February 2026 Natural Awakenings Sarasota

We Treat:

• Chronic Pain

• Fibromyalgia

• Peripheral Neuropathy

• Nerve Pain

• Fertility Enhancement

• Failed Surgery Pain

• Gastrointestinal Disturbances

• Covid Long Hauler Symptoms

• Grief Loss Recovery

• Stress Induced Disturbances

We Put Your Head on Straight

(So You Can Achieve Optimal Health, Naturally)

If the first two bones in your neck are misaligned, communication between the brain and body is interrupted and can cause numerous health problems.

Dr. Drew Hall has practiced the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic technique for the last 20 years in Los Angeles and Carson California before opening his third clinic right here in Sarasota, Florida

Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic is a unique chiropractic technique that focuses all its attention on the upper neck and how it impacts the brainstem and central nerve system. The Blair technique is precise, gentle, and does not use any pulling, popping, or twisting of the neck.

We have helped people with the following conditions:

•Auto Accidents

•Fibromyalgia

•Lower Back Pain

•Meniere’s Disease

•Neck Pain

•Sciatica

•Post-Concussion Syndrome

•TMJ

•Trigeminal Neuralgia

•Vertigo & Whiplash

“I have over 20 years of practice experience and taking care of 10,000 patients f rom Los Angeles to Sarasota Florida. I recovered f rom severe chronic health problems 30 years ago after being introduced to blair upper cervical technique. It’s my lasting purpose to help as many people as possible live a life of health and happiness”.

- Dr. Drew Hall

3920 Bee Ridge Rd, Bldg D, Sarasota, Fl 34233

Stay in the flow with neuro-fascial bodywork.

Rowan Winder LMT– Neuro-fascial Strain Release, Gentle-DeepTM Stretching, Myofascial Release, Relaxation Massage MA76884

Mahalah “Haley” Bond LMT – Neuro-fascial Strain Release, CranioSacral Therapy, Relaxation Massage, Myofascial Release MA23423

Stephen Rumley LMT – Neuro-fascial Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Deep Tissue Massage, Swedish Massage, Sports Massage and Stretching MA108233

How to advertise

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PUBLISHER Janet Lindsay

MANAGING EDITOR

Mary-Elizabeth-Schurrer

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Susan Jones

SOCIALMEDIA

Golden Thread Executive Service Corp SARASOTA /MANATEE EDITION

CONTACT US

Sarasota / Manatee Edition: 941-564-0885 publisher@nasrq.com

NATIONAL TEAM

CEO Kimberly B. Whittle

CMO Vee Banionis

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Editor Brooke Goode

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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

© 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.

Publisher’s Letter

Welcome back to another issue of Natural Awakenings as we continue unpacking our 2026 theme of “wellness made easy.” In honor of February’s distinction as American Heart Month here in the U.S., let’s turn our attention to cardiovascular health through an exploration of holistic lifestyle choices and nourishing mind-body practices that will seamlessly complement your wellness routine. On that note, you know the drill: let’s jump right in!

As per usual, we begin with this month’s feature story, “Whole-Hearted Life: The Daily Choices that Help Our Hearts Thrive.” Each positive lifestyle habit we cultivate is a new opportunity to nurture and strengthen cardiovascular wellness—but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Basic yet sustainable shifts in diet, exercise, rest, social connections, and personal fulfilment can lead to a more resilient heart for years to come, and this article is chock-full of simple, intentional strategies to help you invest in cardio well-being on a daily basis.

Nutrition is one of the most foundational elements of cardiovascular health, and this month’s “Conscious Eating” article explores the remarkable heart benefits of garlic. A recent study in the Nutrition Reviews Journal found that garlic intake can help manage cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels, while lowering oxidative stress and inflammation—all of which can reduce the overall risk of heart disease. This article dives into the science behind garlic as a superfood, along with a few tasty recipes to infuse garlic into your diet.

Of course, sometimes we all could use an extra boost in caring for our cardio health, and this month’s “Healing Ways” article reinforces the importance of nutritional, botanical, and herbal supplements. Even the healthiest eaters can benefit from incorporating more of these “natural cardiologists” into our wellness regimens. If you’re interested in supplementation for robust cardiovascular function, consider this article your launch point.

As February unfolds, let’s commit to simple but meaningful actions that will protect our hearts from illness, so they can help us thrive. As always, I hope you find the contents of this issue beneficial and inspirational—and I’ll see you back here next month!

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

The George: A Mecca for Cool Clothes in Downtown Sarasota

Sarasota’s fashion scene got cooler, thanks to The George, a one-of-a-kind boutique transforming downtown into a haven for expressive style. The George offers eclectic globally-inspired men’s and women’s clothing that blends resort, hippie, and punk vibes with festival flair and bohemian charm, making it the spot for unique apparel and artifacts.

The George curates a distinct collection of funky, artful pieces. Think: vibrant graphic tees, crochet dresses and tops, tie dye items, patterned shirts, bohemian dresses, overalls, accessories, and more. You’ll also find whimsical home décor, metaphysical treasures, original artwork, and cast-iron fountains to create an immersive retail experience.

The George caters to those who dare to be different, combining bold patterns, rich colors, natural fabrics, and eclectic textures that define a truly individual wardrobe. Find The George, upstairs and across from Regal Hollywood Cinemas on Main Street, and embrace your inner free spirit. Your wardrobe’s wild side awaits.

Location: 1960 Main St, Sarasota. For more information, call 941-277-3707 or visit TheGeorgeSarasota.com.

European Helix Hair Designer

THE CUT THAT CURLS and with NO chemicals.

Please call Jutta for an appointment 941-629-0074

Everybody will benefit from this carefree haircutting Technique, especially baby-fine hair. Any Length from short to long. I use “All Nutrient”, an organic derived haircolor and Highlights/ Balayage made with Blueberrys. NO MORE BRASSY HAIRCOLOR

www.EuropeanHairDesigner.com

Neckor Avoidlowbackpain? surgeryandgetyourlifeback!

Take Charge of Your Own Health and Happiness with the Inner Engineering Program

The Inner Engineering Program, facilitated by Isha Foundation, will offer you tools and solutions to create a life you love. This course will take place from February 19–22, providing you with an intensive opportunity to learn practical insights that will benefit your body, mind, emotions, and the fundamental life energy within.

You will also learn a 21-minute practice called Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya, a powerful and purifying breathwork technique. This program was created by Sadhguru, a yogi and visionary who is committed to the communal elevation of physical, mental and spiritual well-being. According to 2024 research from the Frontiers in Psychology Journal, this program can help nurture a 33 percent increase in positive relationships, while also reducing stress levels by 41 percent after six weeks of practice.

A free introductory talk on this program will also be offered on February 19, from 6–7 p.m. Anyone, ages 15 years or older, is welcome to attend.

Ritual Room Spa: A February Ritual of Rest, Beauty and Renewal

Step into February with balance, self-care, and beauty at Ritual Room Spa, where each visit is a ritual worth savoring. Ritual Room Spa offers you a space to rest and reset. Nestled within a beautifully restored historic home, this spa evokes both luxury and tranquility for an unforgettable experience.

Location: Venice Gardens Civic Association, 406 Shamrock Blvd., Venice. For more information on this program, call 941-500-3383 or email Sarasota@IshaUSA.org. To register for the course, visit Isha.US/Sarasota.

Are you looking for an uplifting community that honors your spiritual journey? Join our inclusive

WEEKLY SUNDAY MORNING SERVICES:

 Healing Meditation Service at 10:30

 Celebration Service at 11:00 (In-Person & Online) with messages from Spirit

Visit our website for links to our services, development classes, events, visiting renowned international tutors, free booklets and newsletter, our philosophy, how we can serve you, and more!

This month, Ritual Room offers a selection of seasonal offerings to enhance self-care and wellness. Enjoy the Champagne and Rose Facial for $69, along with 30 percent off all signature facials in February. All gift certificates are buy one, get one 50 percent off as well, making this an ideal time to invest in personal care or share the Ritual Room experience.

The spa is also excited to introduce new offerings such as a boutique collection of fine Italian clothing, curated for effortless elegance and as a selection of wellness essentials to nurture mindful living. This includes an exclusive line of skincare products, known for their exceptional quality and visible results.

Ritual Room’s stunning historic location is also available to rent for special celebrations and events. For those in the wellness community seeking a beautiful space to grow their practice, the Ritual Room team would love to connect.

Location: 2088 Hawthorne St., Sarasota. To schedule an appointment or purchase a gift certificate, call 941-203-6543, or visit RitualRoomSpa.com.

Unlocking Potential: How BrainSync Sarasota Can Change a Family’s Future

At BrainSync Sarasota, healing starts with a single belief that everyone has the potential to grow, transform, and thrive. This vision comes from President Doug Libertore, a heart-driven leader committed to uplifting children, families, and individuals who seek mental and emotional wellness. This compassion led him to BrainSync Sarasota, which offers innovative, non-invasive brain and body therapies for whole-person healing.

For BrainSync’s Neurofeedback Director, Lori DiBartolo, this mission is personal. When her son was diagnosed with severe autism at age two and remained nonverbal until five, the world felt overwhelming. However, she refused to give up and pursued numerous modalities including neurofeedback, nutrient support, specialized testing, red light therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). These therapies didn’t just help her son—they changed his entire trajectory. Neurofeedback, in particular, allowed his brain to develop healthier patterns that enhanced focus, behavior, and emotional regulation.

Today, her son is 20 and a junior in college. As Neurofeedback Director at BrainSync Sarasota, DiBartolo shares these transformative tools with families seeking their own answers, hope, and healing. The same therapies that unlocked her son’s potential are now available at BrainSync Sarasota. Healing is possible, and your potential is waiting.

Location: 640 S. Washington Blvd., Sarasota. To schedule a discovery call, call 941-298-0003 or email FrontDesk@BrainSyncSarasota.com.

Anti-Aging Seminars with Dr. Anna

Dr. Anna Baker, DOM, invites you to join her interactive anti-aging seminars via Zoom on February 11 and 20, both at 1:30 p.m. She will showcase her Faces by Dr. Anna acupuncture facelift and her muscle retightening Pearl Cream by Dr. Anna. Contact the Pearl Cream by Dr. Anna store to access the meeting ID number.  If you cannot attend the seminar live, Dr. Anna will send you a link to watch at your own convenience.

Dr. Anna performs a unique type of acupuncture facelift that she invented. The muscles of the face and neck are progressively retightened to retrace the steps that aging took. An initial package of 10 treatments is required, and the results last for 18 months before you will need a one-treatment touchup to maintain the lift.

In these seminars, Dr. Anna will show photographed results on people of all ages.  In addition, she will discuss her proprietary Pearl Cream by Dr Anna, which offers the same muscle retightening as her acupuncture facelift in a slower, more gradual process.  Her Pearl Cream is an anti-aging serum made from real pearls and Chinese herbs without any preservatives.  Pearl Cream by Dr. Anna is also available as a muscle tightening body lotion, a men’s anti-aging line, and a sports performance line.

Pearl Cream by Dr. Anna is available for pick up by appointment only at Dr. Anna’s office. Call 941-924-2723 for directions. Free consultations and facial analyses are offered for acupuncture facelift and Pearl Cream by Dr. Anna. For more information about Dr. Anna’s services and products including photo documentation, visit FacesByDrAnna.com and PearlCreamByDrAnna.com (we are no longer at the location shown on this website).

Rev. Mary Linn Clarke Is Back at the Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light

Rev. Mary Linn is a second-generation Psychic Medium and author of the book, My Life’s Experiences in the Proof of Psychic Phenomenon. She was raised in metaphysics from the age of 13, studying at Harmonia Spiritualist College in St. Petersburg, then further developing her skills under well-known mediums. both in Florida and Chesterfield, Indiana. She is also a psychic artist of your guides and teachers.

Rev. Linn will offer a “Mediumship for Beginners: Meeting Your Guides and Teachers” class at the Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light on February 18, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The course will serve as the foundation for continual development in mediumship, and each class in this series will build on the previous one. All courses are certified.

For more information, call 941-371-9333, or visit the calendar of events on CCOSL.com.

A Hidden Source of Heart Disease

Many doctors still believe the only contributors to heart disease are physical factors—cholesterol levels, inflammation, or lack of exercise, for instance. But the heart also suffers from mental, emotional, and relational neglect. If you work all the time and can’t take off to be with your loved ones, your heart will languish from disconnection and lose energy.

This neglect can manifest as depression, anxiety, or other negative emotions due to blocked energy flow. If you receive love but fail to return it, that energy can stagnate and turn sour. There is no judgment in pointing this out—it is simply an oversight that we humans can make. But there is still time to course correct.

Release your bitterness and regret, then move forward in love. Look for ways to show others how much you value them. Your heart requires a free flow of love in order to remain balanced, content, and healthy, and strong.

To learn more about maintaining cardiovascular wellness, contact Dr. Carol Roberts at Best Medicine. Location: 2106 Bispham Rd., Sarasota. For more information, call 941-404-8030 or visit BestMedicine.us.

Mind-Body Practices for Cancer Survivors

A multisite study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology involving 587 cancer survivors compared two mind-body programs: Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR), which incorporates meditation and awareness practices, and Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ), which uses gentle, slow movements to promote relaxation and balance. The participants—mostly women around age 61—selected their preferred program or were randomly assigned if they had no preference. The most prevalent cancer types among them were breast, prostate and gastrointestinal.

Both MBCR and TCQ demonstrated a positive impact on mood scores, surpassing those observed in the control group. Notably, TCQ produced the most relief from anger and depression, as well as an increase in energy levels. MBCR proved particularly effective in reducing tension and anxiety, although it did not significantly affect depression. Neither program exhibited any effect on confusion or fatigue, and the selection of a preferred program did not influence the outcomes.

Body-Centered Therapy for Trauma

A 2021 review of 16 studies published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology found that somatic experiencing, a body-centered therapy for trauma, helped reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and also improved emotional and physical well-being. The studies demonstrated notable improvements in anxiety, mood and physical symptoms such as muscle tightness and pain. Benefits were observed in individuals with traumatic histories, as well as those without trauma, suggesting that somatic experiencing may support overall nervous system regulation.

