Subscriptions are available by sending $29 (for 12 issues) to the above address.
Natural Awakenings is printed on partially recycled and fully recyclable newsprint with black soy ink.
The Best Medicine
After reading a portion of our feature article, “Strong, Centered and Whole: Women That Inspire Us to Thrive” by Marlaina Donato, I found myself down a rabbit hole researching. In the piece, Behati Hart, Life Architect and author, shares how laughter and dance are her “forever medicines.” This was all the nudge I needed to go digging into how laughter has made its way into integrative and even mainstream medical practice.
Laughter has, for as long as I can remember, been one of the greatest loves of my life. I think fondly, and with a little compassion for our mom, of the time my sister Colleen and I faced her wrath as she chased us around slapping our bare legs with a flyswatter. (I know. So gross.) We simply could not stop laughing at each other. The more she swatted, the harder we laughed. With every quick glance between us, we dissolved into waves of hysterical laughter barely able to catch our breath.
Our poor mom. She had few tools for settling her nervous system, or ours for that matter, nor the knowledge that that was even a “thing”. I can only see it that way now, having done some intentional work over the past few years learning how to find my own balance. I’ve come a long way from the days of my own unchecked dysregulation, though I’ll be the first to admit there’s plenty of room left to grow.
Mom’s life was not without its share of experiences that would have tested even the most grounded among us. God bless her Soul. I wish she was here this Mother’s Day. I’d love to explore with her all the remarkable resources that have moved into the mainstream, things that might have helped her settle in and enjoy a little more of the laughter and joy that was always swirling around her.
As always, I hope you find a gem somewhere in these pages that serves you on your journey. And if you still have a mom, please give her a hug for me.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there, human and pet alike. May you feel the joy and experience some laughter, this day and every day.
Peace,
New Dining Out and Shopping Guide to Support Healthier Habits
Dee Davidson, FDN-P, a board-certified functional health practitioner and founder of Confidently Love Yourself, in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, has introduced a new educational resource aimed at helping individuals simplify and improve their dietary habits. The Healthy Dining Out and Grocery Shopping Guide was developed in response to a growing need for practical, realistic tools that support healthier choices in everyday life.
With nutrition widely recognized as a foundational component of overall wellness, the guide focuses on meeting individuals where they are, offering approachable strategies to navigate food decisions both at home and in social settings. Designed to reduce overwhelm and provide clarity on what it means to eat well in a sustainable way, it includes a structured grocery shopping guide; advice on making balanced choices while dining out; practical tips for selecting nutrient-dense foods within a budget; meal planning ideas; a weekly planning worksheet; and simple methods to streamline meal preparation. Foundational education on transitioning toward whole, minimally processed foods is also included.
“By focusing on small, sustainable changes rather than restrictive approaches, the guide supports individuals in building long-term habits that align with a more holistic lifestyle,” says Davidson, whose work centers on empowering individuals to better understand their bodies and make informed choices that support long-term health, emphasizing consistency and education as key drivers of change.
Cost: $7.77. For more information, to purchase the guide or to make an appointment, call 888-679-3815, email Dee@ConfidentlyLoveYourself.com or visit ConfidentlyLoveYourself.com/wellness-toolkit. See Resource Guide, page 35.
Carleen’s Body Healing Therapy Welcomes Clients at New Location
Carleen’s Body Healing Therapy, the practice of Carleen Christopher, is now welcoming clients at a new, convenient location at 16 West Natick Road, in Warwick, Rhode Island. The move marks an expansion of her holistic wellness services, providing clients with a dedicated space to experience gentle, supportive therapies designed to encourage relaxation, detoxification and nervous system balance.
Christopher offers a variety of modalities including Ionic Foot Bath detox sessions, Raindrop Therapy using therapeutic essential oils and Spinal Flow Technique (SFT), a gentle method that supports the body’s natural ability to release tension and restore ease. SFT uses light touch along specific access points on the spine to help reduce stress-related blockages and promote improved flow throughout the body.
Christopher studied SFT under Dr. Carli Axford, developer of the treatment, whose research focused on the relationship between the spine, nervous system and the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 401-345-6527 or visit CarleensBodyHealingTherapy.com. See ad, page 24 and Resource Guide, pages 35, 37 & 38.
Carleen Christopher
Photo
c/o Dee Davidson
Learn About Herbs in Medicinal Plant Walk
Ava Long, an adjunct professor with the Boston School of Herbal Studies, will lead a Medicinal Plant Walk from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on June 6 at the Kimberly Ann Rock Park Memorial Complex, in East Providence, Rhode Island. Attendees will learn about “weeds” or plants that they may have never thought much about and learn how to make tinctures out of them.
By going on an herbal walk with this trained local herbal professor, participants will find out how to identify herbs growing in the area, the benefits of herbs, the traditional history of herbs, how to use them and more. It’s encouraged to bring a basket to harvest herbs.
“Medicinal plants are everywhere—in our backyards, along the streets we walk and in open spaces,” says Long. “Many weeds have medicinal value and have been used by our ancestors for thousands of years for food and medicine. We will look at plants ranging from the familiar such as dandelion, to the less well known: Japanese knotweed, goldenrod and ground ivy. We will discuss which parts of the plants are used medicinally and how they nourish us and support health. Join us for an informative walk! You'll never look at weeds in the same way again!"
Cost: $25 for adults, free for children. Location: 220 Ferris Ave., Rumford, RI. For more information or to register, call 207-542-4735, email FloralBotanicalMedicine@gmail. com or visit BostonHerbalStudies.com. See ad, page 27 and Resource Guide, page 34.
New Story Walking Adventures for Spring Exploration
Beginning this month, Wendy Nadherny Fachon, host of the Story Walking Radio Hour, invites individuals and families to reconnect with the healing power of nature through immersive storytelling shared through her new Storywalking.com website and Storywalker Wendy Facebook page. These audio adventures for all ages blend outdoor exploration with rich narratives, encouraging listeners to step outside and engage more deeply with the natural world.
Story Walking’s signature experiences, including The Listening Grove and The Seven Paths, help participants tune into their surroundings and deepen awareness of the lessons nature offers. Each walk combines gentle movement, mindfulness, storytelling, curiosity and reflection, creating opportunities for emotional well-being, literacy development and creative growth. Visitors to the new website can begin their journey with an interactive Nature Quiz and explore audio-guided adventures that spark imagination and encourage outdoor engagement, especially during spring.
Parents and educators can use Story Walking to strengthen children’s focus, support emotional resilience and foster meaningful connections through shared outdoor experiences.
“Whether you are seeking renewal, reflection or connection with yourself and your loved ones, Story Walking offers a meaningful way to embrace the spring season and grow together,” says Fachon.
For more information or to arrange a personalized Story Walking experience, call 401529-6830, email StoryWalkerWendy@gmail.com or visit Storywalking.com. See ad, page 14 and Resource Guide, page 36.
FINANCIAL VITALITY
Energize the Parts of Your Money Life That Need It Most
Vitality isn’t just physical energy—it’s the spark that keeps life moving forward with purpose.
Your financial life has its own vitality, and May is a perfect time to recharge it. Think of this season as an invitation to bring fresh life to areas that have been running on autopilot.
Start by reviewing financial routines that once worked well but may now feel outdated. A savings goal or investment strategy may no longer reflect where you are today. Vitality grows when attention matches current priorities, not past ones. Next, notice the flow of your money. Are there sluggish spots— an old balance, draining habit, or task you’ve avoided? Choose one small action to restore movement, such as updating a contribution, consolidating an account, or refining a goal.
Finally, acknowledge your progress. Recognizing discipline, improved decisions, and resilience builds confidence and fuels your next step.
Schedule some time here: Calendly.com/jgautreaux-indfp
To learn more about how we can help, schedule a no-cost consultation with John now.
John M Gautreaux
ChFC® ORIGINATOR
401-691-4138
jgautreaux@indfp.com
For important disclosures please scan the QR code or visit IndependenceFP.net
Wendy Nadherny Fachon
Restoring Women’s Vitality Through Their Integrated Selves
Women, especially mothers, can sometimes focus on their family or others at their own expense which leads them to disconnect from their bodies with negative health impacts.
To help, Cécile Raynor, an Integrated Functioning Practitioner and founder of Cécile’s Wise Ways, is presenting two special events this month.
An Afternoon Tea for Women: Honoring the Many Faces of Motherhood is a free Zoom event at 4:30 p.m. on Mother’s Day. By acknowledging the many dimensions of motherhood—being or having a mother or holding the mothering role within oneself or for others—the event will invite participants to pause, connect and share reflections on the joys and challenges of mothering in its many forms.
An Online Workshop: Embodied Energy Healing for Women is an experiential introductory session from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on May 27. It is designed to clear ties to past events in order to heal and start moving forward beyond those recurring patterns. Through a facilitated process, participants will experience how emotional patterns held in the body can shift, even in one session, increasing ease, energy and internal coherence.
“Women need an opportunity to express themselves on their journey and can improve their situation even as they live their current daily life simply through expanded awareness of their integrated self,” says Raynor.
Workshop cost: $25. For more information or to register for either event, call 857-245-9488, email CecileRaynor@gmail.com or visit CecileRaynor.com. See Resource Guide, page 35.
Wake
Walking the Path in Dark Times Offers Transformative Weekend at Kripalu
The Labyrinth: Walking the Path in Dark Times will take place May 22 to 25 at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Led by yoga teachers Kiesha Battles, Marcia Ramoutar and Polly Weiss, the program offers participants an immersive weekend of reflection, creativity and connection by exploring the symbolic power of the labyrinth as a tool for navigating life’s challenges with greater clarity and resilience.
Participants will engage in twilight storytelling, guided labyrinth walks at dawn and dusk, solitary contemplative practices and joyful movement experiences designed to foster insight and renewal. Drawing from global wisdom traditions, myths and storytelling, the event will help attendees create a practical toolkit for facing obstacles both individually and collectively.
Labyrinth walking, a practice found in cultures worldwide, is known to support mindfulness, reflection and emotional balance. This immersive experience encourages community, creativity and personal discovery, offering a supportive environment for those seeking meaning and direction during uncertain times.
Location: 57 Interlaken Rd., Stockbridge, MA. For more information or to register, visit Kripalu.org.
t Jaw clicking, jaw locking
t Ear pain, ringing in the ears, dizziness
t Loud snoring (with periods of silence followed by gasps)
t Restless sleep
t Jaw/neck/facial pain or headaches
t Mood changes (irritability, anxiety and depression)
t Frequent heartburn and heavy night sweats
t Unexplained weight gain
t Trouble concentrating
Cécile Raynor
Dr. Amparo David, founder of Dentistry by Dr. David, is celebrating 20 years of providing patient-centered, holistic dental care to families throughout New England. Over the past two decades, the practice has grown into a comprehensive center that offers preventive, cosmetic and functional dentistry designed to support whole-body health.
David’s philosophy focuses on treating the entire person rather than isolated symptoms, combining advanced technology with personalized treatment plans that are tailored to each patient’s needs. Services include holistic and biological dentistry, TMJ and sleep therapy, airway-focused orthodontics and restorative treatments, all provided under one roof. The practice also emphasizes patient comfort, education and long-term wellness through individualized care and ongoing professional training.
