentle pose sequences. Suitable for beginners, and those with physical limitations. In-person or virtual. Info/register: SacredSpiritYogaCenter.org.

Beginner Yoga – 11am. Class consists of standing poses to build strength, balance and improved flexibility. Detailed instruction with focus on proper form and function will help you build a safe, fun and nurturing practice. $22. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

Adult Yoga – 11am. An all-levels Vinyasa flow to relax and rejuvenate the body and mind. $20 dropin. $15 class card savings. Expression Dance & Wellness, 2141 Crompond Rd., Cortlandt Manor. Info/register: 914-293-7021; ExpressionDance Wellness.com.

NATURAL LIVING DIRECTORY LISTINGS

13th Octave Lahochi

SOUL HEALING JOURNEY, LLC

Eilis Philpott

Various locations and virtual

203-767-5954

Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com

SoulHealingJourney.com

Eilis is a master healer and teacher certified in numerous modalities, including 13th Octave LaHoChi. Eilis is a trailblazer in 13th Octave LaHoChi and hosts trainings across the globe. 13thOctave LaHoChi provides healing at a soul level, clearing blocks, obstacles or challenges preventing you from living your life to its fullest potential and achieving your soul mission on the planet.

Accounting/Tax Services

STERNBACH & ROSE, CPAS

115 E. Stevens Ave., Ste. 100, Valhalla 914-940-4449 • SandrCPA.com

Our goal is to help people have less anxiety about managing their finances, to maximize their income and run their businesses better. Giving people a stronger financial foundation can absolutely contribute to a better quality of life.

Acupuncture

SEARCHLIGHT MEDICAL

Laurie R. Mallis, MD, LAC 2424 Rte. 52, Hopewell Junction 845-592-4310 • SearchLightMedical.com

Frustrated with not feeling or looking your best? Let me guide you on your path to better health and well-being. Utilizing: Medical Acupuncture, ONDAMED Biofeedback Therapy, Reiki, Mei Zen Acupuncture for facial rejuvenation, weight loss and fertility. See ad, page 17.

Acupressure

JIN SHIN DO® BODYMIND® ACUPRESSURE

Gail Kellstrom, MFA, LMT, AOBTA

By appt.: Katonah or Virtual 914-232-5754 • JinShinDony.com

All year long, Natural Awakenings brings you the latest information and resources available for natural health, nutrition, personal growth, green living, fitness and creative expression. We are pleased to offer this special edition, including Wellness Dream Team Practitioner Profiles on page 18, local Business Spotlights on page 25. The Natural Living Glossary and our extensive Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess, Natural Living Directory can support you in leading a healthy, happy and balanced lifestyle. Dive into the wealth of knowledge and inspiration within these pages to enhance your well-being.

Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess

WakeUpNaturally.com

Reduce emotional and physical stress, pain and headaches. Ease neck/shoulder/back pain and tension through powerful relaxation techniques. Balance, replenish, body, mind and spirit with “The Way of the Compassionate Spirit.” Gentle yet deep Asian Bodywork thousands of years old. 35 years in practice. C.E.U. classes.

Addiction Cessation

QUIT WITH QUINN

Midtown Manhattan and Garrison Steve.HealingNY@gmail.com 914-473-2015; QuitWithQuinn.com

Quit with Quinn helps people overcome daily addictions and unwanted habits ranging from sugar, smoking, alcohol, weight loss, to overeating and other compulsive habits. Allnatural, painless, no medications, needles, or hypnosis. 90% success rate. See ad, page 17.

Alternative Healing

FRANCESCA GENCO, MA, NCMT

Bodywork, Sound Therapy & Yoga

Sleepy Hollow & Cold Spring 510-524-2924 • SongOfTheBody.com

Be at home in your body. Experience freedom and ease. We will engage movement, bodywork and voice to release patterns that no longer serve you, allowing you to connect with your body’s intelligence. Private and group sessions.

QUANTUM HEALING & WELLNESS

7 Norm Ave., Bedford Hills 914-218-3428

QuantumHealingAndWellnessspma.com

Give your body the energy to heal itself! The Energy Enhancement SystemTM is Bio-Scalar Photonic Fusion technology [aka, Tesla Waves] that generates multiple bio-active life enhancing energy fields, including scalar waves, which can allow cell regeneration, and enhance your energy levels for optimum function. See ad, page 30.

Astrology

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELING

Beth Greaney

Virtual

ex-

the different parts of self,

the expression of planets within your chart along with somatic healing to move you closer to authentic expression with targeted coaching sessions.

DIRECTORY

NATURAL LIVING DIRECTORY GLOSSARY

Active Release Techniques (ART):

A patented, state-of-the-art soft tissue system/ movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.

Acupuncture: An ancient Oriental technique that stimulates the body’s ability to sustain and balance itself, based on the theory that an electromagnetic life-force (qi or chi, pronounced “chee”) is channeled in a continuous flow throughout the body via a network of ‘meridians.’ Disease is understood as an imbalance in the meridian system

Diagnosis of an imbalance is made by “reading” the pulse, face, tongue and body energy. To correct it, a practitioner inserts acupuncture needles at specific points along the meridians to stimulate or disperse the flow of life force. Acupuncture principles include the yin and yang polarities and the associations of the five elements of fire, earth, metal, water and wood with bodily organs.

Alexander Technique: A system of re-educating the body and mind to support and facilitate proper posture and ease of movement. Through gentle manual guidance, accompanied by verbal directions, the Alexander teacher coaches the student to become aware of unnecessary tension and to unlearn longstanding patterns of movement. The Alexander Technique is an established method for helping to improve chronic conditions such as back, shoulder

or neck pain, nervous tension, poor coordination, breathing problems and vocal strain. Athletes and performing artists frequently use it to improve performance level.

Apothecary Practitioner: Once an archaic term for a person who made and sold medicine, the term is used today to refer to specialists in a range of modalities—including spiritual practices, herbal remedies and energy and vibrational medicine—that facilitate natural healing and support spiritual growth.

Aromatherapy: An ancient healing art that uses the essential oils of herbs and flowers to treat emotional disorders such as stress and anxiety and a wide range of other ailments. Oils are massaged into the skin, inhaled or added to a water bath. Often used in conjunction with massage therapy, acupuncture, reflexology, herbology and chiropractic or other holistic treatments.

Art Therapy: Uses the creative process of making art to improve and enhance physical, mental and emotional well-being and to deepen self-awareness. The therapist makes a diagnosis and determines treatment plans by encouraging a client to express his or her feelings and unconscious thoughts through the nonverbal creative process and by observing the forms and content created.

Astrology: A system of traditions and beliefs that holds that the relative positions of celestial bodies either directly influence life on Earth or correspond to events experienced on a human scale. Modern astrologers define astrology as a symbolic language, art form and type of divination that can provide information about personality

and human affairs, aid in the interpretation of past and present events, and predict the future.

Ayurveda: The oldest medical system known to man and a comprehensive spiritual teaching practiced in India for 4,000 years. It focuses on achieving and maintaining perfect health via the balance of the elements air, fire and water (illness is considered an excess of any element). A patient’s body type, determined according to Ayurveda principles, is the basis for individualized dietary regimens and other preventive therapeutic interventions. Ayurveda prescriptions might include purification procedures for the restoration of biological rhythms; experience of expanded consciousness through meditation; nutritional counseling; stress reduction; enhancing neuromuscular conditions; and behavioral modification.