Conceived by Dr. Peter A. Levine, the therapy seeks to address the accumulation of stress, shock and trauma in the body and nervous system. It empowers people to cultivate increasing tolerance for difficult bodily sensations and suppressed emotions by paying close attention to internal sensations, including body tension, breathing patterns and even their heartbeat.

Largest Sound Bath Experience of the Year

Returns to The Bishop Planetarium

On March 3, from 6–8 p.m., Aquarian Sound Medicine will return to The Bishop Planetarium with its signature immersive sound medicine experience, Star Harmony. Earlier that day, a total lunar eclipse will open a powerful release cycle, followed by an evening of integration. As the body and nervous system begin to process what shifted, this sound medicine ceremony will offer a supportive field for settling, clarity, and restoration.

Aquarian Sound Medicine, the sound medicine practice created by Alissa Haggstrom, is rooted in the intentional composition and application of harmonic sound to support the nervous system, emotional regulation, and physiological coherence.

Star Harmony is specifically composed to work with the current energetic conditions, what Haggstrom refers to as “energetic weather.” Harmonic sound, stillness, presence, and embodiment create a field where the nervous system can reorganize itself, mental noise can soften, and the body can settle into balance.

This evening beneath the planetarium dome will create space for integration, clarity, and illumination. Crystal bowls, planetary gongs, chimes, and more will be woven into a soundscape of stars and vibrations. Enjoy herbal tea, essential oils, and treats from CROP and Flobucha, as you experience healing restoration.

Location: 201 10th St. W, Bradenton. Cost: $55. Register now for a $44 early bird special through February 14. To register, visit AquarianSoundMedicine.com/Bishop. For more information, follow @aquariansoundmedicine on Facebook and Instagram.

Native Edible Abundance

Will Elevate Your Land into a Living Sanctuary

Your land has the potential to become more than a yard, it can be a thriving, living sanctuary that nourishes both people and planet. Through thoughtful design, skilled installation, and ongoing maintenance, Native Edible Abundance transforms ordinary outdoor spaces into regenerative ecosystems filled with beauty, purpose, and abundance.

Specializing in edible gardens, food forests, and native landscaping, we help restore the land while reviving biodiversity. Our designs work in harmony with nature, incorporating native plants, butterfly gardens, and pollinator pathways that support local wildlife and rebuild healthy soil. Each landscape is crafted with intention and artistry, creating spaces that feel balanced, alive, and deeply connected to the natural world.

For those dreaming of greater self-sufficiency, our edible landscapes offer abundance that truly gives back. Imagine harvesting fresh, organic fruits, herbs, and vegetables from a thriving ecosystem designed to regenerate the soil rather than deplete it. From planting a single fruit tree to establishing a full food forest, we create productive gardens that nourish your family while restoring the earth.

Not sure where to begin? We walk your property with you, listen to your vision, and provide expert guidance to help you take the first step. Every project is tailored to your land, your goals, and your lifestyle.

Our mission is simple yet powerful: to transform our local environment into beautiful, nurturing, entertaining, and abundant sanctuaries—one landscape at a time. Your outdoor space can be a place of restoration, connection, and lasting abundance.

For more information, call 941-323-1312 or email Deric@NativeEdibleAbundance.com for a consultation. Visit NativeEdibleAbundance.com to see their gallery.

New Seasonal Kombucha Flavors Available

Now at Flobucha

Come visit Sarasota’s first non-alcoholic bar, focused 100 percent on kombucha. Flobucha is a brewery and taproom located in the beautiful Gulfgate Village which produces and serves premium raw kombucha, fermented to perfection.

Flobucha comes in a variety of unique flavors, all of which are meticulously crafted and balanced. In addition to the six flagship flavors, you can also taste the new limited-quantity seasonal options: Cherry Lemon Ginger, Lychee Rosemary Fennel, Pineapple Cranberry Tumeric and Blue Spirit – a blend of coconut water, ginger and blue spirulina. They also now have kombucha based sparkling non-alcoholic wine alternatives called Winesque and a non-alcoholic IPA beer alternative. Wine alternative flavors include Rose, CAB and their new white wine addition based on Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Try a six-flight kombucha sampler for $12.95, which can be mixed or matched with kombucha, wine or beer.

All flavors are brewed with all-natural, organic ingredients, raw, unfiltered and never pasteurized. Not only does this kombucha taste delicious, but it’s also rich in natural probiotics, healthy organic nutrients and antioxidants.

The Flobucha taproom is a fun place to hang out as well. On February 13 and 27 we will have our Ethiopian Night with special pricing and join us on Thursdays for a free Kombucha tasting from 5-6 p.m. to enjoy our seasonal Flobucha flavors.

Location: 2725 Mall Dr., Sarasota. Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, email Info@Flobucha.com, visit Winesque.com or follow via social media at @flobucha on Instagram and @Flobucha on Facebook.

RENEWED LIFE WELLNESS CENTER

The most significant medical breakthrough in natural medicine this decade.

Regenerative treatments, like Stem Cell Therapy, can repair tissue + joints in your body that are damaged due to age, disease, or injury.

Over the past decade, medicine has taken some great leaps forward in treating many serious health disorders. However, where once mainstream healthcare could offer only three types of treatments--medications, surgery, or physical therapy--there now has emerged a fourth approach. It is called STEM CELL THERAPY. Stem cell therapy is a treatment that effectively allows the body to heal itself. And while this may sound too good to be true, the scientific evidence shows it to work--and work well.

We are all born with stem cells. These are the fundamental building block cells that go on to turn into all the other specialized cells in our bodies-skin, muscles, bones, blood, and all of our organs. By utilizing the right stem cells, the body has the ability to repair its damaged or weakened parts.

Stem cells multiply every 28 hours and they do this about 65 cycles. Therefore creating a lot of cells to regenerate, repair, and replace damaged tissue. For example, if cells are injected into the knee they can become cartilage. If injected into the shoulder, they can become ligaments or tendons. Wherever you inject them they become that type of tissue.

www.renewedlifewellnesscenter.com

repair

Not all stem cell treatments are the same. Come find out why!

Learn about options that have the power to go to these damaged areas and give you a life free of pain.

Renew Health and Wellness: A Unique Approach to Well-Being

Renew Health and Wellness is committed to helping folks achieve optimal health through personalized concierge-style care. These services will support both physical and mental wellness, focusing on sustainable results rather than quick fixes. Renew Health and Wellness is ideal for anyone who wants to feel and function better.

Each service centers on tailored wellness planning, holistic preventive care, and continual support. Team members take their time to understand each client’s lifestyle, health goals, and concerns, to create a customized program that can evolve as needs change. Education also plays a major role in this approach, empowering clients with the tools, resources, and information to make confident, informed choices about their health.

Treatments and services offered include Gut Microbiome Testing, Total Environmental Toxin Load Assessment, Personalized Detoxification Treatment Plans, Genetic Testing for Precision Wellness, Targeted Detox Pathway Optimization, as well as Root-Cause Focused Wellness Plans.

The providers at Renew Health and Wellness strive to build meaningful relationships with each client. They focus on listening, collaborating, and resolving the root causes of illness instead of just treating symptoms. The team prioritizes accessibility, open communication, and an environment where clients feel valued, so their needs can be met.

Location: 2415 University Parkway, Ste. 219, Sarasota. For more information, call 813-790-5887, email Info@Renewforyou.org, or visit RenewForYou.org.

Quantum Entrainment: Ancient Lessons for a Modern Life

Frank Kinslow has always been fascinated by the idea that this ordinary world could be sitting right on top of an extraordinary one, and most humans are just too busy to notice. His new novel, Stillness Echoes, begins with that premise and follows it wherever it leads.

The main character, Eleonora, is a brilliant but overlooked researcher who works quietly in a museum archive. One day, she discovers a set of ancient parchments written by a monk whose teachings are unlike anything she has ever seen.

At first, she approaches them as any scholar might—dictionary in one hand, magnifying glass in the other. But as she deciphers the passages, the teachings start to instruct and inform her life. These parchments describe how to touch what the monk calls, “nothing,” a luminous and quietly transformative space. This doesn’t rearrange the character’s external world so much as reveal another dimension within it.

If you want to explore these teachings more fully—both the ones woven into this story and others that even transcend it—Kinslow will offer a “Quantum Entrainment: Basic, Advanced, and Practical Healing Seminar” on February 19–22 in Sarasota. Consider this your invitation to step through a new doorway into the extraordinary.

To learn more about the upcoming seminar, visit KinslowSystem.com. To purchase the book, visit KinslowSystem.com/product/stillness-echoes/ or https://www.amazon.com/Stillness-Echoes-Frank-J-Kinslow/dp/B0GCBDB6VD.

Achieve Optimal Wellness Through RemedyBooth

RemedyBooth is a holistic health company that specializes in mineral balancing, tailored supplementation, and other wellness services. RemedyBooth can help folks heal from nutrient deficiencies, toxic heavy metals, and metabolic imbalances that impact energy, focus, sleep, weight, and overall well-being. Its mission is to remove the guesswork with personalized, data-backed solutions for optimal health.

A cornerstone of RemedyBooth’s approach is called OligoScan mineral testing. This noninvasive scan delivers insight into vitamin levels, mineral deficiencies, oxidative stress, and heavy metal exposure in just minutes. This allows clients to select the right supplements and wellness protocols tailored to their unique biology.

Mineral balancing is the foundation of RemedyBooth’s methodology. Optimal mineral ratios are critical for cellular energy production, hormone regulation, nervous system function, metabolic health, and skin vitality. To further enhance metabolic health and appetite regulation, RemedyBooth now offers GLP-1 support by Sunmed as well.

GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) plays a major role in blood sugar balance, insulin sensitivity, appetite signals, and satiety. Sunmed’s GLP-1-formulations can naturally support metabolic function, reduce cravings, and promote healthier weight management.

Along with nutritional and metabolic support, RemedyBooth offers in-store PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy sessions. PEMF therapy can enhance cellular recovery, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote nervous system balance, which creates a synergistic effect with mineral optimization and GLP-1 support.

RemedyBooth carries high-quality, third-party lab-tested supplements made in the United States. In-store offerings also include lab-tested CBD and Delta-9 THC products, premium blue-light-blocking glasses to minimize digital eye strain and increase sleep quality, and other tools to maintain long-term wellness.

For more information, call 941-451-8894, email RemedyBooth@gmail.com, or visit RemedyBooth.com.

Experience the Healing Power of Sound at Manatee Spirit

Holistic Sound Studio

Lift your soul to higher dimensions as you immerse yourself in a Shamanic Sound Journey featuring the deep, evocative healing frequencies of cello, guitar, gongs, Nepali and crystal bowls, Native American flutes, drums, vocals, bells, chimes, and rattles.

Manatee Spirit Holistic Sound Studio is a sacred community space with waterfront views, offering peace, comfort, and a full-spectrum of sound frequencies improvised by career musicians Steve Green and Helen Greenfield. Manatee Spirit is also home to the “Ultimate 60-Minute Sound Bath.” Private sessions are available for one to four guests. The cost per session is $75 for one person, along with $25 for each additional guest.

Manatee Spirit also has several community workshops and courses coming up as well. A “Full Moon Sound Bath” will take place on February 1 and 2 and March 3 and 4, from 7:30–9:30 p.m. (11 spaces available, $20 per attendee). A “Second Sunday Sound Bath” will take place on February 8 and March 8, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. (six spaces available, $30 per attendee).

A “Universal Wisdom and Meditation Course” will take place on February 18, 19, and 20, from 6:30–9 p.m. This workshop will include a five-minute quality meditation, an 80-page PDF, and weekly “Wisdom Seeker” Zoom meetings (available online and in-person, $165 per attendee). A 21-day “Whole Food Plant-Based Oil-Free Course” will take place on February 21, from 4–7 p.m., and February 22, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (in-person, $165 per attendee). Finally, a “Transformational Sound Healing Course” will take place on February 27 and 28, from 6–9 p.m. Level I and II certifications are available (in-person, $165 per attendee).

For more information and to book a reservation, call 941-201-0069 or visit ManateeSpirit.com.

Get your Brain & Body in Sync

BrainSync Sarasota, where cutting-edge neuroscience meets the tranquility of spa-like relaxation. Our unique approach combines advanced qEEG brain mapping, personalized neurofeedback training, and therapies to enhance your mental and physical well-being. Experience the synergy of science and serenity, and embark on a journey towards optimal Brain & Body health.

Wellness Services

• Cryotherapy

• Compression Boots

• Infrared Sauna

• Juvent Vibration

• Genesis 1 Laser

• Vitamin Injection

• IV Hydration

• PEMF

• Functional Medicine and Specialized Testing

Brain Health

• qEEG Brain Map

• Somadome

• Theta Chamber

• Neurofeedback

• Juvent

• Photobiomodulation Helmet

The Heart of Well-Being: Why How You Live and Feel Matters for Your Heart

by Dr. Fred Harvey

When you think about cardiovascular health, you might immediately picture cholesterol numbers, blood pressure levels, or blocked arteries. And yes, those biomarkers matter. But in over 30 years of practicing medicine, I have seen something just as powerful—how you live, how you feel, and how you nurture human connections also impact your heart.

Your emotional and physical well-being aren’t just bonuses—they are central to the heart’s long-term wellness. If you are over 50 and dealing with chronic conditions like hypertension, fatigue, anxiety, or insufficient sleep, you might notice that stress and emotional strain can make everything worse. That’s not your imagination—it’s biology.

The Heart–Mind

Connection Is Real

Science now confirms what many of us have long suspected: Emotions directly affect the heart. Chronic stress, anxiety, depression, or even anger can activate the release of cortisol and other stress hormones. This raises blood pressure, blood sugar, and inflammation— and over time, those stressors wear down the cardiovascular system.

On the other hand, calm, contentment, gratitude, and a sense of meaning in life can help reset the nervous system. These emotions promote healing, increase heart rate variability (a crucial marker of resilience), and help the body recover from daily strain. This isn’t “soft” science—rather, it’s the foundation of how your heart operates in real life.

Your Life Story Affects Your Heart

If you have experienced a cardiac event or chronic illness, you might feel overwhelmed. But I want you to know this: You’re not stuck. There’s real hope in understanding that simple lifestyle changes—when approached in the right way—can help.

