Natural Awakenings – Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess NY Edition, October 2024
As we welcome the vibrant colors of fall and crisp autumn air into our daily realm, nature invites us to slow down, transition, take stock and realign with our own inner rhythms. It’s a season of transformation offering up the perfect opportunity to embrace personal renewal. The falling leaves—in their rich hues of amber, crimson and gold—offer a gentle reminder that change is not only inevitable, but beautiful.
This is an ideal time to focus on aligning your body, mind and spirit as we bring our awareness back to a place of centeredness and peace. Just as trees shed their leaves, we too can let go of what no longer serves us and make room for restoration and rebirth.
Our October theme of whole-body alignment, a concept that speaks to the harmony we create when we care for our physical, mental and spiritual selves in unison, is well timed. Alignment goes beyond posture or flexibility; it’s about listening to your body’s wisdom and cultivating a deep connection with your internal world. As the natural world begins its process of preparation for hibernation, we are concurrently encouraged to align our energy with seeking balance and clarity in all aspects of our lives.
Bodywork is a powerful tool in this alignment process. It allows us to release built-up tension, both physical and emotional, and helps us feel more grounded and open. Whether it’s through yoga, massage, acupuncture or other forms of healing touch, bodywork helps us tune into the deeper layers of our being. This fall, I hope you consider incorporating bodywork into your self-care routine. These practices help us to move with greater ease and fluidity, just as falling leaves float gently to the ground.
Yet, bodywork is only one part of the equation; internal peace and centering are just as essential. Meditation, mindful breathing and spending time in nature are powerful ways to cultivate inner peace. Since the hustle and bustle of daily life can easily pull us away from our center, making us feel scattered or overwhelmed, this season, I invite you to carve out moments for stillness. Step outside, get lost in the beauty of the season and fully immerse yourself in the present moment.
As you turn the pages of this month’s issue, there are many articles that I know will inspire you to embrace this time of transition and seek alignment. From diet and lifestyle tips for autumn to year-round practices for grounding your energy, we hope this issue offers you the tools and insights needed to support your body, mind, and spirit.
Let’s step into this season with intention, fully aligned and ready to enjoy the magic of renewal. I’m wishing you inner peace, balance and the joy of embracing transformation along the way.
With warmth and wellness,
Publisher Erica Mills
Assistant to Publisher Carolyn Coogan
Editorial Team Sara Gurgen
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Design & Layout Erica Mills
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Discover Hudson Valley Curated Wellness Experiences
Ascend Center + Collective and Hudson Stay have teamed up to offer immersive, curated experiences in the picturesque village of Cold Spring. Visitors can enjoy a hassle-free getaway, with customizable packages including everything from guided hikes and plant walks to yoga and wellness classes.
Located in a beautifully restored, three-floor historic building on Main Street, Ascend Center offers a diverse range of health and wellness services. “Our space is a hub for women-owned, fair-trade businesses, where people can connect over a cup of tea or shop for unique, ecofriendly gifts,” says founder Melia Marzollo. Upstairs, the center’s spacious yoga studio holds stunning views while their Pilates apparatus studio and wellness offices offer services such as acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, Chinese medicine and more.
Hudson Stay ensures a seamless experience by handling transportation, accommodations and event planning. “We make it easy for you—just show up, and we’ll take care of all the details,” says founder Debra Russo. Options span from single-stay experiences all the way up to group retreats for 20 or more.
Whether it’s a corporate retreat, bachelorette party or simply a peaceful weekend getaway, Ascend and Hudson Stay are creating a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. “With the fall season being especially breathtaking in the Hudson Valley, now is the ideal time to plan a visit,” adds Russo.
Location: Ascend Center + Collective, 75 Main St., Cold Spring. For more information, email Debra@Hudson-Stay.com or visit AscendCenter.com/curated-experiences.
Unlock Your Erotic Blueprint for Deeper Connection and Well-Being
Lisa Bleasdale, an intimacy coach and hypnotherapist based in Westchester County, is offering a 16-week Erotic Blueprints course designed to deepen clients’ understanding of their own eroticism and that of others. This initiative aims to improve overall well-being and enhance relationships both inside and outside the bedroom. Sessions are available both in-person or via Zoom.
“During the program, we will take a deep dive into your unique Blueprint landscape and expand your access to sexual mastery, pleasure and your ability to connect authentically and deeply with loved ones,” says Bleasdale. “How we are as sexual beings aligns with how we are in the world. Truly understanding the Blueprints creates a more pleasure-filled life and helps you navigate all the relationships in your life.”
Bleasdale, who has trained with the internationally recognized creator of Erotic Blueprints, Jaiya, emphasizes that the program helps participants release old conditioning and awaken profound self-love. “Learning about the Erotic Blueprints was transformative, personally and professionally,” she explains, adding that understanding her own Blueprint allowed her to make sense of her sexuality and experience significant personal and professional growth.
Describing her work, Bleasdale shares, “In a safe, professional, fully clothed coaching environment, I lead women through the Erotic Blueprint course to discover their sexual roadmap to arousal and pleasure. I’ll guide them to discover, heal, express and expand their Erotic Blueprint and being at their pace and in their own way.”
For more information, call 914-400-9508, email LisaBleasdale44@ gmail.com or visit LisaBleasdale.com.
Lisa Bleasdale
Monthly Workshops for Healing and Growth
Lotus Grace will begin offering monthly workshops in Millbrook, each focused on emotional healing and spiritual growth. The series kicks off with Calming Anxiety from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on October 26. Upcoming workshops will address shedding shame and guilt in November, moving through grief in December and healing self-doubt in January.
Each workshop will be limited to five participants, allowing for personalized attention. Attendees will benefit from compassionate listening, intuitively guided practices and spiritually transformative wisdom, all aimed at addressing individual needs.
“Healing is a very personal experience,” says Gigi Oppenheimer, empathic healing facilitator and studio owner. “Every person has their own history of pain and their own way of moving forward through it. These workshops are designed to connect with each individual, address the root of their concern and provide relief, fulfillment and upliftment.”
Additionally, Lotus Grace will offer a Healing Dance & Wellness workshop from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on October 12, as well as a fourweek healing dance class series starting at 5:30 p.m. on October 4. These gently guided movement sessions are designed to help relieve stress, release trauma and restore emotional harmony.
Cost: Workshops are $50 each; the four-week healing dance series is $100. Location: Lotus Grace, Millbrook. For more information and to register (required), email WhiteLotusGrace@gmail.com or visit Lotus-Grace.com. See ad, page 16.
Fall Wellness Consultations Highlight Lung Health
As autumn arrives, Lorraine Hughes, a registered herbalist and owner of Empowered By Nature, is offering specialized wellness consultations that focus on maintaining lung health during this crucial season.
Hughes, who integrates Chinese and Western herbal medicine with nutrition in her practice, emphasizes the connection between fall and the metal element in Chinese medicine. “Autumn is linked to the metal phase, which governs the lungs and large intestine,” Hughes explains. “This seasonal change brings dryness that can impact these organs.”
In her consultations, Hughes assesses each client’s balance of body, mind and spirit, providing tailored recommendations to navigate the seasonal shift. “My consultations are designed to help individuals prepare for winter by addressing imbalances that may arise during fall,” she says. “It’s essential to integrate lifestyle adjustments and appropriate herbal remedies to support lung health and overall well-being.”
Hughes advises that addressing these seasonal changes proactively can prevent potential issues. “By focusing on preventive care now, we can enhance our resilience and ensure better health through the colder months,” she notes.
For more information or a personalized wellness consultation, call 845416-4598, email LorraineHughes54@gmail.com or visit Empowered ByNature.net.
Fall into Wellness with Six-Week Yoga and Meditation Program
Agi’s Health-Balanced Fitness Studio, located in Mahopac across from Lake Mahopac, is offering a six-week yoga and meditation program on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. starting on October 15. The boutique studio, known for its fitness programs tailored to active aging, will feature a blend of gentle movements, Vinyasa flow and meditation, with a focus on breath work, strength and flexibility, throughout the series.
In honor of this edition of Natural Awakenings, which focuses on whole-body alignment, owner, personal trainer and Senior Fitness
Specialist Agi Kadar says that the classes offer a timely opportunity for individuals to either begin their yoga journey or deepen their practice. “The benefits include fewer headaches and injuries, less overall pain, and better posture to stand tall and look lean,” notes Kadar, who adds that mindful movement during everyday activities like standing or walking can enhance the benefits of the practice.
The series is open to participants of all levels and ages, and the studio provides all necessary equipment, including mats, blocks and straps, ensuring participants can fully focus on their movement and breath.
Cost: $120 for six classes, with a discounted rate of $100 for those that preregister. Location: Agi’s Health-Balanced Fitness Studio, 900 S. Lake Blvd., Ste. 6, Mahopac. For more information or to register, call 845-216-6810 or visit HealthBalanced.com. See ad, page 25.
Dr. Mallis Celebrates 14 Years with Exclusive
October Offers
SearchLight Medical, a concierge-level holistic practice in Hopewell Junction, is celebrating its 14th anniversary with special deals throughout October. The center, founded by Laurie Mallis, M.D., LAc, blends Western and Eastern philosophies to provide a range of health and wellness treatments, including reiki, Ondamed biofeedback therapy, blood energy treatment, Gunalight qi infusion, Jade Vitality Mat treatment and Mei Zen facial/abdominal acupuncture.
To mark the milestone, Mallis is offering discounts on all treatments for new patients and exclusive offers for current patients. This initiative aims to allow a broader audience to experience the facility’s unique energy treatments, designed to improve overall wellbeing and address underlying health issues.
“It has been 14 years since I decided to move from my traditional Western medicine practice and focus solely on energy healing without the use of pharmaceuticals or nutraceutical remedies,” reflects Mallis. “My journey has taken me from becoming a reiki master to getting licensed in acupuncture and adding many other wonderful energy treatments to my practice.”
Mallis has seen the significant impact of emotions on physical health and finds fulfillment in helping patients achieve holistic healing. “I am very thankful to my patients who have trusted me to help them in their healing journey and am looking forward to working with anyone who believes there is a better way to attain health and well-being.”
Location: SearchLight Medical, 2424 Rte. 52, Ste. 1A, Hopewell Junction. For more information, call 845-592-4310, email SearchLightMed@ optimum.net or visit SearchLightMedical.com. See ad, page 15.
Back2Health Yoga Expands Offerings with Specialized Classes and Sessions
The Wappingers Falls-based Iyengar studio Back2Health Yoga, known for its precise alignment and therapeutic approach, is expanding its schedule to meet diverse community needs. Starting this month, the studio will offer new classes and series addressing specific health concerns.
“Back2Health Yoga’s upcoming specialized series offer tailored practices designed to improve overall well-being,” says Cristina Roy, owner and certified Iyengar yoga teacher. “Rooted in the principles of Iyengar yoga, these sessions aim to foster physical health, mental clarity and emotional balance. Participants will develop strength, flexibility and a deeper mind-body connection.”
In addition to group classes, Back2Health Yoga offers private sessions tailored specifically for back care and scoliosis. These personalized sessions allow for a more focused approach and individual attention to address specific needs and conditions. Instructors work closely with clients one-on-one to design custom yoga plans that address their unique concerns, whether it’s managing scoliosis, alleviating back pain, or improving overall spinal health. “Through detailed assessments and personalized instruction, private sessions aim to enhance the therapeutic benefits of yoga, ensuring each participant achieves optimal results,” adds Roy.
