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Health & Health Wellness SOULFUL SOURDOUGH Why This Bread Still Heals

HOMEOPATHY AND WHOLE-PERSON WELLNESS THE POWER OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE A Guide to Whole-Person Care

JANUARY 2026 | GREATER BOSTON / RHODE ISLAND EDITION

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Coming 2026 — On National & Local Public Television

A Mini Documentary on The Regenerative Whole Health Movement Real People. Real Insights. Real Practitioners. Real Healing.

hosted by critically acclaimed actress Be Inspired. Be Empowered. Be Well.

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Publisher’s Letter

All in Good Time

GREATER BOSTON/ RHODE ISLAND EDITION Publisher Maisie Raftery Editor Randy Kambic Administrative Asst. Carolyn Coogan Design & Production Courtney Ayers Contributing Writers Marlaina Donato Wendy Nadherny Fachon Gary Kracoff Vandana Pitke Hannah Tytus Maya Whitman Amanda Zarriello

NATIONAL TEAM CEO Kimberly B. Whittle COO Michael Bevilacqua CMO Vee Banionis Sr. VP Operations Brian Stenzler, DC National Editor Sandra Yeyati Editor Brooke Goode Copy Editor Melanie Rankin Print Production Specialist Kevin Rankin Design Director Agnes Mazeikaite Production Flip180 Customer Service Dani Bucad

CONTACT US Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 350 Main Street, Suite 9B • Bedminster, NJ 07921 Ph: 239-206-2000 NaturalAwakenings@KnoWEwell.com

he new year always seems to come with a lot of talk about goals, fresh starts and intentions. Some years, I can go all in on that. Most years, not so much. This year, by the time you’re reading this letter, I’ll have started my 2026 journey using The 1% Diary, a daily journal created by UK podcaster Steven Bartlett. It supports users with a framework for taking small steps that can lead to big changes over time, based on reflections about what we truly want out of life. Let’s see how far I get. Speaking of small steps leading to big change, our Conscious Eating article, “Soulful Sourdough, Why This Bread Still Heals,” by Maya Whitman, touches on patience, consistency and the quiet satisfaction that comes from tending to something over time. That feels about right for how I’m approaching this new year: less forcing, more tending and a little faith that what’s quietly being worked on now will rise when it’s ready. Now that I think about it, maybe patience should have been our theme this month. In a world where instant gratification runs rampant, the quick fix seems to have woven itself into the fabric of modern society, making it challenging for some to experience true healing rather than masking or minimizing symptoms. This idea carries through in “Homeopathy and Whole-Person Wellness, Restoring Balance from Within,” by Vandana Pitke, which explores an approach to healing that relies less on speed and more on thoughtful discernment. Finding the right remedy is a process, one that unfolds with careful attention rather than urgency, tending to the whole person rather than simply treating disease. As always, I hope you find something helpful in these pages that nurtures your journey. Here’s to a healthy and happy 2026 for all.

Peace,

Cover photo: Odelinde / Depositphotos.com © 2026 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

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Contents 13 Sometimes Healing Means Relearning How to Move

Online Exclusives

14 Celebrating More Than Two Decades of Holistic Healing in Rhode Island

16 The Power of Integrative Medicine 20 Homeopathy and Whole-Person Wellness

Strong for Life The Power of Functional Fitness

22 Boston Dental Wellness 24 Soulful Sourdough 28 Rethinking Pain Relief

30 Clean, Nonstick Cookware

Departments 6 News Briefs

22 Business Spotlight

10 Kudos

24 Conscious Eating

10 Health Briefs

30 Green Living

11 Global Briefs

32 Resource Guide

14 Community Spotlight

36 Classifieds

16 Feature Story

39 Crossword Puzzle

How to Advertise To advertise in Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please scan the QR code, email Sales@NA-GBRI.com or call 617-906-0232. Deadline for ads: 15th of the month.

Holistic Health From Nose to Tail Whole-Pet Strategies for Optimized Well-Being

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CHECK OUT THESE ARTICLES YOU CAN ONLY FIND ONLINE! January 2026

HEALTH & WELLNESS Financial Habits That Heal January is a f resh start— a time to recommit to what nourishes us. And just like movement, sleep, and nutrition, financial habits play a vital role in our overall wellness. Stress about money can affect everything from our mood to our immune system. But healing begins with awareness. This month, choose one financial habit that supports your wellbeing. Maybe it’s committing to always pay yourself first, setting boundaries around spending, or reviewing all those monthly subscriptions. Think of it as financial self-care: small, consistent actions that build resilience over time. Wellness isn’t about doing everything at once—it’s about honoring your needs and making choices that support them. As you set intentions for the year ahead, include your finances in the conversation. When your money habits align with your health goals, you create a foundation for thriving—in body, mind, and spirit.

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

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News Briefs

New Healing-Focused Suite for Anasa Personalized Medicine

nasa Personalized Medicine, led by Dr. Chrysanthi Kazantzis (“Dr. Kaz”), ND, MS, will relocate, effective on January 5, from Suite 308 to Suite 200 at 245 Waterman Street, in Providence, Rhode Island. “We’re so excited to continue your care in a refreshed, expanded environment designed with healing in mind,” she says. The practice also includes Dr. Brenda Bithoney, ND; Dr. Darien Lesicko, ND; and Dr. Noelle Cardarelli, ND, Dac. Areas of specialty include digestive and thyroid conditions, Lyme disease, mold toxicity, diabetes and nutrition, chronic illness, mood disorders, prenatal, pregnancy and postnatal health. Patients are immediately put at ease while each doctor spends more than one hour taking a thorough medical intake and physical exam to provide a customized treatment plan for individuals to take charge of their own health. At Anasa Personalized Medicine, patients are introduced to the most up-to-date research and receive expert guidance and access to the newest functional lab testing and high-quality supplements and natural products. With a strong passion for helping people, the doctors are attentive and explain everything clearly in a way that is easy to understand. Over the course of treatment, a trusting relationship develops as doctors support their patients’ health journey, always inviting questions along the way. 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.

Explore the Self-Care Practice of Trust Fall Writing

oga Therapist and writer Brittany Capozzi, C-IAYT, is offering a monthly Trust Fall Writing exercise on her Substack page and will be creating monthly pop-up group sessions via Zoom. Trust Fall Writing is a self-care writing exercise that she created in which participants are invited to write non-stop and as quickly as possible for five to 15 minutes after being given a writing prompt, also known as a “jump-off line”. The resulting words can capture many parts of oneself on the Brittany Capozzi, C-IAYT page, including imperfections and questions. The fast “trust falling” words quiet the inner critic, inviting kindness and a non-judgmental perspective. As the activity cultivates a sense of non-harm and non-judgmental mindset that’s integral in yoga therapy in building new and healthy mental patterns, Capozzi uses it in her one-on-one yoga therapy sessions with women that are reclaiming self-compassion, security and clarity after hiding from chronic pain and/or trauma. Habitual hiding can manifest into shame, uncertainty, depression and anxiety. “It’s a gentle way to show up for and with oneself… The fast movement, slow reflection and language braid healing,” she assesses. “This practice also benefits the female introvert who is building her business and struggling to find her voice.” Cost: $8. To register for a Trust Fall Writing session and obtain updates on pop-up group events, visit Substack.com@brittanycapozzi. For more information or to arrange to work privately with her, visit UnderstoryYogaTherapy.com. See ad, page 17 and Resource Guide, page 38.

Greater Boston/Rhode Island Edition

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Intuitive Hearts Offers Advanced Reiki Training Program

Spark Your Goals, Discover Your Truth and Reignite 2026

awn McLaughlin, founder of Intuitive Hearts, in Smithfield, Rhode Island, is conducting an ongoing advanced training program entitled the Reiki Ascension Path for practitioners that feel the call to deepen their gifts, strengthen their intuitive channel and work with energy at a more multidimensional level. This 12-class certification series for Reiki Level 2 and above goes far beyond traditional training, Dawn McLaughlin guiding healers into higher frequency work, advanced techniques and embodied spiritual evolution. Students will explore topics such as Elemental Reiki: Harmonizing with Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit to reconnect with natural forces as living frequencies and bring elemental intelligence to treatments; the Symbol Connection: Unlocking Traditional and Non-Traditional Healing Codes that goes beyond familiar reiki symbols with new energetic languages, light codes and expanded vibrational keys; and Healing Crystal Vibes: Integrating Crystals into Reiki Practice that elevate with mineral consciousness, crystal grids and advanced, crystal-reiki fusion work. “And this is only the beginning,” says McLaughlin. “For intuitive healers, empaths, visionaries and wisdom seekers—this path isn’t just education. It’s activation,” adding that it’s a “groundbreaking path for practitioners ready to evolve beyond standard reiki levels and activate their highest healing blueprint.” Each 3½-hour training—held twice a month—offers a manual and a certificate of completion, and can be taken individually or in a full six-month program. All reiki lineages are welcome; attendees don’t need to have completed previous trainings at Intuitive Hearts. Location: 14 Cedar Swamp Rd., Smithfield, RI. For more information or to register, call 401-500-4697, email Dawn@Intuitive-Hearts.com or visit Intuitive-Hearts.com. See ad, page 8 and Resource Guide, page 37.