Research shows that folks who feel emotionally regulated, sleep better, maintain vibrant social connections, and have meaning in their days experience fewer heart attacks, strokes, and complications—even if they’re prone to other risk factors.

Feeling isolated, depressed, or exhausted? You’re not alone, but those feelings could be affecting your health more than you realize. Fortunately, these emotions are also treatable. At my practice, we work together to understand not just your medical symptoms, but the physical, mental, emotional, and biochemical root causes behind them.

Healing Is a Whole-Person Process

True cardiovascular care goes far beyond

prescriptions. Of course, medication has its place, but it works best when supported by daily practices that calm the nervous system, nourish the body, and rekindle purpose. This might mean:

• Learning tools to ease stress in real time

• Resolving chronic sleep issues

• Creating a plan for restorative, gentle movement

• Supporting the nervous system and gut—both of which affect the heart

• Reconnecting with joy and meaning

You Can Start Today

If you have been told, “You just have to live with it,” I encourage you to get curious about a different path. You deserve care that looks at the full picture—not just the numbers on a chart. Ultimately, a strong and resilient heart is about more than disease prevention. It’s about living in a way that reflects a holistic picture of who you are on a mental, emotional, and spiritual level. When your well-being improves, your heart often follows.

Dr. Fred Harvey is the Medical Director at Functional Medicine Florida, now offering 100 percent telehealth care. Quadruple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Functional Medicine, and Holistic-Integrative Medicine, Dr. Harvey helps patients across the U.S. recover from chronic illness, optimize health, and thrive at each stage of life. He also hosts Tampa Bay’s number-one health program, The Healthy Steps Radio Show, where he shares real solutions for modern health challenges. Learn more or schedule a virtual consultation at FunctionalMedicineFlorida.com.

A Simple and Sustainable Path to Pain Relief: Q&A with Dr. Eric Winder

by Mary-Elizabeth Schurrer

According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 50 million Americans live with chronic pain on a daily basis. Of those who suffer from this often limiting— sometimes even debilitating—issue, many have sought out numerous treatment protocols without much lasting success.

But what some folks don’t realize is that chronic pain can be resolved by treating restrictions in the fascia, connective tissues that surround each physiological structure in the body—from muscles and bones, to organs and nerves. So how can you find long-term relief from potential fascia restrictions?

Enter: Dr. Eric Winder, the lead practitioner of Gentlebay Chiropractic and a long-time contributor of Natural Awakenings. In this month’s Community Spotlight, Dr. Winder offers his insights on safe, effective, and gentle therapeutic modalities to make healing from chronic pain more accessible—and ultimately, more sustainable.

Natural Awakenings: I hear that GentleBay Chiropractic is expanding your services to include therapeutic massage. Can you describe this transition and how it came about?

Dr. Eric Winder: The Neuro-Fascial therapy technique we use, Neuro-Fascial Strain Release (NFSR), is both gentle and effective, which makes it extremely sought-after. But we were at the limit of how many patients Gentlebay could help, so in the past year we hired two more NFSR-trained massage therapists, Haley and Stephen, to join our practice.

We will also be welcoming another therapist soon, and our new office has enough space to accommodate the increase in appointments. Of course, one bonus of increasing our staff of massage therapists is the unique skills they bring. We can also offer deep tissue and neuromuscular massage, craniosacral therapy, fascial stretching, and more.

NA: For anyone who might be unfamiliar, can you explain what Neuro-Fascial therapy entails, along with the holistic benefits of combining this modality with chiropractic treatment?

Dr. Winder: Traditionally, the treatment of fascia (fibrous connective

tissue) has focused on mechanical ideas of treating an “adhesion” that restricts tissue movement. Neuro-Fascial Strain Release recognizes the latest research on fascia, which indicates that problems with fascia are more neurological than mechanical in nature.

Neuro-Fascial Strain Release is gentle—it activates neurologically stiffened fascia to soften without painful and invasive treatment pressure. Patients tend to find this treatment enjoyable and relaxing. They also are thrilled when it offers benefits like chronic pain relief, postural alignment, or enhanced athletic performance.

NA: How can gentle bodywork treatments, such as Neuro-Fascial therapy, offer sustainable relief from issues like chronic pain or injury, while helping folks invest in their own wellness maintenance and prevent future concerns?

Dr. Winder: To understand how treatments like Neuro-Fascial Strain Release can help with injuries and chronic pain, it’s important to recognize the newest discoveries in fascia research. We are now learning that fascia isn’t only a network of connective tissues—it’s also a body-wide sensory organ, filled with hundreds of millions of nerve endings.

The sensory part of fascia gives us position sense, which we rely on for coordination, stability, joint alignment, and posture. However, we’re not aware of this position sense in the same way that we notice our vision or hearing because it does not reach the conscious part of our brains. Position sense is subconscious and automatic.

Fascia can either stiffen or relax, both of which are controlled by the nervous system. It often stiffens with injury, but it should relax as the injury resolves. Unfortunately, sometimes the fascia can get stuck in its injury response state.

This stiffness isn’t necessarily due to specific damage or adhesion, but it does cause problems by affecting position sense. Altered position sense can cause muscle weakness or imbalance, joint misalignment, instability, and other issues that can lead to pain anywhere in the body. When we use gentle bodywork therapies like NFSR to restore flexibility to stiff fascia, it restores joint alignment, stability, and muscular balance. This is a highly effective—and usually sustainable—method for treating chronic pain and restoring normal function.

Patients often ask for wellness visits before I even mention the possibility. After they see how well their bodies start responding to the relief from chronic pain, it just makes sense to get an occasional tune-up to protect against future issues.

NA: What would you tell someone who has exhausted other forms of treatment and still cannot find lasting relief, but might feel hesitant to

Dr. Winder: When someone seeks out a provider for relief, I find the main barrier to trying a new treatment method is the perception of safety and effectiveness. Fortunately, our therapies are extraordinarily safe because we use gentle, hands-on techniques rather than forceful joint manipulation. However, I also want to point out that traditional chiropractic joint manipulation is also quite safe, which is why chiropractic malpractice insurance costs are so low, compared to some other healthcare providers.

Our practice’s effective results speak for themselves as well. We do minimal advertising because most of our patients come from referrals. Most are referred by other satisfied patients, but doctors, personal trainers, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals also refer folks to our office based on our success.

We always refer out any case that we don’t think we can help with; however, the list of issues we can help with is extensive—from headaches and neck stiffness, to knee and ankle pain, to spinal misalignment and pelvic issues, to shoulder, elbow and wrist problems. Due to the neurological nature of fascia, our treatment methods also frequently help issues like vertigo, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic migraines.

Eric Winder, D.C., uses gentle manual therapy and rehab techniques to help patients with a wide range of pain and injury problems. Dr. Winder’s office is in the Gulf Gate area of Sarasota. For more information, call 941-9578390 or visit Gentlebay.com.

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Heart Health: How Acupuncture Can Support Your Heart

by Christina Captain, DAOM, Dipl. Ac., L.Ac.

What comes to mind when you hear the words, “heart health?”

Chances are, you think of medications, blood pressure numbers, cholesterol, and intimidating medical tests. If you’ve been told you have heart disease, a weakened heart, or heart failure, it can feel overwhelming and even terrifying. Patients often express to me, “I’m doing everything my doctor told me to do, but I still don’t feel well.” Instead, they feel tired, short of breath, anxious, or limited in their daily lives despite being told their condition is stable.

What often gets overlooked is that heart health is not just about the heart muscle itself. It’s also about how stressed the nervous system is, how well the body recovers, how

you sleep, how efficiently you convert oxygen, and how you digest food. Because these systems are connected, when they’re out of balance, the heart has to work harder than it should.

This is where acupuncture can play a crucial and supportive role alongside your medical care. A cardiologist might talk about something called ejection fraction, which is simply a method of measuring how well the heart circulates blood. A lower number means the heart is working less efficiently. While medications and conventional treatments are essential, many folks still deal with symptoms even when their test results don’t change much.

Interestingly, research shows that when acupuncture is used as an adjunct to conventional care, improvements in heart function, exercise tolerance, and overall quality of life

can follow. Not every study shows changes in numbers like ejection fraction, but many show something just as important—many folks function better and feel better. For patients, that matters.

One of the reasons acupuncture can be helpful is because it allows the body to shift out of constant “stress mode” and into what we call “repair mode.” Living with heart problems often keeps the body on high alert. For instance, you might notice that your breathing feels shallow, your sleep is restless, your energetic reserves low, or your mind feels constantly worried. Over time, that stress places extra strain on the heart.

Acupuncture works gently and naturally to calm the nervous system. It helps the body relax, improves circulation, enhances breathing, and lowers inflammation. Many patients describe the experience as the first time in a long while that their bodies feel at rest. This sense of calm isn’t just emotional and physiological—it’s crucial for heart health.

Medical studies have looked at acupuncture in folks with heart conditions, including heart failure, and found improvements in walking endurance, shortness of breath, heart rhythm balance, stress levels, and quality of life. These can seem like small changes, but together, they can significantly enhance a person’s daily life.

Stress, in particular, plays a much larger role in heart health than most realize. The heart and the nervous system are deeply interconnected. When stress hormones stay elevated for long periods of time, the heart is forced to work harder, and healing slows down. Acupuncture helps activate the body’s natural calming response—sometimes called the “rest and repair” system. For many, this state of reset can feel transformative.

Everyone responds differently, but patients often tell us they can sleep deeper, breathe easier, feel calmer, and summon more energy over the course of each day. Tasks that once felt exhausting become more

manageable. These shifts might feel subtle at first, but over time they can compound into life-altering outcomes.

Acupuncture is always meant to be used alongside your medical care—not instead of it. Our goal is to support the body’s natural healing abilities, help you feel more stable and resilient, reduce unnecessary stress on the heart, and increase overall quality of life. Treatment plans are personalized and usually involve a series of visits because real change occurs incrementally and gradually, not just in a single session.

Safety is always our foremost priority. Acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a licensed and experienced practitioner, so we take the time to carefully review your entire health history and work within your comfort level. If you ever experience new or worsening heart symptoms, medical care should always come first.

If you’ve been told, “This is just how it is now,” or, “Your tests look normal,” when you still feel awful,” please know this: You don’t have to feel stuck. Acupuncture isn’t about curing heart disease. It’s about helping the body function better, recover more easily, and restore a sense of balance and hope. Your heart works hard on a daily basis. It deserves support, so if you want to explore a more integrative, compassionate approach to heart health, we invite you to call our office and schedule a consultation. We will be honored to come alongside you.

Dr. Captain is a highly skilled expert in the field of Acupuncture. She has performed over 200,000 patient treatments in her career which spans over two decades. In addition to lecturing and teaching across the country and globe, her practice in Sarasota serves as a training facility for healthcare practitioners all over the U.S. and internationally. Dr. Captain’s knowledge and enthusiasm for wellness has earned her a nationwide reputation as a qualified lecturer, keynote speaker, and expert teacher. For more information, visit ScanSRQ.com or call 941-951-1119.

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A Whole-Hearted Life

The Daily Choices That Help Our Hearts Thrive

by Hannah Tytus

Ahealthy heart is built from the inside out. Each day presents opportunities to nurture vitality through dietary choices, physical activity, restful periods, social connections and personal fulfillment. These ordinary decisions profoundly impact the long-term trajectory of cardiovascular well-being.

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 32 percent of global fatalities and affecting families across diverse communities. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates that one in three deaths in the United States can be attributed to this devastating disease. Behind these sobering statistics lies the reassuring fact that small, daily choices can help protect the heart.

Heart-Healthy Foods

Among the most studied heart-supportive eating strategies are the Mediterranean Diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet, which help regulate cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation. Both emphasize the consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and nuts, while limiting saturated fat and processed meats. Additionally, eating fatty fish provides whole-food omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to be more effective than comparable supplements in supporting heart health, according to a 2018 study published in JAMA Cardiology.

Dr. Regina Druz, based on Long Island, New York, is the founder of Holistic Heart Centers of America and a board-certified specialist in cardiology and functional medicine. Her expertise lies in heart disease prevention through holistic, lifestyle-driven care. She is the author of a forthcoming book, Longevity Code: How to Age-Proof Yourself for Optimal Health.

A proponent of the Mediterranean Diet, Druz encourages patients to build a way of eating that feels natural, flavorful and balanced. She emphasizes the significance of meal timing and its alignment with a person’s circadian rhythm. She also often recommends moderate intermittent fasting, as long as it is done safely, sustainably and personalized to the individual.

According to Druz, dietary changes are most powerful when they are part of a larger, three-pillared foundation that includes exercise, nutrition and sleep. She discourages people from searching for a single magic bullet and instead invites them to build a way of eating that feels natural, flavorful and balanced.

Mindfulness and Mood

The intricate connection between the mind and heart is often underestimated. Chronic stress can elevate blood pressure and induce inflammation, placing a burden on the cardiovascular system. Stress reduction does not have to be complicated. Even a few minutes of mindful breathing or meditation can shift the body into a more relaxed state, offering the heart a small but meaningful reprieve.

Mindful awareness practices appear to have favorable effects on blood pressure, cortisol levels and inflammatory markers, suggesting that everyday mind-body tools can provide meaningful support. A 2007 report published by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found that Transcendental Meditation (TM), qigong and Zen Buddhist meditation yielded modest reductions in high blood pressure. A 2019 meta-analysis of TM for heart disease demonstrated improvements in blood pressure levels.

Biofeedback involves measuring bodily functions, particularly heart rate variability, to enable individuals to consciously alter these functions. It can track how slow breathing techniques help the heart relax. Notably, biofeedback has been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure levels, according to a 2024 meta-analysis study published in Nature

Healing Power of Slumber

Sleep is integral to heart health. A 2017 study published in Chest reports an association between insomnia and cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure and heart failure. Furthermore, a 2011 study in Circulation demonstrates a link between insomnia and a moderately increased risk for a heart attack.

Druz collaborates with sleep specialists that use wearable technology, such as the SleepImage device, to assess sleep quality in real time. She has observed that even modest adjustments to sleep habits can yield significant improvements—from changing sleep positions and recalibrating room humidity to optimizing sleep times and reorienting bed pillows. By tracking sleep patterns over time, individuals can identify subtle shifts that contribute to a quantifiably better night’s rest.

