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Natural Awakenings South Central Pennsylvania

Letter from the Publisher

Twenty years ago, my niece Morgan was born. When she was 11, Natural Awakenings of South Central PA was launched. As the magazine is now in its ninth year, Morgan is starting her junior year at Penn State-Harrisburg, majoring in civil engineering and determined to build bridges; not just run-of-the-mill bridges, but extraordinary and architecturally beautiful bridges. Her passion and goal is metaphorically ripe with possibilities for a brighter future.

As much as my niece’s aspirations give me hope for a better tomorrow, they also give me pause as a reminder of just how quickly time passes. The years used to go by quickly. Now the benchmark of time’s passage is referenced in decades.

As they pass, I continue to rely on several cornerstones of a healthy lifestyle that help me maintain vitality and cope with aging-related stressors. In addition to a healthy, local and mostly organic diet, most of my personal health-care/preventive maintenance budget is allotted to a variety of regular bodywork, yoga classes and chiropractic care.

Marlaina Donato scores a double entry in this issue. In the feature article, she explains how fortifying the nervous system through massage, acupuncture, craniosacral therapy and reflexology is critical to combating age-accelerating stress hormones like cortisol. In our Fit Body department, Donato discusses how yoga’s contribution to mind-body fitness is proving to be a reliable defense against age-related loss of mobility, cardiovascular disease and depression. We’re also pleased to have a host of local contributors weighing in on both subjects.

Whether you’re an experienced, novice, beginner or aspiring yogini/yogi, or a health-conscious individual, you will be well-served to attend one or both days of the inaugural Central PA Yoga Love Festival at Amethyst Retreat Center on September 28 and 29. A compelling lineup of local, national and internationally renowned presenters and speakers will provide something for everyone at this eco-friendly event, including yoga, holistic health, inspirational speakers, farmers, health foods, music and more. See ad, page 26 of the September issue.

I’m excited to have Morgan living and going to school in South Central PA for the next two years. It will allow us to see each other more often and spend time together exploring the local, healthy and organic eating establishments for her to highlight on her food blog, #MorgansMunchees on Instagram.

Enjoy this issue and until next month, remember to feel good, live simply and laugh more!