Biofeedback: A relaxation technique that monitors internal body states and is used especially for stress-related conditions such as asthma, migraines, insomnia and high blood pressure. During biofeedback, patients monitor minute metabolic changes (e.g., temperature, heart rate and muscle tension), with the aid of sensitive machines. By consciously thinking, visualizing, moving, relaxing, etc., they learn which activities produce desirable changes in the internal processes being monitored.

Astrology

PLEASANTVILLE ASTROLOGY

Colin McPhillamy

42 Memorial Plaza, Pleasantville PleasantvilleAstrology.com

Colin McPhillamy British/Australian Actor/Astrologer offers in-person or online readings in Western Astrology and Tarot designed to support and empower clients. Consult the stars, elevate your choices. PleasantvilleAstrology.com.

Ayurveda

DR. KAUSHIK’S AYURVEDIC AND NATUROPATHIC CLINIC

Yellow Monkey Village

792 Rte. 35, Cross River and NYC

Office: 914-875-9088 • Cell: 646-670-6725

DrKaushik.com • DrKaushik@DrKaushik.com

Combination of Ayurveda and Naturopathy is used to create a unique treatment plan to regain and maintain health. Based on one’s particular body constitution (dosha), a plan may include supplements, diet/nutrition suggestions, lifestyle management, detoxification, hydrotherapy, ozone therapy, Panchakarma. Clinic days: M-F. See ad, page 12.

Back Care

BACK2HEALTH YOGA

Yoga for Back Care + Scoliosis

6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls 845-202-2228 • Back2HealthYoga.com

Alleviate pain and stiffness through yoga led by Cristina Roy, Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher, and Yoga for Scoliosis Trainer. Personalized sessions create alignment in the body and relieve tension and stress. Enhance your well-being. Visit website to learn more. See ad, page 31.

Behavioral Optometry

MIND-BODY-WORLD OPTOMETRY

Samantha Slotnick, OD, FAAO, FCOVD 495 Central Park Ave., Ste. 301, Scarsdale, 914-874-1177 • DrSlotnick.com

A whole-person, holistic approach to vision care, for all ages. Specializing in vision therapy and rehabilitation for vision problems which interfere with reading, learning, attention, performance and efficiency. Please visit website for details. See ad, page 8.

Biomagnetism

BONNIE'S HERBALS

Bonnie Rogers

Briarcliff • 914-522-4221

Bonnie@BonniesHerbals.com

Reclaim your health with Biomagnetism! Gentle approach to acute and chronic conditions. Biomagnetism identifies imbalances in the body and works to rebalance the body with simple placements of magnets either on the person or done virtually. bonniesherbals.com/magnets.

Café

SWEET HARVEST CAFÉ

Nutritious. Energetic. Refreshing. 82 Main St., Cold Spring 845-666-7390 • SweetHarvestShoppe.com

Sweet Harvest is a cafe offering healthy smoothies and bowls, an organic salad bar, wraps, and treats. As well as a selection of cold and hot drinks including fresh squeezed lemonade and bubble tea. Completely Gluten Free with many vegan options.

CBD

CBD LIVE NATURAL

720 N Bedford Rd., Bedford Hills 914-705-1111 • CBDLiveNatural.com

Open 7 days a week. We want our customers to feel their best and know that there is a solution to change their quality of life so that they can live naturally without prescription drugs. Products for People and Pets. Please call for more information. See ad, page 10.

YOUR CBD OF MOUNT KISCO

222 E. Main St., Mount Kisco 914-276-5409

YourCBDstoreMtKisco.com

Your CBD Store® is the largest hemp retailer in the US. All of our products are USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO and Third-Party Lab Tested. We offer the highest quality hemp products including CBD Tinctures, Topicals and Water Solubles for people and pets.

Chiropractic

DR. LEIGH DAMKOHLER, CCSP, LMT

8 Bacon PL, Yonkers

914-523-7947

Chiropractor-WestchesterNY.com

Personalized treatments designed for you by Westchester’s only dually licensed practicing Sports Chiropractor and Massage Therapist. Receive a unique combination of muscle work and adjustments not provided elsewhere. Dr. Leigh can help you move and feel better. Get back to the life you love!

Community Support

LET IT SHINE INC.

Kacey Morabito Grean

137 7th St. • PO Box 818, Verplanck

914-323-8343 • Info@LetItShineOnline.com

LetItShineOnline.com

Let It Shine "gathers love and gives it away" at The Food Pantry in Verplanck. The Let It Shine team also connects women to the things services they need. Support the mission by shopping at the Let It Shine Again (LISA) Thrift Store Wednesdays through Saturdays.

Community Supported Agriculture

HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON CSA

Grown at Stoneledge Farm-Leeds

Pickup: 78 Main St., Hastings-on-Hudson 917-204-1049 • HastingsCSA@gmail.com

Stoneledge.Farm

22 weeks - local organic produce. June-Oct. $697.

Pick up: Mondays at 78 Main St. Hastings. Additional shares of fruit, mushrooms, bread, coffee & beans available. Volunteer 2 hours/season to help at pick-up. Stoneledge.Farm to reserve your share.

Craniosacral Therapy

JOY MATALON, LMT, CST

Locations: Ossining, Garrison 914-519-8138 • JoyMatalon.com

CranioSacral Therapy with Somato Emotional Release allows physical, emotional, and spiritual issues to be intimately explored bringing relief from pain and activating a healing process which continues beyond the session. Experience CST alone or integrated in therapeutic massage.

Dowser

JEANIE PASQUALE, DOWSER

845-709-5245

Dowsing@HouseHarmony.org

HouseHarmony.org

Does the energy feel off in your home or business? You may be living with a negative vortex or geopathic stress. Interference lines and EMFs could be affecting you. Maybe there is a personal zone having a negative effect on someone in your household? Dowsing can locate, clear and block these negative vibrations from entering your home. You don’t know what you’re missing, until you live in a dowsed house.

Education

BLUE ROCK SCHOOL

West Nyack

Admissions@BlueRockSchool.org

BlueRockSchool.org

With our progressive approach to education, Blue Rock School has been fostering confident critical thinkers for over 30 years. Our hands-on curriculum, from kindergarten through eighth grade, nurtures children’s love of learning and prepares them for a changing world. See ad, page 12.

Energy Healing

ANNE H. BENTZEN

25 Broadway, Ste. 101, 2nd Fl.,Pleasantville 914-588-4079 • Balancing4Life.com

Inner harmony fosters health and wellness. Discover modalities to relieve stress, support recovery and transformation. Reiki, BEMER therapy, sound healing, Bach Flower essences, intuitive guidance and Past-Life Regression. Regular drumming circles and Stargate meditations offer growth within a supportive community. See ad, page 17.

ALEXANDRA LECLERE

Energy Healer & Medium • Author New Rochelle or Virtually AlexandraLeclere@aol.com

AlexandraLeclere.com • 914-548-3450

Alexandra Leclere is the author of Wisdom from the Afterlife and Seeing the Dead; Talking with Spirits. She has many years of experience helping clients overcome obstacles, heal, contact loved ones and identify and communicate with spirit guides.

BETH LEAS

Transformative Healing • Tarot

Virtual and In-Person Sessions

203-856-9566 • BethLeas.com

If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels—greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 30+ years of intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot.

ONE LIGHT HEALING TOUCH

Lagrangeville

845-878-5165 • OLHT1.com

PennyLavin@gmail.com

Penny and Ron Lavin, MA offer private sessions, workshops, and the Basic Training is ideal for those who want deep and transformational healing - body, mind & Spirit. Learn self-healing practices and advanced techniques for healing yourself and others. See ad, page 29.