tudies show that more than 90 percent of all New Year’s resolutions are abandoned by mid-month. Learn why this happens and how to rise above this gravitational pull and recommit to one’s goals in a way that can be lived into them by attending Life Mastery Consultant and motivational speaker Benjamin Blackett’s full-day transformational workshop entitled Reignite 2026! From Resolution to Revelation to Radiance from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on January 17 at Kingston Congregational Church’s Fellowship Hall, in Kingston, Rhode Island. The event is designed to help participants deepen their spiritual connection, clarify their vision and realign with their highest purpose. This immersive experience moves from resolution to revelation and ultimately into radiance, creating space for renewed purpose in the year ahead. Through proven success principles and vision-building practices, Blackett supports individuals in awakening their dreams and realizing the life calling them forward. “If you’re ready to reset, realign and say a bold ‘YES’ to the life that’s calling you—this is your moment,” says Blackett, founder of A Creative Healing Place, who blends spiritual principles, embodied movement and mindset tools to foster greater clarity, energy and inspiration. “Learn the proven keys to lasting success, unlock the mindset that creates results and reignite the clarity and energy to live a life you love. Your vision is the blueprint of your highest self. Let’s ignite it—together.” Cost: $197 plus Eventbrite fees ($212.06 total) includes lunch. Location: 2610 Kingstown Rd, Kingston, RI. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/Reignite-2026. For more information, call 401-855-2008, email Benjamin@ACreativeHealingPlace. com or visit ACreativeHealingPlace.com. See ad, page 18 and Resource Guide, page 33.

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January 2026

News Briefs

Holistic Wellness Expo Accepting Vendor Applications

New YouTube Channel on Women’s Hormone and Metabolic Health

Tickets: $15 throughout Jan.; $20 to $25 between Feb. and at the door. Event location: 801 Greenwich Ave., Warwick, RI. To apply to be a vendor, visit rihha.org/vendorform. For more information or to obtain expo tickets, visit rihha. org. See ad, page 3.

For more information or to schedule a consultation with Davidson, call 888-679-3815, email Dee@ConfidentlyLoveYourself.com or visit ConfidentlyLoveYourself.com. See Resource Guide, page 35.

he Rhode Island Holistic Healing Association (RIHHA) has begun considering vendors including practitioners and holistic-focused businesses and wellness brands to participate in its Holistic Wellness Expo that will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 22 at the Crowne Plaza, in Warwick, Rhode Island. Applications to be present for this inspiring day of connection, education and wellness can be submitted via the organization’s website. Vendors of the positive, heart-centered community event will be able to share their services or products with an engaged and appreciative audience, connect with likeminded individuals and fellow professionals and grow their visibility and their client base, all while helping to celebrate and support holistic wellness throughout Rhode Island. This community event is dedicated to promoting natural healing, conscious living and mind-body-spirit well-being. Serving since 2004, RIHHA continues their mission of educating, empowering and inspiring by hosting high-quality, uplifting events that bring wholeness, connection and positivity to New England. Internationally renowned medium and author Roland Comtois will be the keynote speaker, bringing his wisdom and inspiration to this year’s event for which tickets for the public will go on sale in January.

new educational resource is now available for individuals seeking trustworthy, science-informed guidance on holistic wellness and preventive health. Board-Certified Functional Health Practitioner Dee Davidson, FDN-P, owner of Confidently Love Yourself, has launched an educational YouTube channel dedicated to delivering accessible, evidence-informed content on topics related to hormones, metabolic health, gut function, nervous system regulation, detoxification and longDee Davidson, FDN-P term vitality. The channel expands upon her Confidently Balance Your Hormones podcast, which is already available on Apple and Spotify. While the podcast offers in-depth conversations with experts in functional medicine and related fields, the new YouTube platform provides shorter, topic-focused videos to help viewers better understand their bodies and the root causes of common midlife health concerns. Her goal with this new project is to create a broader, more inclusive space for learning that supports community education and contributes to a wider ripple effect of improved health literacy. Content will empower individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being and to understand how lifestyle, environment and physiology interact to influence long-term health outcomes. The channel will feature ongoing uploads, including expert interviews, practical tutorials and discussions relevant to women’s health and holistic longevity, reflecting a growing effort to make high-quality functional health education more accessible to the public. “Women are experiencing rising rates of hormone imbalance, metabolic dysfunction, chronic stress and unexplained symptoms—yet often receive limited answers in traditional care,” she says. “This free, evidence-informed educational platform fills a critical gap in accessible women’s health support.”

Empowering your mind, body, and spirit. Reiki • Hypnotherapy• Astrology Vibrational Sound Healing • Tarot Workshops & Certifications: Available In-person and Online

Dawn McLaughlin (401) 500-5612

14 Cedar Swamp Rd, Smithfield

Intuitive-Hearts.com 8

Greater Boston/Rhode Island Edition

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Providence Gallery Hosts Powerful Exhibition on Art, Grief and Inner Restoration

he Gallery at Central Congregational Church, in Providence, Rhode Island, will host Rituals of Renewal, a solo exhibition by artist, educator and healing-arts practitioner Rosanna Maria Salcedo, from January 7 to 30. The public is invited to an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on January 9. Created through a practice rooted in mindfulness and emotional restoration, Rituals of Renewal showcases Salcedo’s paintings as portals into resilience and inner transformation. She Rosanna Maria Salcedo began painting again at age 35 during a difficult life transition and discovered that returning to creativity offered a profound sense of peace and wholeness. Over the years, art became her way of moving through adversity—including an ongoing cancer diagnosis and the heartbreaking loss of her eldest son to suicide. The works in this exhibition reflect that journey with an emphasis on healing, renewal, and the transformative power of art as a wellness practice. Through vibrant color, textured layers and imagery inspired by nature and spirit, Salcedo invites viewers to consider creativity as a sacred practice—one that can hold grief, illuminate courage and restore the inner self. Her paintings are guided not by rigid intention, but by what she describes as “what the soul calls for,” resulting in pieces that feel intuitive, contemplative and spiritually grounded. Admission is free and open to the public. Location: 296 Angell St., Providence, RI. For more information, call 401-331-1960 or visit CentralChurch.us/the-gallery-at-central.

New Fabulous Footwork Workshop Makes Learning Reflexology Simple

endy Lewis, owner of Prana Reflexology, in Warwick, Rhode Island, will present two, two-hour workshops from 10 a.m. to noon on January 17 and 24 that will enable beginners with no experience to learn reflexology-inspired techniques to treat others in a fun, personalized environment. The Fabulous Footwork sessions will inform on proper ergonomics; fatigue prevention; Wendy Lewis creating a home setup; bolsters and creams/oils; thumb and finger techniques; and more. Lewis, an ARCB-certified reflexologist and online course creator, has taught online since 2022 to students worldwide, but her new in-person workshop meets local demands. “Earlier in my career, I taught beginner reflexology in adult education programs, and I loved it,” Lewis says. “And lately, many of my clients tell me they wish they could work on the feet of a loved one—a partner, spouse, child or parent, but they don’t know what to do, where to start, or how not to tire out quickly. This workshop, Fabulous Footwork, will cover all of that.” Lewis adds that maximizing the total number of participants at each session to five will allow for lots of personalized, impactful learning. Lewis says she has designed Fabulous Footwork with a simplified foot map and easy, reflexology-inspired sequences that anyone can learn.

2026 EDITORIAL CALENDAR JANUARY Health & Wellness FEBRUARY Nurture the Heart MARCH Nourish & Flourish APRIL Sustainable Together MAY Vitality Her Way JUNE Men Built to Thrive JULY Good Vibes, Great Outdoors AUGUST Building Healthy Foundations SEPTEMBER Inner Balance OCTOBER How Healing Works NOVEMBER Rooted in Gratitude DECEMBER Living Generously

Cost: $199. Location: 3649 Post Rd., Warwick, RI. For more information or to register, call 401-426-3139 or visit PranaReflexology.com. Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in

January 2026

Location: 2148 Mineral Spring Ave., North Providence, RI. For more information or to make an appointment, call 401-232-7777 or visit SmileRI.com. See ad, page 8 and Resource Guide, page 32. 10

Greater Boston/Rhode Island Edition

Reducing Anxiety With Virtual Sound Therapy

iofield tuning (BT) balances the body’s energy field using sound vibrations. A 2023 study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine involved 15 participants that received three weekly hour-long BT sessions over Zoom from certified practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participant surveys revealed significant reductions in anxiety, negative emotions and perceived stress after the treatments. They also reported feeling more positive and less overwhelmed. The practitioners observed a decrease in negative emotional language by the participants, indicating a shift to a more positive emotional state. Although the study was small, the results suggest that sound-based energy healing could be an effective, low-risk option for managing anxiety.

