October 2025 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

OCTOBER EVENTS

Women’s Empowerment Series: Oct 21 | 6:30 PM

Transforming Survival into Power with SPARCC

Oct 29 | 7 PM

Legal Clarity for Women with Leanna Seidlich, Esq. Nov 3 | 6:30–8 PM

Healing Trauma Through the Body with Lucia Gabriela Pre-registration required for Empowerment Events.

How to advertise

To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 941-564-0885 or email Publisher@nasrq.com. Deadline for ads: the 15th of the month.

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Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@nasrq. com. Deadline for editorial: the 12th of the month.

calendar submissions

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SARASOTA /MANATEE EDITION

PUBLISHER Janet Lindsay

MANAGING EDITOR

Mary-Elizabeth-Schurrer

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Susan Jones

SOCIALMEDIA

Golden Thread Executive Service Corp

CONTACT US

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

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CEO Kimberly B. Whittle

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Production Flip180

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CONTACT US

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 350 Main Street, Suite 9B Bedminster, NJ 07921

Ph: 239-206-2000

NaturalAwakenings@KnoWEwell.com

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© 2025 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.

As those first breezy hints of autumn unfold here in Southwest Florida, October invites us to rejuvenate our senses, embrace seasonal transitions, and re-center our present awareness as we gear up for the final stretch of 2025. This issue of Natural Awakenings explores the numerous ways we can nurture both mental wellness and emotional balance in these busy months ahead. From mindful practices to science-backed strategies, let’s turn our attention to cultivating healthy, sharp, resilient minds as another year starts drawing to a close.

On that note, our October feature article is all about, “Rewiring the Brain: How To Harness the Power of Neuroplasticity.” This article dives into the human brain’s remarkable adaptability that—with intentional, deliberate training—allows it to heal and grow in any phase of life. Gentle movement, light therapy, restorative sleep, meditation, nourishing foods, community connections, fresh air exposure, and other holistic self-care rituals can help strengthen your neural pathways (or create new ones altogether), which foster resilience and well-being. Whether your goal is to enhance mental clarity, improve emotional regulation, form healthier coping mechanisms, or feel more balanced in the hectic pace of daily life, this article will teach you how to tap into your own brain’s innate capacity to rewire itself.

While we’re on the subject of brain strength, let’s discuss the role that nutrition plays in this conversation. Nutritional epidemiologist Dr. Martha Clare Morris was known for her pioneering research on the link between the foods a person eats and their risk of developing Alzheimer’s. This led her to create the MIND Diet, a framework that studies show can minimize Alzheimer’s risk by 35–53 percent. In this month’s “Clean Eating” article, you will discover how this MIND Diet can slow cognitive decline. Foods such as fish, lean poultry, vegetables, nuts, berries, legumes, pure olive oil, and whole grains can do absolute wonders for mental resilience. We’ve also thrown in some recipes that your brain power—and taste buds—will love! It’s never too early to start investing in the mental wellness of our next generation, and this month’s “Healthy Kids” article explores how to make brain activities simple, enjoyable, and accessible to curious young minds. You’ll learn strategies to nurture traits like mindfulness, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and impulse control through sensory-based tools and interactive games. Not only do these practices enhance neurodevelopment, but they can also help cultivate stronger and healthier familial dynamics. Introducing these concepts to children when their minds are naturally inquisitive can instill a lifetime of cognitive benefits. I hope you’re feeling motivated to set aside intentional time for your own mental wellness this month. With another holiday season just around the corner, October is the perfect window to balance your emotions and invigorate your mind. This issue is chock-full of enlightenment to help you do just that—so here’s to an autumn of rejuvenation!

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

Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light

Serving Sarasota and Manatee Counties - and the World through Healing, Education and Enlightenment Embracing the New Paradigms of our Awakening Consciousness: Divine Connection, Ascended Masters, Alternative Healings, Lightwork, Meditations, Channeling, Mediumship, Shamanism, UFOs, Special Guest Speakers and much more... For information about classes, services and special events please go to: CCOSL.com Please visit us on FB and Instagram

Announcing October Events at Sarasota Center of Light

Reverends Phil Dykes and Kerry McLeod will visit Sarasota Center of Light this month, from October 8–12. They will also bring their friends, Nic Whitham and Steven Siu, both of whom will offer workshops as well. Here’s what you can expect during their time here.