SOUL HEALING JOURNEY, LLC

Eilis Philpott

Virtual sessions available

203-767-5954

Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com

SoulHealingJourney.com

Eilis is a master healer and teacher certified in numerous modalities as both a practitioner and teacher. She offers soul level healing, clearing any blocks, obstacles and challenges preventing you from living your life to its fullest potential and achieving your soul mission on the planet.

Estate Planning/ Legal Services

LAW OFFICE OF ANTHONY NIGRO, PLLC

52 Cedar St., Dobbs Ferry

914-595-6527 • Anthony@NigroLaw.com

Solution-driven representation regarding estate matters including probate, wills, trusts, estate litigation, real estate closings and name changes. Need a referral for another area? Lean on my network of attorneys I trust. Email or call. See ad, page 9.

Bio-Identical Hormone Replace

ment (BHRT): The treatment of the symptoms of menopause (and its male equivalent, andropause) through the use of hormones that have the same chemical structure as those naturally produced by the body. Many compounding pharmacies have staff trained in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), which is thought by its proponents to have fewer risks and side effects than traditional methods of hormone replacement.

Bodywork: Massage and the physical practices of yoga are perhaps the best-known types of bodywork; both have proven successful in relieving tension and stress, promoting blood flow, loosening stiff muscles and stimulating the organs. Massage therapies encompass countless techniques, including Swedish massage, shiatsu and Rolfing. The same is true for yoga.

Other types of bodywork include martial arts practices like aikido, ki aikido and Tai chi chuan. Some others are the Alexander technique, Aston patterning, Bowen, Breema bodywork, Feldenkrais method, Hellerwork, polarity therapy, Rosen method, Rubenfeld synergy and Trager.

Finding bodywork that improves mental and physical health is a highly individual process. Several types may be combined for the greatest benefit.

Chinese Medicine: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the world’s oldest and most complete systems of holistic health care. It combines the use of medicinal herbs, acupuncture, food therapy, massage and therapeutic exercise, along with the recognition that wellness in mind, body and emotions depends on the harmonious flow of life-force energy (qi or chi, pronounced “chee”).

Chiropractic: Based on the premise that proper structural alignment permits free flow of nerve activity in the body. When spinal vertebrae are out of alignment, they put pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves radiating from it, potentially leading to diminished function and illness. Misalignment can be caused by physical trauma, poor posture and stress. The chiropractor seeks to analyze and correct these misalignments through spinal manipulation or adjustment.

Coach (Life): A professional who helps clients identify their personal and/or professional goals and design a plan or institute techniques for achieving them. The life coach works with clients to recognize and overcome any obstacles that may interfere with achievement of those goals.

Conscious Living: As we become increasingly aware of the interdependence of humans, animals and the planet, progressive businesses are concerning themselves with far more than the bottom line. They know that today’s consumers are willing to invest in what they believe in, from fair-trade goods to animal-friendly and environmentally sound products and services.

Counseling / Psychotherapy: These terms encompass a broad range of practitioners, from career counselors, who offer advice and information, to psychotherapists, who treat depression, stress, addiction and emotional issues. Formats can vary from individual counseling to group therapy. In addition to verbal counseling techniques, some holistic therapists may use bodywork, ritual, energy healing and other alternative modalities as part of their practice.

Craniosacral Therapy (CST): A manual therapeutic procedure to remedy distortions in the structure and function of the craniosacral mechanism—the brain and spinal cord, the bones of the skull, the sacrum and interconnected membranes. Craniosacral work is based upon two major premises: that the bones of the skull can be manipulated, because they never completely fuse; and that the pulse of the cerebrospinal fluid can be balanced by a practitioner trained to detect variations in that pulse. CST is used to treat chronic pain, migraine headaches, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), ear and eye problems, balance problems, learning difficulties, dyslexia and hyperactivity.

Dance / Movement Therapy: A method of expressing thoughts and feelings through movement, developed during the 1940s. Participants, guided by trained therapists, are encouraged to move freely, sometimes to music. Dance/movement therapy can be practiced by people of all ages to promote self-esteem and gain insight into their own emotional problems, but is also used to help those with serious mental and physical disabilities. In wide use in the United States, this modality is becoming established around the world.

Deep Tissue Work: A technique of stretching and moving the connective tissue that envelops the muscles (fascia) in order to lengthen and balance the body along its natural, vertical axis. Distortions of the connective tissue may be caused by internal reactions and compensations due to accidents, emotional tension or past-unreleased traumas. Deep tissue massage works to detoxify tissue by helping to remove accumulated lactic acid and other waste products from the muscles. The therapy is used to ease or eliminate chronic muscular pain, help with injury rehabilitation and reduce inflammatory pain caused by ailments such as arthritis and tendonitis.

Dentistry (Holistic): Regards the mouth as a microcosm of the entire body. The oral structures and the whole body are seen as a unit. Holistic dentistry often incorporates such methods as homeopathy, biocompatibility testing and nutritional counseling. Most holistic dentists emphasize wellness and preventive care, while avoiding (and often recommending the removal of silver-mercury fillings.

Detoxification: The practice of resting, cleansing and nourishing the body from the inside out. According to some holistic practitioners, accumulated toxins can drain the body of energy and make it more susceptible to disease. Detoxification techniques may include fasts, special diets, sauna sweats, body wrapping, ionized foot baths and colon cleansing.

Doula: A woman who supports an expectant mother through pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period. Studies indicate that support in labor has profound benefits, including shorter labor, less desire for pain medication, lower rate of Caesarian delivery and more ease in initiation of breast-feeding.

Dowsing: A type of divination originally intended to locate ground water, minerals or other underground objects, through the use of a forked stick or “divining rod.” Modern advocates, who may or may not use a divining rod, believe that dowsing also can be used for much broader purposes. Those may include finding missing persons or lost objects, spiritual or distance healing, or gaining insight into money or relationship issues.

Fitness Studios

HEALTH-BALANCED FITNESS

Agi Kadar

900 South Lake Blvd., Ste. 6, Mahopac 845-216-6810 • Agi@HealthNalanced.com HealthBalanced.com

We strive to make fitness a part of your lifestyle and help you move to live longer, stronger, younger. We offer Personal Training and Small Group Classes. Our services include: Strength and Balance Training, Fall Prevention, Corrective Exercise, Cardiovascular Conditioning, Yoga, Chair Yoga and Pilates Classes.

Floatation Therapy

RISE ABOVE FLOATATION

111 East Main St., Mount Kisco 914-241-1900 • RiseAboveFloatation.com

A Center For Awareness and Relaxation through Floatation Therapy. Create the ultimate Relaxation Response by removing all stimulation from light, sound and gravity. Choose from three different float environments to find your perfect experience. Appointments available from 10am to 10pm daily. Free parking.

Flower Essence Therapy

JACQUELINE CAGNON

By appointment: in person/phone

Fleetwood 917-816-5803 • JTCagnon123@gmail.com

Live Your Life in Full Bloom! Custom treatments using Flower Essences, assisting in healing Anxiety, Addictions, Abuse, Depression, Loneliness, Focusing Problems, Procrastination, Spirituality, and numerous other issues. Pure Organic Wildflower Essences from all over the world addressing your specific needs.