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Dr. Candida Castillo, owner of Bio Dental, in North Providence, Rhode Island, recently obtained certification in Biological Surgery in Guided Open Dr. Candida Castillo (center) with Dr. Shibani Sahni (left) and Wound Healing Professor Dr. Shahram Ghanaati (right). with the legendary Professor Dr. Shahram Ghanaati—one of the world’s foremost leaders in regenerative and biological reconstructive surgery. This advanced, six-month, maxi-residency combined four intensive biological surgery modules at Tufts University and live surgical training in Frankfurt, Germany, under Ghanaati that involved 30 biological dentists, united by research, committed to biological truth and dedicated to elevating healing in dentistry. Through this transformative program— which refined the techniques, questioned outdated frameworks, rebuilt standards and reconnected dentistry with whole-body health and regenerative science—Castillo deepened her mastery in biological surgery, bone regeneration, ceramic implantology and regenerative protocols grounded in true physiology and guided open-wound healing. She is excited “to bring this innovation to Rhode Island, not only because the number of dentists in the U.S. to complete this maxiresidency is so small, but because of the true healing that it provides to the body.” Castillo, a certified biological/holistic dentist who is passionate about promoting the critical connection between mouth and body, uses the latest advancements in technology to make diagnoses more accurate and treatments highly efficient. She works closely with patients on both their dental and overall health. The Bio Dental practice uses the SMART protocol and mercuryfree alternatives for dental fillings.

Health Briefs

BananaStock from Photo Images/CanvaPro

Kudos

Hazardous Release of Microplastics From Baby Food Containers

A research team from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln studied the release of microplastics and nanoplastics from plastic baby food containers and pouches under various conditions. Their findings, published in 2023 in Environmental Science & Technology, revealed that refrigeration and room temperature can release millions to billions of microplastics and nanoplastics over six months. Heating in a 1,000-watt microwave for just three minutes released more than 4 million microplastic and 2 billion nanoplastic particles per square centimeter of plastic. Polyethylene-based food pouches emitted more particles than polypropylene containers. A laboratory study showed that the extracted microplastics and nanoplastics killed three-quarters of cultured embryonic kidney cells after 48 hours of exposure. NA-GBRI.com

Global Briefs

Helping Both Ranchers And The Public The Work of the American Rancher Alliance

he American Rancher Alliance (ARA) was created by ranchers that saw something going wrong in the way food moves from the farm to the table— and decided to do something about it. Across the U.S., most cattle are still raised by independent families, yet the path to market is controlled by a small number of large corporations, making it harder for ranchers to stay in business and for consumers to know where their food comes from. The ARA brings ranchers together so they can work as a group instead of standing alone. By coordinating cattle supply, securing access to processing and sharing infrastructure, ranchers can reach markets without giving up ownership of their animals or their identity. Each producer remains independent, but together they gain stability, fairness and a voice in a system that has become increasingly out of reach. Transparency is a core value; consumers deserve to know where their beef comes from, how it was raised and who produced it. The alliance is built around restoring that connection between families that

raise food and families that eat it. As the national cattle herd is shrinking and supply chains are strained, the ARA is protecting the people that raise food—and ensuring a secure, honest food system for the next generation.

The organization exists because too many ranchers feel backed into a corner, and too many consumers feel disconnected from their food. Most people don’t realize that while beef prices keep rising, many ranch families are

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barely breaking even—or leaving the industry altogether. This isn’t because ranchers stopped caring or stopped working hard. It’s because access to processing and markets has become concentrated in too few hands, leaving independent producers with fewer choices and little control. The alliance is not about creating a new brand or replacing local ranchers. It’s about keeping ranchers independent while giving them a way to work together. Members keep ownership of their cattle, their ranch names and their way of life. The alliance simply provides shared structure—processing access, coordination and transparency—so small and mid-sized producers can survive in a system that increasingly favors scale over stewardship. For consumers, this means more honesty and fewer mystery labels, and knowing that behind the beef on one’s plate is a real family, real land and real accountability. At its core, the American Rancher Alliance is about fairness—fair markets for ranchers, clear information for consumers and a food system that works for people instead of against them. Contributed by Casey Parker, a rancher and entrepreneur who was raised around agriculture and small business, and the founder of the American Rancher Alliance. For more information, visit goarabeef.com.

January 2026

Photo source: Ocean River Institute

Global Briefs

levers2007 from Getty Images Signature/CanvaPro

Fast-Growing Microforests Boost Climate Resilience

lizabeth, New Jersey, is a bustling industrial center with a major East Coast container port and Newark International Airport. The area faces a high risk of flooding due in part to limited tree cover. In 2021, the New Jersey Conservation Foundation helped plant more than 260 native species in a 40-by-45-foot plot behind one of Elizabeth’s public libraries. Since then, they have added four additional tiny forests. Native species densely planted in a small, contained area grow twice as fast as standalone plants because they have to compete for resources. In just five years, these microforests have achieved levels of carbon sequestration and oxygen production comparable to older forests. A 2025 study of three Elizabeth microforests revealed they were four degrees cooler than mature, standalone trees and 50 degrees cooler than nearby asphalt parking lots. Additionally, their soil is now up to 50 times more permeable, providing essential habitats for local wildlife.

Attleboro Plans Innovative Water Protection Project

he city of Attleboro, Massachusetts, is combating flooding and stormwater damage by using a highly innovative concept that began in Japan in the 1970s. The planting of a Miyawaki pocket forest is expected to help to reduce flood damage, slow water runoff and allow water to seep into the ground. Attleboro experienced significant flooding and stormwater damage following 10 inches of rain in September 2023. The plan is to plant 35 different species of trees and shrubs if enough funding is reached in April 2026, totaling around 550 plants, in a 2,050-square-foot forest, with the assistance of local high school students and volunteers. The project is considered a pilot, with the goal of establishing more large Miyawaki forests in the future. Also referred to as “pocket forests”, the high diversity of native woody plants, all connected in the soil to a vast mycorrhizal network of roots, fungi and bacteria, grow about 10 times as fast as a stand of one tree species. Attleboro’s pocket forest is designed to provide ecological benefits and address a larger-scale issue stemming from polluted stormwater runoff, which affects food sources, water bodies and downstream ocean ecosystems where right whales dwell. For more information or to support the project, visit OceanRiver.org/ causes/a-miyawaki-forest-for-attleboro.

Greater Boston/Rhode Island Edition

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Sometimes Healing Means Relearning How to Move

weyo / DepositPhotos.com

by Dr. Amanda Zarriello, DPT

n ankle injury may seem minor: a slip on black ice or a rolled foot on uneven ground. But once the pain fades, that injury might create ripple effects. For many patients, those effects can show up weeks or months later in an entirely different part of the body. A “healed” ankle sprain might now show up as hip pain, recurring back tightness or stiffness with walking. This pain can be the result of compensation patterns that developed— protective changes the brain makes to movement to keep the body safe. Limping, bracing or favoring one side in moving are instinctive, short-term. keep-safe measures, but when these patterns remain after the initial injury heals, they can often create problems in other areas. This is where physical therapy can play a crucial role. At Restore Physical Therapy,

in Cranston, a one-on-one, whole-body approach begins with a comprehensive 75-minute evaluation. One of the most important parts of this assessment is gait analysis: an in-depth look at how the body moves when walking. Though walking may seem too simple, it’s actually a highly coordinated, full-body task. It requires balance, shock absorption and propulsion, involving real-time coordination between the foot, ankle, knee, hip, spine and core. Each step includes two phases: the stance (when the foot is in contact with the ground), and the swing (when the foot lifts and moves forward). During a gait assessment, therapists observe how the body moves through these phases, including how the foot and ankle absorb impact, how the trunk and legs respond, and how efficiently weight transfers from one side to the other.

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Even small movement quirks can offer insight. A joint may be restricted. A muscle may be overactive or underperforming. Timing, balance or coordination may be just slightly off and enough to contribute to persistent pain or dysfunction. To identify the root cause of compensation patterns, the team at Restore looks at how three key areas work together: joints, muscles and the nervous system. Joints are designed to transfer force through the body. Muscles provide power, stability and shock absorption. The nervous system ties it all together, collecting information from the body and adjusting it in real time to keep movement safe and efficient. When one area isn’t functioning properly, another often compensates, increasing the risk for strain, pain, or injury. But thanks to the brain’s natural adaptability—known as neuroplasticity— these patterns can be retrained. With targeted exercises and consistent practice, the body can relearn how to move with strength, stability and ease. At Restore Physical Therapy, individualized treatment plans are designed to support that process: helping patients address the underlying cause of their pain, improve function and build resilience for the long-term. Rather than simply managing symptoms, this approach focuses on restoring efficient, confident movement so patients can return to the activities they enjoy most. Dr. Amanda Zarriello, DPT, is the owner of Restore Physical Therapy, located at 10 Worthington Rd., Ste. J, Cranston, RI. For more information or to arrange for a discovery session, call 401-250-3060 or visit www.RestorePTRI.com. See ad, page 14 and Resource Guide, page 34. January 2026

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Community Spotlight

Mystics and Unique Vendors. Sunday February 15 12:30pm-4:30pm

YANA 770 Aquidneck Ave. Middletown, RI 02842

For more information, go to

(L-R) Jim Standish, Linda Nugent, Vandana Pitke, Susanne Dillon

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Email: WolfMoonEduardo@gmail.com Wolf Moon’s Psychic Festivals

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Not Your Traditional PT

Helping Active Adults Continue Doing What They Love–NATURALLY! • Hands-on manual therapy with a Doctor of PT • Digital home exercise program • Live video support via our app