On October 8, “Inspirational Writing and Speaking” will take place in Davis Hall, from 7–9:30 p.m (cost to attend: $30). On October 9, “Inspirational Color Readings” will take place in Davis Hall, from 7–9:30 p.m (cost to attend: $30). On October 11, “Psychic and Mediumship Readings” will take place in the Sanctuary, from noon to 4 p.m. On October 12, Revs. Dykes and McLeod will also offer the Sunday service and messages in the Sanctuary, at 11 a.m.

Whitham and Siu will also present classes at Sarasota Center of Light. Whitham is a healer and educator who preserves and shares the Silver Birch teachings. Siu collaborates with Whitham on Soul Quest and healing education. Here’s what they will be offering.

On October 10, “Soul Quest and Healing Workshop” will take place in Davis Hall, from 7–9:30 p.m (cost to attend: $30). On October 11, “Silver Birch and The Pioneer of Mediumship Q&A” will take place in Davis Hall, from 7–9:30 p.m (cost to attend: $30). Finally, on October 12, “Altered States and Healing Workshop” will take place in the Chapel, from 3–6 p.m (cost to attend: $30.)

Location: 852 S Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. For more information and to register for these events, call 941-953-6620 or visit SarasotaCenterOfLight.com.

European Helix Hair Designer

Please call Jutta for an appointment 941-629-0074

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Knee Pain?

New Seasonal Kombucha Flavors Available Now at Flobucha

HERE’S WHAT PATIENTS SAY...

“After just 1 Laser treatment, the pain was diminished and I had my first full night of sleep in several weeks.” - Merry N.

LINDA HAD PAIN IN BOTH KNEES FOR 5-6 YEARS.

“Amazing! I’m now able to enjoy my activities. My husband and I started bowling and going to the driving range again. We used to go biking, but donated our bikes because we thought it was something I’d never be able to enjoy again, but NOW we’re looking to purchase bikes again! Thank you Dr. Korman!” - Linda

$67 CONSULTAT IO N

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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, Strawberry Orange, Starfruit Lemon Jalapeno, 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. Join us Thursdays for a free Kombucha tasting from 5-6 p.m. and 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.

Elysian Fields Honors the Sacred Femininity of All Women

Elysian Fields honors the powerful and compassionate essence of the feminine spirit. This October, in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this metaphysical haven will open its doors—and heart—to women in our local community with a series of sacred events to inform, empower, and uplift divine femininity.

Life can hold many shadows—moments where silence, fear, or pain take root. Still, when women come together in a shared community, light can find its way into the darkest of places. These events are an offering to hold space for that light.

Elysian Fields is honored to welcome a representative from Safe Space and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC), who will speak on how to navigate difficult situations and access safe outlets or resources. Attorney Leanna Seidlich, founder of Seidlich Law, will also join to offer pro-bono guidance and answer your questions in a supportive, comfortable setting.

Somatic intimacy coach Lucia Gabriela will also be on-hand to help women reconnect with their bodies’ inner wisdom. She will guide you in a practice of releasing trauma from the nervous system, so healing can take root.

These events are complementary, but their value is immeasurable. Please follow Elysian Fields on social media, explore our website, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest details on these and other upcoming events. Step into a circle of women and remember that you have a village ready to embrace, empower, and walk beside you.

Location: 1273 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For more information, call 941-361-3006, or visit ElysianFieldsGifts.com.

Anti-Aging Seminars with Dr. Anna

Dr. Anna Baker, DOM, invites you to join her interactive anti-aging seminars via Zoom on October 8 and 17, 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)

Restore Your Well-Being with Sound Healing

The start of a new season is an invitation to release what no longer serves you, so optimize your fall morning routine with the Manatee Spirit Holistic Sound Studio’s “Manifest Abundance Morning Sound Meditation.” This transformative experience will help you release energy blocks, create more space for growth, and harness the power of healing vibrations.

The 60-minute sound meditation also includes restorative light stretches and a soothing breathwork practice in a comfortable environment that will nurture a deep heart connection. The Manifest Abundance Morning Sound Meditation takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:30–11 a.m. The cost to attend is $30 for one session, $50 for two sessions, and $80 for four sessions. This is just one of the many healing experiences available here.

Manatee Spirit Holistic Sound Studio is also offering a “Universal Wisdom and Meditation

Course” on October 14–16, from 7–8:30 p.m. This course will teach you how to navigate multidimensional consciousness expansion. Next on the schedule is the “Whole Food PlantBased Oil-Free Course,” on October 19–26, from noon to 3:30 p.m. Finally, a new “Sound Healing Course” will take place on October 21 and 23, from 6:30–9 p.m. This course features a combination of instruments, harmony, binaural beats, rhythms, and improvisation. The course to attend each of these courses is $165.