Functional Medicine

SUSANNE SALTZMAN, MD

250 E. Hartsdale Ave., Ste. 22, Hartsdale, 914-472-0666 • Telemedicine Available HartsdaleHomeopathy.com

Looking for a physician with 30 years of clinical practice using natural remedies? Expertise in treating acute and chronic illness in children and adults. Emphasis on homeopathic and functional medicine to decrease dependency on pharmaceutical drugs. Providing experienced, competent, compassionate and exceptional care.

Hair Salon

FRESH ORGANIC SALON SOLUTIONS

Hair care, Skincare & Make up 190 Rte. 117 Bypass Rd., Bedford 914-242-1928 • FreshOrganicSalon.com

A healthy approach to beauty and wellness led by Maureen Toohey, Regional Educator for Organic Salon Systems. The fresh team is committed to making your experience fully complete and satisfying, organically. Receive a gift valued at $75 with your 1st color appointment, when you mention Natural Awakenings. See ad, page 15.

Healing Center

HUDSON VALLEY HOLISTIC HEALING CENTER

51 Springside Ave., Poughkeepsie 845-849-0838

HudsonValleyHHC@gmail.com

Hudson Valley Holistic Healing is focused on whole person wellness. We are dedicated to bringing you the finest practitioners of each kind. We will continue to grow and expand while offering classes such as Meditation, Breathwork, Kundalini yoga, and healing services such as Ionic foot baths, Vibration plate, Far Infared Sauna sessions, O2 oxygen bar, Reiki, Salt Cave sessions and so much more! Our intention is to build a community of wellness minded kind humans.

Health Coach

VIBRANT GLO WELLNESS

Lisa Cito

166 Rte. 202, Somers 914-447-8396 • VibrantGloWellness.com

Become the master of your mind improving your overall outlook on life. Release blocked energy, connect with your inner vibration, and improve your energy. Learn why you are prone to certain ailments. Knowledge is power.

See the FOODIE GUIDE on page 34.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): A self-help procedure founded by Gary Craig that combines fingertip tapping of key acupuncture meridian points while focusing on an emotional issue or health challenge. Unresolved, or ‘stuck,’ negative emotions, caused by a disruption in the body’s energy system, are seen as major contributors to most physical pains and diseases. These can remain stagnant and trapped until released by the tapping. EFT is easy to memorize and portable, so it can be done anywhere.

Energy Healing: The art and practice of realigning and re-attuning the body between the physical and the etheric and auric fields to assist in natural healing processes. Working directly with the energy field in and around the body, the practitioner is thought to channel and direct energy into the cells, tissues and organs of the patient’s body to effect healing on physical and nonphysical levels simultaneously. Sessions may or may not involve the physical laying on of hands.

Feng Shui: The ancient Chinese system of arranging manmade spaces and elements to create or facilitate harmonious qi or chi (pronounced “chee”), or energy flow, by tempering or enhancing the energy where necessary. Feng shui consultants can be an asset to both personal and business spaces, either before or after the spaces are created.

Functional Medicine: A personalized medicine that focuses on primary prevention and deals with underlying causes, instead of symptoms, for serious chronic diseases. Treatments are grounded in nutrition and improved lifestyle habits and may make use of medications. The discipline uses a holistic approach to analyze and treat interdependent systems of the body and to create the dynamic balance integral to good health.

Herbal Medicine: This oldest form of medicine uses natural plants in a wide variety of forms for their therapeutic value. Herbs produce and contain various chemical substances that act upon the body to strengthen its natural functions without the negative side effects of synthetic drugs. They may be taken internally or applied externally via teas, tinctures, extracts, oils, ointments, compresses and poultices.

Homeopathy: A therapy that uses small doses of specially prepared plants and minerals to stimulate the body’s defense mechanisms and healing processes in order to cure illness. Homeopathy, taken from the Greek words homeos, meaning “similar,” and pathos, meaning “suffering,” employs the concept that “like cures like.” A remedy is individually chosen for a person based on its capacity to cause, if given in an overdose, physical and psychological symptoms similar to those the patient is experiencing.

Hydrotherapy: The use of water, ice, steam and hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full-body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating a wide range of conditions and can easily be used at home as part of a self-care program.

Hypnotherapy: A range of hypnosis techniques that allow practitioners to bypass the conscious mind and access the subconscious. The altered state that occurs under hypnosis has been compared to a state of deep meditation or transcendence, in which the innate recuperative abilities of the psyche are allowed to flow more freely. The subject can achieve greater clarity regarding his or her own wants and needs, explore other events or periods of life that require resolution, or generally develop a more positive attitude. Often used to help people lose weight or stop smoking, it is also used in the treatment of phobias, stress and as an adjunct to the treatment of illnesses.

Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT):

A combination of diagnostic and treatment methodologies that assess and treat pain, dysfunction, disease and disability. Developed by Sharon Giammatteo over 30-pluss years, IMT is intended to address the complex needs of patients. IMT practitioners identify and address the underlying causes of dysfunction using a comprehensive and holistic approach. While IMT diagnostics and treatment modalities are predominately hands-on, IMT also integrates a wide range of diagnostic and treatment technologies, nutritional programs (i.e. natural supplements, diet and herbs), and IMT bodybased psychotherapeutic approaches to develop a customized solution for a patient’s needs.

Integrative Medicine: This holistic approach combines conventional Western medicine with complementary alternative treatments, in order to simultaneously treat mind, body and spirit. Geared to the promotion of health and the prevention of illness, it neither rejects conventional medicine nor accepts alternative therapies, without serious evaluation.

Intuitive Arts: A general term for various methods of divination, such as numerology, psychic reading, and tarot reading. Individuals may consult practitioners to seek information about the future or insights into personal concerns or their personality. Numerology emphasizes the significance of numbers derived from the spelling of names, birth dates and other significant references; psychics may claim various abilities, from finding lost objects and persons to communicating with the spirits of the dead; tarot readers interpret a deck of cards containing archetypal symbols.

Iridology: Analysis of the delicate structure of the iris, the colored portion of the eye, to reveal information about conditions within the body. More than 90 specific zones on each iris, for a combined total of 180-plus zones, correspond to specific areas of the body. Because body weaknesses are often noticeable in the iris long before they are discernible through blood work or other laboratory analysis, iridology can be a useful tool for preventive self-care.

Jin Shin (or Jin Shin Jyutsu): A gentle, non-invasive energy-balancing art and philosophy that embodies a life of simplicity, calmness, patience and self-containment. Practitioners employ simple acupressure techniques, using their fingers and hands on a fully clothed client to help eliminate stress, create emotional equilibrium, relieve pain and alleviate acute or chronic conditions.

Herbal Medicine

LORRAINE HUGHES

Registered Herbalist (AHG)

263 New Hackensack Rd., 2nd Fl., Wappingers Falls

LorraineHughes54@gmail.com

845-416-4598 • EmpoweredByNature.net

Lorraine offers Individual Wellness Consultations based on the Chinese Herbal Medicine Paradigm which provides A preventative and individual approach to balanced health. Each “unique” individual protocol will include Chinese, Western, Ayurvedic Herbal remedies and Nutritional planning.

Holistic Dentist

DAVID L LERNER, DDS, CAC, FIND Yorktown Heights

914-214-9678 • HolisticDentist.com

We offer a unique approach to the health care of the mouth based on a holistic understanding of the whole body. I invite you to explore our website to learn how we can serve your needs. See ad, page 3.

Holistic Education

OMEGA INSTITUTE FOR HOLISTIC STUDIES

150 Lake Dr., Rhinebeck 877-944-2002 • eOmega.org

Just 90 miles north of Manhattan, Omega is a nonprofit educational retreat center in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Open May through October, world-class teachers offer a variety of workshops and retreats in Rhinebeck and online. See ad, page 29.