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Greater Boston/Rhode Island Edition

Celebrating More Than Two Decades of Holistic Healing in Rhode Island by Wendy Nadherny Fachon

he Rhode Island Holistic Healing Association (RIHHA) was co-founded in 2004 by Susanne Dillon and Linda Carney, whose vision was to create a collaborative space for holistic practitioners and wellness advocates across Rhode Island. Since that time, the organization has evolved under three different leaders. Dillon started hosting the health and wellness expos in 2010 and ran them until 2016. Then Jim Standish stepped in to keep the organization going from 2017 to 2021. Before stepping back, he invited Vandana Pitke to take the lead, because he admired her integrity, commitment, collaborative leadership style, youthful energy and fresh thinking. Pitke took the reins when everyone was two years into the COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictions had caused many small businesses owned by integrative and holistic health practitioners to shut down temporarily. RIHHA had no funds, and no members had renewed their membership for two years. Pitke’s first major challenge was to attract new members and rebuild the organization’s financial assets. She devised three different levels of membership—general, practitioner and institutional. She also improved the association’s website directory listings and also began offering webinars. As Pitke began rebuilding the community, Dillon suggested that she bring back the wellness expos. So, Pitke put down her own money and hosted her first expo, growing the membership, reaching a broader community and raising awareness about the organization and letting people know about the many holistic healing practices, old and new, that were open for business in RI. Pitke personally attended and represented RIHHA at other health fairs around the region. She embraced technology— launching Instagram and LinkedIn pages, investing in the Canva

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graphic design platform and setting up a Constant Contact system to manage email campaigns. She established a YouTube channel to advance professional development and to offer holistic health learning to the general public. Pitke gives a lot of credit to Linda Nugent, who joined her after the 2023 Expo and who supports, guides and helps execute the many activities that have elevated RIHHA to prominence. They revitalized branding to reflect professionalism and trust, and collaborated with professional teams to build the new website, post on social media and advertise. They have gained followers and continue to expand their community. Many association members are seeing their businesses revive and thrive, while RIHHA becomes ever more visible to new members, vendors, sponsors, speakers and advocates. The pandemic prompted individual practitioners to pivot and adopt new approaches, focusing more on the mental and emotional well-being of patients and clients in addition to their physical health.

This shift highlights the importance of addressing the whole person in health care as patients face increased stress and lifestyle changes. Pitke approached Maria Sorensen, who hosted integrative mental health conferences before the COVID-19 outbreak, and together they put on the New England Integrative Mental Health Conference 2024. When Sorensen moved to Costa Rica, RIHHA hosted the 2025 conference on its own. There were 100 attendees both years and, in total, 52 and 44 speakers, respectively. Doctors, psychiatrists, psychotherapists and holistic practitioners begun building bridges for the integrative and holistic practices in

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RI. Speakers and attendees came from other states, putting Rhode Island on the map as a leader for integrative mental health. RIHHA is now able to offer scholarships for its signature events. “Ultimately, my goal was never just to grow in size,” says Pitke. “It was to grow in impact, relevance and respect—to help holistic healing be recognized, trusted and valued within today’s evolving wellness landscape.” Regarding Expo 2026, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 22 at the Crowne Plaza, in Warwick, Pitke says, “We want everyone to know this Expo is more than just an event. It is a movement, where healing professionals come together to uplift the community and where the community, in return, learns, grows and finds support in trusted holistic resources.” Visit rihaa.org for more information or to become a member. Email questions to rihha9999@gmail.com. See ad, page 3. Wendy Nadherny Fachon is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.

January 2026

Feature Story

The Power of Integrative Medicine A Guide to Whole-Person Care by Hannah Tytus

s interest in health and wellness grows, more people are seeking medical models that go beyond symptom treatment and disease management. Integrative medicine has emerged as one such approach, blending conventional and complementary methods to address the health of the whole person. An integrative health approach offers a practical, evidenceinformed framework for personalized care. Its focus is shifting the conversation to prevention by cultivating holistic health that goes beyond the absence of disease.

Defining Integrative Medicine

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The Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health defines integrative medicine as a philosophy that emphasizes the practitioner-patient relationship, focuses on the whole person, is evidence

based and draws on all appropriate therapies and lifestyle approaches that promote optimal health and healing. Brent Bauer, M.D., a professor of medicine and the research chair for Mayo Clinic Integrative Medicine and Health, describes it as “bringing the best of both conventional and evidence-based complementary therapies together to optimally meet the needs of the patient. We simply ask, what is the best therapy for the individual patient? That gets us back to what I would think of as plain old good medicine.” On an integrative health team, medical doctors may work alongside acupuncturists, naturopaths, herbalists, chiropractors, massage therapists or any number of specialized practitioners. “Integrative medicine is taking the best of what we call

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Western medicine and integrating it into what is practiced in other parts of the world to create a health plan where the patient is the focus,” says Hakima Amri, Ph.D., co-director of the integrative medicine and health sciences program at Georgetown University. These other medicine systems include Traditional Chinese Medicine, Indian Ayurveda, Unani-Tibb medicine, homeopathy and others.

The Whole-Person Mindset

Integrative medicine is about viewing patients holistically, considering all parts of their humanity. Rather than examining organs or systems in isolation, practitioners evaluate the multitude of factors that influence illness or well-being. It emphasizes disease prevention, resilience building and health restoration throughout the lifespan. “We bring a whole team of practitioners to work with the patient, to look at the patient as a whole and not only treat symptoms, but to truly heal the patient,” explains Amri. Whole-person health rests on five key principles: patient-centered, relationshipbased care; personalized health plans; attention to physical, mental and spiritual well-being; prevention and selfresponsibility; and collaboration across modalities and providers. It acknowledges the patient as being embedded in environmental, relational, emotional and spiritual contexts that each play a part.

Integrative Medicine in Practice

Bauer explains how an integrative approach might work for a surgery patient. “If they have pain, a conventional approach might include medications, physical therapy or perhaps an injection. As an

Why Whole-Person Health Matters

“Chronic conditions are the biggest plight to humanity today. People are living with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, allergies, irritable bowel disorders and more, often with multiple conditions at once,” says Amri. Chronic disease is now a leading health challenge in the United States, heavily impacting quality of life for many. One in four American adults lives with chronic pain. At the same time, the use of complementary and integrative approaches has risen sharply from 19.2 percent in 2002 to 36.7 percent in 2022, with increases in yoga and meditation leading the growth. “I think integrative medicine is an excellent approach for any patient,” says Bauer. “But I think it really shines when it comes to patients with chronic disease. By definition, most chronic illnesses are ones that conventional medicine cannot cure.” At the Mayo Clinic, he sees firsthand how integrative approaches can transform lives. He often introduces mindfulness and biofeedback-based meditation to help patients manage stress. Beyond symptom relief, Bauer emphasizes a comprehensive lifestyle framework rooted in integrative principles that include balanced nutrition, regular exercise, daily mind-body practice, restorative sleep, strong social and spiritual connections, and time in nature, finding these evidence-based habits to be not only restorative, but profoundly transformative.

Misconceptions and Skepticism

When it comes to innovative healing philosophies, myths abound. Here are some common misconceptions about integrative medicine. • Myth: Integrative medicine is exotic. People often think it is coming from elsewhere—other people’s traditions—and not our culture, yet many of the modalities were founded in the West, including naturopathy, chiropractic, osteopathy and homeopathy, notes Amri.

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integrative physician, I have an even larger toolkit with things such as acupuncture, tuina (a Chinese bodywork technique), massage, mind-body practices like yoga and meditation, herbs and supplements, and low-level laser therapy.” As the medical doctor leading the team, Bauer confers with other in-house practitioners to build a customized care plan. This expanded toolkit gives him a better chance of finding a therapy that not only works for the patient but also fits their personal preferences to optimize their quality of life.

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• Myth: Integrative is the same as alternative. Integrative medicine is not alternative medicine. Alternative therapies replace conventional care, often without scientific evidence, while integrative medicine combines evidence-based approaches for positive outcomes.

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Communicating With Healthcare Providers

Although one-third of adults report using complementary and integrative medicine modalities, at least 42 percent of users do not disclose their integrative therapy usage to their doctor. This nondisclosure can be dangerous, as many integrative modalities can potentially interact with medications or chronic conditions. Amri offers an example: “Ginkgo biloba is good for improving memory, but it is also a blood thinner. If someone is on prescription blood thinners, it could cause serious complications.” Many herbs and supplements can interact with prescription medications and preexisting conditions, so it is very important to establish an open and honest dialogue with healthcare providers. To facilitate good conversations, Amri advises patients to be open and well-prepared. She encourages patients to bring their research materials with them to their appointments: “Do your research ahead of time,” she says. “If there are papers or studies you find interesting, take them with you and share them with your doctor. Be prepared and explain why you want to try certain therapies.” peakSTOCK from Getty Images/CanvaPro

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• Myth: There is little scientific evidence. According to Amri, the assumption that there is no scientific evidence to support the use of integrative medicine is 30 years out of date. Today, almost every major healing modality has been studied. Bauer highlights the scale of research, pointing to the Mayo Clinic Integrative Medicine program, which has published more than 600 peerreviewed manuscripts covering hundreds of clinical trials over three decades showing the benefits of massage, acupuncture and mind-body practices.