“Reaching 20 years in practice is a meaningful milestone, and I am deeply grateful to the patients and families who have trusted us with their care,” says David. “Our commitment remains focused on helping each patient achieve optimal health through compassionate, comprehensive dentistry.”
Location: 563 Main St., Bolton, MA. For more information or to make an appointment, call 978-779-2888, email info@BoltonDental.com or visit BoltonDental.com. See ad, page 15 and Resource Guide, pages 32 & 34.
Whole Person Is Fundamental to Health & Living
Thinksun 20% OFF
Skin protection starts now with Thinksun’s water-resistant, dermatologist-recommended mineral sunscreens. These gentle and nourishing formulas are free of harmful chemicals and perfect for every stage of life.
OUR WELLNESS STORE
• We offer a full range of nutritional supplements, natural products and homeopathic remedies.
• Dr. Gary Kracoff is a registered pharmacist with a doctorate in naturopathic medicine who provides in-depth consultation services at Johnson Compounding & Wellness.
• Alora Frederick, RDN is a functional and integrative registered dietitian who does in-depth nutrition and lifestyle consultations and accepts many insurance companies - some with NO COPAY!
• Call our wellness experts for a personalized immune supplement regimen for you!
• Now offering curbside, contactless pick - up
10% OFF the entire order. USE CODE: NAMay10 Only for orders placed through our online website: shop.naturalcompounder.com Cannot be used in store. Valid May 1st-31st 2026.
ALORA FREDERICK Integrative and Functional Dietitian GARY KRACOFF Registered Pharmacist and Naturopathic Doctor
The team at Dentistry by Dr. David
Cognitive Benefits of Caffeine
A study published in JAMA reports that caffeine protects against dementia and other forms of cognitive decline. The research followed nearly 132,000 American adults for up to 43 years, analyzing the effect of coffee and tea consumption on dementia risk and cognitive performance. Participants were free of cancer, Parkinson’s disease and dementia at the start of the study. After adjusting for demographic, lifestyle and health-related factors, a higher intake of caffeinated coffee significantly reduced dementia risk.
Those consuming the most caffeinated coffee had an 18 percent lower dementia risk than those consuming the least. Higher caffeinated coffee intake also correlated with a lower likelihood of self-reported cognitive decline and modestly better performance on objective cognitive tests. Tea consumption showed similar patterns, while decaffeinated coffee did not reduce dementia risk or improve cognitive outcomes. The strongest effects were seen with moderate intake, about two to three cups of caffeinated coffee or one to two cups of tea daily.
Participants were drawn from the Nurses’ Health Study (started in 1976) and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (started in 1986), two of the largest, long-running U.S. studies investigating risk factors for chronic disease.
Handy Heart-Risk Calculator
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and nearly everyone that experiences a heart attack, stroke or heart failure has at least one risk factor. The American Heart Association offers a free tool called PREVENT to estimate 10-year and 30-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk for people aged 30 to 79 without known CVD. Validated in a 2025 study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology , the tool’s algorithms are based on 10 years of data from more than 6.5 million Americans without known CVD. It is the first tool to combine cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic health measures. To access the calculator, visit professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements/ prevent-calculator.
The calculator aims to promote earlier consultation between doctors and patients when higher risk is detected. These conversations can lead to lifestyle changes in diet, sleep quality and stress, alongside treatment, to reduce CVD risk.
Kamonwan_Wankaew/shutterstock Laluka/shutterstock
Fossil May Be Extinct Life Form
Before trees existed 360 to 430 million years ago, 26-foot-tall, tower-like organisms called prototaxites dominated Earth’s landscape. Canadian geologist William Edmond Logan first discovered these log-like tower fossils in Quebec, Canada, in 1843. Initially thought to be a complex fungus, scientists struggled to classify them within the existing framework of life on Earth.
New research in Science Advances asserts that prototaxites are a previously undiscovered branch of life that is now extinct. The study of a well-preserved tower fossil found in Scotland revealed an unusual physical structure and a distinct chemical fingerprint, ruling out it being a fungus and excluding it from other known genera. Further analysis is needed to conclusively determine that prototaxites are a unique life form.
Organic Sales on the Rise
The Organic Trade Association reported that U.S. sales of certified organic products rose by 6.8 percent in 2025, reaching $76.6 billion. By contrast, non-organic sales increased by only 3.4 percent. This growth of organic sales indicates that consumers are increasingly prioritizing their health and the environment, often paying premium prices for organic products.
In 2025, organic food sales totaled $70.1 billion, accounting for 6.1 percent of the total food market. Large increases were observed in organic produce, grocery items, beverages, dairy and eggs, with organic beef experiencing the largest growth, at 44.3 percent. Organic textiles, dietary supplements, personal-care products and pet foods reached $6.5 billion in 2025, making up about 1 percent of the sales in these categories. Concern about pesticides and toxins drove the rise in these sectors.
Solar-Powered Hydrogen Reactor
Hydrogen fuel production usually requires large amounts of energy, making it cost-prohibitive. A paper published in Frontiers in Science outlines key discoveries in photosynthesis and photocatalyst sheets for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using solar power. It reports near-perfect conversion of photocatalytic water splitting using ultraviolet light and the potential for scaling to a large outdoor prototype panel reactor system. The processes remain experimental and will need further research and development to become practical, efficient and scalable, and to ensure safe recovery of the oxyhydrogen gas. If successful, this technology could produce a sustainable, low-cost green fuel to replace fossil fuels for energy.
GJRetallack_CC_BY-SA_4
Schunnemunk tree (Prototaxites loganii)
Healing from the inside out Body
• Mind
• Holy Fire Reiki
• God Centered & Divinely Guided Healing Energy
• Sessions available virtually and in person
• Guided through prayer
Following the Natural Path of Medical Pathology
by Wendy Nadherny Fachon
W• Spirit
• Expressive arts, journaling and meditation
• Healing and Manifestation
• Guided alongside Equine Therapy
• Retreats
Martinha Isabel Javid
401-206-1451
“Energy with its infinite wisdom goes to the place in the body that requires healing.”
hen Chrysanthi Kazantzis, ND, MS, owner and founder of Anasa Personalized Medicine, in Providence, established her naturopathic practice five years ago, she set out to create a welcoming space where each patient felt heard, safe, comfortable and supported from the beginning to the end on their journey toward wellness. Kazantzis is first generation Greek and Iranian, and she grew up in Rhode Island learning about teas, natural remedies and the Mediterranean diet from her grandmothers. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science and went on to earn her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and a Master of Nutrition degree.
Kazantzis has differentiated her practice from others that she worked at previously by emphasizing personalization, developing new office computer systems and adding a full dispensary of the highest quality supplements—natural products free from gluten, dairy, soy, pesticide residues and heavy metals.
Over the past five years, Anasa has added three more NDs—Brenda Bithoney, Noelle
Cardarelli and Darien Lesicko—who are all aligned in their philosophy that given the right support, the body has the ability to heal itself. These providers work as a team, keeping up with the latest research and combining their knowledge and science-informed approaches to offer a comprehensive suite of services that are non-invasive, non-toxic and effective. NDs are educated and trained at a four-year post-graduate naturopathic medical school. Education includes clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy and lifestyle medicine to provide a personalized treatment plan. Formal training also includes education of pharmaceutical medications and their interactions with supplements and herbs. Anasa embraces the practice of collaborative and integrative care.
“Increasingly, we are coordinating care with medical doctors,” says Kazantzis.
Anasa’s approach to personalized medicine begins with a 75-minute meeting to review a patient’s medical history and conduct a physical exam. This is followed up with functional testing to begin identifying the root causes of a patient’s symptoms.
Dr. Brenda Bithoney, Dr. Chrysanthi Kazantzis, Dr. Noelle Cardarelli, Dr. Darien Lesicko
Examples of functional assessments include stool sampling, food sensitivity testing, blood analysis and hormone testing. These tests help the NDs assess gut health, nutrient absorption, hormone levels and other bodily functions. “We are gathering all the pieces of a puzzle,” explains Kazantzis, “putting them together and designing a plan to help you achieve optimal health.”
The doctors at Anasa are among the leading NDs in Rhode Island, and they work with the shared support of three office administrators. The advantages of this group practice model include the sharing of resources, skills and expertise, as well as the ability to hold monthly roundtables, during which the doctors can discuss challenging cases.
Anasa serves patients of all ages, from infant through 99. Approximately 70 percent, however, are females. Today, many women are seeking naturopathic guidance for fertility, postpartum care, perimenopause and menopause. Anasa’s natural approach to these feminine issues is to use bioidentical hormones and apply them topically, rather than using Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which typically uses synthetic or animal-derived hormones and might be administered orally or through injection. Bioidentical hormones are plant-based, chemically identical to human hormones and considered more natural and personalized.
Anasa also specializes in digestive conditions, thyroid issues, Lyme disease, mold toxicity, diabetes and clinical nutrition, chronic illness, mood disorders, prenatal and postnatal health. Anasa offers physical medicine, craniosacral therapy, reiki treatments, BEMER therapy, infrared sauna, red light face mask and nutrigenomics.
“We’re all about natural and personalized care,” states Kazantzis. “Working together, we can help you stop managing your symptoms and start treating the underlying causes of your illness.”
Location: 245 Waterman St., Ste. 200, Providence, RI. For more information or to make an appointment, call 401-270-1742 or visit AnasaMedicine.com See ad, page 29 and Resource Guide, page 36.
Wendy Nadherny Fachon is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.
Dentistry that Nurtures Body, Mind &
Spirit
With advanced skills, integrative therapies, and compassionate care, Dr. Iontcheva-Baremhi elevates oral health into whole-body wellness.
ADVANCED BIOLOGICAL & INTEGRATIVE DENTAL CARE
• Integrative periodontal medicine
• Zirconia solutions for titanium implants and root-canal–treated teeth
• Mercury-free and metal-free dentistry
• TMJ and TMD biological treatments
• Head and neck pain management
Schedule your visit today!
• Restorative and cosmetic dentistry
• Nutrition and detoxification programs
• Laser-assisted dental procedures
• Ozone therapy
• Energy treatments (hands-on and technology assisted)
Iveta Iontcheva-Baremhi DMD, MS, D.Sc.
1842 Beacon St. Suite 305 • Brookline MA BostonDentalWellness.com
Turn Daily Changes Into Clear Menopause Insight
Hot flashes
What you’re feeling isn’t random.
Now you can finally understand why.
Track what you feel. See your patterns. Share what matters.
LUCI combines symptom tracking with clinically informed assessments to help you connect the dots and provides the clarity and language to be heard. You decide what to share with your care team.
Mood
Strong, Centered and Whole
Women That Inspire Us To Thrive
by Marlaina Donato
Something in the air seems to change when a woman with strong vitality enters a room. Her undefinable life force draws us in, whether it is evident in her step or her smile. Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, poet Maya Angelou and anthropologist Jane Goodall are all iconic examples, but the capacity to thrive is inherent in each of us through small, consiste nt investments.