Benefits of Consistent Exercise

Regular physical activity remains a cornerstone in reducing cardiovascular risk. The 2004 INTERHEART study, involving nearly 30,000 participants from 52 countries, revealed that moderately intense exercise for four or more hours per week reduced the risk of a heart attack by 12.2 percent.

A 2011 cohort study published in Lancet involving more than 400,000 participants showed that engaging in as little as 15 minutes of daily physical activity can reduce the

risk of mortality by 14 percent and extend life expectancy by an average of three years. Each additional 15-minute interval can further decrease mortality across all age groups, including individuals with preexisting cardiovascular disease.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has emerged as an effective regimen for promoting cardiovascular fitness. According to Druz, HIIT maximizes VO2 max (the maximum volume of oxygen a body can use during intense exercise), a key indicator of cardiovascular health and strong predictor of longevity. However, she acknowledges that HIIT may not be accessible to everyone because it alternates short periods of intense, explosive exercise with brief recovery periods to the point of exhaustion.

In such cases, she recommends incorporating “exercise snacks” into daily routines, which involve brief bursts of movement throughout the day. Walking the dog, carrying groceries, completing household chores or simply standing more frequently can contribute to a less sedentary lifestyle. These accessible steps make it easier to integrate movement into daily living.

Nature’s Rewards

Spending time outdoors provides more than aesthetic appeal and access to fresh air. Living closer to nature has been linked to lower incidences of cardiovascular disease, stress,

diabetes and stroke. Exposure to green space is associated with lower blood pressure, improved heart rate variability and reduced cardiovascular mortality. A 2016 study in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases involving nearly 12,000 participants observed that the more recreation time someone spends outdoors, the less likely they are to die of cardiovascular disease.

The Transformative Energy of Optimism

Outlook influences physiology. Positive emotions, optimism and life satisfaction are associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease and reduced mortality. The American Heart Association (AHA) notes that compared to pessimistic individuals, optimistic people have better vascular health, fewer heart attacks and lower cardiovascular mortality. Among individuals with established disease, those that are optimistic about their treatment and recovery often experience better rates of long-term survival and enhanced function.

Optimism is a skill, not a fixed trait. The AHA identifies Type D (or “distressed”) personality traits, characterized by negative emotions and increased self-criticism, as being linked to poorer cardiovascular outcomes. Encouragingly, Type D individuals often respond favorably to cardiac rehabilitation programs that combine physical activity with counseling and psychological support.

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Volunteer work also contributes to well-being. A 2017 study in BMC Public Health determined that regular volunteering is associated with enhanced self-rated health and reduced mortality. Older adults that engaged in volunteer work at least 200 hours per year experienced a 40 percent reduction in hypertension over a four-year period.

These findings underscore the significance of joy and purpose in human life. They are integral to the biology of the heart. When individuals cultivate a more compassionate perspective toward themselves and others, their hearts experience a measurable positive impact.

Dr. Deborah Scandin AP, RRT

Acupuncture Physician

For over 25 years, Dr. Deb Scandin has utilized her unique skills and training combining Acupuncture and Respiratory Therapy.

You will receive the best care during this winter’s cold and flu season.

Dr. Deb is Successful in Treating:

• Colds and flu

• Long Covid

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The Strength of Connection

Relationships exert a powerful influence on health. In a 2016 meta-analysis study published in Heart, researchers determined that poor social relationships were associated with a 29 percent increased risk of cardiovascular disease and a 32 percent increased risk of stroke. Humans are inherently wired for connection, and extended loneliness can have measurable physiological consequences.

“We need each other,” Druz emphasizes. “We are living in a sea of loneliness, and loneliness can be a hugely impactful factor on health.” Making time for family, friendships, community groups or new social circles fosters both emotional well-being and heart resilience.

A full respiratory assessment is provided:

• Ears, Nose, Lungs

• Vital Signs and X-Rays

Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine is the Quickest, Safest and MOST NATURAL way to heal your body for this winter’s cold and flu season.

Contact Dr. Deb Scandin for more information.

Loving Our Heart Back

Cardiovascular health encompasses not only disease prevention, but also the cultivation of a lifestyle that enhances vitality, connection, rest and overall well-being. These choices do not need to be drastic. Incorporating more green vegetables, spending more time in the sun, taking a moment to breathe mindfully, taking a short walk outside, getting a good night’s sleep and reaching out to loved ones can collectively contribute to a foundation that can extend life expectancy and enhance the quality of life.

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.

Garlic Therapy

Eating Our Way to a Healthier Heart

by Marlaina Donato

Fresh garlic is a pungent delight that can jazz up any meal, from hearty winter stews to sautéed vegetables on a bed of healthy grains. Allicin, the compound that gives crushed garlic its distinctive smell, protects the plant from pests and offers humans many health benefits, acting as an antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent; improving gut balance; and supporting cardiovascular and immune health.

Research published last year in Nutrition Reviews indicates that consumption of garlic significantly improves key cardiovascular risk markers, including cholesterol and blood sugar levels, blood pressure, oxidative

stress and inflammatory biomarkers. In a 2022 article, the Cleveland Clinic suggests that red blood cells respond to the sulfur in garlic by creating nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide gases, which relax and expand blood vessels. A 2019 meta-analysis of clinical trials published in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine concludes that supplementation with an aged garlic extract offers similar results to blood pressure-lowering medications. While more research is needed to understand the full-spectrum potential of this kitchen staple, regularly spicing up meals with a clove or two can foster better health.

Maximizing Benefits and Flavor

Mincing, grating or pressing garlic intensifies its pungency, waking up ordinary steamed vegetables when tossed with olive oil or spicing up homemade hummus. Whether regular grocery store-bought, traditional heirloom or locally grown, garlic offers benefits, but following a few easy tips ensures that its nutritious perks remain intact.

According to Natalie Ledesma, a board-certified oncology dietitian and the founder of Natalie Ledesma Integrative & Functional Nutrition Consulting, in San Francisco, it is best to allow chopped or crushed garlic to sit for about 10 minutes before consuming it, cooking with it or adding it to vinaigrettes or other salad dressings. This waiting period maximizes the formation of allicin. Notably, the acidic nature of vinegar or lemon juice compromises allicin’s stability.

“If you compare raw garlic to garlic that has been cooked by various methods, you can see dramatic drops in allicin, one of the purported active ingredients,” advises Dr. Michael Greger, founding member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and author of several national bestsellers, including How Not to Die, The How Not to Die Cookbook and How Not to Age

If garlic must be cooked, he suggests roasting to retain vital qualities that are quickly lost through simmering, high-heat stir-frying and boiling. “It is simple to prepare and can be used to add flavor to almost any dish,” he explains. “After roasting the garlic, you can also puree it in a blender or food processor until smooth, then portion and freeze it for future use.” A head of roasted garlic yields about one-and-a-half to two tablespoons of a delicious paste, which can be slathered on warm bread or sandwiches, whipped into zesty dips, and stirred into creamy mashed potatoes or a bowl of pasta.

“There are other beneficial compounds in garlic that are not deactivated by heat. They include ajoene, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide and S-allyl cysteine, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting benefits,” advises Dr. Joel Fuhrman, a board-certified family physician, president of the Nutritional Research Foundation and author of several bestsellers, including his Eat to Live Cookbook

Hacks for Sensitive Bellies and General Tips

Garlic should be avoided by anyone on pharmaceutical or herbal blood thinners. For those that experience stomach or intestinal upset, Ledesma suggests removing the green sprout inside the garlic clove, a prime culprit for indigestion, or eating only the garlic scapes (the curly green flower stalks that grow on the garlic plant), which are generally well-tolerated.

For less discomfort and added convenience, Fuhrman endorses dehydrated raw garlic granules, noting that they will soften, expand and partially cook when sprinkled over veggies as they are steamed in a pot, enhancing its digestibility.

When purchasing garlic, choose intact heads that are firm to the touch, have plump cloves and do not have a strong odor of garlic—an indication of damage and loss of vital benefits. After chopping or peeling, rubbing cutting boards and hands with fresh lemon juice will remove the pungent garlic aroma. Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWood Smoke.com.

BLACK BEAN STEW WITH PURPLE SWEET POTATOES

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

Mango adds color and a touch of sweetness to this luscious stew. Make it as spicy as desired, adding more or less jalapeño to taste. If purple sweet potatoes are unavailable, any sweet potato varietal will do. Substitute thawed, frozen mango for fresh if the fruit is not in season.

1 large red onion, chopped

2 fresh garlic cloves, minced

2 large purple sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes

1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded and diced

1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)

2 cups vegetable broth or water

2 tsp white miso paste

¼ cup hot water

3 cups salt-free black beans, home-cooked or

blespoons of water over medium heat. Add the red onion, then cover and cook until softened, stirring occasionally, about 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook another 2 minutes. Add a little more water, if needed, to prevent the onion and garlic from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Add the sweet potato, bell pepper, jalapeño (if using) and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender but still firm,

Blend together the white miso paste and ¼ cup of hot water. Stir in the beans, tomatoes in their juice and miso mixture, then simmer gently, uncovered, until heated through, about 5 minutes. Add the mango and cook for 1 more minute, then stir in the cilantro and serve hot.

Recipe courtesy of Dr. Michael Greger.

ZINGY BALSAMIC-LIME VINAIGRETTE

YIELD: 1¼ CUPS FOR APPROXIMATELY 8 SERVINGS

½ cup balsamic vinegar

Juice of 1 freshly squeezed lime

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

1 Tbsp maple syrup or honey

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1 fresh garlic clove, minced or grated

½ tsp sea salt or smoked salt

¼ tsp freshly ground black or white pep-

Combine all ingredients and hand-whisk until well blended. Drizzle vinaigrette over green salads, potato salad, cold green beans, or grilled tofu or shrimp. Store remainder in the refrigerator for up to 1

Recipe courtesy of Marlaina Donato.

1 whole head of garlic or more

Preheat the oven to 400° F.

Use a sharp knife to cut about ⅓ inch off the top of the whole head of garlic to expose the tops of the garlic cloves. Place the bulb inside a terracotta garlic baker or wrap it securely in parchment paper.

Bake in the oven, cut side up, for 30 to 40 minutes or until the garlic cloves are soft. Remove from the oven and open the garlic baker or parchment paper to let the garlic cool.

Remove one garlic clove and squeeze it over a small bowl, allowing the soft, roasted garlic to slip out of the papery skin. If it is not soft and golden brown, return the rest of the bulb to the garlic baker or rewrap it in parchment paper and bake for a few more minutes.

When the garlic is soft inside and cool enough to handle, squeeze out each roasted garlic clove into the bowl. It is now ready to enjoy. To give it a uniform texture, mash it with a fork or puree it in a food processor.

Tip: Roasted garlic can be stored in the refrigerator in a jar or other container with a tight-fitting lid for up to 5 days or portioned and frozen for up to a month.

Recipe courtesy of Dr. Michael Greger.

—Friedrich Nietzsche

Nature’s Cardiologist Herbs and

by Hannah Tytus

Nutrients

That Heal the Heart

Because heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, management of its risk factors, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol, is paramount. “It is easier and more meaningful to prevent disease than to try to reverse the dam- ages,” says holistic cardiologist Joel Kahn, M.D., founder of the Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity, in Michigan and Florida, as well as a clinical professor of medicine at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, in Detroit, and author of several books, including The Whole Heart Solution and The Plant-Based Solution.

An integrative approach that combines nutrition, exercise, stress reduction and proper sleep is advised. Additionally, certain herbs and nutritional supplements may serve to prevent disease, as well as enhance medical care. From ancient botanicals to targeted nutrients, these natural allies offer powerful benefits by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, improving circulation and reducing inflammation.

The Mediterranean Diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet are the most researched for cardiovascular health. The Mediterranean Diet emphasizes locally sourced vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, olive oil, nuts and seafood, with moderate consumption of meat and dairy. The DASH Diet, designed by researchers at the National Institutes of Health, prioritizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy, while limiting sodium, sugar and saturated fat intake. Both diets are well-supported by scientific evidence to improve heart health and reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

Key Supplements

When supplements are warranted, Kahn starts with the basics. “CoQ10 and omega-3s are two very important supplements that work well together,” he asserts. “Most patients on statins [to lower cholesterol] become severely CoQ10 deficient.” CoQ10, a naturally occurring coenzyme, aids in cellular energy production. A 2017 study showed that combining CoQ10 and omega-3s with statins reduced the drug’s negative effects while still lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.

Claudia Joy Wingo, a registered nurse, clinical herbalist and public health educator with more than 45 years of experience, stresses the importance of a nutrient-rich diet over supplements. She prefers whole foods to fish oil supplements. While supplementation can be beneficial, it should ideally accompany whole foods. CoQ10 and omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fatty fish, olive oil and a variety of nuts and seeds.

tissue in your arteries, and your body patches things up by laying down cholesterol and plaques.” Ruptured plaques can block blood flow, causing heart attacks. According to Wingo, the best strategies integrate biomedicine with nutritional and herbal support. Medications control blood pressure, while herbs nourish the surrounding tissue. Many herbs contain antioxidants that fight oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory compounds that may prevent artery damage and atherosclerosis.

Aged Garlic: Although garlic has been used for centuries, modern research has focused on aged extracts specifically for cardiovascular support, which “lower cholesterol, blood pressure, homocysteine and plaque in heart arteries,” according to Kahn.

Pycnogenol (French maritime pine bark extract) and Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica): Kahn recommends combining these two botanical supplements, noting that clinical studies show this pairing can reduce vascular calcifications by approximately 10 percent. Wingo uses gotu kola daily as a tonic herb, adding it to teas for its nervous system-supportive properties that promote mental calmness, improve blood circulation and strengthen blood vessel walls.

Hawthorn: A member of the rose family, hawthorn is Wingo’s most trusted plant for cardiovascular health. Historically used as a heart tonic, it benefits the heart and blood vessels by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, supporting healthy cholesterol levels and protecting the lining of blood vessels. A 2023 review published in Food & Function suggests it may improve circulation, relax blood vessels and prevent the clumping of blood platelets that can lead to clots. Consult with a healthcare provider before starting hawthorn supplements, as it can interact with certain heart medications.