Location: Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. For more information, call 845-202-2228, email Hello@b2hyoga.com or visit Back2HealthYoga.com. See ad, page 19.
Cristina Roy
Celebrate Mariandale and Community at Hope Harvest
Hope Harvest 2024, the annual benefit supporting the programs and mission of the Center at Mariandale, in Ossining, invites guests to honor and celebrate the center’s close friends and the Dominican Sisters of Hope. The gathering will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on October 13 on the Mariandale campus. Held rain or shine, it promises a fall afternoon filled with connection, reflection and celebration, all set against stunning views of the Hudson River.
Attendees will enjoy creative, seasonal foods and beverages while listening to live music from the Kendall Buchanan Quartet. The occasion will also offer guests an opportunity to peruse handmade gifts, crafts, information on local and global care initiatives, and enter to win an array of gift baskets and raffle prizes. The evening closes riverside as everyone is welcomed to gather and watch the sunset.
This year’s honorees include Virginia Connor, OP, LMT, CLT; Open Door Family Medical Center; and Mary Beth Powers, president of the Catholic Medical Mission Board. The event will recognize their outstanding contributions to the Mariandale community, celebrating their dedication to the center’s mission and values.
Founded in 1976 by the Dominican Sisters of the Sick Poor, the Center at Mariandale is a spiritual retreat center focused on care for the Earth, social justice and service to others. The center welcomes all ages and is BIPOC- and LGBTQ-friendly.
Cost: $75 per person. Location: 299 N. Highland Ave., Ossining. For more information or to schedule an event at Mariandale, call 914-941-4455 or visit Mariandale.org. See ad, page 2.
Omega Named as Leading Retreat Destination
Omega Institute—a widely regarded, trusted source for wellness and personal growth located in Rhinebeck—was recently ranked as the fourth retreat center in America in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024. In addition, this premier destination for lifelong learning in New York’s Hudson Valley was recently named the nation’s Best Yoga Retreat for the second consecutive year by TimeOut magazine.
“At a time when so many are grappling with stress and anxiety, retreat centers like Omega offer vital tools for cultivating resilience, igniting creativity, and making a positive impact in the world,” says Omega President and CEO Carla Goldstein. “To be recognized as a leading destination for this important work is truly an honor.”
Throughout this month, for those booking an R&R Retreat, Omega is waiving the daily R&R fee ($25) with a two-night minimum stay. Also, reservations are now available for upcoming 2025 workshops with teachers such as Jon Kabat-Zinn, Iyanla Vanzant, Robert Peng and more. Livestreaming events and virtual courses continue year-round.
Location: 150 Lake Dr., Rhinebeck, just 90 miles north of New York City. For more information, to request a 2025 catalog or to register for a workshop or online event, call 877944-2002 or visit eOmega.org.
Luna Power Yoga is Right at Home in Brewster
This month, Luna Power Yoga is celebrating its first anniversary since relocating to Brewster. Known for its community-oriented approach since its inception in 2021, the studio offers small group and private yoga classes, along with a variety of specialty workshops.
“Growing up in Brewster, it’s truly wonderful to be ‘home’ and see both familiar and new faces in our space,” says owner Cate Bartilucci. “We are grateful to our local community and the surrounding area for supporting us in our new location. It’s been an incredible year of growth for our small, but mighty studio.”
The studio provides a range of yoga classes designed to meet physical, mental and energetic needs, alongside monthly workshops featuring experts in reiki, spinal energetics and breathwork. They also host pop-up experiences and offer a free guided meditation and tea session monthly. Committed to accessibility, Luna Power Yoga provides a 20 percent discount to educators, full-time students, first responders, mental health professionals and veterans.
Looking ahead, Bartilucci adds, “We look forward to our future here and to continuing to meet you where you’re at, with the intention of holding space for you to reconnect with yourself away from the noise and chaos of the world outside.”
Location: 175 Main St., Brewster. For more information, call 845-276-4619, email Info@Luna PowerYoga.com, visit LunaPowerYoga.com or follow them on Instagram.
CBD Offers Benefits for the Fall Season
As autumn’s crisp air arrives, shifting routines bring both comfort and challenges. Marcie Manfredonia, owner of CBD Live Natural, in Bedford Hills, suggests, “High-quality CBD products can be a natural and effective ally in creating a more balanced and enjoyable autumn experience.”
Increased physical activity during the season—from raking leaves to preparing firewood—can cause soreness. According to Manfredonia, CBD (cannabidiol), a compound from the hemp plant, may help manage pain by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates pain perception. “Topical CBD creams can provide localized relief, while oils and tinctures offer broader management,” she explains.
The back-to-school rush and holiday planning can heighten stress and anxiety. “CBD’s anxiolytic properties might help,” suggests Manfredonia, adding that studies indicate CBD can interact with brain receptors to help regulate mood and anxiety. “CBD oils, tinctures and bath products offer convenient ways to manage stress and promote relaxation,” she advises.
Some people experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep at night as the days become shorter. “Early research indicates CBD could improve sleep quality by influencing sleep regulation,” explains Manfredonia. CBD Live Natural carries sleep-promoting products like bedtime CBD gummies and tinctures formulated with melatonin, a natural sleep hormone which may help.
Choosing the right product can feel overwhelming, but Manfredonia and her team are available to provide detailed descriptions and explain different potencies ensuring customers find the right fit. “We can help you to discover the perfect way to incorporate CBD into your fall routine and reap its many benefits,” she adds.
Location: CBD Live Natural, 720 N. Bedford Rd., Bedford Hills. For more information, call 914-705-1111 or visit CBDLiveNatural.com. See ad, page 12.
SPIRITUAL DREAMING
FIND THE DIVINE MESSAGES AWAITING YOU IN YOUR DREAMS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 | 2-3:30 PM MULTIPURPOSE ROOM
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REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Boy Scouts Save Life Mid-Flight
On a Southwest Airlines flight to LaGuardia Airport, a flight attendant asked over the public address system if there was a doctor on board. Three doctors and a nurse responded to the request and began treating a man in cardiac arrest with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Because CPR is exhausting to do for more than a few minutes, the professionals needed help, at which point a group of boy scouts returning from the Philmont Scout Ranch, in New Mexico, jumped into action and helped perform CPR for 40 minutes until the plane was able to make an emergency landing in Pittsburgh.
To receive training and certification in this life-saving skill, contact the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.
Space Sailing
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has successfully launched a new solar sail propulsion system. Similar to the way a sailboat is powered by wind, solar sails are powered by the pressure of sunlight and offer very low, but constant, acceleration. Made of a flexible composite polymer material reinforced with carbon fiber, this innovation is designed to replace electric and consumable chemical propellants, possibly enabling the use of lighter spacecraft to carry larger payloads or achieve greater speeds. NASA officials predict that future large-scale systems could be used for early-warning space weather satellites, near-Earth asteroid reconnaissance missions or communications relays for crewed exploration missions.
Embrace a new way to unwind and socialize with friends, all while savoring the natural goodness of our
Whether you’re at a party, relaxing at home, or enjoying an outdoor adventure, our drink mixers are the perfect companion for any occasion. Our D9 drink mixers are designed to provide a unique and enjoyable experience while offering the benefits of hemp-derived cannabinoids. Each bottle contains a robust 90 mg of D9, allowing you to enjoy the delightful effects of hemp without the drawbacks of alcohol.
Choose from our two tantalizing flavors: succulent watermelon and refreshing mixed berry. Each sip promises to invigorate your taste buds while promoting relaxation and enjoyment.
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Smashing Pumpkins
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans purchase 1.3 billion pounds of Halloween pumpkins and throw away more than 1 billion pounds, most of which winds up in landfills, where they release methane as they decompose. Diverting jack-o-lanterns away from landfills and turning them into compost can reduce the environmental footprint of this popular holiday tradition, thereby mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and enriching the soil.
Across the nation, people are hosting pumpkin smash parties to compost the spooky gourds. These events foster a sense of community spirit, provide a forum to discuss broader environmental issues and turn a post-Halloween chore into a fun, eco-friendly activity.
Planning Tips
• Time and Place: Schedule the party shortly after Halloween when people are looking to dispose of their pumpkins. Choose a centrally located area such as a public park, community center or school playground. Be sure to obtain any required permits and coordinate with the waste management department.
• Partnerships: Contact environmental groups, schools or businesses to help with logistics, promotion and the distribution of educational materials about composting and sustainability. Local farms or community gardens may be interested in receiving the composted pumpkins.
• Promotion: To attract participants, it is important to explain the purpose of the pumpkin smash and how it benefits the environment. Spread the word on social media using engaging visuals and hashtags related to Halloween, pumpkins and sustainability. Design and distribute eye-catching flyers. Contact or send a press release to local newspapers, radio stations and TV channels.
Event Recommendations
• Smashing Station: Create a designated area for pumpkin smashing and offer instructions on how to safely smash the pumpkins. Be sure there are enough tools for everyone, including mallets, hammers or even baseball bats. Safety is paramount, so provide goggles and gloves for proper protection. Set up a first-aid station in case of any minor injuries.
• Compost Collection and Distribution: Create a designated area for compost collection and ensure there are clear signs directing participants to take their smashed pumpkins there. Coordinate with local farms or gardens for compost pickup. Ensure the area is thoroughly cleaned up, leaving no debris behind.
• Educational Booths: Set up stations where participants can learn about composting and the benefits of reducing food waste. Provide brochures, posters and hands-on demonstrations to engage both kids and adults, and consider inviting local experts to give short talks or answer questions.
Kindergarten Play Day
Saturday, October 19th, 10am to noon
Four and five year olds are invited to v isit for a morning of storytelling, crafts, and play while parents learn about our progressive approach to education infused with the arts, nature, and imagination. Attendance is limited, please RSVP
BLUE ROCK SCHOOL
Independent K-8 School in West Nyack, NY www.bluerockschool.org
Fair-Trade Environmentalism
How Our Purchases Help Workers and the Planet
by Megy Karydes
In a 2021 study by sustainability consultancy GlobeScan, 41 percent of U.S. respondents said they had changed their purchasing choices to make a difference on economic, social or environmental issues. Walk into a grocery store today and the likelihood of finding fair-trade coffee or chocolate is higher than five years ago. The same GlobeScan study found that about 80 percent of U.S. consumers were aware of the Fairtrade America certification, viewed it favorably and would pay up to 35 percent more for Fairtrade coffee. The trend is clear: people are increasingly seeing their everyday shopping as an important way to make a difference.
None of this is by accident. Large and small nonprofits—such as the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief (Oxfam) America, which fights global inequality to end poverty and
injustice, and Chicago Fair Trade, a grassroots coalition—as well as independent retailers have been raising awareness by advocating on behalf of farmers and producers for years. Another growing trend in the fair-trade space is an understanding that environmental concerns need to be part of the conversation.
Sustainability Goals
Eric Muñoz, associate director for Inclusive and Resilient Food Systems at Oxfam America, notes one of the key issues of concern for their organization is an acknowledgement that hunger and poverty are concentrated in rural areas. Fairtrade efforts address those inequalities while also supporting community engagement and dialogue, democratic participation in decision-making and women’s empowerment.