Globally, women are leading the way in consumer choices, eco-forward initiatives and sociopolitical awareness for a more sustainable and compassionate world. Whether on the frontlines fighting for worthy causes, supporting local farmers markets or putting healthy meals on the table, prioritizing self-care and learning from each other is vital. Here, four inspiring women from different walks of life divulge how they thrive in chaotic times.
Finding Her Authentic Self
Behati Hart served her country for a decade, switching between logistics, computer analysis and paralegal positions in the United States Air Force. As a woman of color in a male-dominated environment, she says she survived by crafting a persona to hide her then-undiagnosed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and anxiety.
Today, Hart embodies what feels like a more authentic role as a multidisciplinary creator and coach. The author of Just BE: A Memoir About Unmasking
Courtesy Behati Hart
Behati Hart
and Becoming Human Again designed
The BETi Method (Becoming Empowered Through Intelligence) to guide people out of trauma and identity-focused ways of living that compromise the soul’s true calling.
“We allow the world to judge us, accept those judgments as fact and begin wearing masks, titles and labels that reflect others’ expectations of how they want to experience us,” she explains. “We become afraid to experience ourselves—the good, the bad and the ugly. Unmasking is embodying ourselves so that we feel safe with who we really are.”
Noting that trauma and passion are the same energy moving in opposite directions, she says, “Trauma turns fierce aliveness inward into hypervigilance, protection or freeze responses. Passion turns that same energy outward into creation, connection and joy.”
and dancing—require no prescription and provide cathartic emotional release through physical expression,” she points out. “As an earth-oriented person, being outdoors nourishes my spirit the most. My sacred garden and porch are my grounding spaces where I practice earthing—direct skin contact with the Earth’s surface—because I believe that electrons from the earth may help reduce inflammation.”
Hart believes that we can learn from each other by sharing our experiences. “We don’t always celebrate our stories, especially the stories of other women—ancient and contemporary—who survived and taught us how to become who we are,” she says. “We need survivor stories, revolutionary stories and creator stories. To thrive, we must center the well-being of women and children, while embracing heart-led living—not feminine or masculine, but feminine and masculine, in sacred balance. That’s the future I work toward.”
Enjoying a Wild and Interesting Life
Maria Rodale seamlessly moves from the boardroom to the garden and from science to spirituality, carving out a distinctly unique life while preserving an impactful family legacy. She served as chief executive officer of Rodale, Inc., the publishing company behind Prevention magazine and bestselling book titles, including An Inconvenient Truth, by Al Gore. As a passionate, third-generation advocate for health and Earth literacy, she has penned several books of her own,
Courtesy Maria Rodale
Maria Rodale
including Organic Manifesto: How Organic Food Can Heal Our Planet, Feed the World, and Keep Us Safe and Love, Nature, Magic: Shamanic Journeys into the Heart of My Garden.
“I have met enough rich and famous people to know that financial success or fame is no guarantee of happiness or thriving,” she says. “I define success as a safe and warm home, a comfortable bed, good homemade food, happy and healthy kids, family and friends who love me, loving myself, the freedom to create and, of course, good health.”
Rodale prioritizes eating in-season, organic, local food, in moderation. “I also think we create the future by what we ingest—culturally and physically. Just like I avoid fast food and highly processed foods, I avoid horror movies and true crime stories,” she explains. Her self-care habits include saying a prayer and 30 minutes of meditation in the morning, before doing anything else, lifting weights twice a week, going for walks and adding to her gratitude list before bed. “The direct relationship we each have with our true, ‘higher’ selves and with God is unique for every person and part of our life journey to figure it out,” she says. “I listen to my own inner voice, trust my gut, not getting distracted by rage bait, not dwelling too much on
the horrors that I can’t fix or control, and focusing on the things I can do.”
These are mantras she lives by and offers to others: “Stop worrying about what other people think. Treasure your weirdness. Get over your fears and get out there. Do what you, and only you, were born to do.”
Modeling a Wholesome Lifestyle
Dr. Rebecca Hunton has always wanted to make a difference, and after dedicating two decades to functional medicine, her tireless efforts shine at Radiantly Healthy, her direct-care practice in central Florida, where patients benefit from unhurried appointments, advanced diagnostics and a collaborative partnership with their healthcare team. By listening closely to her patients—mostly women—she has been able to create a responsive, personalized standard of care that conventional institutions are slow to follow.
“Our culture—especially our workplace culture—is not designed for health or wholeness,” she remarks. “We’re beating ourselves up for failing to achieve something that’s genuinely impossible. Many of my female patients are burned out and demoralized—not because they’re failing, but because the target was never reachable. Step one is
that awareness. Step two is adding one small, achievable action, and then another. That’s where momentum starts.”
In her integrative practice, one concept emerges with great regularity: there is no health without good mental health. “You can't separate emotional health from physical vitality. I make it a non-negotiable priority, which is part of my ‘just-10minutes’ philosophy. When time is tight, I commit to planking, the indoor bike or functional fitness, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. I maintain an affirmation and gratitude practice, and get outside on most days for some form of physical activity, often cycling.”
Because she believes that food is medicine, and one of the chief contributors to well-being, Hunton practices what she preaches to her patients.
“I love to cook,” she explains. “I’m plant-forward, but not vegetarian, and legumes and beans find their way into nearly every dish I make.”
The healing power of community is also top of mind. “I’m thriving when I’m living in close alignment with the personal vision for my life, and that includes physical activity with friends, playing duplicate bridge to keep my mind sharp, as well as teaching and leading others for growth and fulfillment,” she says. “I try to be that person now for the younger women in my life—reaching back rather than just reaching forward.”
Courtesy Dr. Rebecca Hunton
Rebecca Hunton
Teaching and Learning
Sarita-Linda Rocco’s journey into wholeness was forged from a crucible of deep grief, motherhood and a life-altering near-death experience during her mid-20s. These rollercoaster life events left her with debilitating panic attacks, and her search for stability led her to Ayurveda and yoga. Today, Rocco is a renowned teacher and founder of The
Nest Collaborative, a holistic haven in West Reading, Pennsylvania.
She is also an innovator and entrepreneur, continually searching for ways to help her students thrive in their body-mind fitness journey. One invention, The Original Superblock, is a specialized prop used to support students during yoga practice.
Rocco’s way of life is straightforward but powerful. She prioritizes foods that keep her blood sugar balanced, minimizing simple carbohydrates and focusing on clean proteins, healthy fats and seasonal vegetables. “I love cooking and find great joy in building meals around our weekly CSA [community supported agriculture] from a local organic farm,” she says. “Ayurveda spices and herbs are central in my kitchen, and hydration is foundational.”
According to Rocco, “Self-healing begins with setting boundaries with people and situations that deplete energy. I hope women remember their divine feminine power, shakti , from
which their creative intelligence and life-generating energy flows. It does not compete. It creates. When women fragment that power through comparison and social pressure, something sacred is lost.”
Even now, hers is a journey of self-discovery and transformation. “Thriving is not perfection. It is honoring my energy moment to moment, knowing when to work with strength and when to rest without guilt,” she explains. “Conscious breathing stabilizes my nervous system more reliably than anything else. I practice regulating my nervous system and building resilience, not using yoga as a workout. I incorporate strength training with bands and weights to support bone health. I walk my dog twice daily most days. One of my most important rituals is fasting after dinner and going to bed by 9 p.m.”
Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.
Sarita-Linda Rocco
Sarita-Linda Rocco
More Than Soup
Lentils as a Modern Wellness Staple
by Maya Whitman
Humans have consumed lentils since the Bronze Age, and cultures worldwide, from the Middle East to the Mediterranean, have long valued them. These nutritious legumes gained popularity as a meat substitute in the United States during World War II and remain a cost-effective ingredient in modern kitchens, with the added benefit of being an eco-friendly, sustainable crop.
“Lentils require less water than many other protein sources, and they enrich the soil in which they’re grown,” says Cynthia Sass, a registered dietitian nutritionist and plant-based recipe developer in Los Angeles.
These small seeds from a legume plant are mild, easy to cook and offer endless possibilities for hearty soups, salads, plant-based “meatloaf”, veggie burgers,
dips, stuffings and even sweet desserts. Lentils absorb any flavors added to them, effortlessly highlighting exotic spices and fresh herbs, and can serve as a surprising flour replacement in delicious baked goods.
“When people discover lentils beyond soup, they often realize just how versatile and satisfying this tiny powerhouse can be. They are one of the most versatile foods in the plant-based kitchen,” says Tracy Gunter, a health strategist and owner of Original Origins Health & Wellness, in Columbia, South Carolina.
Vital Properties
According to the Cleveland Clinic, regular lentil consumption leads to healthier blood pressure levels than eating garbanzos (chickpeas), beans or peas. Their fiber content enhances good gut bacteria and
sustains energy throughout the day. Lentils do not cause extreme glucose spikes, making them an excellent addition to a diabetes-management diet and helpful for reducing excessive systemic inflammation. Rich in selenium and zinc, they boost immune response and contain cardiovascular-supportive minerals like potassium. Lentils also provide iron and offer 25 grams of protein per three-and-a-half ounces. Their high polyphenols content also lowers the risk of cancer, cognitive decline and obesity.
Sass notes, “Lentils make a terrific post-exercise recovery food and can help athletes and active people replenish nutrients they’ve depleted during exercise and heal from the stress a workout puts on muscles and joints.”
Gunter loves lentils for their high nutrition and plant-forward flexibility. “They can easily replace meat in many dishes because of their hearty texture and protein content,” she explains. “They can be seasoned and used as a filling for stuffed peppers, layered into vegetable shepherd’s pie or incorporated into tacos and wraps.”
Varieties and Inspirations
Lentils vary in color and texture, each type cooking differently. Brown lentils are perfect for plant-based “meatloaf”, “meatballs”, vegetarian chili and sloppy joes. Red lentils cook quickly for creamy Italian, Moroccan or Indian-inspired soups, hearty hummus-like dips and curries. Tiny black lentils (Beluga) and French lentils (Puy) add a firm, nutty texture to food bowls and salads and pair well with roasted Yukon gold or sweet potatoes.
Lentils work well in combination with soft-to-medium-grade tofu for comfort
Food_Magic/shutterstock
food classics like stuffed shells or manicotti. Additionally, lentil-based desserts such as brownies are decadently moist, and lentil puddings are delightful when made with the addition of dried fruits like Medjool dates.
“Lentils can be incorporated into nearly every type of cuisine and can be included whole or pureed,” says Sass. “Cooked lentils can be tossed with premade balsamic vinaigrette, olive tapenade, herbed tahini or vegan pesto and served over a bed of greens along with other raw or cooked veggies.” Although they cook within 10 to 40 minutes, depending on the variety, she suggests buying pre-cooked, steamed lentils in the produce section of many markets as a practical option. Canned organic lentils are another solid alternative.
