At upcoming workshop, local practitioner offers holistic approach to breast health, recovery
Many of us know someone -- a friend, family member, a neighbor -- who has been affected by breast cancer. For women with genetic markers for breast cancer, taking an active role in preventative breast health care is key. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, true prevention of any disease can only be gained from a strong internal energy system. This system is powered by an intelligent energy called 'Qi' or 'life force,' says Debra Bernath, a local Qigong Meridian Therapist and Reflexologist. "TCM teaches us that this life force powers our organ systems. It is important for all the internal organs to work together harmoniously for health."
According to practitioners of TCM, symptoms of disease appear on an energy level before they manifest physically. Unaddressed energy stagnation in the breast area coupled with chronic stress, poor diet or life imbalances may create disease. In the breast, this may lead to calcifications, cysts, or breast lumps, explains Bernath, who studied and trained to become a Breast Health instructor with Nan Lu, a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and author of, "A Woman's Guide to Healing from Breast Cancer. Self-healing Qigong movements stimulate the flow through key energy pathways running through the breast area. Through intentional Qigong movements, physical issues may be dispersed and internal conditions resolved," says Bernath,
On Sunday, August 23, from 2-4pm, Bernath will lead a Breast Health Workshop in which participants can learn seven powerful Wuming Qigong movements specifically aimed towards breast health. She will also provide guests with lifestyle and diet tips that, from a TCM perspective, can support a woman's immune system, breast health, and recovery. The workshop, which will be held at Shakti Yoga & Living Arts in Maplewood, is $20 prepaid/$25 at the door. For more info, call 973-763-2288 or register online at www.shaktinj.com (Bernath is also teaching a 6-week Dragon's Way class for weight loss and wellness. See calendar at the bottom.)
This Thursday, Aug. 13, learn about how to treat and prevent allergies, asthma without medication
The traditional route most allergy and asthma sufferers take begins with an appointment with an allergist or pulmonologist and ends with a prescription in hand. Unfortunately, medications like anti-histamines and steroids are only suppressing the symptoms of allergies, not getting to the root of the problem. Plus, more often than not, these medications lead to unpleasant side effects such as headache, sleeplessness, anxiety, and even, addiction. In children, side effects of asthma medications may include depression, irritability, behavioral outbursts, and nightmares.
A more holistic approach to dealing with allergies would involve identifying each individual's triggers -- which may include environmental allergens and toxins, problem foods, stress, or a compromised immune system. Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture or chiropractic, may assist in reducing or eliminating symptoms like postnasal drip, itchy eyes, cough, congestion, or sinus pressure.
This week, community members will join together to discover ways to deal with our allergies and asthma using alternative and complementary forms of healing such as chiropractic, Chinese herbs, acupuncture, food elimination diet, Nutrition Response Testing, vitamins, and essential oils. A unique concept, the Mindful Living Salon will be part workshop, part wellness fair, and part support group. Presentations by: Dr. Andrew Halperin, Jutta Gassner-Snyder, Anna Winkler, and Felecia Bell-Schaefer.
WHEN: Thursday, August 13, 7 - 9 pm WHERE: Shakti Yoga & Living Arts, 1861 Springfield Ave., Maplewood
$10 IN ADVANCE. $15 AT THE DOOR. REGISTER BELOW.
Discover the healing power of sound through Crystal Bowls and Meditation Workshop
Studies have shown that sound has a direct impact on the mind, muscles, and nervous system, as well as the digestive and circulatory systems. Sound healing is the practice of using vibrational therapy to correct imbalances in the body. Disease or illness in one's body may indicate that part of our system has moved out of balance and is consequently vibrating "off frequency." One effective way to restore harmony and balance in the body, say healers, is through the experience of powerful resonant sounds, such as through Crystal Bowls. Want to learn how it works or experience it for yourself? Join me at a "Crystal Bowl Healing Workshop," Tues., August 18, 7:30 - 10pm at The Aquarian Sun Healing and Learning Center, 63 Beaver Brook Rd, Ste. 305, Lincoln Park, NJ. $10/person. RSVP to Suzanne at 973-686-9100. More info atwww.aquariansun.net
This fall, participants of Visions of a Better World Conference aim to motivate and inspire
On October 10, the Taskforce for Humanity Coalition, a growing community of progressive individuals and organizations united in a vision for a more enlightened, peaceful and compassionate world, plans to unite like-minded individuals at the Visions of a Better World Conference. The conference, which will be held at Seton Hall University in South Orange, will include more than 36 workshops during the course of one day, all aimed at inspiring people "do something," however large or small, to promote a better world.