Herbs for Cardiovascular Health

Plant-Centric Nourishment

Emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying vascular issues, Wingo explains, “High blood pressure damages epithelial

L-Carnitine: To treat people recovering from a cardiac event or those with an arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat, Wingo often turns to L-carnitine, which, she asserts, supports the heart’s mitochondria, thus

improving their ability to produce energy.

Ginkgo Biloba: To promote circulation and reduce the risk of plaque-related complications, Wingo occasionally turns to ginkgo biloba to enhance blood flow and help stabilize arterial plaque, lowering the likelihood of rupture.

Polyphenol-Rich Plants: Wingo recommends plants rich in polyphenols for their ability to reduce oxidative stress, including blueberries, cranberries and green tea. For “nervous heart” symptoms, she suggests linden tea, which is used in Europe as a calming agent.

Personalized Treatment and Safety

Both experts stress the importance of personalized, guided care. Instead of following online supplement trends, work with a trained professional to create a targeted plan. Kahn points out that many popular supplements lack significant research and advises choosing reputable, third-party-tested brands. Wingo shares similar concerns about self-medicating with multiple herbs that do not suit the patient’s condition. She emphasizes that herbs should complement, not replace, conventional medicine, and they are most effective when used with prescribed treatments.

Their advice is clear: Research thoroughly and seek the advice of an experienced clinician, such as a naturopath or an herbalist registered with the American Herbalists Guild. It is also important to consult the patient’s treating cardiologist when considering an herb or supplement, as they may interfere with heart medications or cause unintended side effects that are counterproductive.

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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Foot Fitness for Longevity

The Path to Better Balance and Blood Flow

by Maya Whitman

Often overlooked in fitness routines, the feet and ankles are essential to whole-body function, especially as we age. They support balance, proper posture, mobility and even circulatory and lymphatic flow. “The venous system does not have any capability to pump blood from the lower extremities to the heart and relies on our movements to assist the return of blood,” explains Kim Henderson, a chiropractic physician and the founder of Health Clarified, in Northbrook, Illinois. When we walk or exercise, our leg muscles—especially in the calves—contract and compress the deep veins, acting like a pump to force blood upward.

For older adults, runners or anyone focused on holistic health, strengthening and mobilizing the toes, feet and ankles can enhance cardiovascular support, reduce fall risk and restore lower body mechanics. Every year, more than 2 million people suffer from plantar fasciitis-related heel pain, one in four adults over 65 experience falls, and more than 2 million visit emergency rooms for sprained ankles. Simple, consistent exercises can enhance quality of life and prevent injuries at any age. Strong calves, flexible ankles and healthy fascia (connective tissue) make every step more stable.

Causes of Foot Instability

Overpronation is when the foot rolls excessively inward while walking or running, causing the arch to flatten and the ankle to angle inward, leading to potential pain in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, back and

beyond. “We have seen chronic neck and shoulder pain be reduced, even eliminated, by supporting the arch,” notes Henderson, whose patients complete a series of exercises to strengthen the affected muscles.

According to Chicago-based fitness expert Stephanie Mansour, host of the PBS show Step It Up With Steph and a fitness contributor to The Today Show, foot instability and discomfort can have multiple causes, such as wearing ill-fitting shoes, overdoing activities without proper warm-up, ignoring pain, excessive barefoot walking, being overweight and medical conditions like diabetes. Listening to the body, rather than pushing through pain, and promptly addressing minor discomfort are paramount.

“Independence depends on functioning

feet. That limp will lead to imbalances up into the knees, hips, spine and even shoulders,” underscores orthopedic and corrective exercise specialist Matt Hsu, founder of Upright Health, in California. The most common issue, he says, is a lack of dorsiflexion—the ability to pull the toes and forefoot toward the knee. “This throws off our gait and sets us up for Achilles tendon injuries, especially.” Hsu adds that bunions can also affect our ease of movement and suggests wearing shoes with wider toe boxes to prevent the condition.

Essential Exercises

To cultivate good balance, the National Institute on Aging recommends engaging in three sessions of balance exercises per week, including tai chi, yoga or standing on one foot for five to 10 repetitions per leg, holding each for 10 to 30 seconds. To loosen the arch and increase range of motion, the American Association of Retired Persons suggests rolling a small ball for one minute under each foot daily.

“Regular exercise can improve circulation, reduce stiffness and enhance proprioception, which is your body’s awareness of its position in space. This contributes to better overall mobility,” says Mansour, who recommends that the following four exercises be done three or four times a week. Aim for

two to three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions for each foot.

Calf Raises: Using a wall or chair for support, slowly rise onto the balls of the feet, lifting the heels off the ground. Hold for a moment, then slowly lower back down. This strengthens calf muscles and the Achilles tendon.

Toe Curls With a Towel: Sit in a chair and place a flat towel under the feet. Keeping heels on the floor, curl the toes to grab the towel and raise it toward the body. Relax and repeat. This strengthens feet muscles and helps with arch support.

Ankle Circles: In a seated position, move each foot in circles, first clockwise and then counterclockwise. This improves flexibility, balance and range of motion, while also preventing stiffness and injury.

Toe Spread: While sitting or standing, try to spread all the toes apart as wide as possible. Hold for a few seconds, then relax and repeat. This creates a wider base for better balance during movement, strengthens foot muscles and combats bunions, hammertoes and plantar fasciitis.

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Henderson recommends Heel Raises on Stairs: Stand on a step with both heels hanging over the edge. Slowly lift the heels, keeping the legs straight, while standing on the balls of the feet. Now lower the heels down past the level of the step as far as comfortable before repeating the upward movement again. Aim for two sets of 15 to 20 repetitions, four to five times per week.

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Hsu suggests incorporating Tibial Raises: Lean back against a wall with feet 12 to 20 inches apart. Keeping heels down, gently lift the toes toward the shins, then lower them slowly. Repeat until reaching medium fatigue in the shin muscles. Do two sets. This strengthens shins and improves balance, knee support and ankle stability.

Before starting any routine, consult a health professional. Strive for consistency over intensity. Exercise should be a challenge, not cause pain.

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Small Acts, Clear Skies

Daily Changes That Lighten

Our Pollution Load

by Zak Logan

According to the World Health Organization, the combined effects of household and ambient air pollution from particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide and burning fuels are associated with 6.7 million premature deaths annually. Air pollution can trigger or worsen asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung infections, cardiovascular disease, cognitive issues and reproductive problems like low birth weight and birth defects.

“While most people think of highways and factories, many of the biggest contributors to everyday air pollution start at home. Gas stoves, wood-burning fireplaces, scented candles and household cleaning sprays can all release harmful pollutants into the air, even when used in moderation,” states David Lu, co-founder and CEO of Clarity Movement Co., an environmental technology company based in Berkeley, California. Lu notes, “The decisions people make every day—what they drive, how they cook, the products they use in their homes—shape the quality of the air they and their neighbors breathe.” Although the development of cleaner technologies and fuels is paramount, each individual can also be a catalyst for positive change.

Air-Quality Culprits

Indoor air quality has significantly deteriorated in recent decades due to synthetic building materials, chemical-laden personal care products and toxic household cleaners, compounded by energy-saving construction practices that can actually compromise

air-exchange systems and lead to the accumulation of particulate matter (PM). PM, or soot, is a complex mixture of tiny particles and liquid droplets that can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, causing inflammation and oxidative stress, adversely affecting vital organs.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PM can enter indoor spaces through ventilation, open windows and small cracks in the building envelope. “Particle pollution is made up of several components, including nitrate, ammonium and sulfate compounds, organic compounds, metals, and soil or dust particles,” explains EPA Press Secretary Carolyn Holran. “It can be directly emitted or can form when gases emitted from power plants, industrial sources, automobiles and other sources react in the air. The reverse—indoor air sources contributing to outdoor air pollution—can also be significant, particularly in densely populated areas.”

Brian Christman, M.D., professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University and national spokesperson for the American Lung Association, highlights radon as the most overlooked indoor pollutant and second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. This radioactive, odorless gas can accumulate indoors. The EPA recommends radon testing, followed by professional mitigation for high levels.

Christman suggests avoiding volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household items like furniture; wood- and coal-burning stoves, fireplaces and heaters; engineered wood and synthetic flooring; and new carpeting. Other sources of VOCs include

tobacco smoke, interior paints, nail polish remover, chemical air fresheners, scented candles, cleaning sprays, perfumes and drycleaned clothing.

Holran warns of the short- and long-term adverse health effects from VOCs, particularly for children, the elderly and individuals with preexisting respiratory issues. “These pollutants can linger indoors long after the activity is complete, especially in poorly ventilated areas,” she explains.

Lessening Our Impact

Lu underscores the toxic impact of idling cars and gas-powered lawn equipment such as mowers and leaf blowers. “These sources may feel small in isolation but collectively have a measurable impact,” he laments. Idling vehicles release toxins linked to serious health effects. According to the EPA, monitoring at schools has revealed high levels of benzene, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde during school pickups. Turning off engines when idling more than 10 to 30 seconds helps. The agency also offers an IdleFree Schools Toolkit for schools to follow.

An affordable air pollution monitor can assess home air quality, detecting pollutants like PM and carbon monoxide. Holran recommends heat recovery ventilators and energy recovery ventilators to exchange indoor pollutants with fresh air while saving energy. Christman suggests using heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems on the recycle or recirculation setting to minimize the entry of poor outdoor air; scheduling annual HVAC maintenance; and keeping basements and bathrooms dry to prevent mold. He also advocates for eco-friendly cleaners and plain soap and water.

Ultimately, small changes can yield significant results. “Start by identifying habits that don’t actually serve you,” says Lu. “Do you need to idle the car while waiting? Could an air purifier replace a scented air freshener? Is that gas-powered leaf blower really essential? The cleanest choice often isn’t harder— it’s just different.”

Zak Logan is a freelance writer dedicated to healthier living.

Gentle Relief for Growing Pains

Natural Strategies To Ease Body Aches in Children

by Christina Connors

After a day of fun at the park or swimming at a neighbor’s house, children may complain of a little soreness, primarily in the legs. By morning, the discomfort will have disappeared, and the kids will resume their active lifestyles. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as growing pains, although there is limited evidence to suggest a direct correlation with bone growth. The aches are most likely a result of muscle fatigue.

Growing pains are a common occurrence, although their exact cause remains elusive. According to Nina Gold, a board-certified pediatrician at the Paterson Community Health Center, in New Jersey, with 25 years of experience in pediatric emergency care, “The definition, diagnosis and cause of growing pains remains unclear. Despite the name, there may not even be any connection to growing. Most agree it consists of episodic pain, usually in the lower extremities, mostly in the evening or nighttime.”

Typically characterized as aching, cramping or throbbing sensations, they often strike at night or after an active day, leading some researchers to surmise that the pain stems from tired or overworked muscles. A 2025 study published in Nutrients involving 916 young athletes found that 78.5 percent of the children (ages 8 to 12) and 93.5 percent of the adolescents (ages 13 to 17) self-reported growing pains. The researchers noted that this musculoskeletal pain was notably higher among kids engaged in regular sports practice, as only 11 to 15 percent of children and 33 to 44 percent of adolescents in the general pediatric population self-report pain.

Numerous studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to growing pains in children, and

supplementation has been shown to reduce it. A 2015 study published in Medical Principles and Practice involving 120 children with growing pains reported that 86.6 percent were deficient in vitamin D, and oral supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in pain intensity.

Common growing pains usually involve both legs, occur at night and do not cause redness, swelling or daytime limitations. “Parents should be concerned if there is pain on only one side, morning stiffness, joint swelling, redness, persistent or severe pain, or other symptoms such as fever, weight loss or malaise,” cautions Gold. “Children with typical growing pains remain active during the day, so a sudden decrease in daytime activity also warrants evaluation.”

Once more serious conditions are ruled out, gentle, home-based strategies can effectively alleviate discomfort and promote relaxation.

“Reassurance can go a long way for parents and then, by extension, the child,” Gold says. “Knowing that this is benign and self-limiting, and knowing what to watch for should take the worry out of it.”

Strategies To Soothe and Support

Gentle Massage and Warmth: Light massage to the calves, thighs or feet helps reduce muscle tension and calm the nervous system. A warm bath can also provide soothing relief.

Stretching and Gentle Movement: Stretching exercises maintain flexibility and may reduce nighttime cramping. Gold recommends stretching the calf by flexing the foot, stretching the thigh by flexing the knee and stretching the hamstring by extending the leg. Short evening walks or gentle bedtime stretches can help kids unwind after busy days.

Balanced Nutrition and Hydration: “Eating a well-rounded diet is always ideal and should be encouraged to facilitate good muscle, bone and joint health,” says Gold. Check vitamin D levels and then supplement if a deficiency is found. Magnesium-rich foods like bananas, green vegetables and nuts may help with muscle relaxation. Gold recommends a multivitamin and stresses the importance of proper hydration. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends four cups of fluids daily for 1-to-3-year-olds, five cups for 4-to-8year-olds and seven to eight cups for older children. Plain water is the best choice.

Mind-Body and Sensory Techniques

:

Simple relaxation strategies can reduce nighttime discomfort. “During the day, kids tend to be busy, and then at night there is more focus on the pain,” explains Gold. “Sometimes children like a different sensation, such as gentle tickling of the extremity followed by a light massage and warm compress, to replace the pain sensation with a more pleasant feeling.” Breathing exercises, guided imagery or calming bedtime routines can also ease stress around recurring discomfort.

Occasional Medication: Growing pains are noninflammatory and self-limiting, so medication is not usually necessary. Still, Gold reassures parents that an occasional dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief is also an option.

Prevention Strategies: For active kids, “Taking rest breaks during an intense exercise day and participating in a variety of sports or activities so that several muscle groups are used might help prevent or lessen the pain,” says Gold.

A Gentle Journey Through the Growing Years

Growing pains can be frustrating, especially when they interrupt sleep or cause worry. Most children outgrow them by late childhood. With gentle, supportive strategies families can help children move through these phases more comfortably.

Christina Connors is a writer, keynote singer and workshop facilitator. Learn more at ChristinaConnors.com.