“One of my favorite ways to prepare lentils is simply simmered with garlic, onion, fresh herbs and a splash of lemon,” says Gunter. “Sometimes the simplest preparations allow their natural flavor and earthy richness to shine.” She also praises the combination of lentils with spices like cumin, turmeric, coriander, smoked paprika and curry, as well as herbs like parsley, cilantro, thyme and rosemary, which aid digestion.
Helpful Tips
Soak lentils for a few hours to enhance digestibility. For perfectly tender lentils, add salt only after cooking. Cook a pot of lentils and store it in the fridge for use throughout the workweek. Freeze any unused, cooled portions for three to six months in airtight containers.
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.
GREENS AND BEANS DETOX SALAD
YIELD: 2 SERVINGS
½ cup dry brown or green lentils, rinsed
½ cup dry bulgur, rinsed
2 cups kale, destemmed and thinly sliced
1 cup radicchio, thinly sliced (approximately 1 small head or ½ medium head)
2 cups arugula, thinly sliced
2-2⅓ cups radishes, thinly sliced
3 cups unwaxed cucumbers, thinly sliced
2 cups red onion, diced
¼ cup raw walnuts or raw pistachios
Salt and pepper to taste
In a medium pot over high heat, bring the lentils, bulgur and 2⅓ cups water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 25 minutes.
To make the creamy ginger dressing, place all the dressing ingredients in a blender along with 2 tablespoons of water and blend until smooth. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the kale, radicchio, arugula, radishes, cucumbers and onion with the cooked bulgur and lentils. Drain any excess water from the cooked bulgur and lentils before adding.
Divide the salad between two bowls for a main meal or between four bowls if served as a side. Add the dressing, walnuts, and salt and pepper to taste, and toss well
Recipe from the cookbook Powered by Plants: Nutrient-Loaded 30-Minute Meals to Help You Thrive by Food Revolution Network CEO Ocean Robbins and Nichole Dandrea-Russert, MS, RD, published by Hay House.
Angela_MacNeil_Photography
SUPER
www.RestorePTRI.com
MEDITERRANEAN LENTIL POWER SALAD
YIELD: 4 SERVINGS
1 cup green or black lentils
3 cups water
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Rinse lentils and place in a pot with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer about 20 to 25 minutes until tender but still holding their shape.
Drain and allow lentils to cool slightly.
In a bowl, combine the cooled lentils with the cucumber, tomatoes, onion and parsley. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil and season with salt and pepper, then toss gently.
This salad is best served at room temperature or chilled. It keeps well for several days and becomes even more flavorful as it marinates.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Tracy Gunter.
Self-care is how you take your power back.
—Lalah Delia
Tracy_Gunter
CREAMY RED LENTIL GARLIC DIP
YIELD: 4 TO 6 SERVINGS
1 cup red lentils
2 cups water
2 garlic cloves
2 Tbsp tahini
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp olive oil
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp sea salt
Pinch of smoked paprika or turmeric, optional
Rinse lentils and add to a saucepan with water and garlic.
Bring to a boil, then simmer about 12 to 15 minutes, until lentils are soft.
Allow to cool slightly, then transfer the lentils and garlic to a blender or food processor. Add the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle paprika or turmeric on top, if desired. Serve with sliced vegetables, cucumber rounds or warm pit a bread.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Tracy Gunter.
Thermal imaging reveals your breast tissue’s temperature patterns providing your health practitioner a clearer picture to support your longevity and well-being.
u Radiation Free u No Compression u Safe at Any Age
u Safe for Consistent Monitoring
u Safe During Pregnancy and Lactation
3285 South Country Trail, Ste 4 East Greenwich, RI 02818 401-214-7317
Brittany Capozzi, C-IAYT
Sensory Trust-Based Yoga Therapy
• For women navigating body shame, trauma, startle response, sensory sensitivity, or disconnection from breath/voice
• Learn how a belly dance coin scarf can help rebuild self-trust and safety
• Explore integrative movement to support focus, coordination, and learning readiness
• Handwrite for clarity, compassion, and embodied insight (781) 588-2288 Virtual (limited in-person) UnderstoryYogaTherapy.com
Photos by Jailene De La Cruz
2 cups sliced cremini mushrooms
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ancho chili powder, optional
1 tsp ground cumin
4 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp ground coriander
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp sweet paprika
1⅛ tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup home-cooked or 8 oz can of green or brown lentils, drained
2 cup raw walnuts
4 tsp salt, optional
¼ tsp ground black pepper, optional
FOR THE BOWL
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 cup romaine lettuce, thinly sliced
½ cup diced Roma tomatoes
¼ cup diced red onion
1 avocado, cubed
1-2 Tbsp lime juice
Salt to taste, optional
Ground black pepper to taste, optional
2-4 Tbsp chopped cilantro
¼ cup salsa of choice, optional
To make the mushroom-lentil “chorizo”, cook the mushrooms in a medium pan over medium-high heat until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water as needed to deglaze the pan. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix all the spices and set them aside.
In a food processor, pulse the mushrooms, lentils, walnuts and spices until a coarse meal is formed. Add salt and pepper to taste.
To assemble the bowl, divide the cooked rice, “chorizo”, lettuce, tomatoes, onion and avocado between two bowls. Drizzle the lime juice on top and sprinkle with salt, pepper and cilantro. Add 2 tablespoons of salsa per serving.
Recipe from the cookbook Powered by Plants: Nutrient-Loaded 30-Minute Meals to Help You Thrive by Food Revolution Network CEO Ocean Robbins and Nichole Dandrea-Russert, MS, RD, published by Hay House.
One-Sized Yoga Doesn’t Fit All
Yoga Therapy Shifts the Practice From Perfection to Self-Trust
by Brittany Capozzi, C-IAYT
Many women attend yoga classes to mend. One may have an intention of mending her breath while another sets hers on alleviating back pain. As yoga classes can be therapeutic, they can also present obstacles that can impede progress and achieving maximum benefits when transitioning toward healing.
One challenge that can get in the way of healing is the expectation to wear what may not serve someone: clothing, teaching orders, postures and heat. With such expectations, one’s attention is pulled toward external pressure instead of guided toward internal sensations. In this case, one may not find a sense of safety. If there are anxious thoughts or stressful emotions, the nervous system stays on high alert, unable to switch to resting and digesting, which yoga cultivates.
Meeting the Body Where It Is
Some women think they must “get better” at following directions or doing a certain posture. This often reinforces the habit of looking outward for what perfect alignment and postures should look and feel like. One’s yoga practice is lost when trying to manipulate the body and mind.
Self-agency can be denied instead of being encouraged for growth. Yoga therapy,
in contrast to general yoga classes, meets an individual where one is, offering space and more creative choices. Yoga tools are tailored to the individual’s needs. There are no prescribed exercises because the therapist knows that individuals respond to movement and rest differently.
A client with a health situation discloses a long-term goal to the therapist and they work together to try to reach it. A client struggling with asthma might have the motivation and intention to run a 5k. There’s no expectation to “fix” the individual, but rather to explore and learn about movement and mental patterns that can clear a path toward managing symptoms or healing. The therapist doesn’t replace the supervision or guidance of a healthcare provider.
How Healing Takes Shape in Practice
Sessions for a client with asthma may include exploring what happens with breath movement along with other movement throughout the body in relation to her breath. For instance, she may notice the qualities of her breathing as her legs move. One misconception about yoga therapy is that one needs to know how to do yoga postures, but the component parts
making up postures are often explored in a functional way. The specific reason may differ from reasons explored in classes. For example, the client with asthma may be asked to lift her hips while reclined—not to build muscle strength, but to see if the sense of “smooth breathing” labeled earlier by the client while seated can be maintained. Strength can only follow when there’s ease and safety involved.
Yoga tools are used to understand the person’s entire story which can’t be fully recognized in classes. This deeper level of utilizing the tools sets apart the yoga instructor, offering directions in a flow class, from the therapist that can build a relationship with a client—comprising equal presence, curiosity and connection.
From Watching to Being Seen
The habit of constant teacher-watching for how to feel and look while practicing yoga has been grooved in the history of yoga teaching. As yoga was nearly exclusively taught and practiced by men, the physical posture part asked male teens to follow their male teacher. This paved the way for the forceful physical styles of yoga in the West that asks students to mirror their instructor for precision. The physical practice of yoga is ubiquitous, leading to the idea that yoga is only a physical practice.
Although yoga is currently taught and practiced more by women, the original patriarchal attitude of follow-the-leader still prevails in most classes that can inadvertently create unsafe environments. But with most yoga therapists being women that watch and grow curious with their clients through invitational language, there’s room to shift the old paradigm from an individual that follows someone to an individual that follows herself.
Brittany Capozzi, C-IAYT, is a yoga therapist in Massachusetts who specializes in sensory-based approaches that help women rebuild self-trust after pain, illness, injury or trauma. She integrates movement, writing and sound to support nervous system safety and reconnection. For more information or to make an appointment, visit UnderstoryYogaTherapy.com. See ad, page 19 and Resource Guide, page 38.
To read the longer version of this article on our website, scan this QR Code.
Pelvic Power
Restoring Strength, Function and Confidence
by Hannah Tytus
The pelvic floor holds the key to vitality, confidence and even pleasure. According to Dr. Anna Cabeca, a holistic gynecologist and bestselling author of The Hormone Fix, “Pelvic floor health is essential for overall health. The pelvic floor is a sling of muscles supporting our critical organs, from the uterus to the bladder to the rectum. Everything is held within this bowl of muscles and connective tissue.”
Pelvic floor disorders are prevalent. A 2022 study in Scientific Reports examined more than 25,000 medical records and found that one in three people had a pelvic floor disorder. These included urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse (displacement) and bowel dysfunction, with incontinence and prolapse being the most frequent. Such conditions can significantly alter daily
life. A 2021 survey of 4,556 women with pelvic floor symptoms showed that 46 percent stopped exercising due to pain or leakage, potentially leading to numerous other issues over time.
Dynamic Exercises for Foundational Integrity
Kim Vopni, a pelvic floor fitness educator and author of Your Pelvic Floor, has dedicated more than two decades to raising awareness about pelvic floor health through her global online community, The Buff Muff Method. Vopni states that the pelvic floor is not just a single muscle but a complex network of muscles in three layers. The first layer mainly affects the sexual response, the second helps with continence and the openings of the urethra, vagina and anus, and the third, deepest layer primarily supports the organs. “Like
the biceps or hamstrings, the pelvic floor can be stretched and strengthened and conditioned,” Vopni points out.
The pelvic floor works in synergy with the diaphragm to create a natural sump pump action that moves fluids, massages organs and supports lymphatic circulation. “The pelvic floor has to work when we are upright—moving, lifting, coughing, sneezing, pushing and jumping. When we inhale, the diaphragm contracts and widens, and ideally the belly expands and the pelvic floor lengthens,” Vopni explains. “With the exhale, the pelvic floor contracts and lifts as the diaphragm recoils upward. We harness this relationship when we want to prevent or overcome pelvic floor symptoms.”
This explains why the clench-andrelease movements known as Kegel exercises, to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, are best done with coordinated breathing. According to Vopni, a proper Kegel includes a squeeze and lift on the exhale and a full, blooming release on the inhale. Aim for three sets of 10 repetitions per day, holding each contraction for about 10 seconds.