Workshop topics include: "Greening Your Home" and "Laugh Therapy." Participants may also visit the "Kindness Room," which "will be loaded with ideas for random acts of kindness," says organizer Barbara Velazquez. "I believe we are at a turning point in human history," she says, "and it is only by a major shift in consciousness toward mutual support, caring, and stewardship that humanity will truely begin to create a better world." More information is available at www.suntfprograms.iwarp.com
Upcoming Community Events
Train to be a Reiki Master at The Aquarian Sun Healing & Learning Center Reiki Master Class, August 16, 9am - 6pm
The Aquarian Sun, 63 Beaverbrook Road, Ste. 305, Lincoln Park, NJ. More info at: www.aquariansun.com
Community Green's Environmental Movie Night in Montclair Presents "Flow" August 20, 6:30 pm, Montclair Public Library.
"Flow," an award-winning documentary, builds a case against the growing privatization of the world's dwindling fresh water supply with an unflinching focus on politics, pollution, human rights, and the emergence of a domineering world water cartel. The film also explores solutions and new technologies. www.communitygreen.org
Learn to Self-Heal with Reflexology with Anna Winkler and Debra Bernath
September 26, 2009, 3:30 - 4:30pm. Maplewood, NJ. Learn basic reflexology techniques with therapeutic grade essential oils, you can apply on a daily basis. $25 in advance.$30 at the door. Friend rate: 2 for $45 (prepaid only). More info at: http://www.shaktinj.com
Weight Loss and Wellness with Dragon's Way
Begins September 21, 2009, 5pm. Maplewood, NJ.
A six-week weight loss and wellness program based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which treat the whole person. $199 for new students; $50 for returning. More info at: http://www.shaktinj.com
Saving Our Kids, Healing Our Planet Expo
September 12 -13, 2009. Newark, NJ. Saving Our Kids, Healing Our Planet (SOKHOP) is at the forefront of a new movement focused on sustainable living practices and safe and effective methods for preventing and recovering our children from ADHD, Autism, Allergies, Asthma, Obesity, Diabetes etc. Mindful Living NJ is proud to be a sponsor of this important event. More info at www.SOKHOP.com
WHO WE ARE
Mindful Living NJ strives to educate and empower individuals to take charge of their health. We help individuals connect with holistic health and wellness practitioners through consultations, educational presentations, and events. We also help holistic health and wellness professionals gain access to the community through marketing and public relations support. Find out more by contacting Jen Maidenberg at
This is not medical advice, nor is Mindful Living NJ a licensed physician providing medical treatment. If medical treatment or advice is necessary, please contact a qualified medical practitioner. As part of our service, if you desire, we can put you in contact with a qualified medical practitioner. All information provided is for general purposes only.
Many of us know someone -- a friend, family member, a neighbor -- who has been affected by breast cancer. For women with genetic markers for breast cancer, taking an active role in preventative breast health care is key. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, true prevention of any disease can only be gained from a strong internal energy system. This system is powered by an intelligent energy called 'Qi' or 'life force,' says Debra Bernath, a local Qigong Meridian Therapist and Reflexologist. "TCM teaches us that this life force powers our organ systems. It is important for all the internal organs to work together harmoniously for health."
histamines and steroids are only suppressing the symptoms of allergies, not getting to the root of the problem. Plus, more often than not, these medications lead to unpleasant side effects such as headache, sleeplessness, anxiety, and even, addiction. In children, side effects of asthma medications may include depression, irritability, behavioral outbursts, and nightmares.
using vibrational therapy to correct imbalances in the body. Disease or illness in one's body may indicate that part of our system has moved out of balance and is consequently vibrating "off frequency." One effective way to restore harmony and balance in the body, say healers, is through the experience of powerful resonant sounds, such as through Crystal Bowls. Want to learn how it works or experience it for yourself? Join me at a "Crystal Bowl Healing Workshop," Tues., August 18, 7:30 - 10pm at The Aquarian Sun Healing and Learning Center, 63 Beaver Brook Rd, Ste. 305, Lincoln Park, NJ. $10/person. RSVP to Suzanne at 973-686-9100. More info at 