Manatee Spirit is a sanctuary-style sound healing studio located in Bradenton, less than five miles from Anna Maria Island. For more information and to register for these events, call 941-201-0069, email Info@ManateeSpirit.com, or visit ManateeSpirit.com.

Breathe into Fall with Ease and Well-Being

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisper, many folks begin to brace for the familiar weight of sinus pressure, chest tightness, and chronic fatigue. The cycle feels predictable. You reach for the usual remedy, feel better for a moment, then it all returns—sometimes heavier than before. It’s a quiet kind of frustration, one that builds with each season.

That is why so many folks have started to explore gentler ways to care for themselves during this time of year. Natural options can enhance your wellness without causing stress or discomfort.  Sinus ReliefTM is one of these options.

This enhanced silver colloid formula supports the body’s natural defenses and helps maintain a balanced sinus environment during seasonal challenges. It is sprayed into the nose, where it comes in direct contact with the source of discomfort. When used consistently, it helps restore microbial balance in the nasal passages and offers noticeable relief within days, without relying on conventional interventions or harsh chemicals.

Fall doesn’t just weigh on the sinuses—it can burden the chest as well. Breathing starts to feel heavier, leaving you with a sense of depletion. Enter: Respiratory ReliefTM, a silver colloid formula with peppermint oil to clear airways and activate the lungs’ natural defenses. When paired with a portable nebulizer, it becomes a fine mist that’s easy and soothing to inhale. This approach isn’t about masking discomfort, but working with the body to restore balance, optimize breathing, and transition into this season with deeper ease.

For more information, call 800-991-7088 or visit MyNaturesRite.com. These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Come for the Clothes, Connect with Your Essence at The George

Have you heard of The George, a bohemian and artistic boutique on the second floor of 1960 Main Street? Recently, this stop relocated from the North Trail area to downtown Sarasota, where many visitors are starting to discover its funky charm, but who is “George,” and what inspired owner Camilla Reid to choose this name?

Camilla comes from a line of British navigators and inventors who sought to explore the world. As a graduate of Ringling College of Art, she has also worked as a graphic designer, fashion illustrator, and social worker. This combination of adventurous roots and creative ingenuity led to The George’s eclectic, international flair with its unique selection of natural clothing, jewelry, artistic pieces, and vintage trinkets.

As far as the name goes, Camilla loves collecting historic artifacts, and she once came across an old pub sign that said, “The George,” from a vintage store. To Camilla, this artifact served as a reminder of her lineage and continuous passion to discover more of herself and others. You will feel that energy in her store. From artwork to clothes to accessories, connect with your personal essence here at The George.

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

How to Call Up Spirits of the Departed in Six Easy Lessons

The Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light is honored to host the return of internationally renowned Dr. Raymond Moody, the “Father of Near Death Experiences.” Dr. Moody, who coined the term, “Near Death Experience,” is offering a six-part lecture series, “How to Call Up Spirits of the Departed in Six Easy Lessons: History, Psychology, and Practice.”

Dr. Moody is a researcher and international bestselling author who published the book Life After Life in 1975. Within this book, he chronicled the astonishing accounts of those who passed on and came back to life. An agnostic and a skeptic, he continued researching phenomena associated with death and grief.

However, after 50 years of research, he still was not convinced an afterlife exists. Finally, a group of doctors, who had remarkable near death and shared death experiences, offered their evidence.They gathered with Dr. Moody to share their perspectives at the NDE Consciousness Forum. He was convinced by what he heard, which has since led him to share insights from near death experiences with folks across all spiritual traditions and walks of life.

The cost to attend this series is $25 per lecture (either in-person or online). You can also purchase a discounted six-week package for $120 (in-person only).

Location: 5041 Ringwood Meadow, Sarasota. To register for this six-part lecture series, visit Tockify.com/sharon.elizabeth.james/detail/612/1759532400000. For more information on the Cosmic Center, call 941-371-9333, email CosmicCenterOSL@gmail.com, or visit the calendar of events at CCOSL.com.

Therapeutic ozone bonds with viruses, bacteria, mold, pesticides, parasites, metals, or anything that is toxic to the body and dissipates it on contact without any side-effects. Xavier Menard has been administering Ozone Therapy in a relaxing sauna cabinet, on a moderate temperature for 24 years.