“People often think the only thing to do for pelvic floor optimization is Kegels, and that tight means strong. The goal is to move beyond isolated squeezes and train the pelvic floor dynamically within whole-body movement, where the breath and pelvic floor coordination are incorporated into exercises such as bridges, squats and lunges,” says Vopni, who recommends consulting a pelvic floor physical therapist for individualized assessment and guidance, particularly after pregnancy or childbirth.
Vopni highlights key habits that support pelvic floor function, such as staying well hydrated, preventing constipation and engaging in pelvic release work to relax chronically tight muscles. Posture is crucial; high-heeled shoes can misalign the pelvis and shorten the calves and hamstrings, leading to involuntary clenching of the glutes and pelvic floor muscles, which impairs optimal function. Vopni recommends wearing “zero drop” shoes whenever possible,
where the heel and toe are at the same distance from the ground, mimicking a natural barefoot position.
The Vaginal Microbiome
“The vagina has its own microbiome, and many people don’t realize that,” says Cabeca. “When the vaginal microbiome becomes unhealthy, we start to see problems with fertility, sexual function, dryness and infections.” Unlike the gut, which benefits from bacterial diversity, the vaginal microbiome thrives with fewer dominant species. A healthy vaginal microbiome is typically dominated by Lactobacillus species. Cabeca recommends a m icrobiome-supportive, “keto-green” diet rich in bitter greens, cruciferous vegetables, healthy fats, high-quality proteins and fermented foods, as well as vaginal probiotics taken in capsule form.
“Many vaginal hygiene products can disrupt the microbiome. Because the pelvic floor has so much vascularity [blood vessels], those tissues absorb chemicals very
easily. That exposure can affect the glands and tissues that help keep the vaginal environment healthy,” Cabeca cautions. She recommends choosing organic menstrual products over conventional tampons and menstrual pads; avoiding heavily fragranced cosmetics; and using gentle cleansers such as olive oil–based soaps.
Knowing Our Bodies
Body awareness is a powerful tool for prevention and early intervention. “One of the most important things I tell patients is: Get a mirror and look down there,” Cabeca says. “You need to know your normal anatomy—what it looks like and what it feels like.” Understanding what is typical for our bodies can make it easier to recognize changes.
Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, former writer at the National Institutes of Health and host of the Root Shock podcast, exploring the cultural underpinnings of health.
Natalia_Deriabina/shutterstock
Methylene Blue
From Textile Dye to Mitochondrial Powerhouse
by Dr. Gary Kracoff
Methylene blue (MB) originated in the 19th century as a textile dye and now has a role in emergency rooms and longevity labs. It has been a staple in medicine for over a century, and a recent surge in interest from the “biohacking” and wellness communities has brought its safety and quality into the spotlight.
For those considering methylene blue for its purported benefits, understanding the difference between a medical-grade product and a toxic industrial chemical is non-negotiable.
Methylene blue is sold to be used in aquariums or industrial use at a fraction of the price of pharmaceutical grade. Don’t be tempted. Pharmaceutical Grade (USP/EP) is purified to be at least 98 to 99 percent pure and is strictly tested for heavy metal contamination (arsenic,
lead, mercury and cadmium) which is present in high amounts in industrial methylene blue. Chloroform and other organic solvents used in industrial manufacturing are stripped out of pharmaceutical-grade MB. If it’s labeled “for research only or aquarium use,” it’s not safe for human consumption.
Methylene blue is being used in low doses for cognitive support and antiaging as it combats oxidative stress and to support the mitochondria.
Methylene blue can power mitochondria in several ways. In a healthy cell, mitochondria turn the food we eat and the oxygen we breathe into ATP, the universal energy currency of the body.
Usually, electrons move through four complexes in the mitochondria to create energy. If any of these complexes are sluggish or damaged (due to aging or toxins), energy production slows down.
MB acts as an alternative electron carrier, bypassing bottlenecks at Complex I and III moving electrons directly to Complex IV. This ensures that ATP production continues even if the cell is under stress. By speeding the flow of electrons, MB encourages the mitochondria to use oxygen more efficiently. Research suggests that low doses can increase cellular respiration by up to 30 percent, increasing physical and mental energy without the jitters of caffeine.
When antioxidants neutralize a free radical, they are spent. MB is different. Because it can easily switch between oxidized and reduced states, it can neutralize a free radical and then be regenerated by the cell’s own enzymes.
With mitochondria, less is often more. Low doses (0.5 milligram to 2 mg/kilograms) act as an electron donor, boosting energy and protecting cells. High doses can kill some bacteria or fungi, but slow down the electron transport mechanism.
Some common side effects include urine turning blue/green (harmless); some users report a mild, spaced-out feeling or nausea if taken on an empty stomach.
MB is a potent MAO inhibitor so if one take SSRIs, SNRIs or other antidepressants, one should check with their doctor before taking it.
People with G6PD deficiency must avoid MB as it can cause their red blood cells to rupture. It’s generally contraindicated in pregnancy.
Methylene blue is a fascinating compound with genuine therapeutic potential, but should never be used in high doses without medical supervision. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting methylene blue and always use it in pharmaceutical-grade strength.
Dr. Gary Kracoff is a registered pharmacist with a degree in natural medicine at the Johnson Compounding and Wellness Center, at 577 Main St., Waltham, MA. Consultations with their professional pharmacists and dieticians are also offered. For more information, call 781-893-3870 ext. 2, email Gary@NaturalCompounder. com or visit NaturalCompounder.com. See ad, page 7 and Resource Guide, page 36.
Lessons for Young Female Athletes
How To Support Resilience, Agency and Joy
by Christina Connors
While sports can build confidence, grit and community, girls today often face pressure to over-perform, sacrificing joy for external validation. According to the Women’s Sports Foundation, more than 38 percent of girls in the United States do not participate in sports at all. And for those that do, the pressure to perform can quietly drain the very joy that drew them to the game in the first place. By age 14, girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys, not because of a lack of talent, but for a range of complex factors—from lack of access, cost and transportation challenges to fear of judgment, dwindling confidence and bodies that feel like liabilities rather than assets.
Sports can be among the most powerful laboratories for building lifelong resilience in girls. The field is where they learn to fail forward, push limits, set boundaries and discover that their bodies exist to feel strong, not just look a certain way. The challenge is to make sure they stay long enough to learn those lessons.
The Perfectionism Problem
A 2024 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that higher perfectionism in young athletes is linked to lower self-esteem, decreased motivation and increased burnout, largely through patterns of self-blame and catastrophizing.
Perfectionism often arrives wrapped in good intentions: a coach that pushes hard, parents that envision a scholarship or a culture that measures worth in scores and rankings. But when achievement becomes the measure of identity, girls learn that love is conditional, based on performance.
According to Casey Seidenberg, an executive life coach and program leader at Human Better EDU who works directly with young female athletes, “Perfectionism is driven by fear: fear of judgment, failure or not being good enough. Healthy striving, by contrast, is motivated by growth, progress, purpose and self-kindness.”
She invites athletes to ask empowering questions after a hard game, such as, “What did I learn? How do I want to recover? How have I bounced back before?” This reframing transforms setbacks into stepping stones and builds the kind of resilience that extends far beyond sport. “When girls understand that mistakes are expected and even valuable, they stop tying their worth to flawless performance and begin focusing on learning and improvement instead,” Seidenberg explains. In her view, “The shiffrom mistakesas-identity to mistakes-as-information is fundamental. A girl that learns to ask, ‘What can I try differently?’ instead of ‘What’s wrong with me?’ is building a skill set that will serve her through every hard thing life delivers, on and off the field. This is also where girls learn to set boundaries by listening to their own bodies, knowing when to push and when to rest. That discernment, often called the ability to
self-regulate, is something many women spend decades trying to reclaim as adults.”
Identity Beyond the Trophy
One of the most common (and damaging) patterns in girls’ sports is the fusion of identity and achievement. When a girl’s sense of self depends entirely on her stats, ranking or coach’s approval, any stumble on the field becomes an existential threat.
Parents and coaches can help dismantle this by expanding the evidence girls collect about who they are. That means reflecting back moments that have nothing to do with winning, saying, “I noticed how you kept going even when that was hard. You were a great teammate today. You asked for help, and that takes strength.” “It’s not about a trophy for everyone. It’s about our daughters learning valuable life skills, having fun and being part of a community and a team,” says Lindsay O’Neill-O’Keefe, CEO of Wellness Eternal, host of the podcast OptimizeWE and an ACE Fitness wellness coach.
According to Seidenberg, “When girls repeatedly collect evidence that they are worthy even when they struggle, they develop a more resilient, grounded identity—one that lets them take risks, recover from failure and pursue excellence from a place of healthy striving rather than pressure.”
Preventing Burnout
Burnout does not happen overnight. It builds slowly, through overloaded schedules, year-round single-sport specialization and environments where rest is seen as weakness. The signs, says O’Neill-O’Keefe, are worth knowing: an inability to focus, withdrawn behavior, anxiety or constant worrying. When a girl that once lit up at practice begins dreading it, something has shifted. Seidenberg frames burnout as what happens when an athlete slips into the passenger seat, reacting to external demands rather
than moving toward her own sense of purpose. Her suggested antidote is to help girls reconnect to the reasons they loved the sport in the first place: the fun, the challenge, the freedom and the friendships. “Reconnection also requires looking beyond sport alone, because happiness is influenced by the full landscape of life, including relationships, rest and community,” she asserts.
What Parents and Coaches Can Do
• Celebrate process over outcome. Comment on effort, courage and character rather than only results. “You made a decision under pressure and kept going” lands differently than “Great game.”
• Model resilience instead of shame. On the drive home after a loss ask, “What was the hardest moment for you today?” or “What felt good?”
• Let girls lead. Resist the urge to over-coach or over-manage.
• Embrace low-pressure play. Community leagues, pickup games and summer programs without the weight of scholarship pressure offer girls room to enjoy movement again.
Christina Connors is a burnout prevention specialist, keynote singer and author. Learn more at ChristinaConnors.com.
Hip Health in Just Minutes a Day
A Simple, Empowering Practice
by Maya Whitman
Hip health is not just a concern for athletes or physical therapy patients. It is essential for the way we move, sit, stand, rest and age. Taking care of our hips does not require long workouts or expensive equipment. For everyone from desk workers to busy moms to women navigating midlife transitions, just 10 minutes of stretching and strengthening exercises on alternate days can improve mobility,
strength and flexibility. Consistency is key to achieving long-term ease, confidence and vitality.
Common Causes of Hip Discomfort
Several factors can cause hip discomfort. Tightness or weakness in the pelvic muscles can be problematic because they support the pelvis, hips and spine, helping us walk, turn, bend and squat. In fact, if any muscles that support the hips, like the gluteal muscles (buttocks) are weak, other muscles have to work harder, which can lead to hip and lower-back pain.