“Some of the poorest and most vulnerable communities and households are those that rely on agriculture for their livelihoods,” he remarks. “Farmers involved in or selling into global supply chains, or even regional or national value chains, find themselves at a disadvantage. They are least able to negotiate a good return on the cost of their goods, or access markets that are going to adequately compensate them for their work and benefit from their labor. Fair trade is an effort at getting at that issue.”
Environmental concerns are inextricably involved in fair-trade negotiations. Nancy Demuth, director of outreach for Chicago Fair Trade, cites the example of coffee bean farmers in East Africa that are dealing with the negative impacts that unpredictable weather patterns have on their yields. “Those farmers will be farming less, and that means they’re earning less money,” she explains. “If they are using unsustainable environmental techniques, then that might be negatively impacting their soil health, and in 10 to 20 years’ time, their soil will be less productive.”
To be Fair Trade Certified, farmers must improve soil and water quality, avoid harmful chemicals and reduce waste and emissions.
Retailers Leading the Way
Since 2010, Tracy Zhu has been selling fairtrade items at her clothing shop, Tango Zulu, in Port Gamble, Washington, and about two years ago, many of her customers began to ask for environmentally responsible products. “There seems to be more awareness of the waste and pollution in the garment
industry,” Zhu says. “People are interested in sustainable clothing and also items made from clothing scraps, like upcycled kantha dish towels [made of quilted rags].”
Melissa Kendrick of Sojourns, a fair-trade retailer in Birmingham, Alabama, has likewise changed her inventory to serve a burgeoning interest in conservation. “Upcycled items received lots of attention, and more and more, we saw customers reacting to the information we posted about sustainability aspects of our products,” she says. “Now we see them actively asking about and seeking out items that have a smaller environmental footprint. We even have a section in our online shop that highlights items that are exceptionally eco-friendly.”
Zhu and Kendrick are responding to a rising and vocal support for companies and brands that align with their interests and values. Consumers increasingly ask questions about issues beyond the working conditions or compensation of the people producing the items. They want to know how fair trade impacts the environment and are willing to shift their purchasing power accordingly.
Reducing Consumption
Dampening uncontrolled consumerism is also a concern. “Part of what we do is talk about stopping the madness of mindless consumption,” notes Katherine Bissell Cordova, executive director of Chicago Fair Trade. The nonprofit hosts free clothing swaps, fashion shows featuring recycled garments and opportunities to engage with other advocates at the Chicago Fair Trade Museum, the first of its kind in the U.S.
What consumers do makes a difference, and Demuth encourages individuals to do all they can where they live. “Pick something that is of interest to you and see if you can make one switch,” she recommends. “Do one thing to make a positive difference, rather than overwhelm yourself by trying to suddenly shop 100 percent ethical, because it’s impossible to do that in our society.”
Megy Karydes is a Chicago-based writer and author of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress.
Diet and Lifestyle Transitions for the Autumn-Winter Season
An Ayurvedic Perspective
by Dr. Somesh N. Kaushik, ND, BAMS, MPH, E-RYT-500
Ayurveda’s cornerstone for achieving health and wellness is proper nutrition. Nutrition that is balanced according to one’s individual Dosha, and according to the season’s Dosha as well, is the goal. Ayurveda defines our body’s constitution as a balance of the five universal elements of fire, water, earth, air and space, grouped together to form three Doshas: Pitta (fire/water), Kapha (earth/water) and Vata (air/space).
Aligning With the Rhythm of Nature
Ayurveda identifies seasons with certain Doshas: summer to autumn is Pitta, autumn to winter is Vata and winter to spring is Kapha. Each season has characteristics associated with the natural elements such as warm, cold, dry, moist, windy and others. We can help our bodies adapt to the shifts in the seasons by choosing appropriate foods that are local, seasonal and, preferably, organic. One rule of thumb to remember is “like attracts like” so choose foods that are opposite to the season to balance the Doshas. And while it might be obvious to choose warm foods in winter, and cool foods in summer, it might not be so obvious to stay away from cold foods. Lowering our normal body temperature is actually detrimental as it reduces the heat necessary for proper digestion. Raw or frozen foods, as well as processed, canned or packaged foods, are also harder to digest and contain preservatives and other ingredients that create toxins which prevent nutrients from reaching the cells. The seat of all Doshas is in the gastrointestinal tract: Kapha is the stomach, Pitta is the stomach and small intestine and Vata is the colon. Therefore, an imbalance in any of the Doshas will have an impact on digestion, and this, in turn, will affect the proper functioning of all the cells and organs, including the body’s immune system.
Fall-Winter Season
As we are now approaching the fall/winter season, the dry/windy conditions can increase Vata and the cold can increase Kapha.
This requires a balance between the two. And so, for a Vata/Kapha-balancing diet (fall/winter), choose foods that are warming, cooked and easy to digest so that the digestive fire (agni) will not be dampened.
Warming foods to include are root vegetables, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, parsnips, turnips, beets, carrots, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts, as well as steamed or stewed green leafy vegetables. Adding warming spices— such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cumin and cayenne—will help to burn off toxins as well. Baked or stewed fruits— such as apples, pears, plums—with some cinnamon will add a boost of antioxidants. Add whole cooked grains (quinoa, amaranth, millet, barley), legumes (beans, peas, lentils) and ghee (easy to digest fat). Minimize salads as well as raw, dry or cold foods which will aggravate the Doshas.
It’s also advisable to eat one’s main meal during the middle of the day when the digestive process is strongest and finish eating at least two hours before bedtime to allow our evening meal to be completely digested. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly to aid digestion and increase absorption. Throughout the day, sip warm water and warming teas, such as ginger and turmeric, to keep the digestive fire strong.
Seasonal detox plans and Ayurvedic treatments can also be beneficial in helping the body, mind and spirit maintain balance and harmony. Cultivating an intuitive connection to the body is key in allowing it to function and heal with its own innate wisdom. Most importantly, keep a positive outlook on life, as that will translate into a positive health outcome as well.
Dr. Somesh N. Kaushik is an Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Physician. His practice, Dr. Kaushik’s Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Clinic, is located at 792 Rte. 35, in Cross River. For more information or to make an appointment, call 914-875-9088 (clinic M-F); 646670-6725 (telemedicine), email DrKaushik@ DrKaushik.com or visit DrKaushik.com. See ad, page 19.
The Rise of Bodywork Modalities
Integrating Innovative and Ancient Healing Arts
by Marlaina Donato
Only a few decades ago, healing modalities like chiropractic care and acupuncture received little attention in the realm of conventional medicine. Today, the wellness spectrum is much more diverse, and although additional research is needed to confirm their efficacies and treatment guidelines, many forms of bodywork once associated with only spa pampering are now considered allies in the treatment of a wide array of health conditions. With new therapies emerging annually, there are more than 180 bodywork modalities, including cold laser therapy for non-invasive pain management and ancient massage techniques.
Full-Spectrum Acupuncture
According to the market research company Technavio, the global acupuncture market is predicted to expand by $16.83 billion from 2023 to 2027, with much of the growth attributed to an aging population opting for non-invasive, drug-free solutions.
Cancer patients are increasingly accessing this 2,500-year-old therapy, as well. The National Institutes of Health reports that acupuncture is used to ease the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation at major treatment centers, including MD Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, in New
York, with the latter offering the modality in their accredited continuing education programs. According to a 2023 study published by JAMA Network Open, both integrative acupuncture and massage applications for advanced cancer patients over the course of 26 weeks were associated with decreased pain and improvements in sleep and quality of life.
“Our patients love having one more expert on their integrative medicine team, an additional professional to help them navigate the rollercoaster stressors of cancer treatment, recovery and survivorship,” says Pauline Sok Yin Hwang, an acupuncturist, registered Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner and the clinical director of Hillgreen Oncology Acupuncture & Herbs, in Toronto, Canada. Hwang also employs other therapeutic elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine that harmonize well with oncology acupuncture, including herbal applications; nutrition; moxibustion, the burning of dried mugwort near parts of the body; cupping; and electroacupuncture, which combines electrical pulses with needles to target specific energetic points on the body.
“Given a prompt, every tiny cell knows where it is and what it should do. The relationship between cells allows them to calibrate, but cancer cells have lost this connection, causing them to proliferate,” explains Jill Blakeway, an acupuncturist and founder of The Yinova Center, in New York City and Long Island. Blakeway adds that acupuncture can also stimulate the nervous system to release serotonin and other endorphins that can dial down pain and elevate mood, something that is much needed by anyone enduring a cancer diagnosis.
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Feel-good neurotransmitters are major players in the complex journey of addiction recovery, as spotlighted in a clinical trial published earlier this year in Annals of Internal Medicine. Participants given acupuncture treatments three times a week for eight weeks reduced their methadone dosage by 20 percent or more as compared to subjects that received placebo treatments.
For those that are squeamish about needles, Hwang says, “About 40 tiny acupuncture needles can fit into the hole at the end of a hypodermic needle,” adding that most of her clients do not experience pain throughout treatment, and they are able to relax and even fall asleep by the end of a session.
Moxibustion—an extension of acupuncture that utilizes an herb called Ai Ye—may be promising for chronic kidney disease as a complementary therapy. A 2020 meta-analysis published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine shows the potential of moxibustion to significantly reduce serum creatinine, 24-hour urine protein excretion and blood urea nitrogen—all of which are indicators of compromised kidney function—and markedly improve quality of life of chronic kidney disease patients.
Chiropractic Goes High-Tech
With 150 techniques in its toolbox, today’s chiropractic medicine incorporates more sophisticated and gentler methods than ever before, especially for individuals with osteoporosis, a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue. Fueled by advanced software, modern diagnostic tools give doctors an edge over standard evaluation methods to provide personalized treatment plans.
The chiropractic use of electric current-based muscle stimulation encourages circulation in muscles along the spine to minimize pain, a technique that is safe for patients with fragile bones or spinal stenosis. Another method—cold laser therapy—springboards from traditional ultrasound using specific wavelengths of light. Also known as low-level laser therapy, cold laser aids injured tissues by amping up the production of adenosine triphosphate, a molecule crucial for energy production within cells, to reduce inflammation and pain and promote healing. A 2021 systematic review published in the Journal of Medicine and Life reports that cold lasers can be effective for decreasing pain and may also improve coexisting emotional factors associated with temporomandibular joint disorders in the jaw.
As with traditional chiropractic care, the objective of modern styles is to address the root cause of neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction, which, if not treated, can lead to health issues and pain. “When the body is unable to adapt to chemical, physical or emotional stressors, tension within the nervous system is a common result. This often shows up as misaligned vertebrae [bones in the spine], but it can manifest in many ways,” says Brian Stenzler, a chiropractor and author in Sarasota, Florida, and vice president of operations at KnoWEwell, P.B.C. “Every organ, muscle, gland, tissue and cell of the body knows exactly what to do, when to do it and how to do it, as long as the ‘communication lines’ are clear between those body parts and the brain.”
Stenzler notes that because only a small percentage of nerves transmit information about pain, it is unreliable for determining if a chiropractic adjustment is needed. Instead, chiropractors use a combination
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of objective measures to identify misalignments causing nerve interference, such as posture, X-rays, motion and static palpation, range of motion, heart rate variability, thermography and surface electromyography, which assesses muscle function using electrodes placed on muscle groups.