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“Physicians can do their part by listening carefully and by honestly acknowledging where their knowledge base might be limited,” says Bauer. “This is a great time for them to reach out to their integrative medicine colleagues and have them provide guidance to help meet the patient’s needs with evidence-based approaches.”

Looking Ahead

Despite the growth in integrative medicine, key barriers remain. Bauer points to insurance as the biggest gap, explaining, “Very few of these evidence-based, helpful, cost-avoiding therapies are covered by payers. My hope is that we see that change significantly in the immediate future. In a fiveto-ten-year time frame, I think we’ll simply drop all the labels and call it good medicine.” Amri also sees the field evolving quickly. “We’ve been training a whole generation of researchers that look at things differently,” she remarks, adding that policy reform and adequate reimbursements are essential to making integrative care more accessible. Integrative medicine brings together evidence, empathy and empowerment, uniting the best of conventional, traditional and complementary approaches. It emphasizes collaboration between patients and providers, shared responsibility for wellness and a comprehensive focus on the whole person. By bridging therapies, fostering dialogue and addressing chronic disease with both science and compassion, integrative care offers a hopeful path to redefining modern health. Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, researcher and content creator at KnoWEwell, P.B.C., and former writer at the National Institutes of Health.

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January 2026

Homeopathy and Whole-Person Wellness Restoring Balance From Within by Vandana Pitke, BHMS, MS, CCH

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fatigue, migraines and allergies ; skin issues and autoimmune conditions; children’s health needs; and acute colds, flus and seasonal issues. But at its core, homeopathy is not about treating the diseases—it’s about treating the whole person.

veryone with a health condition has a story to share, not just the corresponding symptoms. A mother worried about her teenager’s sleep. A woman exhausted from years of anxiety and irregular periods. A man whose chronic eczema flares whenever work gets stressful. In each case, the physical sign—the sleeplessness, the skin, the pain—is just one page of a larger story. What constitutes each diagnosis is at the heart of whole-person care. True wellness seeks to find out what each person is trying to tell a practitioner. Homeopathy listens to the whole story: body, mind, emotions and life circumstances, and offers gentle, individualized support so the person can heal from the inside out.

Why Whole-Person Health Matters Whole-person health looks beyond isolated symptoms. It recognizes that emotions influence immunity and inflammation, stress impacts hormones, digestion, and sleep, and trauma can 20

imprint on the nervous system and body. Additionally, lifestyle, environment, and inner mindset shape overall vitality. Everything is connected, and lasting healing requires honoring all of these layers. Homeopathy excels in this integrative model because it recognizes symptoms as the body’s communication system, not a problem to silence. When we listen deeply, healing begins.

Homeopathy is Natural, Integrative and Individualized Medicine Homeopathy is a gentle yet powerful modality that uses natural, ultradiluted remedies to stimulate the body’s innate healing intelligence. It blends beautifully with nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture, energy healing and conventional care. Because remedies are non-toxic and non-suppressive, they support the healing process without interfering with other treatments. People often turn to homeopathy for digestive disturbances; hormonal and menopausal imbalance; anxiety, trauma, grief and emotional overwhelm; chronic

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The Art of Case-Taking Seeing the Whole Person A homeopathic consultation is unlike any typical medical appointment. It is spacious, reflective and designed to understand the person in their totality. The process includes exploring: • Physical symptoms How they feel, what triggers them, what makes them better or worse, and how long they’ve been present or how it stared—looking for the root cause. • Emotional and mental patterns Stress responses, coping styles, fears, sensitivities, dreams and personality tendencies. • Life story and experiences Transitions, traumas, challenges and the emotional tone woven into their health history. • Lifestyle and environment Sleep, nutrition, relationships, work life and energetic boundaries. • Personal essence The unique quality each person carries—their rhythm, resilience and core nature. This integrative picture allows the homeopath to understand not just what is happening, but why it is happening— and what the body is trying to express.

The Future of Healing

Remedy Selection Precision, Insight and Individualization

As the world moves toward integrative and preventive care, homeopathy offers a time-honored system that is gentle, sustainable and profoundly transformative. It empowers individuals to understand their health, listen to their inner signals and cultivate well-being from the inside out.

Homeopathic remedies are chosen with great care and intentionality. This includes:

When we support the whole person, we open the door to true, enduring wellness—one that honors our physical body, emotional landscape, inner wisdom and spiritual growth.

• Totality assessment: connecting physical, emotional and mental themes • Repertorization: analyzing symptoms through detailed rubrics

Vandana Pitke is a certified homeopath and holistic wellness practitioner with 20-plus years of experience. She also incorporates flower essences in her practice and has helped thousands of her clients heal and achieve health goals. She teaches in-depth classes on flower essences and homeopathy for beginners each spring and fall. For more information, visit OmHomeopathy.com. See Resource Guide, page 35.

ION T A ISTR G E R

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• Materia Medica study: matching the client’s narrative with remedy profiles • Energetic resonance: choosing a remedy that aligns with the person’s whole being The goal is not to suppress symptoms but to facilitate self-healing, release old patterns and restore balance on every level. Clients often report shifts such as improved sleep, calmer emotions, better digestion, reduced pain and a deeper sense of well-being, clarity and groundedness.

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January 2026

Boston Dental Wellness Where Modern Dentistry Meets Whole-Body Wisdom

oston Dental Wellness, in Brookline, Massachusetts, is a distinctive holistic and biological dental practice built on a whole-body philosophy that integrates modern dentistry with ancient medical wisdom, energy medicine and functional approaches to healing. Under the leadership of Iveta Ioncheva-Barehmi, DMD, MS, DSc, the practice blends biological dentistry, integrative periodontal medicine, ceramic implants and regenerative therapies to support patients in achieving true systemic well-being—not just healthier teeth and a beautiful smile. Ioncheva-Barehmi originally trained at the Medical University of Sofia, in Bulgaria, where she studied both medicine and dentistry, forming the foundation of her whole-body approach. After completing required dental training in the United States and specializing in periodontics and implants, she continued to expand her knowledge into Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, energy healing practices and modern frequency-based therapies. “The body is a unified system,” she explains. “Every organ, cell, and energy field communicates with the others. The 22

mouth, tongue, face and even the saliva reflect the health of the entire body.” Her comprehensive evaluations combine medical history, oral diagnostics, energetic assessment and subtle clinical signs—such as enamel erosion, gum tone, tongue appearance and saliva biomarkers. Changes in the oral mucosa often reveal systemic concerns like vitamin deficiencies, chronic inflammation, digestive disruption or imbalances in the microbiome. These findings frequently guide referrals to gastroenterologists, functional medicine doctors, sleep specialists or other practitioners. “Collaboration,” she emphasizes, “is central to biological dentistry and essential for full-body healing.” Nutrition and functional assessment play a significant role at Boston Dental Wellness. Ioncheva-Barehmi explores not only what patients eat, but whether nutrients are properly absorbed and whether oral issues—such as missing teeth, an unbalanced bite, TMJ dysfunction, tonguetie restrictions or a dry mouth—interfere with digestion. “Food is medicine,” she says. “My role is to ensure the body is able to process it.” The practice uses state-of-theart technologies which help to perform all

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scopes of dentistry—from restorative and cosmetic dentistry to oral and periodontal surgeries and implants. Biocompatible, energy-neutral materials are another cornerstone of care. Amalgam fillings can release mercury vapor, and metals like gold placed near amalgam can create galvanic currents that affect salivary pH and disrupt energetic pathways. Over time, this may contribute to chronic inflammatory conditions. For these reasons, the practice works exclusively with nonmetal, biocompatible and frequencyneutral materials—especially ceramic (zirconia) implants, which integrate beautifully with tissue, resist bacterial colonization and support energetic balance without electrical interference. Holistic periodontal therapy extends far beyond killing bacteria. Instead of high-fluoride or alcohol-based rinses, the focus is on preserving beneficial microbiota through dietary support, targeted supplementation, probiotics, ozone therapy, laser therapy and regenerative techniques such as iPRF (platelet-rich fibrin from the patient’s own blood). Vitamin C, delivered locally or intravenously, further enhances immune

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function and tissue healing. These combined modalities coupled with laser surgical procedures help restore not only oral health, but overall vitality. Energy medicine is another essential aspect of the practice. Drawing on reiki, pranic healing, chakra balancing, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and biofield-based methods, IonchevaBarehmi supports patients emotionally and energetically—especially those with dental anxiety. Even when she is not actively performing an energy treatment, her presence and training often help patients feel calmer and more grounded during their visits. This integrative approach is especially evident in oral surgery. Patients typically experience minimal discomfort after procedures such as tooth extraction, implant placement or soft tissue grafting. The key is thorough presurgical preparation of the body and immune system, combined with postsurgical therapies like lasers, SCENAR neuroregulation and regenerative injections that accelerate natural repair. Myofunctional dentistry, airway support and stem-cell–based therapies are incorporated when indicated to enhance oral health and systemic balance. At its core, Boston Dental Wellness is dedicated to helping patients heal on every level—physical, emotional, energetic and systemic through the health of their mouth and teeth. “What makes me happiest,” says Ioncheva-Barehmi, “is seeing patients thrive with understanding and knowledge. My role is to guide, to support, to offer options and execute on the agreed treatment. I honor every person’s path, whether they choose a traditional route, a holistic one, or a blend of both. Healing is deeply personal. I am here to walk with them, not to push them. “When my patients learn how the mouth reflects the whole body, they feel empowered to take control of their health and their life-giving smile.” Location: 1842 Beacon St., Ste. 305, Brookline, MA. To make an appointment, call 617-8681516 or email iib@BostonDentalWellness. us. For more information, visit BostonDentalWellness.com. See ad, page 31 and Resource Guide, page 32.