Other culprits include hormonal changes, especially a drop in estrogen during menopause, which can increase hip pain and the need for hip replacement surgery in women. Prolonged sitting or lack of physical activity tends to decrease blood circulation in the area and lower the production of synovial fluid, a crucial lubricant and shock absorber that reduces friction and keeps the joint pain-free.
“We’re often told that hip pain in middle-aged women between 40 and 65
Glute Bridge
is due to aging or arthritis, but most hip pain I see is chronic. Pain may show up suddenly, but the underlying issue has usually been developing under the surface for months or even years,” says physical therapist Maarit Korpilahde, who created the Hip Revive Method, in Lane, Kansas. She asserts that prolonged sitting can tighten the deep hip rotators, weaken the gluteal muscles and put more pressure on the front part of the hip socket. She recommends engaging in some movement for 10 to 20 minutes at least three or four times a day. Simple actions like standing up, walking, doing a few minisquats every hour, taking the stairs or parking a bit farther away can make a difference.
Jordan Ashley, the founder and executive director of Souljourn Yoga Foundation, in Santa Monica, California, often sees
women with chronic hip tightness and a “locking” of the sacroiliac joint, which she believes might be linked to emotional issues. “Yoga traditions often say our hips hold onto our emotions, almost like the body’s junk drawer. All kinds of stress, old hurts and daily worries can get tucked away there,” she explains, noting that the psoas—a deep, long muscle connecting the lumbar spine to the femur—plays a big role in keeping our trunk stable and moving our hips.
Recommended Moves
Amanda Neri, a physical therapist and owner of The Pelvic Institute, in Chicago, Illinois, believes in keeping hips active with daily exercises, alternating between strength training and stretching. Her favorite mantras are, “Use it or lose it,” and “It’s never too late.” Strength days can include a glute bridge, standing leg lifts, lunges or resistance-band exercises. On stretch day, yoga poses like the butterfly, frog, happy baby or child’s pose can be great. As with any workout, Neri emphasizes the importance of listening to our bodies and not pushing beyond what feels comfortable.
Standing, Hip-Controlled Articular Rotations: Lift one knee to hip height—this is called hip flexion—and gently make a big, controlled circle without moving the spine or pelvis. Hold onto a wall or something sturdy for balance. “It might feel stiff or crunchy at first, but after six to eight repetitions, it should get a bit easier,” Neri counsels.
Dr. Brenda Bithoney, ND (Dr. B)
Dr. Darien Lesicko, ND (Dr. L)
Dr. Chrysanthi Kazantzis, ND, MS (Dr. Kaz)
Glute Bridge: Lying on the back with knees bent and feet on the floor, lift the hips up toward the ceiling. Squeeze the glutes and hold for a couple of seconds, then slowly lower back down. Aim for three sets of 10 to 20 repetitions.
Standing Leg Lifts: Stand on one leg and lift the other, straightened, out to the side, front or back to target the hips, glutes or outer thighs. Aim for three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions per leg.
Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch: Using a yoga mat for comfort, kneel on one knee bent at 90 degrees with the other foot flat on the mat in front. With hands on the thigh of the front leg, gently lean forward and feel a comfortable stretch in the upper thigh and hip. Squeeze the glutes on the supporting side for a deeper stretch. Do two to four repetitions before switching leg positions. Try to hold each stretch for 30 seconds.
Seated Hip Shifts: Sit up straight with feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. Place a small ball or foam roller between the knees and squeeze gently. Push one knee slightly forward while pulling the other knee back, keeping the torso steady. Repeat this gentle seesaw motion 10 times per side.
Walking Toe Touch: Walk forward while alternately kicking straight legs up to touch the opposite hand. Only raise each leg to the point of comfort, keeping the supporting leg soft at the knee, not locked straight. Walk like this for up to two minutes.
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.
Darrin Henry/shutterstock
Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch
Community Resource Guide
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 Sales@NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com to request our media kit.
Acupuncture
FIVE ELEMENT ACUPUNCTURE
Jo-Ann Sarro, D.Ac, Dipl.Ac
Five Harmony Health 655 Main St, Ste 214 East Greenwich, RI 02818
443-831-2347
FiveHarmonyHealth.com
Acupuncture is a wonderful way to heal and maintain good health. Whether from injury, releasing trauma and stresses of daily life or simply time to reset and restore. My focus is to help you achieve your life and health goals. BlueCross BlueShield provider. See ad, page 20.
HANNAH REDD ACUPUNCTURE
Hannah Redd, DA
Path 2 Harmony, 1182 Boston Neck Rd Narragansett, RI 02882
401-261-4316
HannahReddAcupuncture.com
Chinese- and Japanesestyle treatments utilizing gua sha, tui na, craniosacral therapy and cold laser.
Aesthetics & Wellness Studio
PARAGON BODY ART, LLC
1005 Main St, Ste 715C Pawtucket, RI 02860
401-662-7412
ParagonBodyArt.com
Our eclectic and creative professionals provide conscientious, ethical services including aesthetics, all-natural teeth whitening, red light therapy, ionic foot baths, PMU, corrective tattoos such as scar camouflage and saline lightening, artistic and henna tattoos, professional makeup applications, life-enrichment coaching and energy healing. Parties and classes offered.
Akashic Consulting
INTO THE AKASH WITH ASTRID! 401-617-8074
AstridMeijeruic@gmail.com rihha.org
Curious to learn how your other lifetimes are impacting your life? Ready to clear trauma, negative belief patterns, relationship dynamics, vows and soul contracts? Through consulting your Akashic Records, I facilitate the clearing of energies blocking your True Self, and coach you through conscious meaning—making to create the life you want.
Biological Dentistry
BIO DENTAL
Candida Castillo
2148 Mineral Spring Ave, North Providence, RI 02911
401-232-7777
SmileRI.com
Discover holistic dental care with Dr. Castillo at Bio Dental. Integrating advanced technology and natural healing, Dr. Castillo focuses on whole-body wellness through safe, biocompatible treatments. Experience a healthier smile and balanced life—where dentistry meets holistic healing. Book your consultation today. See ad, page 28.
Boston Dental Wellness provides biological, integrative dentistry that supports whole-body health. Offering advanced periodontal care, zirconia implants, ozone therapy, vitamin C protocols, regenerative treatments and a calm, anxiety-free experience, focused on natural healing and total wellness. See ad, page 11.
DENTISTRY
BY DR. DAVID
Amparo M. David, DMD
563 Main St Bolton, MA 01740 978-779-2888
BoltonDental.com
We look beyond our patients’ teeth in order to improve both their smiles and their quality of life. Our practice offers full preventive services: biological, holistic, functional dentistry, ozone therapy, reconstructive dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, dental sleep medicine, implant dentistry, in addition to TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders) therapy. See ad, page 15.
Chiropractic
CAMERON ROTH, DC
328 Cowesett Ave, Ste 7 West Warwick, RI 02893 401-615-5200
RothChiro@gmail.com
Our practice takes a holistic approach to medicine focusing on diagnosis and treatment of biomechanical conditions. We employ a hands-on approach utilizing adjustments, soft tissue mobilizations and modalities to promote healing throughout the body.
MALCHAR CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS CENTER
33 College Hill Rd, Bldg 30C Warwick, RI 02886 401-826-7600
MalcharWellness.com
MCWC offers a variety of services, which include chiropractic care, nutrition, homeopathy, total body modification, activator methodology, auto, sports and work injuries, applied kinesiology, contact reflex analysis and Graston technique. Dr. Malchar and Dr. Boudreau, as well as supporting staff, are here to support you along your wellness journey. See ad, page 13.
People need dreams,
there’s as much nourishment in ’em as food.
—Dorothy Gilman
MCARDLE CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS CENTER
Catherine McArdle, DC
Robert Sedlor, DC
2013 Plainfield Pike Johnston, RI 02919
401-383-3400
McArdleChiropractic.com
Family chiropractic practice offering holistic care to patients of all ages. Based on the initial evaluation, patients will be given a treatment plan which addresses ergonomics, exercise, stretching and nutrition in addition to their spinal alignment. See ad, page 10.
Benjamin Blackett is a multi- certified, International Life Mastery Consultant and motivational speaker. He helps people pull their dreams into their lives. His clients experience better health, deeper and more meaningful relationships, more satisfying careers, and expanded time and money freedom. You are invited to get to know him through his livestream “Morning Mindset Book Studies” on his Facebook page, A Creative Healing Place, Mon-Fri, 9:05-9:25am. See ad, page 18.
Cold Laser Therapy
HANNAH REDD ACUPUNCTURE
Hannah Redd, DA
Path 2 Harmony, 1182 Boston Neck Rd Narragansett, RI 02882 401-261-4316
HannahReddAcupuncture.com
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is very effective for pain management and healing. Utilizing red light and infrared light, our bodies ingest the light and healing is increased.
Colon Hydrotherapy
SOURCE COLON HYDROTHERAPY
Elizabeth Regal, I-ACT Certified Hydrotherapist Columbia, CT
860-634-7523
Info@SourceColonHydrotherapy.com
Colonics are a soothing way to promote hydration and elimination by natural peristalsis. A series of three sessions is the best way to start cleansing. FDA-approved, closed-system device. Sessions offered at Roots Natural Medical Center, in Columbia, CT.
Familyowned and -operated since 1960, we have evolved from a traditional pharmacy to a worldwide compounding and nutritional resource. Our unique one-on-one patient consultations produce a full understanding of your health needs. You, your physician and one of our compounding pharmacists work as partners to ensure that you will receive the best care possible.
JOHNSON COMPOUNDING AND WELLNESS
577 Main St Waltham, MA 02452
781-893-3870 • Fax: 781-899-1172
John@NaturalCompounder.com NaturalCompounder.com
JCW is the only sterile and non-sterile PCAB- accredited pharmacy in Massachusetts. In addition to our compounding service, we offer a full range of nutritional supplements, natural products, homeopathic remedies and home health care equipment. See ad, page 7.
Specializing in Craniosacral Therapy and Cupping. Treatments are deeply relaxing and restorative. Cupping releases tight muscles, and CST addresses issues with the nervous system. This combination is effective for headaches/migranes, TMJ disorder, neck/back pain, digestion and more.
Family Constellation Therapy
SOUL SPEAKS THERAPIES
Certified Clinical & Medical Hypnotherapist Family Constellation Practitioner
Break free from inherited emotional patterns and heal family dynamics through the powerful modality of Systemic Family Constellations. Offers a range of holistic therapies to empower you on your healing journey. Free 20-min. consultation.
Financial Wellness
JOHN GAUTREAUX
Independence Financial Partners
401-691-4138
IndependenceFP.net
If you are seeking a comfortable retirement, look no further. John and his team can provide the guidance you need. For over two decades, John has been helping his clients achieve their goals. Contact John now for a no-cost consultation. See ad, page 5.
Frenectomy (Tongue/ Lip Tie Release)
DENTISTRY BY DR. DAVID
Amparo M. David, DMD
563 Main St, Bolton, MA 01740
978-779-2888
BoltonDental.com
Dr. David uses the latest technology available to diagnose and treat infants as well as children and adults. She has extensive training in the fields of functional release, airway dentistry and myofunctional therapy. See ad, page 15.