Comfort in Motion

Holistic Joint Support for Dogs and Cats

by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN

As dogs and cats age, their joints can gradually degenerate, causing stiffness and pain. Instead of vocalizing their discomfort, animals tend to alter their movement patterns and behaviors. Signs may include hesitation on stairs, stiffness after rest, or reluctance to jump or remain active. While conventional medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly prescribed, they are not the sole best, long-term solution. Natural and integrative therapies can complement standard veterinary care, assisting pets in maintaining comfort and mobility in everyday life.

Effects of Osteoarthritis

The most common cause of joint stiffness in older pets is osteoarthritis, a form of cartilage degeneration that can arise from aging, past injuries, excessive body weight, prolonged overuse or poor joint structure, such

as hip or elbow dysplasia, where the joint surfaces do not fit properly. As the cartilage thins, the joint becomes inflamed and painful, leading to decreased movement, muscle loss and further stiffness.

In the 2017 review article “Physical Rehabilitation for the Management of Canine Hip Dysplasia” published in Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, orthopedic surgeon David Dycus and colleagues highlight the significant impact of osteoarthritis on mobility, particularly in large-breed dogs. They stress the importance of using appropriate support strategies to preserve comfort and mobility. A comprehensive treatment plan may combine medication, weight management, supervised exercise, rehabilitation and complementary therapies such as ice and heat application, massage, acupuncture and other physical modalities.

Integrative Therapies

These restorative therapies work best when veterinarians coordinate their administration within a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan.

Acupuncture has been shown to help alleviate pain and inflammation in pets affected by chronic or mobility-related conditions. This traditional Eastern medicine practice involves inserting needles into specific acupoints to influence nerve pathways, circulation and pain processing. A 2017 prospective study published in The Canadian Veterinary Journal examined 181 dogs with neurological or musculoskeletal disease. Dogs receiving acupuncture exhibited a reduction in chronic pain. A 2023 meta-analysis of 21 animal studies in Frontiers revealed that acupuncture treatment for arthritis increased tolerance to pain and reduced joint swelling.

Underwater treadmill therapy is especially useful for dogs with hip dysplasia. The buoyancy provided by the water supports much of the dog’s weight, resulting in less painful movement, while simultaneously strengthening muscles. Dycus notes that when the water is elevated to hip level, dogs can bear approximately 38 percent of their body weight on their limbs, enabling them to engage in range of motion and endurance exercises without straining their affected joints.

Massage therapy was found to be effective in lowering pain scores and boosting the frequency of positive quality-of-life ratings in 527 dogs with chronic pain, according to a 2021 cross-sectional study published in Veterinary Record

Therapeutic, or cold, laser therapy uses specific light wavelengths to reduce pain, support tissue repair and minimize inflammation. Clinicians apply the laser to designated regions during brief, generally well-tolerated sessions. Over a series of treatments, some pets exhibit a smoother gait and greater willingness to move.

Owners see these effects most frequently when they simultaneously optimize weight management, environmental conditions and daily activity levels.

Nutrition and Supplementation

“Keeping joints healthy involves making sure we are providing the causes of health in the foods and treats we feed each patient,” says Dr. Barbara Royal, founder of The Royal Treatment Veterinary Center, in Chicago. She advocates for species-appropriate, nutrient-dense diets made from well-sourced ingredients, while limiting excessive carbohydrate consumption, highly processed additives and environmental exposures that can promote inflammation and compromise joint function. She also emphasizes an individualized approach to joint supplementation, recognizing that no single product meets the needs of every pet.

Royal supports targeted combinations of nutrients that include omega-3 fatty acids from small fish sources like sardines or anchovies to help modulate inflammation, along with turmeric for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. A 2025 review article, “Nutritional Strategies for Managing Joint Health in Companion Animals”, published in Animal Advances, supports this strategy, highlighting omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant-rich compounds like curcumin in modulating inflammation and slowing joint disease progression.

Additionally, Royal incorporates cartilage-supporting nutrients such as glucosamine and botanicals like boswellia to promote joint comfort and alleviate the effects of osteoarthritis. Given the influence of gut health on systemic inflammation, Royal frequently recommends probiotics and, in select cases, periodic vitamin B12 supplementation to maintain nerve, gut and joint function as part of a comprehensive care plan.

Ruth Roberts, an integrative veterinarian and holistic health coach for pets, is the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.

Weaving Gold Into Life’s Story

by Marlaina Donato

In the depths of winter, our sorrow, disappointment and old longings can feel heavier, making us question if sunlight will ever return to our hearts. Like a bare February land scape, pain strips us to the honest bone.

Kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending broken pottery with precious metals like gold, serves as an inspiration for life. When our joy or stability shatters, we can trans form the remaining pieces into something beautiful. Our hard-earned wisdom, self-compassion and unwavering faith act like precious metals, softening the edges and filling the deep cracks of our brokenness.

Witnessing a loved one fall apart is challenging, but sometimes our greatest act of support is allowing them the space to unearth the metaphorical gold needed for their own repair. Healing is a private and unique journey into the deep self, enabling the art of being fully human.

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on,” said poet Robert Frost, who endured the unspeakable

loss of both parents at a young age, as well as the deaths of his wife and four of their six children. Like Frost, who turned tragedy into an artistic legacy, we can cultivate new life from our barren seasons and ruined harvests. We can take our darkest hours in hand to become mended vessels capable of holding future joy.

To embody the ancient metaphorical art of Kintsugi, consider these inspirations:

• Handwrite your losses on one piece of paper and the things that remain on another. Frame the latter and place it somewhere as a daily reminder.

• Tear heavy craft paper into large pieces; write a loss on each one, then reassemble the pieces. Pour metallic paint between the seams, let it dry and frame under glass as an art piece.

• Visualize being a tree with deep roots reaching into an underground river of gold, drawing up nourishment.

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

What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.

—John Steinbeck

Calendar of Events

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1

Star Harmony Sound Medicine Ceremony: Under the Leo Full Moon - 4-6pm. A gentle GYROKINESIS® followed by a deeply restorative sound medicine ceremony supporting emotional release, nervous system regulation, and heart-centered integration. Designed to calm, ground, and restore clarity in an intimate, supportive setting. Cinde Carroll, 2886 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. Signup here: AquarianSoundMedicine.com/under-the-leofull-moon

Manatee Spirit Full Moon Sound Bath 7:30-9pm, Feb 1 & 2. Space for 11 guests. Both events blend affirmations, meditation, breath work, 60-minute sound bath, and heart connection. Manatee Spirit is a sanctuary-style sound healing studio located in southwest Bradenton, just 4.4 miles from Anna Maria Island. $20/pp. Reservations, 941-201-0069,  Info@ManateeSpirit.com, ManateeSpirit.com.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5

Open Mic: Live Music, Storytelling & Poetry7:30-9:30pm. Join Flobucha for a special evening of fun and entertainment on the first Thursday of each month. You can bring your own instruments or use theirs. They have a piano, electric and acoustic guitars plugged into our amp as well as two microphones. Bring your own songs, stories and poems, or just your heart to listen. Free samples are offered of their 16 Flobucha flavors. Or you can purchase a flight of 6 glasses and bottles of various sizes. Flobucha, 2725 Mall Dr., Gulf Gate, Sarasota, 941-248-2133, Flobucha.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6

Star Harmony Sound Medicine Ceremony: Restoring Coherence - 6:30-8pm. Within the scalar energy field, a gentle sound medicine ceremony to support nervous system regulation, heart–kidney balance, and deep relaxation. Experience coherence, integration, and calm in zero-G chairs. Pre-registration required. Opt for Light, 2055 Wood St. STE. 120, Sarasota. Signup here: AquarianSoundMedicine.com/restoring-coherence

Flobucha AI Café - 7-8pm. An evening of shared inquiry and conversation about technology that has become part of daily life. Artificial intelligence is changing how we write, think, create, and communicate. Visit the Flobucha AI Café — a relaxed, drop-in conversation exploring how AI responds to the tone, framing, and intention of our questions, and what that reflects back to us. Guided by Steven Vedro, a former public telecommunications technology consultant and writer who has been exploring the relationship between media, consciousness, and human presence. He’ll offer a few starter prompts, share group reflections, and experiment with crafting questions that invite more coherent, grounded, and useful responses. Flobucha, 2725 Mall Dr.,

Gulf Gate, Sarasota, 941-248-2133, Flobucha.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Silent Meditation Retreat – Kadampa Meditation Center Florida – Drop in - 10am-3pm. Silent Retreat. Everyone Welcome to join for a half-day of personal rejuvenation during this half day of silence and self-reflection. $40 (Includes lunch). Register online: MeditationInSarasota.org or Retreat schedule link: MeditationInSarasota.org/ event/buddha-shakyamuni-blessing-empowerment/ Meditation Center Florida, 730 N. Washington Blvd., Sarasota, 941-373-1600.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Manatee Spirit Second Sunday Sound Bath6:30-8:30pm. Feb. 8 & Mar. 8, Six spaces available for guests. $30/pp. Manatee Spirit is a sanctuary-style sound healing studio located in southwest Bradenton, just 4.4 miles from Anna Maria Island. Reservations, 941-201-0069, Info@ManateeSpirit.com, ManateeSpirit.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Sound + Flo Event at Flobucha - 6:30-8pm. Unwind your mind and refresh your senses with Steph. Experience the harmonious blend of relaxation and flavor with a soothing sound meditation session followed by a curated kombucha tasting. Let the resonating tones guide you to a place of calm while savoring our handcrafted, premium raw kombucha. This event is perfect for connecting with yourself and our community in a tranquil, welcoming space. $44. Includes a 6oz. glass of Kombucha. Flobucha, 2725 Mall Dr., Gulf Gate, Sarasota, 941-248-2133, Flobucha.com.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12

Free Event at Selby Library! Fascinating Unexplained Phenomenon - 3pm-4:15pm, and 2ND Thurs. monthly. Speakers include authors, scientists and scholars. Sponsored by IANDS (Inter. Ass. for Near-Death Studies) - branches worldwide since 1982. State-of-the-art equip. in a large comfortable setting. Facilitator: Bob Waxman, Ph.D., 2 hr. free parking. No reservations. 941-7245151, Iands.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13

Drop In Weekend Retreat - Kadampa Meditation Center Florida - The Secret to True Love7-8:15pm, Feb 13, and 10am-3pm, Feb. 14th. Love brings peace, joy, meaning, and connection to our lives. In this retreat, visiting teacher Sarah Frew will introduce us to special meditations and insights that will help us identify the keys for truly joyful and meaningful relationships with others. $45. Register online: MeditationInSarasota.org or Retreat schedule link: MeditationInSarasota.org/ event/buddha-shakyamuni-blessing-empowerment/ Meditation Center Florida, 730 N. Washington Blvd., Sarasota, 941-373-1600.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Three-Month Planner

Star Harmony Sound Medicine Ceremony: My Aquarian Valentine - 6-7:30pm. A grounding, heart-centered ceremony guided by crystal bowls, gongs, and subtle vibrational layering. Nourish & Flourish March

Supporting relationships, nervous system regulation, emotional integration, and deep rest as the lunar cycle closes with herbal tea & essential oils. Kenshō Studio, 4141 S. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota. Signup here: AquarianSoundMedicine.com/ my-aquarian-valentine

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15

“Group Past Life Regression” - 1-3:30pm. This class is offered by Annemarie Martins after service in the Flexer Healing Chapel. Class limited to 20 (please bring a journal and a water bottle). $30. Tickets online or call the office. No walk-ins please. SarasotaCenterofLight.com or 941-9536620.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18

2026 - Are You Experiencing Spiritual Awakenings? - 4-5pm. Lecture and discussion about what is happening spiritually today in our lives. 2026 is supposed to be the year of Spiritual Awakenings. How do we know if we are having them?  The Study of Spiritual Science broadens our ability to understand what is happening to all of us. Bring all your questions. Presented by Joe Savage, lecturer and host of Spiritual Science Study Groups for over 25 years. Free. Location: Selby Library, Jack J Gelbart Auditorium, 1331 1st St., Sarasota. For more info.: 941-356-0669.

Cacao Exploration Workshop at Flobucha6-7:30pm. Join Flobucha for a heart-opening Cacao Ceremony. They will explore the energy of the day and a bit about the Mayan Cosmovision in general as they share a cup of heart-opening, nourishing cacao. While you’re there, don’t miss out on trying some delicious handcrafted Kombucha - a perfect complement to the cacao journey. Come with an open heart and a curious mind. Pre-registration is required so that there is enough cacao prepared for everyone who attends. Registration will close at 3pm the day of the event. Please use the link below to register: Avocadotozen.com/cacao-flobucha. Flobucha, 2725 Mall Dr., Gulf Gate, Sarasota, 941-248-2133, Flobucha.com.

Star Harmony Sound Medicine Ceremony: 1-Year Anniversary at Prana - 6-7:30pm. A deeply grounding ceremony with crystal bowls and gongs, supporting nervous system regulation, emotional integration, and restorative rest. Guided by lunar and seasonal rhythms we honor a year of shared resonance. Prana Yoga, 3840 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota. Signup here: AquarianSoundMedicine.com/1-year-anniversary-at-prana

Manatee Spirit Universal Wisdom and Meditation Course  - 6:30pm-9pm, Feb.18,19, & 20. Calling all consciousness-expanding-curious. Includes the Five-Minute Quality Meditation, an 80-page PDF, and Wisdom Seeker weekly Zoom meetings. Online with Zoom or in-person at Manatee Spirit, $165. Manatee Spirit is a sanctuary-style sound healing studio located in southwest Bradenton, just 4.4 miles from Anna Maria Island, 941-201-0069,  Info@ManateeSpirit.com, ManateeSpirit.com.

Cosmic Center Mediumship for Begin-

ners-Meeting your Guides and Teachers Course - 6:30-8:30pm, and every next Wed. for 6 weeks (6-week class). Rev Mary Linn Clarke is back at the Cosmic Center and is offering an Introductory Class for Mediumship. Learn how to properly connect with your Spiritual Guides and Teachers and know who your individual Guides are and the role they play in your life. This will create a solid foundation for part 2 of the sixweek class. This is a certified course, and each class builds on the other. Rev. Mary Linn is a second-generation Psychic Medium and author of the book “My Life’s Experiences in the Proof of Psychic Phenomenon” She was raised in metaphysics since the age of 13 and developed under well-known Mediums in Florida and Chesterfield, Indiana. She is also a psychic Artist of your Guides and Teachers. $150. one-time payment or $75. with 2 installments. Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Meadows, Bldg G-2, Sarasota, 941-371-9333, CCOSL.com, Facebook and Instagram.