New Horizons
Swedish and deep tissue massage have long given sore muscles and overextended nervous systems balm, but massage modalities are expanding their scope. Ancient massage systems making their way out of the shadows include Egyptian (Pharaonic), Balinese and gua sha, among others. More traditional approaches are being used to release trauma held in the body and to aid challenging conditions like Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy and cancer. “After a mastectomy, for example, a patient may experience swelling in the arm due to obstructed lymph flow. Specialized massage practitioners can offer lymphatic drainage massage to treat lymphedema, a common side effect of cancer treatment,” says Blakeway.
Tuina, one of the four branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is believed to be the oldest form of bodywork and, like acupuncture, targets acupoints, but without the use of needles. In research from 2018, this modality—when combined with other aspects of Chinese medicine—shows promise for early-stage diabetic foot disease, a condition resulting from peripheral artery disease or sensory neuropathy.
Guided by overhead bars for balance and support, practitioners of the Japanese modality ashiatsu primarily use their feet to
ease their clients’ tight muscles. “The foot’s broad surface allows for comprehensive muscle manipulation, targeting larger groups while maintaining precision for specific areas. While we may combine foot and hand techniques for certain areas such as the neck, the primary focus is on harnessing the foot’s unique capabilities for a truly transformative experience,” explains Mariah Maven, a licensed massage therapist, ashiatsu educator and owner of THE SPACE, in Spokane, Washington.
Maven points out that ashiatsu can help stabilize the shoulder while gently stretching the neck, creating an unparalleled sense of traction and release, as well as promote better posture, flexibility and quicker recovery from sports injuries, but cautions that “it is contraindicated for individuals with osteoporosis or osteopenia [reduced bone mass].”
Ortho-Bionomy, pioneered by British osteopath Arthur Lincoln Pauls, has gained attention for its positive effect on pain and postural problems by working with the body’s natural capacity to find balance and reset the nervous system. “Pauls took the osteopathic principle of positional release, gently placing the body in a position of optimal comfort and adding gentle compression into a joint from its position of greatest ease. He found that this stimulated proprioceptor nerve endings [sensors in muscles, tendons and ligaments] and produced a release response,” explains Donna Racik, a certified Ortho-Bionomy practitioner in Leonia, New Jersey, adding that she has found this modality to be effective in relieving pain, restoring alignment and improving the flow of blood and lymph.
Stenzler, who believes that tomorrow looks brighter with the education and guidance of integrative health providers that encourage people to lead healthier lifestyles, says, “While helping people overcome health challenges is very noble and an extremely important aspect of health care, I strongly believe that the future should lie in a salutogenic model,” which focuses on the origins of health and well-being rather than the causes of disease.
Marlaina Donato is an author, artist and composer. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.
by Nikki Zalewski on AdobeStock
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Improved Health and Vitality Through Whole-Body Alignment
Dr. Leigh Damkohler, Westchester Coun-
ty’s only dually licensed sports chiropractor and massage therapist, takes a holistic wellness care approach in her work capitalizing on the body’s natural ability to heal. “When the body is in its best alignment, there is another level of health that goes beyond ‘asymptomatic’ or ‘pain-free,’ revealing an opportunity for vitality and an enhanced life experience,” she shares.
Dr. Leigh Damkohler
Damkohler—who began practicing massage therapy in the ‘90s and started her chiropractic career in Norwalk, Connecticut, in 2004—is celebrating 20 years in practice this year. She has been in Yonkers since 2011, during which time she also became a chiropractic sports physician. Last year, she completed her Graston Technique specialist training and is currently finalizing her Certified Posture Exercise Professionals training.
Based on her initial experience as a chiropractic patient, Damkohler found that getting adjustments provided an unexpected benefit of improved overall health. “Although many people seek chiropractors for back pain, creating wellness and restoring the body to its natural state of optimal health is really our ultimate goal,” she says. “This equates to greater energy and improved function throughout all of your systems.”
Damkohler looks for underlying causes of any disturbance or imbalance in the body with a focus on patients’ everyday patterns. She then suggests interventions and lifestyle adjustments needed to optimize normal functioning. Her focus on natural healing minimizes the need for invasive treatment.
“Helping people feel great, have less discomfort, more energy and a sense of control over their health and well-being is what I love about being a chiropractor and massage therapist,” says Damkohler, who strives to get people out of their pain patterns as quickly as
possible and make them an active part of their care. “Showing patients how to make small changes in their lives that can improve their overall quality of life is empowering for both patient and doctor,” she adds.
Spinal adjustments to correct fixations (a lack of optimal joint motion) are what make doctors of chiropractic unique in comparison with any other type of healthcare professional. The term “adjustment” refers to the specific force chiropractors apply to any joint in the body that may have abnormal movement patterns. Improved health and vitality is the natural consequence of chiropractic care.
“When your body is functioning optimally, healing comes naturally from within,” notes Damkohler. “As we work to better integrate your nervous system with your muscularskeletal system, alignment enables you to function in peak form, often reducing the need for drugs or surgery. Wellness is a state of optimal conditions for normal function, and then some!”
Location: 8 Bacon Pl., Yonkers. For more information or to make an appointment, call 914523-7947, email Leigh.Damkohler@gmail. com or visit Chiropractor-WestchesterNY.com.
Ergonomic Solutions at Work and Play
How Good Posture and Mindful Habits Prevent Injury
by Maya Whitman
Regardless of lifestyle, many people experience everyday aches as they strive to balance work and play. Recurring movements while sitting or standing with bad posture can take a toll on the body. Jobs involving typing, hairstyling, power-tool use or assembly-line tasks, as well as asymmetrical recreational activities such as golf, tennis, bowling, electronic gaming or even playing musical instruments, can amplify the risk for chronic pain.
The American Heart Association reports that 80 percent of all U.S. jobs are mostly sedentary, a problem even without the added burden of too much screen time, poor sitting positions and the longterm effects of repetitive motion. The National Spine Health Foundation offers three recommendations for office workers: be mindful of posture, don’t look down at screens and get up and move around on a regular basis.
The importance of prevention cannot be ignored when we look at the cost of workers’ compensation cases. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021 claims included $4.7 billion for awkward postures and $1.7 billion for repetitive motions involving “microtasks” performed in a matter of seconds or a few minutes, such as typing.
Pressure Points
According to Margie Bissinger, a physical therapist and integrative health coach in Parsippany, New Jersey, one of the most common conditions caused by repetitive movement is carpal tunnel syndrome resulting from pressure on the median nerve, which extends along the hand, arm and shoulder. Symptoms include numbness, tingling and weakness in the thumb and fingers.
“Ergonomics is the design of working environments to help individuals use the best postures and habits that will keep their bodies healthy and avoid injuries,” Bissinger explains, noting that good
posture is designed to maintain the inward curve of the lower back. To reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, pain on the pinkie-finger side of the wrist or other related injuries, she recommends keeping the shoulders relaxed, the wrist in a neutral position, the thumb in line with the forearm and elbows close to the body while typing.
Gamers are prone to tendinitis in the hands and forearms, notes Shari Berkowitz, biomechanist, ergonomist and founder of The Vertical Workshop, in Beverly Hills, California. She remarks that compression in the neck can lead to not only carpal tunnel syndrome, but also double crush syndrome, a condition associated with compression at more than one location along a nerve path.
“Gamers have a lot of repetition of movement in small joints, as well as holding patterns in the arms, shoulders and spine over a prolonged period. They would benefit from using ergonomic devices that require very little force to press buttons, toggle, etc.,” she advises, adding that players should position themselves to support the entire body, not just the wrists. Whether working or playing, Berkowitz stresses the need to step away from the desk every hour for five minutes to get something to drink, go to the bathroom or just move around.
Bissinger cautions that slouching at the desk or while playing electronic games is a surefire way to set off pain patterns. “You don’t want to be on the couch hunched with your low back rounded,” she says. “You should make sure your neck is looking straight ahead, not up or down, for extended periods of time.”
Exercise Ergonomics
Bad habits in the gym or on the yoga mat can foster chronic pain in the lower back, knees, neck, shoulders and wrists. “Learn about proper joint alignment for whatever exercises you’re doing and then try to achieve that for each movement,” advises Berkowitz. “When a set of muscles that are primary to a movement is fatigued, synergists, or assistant muscles, must work more than they are supposed to. That means strain is going to happen.” She recommends stopping as soon as there is a feeling of muscle fatigue and decreasing the weight and repetitions.
For a well-rounded approach to exercise that aids in preventing issues, Berkowitz suggests mobility training such as Pilates, yoga, tai chi and dance, along with running, walking or strength training. She also suggests replacing backless shoes like flip-flops and slides with ankle-supporting, foot-forming options such as Flux Footwear.
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.
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Taking the Cold-Therapy Plunge
From Icy Showers to Cryotherapy Chambers
by Madiha Saeed, M.D.
Stress gets a bad reputation, but some forms can be quite beneficial. Hormesis, a self-imposed stress to the body, teaches it to become resilient. Cold therapy is a popular method used by athletes, biohackers and others looking to optimize their performance and physical health.
According to Molly Maloof, a concierge physician, biohacker and consultant to more than 50 companies, there are several types of cold therapy, including a cold shower or cold plunge in 50 to 59° F water; an ice bath in water that is 41 to 50° F; and cryotherapy, which exposes the body to extremely cold air (-166 to -220° F) in a specialized chamber. Maloof notes, “Women may not need as cold a plunge as men because women shiver at higher temperatures and are more sensitive to cold.”
Benefits of Cold Therapy
According to Tom Moorcroft, a boardcertified physician specializing in chronic, tick-borne illnesses, “People with chronic inflammatory conditions generally do really well [with cold therapies], both from a perspective of lowering inflammation and dealing with the stress of chronic illness. Patients with chronic, tick-borne infections typically report less pain and inflammation, improved energy and better overall quality of life with even a short 60- to 90-second cold shower daily. A cold plunge three to four times a week improves symptoms even more.”
Maloof notes the following benefits:
• Hormonal Effects: Cold therapy can increase production of norepinephrine and endorphins, which may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Metabolism and Weight Management: Cold exposure activates brown adipose tissue (BAT), increasing calorie burn. Women typically have more BAT than men, potentially making cold therapy more effective for a metabolic boost.
• Inflammation and Recovery: Cold-water immersion can be beneficial post-exercise to reduce inflammation and muscle soreness. While men’s bodies naturally redirect blood flow after a workout, women’s bodies tend to keep blood in the skin. A cold plunge can help women push that blood back to the muscles, aiding recovery. This benefit may be particularly useful for those experiencing inflammation during certain phases of their menstrual cycle.
• Immune System: Regular cold therapy may strengthen the immune system, and the effects may be more pronounced in men than women due to differences in responses to stimuli.
• Skin Health: Cold therapy, especially plunging the face into a bowl of ice water, can improve skin tone and reduce puffiness by constricting blood vessels.
• Fertility and Reproductive Health: Cold therapy might improve fertility in women by reducing inflammation and balancing hormones, but more studies are needed.
• Cardiovascular Health: Cold exposure can improve cardiovascular health by enhancing circulation. This benefit is important for women, as they have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease after menopause.
Contraindications
Moorcroft states that common side effects of cold therapies include cold skin, temporary dizziness, lightheadedness or headache, an increase in blood pressure and, rarely, frostbite or skin rash. According to both Maloof and Moorcroft, cold therapies are contraindicated for patients with uncontrolled hypertension, an inability to sense the extremities, an allergy to cold, Raynaud’s disease, pregnancy, open wounds, skin infections or recent surgery.