Mark Your Calendar
Catskill Summer Vision Quest & Mitote
July 9-12
A profound weekend of unfolding and becoming. Pause and get off the track of everyday life, to go inside and discover your authentic self, visions and spiritual connections in nature. Ceremonies and journeys to deepen your experience. Indoor cabins, or camping as you choose, private wooded land to safely sit in nature to hear your heart speak. Awaken clarity, life purpose and joy as we break through illusions fears and ego protections.
Seasoned Guide, Shaman, Janet StraightArrow
Art Farm, Accord, NY 973-647-2500 • BeTheMedicine.com
Functional Dietitian
ALORA FREDERICK, RDN
Johnson Compounding & Wellness
781-893-3870 x 149
Alora@NaturalCompounder.com
NaturalCompounder.com
Integrative and Functional Registered Dietitian who strives to motivate individuals on their health journey. Alora loves to help people feel their best and has a special interest in GI health and mental health (depression & anxiety). See ad, page 7.
Functional Medicine
UNLOCK
WELLNESS CENTER
Tina Egbuiwe, FNP
888-778-8271
UnlockWellnessCenter.com
I use advanced testing to uncover the root causes of chronic illnesses like fatigue, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances and autoimmune conditions. This deeper insight helps me create personalized, natural care plans that restore balance, boost energy and support long-term healing without the guesswork.
A virtual Holistic Health Coaching Service that focuses on improving gut health, SIBO and detoxification by making changes to your daily habits and by integrating the best herbal supplements for your individual needs.
Holistic Center
FLORAL BOTANICAL MEDICINE
FloralBotanicalMedicine.com
Floral Botanical Medicine is a private membership association devoted to the art of natural healing. Members have access to live blood microscopy, custom herbal compounds, guided detoxes, scalar treatments, health coaching, SCENAR BioModulator, European-grade essential oils and high-quality supplements. See ad, page 27.
NURTURE HOLISTIC WELLNESS
Loren Correia
Holistic Wellness Professional Hello@NurtureHolisticWellness.com NurtureHolisticWellness.com
Nurture Holistic Wellness is dedicated to supporting your journey to well-being through holistic therapies like sound healing, meditation and bodywork. Our mission is to help you find balance, restore energy and enhance mental clarity in a peaceful, nurturing environment.
Holistic Physical Therapy
RESTORE PHYSICAL THERAPY
Dr. Amanda Zarriello, DPT 10 Worthington Rd Cranston, RI 02920 401-250-3060 www.RestorePTRI.com
Restore Physical Therapy helps active adults age stronger with holistic, one-on-one care. We uncover root causes, relieve pain and build resilience through hands-on treatment, digital support and personalized plans for long-term health, mobility and injury prevention. See ad, page 18.
Homeopathy
VANDANA PITKE
Om Homeopathy, It’s My Health Cumberland, RI 02864 401-573-3757
OmHomeopathy.com
With 16+ yrs experience in classical homeopathy, Vandana Pitke has helped many clients restore and achieve health. A certified classical homeopath, she looks at the clients from a holistic perspective focusing on mind, body and spirit. She also incorporates many other holistic modalities in her practice, which makes healing faster, better and from within when combined with homeopathy.
Hormone Health
DEE DAVIDSON, FDN-P
Podcast: Confidently Balance Your Hormones
888-679-3815
Dee@ConfidentlyLoveYourself.com
ConfidentlyLoveYourself.com
Explore holistic hormone health solutions at our practice. Certified in hormone health, we address issues like hormone imbalance, infertility, thyroid, Type 2 diabetes and menopause. Tune in to our podcast, Confidently Balance Your Hormones, for expert insights.
Hypnotherapy
SOUL SYNERGY MEDICAL HYPNOTHERAPY
Certified Medical Hypnotherapist 617-444-9236
Info@SoulSynergyMedicalHypnotherapy.com
SoulSynergyMedicalHypnotherapy.com
Empowering your health and healing through hypnotherapy. With over 20 yrs’ experience, we empower healing through custom treatment plans designed to support your unique path to wellness. Support for chronic illnesses, stress and pain management, weight loss, smoking cessation, trauma. Free 20-min consultation.
Integrative Veterinary Medical Care
MASH MAIN ST ANIMAL SERVICES OF HOPKINTON 72 W Main St
Hopkinton, MA 01748
508-435-4077
MASHVet.com
A full-service integrative veterinary clinic offering caring and healthful options and modalities like acupuncture, functional nutrition, homeopathy, chiropractic, herbs, ozone therapy, surgery and dentistry. See ad, page 8.
Integrative Wellness Resources
IT’S MY HEALTH
Marie Bouvier-Newman 1099 Mendon Rd Cumberland, RI 02864
401-305-3585
Its-My-Health.com
We provide much more than products, services and education. We provide the tools you need to optimize your health in a comfortable environment. We care. See ad, page 20.
Intuitive Sessions
SONG OF YOUR SOUL
Jen Haggerty, LSH
16 W Natick Rd, Warwick, RI 02886 401-439-8402
SongOfYourSoul.com
Intuitive Guidance Sessions. Gain clarity and insight into life’s transitions, challenges and inner questions. These sessions blend intuitive guidance with grounded support, helping you move forward with confidence, alignment and a deeper trust in your own inner knowing. Start with a free, 5-min. Energy Reset online. See ad, page 24.
Ionic Foot Bath
CARLEEN’S BODY
HEALING THERAPY
Carleen Christopher 16 W Natick Rd, Warwick, RI 02886 401-345-6527
CarleensBodyHealingTherapy.com
This ionic detox is a therapy that uses negative ions to cleanse the body. The ions attach themselves to the toxins and then are flushed out through the feet’s reflex points. See ad, page 24.
Life Coaching
CÉCILE’S WISE WAYS
857-245-9488
Contact@CecileRaynor.com CecileRaynor.com
Ready to savor the joy and well-being of your dream life? Do you have aspects of your life that need upgrading? Discover how to elevate your vibrations to the frequency of your vision with a fun Body Intelligence Activation Process.
The Monkey Out of Your Mind
May 16 - Morning Mind Body Therapy Collective Montclair, NJ or
May 19 - Evening on Zoom
A Life-Changing Set of Teachings and Simple tools. Imagine being able to quiet your mind and release stuck emotions immediately. Many traditions were used to develop this simple, clear, foundational practice. Gathered from 6 decades of research making mind-body-spirit living and healing direct and simple.
Guided by Shaman, Healer, Sage, Janet StraightArrow 973-647-2500 • BeTheMedicine.com
Your Calendar
May 29-31
Experience a Sixth Dimensional Practice to assist us in these times of ascension. Immediate healing, wisdom and connection. A sacred weekend to learn a spiritual growth practice where you know and live your authentic self. Meet your soul, learn to access the love, wisdom and truth of who you are. Learn how to heal and walk your journey with understanding and high-level spiritual connections and energy. Bring all forward into your everyday life.
Guided by Shaman, Janet StraightArrow. Retreat Himalayan Institute Yoga Center, Honesdale, PA
Also offered August 26-28, Art Farm, Accord, NY 973-647-2500 • BeTheMedicine.com
TAKE THE LEAP COACHING
Kim Childs, CPPC
369 Mass Ave, Arlington, MA 02474
617-640-3813
Kim@KimChilds.com
KimChilds.com
Need help clarifying and realizing your desires? Asking
“What’s next?” or “How do I get started?” Kim is a certified life and career coach specializing in Positive Psychology, creativity and midlife transitions, to help clients create more personally fulfilling, meaningful and empowered lives. Initial consultations are free
Medical Medium
Coaching
HANNAH REDD ACUPUNCTURE
Hannah Redd, DA Path 2 Harmony, 1182 Boston Neck Rd Narragansett, RI 02882 401-261-4316
HannahReddAcupuncture.com
Using Medical Medium information by Anthony William for classes and coaching. Bio energetic assessments to help scan the body and determine causes for health conditions.
Medical Thermography
RHODE ISLAND
THERMOGRAPHY, LLC
Samantha Pezza
3285 S County Trail, Ste 4 East Greenwich, RI 02818
401-214-7317
RIThermography.com
Using patented software and a highly sensitive infrared camera system, thermal imaging reads the heat your cells emit, turning it into a visual map of your body’s patterns. These patterns reveal what’s happening beneath the surface, helping you make more informed choices about your health. Call today to learn more. See ad, page 19.
Nature Therapy
STORY WALKING
Wendy Nadherny Fachon
StoryWalkerWendy@gmail.com
StoryWalking.com
Nature Intuitive. Guided story walks personalized for individuals and families. Guidance in outdoor comfort, trail safety and story sharing. Learning, journaling and healing with nature. See ad, page 14.
Naturopathic Medicine
CHRYSANTHI KAZANTZIS,
ND, MS
ANASA PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
245 Waterman St, Ste 200 Providence, RI 02906
401-270-1742
AnasaMedicine.com
Owner and founder of Anasa Personalized Medicine, Licensed Naturopathic Physician, Clinical Nutritionist, Reiki Master and Craniosacral Therapy Level 1 practitioner. Specializing in digestive disorders, thyroid disorders, diabetes, Lyme disease and mold toxicity. Addressing these conditions by treating the underlying cause through herbal medicine, supplements, homeopathy, clinical nutrition and lifestyle counseling. See ad, page 29.
NOELLE CARDARELLI, ND, DAC
ANASA PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
245 Waterman St, Ste 200 Providence, RI 02906
401-270-1742
AnasaMedicine.com
Licensed Naturopathic Physician with a specific interest in treating patients with hormonal, metabolic, gastrointestinal and inflammatory conditions. She is also well versed in treating tickborne illnesses. She is passionate about the natural intelligence of the physical and emotional body and the inherent connection between the two. She utilizes a variety of modalities including nutrition, vitamins and herbs to treat her patients holistically. See ad, page 29.
BRENDA BITHONEY, ND
ANASA PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
245 Waterman St, Ste 200 Providence, RI 02906
401-270-1742
AnasaMedicine.com
Licensed Naturopathic Physician with a specific interest in uterine and ovarian health (including fertility, endometriosis, irregular menstrual cycles, menopause, perimenopause, PCOS, cervical dysplasia, etc.) and digestive conditions (including IBS, SIBO, etc). She currently offers two additional therapies including naturopathic physical medicine and cervical escharotic therapy. To support patients, Dr. B uses herbal medicine, supplements, homeopathy, escharotic therapy and physical medicine. See ad, page 29.
DARIEN LESICKO, ND
ANASA PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
245 Waterman St, Ste 200 Providence, RI 02906
401-270-1742
AnasaMedicine.com
Licensed Naturopathic Physician and Craniosacral Therapy Level 2 practitioner. Dr. L enjoys working with people of all ages and conditions, truly believing that naturopathic medicine can benefit anyone and everyone. Her primary focus is the foundation of health and utilizes functional lab testing, homeopathy, nutraceuticals and botanical medicine to find and treat the root cause of disease. See ad, page 29.