Homeopathy

SUSANNE SALTZMAN, MD

250 E. Hartsdale Ave., Ste. 22, Hartsdale 914-472-0666 • Telemedicine Available HartsdaleHomeopathy.com

Looking for a physician with 30 years of clinical practice using natural remedies? Expertise in treating acute and chronic illness in children and adults. Emphasis on homeopathic and functional medicine to decrease dependency on pharmaceutical drugs. Providing experienced, competent, compassionate and exceptional care.

Hypnotherapy

LISA BLEASDALE, C.HT.

Certified Hypnotherapist

Certified Intimacy Coach

914-400-9508 • LisaBleasdale.com

Transform and re-ignite your life, in and out of the bedroom using the power of the subconscious mind and the Erotic Blueprint™ course, as seen on Netfix series “Goop.” Hypnotherapy can help individuals with stress reduction, weight loss, addictions, overcoming fears, phobias, grief, anxiety and relationships.

Integrative Fitness Therapy

STAND TALL BREATHE DEEP

Corina Miranda-Risnes, ACE-CPT, NASM-CES, NYS-LMT

Ossining & Virtually

845-633-9124 • IntegrativeFitnessTherapy.com

I integrate therapeutic massage, Pilates and cust-omized fitness plans for health-focused professionals with busy schedules. Tailored routines reduce injuries, help to manage stress and address chronic ailments. Call for a consultation to begin your fitness journey.

Integrative Optometry

EYECARE ASSOCIATES, PC

Dr. Randy Schulman, MS, OD, FCOVD

Dr. Robert Byne • Dr. Allie Decker

Dr. Jason Grygier • Dr. Ken Landesman

Dr. Diana Ngo • Dr. Maryam Nizami

Dr. Justin Rapp • Dr. Sonia Singh

Dr. Magy Tepliz

Locations:

6515 Main St., Trumbull, CT • 203-374-2020

444 Westport Ave., Norwalk, CT • 203-840-1991

2600 Post Rd., Southport, CT • 203-255-4005

1425 Bedford St., 1M, Stamford, CT • 203-357-0204

572 US-6, Mahopac • 845-628-3750

103 S Bedford Rd., Mount Kisco • 914-241-2020 CTNYEyecare.com

We offer behavioral optometry, comprehensive vision exams, contact lenses and vision therapy. Call to schedule your appointment today.

HILDA DEMIRJIAN LASER AND SKIN CARE CENTER

34 S. Broadway, Ste. 607, White Plains 914-374-1756 • HildaDemirjianLaser.com

Since 1974, Hilda Demirjian has been a leader in the use of laser collagen treatments for better, younger looking skin. Effective on the face, neck and body. Non-invasive, with no downtime. Call today for your confidential free consultation. See ads, pages 7 and 13.

Lens-Based Postural Therapy

MIND-BODY-WORLD OPTOMETRY

Samantha Slotnick, OD, FAAO, FCOVD 495 Central Park Ave., Ste. 301, Scarsdale 914-874-1177 • DrSlotnick.com

Chronic neck and back discomfort associated with computer work? Postural skews, such as tilting, tipping or turning your head, or twisting your torso? The eyes lead the body, for better or for worse. Find out why Physical Therapists trust Dr. Slotnick to treat visually-driven disorders in posture, gait and movement. Call for consultation. See ad, page 8.

Life Coach

REBECA'S SPIRIT

Life Coach, SAH Method teacher Rebeca@RebecaSpirit.com

RebecaSpirit.com

Do you want to turn the page on an old story? Do you have a desire to be closer to Spirit? Whatever it is you are looking for, I’m here to offer guidance and support.

ROBIN SIMON

Certified Life Coach

914-400-5248

RobinSimonLifeCoach.com

Do you want to make positive changes to your life? Together we will create a plan of awareness, growth and action to help you become the person you were meant to be. Let’s talk about it! See ad, page 9.

Massage

NATALIE RAPINI, LMT

175 King St., Chappaqua 914-275-1865

Natalie has been practicing for 10 years now specializing in Prenatal Massage and Reiki Massage. Her hands-on holistic healing approach helps to aid with any discomfort of the body and mind.

Meditation

BRETT COTTER, COACH, AUTHOR, TEACHER

Stress Is Gone Meditation Meditate Daily & Get Certified New York, NY 833-867-3529 • Brett@StressIsGone.com

Brett started meditating in 1999, was trained by The Himalayan Institute, and teaches live 3 days per week on zoom in the SIG membership; meditate daily, access the library, and mobile app. Get certified as a Stress Is Gone Meditation Teacher in 3 months. Learn More @ StressIsGone.com.

Naturopathic Doctor

DR. KAUSHIK’S AYURVEDIC AND NATUROPATHIC CLINIC Yellow Monkey Village

792 Rte. 35, Cross River and NYC Office: 914-875-9088 • Cell: 646-670-6725 DrKaushik.com; DrKaushik@DrKaushik.com

Combination of Ayurveda and Naturopathy is used to create a unique treatment plan to regain and maintain health. Based on one’s particular body constitution (dosha), a plan may include supplements, diet/nutrition suggestions, lifestyle management, detoxification, hydrotherapy, ozone therapy, Panchakarma. Clinic days: Monday-Friday. See ad, page 12.

Nutrition

OFFICE OF DR. MICHAEL WALD

Dr. Michael Wald, DC,  Board Certified Nutritionist

29 King St., 2nd Fl., Chappaqua 914-552-1442 • Info@BloodDetective.com DrMichaelWald.com • #BloodDetective

Dr. Wald is a holistic DC, Nutritionist and Dietician whose Blood Detective software, labs and detailed consults help get to the cause(s) of persistent health issues. Conditions include autoimmune, weight loss, anti-aging, cancer, GI issues, depression, and more. See ad, page 31.

Kinesiology / Applied Kinesiology:

The study of muscles and their movement. Applied kinesiology tests the relative strength and weakness of selected muscles to identify decreased function in body organs and systems, as well as imbalances and restrictions in the body’s energy flow. Some tests use acupuncture meridians and others analyze interrelationships among muscles, organs, the brain and the body’s energy field. Applied kinesiology is also used to check the body’s response to treatments that are being considered.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD):

A gentle, non-invasive, rhythmical whole-body massage, aimed at stimulating the lymphatic system to carry away excess fluid in the loose connective tissue, which helps remove toxins. Blockage or damage within the system may lead to conditions like edema, acne, inflammation, arthritis and sinusitis. The therapy stimulates one of the body’s natural cleansing systems to help bring tissues to a healthier state.

Martial Arts: Systems of codified practices and traditions originally designed primarily for self-defense or combat. Now more often practiced as a sport, the martial arts have a strong emphasis on honor and self-discipline. The best-known martial arts originated in Asia and include aikido, karate, judo and tae kwon do.

Massage Therapy: A general term for the manipulation of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes. Massage therapy incorporates various disciplines and involves kneading, rubbing, brushing and tapping the muscles and connective tissues by hand or using mechanical devices. Its goal is to increase circulation and detoxification, in order to reduce physical and emotional stress and increase overall wellness.

Meditation: The intentional directing of attention to one’s inner self. Methods and practices to achieve a meditative state are based upon various principles using the body or mind and may employ control or letting-go mechanisms. Techniques include the use of imagery, mantras and observation, and the control of breathing. Research has shown that regular meditation can contribute to psychological and physiological well-being. As a spiritual practice, meditation is used to facilitate a mystical sense of oneness with a higher power or the Universe. It can also help reduce stress and alleviate stress-related ailments, such as anxiety and high blood pressure.