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Cold therapy might also be inadvisable for people with eating disorders, as it can exacerbate a disordered metabolism. Cryotherapy is not recommended for those with cardiovascular conditions, stroke history, claustrophobia, severe anxiety disorders, deep vein thrombosis or serious respiratory problems. Cold plunges or ice baths are not recommended for those with epilepsy, diabetes or hypothyroidism.
Tips for Taking the Plunge
Maloof recommends beginning with cool showers and slowly decreasing the temperature for brief periods. Her other recommendations for safely experiencing the benefits of cold therapies include:
• Start cold plunges for short durations of 30 seconds to two minutes.
• Limit cold-water immersion to below the shoulders or neck.
• Keep immersion times to two rounds of 30 seconds with two minutes in-between at the lowest temperatures, and a maximum of six rounds of three minutes with two minutes in-between at the highest immersion temperatures.
• Listen to the body and do not push beyond a level that is comfortable. Remember that women are more sensitive to cold.
• Warm up properly afterward by having warm, dry clothes ready.
• Stay hydrated with water before and after a cold therapy session.
• A cool shower before bed may help with sleep, especially for menopausal women.
“[Cold showers] are more accessible, and more people I work with are likely to start with these than a cold plunge or a cold chamber,” says Moorcroft. “Personally, I prefer a cold plunge by a long shot. It’s a more Zen and focusing experience.”
Madiha Saeed is a holistic, functional and integrative doctor in Naperville, Illinois, and director of education for Documenting Hope and KnoWEwell.
Sweet Nostalgia
Celebrating National Dessert Month
by Deborah Bevilacqua
Many of us have beloved memories filled with the treasures of the family kitchen—the clanging of baking pans and metal mixing bowls, flour dusted across the counter and the amazing aromas of chocolate, vanilla and cinnamon filling the entire house. That wonderful anticipation of a homemade treat coming out of the oven was pure childhood magic.
“There is nothing better than the smell of home-baked goodies,” says Lynn Feder, owner of Lynn’s Life Breads, an allergenfree bakery. Infused with the best ingredients and dollops of love, desserts are more than just a tasty indulgence. They celebrate long-held family recipes, cultural traditions
and the transformative effect of shared pleasures. October is National Dessert Month, a perfect time to explore the history, nostalgia and nutritional gifts of these delicious delights.
From Ancient Times to Modern Bites
Desserts have evolved from simple combinations of fruits and nuts to elaborate confections. The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans enjoyed honey-sweetened treats. By the 16th century, sugar had made its way to Europe from Southeast Asia, paving the way for decadent cakes and pastries. Today, each culture brings unique flavors and techniques to homes, bakeries and confectioneries around the globe.
American Favorites
Beloved for its chewy texture and rich flavor, the chocolate chip cookie was invented in 1938 by Ruth Wakefield, a chef, dietitian, educator and author from Walpole, Massachusetts, who also owned a tourist lodge with her husband, Kenneth, that they named the Tollhouse Inn.
Brownies originated in Chicago in 1893 at the Palmer House Hotel, where Bertha Palmer asked her chefs to create a portable dessert that could be served at the World’s Columbian Exposition. These cake-like, fudgy squares may contain nuts, chocolate chips or caramel swirls.
Apple pie is synonymous with American culture. With its flaky crust and sweet, spiced filling, it evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort, and is often accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream. In today’s health-conscious households, ice cream is not made with just cow’s milk. Scrumptious varieties are available featuring milks derived from cashews, oats or coconuts.
“The best ice cream is made from scratch in small batches with fresh, farm-to-table ingredients,” says Chloe Bowman, manager of Tin Cup Ice Cream & Desserts, in Crested Butte, Colorado. “One of our adult favorites is Cookie Monster ice cream made with homemade chocolate chip cookies and all-natural pea flour so it doesn’t make your mouth blue.”
While attempting to recreate a French version, William Lawrence, a New York dairyman, invented the now-classic New York-style cheesecake. It features smooth, rich cream cheese and a graham cracker crust that can be customized with various toppings.
The Sweet Benefits of Desserts
Aside from satisfying our sweet tooth, some desserts come with nutritious benefits. Dark chocolate contains flavanols that help lower blood pressure and fight cell
Courtesy of Lynn Feder
damage, as well as polyphenols that, according to a 2022 study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, help maintain a better mood. Fruits and nuts are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber, which play an important role in lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Indulging in a sweet treat may even lead to a sweeter disposition, according to research led by North Dakota State University.
Healthy Alternatives
Dessert time is not always kind to people that are diabetic, vegan, on restricted diets or have gluten sensitivities or allergies to ingredients like eggs, diary and nuts. “I can adapt any recipe to make it delicious and allergy-free. Today, we have so many options,” says Feder, who began baking allergen-free products as a result of her own health issues and allergies.
Dairy substitutes are plentiful in the grocery store, including milk made from oats, almonds, soy, coconut and rice. Alternatives to butter include nut butters, sunflower oil and coconut oil. For those with nut allergies, the texture, taste and nutritional value can be supplanted with rolled oats, granola, crisp rice cereal, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries, or dairy- and nut-free chocolate chips.
For those looking to reduce their consumption of sugar, there are a number of healthier natural sweeteners, including monk fruit extract, raw honey, pure maple syrup, coconut sugar, stevia and blackstrap molasses. Stevia and monk fruit extract are derived from plants and have a flavor very similar to regular sugar. A quick search online will provide guidance on measurement equivalents. Monk fruit, which does not raise blood-sugar levels, can be up to 250 times sweeter than sugar.
Celebrating National Dessert Month
To celebrate National Dessert Month, consider hosting a dessertthemed party where invitees can share their favorite recipes, and be sure to include low-sugar, vegan and gluten-free options, to accommodate everyone’s preferences and dietary restrictions.
Deborah Bevilacqua is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.
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Financial Planning for Pet Illnesses
How Pet Insurance Can Help
by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN
Although approximately 82 million U.S. households own a pet, only a small fraction—around 5.4 million—were insured by the end of 2023. A 2018 survey by the Access to Veterinary Care Coalition found that 28 percent of American pet owners encountered barriers to pet care in the past two years, primarily due to financial constraints.
Pet insurance can provide crucial financial support during unexpected emergencies or costly treatments, but deciding whether to invest isn’t always simple. Some pet owners are hesitant due to concerns about cost, policy complexity or the belief that insurance might not be necessary. However, many that do opt for insurance report significant benefits.
Eases Financial Worries
One of the most significant benefits of pet insurance is the peace of mind it provides, allowing families to focus on their pet’s health without constantly worrying about the financial implications. Patrons of Trupanion Pet Insurance have noted how insurance has made managing their pet’s health care easier because they have to meet the deductible only once per new condition, after which 90 percent of the costs are covered. Trupanion also covers alternative treatments like acupuncture.
Simplifies Decision-Making
AKC Pet Insurance covers preexisting conditions after 365 days—a crucial factor when a pet has medical problems at the
time of adoption. If a pet later develops a related ailment that requires costly testing, the insurance will cover these costs, allowing a pet owner to make the best decision for their pet without financial constraints.
Promotes Preventive Care
Many insurance plans, like those offered by Pets Best, include coverage for preventive care such as check-ups, vaccinations and wellness visits, which encourages pet owners to maintain regular veterinary visits. By catching potential health issues early, pet owners can avoid more costly treatments down the road, ensuring that their pets live healthier lives.
Reduces the Burden of High-Cost Treatments
Facing a high-cost treatment can be daunting, and in such cases, an insurance company that provides this level of coverage can be a lifesaver, enabling pet owners to provide the necessary care without the fear of financial ruin. A study published in Animals found that pet health insurance significantly increased the amount spent at the veterinarian, with insured dog owners spending an average of $211 more on veterinary care compared to those without insurance. While extra spending appears to be an argument against the value of pet insurance, the study’s authors present it as a positive, noting that as pet insurance alleviates owners’ financial stress, it encourages them to invest more in their pet’s health care.
Saves Lives
The financial strain of veterinary care can often lead to emotional distress for pet owners, particularly when they are forced to make difficult decisions in an emergency. A 2020 study published in Frontiers of Veterinary Science showed that insured dogs had a significantly lower pre-surgical euthanasia rate (10 percent) compared to non-insured dogs (37 percent). This suggests that pet insurance allows owners to choose lifesaving treatments rather than face the heartbreaking decision of euthanasia due to financial constraints.
Pet Insurance Shopping Guidelines
• Preexisting Conditions: Most pet insurance policies do not cover preexisting conditions. To ensure coverage, enroll a pet in an insurance plan before any significant health issues arise.
• Waiting Periods: Many pet insurance plans include waiting periods before coverage begins, during which illness or injury may not be covered.
• Coverage Limits: Pet insurance policies vary in their coverage limits, including annual, per-incident or lifetime caps. Review these provisions carefully to understand the maximum amount the insurance will pay in different scenarios.
• Deductibles and Reimbursement Levels: Policies differ in how they handle deductibles and reimbursement levels. Some may have higher deductibles but offer higher reimbursement rates. Choose a plan that fits both the budget and healthcare needs.
• Alternative and Holistic Care: Not all plans include coverage for holistic treatments like acupuncture and chiropractic care, so the selected policy should align with the owner’s preferences.
• Understanding Exclusions: Some insurance plans may exclude services for routine wellness care, dental cleanings or certain hereditary conditions. Understanding these exclusions can prevent unpleasant surprises when filing a claim.
• Plan Flexibility: Some insurance providers offer customizable plans, allowing pet owners to choose their deductible, coverage limits and options. While this flexibility can be beneficial, it requires careful consideration to ensure the best value for the money.
Deciding whether to invest in pet insurance is a personal choice that should align with the owner’s financial planning, the pet’s health and the priorities set for their pet’s care. Pet insurance can be a useful tool for managing veterinary expenses, offering peace of mind when unexpected medical issues arise.
Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian and holistic health coach for pets, as well as the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.
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Wednesday, October 2
Beginner Gentle Yoga for All – 6-7pm. This class is for those who are new to yoga and are looking for a gentle, safe and effective way to reduce stress and enhance strength, flexibility and balance. $22 drop-in. Pure Presence Yoga, Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown Heights. Info/register: PurePresenceYogaNY.com/schedule.
12 Steps for the Rest of Us: A Women’s Group for Spiritual Growth & Personal Enrichment – 6-7:30pm. Oct. 2, 9 &16. With Maureen McCormack. This workshop consists of a small group of women sharing their experience, strength and hope with each other in a safe, intimate environment. Learn how to let go of your old ideas and behavior patterns that no longer serve you. $240. Hudson Valley Holistic Healing Center, 51 Springside Ave., Poughkeepsie. Info/register: 845-849-0838; hvhHealingCenter.com.
Thursday, October 3
Mastering Mindful Living – 6-8:30pm. 9-week course through Nov. 21. With life coach Lourdes. Develop. Increase your self-awareness and your ability to regulate emotions and attention. Communicate more skillfully and authentically. $360/9weeks or $40 per class. Hudson Valley Holistic Healing Center, 51 Springside Ave., Poughkeepsie. Info/ register: 845-849-0838; hvhHealingCenter.com.