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January 2026

Conscious Eating

Soulful Sourdough Why This Bread Still Heals by Maya Whitman

With knowledge, a good starter and patience, sourdough can become a lifelong friend, offering more than just the iconic crusty loaf. “The same living starter that makes a loaf rise can become the morning’s pancakes, the evening’s pizza or even a tray of chocolate chip cookies,” says Robitaille. “Once you understand how the culture behaves, you can shape it into nearly anything: soft rolls, bagels, waffles, muffins, even pastry.”

A Belly-Friendly Treat

While many yeast breads cause bloating and other gut discomforts, sourdough is gentler. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular consumption of sourdough can improve the intestinal microbiome. “During a long fermentation, the yeast and bacteria produce enzymes that help break down gluten and some carbohydrates and

Tips for Beginners

A sourdough starter is a live, active, fermented culture made from flour and water that acts as a leavening agent for baked goods, replacing commercial yeast and providing a signature tangy flavor. Sourdough starters vary greatly depending on water-to-flour ratios (from

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ourdough, made from flour, water, salt and starter, is the oldest form of leavened bread, originating with the ancient Egyptians. Unlike most yeast breads, sourdough has a low glycemic index and does not spike blood sugar levels. A 2024 study in Foods highlights its benefits compared to other types of bread, including improved digestibility, high mineral and antioxidant content, better blood sugar control and improved dietary fiber composition, including prebiotics to feed healthy gut bacteria. Artisans that master its versatility also find sourdough to be a source of emotional nourishment. “You hear the crust crackle as it cools, smell the warmth of grain and time, and know that something very old and very human has happened in your own kitchen,” says Lisa Robitaille, founder of Great Lakes Sourdough, in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

reduce phytic acid, a grain compound that can block mineral absorption. The result is a sourdough bread many people find easier to digest,” explains Katya Nikolov, a cancer research scientist and owner of Dubuque Bakery, in Snohomish, Washington. “My view is simple and science-first: When it is slowly fermented and made with high-quality flour, sourdough can be a delicious, gut-friendly ally within a varied, balanced diet.” According to Emily Harryman, owner of Plain Jane Bakes, in Keller, Texas, and author of the upcoming cookbook Plain Jane Sourdough, her customers with irritable bowel syndrome and gluten intolerance attest to sourdough’s superiority. “I had one customer in particular who relayed to me that my bread was the only bread she could eat,” Harryman boasts. “She took my sourdough class before she moved out of state so she could replicate it in her new home. It was such a blessing to her.”

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liquid to stiff), flavor profiles (from tangy to sour to slightly sweet) and flour types (from whole grain rye to whole wheat to unbleached all-purpose). The secret to sourdough success is letting nature take its course. Fresh herbs, fruit, cheese, seeds or chocolate can be folded into the dough for a delicious taste experience, but behind every fresh-from-the-oven masterpiece is a good starter. Each one is unique, thanks to a mélange of elements. As Harryman explains, “When the wild yeasts from the starter mingle and consume the sugars in the flour, carbon dioxide gas is released. The dough’s gluten network traps the gas, causing the dough to rise, yielding sourdough’s renowned, airy crumb.” “Sourdough bread baking isn’t just following a recipe; it’s understanding the living system in your bowl and a constant response to a changing environment like temperature, season, humidity and flour,” says Nikolov, who recommends using a scale, keeping notes and aiming for steady,

comfortable temperatures between 72° and 78° F for both the starter and dough. She generally prefers clean, non-processed, organic whole-grain flours milled directly from the grain, as well as ancient wheats like einkorn and spelt.

For reliability and depth of flavor, Harryman suggests acquiring a mature starter fed with organic flour, ideally dark rye. This can be accomplished by connecting with a local sourdough baker or ordering a well-reviewed, dehydrated sourdough starter. “They are fairly easy to revive, and some are nearly 100 years old in maturity,” she explains. For a gluten-free option, she recommends building a starter from scratch to be sure of its purity. Robitaille underscores the importance of time, grain and imagination for flavor. “Red Fife [a North American heirloom wheat variety] brings a quiet sweetness; rye adds depth and spice; and whole wheat speaks of the harvest field,” she explains. In a busy world, baking bread can be a grounding, meditative act that also nourishes family and friends. “There is a kind of stillness in the act of baking that feels sacred. You watch a living culture transform simple ingredients into sustenance,” she muses. “That, to me, is magic.” Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.

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SOURDOUGH CINNAMON CARDAMOM BUNS YIELD: 6 BUNS FOR DOUGH 2 large eggs 1 cup active sourdough starter ¼ cup sugar 1⅓ cup whole milk 5¾ cups bread flour 2½ tsp salt 8½ Tbsp softened butter

FOR FILLING

FOR FROSTING

8½ Tbsp softened butter

7 oz cream cheese

¾ cup brown sugar 2 Tbsp Ceylon cinnamon 1 tsp ground cardamom

Add the eggs, sourdough starter and sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix to combine. With the machine running, slowly pour in the milk. Add the flour and salt. Mix until a rough, sticky dough forms, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rest for 30 minutes. Switch the stand mixer to the dough hook. Knead on medium-low speed for 6 to 8 minutes. The dough should be soft, supple and pull away from the sides. Gradually incorporate the softened butter, one piece at a time, allowing each addition to fully absorb. Continue kneading until the dough is elastic and slightly tacky. Cover the dough and let it rest at room temperature for 2 hours. Transfer to the refrigerator and cold proof for 12 to 18 hours. The next morning, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 1 hour. Roll the dough into a 9-by-12-inch rectangle. 26

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⅓ cup or 2.67 oz softened butter ½ cup powdered sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and cardamom into a smooth filling. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Using a pizza wheel, cut the dough into 6 strips about 2½ inches wide. Roll each strip tightly into a spiral to form tall, distinct buns. Arrange the spirals in a 9-by-12-inch ceramic pan, leaving space between each one to allow for expansion during proofing. Cover and let rise in a warm spot such as an oven with the light on or near a sunny window for 1 hour. Buns are ready to bake when they look puffy, jiggly and spring back slowly when pressed. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown and fully set in the center. To prepare the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until creamy. Spread frosting over warm buns and serve. Recipe courtesy of Lisa Robitaille.

EVERYDAY SOURDOUGH LOAF WITH HONEY YIELD: 1 LOAF

Combine all ingredients except the rice flour in a bowl or stand mixer. Mix just until no dry flour remains and the dough is cohesive. The bulk fermentation process begins as soon as the starter is mixed with the other ingredients, which means that the dough will rise and grow in size while it ferments. Cover the dough with a damp linen kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes to an hour at 73° to 75° F room temperature. Stretch and fold the dough as follows: With lightly wet fingertips, grab a portion of the dough and stretch it upward. Fold the dough over toward the center of the bowl. Give the bowl a quarter turn and repeat the stretch and fold. Continue to turn, stretch and fold until the circle is complete. Cover the dough and let it sit for 30 minutes. Repeat this stretch-andfold process three more times, letting the dough rest for 30 minutes in between. After the fourth set of stretch-andfolds, cover the dough with a linen cloth or towel and allow it to ferment at room temperature. Let the dough proof (rise until the needed bulk is complete) approximately 5 hours, but the time may vary. Watch

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3 cups white-bread or all-purpose flour 1 cup whole-wheat flour 1½ cup water ½ cup active sourdough starter ¾ Tbsp honey 1¾ tsp salt Rice flour for dusting

the dough, not the clock, looking for a noticeable rise of about 60 to 75 percent, a slightly domed surface, bubbles on the surface and an airy feel with a gentle jiggle.

Place an oven-safe cast iron Dutch oven with the lid onto the center rack of the oven. Preheat the oven to 480° F for 1 hour.

Once the dough has proofed, lightly dust the counter with rice flour. Turn out the dough onto a clean work surface and shape it into a ball by hand—this is called a preshape. Let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes on the counter uncovered.

Invert the cold dough onto parchment paper, score the loaf, load it into the hot Dutch oven and cover it with the lid. Bake covered for 20 minutes to trap steam and drive dough expansion.

Shape the dough and place it seamside up in a rice-flour dusted banneton (or extra-large bowl lined with a linen cloth). Let the shaped dough rest at room temperature for 1 hour to start fermentation before the cold proof. To cold proof the dough, cover the loaf with a damp linen kitchen towel and refrigerate 12 to 16 hours.