A Way with Words: A Poetic Venture7-8:30pm. Mark your calendars for the 3rd Wed. of each month. Door opens at 6:30pm to first come, first read/sign up. Offer up your diverse creative expression of poetry or prose to an attentive and appreciative audience. Readings are 5 min per reader. $5 admission for audience or reader. At Rising Tide, 5102 Swift Rd. Sarasota. Presented by Rev. Zan Benham, 941-922-7839, or Zan@woman-spirit.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Manatee Spirit Whole Food Plant-Based Oil-Free Course  - 4-7pm, Feb. 21 & 11am2:30pm, Feb. 22. Take the 21-day spring challenge. $165. Manatee Spirit is a sanctuary-style sound healing studio located in southwest Bradenton, just 4.4 miles from Anna Maria Island, 941-201- 0069, Info@ManateeSpirit.com,  ManateeSpirit.com.

Free - “Poets in Conversation” - Real Talk with Writers - Via Zoom - 4pm. For anyone who writes or wants to. A gentle, welcoming space for poets and writers to come as they are to connect, converse and be in community. This is a conversational gathering. Not structured as a workshop or class, just real talk among writers and those interested in learning. Participants are invited to bring poems, stories or any writing they wish to share aloud. Sharing is optional, but this is a supportive space where you may find thoughtful feedback and gentle encouragement. Whether you’re seeking connection, insight, or simply the comfort of being heard by fellow writers, this circle offers a soft, respectful, and inspiring environment to nurture your voice. For more info call or text 941-830-3040 or sign up at ZenfulConversations.com.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Stem Cell Seminar at Renewed Life Wellness - 12pm. In this seminar you will learn how regenerative medicine, like stem cell therapy, can successfully treat your joint pain without the use of drugs or surgery. You can get long lasting pain relief if you suffer from knee, hip, wrist, shoulder, back or neck pain. To attend this free seminar,

mention this event listing and call 941-376-1488. Visit RenewedLifeWellnesscenter.com for more information. Renewed Life Wellness, 5664 Bee Ridge rd., STE. 102, Sarasota.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27

Manatee Spirit Transformational Sound Healing Course Level 1 - 6-9pm. Feb. 27 & 28. In-person. As a career cello coach, I break down how to lead a sound bath with intent and joy. Certification levels 1 & 2 courses available. $165. Manatee Spirit is a sanctuary-style sound healing studio located in southwest Bradenton, just 4.4 miles from Anna Maria Island, 941-201-0069, Info@ ManateeSpirit.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Drop-In Class - Kadampa Meditation Center Florida - Simply Meditate - 10am-10:45am. Join us for a 45-minute guided meditation class designed to help you relax, reset, and reconnect. This session will include guided meditation and some useful tips that will help you with your meditation practice. Whether you’re new to meditation or experienced, join us for 45 minutes to simply meditate. $10/class. Register online: MeditationInSarasota.org. Meditation Center Florida, 730 N. Washington Blvd., Sarasota, 941-373-1600.

PLAN AHEAD

TUESDAY, MARCH 3

Illumination: Planetarium Sound Medicine Ceremony - 6-8pm. Following a rare full lunar eclipse this immersive ceremony supports nervous system regulation, deep integration, and embodied clarity and insight. Experience harmonic sound within the planetarium dome as a gentle re-orientation toward balance and coherence. Bishop Planetarium, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Signup here: AquarianSoundMedicine.com/Illumination

Manatee Spirit Full Moon Sound Bath  - 7:309pm, Mar. 3 & 4. Space for 11 guests. Both events blend affirmations, meditation, breath work, 60-minute sound bath, and heart connection. Manatee Spirit is a sanctuary-style sound healing studio located in southwest Bradenton, just 4.4 miles from Anna Maria Island. $20/pp. Reservations, 941-201-0069,  Info@ManateeSpirit.com, ManateeSpirit.com.

Ongoing Events

Sunday

Cosmic Center Sunday Sabbath Services10:30am. In person and on Zoom. Join our rotation of reverends every Sunday as we connect with our Family of Light. First Sunday - Open Heart Divine Healing Service with Rev. Sharon-Elizabeth (Baba Sharone) and experience sound healing through the rare and unique 4 Quadrant Pythagorean Lambdona Harmonic Keyboard at 528 Hertz. Through the Divine Names of God and conscious intention we create the Sacred Space to connect to the Healing Power of the Divine. Expect Miracles! Second Sunday - A Channeling of Dimensions of Love with Rev. Mery-Lynn Clarke. She will Uplift, Guide, Inspire, Heal and help promote Peace and Harmony in the Heart. Third Sunday - Ecstatic Kabbalah with Rev. Annie Eng anchored in Kabbalah Tree of Life Ceremony and Wisdom. Fourth Sunday – Rev. Robin brings you wisdom teachings from around the world and ages, accompanied with her crystal harp. Fifth Sunday – Rev. Ildigo Varga, experience the spiritual energy of Divine Protection. This service helps you align with the Higher Wisdom and blessing that is available to all of us. Love Donation. Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Meadows, Bldg G-2, Sarasota, 941-371-9333, CCOSL.com, Facebook and Instagram.

Sarasota Center of Light Sunday Morning Celebration Service, In-Person and Zoom - 11am, in person healing at 10:30 in the Sanctuary before service. Join us as we come together as a spiritual family and community, sharing our love and light for ourselves, for each other, and the world. Be a part of sharing the energy and illumination of our hearts and souls together through conversation, music, meditation, a talk and affirmation and messages. Sarasota Center of Light, 852 S Tuttle Ave. 941-953-6620, SarasotaCenterOfLight.com.

Drop-In Meditation Classes – Kadampa Meditation Center Florida - How to Think Like a Meditator - 11am-12:15pm. Enjoy practical teachings every Sunday that offer methods for solving all of our daily problems and help to develop positive minds such as peace, love, and compassion. Kids class is available at the same time (ages 5 - 12). Everyone is welcome. $15/Class. Register online: MeditationInSarasota.org. Kadampa Meditation Center Florida, 730 N. Washington Blvd., Sarasota, 941-373-1600.

Drop-In Kid’s Meditation Classes – Kadampa Meditation Center Florida – Meditation for Kids - 11am-12:15pm. Our kids program includes guided meditation with a short teaching to help cultivate positive qualities such as patience, kindness, and compassion. Kids will learn about caring and sharing through stories, playful activities and crafts. $5/suggested donation/ members free. Register: Parent to complete onsite registration form on day of attendance and must remain on premises for the duration of the class session. Kadampa Meditation Center Florida, 730 N. Washington Blvd., Sarasota, 941-3731600, MeditationInSarasota.org.

Cosmic CenterThe Ringing Cedars Series

Monthly Book Club - 12:30-2pm, starting Jan. 25th and every 4th Sun. monthly. We will be discussing the information contained in a series of books entitled “Anastasia of the Ringing Cedars,” which speaks of knowledge that was preserved over the centuries by Druid priests who live in a Siberian forest. The Book of Kin gives detailed information about the history and wisdom of the “Vedrus” that lived in ancient Eurasia in full awareness of God and in harmony with the entire cosmos. Anastasia teaches that we can communicate and commune with all of nature, remote view, and heal ourselves and others with our heart rays by directing our consciousness. We will be reading the book material as well as practicing the healing and remote viewing techniques. In-person or online. Love offering $10. Zoom Registration Link Below: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ eak84vRHQtmH7ZEHIxQO2g Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Meadows, Bldg G-2, Sarasota, 941-371-9333, CCOSL.com, Facebook and Instagram.

Cosmic Center Study Group the Pistis Sophia - The Faith of Wisdom with Kim Converse1-4pm, 2nd Sun. In-person. Join Kim Converse, our Keys of Enoch® facilitator, as we embark on the study of the Pistis Sophia, an ancient Coptic Gnostic text (gnosis means ‘knowledge’) with commentary by Drs. J.J. Hurtak and Desiree Hurtak. The Pistis Sophia “the Faith of Wisdom” is a teaching given to the disciples of Jesus after his resurrection as the Christed Jesus for a period of 11 years not only to his male disciples, but also to his female disciples. $20. per month. “Pistis Sophia” book $50 plus shipping at: KeysofEnoch.org. KimConverse@gmail.com with questions. Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Meadows, Bldg G-2, Sarasota, 941-3719333, CCOSL.com, Facebook and Instagram.

The OM Shamanic Sound Journey - 3-4pm, 4th Sun. of each month. Performed by Resonance. One-of-a-kind blend of hypnotic induction & immersive amplified musical composition with 4 sound musicians and over 150 sound healing instruments. Always sells out- reserve now. $85. The Om Shoppe, 4801 S. Tamiami Tr #5, Sarasota, 941-706-3257, TheOMShoppe.com or TheOMShoppeandSpa.com.

Monday

“Health & Nutrition”- 10-11am. With Fred Harvey, MD of The Harvey Center for Integrative Medicine. Health & nutrition is a live call-in or email Ask the Doc health show from 10-11 on WMNF 88.5FM public radio Tampa. Email questions to DJ@WMNF.org

Drop-In Meditation Classes – Kadampa Meditation Center Florida - Lunchtime Meditation - 12:15–12:45pm. These lunchtime meditations taught by teachers of KMC Florida are suitable for everyone. They consist of a short talk on meditation followed by a guided meditation to set you up nicely for a tranquil day. Everyone is Welcome. $5/class/members free. Register online: MeditationInSarasota.org. Meditation Center Florida, 730 N. Washington Blvd., Sarasota, 941-373-1600.

The Om Shoppe Crystal Singing Bowls for Personal Wellness - 3-5pm, check website for dates. With Zooey Seraphine, musical director. Start with Introduction Course and advance to OM Community Singing Bowl Circles to master the art of crystalline sound medicine for your personal wellness. The Om Shoppe, 4801 S. Tamiami Tr #5, Sarasota, 941-706-3257, TheOMShoppe.com or TheOMShoppeandSpa. com.

Feldenkrais with Bonnie K - 5:45pm. Online! Awareness Through Movement classes: Lessons (in chairs/on floor) are designed to quiet non-working habitual patterns, invite you into a process for learning and offer experiences for more efficient movement. Ongoing classes - movement lessons w/replays. More info, 941360-2248. FeldenkraisInSarasota.com. Register with Bonnie at: FeldenkraisinSarasota.com/Sarasota-Classes-Feldenkrais/

Monday Night Meditation - 6pm. All are welcome to come and explore with us a variety of meditation practices as we allow spirit to guide us. Come gather, connect and breath as we open to the possibilities. Arrive early, doors close at 6pm to honor our sacred space. Love donations welcomed. Spirit Speaks, 411 W. Dearborn St., Englewood, 734-464-6828, IamMsKitty.com.

Cosmic Center Anchoring Light Transmission Meditation - 6:45pm. With Baba Sharone. A call to all Lightworkers. The Anchoring Light Transmission Channeled Meditation has been a gathering point for Lightworkers and Planetary World Servers to come together and assist in the ascension of our planet and all her life in cooperation with our expanded family of light. As Anchors of Light, we take our important role in the spiritual hierarchy to manifest the divine plan of love, light, peace and oneness to our planet. Participants who serve in anchoring this Celestial Radiant Light Energy from the ascended realms benefit from the wisdom, guidance and grace that flows from it which brings forth healing, peace and accelerated spiritual growth. In person and online. Love offering. Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Meadows, Bldg G-2, Sarasota, 941-371-9333, CCOSL.com, Facebook and Instagram.

Tuesday

Cosmic Center Light Circuitry Activation Healing with Resident Healer Michael - 3-7pm. Light Circuitry Activation is direct energy transmission accompanied by intuitively guided breathwork mediations. These therapeutic sessions are designed to reactivate energy centers (chakras) and channels (nadis) which revitalize the connection between the physical and subtle bodies. The session produces a relaxing trance state in which the mind softens, the heart opens, and new energy begins to move through latent pathways within. Receivers often report renewed energy, physiological balance, clarity of mind, physical rejuvenation of vitality and a new awareness of the energetic power available within. Michael is a certified light channel and PhD chemist with a passion for exploring the human condition, Jungian psychology, soul alchemy, yoga and breathwork. $125. For an appt.,

email Mortiz279@gmail.com. Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Meadows, Bldg G-2, Sarasota, 941-371-9333, CCOSL.com, Facebook and Instagram.

Tuesday Drop-In Class – Kadampa Meditation Center Florida - Inspiring Stories of Meditation Masters - 7-8:15pm. This drop-in meditation class begins with a 15–20-minute meditation, then follows with a 30 minute teaching based on Buddhist psychology and then ends with a meditation. $15/class. Register online: MeditationInSarasota.org. Meditation Center Florida, 730 N. Washington Blvd., Sarasota, 941-373-1600.

Wednesday

Drop-In Meditation Classes – Kadampa Meditation Center Florida - Lunchtime Meditation - 12:15–12:45pm. These lunchtime meditations taught by teachers of KMC Florida are suitable for everyone. They consist of a short talk on meditation followed by a guided meditation to set you up nicely for a tranquil day. Everyone is Welcome. $5/class/members free. Register online: MeditationInSarasota.org. Meditation Center Florida, 730 N. Washington Blvd., Sarasota, 941-373-1600.

Cosmic Center Study Group the Pistis Sophia - The Faith of Wisdom with Kim Converse1-4pm, 3rd Wed. only on Zoom. Join Kim Converse, our Keys of Enoch® facilitator, as we embark on the study of the Pistis Sophia, an ancient Coptic Gnostic text (gnosis means ‘knowledge’) with commentary by Drs. J.J. Hurtak and Desiree Hurtak. The Pistis Sophia “the Faith of Wisdom” is a teaching given to the disciples of Jesus after his resurrection as the Christed Jesus for a period of 11 years not only to his male disciples, but also to his female disciples. $20. per month. “Pistis Sophia” book $50 plus shipping at: KeysofEnoch.org. KimConverse@gmail.com with questions. Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Meadows, Bldg G-2, Sarasota, 941-3719333, CCOSL.com, Facebook and Instagram.