Energy Renewal: Yoga, Reiki and Guided Meditation – 7:30-8:45pm. This event includes a journey into a powerful guided meditation, soothing restorative yoga poses and individual reiki healing. $44. Pure Presence Yoga, Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown Heights. Info/register: PurePresenceYogaNY.com/schedule.
Friday, October 4
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.
Restorative Reiki Circle & Sound Bath – 6:308pm. During this 90-min group healing experience, each individual will receive reiki from Samantha, as Lauren facilitates an ethereal sound bath with crystal bowls, chimes, tongue drum, singing bowls, and other instruments which will be played both for the group and on/around each participant’s body. For adults 18+ only. $60 paid via Venmo @ SamanthaStengle. Moss and Moonlight Sanctuary for Healing Arts, Hopewell Junction. Info/register: MossAndMoonlight.com/calendar.
NEXT DEADLINE
10/8/24
Saturday, October 5
Embodied Yoga Sutras – 11:30am-2;30pm. With Wendy Newton who brings alive some of the Sutras’ most relevant topics and inspires learning using some of the very tools presented in this ancient work of spiritual and psychological practice. All welcome. 3 CEU’s for yoga teachers. Ascend Center + Collective, 75 Main St., Cold Spring. Pricing/register: AscendCenter.com/events-summary.
Yoga for Anxiety: A Therapeutic Approach – 1011:30 am. 3-week series. With Yoga Therapist, Meredith Kramer. Yoga therapy is a specialized, clinical approach tailored to individual needs, emphasizing a science-based methodology that integrates biomedical and psychological principles. $150 for the series. Universal Healing Arts, Cortlandt Manor. Register: 914-737-4325; UniversalHealingArts.com.
Mark Your Calendar
30th Annual Support-A-Walk October 6 • 9am to noon
Bring help & hope to people fighting breast and ovarian cancer!
Presented by Support Connection, Inc. Walk With Us in FDR Park or Wherever you Are! There are many ways to help! Donate • Raise Funds Form a Team • Spread the Word Volunteer • Make a Difference! SupportConnection.org • 914-962-6402
Sunday, October 6
Discovering the Muse: Intuitive Collage – 1-4pm. A course in self-discovery and creative expression with Gabrielle Sarah Rabinowitz and Connor Stengle. In this workshop we will explore modalities using Intuitive Collage for self-discovery and expression to create a relationship with your inner muse. For adults 18+ only. $75. Moss and Moonlight Sanctuary for Healing Arts, Hopewell Junction. Preregistration required: MossAndMoonlight.com/calendar.
NeuroArt Workshop – 2-3:30pm. With ArtistTeacher, Anne Zimmerman. The transformative world of NeuroArt: where creativity meets science to unlock your full potential. $30. Universal Healing Arts, Cortlandt Manor. Register: 914-737-4325; UniversalHealingArts.com.
Candlelit Yin Yoga – 4:30-6pm. With Kathleen Hinge. In-person only, for all levels. Poses are held passively and for an extended time, improving mobility and flexibility, and fostering a profoundly calm and meditative state. In-person only, for all levels. $30 (must purchase Candlelit Yin Yoga Pass). Info/ register: SacredSpiritYogacenter.org.
Monday, October 7
Astrology Introduction to Your Natal Chart –7-8:30pm. Astrologer, Colin McPhillamy, teaches basics for reading your natal chart, 4 components, strengths and challenges. $30. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914588-4079; Balancing4life.com/upcoming-events.
Tuesday, October 8
Live Harp & Restorative Yoga – 6-7:15pm. 1-hour restorative yoga class accompanied by live harp music. Enjoying the lovely Weil Preserve property in a class to realign your mind and body into deep relaxation. $35. Hosted by Tula Yoga for Wellness at Weil Preserve, 3 Willow Ln., North Salem. Info/ register: 914-806-3286; TulaYogaForWellness.com. Free Online Lecture: Muscular/Skeletal Issues: Strong Bones/Muscles – 7-8pm. Dr. Somesh N. Kaushik, an Ayurvedic and Naturopathic physician, will hold a free online lecture, “Food as Medicine: Muscular/Skeletal Issues: Strong Bones/Muscles,” through the Pawling Free Library. Held online. Registration required through the library: 845-8553444 or PawlingFreeLibrary.org.
Native American Medicine Wheel Teachings –7-9pm. Scott Nelson (Spirit Keeper Brother) teaches the sacred Anishinaabe Medicine Wheel and guiding principles. Adults $40. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4life.com/upcoming-events.
Wednesday, October 9
Vision & Success in School – 7-9pm. Is my child ready to learn? As many as 25% of children in any classroom have vision problems that keep them from reaching their potential! Free. Dr. Samantha Slotnick, Mind-Body-World Optometry, 495 Central Park Ave., Ste 301, Scarsdale. RSVP: 914-874-1177. DrSlotnick.com.
Virtual Women’s Circle: Self Care & Solidarity in Postpartum – 7-9pm. We will discuss maternal health & support during the postpartum period, including guest speaker Liza Montanino. For adults 18+ only. Sliding scale ($20-$30). Moss and Moonlight Sanctuary for Healing Arts, Hopewell Junction. Info/register: MossAndMoonlight.com/calendar.
Thursday, October 10
Afro-Caribbean Spiritual Practices – 6-7pm. Are you intrigued by the rich tapestry of Afro-Caribbean spirituality? Dive deep into the vibrant traditions of Espiritismo, Santeria, 21 Divisions, and Haitian Voodoo with our exclusive monthly class! $20. Persephone’s Pearl, 1014B Main St., Peekskill. Info: 914-737-3460; PersephonesPearl.com.
Healing Together Reiki Circle – 6:30-8pm. For those currently in treatment, in remission, or supporting a loved one with cancer. Join Rebecca Weinstein, Reiki Master Practitioner, for a compassionate reiki circle dedicated to those on a cancer
An Evening with Spirit – 7-8:30pm. Westchester Psychic Jessica Lawrence offers her medium talents to connect with ancestors for a group reading of those in attendance. Bring clarity to your life issues. Not everyone is guaranteed to receive a reading. Limit 20. $45. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com/upcoming-events.
Friday, October 11
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, October 12
Healing Dance & Wellness Workshop –2-3:30pm. Enjoy gently guided movement to help relieve stress, release trauma, and restore harmony and balance to your emotions. $50. Held in Millbrook. Preregistration required: 845-677-3517; Lotus-Grace.com.
Hudson Valley 5 Rhythms – 5-6:30pm. Come sweat your soul! 5Rhythms is a dynamic movement practice—a practice of being in your body—that ignites creativity, connection, and community. Ascend Center + Collective, 75 Main St., Cold Spring. Pricing/register: AscendCenter.com/ events-summary.
Sunday, October 13
Native American-Style Drumming Circle –3-5pm. 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, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4life. com/upcoming-events.
Hope Harvest 2024 – 4-7pm. Mariandale’s annual benefit honoring and celebrating the center’s close friends and the Dominican Sisters of Hope. Enjoy a fall afternoon filled with connection, reflection and celebration, all set against stunning views of the Hudson River. Held rain or shine. $75. The Center at Mariandale, 299 N. Highland Ave., Ossining. Info/tickets: 914-941-4455 or visit Mariandale.org.
Group Spirit Healing in Salt Cave – 5-6pm. Join Daisy for a restorative group healing in the salt cave. She will provide immense energetic healing while in a light trance state. $50. Hudson Valley Holistic Healing Center, 51 Springside Ave., Poughkeepsie. Info/register: 845-849-0838; hvhhealingcenter.com.
Sound Healing Journey – 5:30-6:30pm. With Ananda Priti. Immerse yourself in a soothing, sensory experience designed to promote relaxation and healing. Leave feeling rejuvenated, balanced, and more in tune with their emotions, ready to embrace the changes that autumn brings. Ascend Center + Collective, 75 Main St., Cold Spring. Pricing/register: AscendCenter.com/events-summary.
Mark Your Calendar Stress Is Gone Retreat
Life-Changing Emotional Relief
October 14 to 18
Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health Berkshires, MA
Tuesday, October 15
Tarot & Tea: Monthly Virtual Gathering –6-7pm. Good for those curious about psychic readings or who need a quick answer or confirmation on a matter. Great as a trial for new clients. Various modalities including tarot cards, oracle cards, pendulum, cowry shells, crystals and more will be utilized to provide intuitive psychic readings for each participant. $20. Held via Zoom. Info/register: 914-513-8398; PurpleLotusZen.com.
Wednesday, October 16
Yoga Nidra with Dani – 6:30-7:30pm. We all need more rest, especially before the holidays; however, achieving this can be very challenging for most of us. This class aims to support your body to learn to relax fully, so the mind and body soften to allow the nervous system settle. Ascend Center + Collec-
tive, 75 Main St., Cold Spring. Pricing/register: AscendCenter.com/events.
Thursday, October 17
New Rochelle ArtsFest 2024 – 9am-5pm. Oct 17. – Oct 20. Organized by the nonprofit New Rochelle Council on the Arts, ArtsFest is designed to celebrate the diversity of arts and artists in our community, with open studios, live music and dance, film screenings, pop-up art exhibits, and interactive activities for all. Info: NewRochelle Arts.org/artsfest-2024.
Plus enjoy 6 months of aftercare! Come vibe with your new tribe. For more information, visit StressIsGone.com or call: 833-867-3529 The Weston A. Price Foundation teaches about healthy foods of the past and how to incorporate them in the present. We explain the science of why certain foods are healthy, where to get them and how to prepare them. Request a free copy of our 28-page booklet about Dr. Weston A. Price
Spiritual Bath Workshop – 6-7pm. Discover simple yet potent recipes using natural ingredients and sacred rituals. From selecting herbs to setting intentions, learn how to infuse your baths with personalized meanings and intentions in this exciting monthly class! $40. Persephone’s Pearl, 1014B Main St., Peekskill. Info: 914-737-3460; PersephonesPearl.com.
Friday, October 18
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. With Ali Verdicchio. Be prepared to build heat through asana and pranayama in this invigorating, musically inspired workout.Great for all levels. Ascend Center + Collective, 75 Main St., Cold Spring. Pricing/register: AscendCenter.com/ events-summary.
Calendar of Events
Saturday, October 19
Ultimate Day of Self-Care – 12:30-4pm. Celebrate National Relaxation Day by securing your spot in this retreat designed to offer a holistic approach to wellness. Bringing together a variety of therapeutic and relaxing activities that cater to your mind, body, and spirit, this retreat is your gateway to the ultimate selfcare experience. $75. The LOC Artistry, 98 Cannon St., Poughkeepsie. Tickets (required): Eventbrite.com.
Mark Your Calendar
Join us for our 4th Annual Halloween Psychic & Vendor Faire
Sunday, October 20 • 12-5pm
Explore mystical vendors, enjoy insightful readings, and experience the magic. This is the spookiest event of the season.
Free admission
Cozy Coven A Mystical Shop at The Healing Collective NY 267a Central Ave., White Plains
Sunday, October 20
Gentle Yoga & Meditation in Salt Cave –10:30am. Facilitated by Charron Leilani Enjoy a time of relaxation and peace while connecting to your mind and body. $40. Hudson Valley Holistic Healing Center, 51 Springside Ave., Poughkeepsie. Info/register: 845-849-0838; hvhhealingcenter.com.