After 20 minutes, remove the lid, reduce the oven to 450° F and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the loaf is deep golden. It is ready when the internal temperature is 205° to 210° F. Let the loaf cool for 1 to 2 hours before slicing, so that the crumb can set. Recipe courtesy of Katya Nikolov of Dubuque Bakery.

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January 2026

Rethinking Pain Relief

Clinically Studied Alternative to Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen

s consumers and healthcare professionals recognize the significant health risks associated with the prolonged use of common OTC pain relievers, the search for daily relief of minor aches and inflammation is occurring. There’s a growing interest in finding safer alternatives to acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Botanical extracts, rooted in traditional medicine and backed by modern science and clinical tests, now offer a powerful, synergistic and

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by Dr. Gary Kracoff

sustainable to support the body’s natural response to inflammation and pain. While both acetaminophen and ibuprofen are safe and effective for short-term relief of pain and inflammation when used as directed, current medical consensus strongly advises against their continuous or highdose use for chronic conditions. Acetaminophen, which acts on the central nervous system to reduce pain and fever, can cause liver damage. This

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is a serious risk when exceeding the maximum dose of 4,000 milligrams per day or when combined with alcohol. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory which inhibits COX enzymes to reduce inflammation, pain and fever. Improper usage can lead to a high risk of stomach ulcers, bleeding and perforation. It also can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke or kidney damage. A highly effective blended supplement designed for fast and effective comfort that relies on a synergistic blend of powerful, clinically studied botanicals is now available that is blended for maximum absorption and targeted action across multiple inflammatory pathways. A blend of the following ingredients is now available and has been clinically shown to be more effective for most for pain and inflammation relief: Using a lipid formulation of curcumin can dramatically enhance the bioavailability, ensuring that more of the active components enter the bloodstream. This works by inhibiting NF kappa B, a master regulator that controls the gene expression for numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF alpha, IL-6 and COX-2. This turns down the body’s inflammatory cascade at its source. Boswellia has been used for centuries to support joint and connective tissue health and works well along with curcumin. Unlike ibuprofen, which targets the COX

pathway, boswellia targets the 5-lipoxygenase molecules called leukotrienes which contribute heavily to chronic inflammation and joint degradation. By directly inhibiting 5-LOX, Boswellia helps regulate this parallel inflammatory process. Black Sesame Seed Oil is the delivery system. This ingredient is crucial for the supplement’s efficacy, serving as a special lipid-based transport mechanism. Curcumin and boswellia extracts are fat-soluble. Blending these with black sesame seed oil can significantly optimize their absorption and systemic delivery, ensuring fast-acting results. By combining the highly bioavailable properties of curcumin, the targeted 5-LOX action of boswellia along with black sesame seed oil to increase absorption, this botanical strategy employs a dual pathway inhibitory approach that provides broader anti-inflammatory support than utilizing either compound alone. Several randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in patients with osteoarthritis, joint stiffness and pain have demonstrated that this combination is often more effective than either ingredient alone. This studied mixture of these ingredients is available to the general public without a prescription and provides a safer alternative to acetaminophen and ibuprofen. 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 23 and Resource Guide, page 36.

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January 2026

Green Living

Clean, Nonstick Cookware

Transforming the Kitchen for Human and Planetary Health by Marlaina Donato

rom omelets to air-fried treats, modern nonstick cookware makes cooking effortless with minimal cleanup. However, many of these pots, pans, baking sheets, waffle irons, slow cookers, countertop ovens and more are coated with perand polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)— known as “forever chemicals”. These substances can leach into food, accumulate in the body and pose serious health risks, including hormone imbalances, altered immunity, inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, kidney disease, adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes and cancer. They also harm the environment, affecting wildlife, soil and water. Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as hazardous, and the manufacture of PFOA was voluntarily phased out by 2015 in this country, imported products may still contain them.

Seeing Through False Claims

HAIKAL from blastermoon/CanvaPro

“Even when a label claims PFOA-free or PFOS-free, manufacturers often

substitute newer fluorinated chemicals like GenX or PTFE [polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as Teflon] derivatives which still fall under the PFAS family and pose risks to the liver, hormones and immune system,” warns Kali Storm, a functional nutritionist and founder of Root Level Living, in Clear Lake, Wisconsin. After recovering from a severe illness linked to mold exposure, Storm replaced her nonstick cookware with healthier options like cast iron. She advises caution with imported products, which may not disclose the presence of glazes, adhesives, bonding agents or sealants in multi-layer cookware that can introduce phenols, phthalates and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals. High-quality ceramic cookware is generally considered safe. Beth Bollinger, an integrative health practitioner and the founder of Nest Wellness, in Sonoma County, California, points out that true ceramic is stoneware and porcelain. However, she notes that many ceramic nonstick pans are actually metal pans with a sol-gel ceramic coating that can contain nanoparticles,

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lead, cadmium or PFAS. “Always look for third-party testing certifications and avoid inexpensive ceramic-coated cookware from unknown brands,” she cautions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration imposes cookware safety regulations, but it does not test the products. The State of California goes further with Proposition 65, which requires manufacturers to disclose whether their cookware contains lead, cadmium or certain PFAS. And the European Union sets the strictest limits on cookware coatings, banning specified heavy metals and harmful chemicals, including PFAS. Third-party organizations that test products to ensure compliance with applicable safety standards and regulations include Greenscreen Certified (GreenScreenChemicals.org), SGS (sgs.com) and Intertek (Intertek.com).

Choosing Cleaner Options

Like Storm, Bollinger cleaned up her food and home environment, including kitchenware, after a health diagnosis, and she believes those modifications led to significant improvements in energy, mental clarity and overall well-being. Her kitchen essentials include enameled cast iron, for its nonreactive nature with acidic foods, and carbon steel, which is lighter than cast iron and heats quickly and evenly. Bollinger suggests, “Start out with stainless steel, because it’s the most versatile and user-friendly option. High-quality stainless steel—18/10 with an aluminum or copper core for even heat distribution—is durable, nonreactive, dishwasher-safe and works for almost any cooking method, be it sautéing, searing, boiling or baking.” She acknowledges the challenge of finding air fryers and slow cookers without chemical coatings but recommends models with stainless steel baskets and true ceramic or stoneware inserts for slow cookers. She also advises verifying with the manufacturer that their ceramic is lead- and cadmium-free. For Storm and her family, cast iron is a versatile and reliable choice. “Cast iron is incredibly user-friendly once you learn how to use and clean it,” she explains. “Many don’t realize how naturally nonstick it becomes when well-seasoned. If you cook in your cast iron regularly and clean it properly with no soap, just hot water and a scrub, you’re technically seasoning it a little bit every time.”

Arijuhani from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Storm loves cast iron’s slick surface for egg dishes and golden-edged pancakes. “The same pan can easily go from stovetop to oven. We’ve made lasagna, casseroles, cornbread, skillet meals, roasted vegetables and even apple crisps in cast iron. For stews or chili, a covered cast iron Dutch oven retains heat beautifully.” To season cast iron, she recommends using avocado oil, flaxseed oil or beef tallow, and avoiding budget vegetable or seed oils that may contain fillers and oxidize easily. Cast iron pans naturally add small amounts of iron to food, especially when cooking acidic ingredients like tomato sauce. This can be beneficial for healthy individuals or those that are deficient, but people with too much iron in their blood might want to minimize or avoid using cast iron altogether.

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 • Restorative and cosmetic dentistry • Integrative periodontal medicine • Nutrition and detoxification programs • Zirconia solutions for titanium implants and root-canal–treated teeth • Laser-assisted dental procedures • Mercury-free and metal-free dentistry • Ozone therapy • TMJ and TMD biological treatments • Energy treatments (hands-on and technology assisted) • Head and neck pain management Schedule your visit today!

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Making the Switch

Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference in our overall well-being, and opting for cleaner, more sustainable cookware is a wise choice. As Storm points out, “When you remove toxins from what you cook in, breathe in and live around, the body can finally stop fighting and start healing.”

locknloadlabrador from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.

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January 2026

Community Resource Guide

Chiropractic

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.

CAMERON ROTH, DC

Acupuncture

Biological Dentistry

HANNAH REDD ACUPUNCTURE

BIO DENTAL

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.

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.

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.

Beauty BIRCH SALON & GALLERY Aveda Salon for Women & Men 2067 W Shore Rd, Warwick, RI 02889 BirchSalonGallery.com All products used on salon guests, including hair color, are 96%-99% naturally derived. Retailing Aveda hair, skin, body and home essentials. Services: hair cutting, coloring, highlighting, scalp and hair treatments, hair-loss treatments, men’s cutting, beard grooming and gray blending. Great Lengths Hair Extensions offered. See ad, page 17.

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 8.

BOSTON DENTAL WELLNESS

Iveta Iontcheva-Barehmi, DMD, MS, D.SC. 1842 Beacon St, Ste 305, Brookline, MA 02446 617-868-1516 BostonDentalWellness.com 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 31.

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 19.

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328 Cowesett Ave, Ste 7 West Warwick, RI 02893 401-615-5200 RothChiro@gmail.com

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 25.

