Retreat
The concept of retreat was introduced to me as early as grade school when one to two days per year were devoted to building community amongst my classmates, nurturing a spiritual connection, and generally stepping away from daily patterns that interfere with personal growth. Thankfully, I have continued the tradition of devoting time to retreat throughout the years which has been a vital part of sustaining balance and wellness during my work as a naturopath and while living in a world where stresses and challenges also reside. Retreat can be just as much about disconnecting from what drains and depletes our energy as it is about reconnecting with what support and heals us. The true learning occurs while integrating that reconnection back into daily life.
During my recent trip to Belize, Central America, I retreated to a land rich in mystical Mayan culture and full of respect for the diversity of life rustling in the leaves of the jungle and swimming in the depths of the sea. During my stay on the mainland, I toured the famous Ix Chel Medicine Trail founded by Dr. Rosita Arvigo who studied with a native Mayan shaman who lived to be 103 years old. Along the trail I learned about the traditional Mayan uses of native plants such as Allspice berries for toothaches and the bark of the Gumbo-limbo tree as a natural anti-biotic. My adventures to the local Belizean Cayes landed me at a small yoga retreat resort called Ak’bol (www.akbol.com) where I waded in the still blue-green waters of the Caribbean Ocean, held steady Warrior poses against the ocean breezes, and dined on omega-3 rich wild caught fish fresh from the morning’s catch. I am grateful to the Belizean people for their hospitable spirits and sincere appreciation for the beauty of Nature that surrounds them.
I arrived back in Baltimore just as Spring was beginning to emerge – perfect timing! The moment-to-moment shifts in Nature that occur this time of year have helped to keep me connected to the same awe and excitement I felt in gazing out at the crystal blue Caribbean water or spotting a toucan hidden in the trees. Now blooming daffodils and budding cherry blossoms help me recall a sense of retreat.
Below are a few spots in the Baltimore area where I have found a sense of retreat:
Sherwood Gardens: Near 4100 block of St. Paul St.; The Tulips are Coming!
Teavolve Cafe: Harbor East; Enjoy local musicians while you sip your tea!
Visionary Art Museum: Downtown Baltimore, MD
Shambhala Center: Baltimore, MD; Open Meditation Thursday evenings
Bon Secours Spiritual Center: Marriotsville, MD; Walk the Labyrinth
I welcome learning about your stories of retreat or place/experiences that have helped you reconnect to your wellness. Please feel free to e-mail stories to dremilytelfair@gmail.com.
Homeopathy – Upcoming Learning Opportunities
If you have been curious about the mystery and marvel behind the “little white pellets” in the supplement aisle of your local health food store, then you may be interested in attending one or more of the upcoming classes and workshops exploring the philosophy and practice of Homeopathic Medicine:
HOMEOPATHY 101: If you missed the first class offered n December 2009, now is your chance! It’s the class you’ve been waiting for to learn the ins and outs of Homeopathy. Dr. Emily will guide you in safely using common homeopathic remedies as adjunctive care for acute conditions from bruises and bee stings to fevers and the flu. Remedy kits will also be available for purchase.
When: Thursday February 25th 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Where: Seeds Classroom (3600 Roland Ave)
Cost: $50 (individual), $75 (couples)
Homeopathic Medical Society of the State of Pennsylvania Annual Meeting
Autism: A Holistic Perspective
This two day conference will feature Sally Fallon, president of the Weston Price Foundation and author of Nourishing Traditions as well as local homeopathic practitioners sharing patient cases and examples of how homeopathy can support children and families affected by Autism.
When: Thursday & Friday March 11th – 12th
Where: Holiday Inn, Grantville, PA
For more information visit: www.harmanyequine.com or call 717-644-3812
Connecting Your Wellness with Haiti’s Relief
The first few weeks of this decade have truly jolted the entire world to consider the fragility of life and how vulnerable we can become in the face of Nature. The spirit and resilience of the Haitian people also remind us that amidst devastation, miracles are possible.