Afro-Caribbean Spiritual Practices – 6-7pm. Are you intrigued by the rich tapestry of Afro-Caribbean spirituality? Dive deep into the vibrant traditions of Espiritismo, Santeria, 21 Divisions, and Haitian Voodoo with our exclusive monthly class! $20. Persephone’s Pearl, 1014B Main St., Peekskill. Info: 914-737-3460; PersephonesPearl.com.
Soulful Sunday: An Evening of Movement, Meditation and Sound – 6-7:15pm. This evening will begin with gentle yoga poses and stretches, moving into a calming guided meditation followed by soothing and powerful sound bath. $44. Pure Presence Yoga, Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown Heights. Info/register: PurePresenceYogaNY.com/events.
Monday, October 21
Halloween Season Guided Tour: Myths & Mysteries of The Octagon House – 12pm. earn about the unusual lives of the residents who walked the halls, its architectural connections to 19th-century spiritualism, and the uncanny experiences people have had in the house. Recommended for ages 12+. The Armour-Stiner Octagon House, 45 West Clinton Ave., Irvington. Pricing/tickets/additional tour times: ArmourStiner.com.
Thursday, October 24
Raising the Bar Concert featuring Ashanti – 6:30pm. Grammy-winning artist Ashanti will headline the Pace Women’s Justice Center’s 2024
“Raising the Bar” Benefit Concert. Unforgettable night of music and the opportunity to contribute to PWJC’s life-changing free legal services for victims of abuse. Tickets start at $111. The Capitol Theatre, 149 Westchester Ave., Port Chester. Tickets: Ticketmaster.com.
Friday, October 25
Fright at the Farm – 6-10pm. A “Spooktacular” evening with live music, food trucks, and more. Enjoy a range of activities, from cornhole to connect 4, ensuring fun for all. All proceeds will benefit the Lucky Orphans efforts to rescue and rehabilitate retired racehorses and provide therapeutic programs to those in need. $20. Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue, 2699 Rte. 22, Dover Plains. Info: 845-877-0685; LuckyOrphans.org.
Magic of the Circle – 7-9pm. Join a monthly spiritual circle here with like-minded souls for conscious living. Sharing, tarot card pulls, meditation. Limit 12. $25. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914.588.4079; Balancing4life.com/upcoming-events.
Saturday, October 26
Calming Anxiety – 2-3:30pm. This workshop combines compassionate listening with personalized healing practices to help you reach the root of anxiety, release and relax your emotions and experience tranquility. Find stillness within the stormy waters of upheaval. $50. Held in Millbrook. Preregistration required: 845-677-3517; Lotus-Grace.com.
Hudson Valley 5 Rhythms – 5-6:30pm. Come sweat your soul! 5Rhythms is a dynamic movement practice—a practice of being in your body—that ignites creativity, connection, and community. Ascend Center + Collective, 75 Main St., Cold Spring. Register: AscendCenter.com/events-summary.
Sunday, October 27
Trick or Treat at the Farm – 10:30am-12pm. Come dressed in your favorite costume and enjoy a morning of trick-or-treating, candy, and surprises among Lucky Orphans’ friendly horses. This event is free, but consider making a donation to sponsor a horse and support the sanctuary’s mission of saving and caring for these beautiful creatures. BYI reusable bag. Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue, 2699 Rte. 22, Dover Plains. Info: 845-877-0685; LuckyOrphans.org.
Akashic Records in the Salt Cave – 11am-12pm. In the Akashic healing experiences, Laura shares a bit about the Akashic Records, guides you through a sacred meditative journey/ritual into the Akashic Records, and offers individual healings and feedback to anyone who is present. $50. Hudson Valley Holistic Healing Center, 51 Springside Ave., Poughkeepsie. Info/register: 845-849-0838; hvhHealingCenter.com.
Spiritual Bath Workshop – 6-7pm. Empower yourself with the knowledge to create your own spiritual baths at home. From selecting herbs to setting intentions, learn how to infuse your baths with personalized meanings and intentions in this exciting monthly class! $40. Persephone’s Pearl, 1014B Main St., Peekskill. Info: 914-737-3460; PersephonesPearl.com.
Tuesday, October 29
Native American Medicine Wheel Teachings –7-9pm. Scott Nelson (Spirit Keeper Brother) teaches the sacred Anishinaabe Medicine Wheel and guiding principles. Adults $40. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4life.com/upcoming-events.
Thursday, October 31
A Very Fluffy Halloween at Lilymoore Alpaca and Llama Farm – 10:30am & 12pm. Fun-filled guided farm tour where you can meet the adorable animals of Lilymoore Farm. Feel free to come in costume. Tickets start at $18.95. Lilymoore Alpaca and Llama Farm, 21 Moore Rd., Pleasant Valley. Info/tickets: LilymooreFarm.com/experiences.
Plan Ahead
Saturday, November 2
The Art of Spiritual Dreaming – 2-3:30pm. Find the divine messages awaiting you in your dreams. Join Eckankar of New York for an enlightening workshop that delves into the fascinating realm of dreams. Registration required. Greenburgh Public Library, Multipurpose Room, 300 Tarrytown Rd., Elmsford. Info: GreenburghLibrary.libcal.com.
Sunday, November 3
Candlelit Yin Yoga – 4:30-6pm. With Kathleen Hinge. In-person only, for all levels. Poses are held passively and for an extended time, improving mobility and flexibility, and fostering a profoundly calm and meditative state. In-person only, for all levels. $30 (must purchase Candlelit Yin Yoga Pass). Info/register: SacredSpiritYogaCenter.org.
Wednesday, November 6
ADD Just Doesn’t Add Up! – 7-9pm. Is it really a short attention span? Learn current facts & how to distinguish visual problems that mimic or complicate AD(H)D. Free. Dr. Samantha Slotnick, Mind-Body-World Optometry, 495 Central Park Ave., Ste 301, Scarsdale. RSVP: 914-874-1177. DrSlotnick.com.
Mark
Your
Calendar
Awaken Wellness Fair
November 24 …Awaken to Your Best Self… Unique Vendors, Expert Speakers, Intuitive Readers, Gifted Healers A day of education and inspiration! Westchester Marriott AwakenFair.com Exhibitor spots available.
Ongoing Calendar listings must be resent quarterly for our November edition. Email listings to Admin@WakeUpNaturally.com.
Sunday
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: RedTailPower Yoga.com; 845-605-2257.
TLC Online Holistic Networking Morning – 8:3010am. 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: 646-734-6964; 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.
Putnam Yoga Level 1 to Level 2 – 9:30am. This yoga class offers a flow with modifications shown designed for yogis just starting out. All classes are an hour long. $20 drop-in, class cards and memberships available. Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. Info/register: Christine Dodge, 845-494-8118; PutnamYoga.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: 845-202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.
Flow & Align with Erin – 9:30-10:45am. Move mindfully through breath-centered sequences while fine tuning your alignment through the creative use of props. PranaMoon Yoga, 1000 N. Division St., Ste. 2H, Peekskill. Info/register: 845528-0318; 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, 720-2247930. Info/register: EmbodiedArtsAndWellness.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.
1-Hour Level 2 Aligmnent Vinyasa – 5:30pm. Class includes movement, breathwork and meditation. $20 drop-in. Call for packages. Tula Yoga for Wellness, 22 Sutton Place, Brewster. Info: 914-8063286; TulaYogaForWellness.com.
Monday Muscles: Resistance & Strength Training –5:30pm. This unique and dynamic workout is designed for adults who want to regain muscle strength, avoid sarcopenia, and reduce their risk of suffering from chronic conditions as they age. We use body weight and resistance bands! $22 drop in. (Memberships start at $75). Amenia Yoga, 18 Old North Rd., Amenia Yoga. Info/register: 646-401-4188; AmeniaYoga.com. POWER – 6-7pm. A dynamic, Vinyasa-based class focused on aligning movement with breath. This class allows participants to challenge themselves through movement geared towards enhancing strength and endurance via vigorous flows. $25 drop-in. Luna Power Yoga, 175 Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.com.
Reiki Meditation Circle: Monthly Virtual Gathering – 6-7pm. Class includes breathwork, visual mediation and guided instruction of the Japanese technique known as reiki, utilizing energy healing. $20. Held via Zoom. Info/register/specific dates: PurpleLotusZen.com.
Bring Your Pet Day: The Energy Enhancement System – 6-8pm. Every other Monday. $160 for you and your pet for 2 hours in the EE System. Quantum Healing & Wellness, 7 Norm Ave., Ste. 202, Bedford Hills. Info/register: 914-218-3428; QuantumHealingAndWellnesspma.com/events.
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: 845-242-3625; BlueLotusYogaHealing.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. Putnam Yoga Level 1 to Level 2 Class with Meditation – 9:30am. The Yoga flow will have modifications shown. This class starts and ends with special meditation segments; designed for people new to meditation. All classes are an hour long. $20 Dropin. Class cards and memberships available. Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. Info/register: Christine Dodge, 845-494-8118; PutnamYoga.com.
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: 914-218-3428; QuantumHealingAndWellnesspma.com/events.
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.
Green Street Radio – 10am. With Patti and Doug Wood. Environmental news, analysis and sciencebased information. Info: GreenStreetRadio.com. 99.5 FM and WBAI.org.
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 845-2166810 or HealthBalanced.com.
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.
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.
Precious Pet Days – 6-8pm. 1st & 3rd. During this special event, your pet can experience a variety of healing modalities, including therapy and meditation. $160 for you and your pet. Quantum Healing & Wellness, 7 Norm Ave., Ste. 202, Bedford Hills. Pricing/preregistration (required): 914-218-3428; WellnessLiving. com/rs/schedule/quantum_healing_wellness.
RESTORE – 6:30-7:30pm. Experience the transformative power of gentle yoga and an extended savasana by candlelight. Designed for all-levels, this class will close out a long day, loosen up tightness within, and melt away stress. $25 drop-in. Luna Power Yoga, 175 Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.com.
Yoga and Meditation Program – 6:30-7:30pm. 6-weeks starting Oct. 15. A blend of gentle movements, Vinyasa flow and meditation, with a focus on breath work, strength and flexibility. $120 for series. Health Balanced Fitness Studio, 900 South Lake Blvd., Ste. 6, Mahopac. For reservations: call/ text 845-216-6810 or HealthBalanced.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.
Wednesday
TLC Networking Breakfast in Mount Kisco – 8:30-10am. 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).
Adult Mat Yoga, Kripalu-based YogaShine – 8:30-10am. With Vitalah Simon, who’s been teaching yoga for 35 years. Gentle and calming, strengthening and invigorating, multi-level and individual attention. Beginners welcome. First class free. Held via Zoom, free tech training. Info/register: 914-769-8745; YogaShine.com.
Iyengar Yoga: Basics Level 1 – 9am. This class builds on Iyengar Yoga fundamentals with standing poses, including lateral, forward bends and twists to enhance strength, balance and flexibility. Perfect for beginners. $22. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.
Putnam Yoga Level 1 to Level 2 Class (w/modifications) – 9:30am. For those who are more familiar with yoga, we incorporate power yoga poses and techniques that are designed for indepth strength training, as well as improvements in breathing, posture, and mobility. All classes are an hour long. $20 drop-in. Class cards and memberships available. Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. Info/register: Christine Dodge, 845-494-8118; PutnamYoga.com.