MELT: The MELT Method is a simple self-care technique designed to eliminate chronic pain and decrease accumulated stress caused by the repetitive postures and movements of everyday living. Small balls and soft foam rollers are used to rehydrate the connective tissue system, bringing the body back to a more ideal state by enhancing body awareness, improving balance and performance and reducing the signs of aging.

Midwife: A birth attendant who assists a woman through the prenatal, labor, birth and postpartum stages of pregnancy. The mother is encouraged to be involved and to feel in control of her birthing experience. Midwives are knowledgeable about normal pregnancy, labor, birth and pain relief options. They respect the process of birth as an innate and familiar process. Certified nurse-midwives are registered nurses who have received advanced training and passed a national certification exam. Nurse-midwives collaborate with physicians, as needed, especially when problems arise during pregnancy. (Also see Doula.)

Myofascial Release Technique: A safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. The use of Myofascial Release allows the practitioner to look at each patient as a unique individual. Myofascial Release is a type of soft tissue massage, which incorporates stretching and massage of the connective tissues, or fascia It operates on the principal that many people hold stress in their muscles, which causes the muscles to seize or lock. This is exacerbated by muscle injury and scarring. Myofascial Release aims to access these areas of blockage and tension to release them, thereby freeing up the muscle and allowing it to move more easily and effectively.

This whole-body, hands-on technique seeks to free the body from the grip of tight fascia, or connective tissue, thus restoring normal alignment and function and reducing pain. Therapists use

their hands to apply mild, sustained pressure, in order to gently stretch and soften fascia. Myofascial release is used to treat neck and back pain, headaches, recurring sports injuries and scoliosis.

Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques (NAET): A noninvasive, drug free, natural modality that tests for and eliminate allergies. NAET uses a blend of selective energy balancing, testing and treatment procedures from acupuncture, acupressure, allopathy, chiropractic, kinesiology and nutritional medicine. One allergen is treated at a time.

Naturopathy: A comprehensive and eclectic system whose philosophy is based upon working in harmony with the body’s natural healing abilities. Naturopathy incorporates a broad range of natural methods and substances aimed to promote health. Training may include the study of specific approaches, including massage, manipulation, acupuncture, acupressure, counseling, applied nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy and minor surgery plus basic obstetrics for assistance with natural childbirth.

Network

Chiropractic: Uses

Network Spinal Analysis (NSA), a system of assessing and contributing to spinal and neural integrity, as well as health and wellness. Founded and developed by Donald Epstein. Practitioners employ gentle force to the spine to help the body eliminate mechanical tension in the neurological system. The body naturally develops strategies to dissipate stored tension/ energy, thus enhancing self-regulation of tension and spinal interference. (Also see Chiropractic.)

Neurofeedback: Involves direct training of brain function. Using computer processing to capture electrical activity in the brain, an individual can reward the brain with positive feedback, changing its activity to desired, more appropriate patterns. Gradually, the brain learns and remembers how to exhibit only the good patterns

Neuro-Linguistic

Programming

(NLP): A systematic approach to changing the limiting patterns of thought, behavior and language. Through conversation, practitioners observe the client’s language, eye movements, posture, breathing and gestures, in order to detect and help change unconscious patterns linked to the client’s emotional state.

Organic Produce

HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON CSA

Grown at Stoneledge Farm-Leeds

Pickup: 78 Main St., Hastings-on-Hudson 917-204-1049 • HastingsCSA@gmail.com

Stoneledge.Farm

22 weeks - local organic produce. June-Oct. $697. Pick up: Mondays at 78 Main St. Hastings Additional shares of fruit, mushrooms, bread, coffee & beans available. Volunteer 2 hours/season to help at pick-up. Stoneledge.Farm to reserve your share.

Podcasts

ULCERATIVE COLITIS: AUTOIMMUNE HEALING JOURNEY PODCAST

FreeSpiritPodcasts@gmail.com

FreeSpiritPodcasts.com

#1 Inflammatory Bowel Disease podcast on Apple & Spotify! Host, J India, aims to remove the stigma of IBD and CIRS, Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, with humor and brutal honest insight, including interviews with top natural health professionals.

Psychic Readings

PURPLE LOTUS ZEN

Medium, Card Readings & Energy Healing

Michelle B. Whitney

914-513-8398 • PurpleLotusZen.com

Purple Lotus Zen helps you connect to Source, for assistance with navigating through this lifetime with ease and clarity. Making and maintaining a connection to Source will help you accomplish all that is needed, desired and destined for you.

Reflexology

LORRAINE HUGHES

ARCB Certified Reflexologist

263 New Hackensack Rd., 2nd Fl., Wappingers Falls • 845-416-4598

LorraineHughes54@gmail.com

EmpoweredByNature.net

Foot and/or Hand Reflexology sessions are offered with the use of essential oils applied to acupuncture points based upon each individual’s presenting pattern. Please refer to Services page on web site for the many benefits of this ancient modality.

Reiki

REIKI

CLASSES

Cynthia M. Chase, LCSW, Reiki Master 860-395-0284

CynthiaMChase@gmail.com

CynthiaMChase.com

Manifest yourself as a healer; fulfill your life’s purpose! Cynthia offers personalized classes leading to Reiki levels I, II and Master level. Go to CynthiaMChase.com for details.

Retreats

YOGA IN THE ADIRONDACKS

(YITA) at The Divine Acres

“Where Yoga Embraces Nature” 2 Coulter Rd., Bakers Mills 518-251-3015 • YogaInTheAdirondacks.com

YITA at the Divine Acres is a yoga shala – a safe place for healing and becoming healthy within our authentic selves. Eliminate distractions and illuminate positivity to focus on our true intentions. YITA is a place of education and joy, with miniature donkeys and sheep that add love to this divine space.

Salt Room Spa

HUDSON RIVER HEALING & WELLNESS

290 Main St., Cold Spring 845-240-1822 • HRHealingWellness.com

Improve overall wellness. Breathe. Relax. Restore. Services: Salt Room, Red/ Infrared Light therapy, Thai Bodywork, Massage, Craniosacral work, Percussive therapy, Reiki, Reflexology, Myofacial Release, Raindrop Massage, Celluma, Heat Healer, Sound Bed, Meditation, Yoga and more. Wonderful therapies that help you feel calm and relaxed.

Sleep Disorder

DAVID L LERNER, DDS, CAC, FIND Yorktown Heights 914-214-9678 • HolisticDentist.com

We offer a unique approach to the health care of the mouth based on a holistic understanding of the whole body. I invite you to explore our website to learn how we can serve your needs. See ad, page 3.

Nutritional Counseling: Embracing a wide range of approaches, nutrition-based, complementary therapies and counseling seek to alleviate physical and psychological disorders through special diets and food supplements. These will be either macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, proteins and fiber) or micronutrients (vitamins, minerals and trace elements that cannot be manufactured in the body). Nutritional therapy/counseling often uses dietary or food supplements, which can include tablets, capsules, powders or liquids.

Osteopathy / Osteopathic Physicians:

Osteopathy uses generally accepted physical, pharmacological and surgical methods of diagnosis and therapy, with a strong emphasis on body mechanics and manipulative methods to detect and correct faulty structure and function, in order to restore the body’s natural healing capacities. Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O.) are fully trained and licensed according to the same standards as medical doctors (M.D.) and receive additional extensive training in the body’s structure and functions.