Welcoming Back the Light
The darkness of winter brings with its stillness and quiet a greater appreciation for the liveliness and radiance we associate with the light of summer. In winter we tend to crave the light and resist the natural slowing down of time and life around us. Living in a world which places value on fast-paced productivity and “burning the candle at both ends,” we can quickly forget the value of winter in our lives. Winter gifts us with an invitation to look inward – to visit our own places of darkness and welcome back the light.
During the recent Winter Solstice, I reflected upon the healing experiences I’ve been honored to witness over this past year. The most profound moments shared with patients arrived through stories and insights that reminded individuals of their own spark and brilliance. As a practitioner, I am learning more and more that the process of healing is a journey back to the light. Facing the darkness guides the way to where the light is most needed.
“So the darkness shall be the light, and the stillness the dancing.” – T.S. Eliot
Fall Wellness Workshops
HOMEOPATHY 101: Acute Prescribing for Beginners December 3rd
Ever wonder if there is more to homeopathy than Arnica? Dr. Emily will diffuse the myths and explore the mystery of this gentle and deep acting form of medicine during this 2-hour workshop that has been frequently requested for by patients. After reviewing the history and principles of homeopathy, you will learn how to safely use common homeopathic remedies as adjunctive care for acute conditions. Homeopathic home kits will be available for purchase as well.
Date: Thursday December 3rd 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Location: Seeds Classroom (3600 Roland Ave Ste 3)
Cost: $50 (individual) / $75 (couples)
Pre-registration Required: Contact Dr. Emily at dremilytelfair@gmail.com or (443) 226-7665
COLD, FLU & YOU! Natural immune Boosting Class Nov 12th & Nov 17th
Take a natural approach this cold & flu season and uncover the mystery behind Onion Earmuffs and Cold Wet Socks. This class will provide you with helpful home remedies for warding off illness and stopping infections in their tracts. Dr. Emily will review nutritional, herbal and homeopathic therapies that can both prevent viral infections and hasten the healing process.
Two Class Options:
CANCELLED – Thursday November 12th
Tuesday November 17th 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm (Still accepting registration)
Location: Seeds Classroom (3600 Roland Ave Ste 3)
Cost: $35 (individual) / $50 (couples)
Pre-registration Required: Contact Dr. Emily at dremilytelfair@gmail.com or (443) 226-7665
Flu Shot or Not?
This is a very difficult decision weighing on the minds of many Americans right now as seasonal flu vaccines are readily available and the new H1N1 vaccine is close behind. The decision to receive the vaccine for yourself or for your child is a personal one that depends on numerous factors such as underlying health conditions, access to medical care, environmental exposures, and personal belief systems. It is important to remember that receiving the standard flu vaccine does not necessarily mean you will not get sick this fall or winter, and being mindful of natural immunity boosting practices may further prevent your risk of illness.
Thimerosal is a preservative containing mercury that is used to preserve the flu vaccines. The CDC reports that up to 50 million thimerosal-free vaccine doses will be available this season. When possible, try to request a preservative-free vaccine. If you are concerned about avoiding a reaction to the vaccine, contact Dr. Emily to discuss simple homeopathic remedies such as Arnica or Ledum that may help prevent adverse effects from the shot. Additional remedies may be helpful if symptoms occur after the vaccine.
If you choose not to receive the vaccine or would like to consider additional ways to bolster your immunity this winter, here are few wellness tips for cold/flu prevention:
- Keep up the Vitamin D: If you spend most of your time indoors at work or at school, then you are most likely Vitamin D deficient. Elevated blood levels of Vitamin D3 are correlated with increased immune protection as well as cancer prevention.
- Eat the Rainbow: Enjoy a diet rich in a variety of fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, nuts & seeds, and wild fish. Reduce or eliminate refined carbs, sugar, alcohol, & caffeine which may weaken the immune response.
- Hydrate your body & your sinuses: Bump up your water intake this winter to help your body flush out any exposure to toxins & rinse your sinuses regularly with a Neti Pot to prevent infections from establishing residence in your upper respiratory tract.
- Exercise: Carve time to move your body with yoga, cardiovascular exercise or moderate walking. Regular exercise can enhance well-being and strengthen the immune system.