Dave




Leading the Eco-Revolution in Our Communities
Scientists in Iceland have constructed a memorial to a victim of climate change, Okjökull Glacier, known as “OK.” The plaque acknowledges the glacier's once existence and goes on to say, “This monument is to acknowledge that we know what is happening and what needs to be done. Only you know if we did it.” Read More »
Fascial Release Massage Relaxes the Body
Sports massage is not only for athletes; it can also be used for clients experiencing chronic ailments or injuries. Along with the general relaxation qualities of massage therapy, it’s also important to address the fascial chains of connective tissue that tend to bind up where there is a chronic issue. Read More »
Let Go of Pain with Bowen Therapy
If our shoulder hurts, maybe the problem is in the tailbone. Pain doesn’t always originate at the spot where it’s felt. Just as a pebble thrown into a pond causes ripples, tension in one part of the body can send pain radiating to another. Read More »
Lebanon County and Cumberland County Women’s Expos
The Lebanon County Women's Expo will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., October 5, at the Lebanon Expo Center, 80 Rochert Road, in Lebanon. Read More »
The Benefits of Yoga as Therapy
Yoga can be applied to many different situations, especially in terms of being a healing modality. The focus of therapeutic yoga programs and individualized work at Dillsburg Yoga include neurological conditions like Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis (MS), anxiety, depression and back health. Read More »
Free Weed Walks at Sonnewald
As part of the Second Saturday at Sonnewald, participants can get back to nature and enjoy old-fashioned socializing with friends and neighbors, plus educational Weed Walks with Willa at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., September 14. Read More »
Reiki at Rumi’s Wellness Center
Dottie Woodward and her team will be offering a Star Fire Energy Activation on September 15 and a Star Fire Energy class on October 20 at Rumi's Wellness Center. Read More »
Learn About the Gokhale Method for Pain Relief
Rachel Benbow is now a qualified Gokhale Method instructor at The Roots of Health. She will offer a free, public workshop at 7 p.m., September 9, as an introduction to the Gokhale Method Group Foundations course starting September 16. Read More »
Natural Living Exposition in Lancaster
Products and services available for purchase include locally made preservative-free snacks, natural personal care products, Kombucha, CBD products, home food delivery services, reflexology, chiropractic care, nutrition response testing, sustainable and renewable energy options and others. Read More »
Laughter Yoga Training
Tammy and Jack Bray, certified laughter yoga leaders and teachers through Laughter Yoga International and owners of Joyful ViBRAYtions, are offering fun and engaging two-day Laughter Yoga leader training at the York Jewish Community Center on October 5 and 6. Read More »
York Hosts Harvest Vegfest
Sponsored by Animal Advocates of South Central PA, the second annual Harvest Vegfest, held September 21 at Cousler Park, in York, is a free, 100 percent vegan and zero waste, community-centered festival focusing on healthy, sustainable and compassionate living. Read More »
Personalized Yoga Therapy at Dillsburg Yoga
Dillsburg Yoga is offering individualized yoga therapy with owner Emily Gilmore, who specializes in working with people that are experiencing neurological conditions (particularly MS and Parkinson's), back pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. Read More »
Bowen Works Moves to Mechanicsburg, Expands Offerings
Carlisle Bowen Works has moved to 616 West Main Street, in Mechanicsburg, and expanded their menu of services by bringing on three new practitioners. Read More »
Astrology Days at Amethyst Retreat Center
Amethyst Retreat Center presents Cosmic Astrology Days from September 17 through October 13, with opportunities for education and community through workshops, classes, personalized readings, gatherings and “Astro Parties” with UK astrologer Andrew Morton. Read More »
Smooth Skin is a Real Confidence Booster
There is a saying, “Beauty is only skin deep.” Yet, many studies show that the appearance of our skin has a profound impact on the way we feel about ourselves. Read More »
Cannabidiol Alleviates Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Today, cannabis is used nationwide to treat more than 30 different medical ailments, including Lyme disease. Science has found that cannabidiol (CBD) interacts with our own endocannabinoid system to use cannabinoids more efficiently. Read More »
The Spirit of Oneness Expo Helps Community Organizations
Alta View Wellness Center will sponsor The Spirit of Oneness, a holistic expo with the theme of “Walking Your Path”, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., October 5, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., October 6, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Harrisburg. Read More »
Letter from the Publisher
Twenty years ago, my niece Morgan was born. When she was 11, Natural Awakenings of South Central PA was launched. Read More »
Age-Defying Bodywork: How to Turn Back the Clock
The key to keeping body and mind young may lie in the therapeutic modalities of bodywork, including massage, energy work, acupuncture, shiatsu and reflexology. Read More »
Be Wary of Dental Antibiotics
It has been found that preventative antibiotics prescribed by dentists for senior patients with specific heart conditions are unnecessary 81 percent of the time. Read More »
Brainy Beasts: Elephants Never Forget—What They Smell
Elephants have such sensitive olfactory discrimination that they can determine different amounts of food just by sniffing it. Read More »
Breathing Risk: Pollution Rises Across the U.S.
Air pollution in general worsened markedly across America between 2015 and 2017, likely due to raising temperatures from climate change. Read More »
Cetacean Liberation: Canada Bans Captive Sea Mammals
Canada’s Parliament recently passed legislation banning the practice of breeding and keeping whales, dolphins and porpoises in captivity. Read More »
Cola Quandary: Companies Urge Vietnam Recycling Plans
Suntory Holdings, a giant Japanese beverage company, has joined its rivals Coca-Cola and Nestlé to encourage new recycling strategies to fend off outlawing single-use plastic items. Read More »
Deathly Air Pollution: More Deadly Than Cigarettes
New research finds that toxic air is killing more people in Europe than tobacco smoking. Read More »
Digital Kids: How to Click With Young Techies
Sound strategies from experts that parents can use to help kids navigate the electronic world we live in. Read More »
Fairy Magic: Feeling Their Touch in Nature
Fairies are the heart and soul of living nature. To enter into a profound relationship with fairies, first we must believe in them—we must make-believe. Read More »
Growing Pains: Climate Changes Upend Farming
Cultivation throughout the U.S. is becoming more difficult because of unpredictable weather patterns, leading to higher prices and lowered productivity. Read More »
Lower Anxiety to Ease Allergies
Those suffering from anxiety or depression are more likely to have seasonal or chronic allergies. Read More »
Pet Peeve: Natural Remedies for Allergies to Furry Friends
Natural, alternative treatments for those who are affected by allergies from dogs, cats and other furry animals. Read More »
Radha Agrawal on Creating Connections and Community
Entrepreneur, DJ and author Radha Agrawal is on a global mission to catalyze community and connect people with her new book. Read More »
Sustainable Scrubbing: Tips for Toxin-Free House Cleaning
Safe and effective non-toxic, green cleaning solutions using natural ingredients that are good for our health and the planet. Read More »
The Re-Use Revolution: Plastics Peril Drives New Strategies
The growing plastics crisis has inspired companies to shift away from single-use containers to ones that are reusable with a deposit. Read More »
Trees Please: Rain Forest Dwindling
The Amazon Rain Forest continues to lose habitat for animals and plants by clear cutting practices that add to the burden of climate change. Read More »
Try Maqui Berry for Dry Eyes
Maqui, black berries that grow wild in the rain forests of Chile and Argentina, show promise for relieving dry eyes and eye fatigue from excessive screen time. Read More »
Venous Rising: Natural Help for Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can cause pain, cramping, itching, swelling and lead to blood clots and poor circulation. Here are natural strategies to alleviate symptoms and prevent them from developing. Read More »
Whale Wipe-Out: Record Numbers Starving to Death
More than 160 dead gray whales have washed up on the Pacific Coast this year, and scientists estimate that they represent just 10 percent of the total number of the dead. Read More »
In-Print CLICK HERE for Publisher Letters September 2019
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