Oxygen therapies: Alters the body’s chemistry to help overcome disease, promote repair and improve overall function. Properly applied, oxygen may be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including infections, circulatory problems, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, allergies, cancer and multiple sclerosis. The major types of oxygen therapy used to treat illness are hyperbaric oxygen and ozone. Hydrogen peroxide therapy (oral or intravenous) can be dangerous and should be avoided.

Past Life Regression: Past life and regression therapies operate on the assumption that many physical, mental and emotional challenges are extensions of unresolved problems from the past, either childhood traumas or experiences in previous lifetimes. The practitioner uses hypnosis or other altered states of consciousness and relaxation techniques to access the source of this “unfinished business,” and helps clients to analyze, integrate and release past traumas that are interfering with their current lives.

Physical therapy: Evaluates difficulties with mobility or function to focus on rehabilitation, through a restorative treatment program and instruction on how to make efficient use of the body in daily activities. Physical therapists use massage, exercise, electrical stimulation, ultrasound and other means to help the patient regain functional movement.

Pilates: A structured system of small isolated movements that demands powerful focus on feeling every nuance of muscle action while working out on floor mats or machines. Emphasizes development of the torso’s abdominal power center, or core. Gentler than conventional exercises, Pilates, like yoga, yields long, lean, flexible muscles whose gracefully balanced movements readily translate into everyday activities like walking, sitting and bending. Can help in overcoming injuries.

Polarity Therapy: Polarity therapy asserts that energy fields exist everywhere in nature and that the free flow and balance of this universal energy in the human body is the underlying foundation of good health. Practitioners use gentle touch and guidance to help clients balance their energy flow, thus supporting a return to health. The practitioner’s hands do not impart energy, but redirect the flow of the receiver’s own energy. The receiver then recharges himself with his own freed energy.

Prolotherapy: A rejuvenating therapy that uses injections of natural substances to stimulate collagen growth, in order to strengthen weak or damaged joints, tendons, ligaments or muscles. Often used as a natural alternative to drugs and/or surgery to treat pain syndromes, including degenerative arthritis, lower back, neck and joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, migraine headaches, and torn ligaments and cartilage.

Qigong & Tai chi: Qigong and Tai chi combine movement, meditation and breath regulation to enhance the flow of vital energy (qi or chi, pronounced “chee”) in the body, improve circulation and enhance immune function. Qigong traces its roots to traditional Chinese medicine. Tai chi was originally a self-defense martial art descended from qigong and employed to promote inner peace and calm.

Real Time EEG Neurofeedback:

Involves direct training of brain function. Using computer processing to capture electrical activity in the brain, an individual can reward the brain with positive feedback, changing its activity to desired, more appropriate patterns. Gradually, the brain learns and remembers how to exhibit only the good patterns.

Rebirthing Breathwork: Also known as conscious connected breathing, or vivation. Rebirthing is a means to access and release unresolved emotions. The technique uses conscious, steady, rhythmic breathing, without pausing between inhaling and exhaling. Guided by a professional rebirther, clients re-experience past memories, including birth, and let go of emotional tension stored in the body.

Reflexology: A natural healing art based upon the principle that there are reflexes in the feet and hands that correspond to every part of the body. Correctly stimulating and applying pressure to the feet or hands increases circulation and promotes specifically designated bodily and muscular functions.

Reiki: Means “universal life-force energy.” Reiki is a method of activating and balancing the life force (qi or chi, pronounced “chee”). Practitioners use light hand placements to channel healing energies to organs and glands or to align the body’s chakras (energy centers). Various techniques can ease emotional and mental distress, heal chronic and acute physical problems and achieve spiritual focus and clarity. Reiki can be a valuable addition to the work of chiropractors, massage therapists, nurses and others for whom the use of touch is essential and appropriate.

A healing practice that originated in Japan as a method of activating and balancing the life-force present in all living things. Reiki literally means “universal life-force energy.” Practitioners use light hand placements to channel healing energies to organs and glands or to align the body’s energy centers, or chakras. Various techniques are applied for emotional and mental distress, chronic and acute physical problems, and for achieving spiritual focus and clarity. Reiki is a valuable addition to the work of chiropractors; massage therapists, nurses and others for whom the use of touch is appropriate or essential.

Spiritual, Interfaith and Religious Retreats

FRANCISCAN

FRIARS AND SISTERS OF THE ATONEMENT AT GRAYMOOR

40 Franciscan Way, Garrison 845-690-1104

HMFRC@AtonementFriars.org

We happily schedule group retreats for your parish or organization and invite individuals to come to the Graymoor to restore connections to the deeper meaning of faith.

Spiritual Retreat Center THE CENTER AT MARIANDALE

A Sponsored Ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Hope 299 N. Highland Ave., Ossining Info@Mariandale.org • Mariandale.org

The Center at Mariandale sponsors retreats in spirituality, contemplative practices, social and environmental justice, interfaith dialogue, the arts and wellness of body, mind, and spirit. The center also welcomes nonprofit groups for day or overnight workshops, retreats and conferences. See ad, back cover.

Support Group

SUPPORT CONNECTION

Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support Services 914-962-6402 • 800-532-4290

SupportConnection.org

Support Connection provides free support services to people affected by breast, ovarian, or any gynecological cancer. Services include: One-on-one counseling (counselors are also cancer survivors); Support groups; Educational and wellness programs; Webinars; Social gatherings; Referrals; a national toll-free information and support hotline.

Tarot

BETH LEAS

Transformative Healing • Tarot Virtual and In-Person

203-856-9566 • BethLeas.com

What’s in the cards for you?

Tarot is a powerful tool for guidance and will empower you to make your best choices. Gain insight to your most thoughtful questions. The answers you receive will illuminate your path, making visible your challenges and ways to overcome them.

TMJ Disorder

DAVID L LERNER, DDS, CAC, FIND Yorktown Heights

914-214-9678 • HolisticDentist.com

We offer a unique approach to the health care of the mouth based on a holistic understanding of the whole body. I invite you to explore our website to learn how we can serve your needs. See ad, page 3.

Therapist

HEALING THE WOUNDED

SOUL, LLC

16 Dakin Ave., Ste. 110, Mount Kisco 203-244-8415

DrDanielleRusso@HealingTheWoundedSoul.com

Danielle Russo, Psy.D is a NY-licensed clinical psychologist. She takes a holistic approach and specializes in trauma and healing soul wounds of all forms. She also works with depression, anxiety, ADHD, grief, stress, and autism.  ~We Heal Together~

Transformative Healing

BETH LEAS

Transformative Healing • Tarot

Virtual and In-Person Sessions

203-856-9566 • BethLeas.com

If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels—greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 30+ years of intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot.

Rolfing Structural Integration

(Rolfing): A hands-on technique for deep tissue manipulation of the myofascial system, which is composed of the muscles and the connective tissue, or fascia, in order to restore the body’s natural alignment and sense of integration. As the body is released from old patterns and postures, the range and freedom of physical and emotional expression increases. Rolfing can help ease pain and chronic stress, enhance neurological functioning, improve posture and restore flexibility.

Rubenfeld Synergy Method: Combines touch, talk and compassionate listening in a dynamic system for the integration of body, mind, emotions and spirit. Through gentle touch and verbal sharing, each of these four levels can be accessed simultaneously, releasing pain and fears held in the body/mind. This method facilitates pain management, increased ease of movement, improved body image and self-esteem, and recovery from physical and emotional trauma.