GARY KRACOFF, RPH
Johnson Compounding and Wellness 781-893-3870
Gary@NaturalCompounder.com
Dr. Gary Kracoff provides guidance and in-depth consultative services to find the “why” to what is happening physically and mentally, working with individuals to restore balance in the body. Specializes in customizing medications to meet individualized needs of patients, and he suggests nutritional supplements, natural products and homeopathic remedies to aid in faster healing and recovery. See ad, page 7.
RADICAL HEALTH ND
Dr. Julia Smiley, ND
Hello@RadicalHealthND.com
RadicalHealthND.com
Offering virtual holistic health consultations for all ages and stages of life, craniosacral therapy and online courses. My goal is to provide guidance towards optimization of health and wellness with root cause solutions always in the forefront of any recommendations made.
AMBER VANCE, ND, MSCP
Precision Driven Health 693R Belmont St, Belmont, MA 02478 617-991-3452
DrAmberVanceND.com
A licensed Naturopathic Doctor and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner providing comprehensive midlife care. Through personalized whole-person care, thoughtful testing, individualized guidance in nutrition, supplements, lifestyle, sleep and stress management, women gain clarity, confidence and lasting improvements in health and quality of life. In-person or virtual care.
Organic Mattresses
NATUREPEDIC
252 Newbury St, First Fl, Boston, MA 02116 444 Washington St, Wellesley, MA 02482
Naturepedic specializes in certified organic mattresses and bedding designed with health, wellness and sustainability at the forefront. See ad, page 15.
Organic Hair Care
FLIPP SALON APOTHECARY
38 Transit St Providence, RI 02903
401-274-1981
FlippSalon.com
A small boutique salon promoting a holistic approach to beauty, herbalism, art and music. Offering a full range of hair services using organic, plant-based products, full apothecary of loose herbs, blends and organic self-care items and accessories. Herbalist on staff. Gallery walls featuring local artisans; all mediums welcome. Live music in semi-acoustic for Music Nights. We believe that all these mediums are symbiotic in promoting joy and wellness in the individual and the community.
Raindrop Therapy
CARLEEN’S BODY HEALING THERAPY
Carleen Christopher 16 W Natick Rd, Warwick, RI 02886
401-345-6527
CarleensBodyHealingTherapy.com
Raindrop Technique is a sequence of anointing with oils that brings structural and electrical alignment to the body in a relaxing and invigorating manner through the power of essential oils. The oils can improve overall bodily function. See ad, page 24
Regenerative Esthetics
CARE ESTHETICS BOLTON
563 Main St, Bolton, MA 01740 978-652-3507
CAREEstheticsBolton.com
All-natural regenerative skincare with a holistic, science-based approach. No chemicals. No fillers. Just natural rejuvenation designed to restore healthy, radiant skin from within. It’s all delivered in a warm, supportive environment focused on long-term beauty and wellness. See ad, page 24
Reiki/Energy Healing
ANGELIC ABBY
781-277-4837
ReikiByAbby@gmail.com
AngelicAbby.com
I am a Reiki Master and am passionate about helping others. Restore peace and relieve stress and physical pain with my convenient distant reiki sessions.
INTUITIVE HEARTS
Dawn McLaughlin, Founder 14 Cedar Swamp Rd, Smithfield, RI 02917 401-500-5612
Dawn@Intuitive-Hearts.com
Through Intuitive Hearts, Dawn McLaughlin offers holistic healing services including reiki, sound healing and hypnotherapy. Her intuitive approach supports energetic balance, emotional clarity and soul-level restoration—empowering clients to reconnect with their truth and embrace vibrant, aligned living. See ad, page 28.
SONG OF YOUR SOUL
Jen Haggerty, LSH 16 W Natick Rd, Warwick, RI 02886 401-439-8402
SongOfYourSoul.com
BOSTON REIKI MASTER
34 Lincoln St Newton Highlands, MA 02461 617-633-3654
BostonReikiMaster.com
Are you stressed from the pressure of your job, home life, kids or an illness? Do you want to feel calm and relaxed? Experience reiki. Certified Reiki Master/Teacher with over 20 years’ experience in energy medicine providing pure Usui Reiki healing/ relaxation sessions.
HEART-HEALTH- HAPPINESS (H3)
Martinha Javid 100 Lafayette St Pawtucket, RI 02860 401-206-1451
Find out who you are and do it on purpose. —Dolly Parton
Experience a refined approach to holistic wellness through Christ-centered healing energy at HeartHealth-Happiness (H3). Sessions gently support stress reduction, emotional release, nervous system regulation, improved sleep, mental clarity and overall well-being—complementing traditional medical care while nurturing mind, body and spirit. See ad, page 10.
Intuitive reiki sessions designed to regulate the nervous system, release stored stress and restore energetic balance. Each experience is guided by insight, supporting emotional healing, inner clarity and a deeper connection back to yourself. Start with a free, 5-min. Energy Reset online, See ad, page 24.
Reiki Certification Classes
SONG OF YOUR SOUL
Jen Haggerty, LSH 16 W Natick Rd Warwick, RI 02886 401-439-8402
SongOfYourSoul.com
Reiki Training & Certification. Learn reiki in a supportive, intuitive environment that goes beyond technique. Training focuses on energy awareness, self-healing and confident application, empowering you to integrate reiki into your life or step forward as a practitioner. Start with a free, 5-min. Energy Reset online. See ad, page 24.
Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when you have no control over the outcome. —Brené Brown
Business Opportunities
SERVICE SPACE AVAILABLE – Seeking massage/holistic practitioner for rental, full- or parttime in the Hope Artiste Village, of Pawtucket, RI. Text, Autumn: 401-662-7412.
For Rent
TREATMENT ROOM FOR RENT – We have 2 beautiful, private rooms available in our Day Spa. Utilities included. Western Cranston. Sienna: 401-263-1709.
Group Therapy
CURIOUS ABOUT THE GROUP PROCESS? –Ever thought about joining a group to talk about life? Craving connection with others, in-person? Wonder about impacting others? And how they impact you? Interview to join an ongoing process group with Samantha Dorian at The Therapy Center, Brookline, MA. 617-277-3910.
Help Wanted
HOLISTIC PHYSICAL THERAPIST: Practice Differently – Not a traditional outpatient orthopedic model. Low-volume, one-on-one proactive care integrating movement, mindset and longevity to help patients heal deeply and build lifelong strength. For more info, visit www.RestorePTRI.com/ physical-therapist-job-description.
Office Space Available
IMMACULATE EAST SIDE OFFICE – Off-street parking, stunning area. $700/month (24/7 access) or $75/daily. Jim: 774-473-0067.
GREATER BOSTON AND RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITIES
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Please visit our website, NA-GBRI.com/calendar, for calendar listings and special events. Be sure to confirm events with the event host prior to the scheduled date of the event. Submit events at: NA-GBRI.com/events/new
Sleep Therapy
TMJ & SLEEP THERAPY CENTRE OF NEW ENGLAND 563 Main St Bolton, MA 01740
978-779-0865
Info@TMJSleepMa.com; TMJSleepMa.com
Our facility addresses the root problem of most people’s sleep issues. Symptoms like facial pain, jaw pain, headaches, ringing in the ears, clenching, grinding and sleep disturbance must be examined thoroughly in order to treat a patient with individualized care. This usually involves the fabrication of a custom oral appliance. See ad, page 6
Spinal Flow Technique
CARLEEN’S BODY HEALING THERAPY
Carleen Christopher 16 W Natick Rd, Warwick, RI 02886 401-345-6527
CarleensBodyHealingTherapy.com
The Spinal Flow Technique assists you in eliminating stressors causing pain, disease and illness by decreasing blockages and increasing ease and flow. Spinal Flow is a powerful yet gentle healing using the nervous system. It consists of light touches on specific areas of the spine and cranium, allowing the body to release those blockages. See ad, page 24
Mentoring Healers-Teachers- Therapists, Spiritual Seekers, Summer Retreats, Trainings, Classes, profound healing, clearing, reclaim yourself, enjoy life. Shamanic and Intuitive Energy Sessions. Soul Retrievals. Past Life, Ancestral, Current life healing. Business, Home and Land clearings. More.
Women’s Health
INNER EASE HEALTH
Bianca Siravo, CNM, WHNP 401-558-7797
Bianca@InnerEaseHealth.com InnerEaseHealth.com
Inner Ease Health is a clinical practice specializing in women’s pelvic health, sexual well-being and menopause. We integrate evidence-based medicine with holistic support to provide compassionate, comprehensive and personalized care tailored to our patients’ unique needs.
LUCI COMPANION
Carefully designed by Naviday Health MyLuci.health
LUCI Companion empowers women and clinicians with continuous, real-world health insights between visits, integrating symptoms, wearables and evidence-based guidance to personalize care, surface risks earlier, and improve outcomes across menopause and cardiovascular health, securely, seamlessly and designed for everyday use today. See ad, page 11.
Yoga & Tai Chi
TIME FOR YOU YOGA
Maria Sichel, RYT, CSYT 2155 Diamond Hill Rd, Cumberland, RI 02864 401-305-5319
Maria@TimeForYouYoga.com TimeForYouYoga.com
Private Svaroopa® yoga therapy sessions are tailored to meet your needs. Specially trained in treating pain, including back pain and neck and shoulder issues. Yoga therapy is more powerful than weekly yoga classes and moves you more quickly toward health and well-being. Experience pain relief, greater mobility, improved sleep, easier breathing, deep relaxation, increased flexibility and a deep sense of peace.
Hi ladies. When pain and trauma make you hide your body for safety, and you’ve tried everything to release this reflex, but nothing works, know that there are proven techniques that can reconnect you to safety, control and self-expression. See ad, page 19.
1 Author of Just BE: A Memoir About Unmasking and Becoming Human Again, Behati ____
3 Intense enthusiasm that turns energy outward into creation and joy
9 One type of lentil 10 Slalom segment
11 Blue-green ____: a superfood
12 Type of bandage
14 Sarta-Linda Rocco’s The Nest Collaborative, a ______ haven in Pennsylvania
16 Stomach problem when it feels tight and swollen
17 Mesh used to catch fish
19 Exist
20 Inert gas symbol
21 Vegetables grown in ____ farms are fresh and usually organic
25 Emotionally cleansing
27 Protective covering
29 Compass direction, abbr.
30 Combining and coordinating diverse elements into a whole view of health
35 Something that fails to work
37 Dietary allowance abbr.
38 Ice cream holder
39 Cardiovascular-supportive mineral DOWN
1 Severe, as winters
2 She ran the publishing company behind Prevention magazine, Maria _____
4 Refraining from the consumption of something
5 Mark left by a wound
6 Grown without artificial chemicals
7 Honey-producing insects
8 Nutritious legume
13 Quote as evidence
15 Single unit
18 Group of allied nations
19 Supported financially
22 Cool ___ cucumber, 2 words
23 Scanner type, briefly
24 Oft-repeated phrase which is a catchword for living
26 Marsh plants
27 Physical suffering
28 Methylene blue, a textile ___ now being used in purified form as a medicine for cognitive support and anti-aging