The Art of Letting Go

by Marlaina Donato

Watching the days shorten at this time of year can tug at our heartstrings. Even within the delightful blush of an apple lies an undeniable wistfulness. And although summer must surrender to autumn, each falling leaf signals an opportunity to let go of a burden

we’ve outgrown—a home, a relationship, a dream or a particular version of ourselves.

No matter which side of a goodbye we happen to be on, leaving can be painful. Just as the green meadow goes to seed, so does what we hold precious, but a spark of life remains in each fading blade of grass. End-

ings can also be blessings, even if it takes months or years before their gifts become known.

Each chapter of the year offers its own delights and wisdom, but it is our human tendency to clutch each hour for as long as possible. We can miss a harvest of joys when we only wish to taste the fruits of another season. For the ancient Celtic people, the holy time of Samhain marked the end of the harvest and the start of a new year. It was deemed a mystical time when the veil between the dead and the living grew thin, as well as an invitation to revel in some magic.

Perhaps this year we can grieve the bright transience of summer while gathering our spiritual stores. Perhaps we can relish autumn’s sweetness despite the dance of decay, inviting a new chapter, a new mindset, as nature takes back its own.

• Gather a small handful of sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Take each seed in hand and name something that has been lost or relinquished. Place them beneath a tree or bury them underground, inviting a new year of blessings.

• Taking inspiration from the Celts, host a Samhain celebration on Halloween night commemorating the end of summer and the beginning of winter while setting a plate and chair in honor of a loved one that has passed.

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

in Skincare and Body Treatments

Our team is dedicated to Promoting Natural Beauty Experience pure relaxation and renewal in our Relaxation Sanctuary. Each treatment is customized based on your skincare needs!

Offering the Most Innovative Products and Proven Technologies Available:

• Environ Signature facials • Glo2 facials

• Free Balinese Facial Massage with Facial

• Cool lifting • Advanced Skincare

• Body Treatments.

Experience a Relaxing Massage Service or Acupuncture Session with Steph Schmitz, (LMT: MA 80163, AP 4538) with 10 yrs. experience.

RITUAL ROOM

2088 Hawthorne, St., Sarasota 941-203-6543 • RitualRoomSpa.com

THE FORCE BEHIND GIANT HAIL

Hailstorms cause more than $10 billion annually in property damage, injuries and fatalities. In 2024, State Farm paid more than $3.8 billion for home repairs and $1.2 billion for auto repairs due to hailstorms nationwide. In 2022, a storm in Spain produced hail nearly five inches in diameter, injuring 70 people, killing a child and damaging buildings.

Hail forms in a thunderstorm when warm air rises, carrying raindrops into the cold atmosphere where they freeze and then fall at sizes ranging from tiny chips to baseballs or larger, depending on the rain amount, updraft strength and duration, as well as how long the ice remains suspended.

Research published in Nature in 2024 indicates that while climate warming may reduce hailstorm frequency, hail size is expected to increase due to stronger updrafts. The National Science Foundation funded a study this summer to understand hailstone growth and the forces affecting their fall, aiming to improve meteorologists’ ability to predict significant hailstorms.

INNOVATIVE OFFICE LIGHTS LURE REMOTE WORKERS

Companies are enhancing office lighting to attract remote workers back. Circadian lighting aligns with our biological clocks, regulating melatonin and serotonin levels by mimicking the sun’s pattern—increasing intensity until midday, then dimming in the afternoon, with color temperature shifts from cooler to warmer to cooler.

Artificial windows and skylights, preprogrammed to replicate outdoor conditions, provide virtual sunlight and moonlight to offices obstructed by other buildings or the floor above. Some companies offer cordless rechargeable lamps to bring a home-like vibe to individual workspaces. Others allow employees to use a remote con-

SHADE INVESTMENTS FOR A COOLER FUTURE

A shade map produced by the University of California, Los Angeles, and American Forests reveals a critical shade shortage in the United States. This map, covering more than 360 cities and towns, highlights where shade from buildings and vegetation is present. City planners can use the interactive tool to strategically place shade trees to mitigate rising temperatures. A 2020 study published in GeoHealth found that extreme heat contributes to 12,000 premature deaths annually in the U.S., a number that could rise to 50,000 under moderate warming scenarios.