Free Reiki Healing Clinic - 4-6pm. Come visit our new location. Reiki is an ancient healing technique that is thousands of years old.  Reiki is the Chi or life force energy that runs through each of us and is directed and transferred during a Reiki session. Free session every Wednesday. Angel Ministries, 1890 Tamiami Trail S., Venice, 941-492-4995, AngelMinistriesFl.org.

Wednesday Wisdom Share - 6pm. A gathering of “Light-minded Souls” is a sacred circle that meets to honor and support each other weekly. We are all awakening and expanding in new ways. Whether you are just becoming aware or have been on your path. We offer a safe and supportive space to share. Bring your stories and experiences and questions or just listen as others share theirs. Arrive early, doors close at 6pm to honor our sacred space. Love donations welcomed. Spirit Speaks, 411 W. Dearborn St., Englewood, 734-464-6828, IamMsKitty.com.

Cosmic Center Special Spirit Messages and Channeling - 7-8:30pm, third Wed. of each month. This service is channeled through Reverend Nancy Lee and for all who attend can

receive messages from loved ones, guides, masters and teachers in spirit. Also, at the last part of the service Rev. Nancy Lee will channel Divine Wisdom, guidance, and teachings from the Divine Nine Counsel, which are part of her spirit team working with her and through her. Come and enjoy this beautiful service to uplift and inspire you. Love donation $20. Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Meadows, Bldg G-2, Sarasota, 941-371-9333, CCOSL.com, Facebook and Instagram.

The Om Shoppe Singing Bowl Sound Baths - 7-8pm, 2nd Wed. of each month. Discover the power of sound to help you access inner peace, stillness, and deep relaxation. An acoustic crystalline experience of transcendence while relaxing in anti-gravity lounge chairs with professionally trained sound therapists and musicians. Always sells out- reserve now. $45. The Om Shoppe, 4801 S. Tamiami Tr #5, Sarasota, 941-706-3257, TheOMShoppe.com or TheOMShoppeandSpa.com.

Thursday

Reiki Share at Sarasota Center of Light - 5:307:30, starting Jan. 29 and every last Thurs. of the month. Love offering. Sarasota Center of Light Learning Center, 2770 Browning St. Sarasota, 941-953-6620, SarasotaCenterOfLight.com.

Cosmic Center Lightworker Circle Gathering of Friends - 4-6pm. Come and meet other like-minded people to share, exchange, and converse on various spiritual topics. An eclectic and ever evolving group that embraces the energy of the circle in the present time and what unfolds for both newbies and seasoned participants. Facilitated by Clark Mumaw, this circle of Lightworker Friends will enhance and broaden each participant’s experience in real time. All are welcome. Love offering. Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Meadows, Bldg G-2, Sarasota, 941-371-9333, CCOSL.com, Facebook and Instagram.

Cosmic Center Chanting The 72 Names of God with Baba Sharone  - 7pm, every 2nd Thurs. of the month. A powerful spiritual tool to assist in the healing of ourselves, communities and the world. To help create the Golden age of Peace on Earth. For those who are dedicated to their Path of Light. Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Meadows, Bldg G-2, Sarasota, 941-3719333, CCOSL.com, Facebook and Instagram.

Sarasota Center of Light “Mediumship Practice Circle” - 7-8:30. Held in the Learning Center. This circle is open to all who are seeking development or practice in mediumship, connection to spirit and meditation. Love offering. Sarasota Center of Light, Flexer Healing Chapel, 941-9536620, SarasotaCenterOfLight.com.

Friday

Friday Drop-In Class – Kadampa Meditation Center Florida - The Power to Change -11am12noon. Each week we will go through one of the 21 Lamrim meditations, which takes us stepby-step through carefully crafted meditations that lead to happiness and reduce our painful thoughts and feelings. $12/class. Register online:

Services

HOUSECLEANING. Enjoy your free time and let us do what we do best: Housecleaning to your healthy satisfaction. Call Paula for a free estimate 941-320-4052.

MASSAGE/BODYWORK. Offering detailed, results-oriented bodywork specializing in deep tissue, trigger point, and myofascial techniques. Focused on relieving pain, restoring alignment, and facilitating deep relaxation. 724-355-9917, SKTherapeuticMassage.Squarespace.com. (MA96776) (MT141197)

MASSAGE THERAPY. Swedish, Neuromuscular, Reiki, Thai. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays. Discount packages available. Tina Miccio, LMT, NMT, License #: MA49526, 941-777-2374.

Transformational Body-Mind-Spirit Services.  Unlock your potential with Hypnotherapy, Breathwork, QHHT®, Akashic Records, Emotion Code®, PSYCH-K®, and Soul Realignment®. Release blocks, reclaim your authenticity, and embrace love’s presence. Bianca Hellenga, LiberateToEmpower.com,  LiberateToEmpower@gmail.com, 786380-3037.

MeditationInSarasota.org. Meditation Center Florida, 730 N. Washington Blvd., Sarasota, 941373-1600.

Saturday

Psychic Saturday - 11:30am-1:30pm, 1st Sat only. In Davis Hall of Sarasota Center of Light. There is a 15-minute reading for $20 and in Flexer Healing Chapel there is healing with a $5 love donation. All are welcome! Sarasota Center of Light, 852 S Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, 941-953-6620, SarasotaCenterOfLight.com.

Acupuncture/Chinese Medicine

CARYN L. YOUNG, DOM, AP, OTR

Board Certified Acupuncture Physician

The Integrated Path, P.A.

2801 Fruitville Rd.Suite 135, Sarasota 941-924-8833 • IntegratedPath.com

DR

The Integrated Path to Health and Wellness for the whole family utilizing Traditional Chinese Medicine,Acupuncture, Energetic Medicine, Bloodwork Analysis,Clinical Nutrition Assessments and ZYTO Elite to restore balance. Over 30 years of clinical experience!

DEBORAH SCANDIN AP RRT

Acupuncture Physician

Respiratory Therapist

Located at Dr. Luo’s Oriental Medicine 3292 Fruitville Rd., STE 104, Sarasota 941-955-8882

DrLuoAcupuncture.com

Dr Scandin has over 25 years combined experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Respiratory Therapy and Neuromuscular Massage. She treats : flu & colds, sore throat, asthma, headaches, sinusitis, sport injuries, trauma and total wellness .

SARASOTA CENTER FOR ACUPUNCTURE AND NUTRITION

Dr. Christina Captain, DAOM

Nationally Board Certified Dipl.Ac

Complimentary Meet & Greet

The Medical Complex 2650 Bahia Vista Street, Suite 101, Sarasota, 941-951-1119 • ScanSRQ.com

Sarasota Center For Acupuncture and Nutrition is an integrated wellness practice addressing all health issues.We will find the key to unlock your highest level of health and wellness. Complimentary meet & greet.

Acupuncture Facelift

FACES BY DR ANNA

Anna L. Baker, D.O.M.

Nationally Board Certified Acupuncture Physician 941-924-2723 • FacesByDrAnna.com

Unique muscle-tightening acupuncture facelift and necklift done with 12 hair-thin needles, none of which are on the face. Results documented photographically. Only one maintenance treatment needed every 18 months. Free consultation includes facial analysis. Monthly seminars, call for schedule.

Apothecary

NATURAL APOTHECARY SHOPPE

Internal/External Beauty

6608 Gateway Ave., (Gulf Gate), Sarasota 941-554-8623

NaturalApothecaryShoppe.com

Instagram:The Natural Apothecary Shoppe

FB: Natural Apothecary Shoppe

Organic skincare, (made on the premises), natural cosmetic kits by 2 time Emmy Award Winning Makeup Artist Laurie Lombardi. Professional supplements, enzymes, vitamins, CBD, homeopathy, herbal consultant by our Holistic Pharmacist.

Chiropractors

GENTLEBAY SARASOTA CHIROPRACTIC

Residual Strain Therapy

Eric Winder DC 7246 South Beneva Road, Sarasota 941-957-8390 • Eric.Winder.dc@gmail.com

Professional care with a personal focus. Feel better through proper alignment, and get back to work and play! See our website for more information.

Colon/Ozone Therapy

COLON THERAPY CLINC OZONE THERAPY

Alain and Marsha Menard

Xavier Menard

442 South Tamiami Trail, Osprey (South Sarasota) 941-922-7744 - Colon 941-321-3061 - Ozone ColonTherapyClinic.com OzoneSRQ.com

Licensed 52 Years. Gentle Technique, Open and Closed Systems, Ozone Therapy, Cleansing for Digestive Disorders and Double Foot Bath..

ENERGY HEALING

VIBRATIONAL BLISS WELLNESS, LLC

Perette DeJean-Cannady

8051 North Tamiami Trail, STE E-2, Sarasota 941-587-5648

VibrationalBlissWellness.com

Perette@VibrationalBliss.com

Your voice is a sacred map of your wellbeing. It contains twelve subtle frequencies that reveal emotional, energetic and physical balance. The advance Voice-Bio Analysis Technology turns your voice into data, detecting stress and imbalance. A customized frequency sound remedy is created to re-attune your body restoring homeostasis. Ancient Healing Wisdom meets Modern Technology!

Feldenkrais Method®

THE FELDENKRAIS METHOD®

Lessons for Children (ABM), Adults, Classes, Prof Seminars

Bonnie Kissam, M.A., Feldenkrais® Practitioner, LMT, CE Provider 941-360-2248

Bonnie@FeldenkraisInSarasota.com FeldenkraisInSarasota.com

The Feldenkrais® Approach , ‘Movement with Attention’, helps one ‘sense easier, improved posture and ways of moving. Clients optimize their musical, athletic or everyday activities through heightened ‘awareness’. They find unique ways to recover from injury, surgeries or illness. Call for appointments, classes or  for weekend TOUCH TO INFORM seminars 941360-2248, Bonnie@FeldenkraisInSarasota.com.

Functional & Lifestyle Wellness

KORMAN RELIEF & WELLNESS CENTER

Laura Korman, DC, DACBN Chiropractor, Diplomate in Nutrition 16954 Toledo Blade Blvd, Port Charlotte 941-629-6700 • DrLauraKorman.com

Dr. Korman specializes in helping peri-menopausal women eliminate pain, fatigue and unwanted belly fat through functional medicine, lifestyle strategies and regenerative therapies so they can reclaim their vitality and stay engaged in the life they love. We offer PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy), Class IV Deep Tissue Laser, Near & Far Infrared Sauna, Decompression Therapies, Whole Body Vibration and carry a professional line of supplementation.

Natural Food

CAFE EVERGREEN

Pet Supplies

PET SUPPLY CENTER

Thermography

• CafeEvergreen.net

801 S Tamiami Trail, Nokomis, FL 941-412-4334

Cafe Evergreen is a natural, organic restaurant. Our menu consists of many organic recipes designed to not only taste delicious, but also enhance your health. Open Monday-Saturday, closed on Sundays.

Organic Salon

HAIR &

EARTH ORGANIC SALON

200 Central Ave, Suite 18, Sarasota 941-284-9563 • HairandEarth.GlossGenius.com

Erinn offers Sarasota excellence in conscious haircare. Cuts, color, highlights, smoothing treatments and more. Metaphysical gifts too! Kevin Murphy color line as well as retail products available. Comfortable, private space for calm, creative collaboration. Call or text Erinn Earth for an appointment or consultation. Or schedule online at: HairandEarth.GlossGenius.com.

Pain Management Neck and Back Pain

DISC CENTERS OF AMERICA/SARASOTA

Dr. David Cifra, DC

Non-Surgical Spinal • Decompression Specialist Office: 941-358-2224 • Cell: 315-345-7390 DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Medical Breakthrough Technology! Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Specialist, Dr.David Cifra,DC. Advanced procedure for patients who have back and neck pain and want to avoid narcotics, epidural injections, and unnecessary surgeries. Over 90% effective. No pain, No drugs, No surgery, NO Injections. Call today 941-3582224. FREE CONSULTATION.

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide VISIT NASRQ.COM/BUSINESSES.

Natural & Holistic Premium Pet Foods 3558 Webber Street, Sarasota 941-925-4376 • PetSupplyCenter@gmail.com PetSupplyCenterSarasota.com

Offering full lines of veterinary diets, raw and frozen diets, dog, cat and bird supplies. Huge selection of toys, treats, flea and tick products, collars and more. Certified veterinary nutritional consultant on staff. We ship and pets always welcom

Shamanic Practices

SPIRITUAL COUNSELOR,

SHAMANIC

AND REIKI PRACTICES

Rev. Zan Benham, BSL, BD, CHT 941-922-7839

Spiritual counselor, shamanic practitioner, Reiki healing, breath, and energy work, hypnosis, soul retrieval, past life regression all to empower and help you move into the Divine flow of the joy and power within you.

Spiritual Centers

COSMIC CENTER OF SPIRITUAL LIGHT

Embracing the New Paradigms of our Awak-ening Consciousness 5041 Ringwood Meadows - Bldg G-2 • Sarasota CCOSL.com • Facebook/Instgram/Twitter

A place of Light and Uncondition-al Love bringing together awak-ened and awakening minds and hearts for healing, enlightenment, support and joy!

Spiritual Centers

SARASOTA CENTER OF LIGHT

852 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota 941-953-6620 • SarasotaCenterOfLight.com

Experience the peaceful energy, love and light of our metaphysical spiritual community. Join us for the inspiration, healing and connection to Spirit in our services, classes and social gatherings.

FLORIDA MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY

June Drennon, CCT 2008

JuneDrennon@TampaBayThermography.com

727-729-2711

FloridaMedicalThermography.com

JuneDrennon@FloridaMedicalThermography.com

Certified Clinical Thermographer 2008. Prevention is better than early detection. Knowledge is power: Know your risk factors to make corrections and avoid developing pathology. Call for location convenient for you.

Weddings

DIVINE CHAPEL OF LOVE

In the Picturesque Natural Beauty of The Meadows 5041 Ringwood Meadow, Sarasota

DivineChapelofLove.com • 941-295-9333 The Divine Chapel of Love offers a place for weddings, renewal of vows and ceremonies for couples who wish to commemorate their special occasion in a beautiful surrounding to form lasting memories where Love is All That Matters.

KnoWEwell.com