Pure Hatha – 10am. This breath-centered flow class will lead you through a well-balanced series of dynamic and static poses. The steady yet easeful pace will allow the student to focus inward to explore and address their individual strengths, weaknesses and imbalances. All levels welcome. Some experience helpful. Pure Presence Yoga, 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown Heights. Info/register: 914-214-8111; PurePresenceYogany.com.
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.
Putnam County Green Drinks – 5:30-7pm. 1st Wed. Everyone is welcome! Arrive anytime between 5:30 and 7pm. Stay for as little or as long as you like. Enjoy a cocktail or mocktail from the cash bar, and appetizers provided courtesy of Sustainable Putnam. Consider staying to enjoy a farm-to-table dinner Free to attend. Clocktower Grill, 512 Clocktower Dr., Brewster. Info: 845582-0574; SustainablePutnam.org/events.
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. $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
FLOW – 6-7pm. A Vinyasa-based class focused on aligning movement with breath. Flow through a series of movements designed to center and ground, with an emphasis on flexibility, mobility, and strength. $25 drop-in. Luna Power Yoga, 175 Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.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
RISE – 7-8am. Awaken your body and set a positive tone for your day with this gentler, Vinyasa-based class with a focus on grounding, flexibility, and creating space. $25 drop-in. Luna Power Yoga, 175 Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.com.
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.
Putnam Yoga Level 1 to Level 2 Class (w/modifications) – 9:30am. For those who are more familiar with yoga, we incorporate power yoga poses and techniques that are designed for in-depth strength training, as well as improvements in breathing, posture, and mobility. All classes are an hour long. $20 drop-in. Class cards and memberships available. Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. Info/register: Christine Dodge, 845-494-8118; PutnamYoga.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
POWER – 5-6pm. A dynamic, Vinyasa-based class focused on aligning movement with breath. This class allows participants to challenge themselves through movement geared towards enhancing strength and endurance via vigorous flows. $25 drop-in. Luna Power Yoga, 175 Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.com.
Pre-teen/Teen YogaShine – 5-6pm. Reduce stress, increase focus and self-esteem, multi-level and individual attention. Beginners welcome. First class free. Held via Zoom, free tech training. Info/ register: 914-769-8745; YogaShine.com.
Women’s Healing Circle: Monthly Virtual Gathering – 6-7pm. Each class will focus on an issue relating to women and provide supporting exercise such as breath work, tapping, visual meditation, chanting and more. $20. Held via Zoom. Info/register/specific dates: PurpleLotusZen.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. Health-Balanced Fitness Studio, 900 South Lake Blvd, Ste. 6, Mahopac. For reservation call/ text: 845-216-6810 or visit our website HealthBalanced.com.
Open Vinyasa with Robin– 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. PranaMoon Yoga, 1000 N. Division St., Ste. 2H, Peekskill. Info/register: 845-528-0318; PranaMoonYoga.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.
Friday
Gentle/Moderate Kripalu-Based Yoga – 9:3011am. With Chris Glover. Gentle, nurturing, yet strengthening. Develops a calm nervous system and embodied awareness through compassionate self-observation. In-person or virtual. Info/register: SacredSpiritYogaCenter.org.
Super Gentle Chair Yoga, Kripalu-based Yoga Shine – 10:30-11:30am. With Vitalah Simon, who’s been teaching yoga for 35 years. Gentle and calming, strengthening and invigorating, attuned to people with a variety of special needs, multi-level and individual attention. First class free. Held via Zoom, free tech training. Info/register: 914-769-8745; YogaShine.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.
Overnight in the EE System – 9pm-7am. Bring sheets, pillow, blanket, water & all the comforts needed for a good night’s sleep. Recharge your cells in the ultimate relaxation experience overnight in the Energy Enhancement System! Fall asleep and awaken to the enchanting melodies of crystal singing bowls and chimes. Quantum Healing & Wellness, 7 Norm Ave., Ste. 202, Bedford Hills. Pricing/preregistration (required): 914-218-3428; WellnessLiving.com/rs/schedule/ quantum_healing_wellness.
Saturday
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: 646-734-6964; BarreBelleByJoelle.com.
1-Hour L1 Alignment Vinyasa – 9am. All classes include movement, breath work and meditation. Beginners welcome. $20 drop-in; call for packages. Tula Yoga for Wellness, 22 Sutton Place, Brewster. Info: 914-806-3286; TulaYogaFor Wellness.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.
Shamanic Soul Constellations – 10am-5pm. 1st Sat. Eileen O’Hare weaves simple shamanic healing tools with IFS/Parts Work and Family Constellation Wisdom into a potent healing field in which everyone comes away lighter, brighter, feeling better. 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 – 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. Learn gentle pose sequences and embodied awareness. Suitable for new students and those with physical limitations or recovering from injury. 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: 845-202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.
Gentle Hatha Yoga – 12:30pm. A yoga style based in Kripalu tradition, focusing on yoga postures, mindful awareness and self-care. Breathing techniques and meditation will be explored as well! Suitable for all levels! $20 drop-in. Class cards and memberships available. Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. Info/register: Christine Dodge, 845-494-8118; PutnamYoga.com.
Part One of Special Series on Fertility
The Eye-Opening Truth About Fertility
by Dr. Susan Fox
Global declines in birth rates have made headlines, but the rise of male and female infertility has largely been overlooked. Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after trying for one year. In 2021, Scientific American reported that the world-wide fertility rate dropped by almost 1 percent per year from 1960 to 2018.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 1 in 5 American married women in their reproductive years have difficulty in either getting pregnant or carrying to a live birth, and 11.4 percent of men ages 15-49 have some form of infertility.
For women, a study found a 1 percent per year increase in reported miscarriage rates in the US over a two-decade period. The increase in infertility among women has manifested itself in the increased use of assisted reproductive technologies, including egg freezing and in vitro fertilization among younger women, not just those that waited to start families until after age 35. There also has been an increasing trend in the use of gestational surrogacy as family has taken on a wider definition than traditionally, and as corporations have begun to include fertility benefits in their employee compensation packages.
Numerous studies have identified an increase in male fertility issues, including:
• Declines in sperm concentration (52 percent) and total sperm count (nearly 60 percent) between 1973 and 2011. At this rate, average sperm count could be zero by the middle of this century.
• Decreases in testosterone levels of almost 1 percent per year during recent decades in excess of natural, agerelated declines.
• Declines in total testosterone levels among adolescent and young adult males from 1999 to 2016.
• Increases in testicular cancer rates.
• Increases in the prevalence of erectile dysfunction among younger men.
Susan Fox is Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in Marin County, California, and has specialized in working with women and couples navigating fertility challenge for more than 20 years. Connect at healthyouniversity.co and drsusanfox.com.
There is hope! Watch in November for our next article in this series. Also, learn more, access valuable resources today, and get your COMPLIMENTARY ACCESS PASS for the very special January 20-24 fertility immersive event. Scan the QR Code. See the YOGA, PILATES, FITNESS NETWORK on page 23.
Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Erica@WakeUpNaturally.com to request our media kit.
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.
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 15.
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 7.
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 9.
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 19.
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 19.
Beauty
NINE ZERO ZERO SALON
900 S. Lake Blvd., Ste. 2, Mahopac By appointment: 845-803-8308
Rediscover the natural shine and health of your hair, naturally. Experience the pure beauty of nature at our organic hair salon. Chemical-free products that will make you feel and look naturally beautiful. Hair & Beauty Services. Call for your appointment today.
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.
Café
SWEET HARVEST CAFÉ
Nutritious. Energetic. Refreshing. 82 Main St., Cold Spring 845-666-7390 • SweetHarvestShoppe.com
Sweet Harvest is a café 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.
—Jane Hirshfield
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 12.
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!
Certified in prenatal Chiropractic: Webster Technique. Grateful to serve this population of women through chiropractic and nutritional support. Offering wellness care for three decades in Westchester with a special attitude toward women's wellness. Be nurtured in a safe, welcoming space.
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.
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 PastLife Regression. Regular drumming circles and Stargate meditations offer growth within a supportive community.
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.
Esthetics/Lashes/Bemer
SANDI SCHROEDER
Hudson River Healing and Wellness
290 Main St, Cold Spring 323-687-4374
Sandi has been practicing in the beauty industry for over 18 years. Having a celeb-based lash and esthetics business in LA, she has brought a more natural esthetic to her practice. Offering natural lashes, Procell Therapies and Bemer sessions.
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.
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 17.
Healing
HEALING OASIS INSTITUTE
Elizabeth Rodriguez, DNM, RM, LMT, CHT 2 N. Broadway, Ste. T0, White Plains By Appointment • 914-282-3726
Caring for your body, mind, spirit and emotions. Compassionate services provided: Myofascial release, deep tissue and integrative therapeutic massage, reiki sessions and training. Emotional freedom technique. Hypnosis. Located within Dr. Perlman’s office. Please call for appointment.
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.
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 800-944-1001 • eOmega.org
Open from May to October, we offer a wide variety of workshops and retreats, led by world-class teachers on our beautiful 250acre campus, just 90 miles north of New York City. Can’t make it to Rhinebeck? Join us for a livestream.
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 Optometry
EYECARE ASSOCIATES, PC
Dr. Randy Schulman, MS, OD, FCOVD
Dr. Krupa Baxi • Dr. Allie Decker
Dr. Jason Grygier • Dr. Ken Landesman
Dr. Diana Ngo • Dr. Maryam Nizami
Dr. Justin Rapp • Dr. Sonia Singh
Dr. Magy Tepliz • Dr. Matthew Weatherbee
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
992 High Ridge Rd., 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.
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 19.
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
Retreats
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.
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.
Skincare
PN ARTISAN LUXURY
Activated Oxygen Skin Care Available at NicólJoë in Pawling PNLuxury.com
PN Artisan Luxury is a true source of potent, natural and safe skincare solutions that heal and nourish skin. Formulated by a Medical Microbiologist/Biochemist. Crafted from organic, nonGMO ingredients, in small batches, locally in the Hudson Valley. Infused with activated oxygen: anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-aging. See ad, page 15.
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.
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. See ad, page 15.
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.
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. See the INTUITIVE & HEALING ARTS on page 20.
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.
Wellness
ASCEND CENTER + COLLECTIVE Yoga. Pilates. Dance. Wellness 75 Main St., Cold Spring 845-265-4444 • AscendCenter.com
A sanctuary of well-being; offering wellness treatments, daily yoga & Pilates classes, 5Rythms Dance, workshops, curated experiences and more. Enjoy the CITRINE Café, browse the curated gift shop. ASCEND is a community with your wellbeing at its heart. Visit our website for a full list of services or visit us on main street.
January 20 thru 24
Retreats
Life-Changing Emotional Relief & Trauma Recovery at World-Class Wellness Destinations
Overwhelmed with emotional pain or anxiety?
SIVANANDA
Oct 14-18, 2024
Berkshires, MA
Jan 3-6, 202
Paradise Islan
Feb 14-18, 2025 Women’s Retreat
Honesdale, PA
Brett Cotter, Author-Founder-Trauma Recovery Expert, has 25 years experience helping people recover from the most traumatic events of their lives. His compassionate approach helps people feel safe and release the source of their stress.
“The release of long held trauma, pain, and beliefs was truly amazing. I feel lighter and calmer. It was a life-changing experience.” - Sarah Stanczewski