- Cold-Rinse Showers: End your showers with a cool rinse for 15-30 seconds – especially over your thyroid gland (base of the neck) which stimulates metabolism and your thymus gland (center of the chest) which stimulates T-cell production.
- REST: Prioritize 7-8 hours for sleep each night. Much of our healing occurs while sleeping. Listen to your body and at the first sign of illness or feeling “worn out,” take time to rest.
(These statements are not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. It is important to consult with a healthcare practitioner if you experience symptoms of the flu or other illness.)
A Cupcake A Day…
…May keep the doctor away… that is if you following a gluten-free diet and want a bit of indulgence without the digestive upset. Baltimore’s newest “food allergy-friendly” establishment Sweet Sin Bakery has opened in the Remington neighborhood (123 W. 27th Street at 27th & Howard) with a storefront full of delectable treats including cupcakes, breads, pies and cookies that are all gluten-free. Many of the items are dairy-free and soy-free along with several baked goods that are even egg free. Special requests for desserts made with agave nectar instead of sugar can be ordered ahead of time. For those who live with Celiac Disease, gluten-intolerance, or other food sensitivities, finding eateries that honor these dietary restrictions can be difficult. Thanks to pastry chef Renee D’Souza, Baltimorians have another reason to shop local and make healthier dessert choices. (Note that eating a cupcake-a-day is not medical advice & it is important to monitor sugar consumption for overall health.) Visit: www.glutenfreedesserts.com to learn more.
Now Offering: Prenatal Massage
Receiving bodywork during pregnancy can support expectant mothers in connecting more deeply with their babies in a safe and empowering environment. Dr. Emily is certified in prenatal massage therapy and offers women a wealth of knowledge and therapeutic tools as a bodyworker and naturopathic doctor that can reduce stress, relieve musculoskeletal tension, and improve circulation.
Contact Dr. Emily at (443) 226-7665 to discuss when it is best to introduce massage therapy in pregnancy. 60 & 90 minute sessions available.
Fall Pudding Recipe
With the change of season comes a change in our “seasonal menus.” Welcome the crisp days of autumn with this delicious fall pudding that highlights hearty winter squash, natural sweeteners, and warming aromatic spices. (Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free) I just disovered this recipe in my new favorite cookbook listed below – wonderful for anyone who loves Whole Foods cooking!
Source: The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook by Alissa Segersten and Tom Malterre
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup small pearl tapioca
1 cup raw cashews
2 cups water
1/2 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
2 cups baked sugar pumpkin or butternut squash
2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
pinch ground cloves
1. Place 1 1/2 cups water and tapioca pearls in a 4-quart pot and let soak for 1 hour.
2. Place cashews, water & maple syrup in a blender. Blend for 1-2 minutes till creamy. Add squash, lemon juice, vanilla, sea salt & spices. Blend for another 1-2 minutes.
3. Add blended mixture to the pot of soaked tapioca and whisk together. Bring to a boil while stirring. Turn off heat to low and simmer. Stir frequently for approx 15 minutes or until tapioca pearls are translucent.
4. Pour into small serving bowls & chill in fridge. Enjoy!
Back to School Fall Detox Class
Why wait until New Year’s Day to recommit your focus and attention to your health and well being? Start off the new school year with a holistic approach to your chronic symptoms. This Fall I will once again be offering the three week detox program designed to Educate, Empower and Enlighten you about how to live & engage in this world full of toxins.
“I highly recommend this class. I found out I have more energy without caffeine than with it. I also had fewer headaches. It’s pretty amazing that you can make yourself feel better by changing what you eat.” – Spring Detox Class participant
Dates: Wednesdays Sept 16th, 23rd, 30th, & Oct 7th
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Location: Seeds Classroom (3600 Roland Ave)
Cost: $250 (includes materials, cookbook, supplements)
Class limit: 10 participants
Register: Contact Dr. Emily at (443) 226-7665 or dremilytelfair@gmail.com
The class meets four times over the course of three weeks. Learn the backbones of naturopathic medicine : love your liver, trust your gut, reduce inflammation and quench free radicals. The detox process involves a progressive elimination diet which builds each week in removing potential food allergens and inflammatory triggers. The last class includes a celebratory potluck!