MCARDLE CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS CENTER Catherine McArdle, DC Robert Sedlor, DC 2013 Plainfield Pk 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 26.

"The soul always knows what to do to heal itself. The challenge is to silence the mind. —Caroline Myss"

Coaching A CREATIVE HEALING PLACE Benjamin B. Blackett 401-855-2008 Benjamin@ACreativeHealingPlace.com Facebook.com/BenjaminBBlackett ACreativeHealingPlace.com 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.

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.

Compounding & Wellness Pharmacy BIRD’S HILL COMPOUNDING PHARMACY 401 Great Plain Ave Needham, MA 02492 781-449-0550 Pharmacist@BirdsHillPharmacy.com BirdsHillPharmacy.com Familyowned and - o p e ra te d 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.

Colon Hydrotherapy INTERNAL WELLNESS CENTER Liz Marcano-Pucillo 150 Wood Rd, Ste 403 Braintree, MA 02184 781-228-6915 Liz@InternalWellnessCtr.com InternalWellnessCtr.com Receive professional colon hydrotherapy by a n a t i o n a l board-certif ied therapist using the Angel of Water system. The most comfortable and private system in the industry. See ad, page 27.

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 a n d 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 23.

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ADVERTISER Testimonial

DR. CHRYSANTHI KAZANTZIS (DR. KAZ) ANASA Personalized Medicine

We have been advertising in Natural Awakenings for several years now and have been consistently adding new patients as a result of our participation. We love working with the publisher and the editorial team to get helpful information out to our community!

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Craniosacral Therapy KATIE ZMED, LMT

Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Cupping Therapist 1645 Warwick Ave, Ste 223 Warwick, RI 02889 Call/Text: 401-216-6494 KatieZmedLMT.com 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 617-444-9236 Info@SoulSpeaksTherapies.com SoulSpeaksTherapies.com 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. See ad, page 18.

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 6.

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 19.

Gut Health REBALANCE YOUR ROUTINE

Jessica Liggero, HHP, SIBO Practitioner 617-459-8114 RebalanceYourRoutine.com 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 NURTURE HOLISTIC WELLNESS

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 23.

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

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.

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Dr. Amanda Zarriello, DPT 10 Worthington Rd Cranston, RI 02920 401-250-3060 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 14.

"If you don’t program yourself, life will program you. —Les Brown"

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 INTEGRAL HYPNOSIS Arthur D Schwartz, Professional Hypnotist 2120 Commonwealth Ave, Ste 200 Newton, MA 02466 617-964-4800 IntegralHypnosis.com Arthur D Schwartz practices philosophical hypnotherapy, and blend philosophical perspectives with hypnotherapy and hypnotism. Conflicts and blockages can develop within and between the conscious mind and the subconscious, but the ultimate goal is to achieve a graceful harmony between them. See ad, page 19.

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. See ad, page 18.

Inner Healing & Empowerment Coach BLISS WITHIN 786-696-6576 Hello@BlissWithinHealing.com BlissWithinHealing.com @Bliss_Within_Coaching Agita guides women to heal from painful relationships, release limiting patterns and rediscover their worth. Clients rebuild confidence, embrace self-love, and attract healthy, fulfilling connections that reflect their true value and the love they genuinely deserve. See ad, page 31.

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 27.

Ionic Foot Bath CARLEEN’S BODY HEALING THERAPY

Carleen Christopher 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.

Life Coaching CÉCILE’S WISE WAYS

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Integrative Veterinary Medical Care

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TAKE THE LEAP COACHING

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 12.

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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.

January 2026

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.

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.

Classifieds NOELLE 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.

Business Opportunities COLON HYDROTHERAPY BUSINESS FOR SALE (RETIRING) – Colon hydrotherapy business, 17 yrs, for sale in Braintree, MA. Located near major highway. Sale includes all assets in addition to 2 Angel of Water systems and a fully furnished suite of 2,300 sq ft. Subleases space to acupuncturist. 2 additional rooms for added services. Will fully train buyer in the equipment and daily operations of the business. Annual income part-time, $106,000 (average). Income potential annual full-time, $265,000. Serious inquires only. Looking for $200K, negotiable. Liz: 781-801-2819.

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.

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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 23.

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.

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 26.

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 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.

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 15.

Reiki/Energy Healing 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.

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 7.

Spinal Flow Technique CARLEEN’S BODY HEALING THERAPY

Wolf Moon’s Psychic Festival Sunday, February 15 12:30-4:30pm Featuring the areas top mystics. Vendors offer locally handmade jewelry, soap, candles, stained glass and art. All are artisans that put their heart into what they make. Support local before there’s no more local to support. $5 admission A Wolf Moon Eduardo production Yanna, 770 Aquidneck Ave, Middletown WolfMoonEduardo@gmail.com Instagram.com/wolfmoons_ psychicfestivals

Carleen Christopher 401-345-6527 CarleensBodyHealingTherapy.com The Spinal Flow Technique assists you in eliminating stressors causing pain, dis-ease 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 flight touches on specific areas of the spine and cranium, allowing the body to release those blockages.

Spiritual Healing/ Teaching JANET STRAIGHTARROW

Dawn McLaughlin, Founder 14 Cedar Swamp Rd, Smithfield, RI 02917 401-500-5612 Dawn@Intuitive-Hearts.com

Shaman, Master Healer-Teacher, Mentor, Sage, Reiki Master, Astrologer 973-647-2500 Janet@BeTheMedicine.com BeTheMedicine.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 8.

Mentoring Healers-TeachersTherapists, 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.

INTUITIVE HEARTS

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Mark Your Calendar RI Holistic Healing Association Wellness Expo Sunday, March 22 10am-4pm Join us for a vibrant day of connection, discovery and transformation at Rhode Island’s premier holistic gathering. It features a wide array of products, practitioners and wellness-focused businesses. This year’s keynote speaker is internationally renowned medium and author Roland Comtois. All are welcome to join this empowering, “Empower, Heal and Thrive” experience. $20. Crowne Plaza Providence Warwick (Airport) 801 Greenwich Ave, Warwick 781-264-6929 rihha.org/healthandwellnessexpo2026 January 2026

Sustainable Clothing Care THE SUSTAINABLE GARMENT Reed McLaren, Sustainability Consultant ReedMcLaren@ TheSustainableGarment.com TheSustainableGarment.com Through one-on-one consultations, Reed McLaren shares intentional care practices and techniques, from how to keep cashmere sweaters looking new to maintaining the stretch of yoga pants, to truly connect with your clothes and help make what you love last.

Sustainable Interiors TAPESTRY HOME INTERIORS Reed McLaren, Interiors Sustainability Consultant ReedMcLaren@TapestryHomeInteriors.com TapestryHomeInteriors.com Through one-on-one consultations, Reed McLaren helps you navigate your home with intention, from sustainable furnishings and decor, both new and reimagined, to eco-friendly wall colors and papers, and offers thought-provoking considerations to help make what you love last.

Women’s Health

Yoga & Tai Chi

CURATED HOLISTIC HEALTH

TIME FOR YOU YOGA

Appts In-Person and Virtual 1050 Main St, Unit 34 East Greenwich, RI 02818 CuratedHolistic.com Curated Holistic Health supports women through life transitions with compassionate coaching and curated programs that nurture physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. We specialize in perimenopause, sober lifestyle and women’s hormonal health. Reclaim your health: mind, body and spirit.

INNER EASE HEALTH

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.

Yoga Therapy

Bianca Siravo, CNM, WHNP 401-558-7797 Bianca@InnerEaseHealth.com InnerEaseHealth.com

BRITTANY CAPOZZI, C-IAYT

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.

781-588-2288 BellaCoinForThought@gmail.com UnderstoryYogaTherapy.com 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 17 .

Editorial Calendar Three-Month Planner

Special thanks to Dole & Bailey for supporting us with home delivery in their customer orders. We appreciate you very much!

Nurture the Heart February

DoleAndBailey.com 38

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Nourish & Flourish March

Sustainable Together April

Read this month’s articles for clues.

ACROSS

1 In-depth look at how a body moves when walking, 2 words 8 Brief moment 9 Improves bone and muscle operation, as a chiropractor 10 Whole-wheat ____ 12 Like good bread 15 Exhaust completely, 2 words 17 Spring month 18 Foot part 19 In the location of 20 Live, active, fermented culture made from flour and water that acts as a leavening agent for baked goods 26 Strong wind 28 The oldest form of leavened bread 30 Achieve victory 31 Military rank below captain, abbr. 32 Measure 34 Excellent flour for use as a 20 across, 2 words 37 Type of medical approach blending conventional and complementary methods

DOWN

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1 Objective 2 Pulled hamstring, e.g. 3 Helps 4 Fishing equipment 5 Cooling units in buildings, abbr. 6 Nutrient-rich food packed with protein, calcium, B vitamins and probiotics 7 X-ray’s output 11 Short sleep 12 Type of scan 13 Small child 14 Vote of approval 16 Raise 17 _____ therapists 21 Cleaning cloth 22 For instance, abbr. 23 Uncooked 24 Core 25 Fall 27 White flower often present at weddings 29 Beneath 33 Female sheep 35 Same old, same old grind 36 Increase, with “up”