Shamanism: An ancient healing tradition, which believes that loss of power is the real source of illness and that all healing includes the spiritual dimension. Shamanic healing usually involves induction into an altered state of consciousness and journeying into the spirit world to regain personal power and to access the powers of nature and of teachers. Shamanic healing may be taken literally or employed symbolically, but in or out of its cultural context, the tradition can be both self-empowering and self-healing.

Shiatsu: The most widely known form of acupressure, Shiatsu is a Japanese word meaning finger pressure. The technique applies varying degrees of pressure to balance the life energy that flows through specific pathways, or meridians, in the body. Used to release tension and strengthen weak areas in order to facilitate even circulation, cleanse cells and improve the function of vital organs. Shiatsu may be used to help diagnose, prevent and relieve many chronic and acute conditions that manifest on both physical and emotional levels.

Spiritual Healing / Counseling:

Practiced in two forms. In one, the healer uses thought or touch to align his or her spiritual essence with that of the client. The healer works to either balance the spiritual field or shift the perceptual base of the client to create harmony between mind and body and draw the client into the active presence of Divine Spirit. In the other, the healer transforms healing energy into a vibrational frequency that the client can receive and comfortably assimilate, reminding the person’s intuitive core of its inherent healing ability.

Sports Massage: A specialized field of massage, employed to minimize the risk of injury, tend to sports injuries that do occur, and assist in achieving optimum performance.

Swedish Massage: The most commonly practiced form of massage in Western countries. Swedish massage integrates ancient Oriental techniques with principles of anatomy and physiology. Practitioners rub, knead, pummel, brush and tap the client’s muscles. Swedish massage is widely practiced; thus, practitioners vary widely in training, techniques and session lengths.

Tai chi & Qigong: Qigong and Tai chi combine movement, meditation and breath regulation to enhance the flow of vital energy (qi or chi, pronounced “chee”) in the body, improve circulation and enhance immune function. Qigong traces its roots to traditional Chinese medicine. Tai chi was originally a self-defense martial art descended from qigong and employed to promote inner peace and calm.

Tantra: Has emerged as a modern spiritual path of embodied consciousness, with roots in ancient Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Tantra views the ‘spiritual’ as being directly present within the ‘physical’ and respects sensory experience as a vehicle for accessing higher states of awareness. Tantric practices balance the chakras (energy centers) and can contribute to a sense of presence, intimacy and fulfillment in all aspects of living.

Thai Massage: A form of body therapy that incorporates gentle rocking motions, rhythmic compression along the body’s energy lines and passive stretching to stimulate the free flow of energy, break up blockages and help restore general well-being. One of the branches of Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM), Thai massage is performed on a floor mat, with the client dressed in lightweight, comfortable

clothes. No oils are used. Thai massage aids flexibility, inner organ massage, blood oxygenation and quieting of the mind.

Thermography (Thermal Imaging):

A diagnostic technique that uses an infrared camera to measure temperature variations on the surface of the body, producing images that reveal sites of inflammation and abnormal tissue growth. Inflammation is recognized as the earliest stage of nearly all major health challenges. See ads pages 35 & 55.

Trigger point/Myotherapy: A massage technique used to relieve pain, similar to Neuro Muscular Therapy (NMT). Practitioners apply pressure to specific ‘trigger points’ on the body— tender, congested spots of muscle tissue that may radiate pain to other areas—in order to release tension and spasms. Treatment decreases the swelling and stiffness associated with muscular pain and increases range of motion.

Yoga: Practical application of the ancient Indian Vedic teachings. The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj which means “union” or “to join,” and refers to the joining of a person’s physical, mental and spiritual elements. The goal of good health is accomplished through a combination of techniques, including physical exercises called asanas (or postures), controlled breathing, relaxation, meditation and diet and nutrition. Although yoga is not meant to cure specific diseases or ailments directly, it has been found effective in treating many physical ailments.

Individuals of every age and physical condition can benefit from the regular practice of yoga, which has been proved to enhance flexibility, strength, stamina and concentration. Using a combination of asanas, or postures, and breathing techniques, yoga works to induce deep relaxation and reduce stress, tone the body and organs, increase vitality and improve circulation and energy flow. Uplifting and meditative, yoga can be applied as a spiritual practice, as well.

Please note: The contents of this Health & Wellness Glossary are for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to be used in place of a visit or consultation with a healthcare professional. Always seek out a practitioner who is licensed, certified or otherwise professionally qualified to conduct a selected treatment, as appropriate.

Transformative Healing

SOUL HEALING JOURNEY, LLC

Eilis Philpott

Virtual sessions available 203-767-5954

Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com

SoulHealingJourney.com

Eilis is a master healer and teacher certified in numerous modalities as both a practitioner and teacher. She offers soul level healing, clearing any blocks, obstacles and challenges preventing you from living your life to its fullest potential and achieving your soul mission on the planet.

Trauma Recovery Coach

BRETT COTTER, COACH, AUTHOR, TEACHER

Fast Emotional Relief

New York, NY

833-867-3529 • Brett@StressIsGone.com

Quickly release emotional pain and trauma with 1-on-1 coaching via phone. Brett has 20+ years’ experience, guides you step-by-step, and elicits immediate relief. Brett also certifies Meditation Teachers, Trauma Recovery Coaches, and Suicide Prevention Specialists. Learn More@ StressIsGone.com.

Veterinary Hospital

EARTH ANGELS

VETERINARY HOSPITAL

44 Saint Nicholas Rd., Wappingers Falls 845-227-P-A-W-S (7297)

EarthAngelsVet.com

Where East meets West with compassionate care for a holistic approach to your pet’s health. Offering a wide range of services/products including wellness exams, nutritional support, alternative cancer therapies, surgery, dentals, acupuncture, CBD products, pet boarding and more on our beautiful 9-acre facility.

FULL CIRCLE VETERINARY HOSPITAL

Integrative, Holistic & Conventional 1609 Rte. 9, Wappingers Falls 845.234.4417 • FullCircleVetHopsital.com

We specialize in the integration of holistic and conventional veterinary medicine to provide quality, comprehensive care for your pet’s needs. We enjoy taking time to get to know our clients and their pets. This allows pets to relax, while we learn about their family lifestyle.

Vision Therapy—

Optometric

MIND-BODY-WORLD OPTOMETRY

Samantha Slotnick, OD, FAAO, FCOVD 495 Central Park Ave., Ste. 301, Scarsdale 914-874-1177 • DrSlotnick.com

Smart in everything but school? Distracted, disorganized? Taking hours to do a 30 minute assignment? Could it be a VISION problem?? Dr. Slotnick and her kind and patient team can help your child take the struggle out of schoolwork. Through individualized vision therapy programs, children (and adults!) transform into confident, self-directed learners. Please visit website for details. See ad, page 8.

Women's Social Club

WOMEN UNITED OF WESTCHESTER

Social Club, inc. (WUW)

914-603-7750

WomenUnitedOfWestchesterSocialClubInc.org Women United Social Club provides opportunities for women to connect, support, empower, and network with like-minded professional women. Empowered women, empower women! Please visit our website for networking events.

Yoga Shala Seasonal Retreats

YOGA IN THE ADIRONDACKS AT THE DIVINE ACRES, LLC'S 2 Coulter Rd, Bakers Mills 518-251-3015 • 914-494-2266

YogaInTheAdirondacks.com

Yoga is union. A mind-body connection, our observer. Many styles of yoga and the union is through the heart. A four chambered heart - full, open, strong and clear. The heart is our strongest force we have as humans.