The map illustrates how investments in shade may impact temperatures at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. in specific locations. Trees deliver 25 times more shade than buildings at noon, demonstrating their effectiveness in reducing extreme heat. The map’s creators also offer real-world examples of the benefits of shade coverage, such as on school routes in Austin, Texas, public transit stops in Detroit, Michigan, and public parks in Phoenix, Arizona.

trol to adjust lighting intensity, color and aspects of phototherapy, a treatment designed to boost mood and well-being. Lighting options also enable employees to optimize their appearance on video conferences by dimming overhead lights and darkening room edges.

CURCUMIN’S POTENTIAL TO REVOLUTIONIZE CATARACT CARE

Cataracts, a leading cause of blindness, occur when the eye’s clear lens becomes cloudy due to free radical damage. Curcumin, the main compound in turmeric, is a natural antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals and reduce their harm. A systematic review published in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine evaluated whether curcumin could prevent or treat cataracts.

The researchers analyzed 17 animal and/or lab-grown cell studies, demonstrating that curcumin prevented or slowed cataract formation by reducing damage to fats in cells and boosting antioxidant enzymes that protect the eye.

Despite these findings, the researchers noted that human clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits before curcumin can be recommended as a treatment. Additionally, improving curcumin’s absorption, or bioavailability, is crucial to make it effective as medicine.

BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING FOR INFANT HEALTH

THE ROLE OF INSURANCE IN CHRONIC PAIN MANAGEMENT

A study in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology highlights the powerful role breastfeeding plays in building a healthy gut microbiome in infants. Although infants cannot digest human milk oligosaccharides, these components nourish beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium infantis, a species that reduces inflammation and supports immune development.

Breast milk also contains secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), an antibody that blocks harmful bacteria and viruses from attaching to the gut lining, and reduces inflammation in infants. Higher SIgA intake in infancy leads to healthier immune patterns and may provide better protection against allergies and infections. Breast milk also includes living bacteria and other bioactive molecules that contribute to the early seeding of the gut, helping to set the stage for the infant’s future microbiome.

LABORATORY TESTS FOR HOLISTIC HEALTH

The rise of functional medicine, integrative medicine and other forms of holistic health care has increased the demand for specialized laboratory testing. According to the National Institutes of Health, 37 percent of American adults use at least one complementary or integrative health approach.

To meet this demand, Labcorp has launched a new specialized testing panel to help providers identify underlying imbalances and support preventive care strategies. This panel includes an advanced cardiometabolic biomarker panel; a comprehensive nutrient panel; a longevity and vitality panel analyzing 71 biomarkers related to aging, inflammation and organ function; men’s and women’s comprehensive hormone panels focused on reproductive and endocrine health; and men’s and women’s whole-body wellness panels with more than 75 biomarkers related to various bodily systems.

The new service enables testing of more than 1,000 biomarkers, providing insights into a patient’s health, from heart function and hormonal balance to micronutrient levels and overall wellness. In addition, Labcorp Whole Health Solutions offers healthcare providers consultation services, digital test ordering, tools to interpret results, and analytics to identify high-risk patients and improve healthcare delivery.

Joint, limb, back, abdominal and bowel pain are the most common types of chronic pain. A study published in The Journal of Pain analyzed treatment data from more than 4.8 million chronic-pain patients with commercial or Medicaid insurance. The researchers found that while the types and frequencies of pain were similar across insurance groups, treatments differed significantly.

Commercially insured patients were more likely to receive restorative and complementary treatments than those with Medicaid. For example, physical therapy was provided to 9 percent of Medicaid-insured patients, compared to 31.1 percent of commercially insured patients. Chiropractic care was accessed by 19.2 percent of Medicaid-insured patients and 38.6 percent of commercially insured patients.

Commercially insured patients also received care more quickly, with wait times from diagnosis to treatment being 50 days shorter for restorative therapy. Medicaid patients were more likely to rely on prescription pain medications, with 81.6 percent having at least one prescription, versus 65.6 percent of commercially insured patients. Commercially insured patients accessed outpatient specialist care more frequently and used multiple non-medication treatments.

MENOPAUSE: THE GREAT LIBERATION

As women encounter menopause, this transition can feel daunting. Many questions or concerns might come to the surface like, “Will my partner find me attractive still?” or, “What will my future entail now that I can no longer have children?”

Menopause can seem like uncharted territory, but the positive news is that an entire second half of life awaits on the other side. For many women, their sex lives become freer—not to mention, their daily routines feel more enjoyable without the discomfort of menstrual cramps or PMS mood swings each month.

This natural stage of life is full of opportunities. Sure, it’s normal to feel anxious as the physical changes unfold, but new freedoms are available, too. Whether you want to travel, spend time with your grandchildren, or pursue different hobbies, menopause can be the doorway to a sense of liberation. It’s time to embrace and celebrate this next chapter—just make sure to have your bioidentical hormones along for the ride.

Contact Dr. Carol Roberts to schedule an appointment or learn more about her holistic health modalities to support you during menopause. For more information, call 941-404-8030 or visit BestMedicine.us.

Reclaim Your Health Naturally at Healthy Body Acupuncture

, llc

At Healthy Body Acupuncture, we offer a range of integrative therapies to help you achieve wellness naturally. Discover the benefits of Acupuncture for pain relief and stress reduction, Herbal Medicine to support overall health, Massage Therapy to rejuvenate body and mind. Our expert team is dedicated to helping you live with balance, vitality, and peace.

Healthy Body Acupuncture LLC Looking to add a Massage Therapist to our team. 1511 Tamiami Trail S. Suite 202, Venice 941.228.4688 • AcupunctureVenice.com

HOCATT

Ozone Therapy:

The Wellness Innovation Your Self-Care Routine Needs

Q&A with The Gabriel Center Wellness & Supply

by Mary-Elizabeth Schurrer

As we round the corner into another busy fall season with the holidays just a matter of weeks down the stretch, taking care of health and wellness belongs at the top of our to-do lists. After all, these hectic next few months are notorious for mental, emotional, and physical

burnout as we scramble to tie up loose ends before the start of a new year.

Whether you need a quick wellness refresh or a deep restoration, The Gabriel Center Wellness & Supply has you covered. This holistic retreat in Sarasota has been serving Southwest Florida for more than 14 years, and in this month’s “Community Spotlight,” I was fortunate to chat with owner Christine Bradford all about The Gabriel Center’s premier treatment offering: HOCATT Oozone Therapy. Settle in for our Q&A discussion below!

Natural Awakenings; Will you explain what HOCATT Ozone Therapy is, the specific modalities it combines, and the various wellness benefits it can offer?

Christine Bradford: HOCATT Oozone Therapy is a wellness treatment using the HOCATT™ system which stands for, “Hyperthermic Ozone and Carbonic Acid Transdermal Technology.” This multi-modality wellness machine delivers a combination of therapies in one 30-minute session, with the main component being ozone therapy. It’s often used in both alternative and integrative medicines for natural detoxification, immune function, and general health.

HOCATT combines numerous modalities such as transdermal ozone therapy, PEMF (pulse electromagnetic field therapy), FSM (targeted frequency specific microcurrents), pure oxygen breathing, far infrared, photon color light therapy, and UV irradiation.

Some of the wellness benefits you can experience include whole-body detoxification, improved circulation, stress reduction, lower inflammation, increased brain clarity and function, hormonal balance, and enzyme production. It also burns up to 600 calories per session, stimulates energy levels, enhances mitochondrial function, protects the immune system from chronic infection, and even boosts athletic performance.

NA: What would you tell someone who is looking for a holistic way to refresh both their physical and mental health, but might be skeptical about HOCATT Ozone Therapy?

Bradford: There are few wellness treatments that offer so many beneficial modalities in a single comprehensive format. During a session, the recipient is seated comfortably in the HOCATT Wellness Sauna capsule with their head exposed. The steam will open their pores, while the ozone permeates and supercharges their blood cells. Our technicians are fully trained in the use of the HOCATT. In the initial session, our knowledgeable tech will explain the treatment and answer any questions the client might have about this treatment. The tech will also monitor the client during treatment to ensure a restorative experience. Our clients generally report immediate, noticeable benefits, along with continual improvements over the course of multiple sessions.

Many of our clients have been using HOCATT Ozone Therapy as a part of their wellness routine for several years here at Gabriel Center Wellness & Supply. In fact, our HOCATT techs also use HOCATT Ozone Therapy as a part of their own health care.

NA: With the holiday season just around the corner, how can HOCATT Ozone Therapy alleviate stress and restore balance during this hectic time of year?

Bradford: HOCATT Ozone Therapy offers a gentle, peaceful break from the “hustle and bustle” of the holidays. While resting in this wellness sauna, our clients can pause

to refresh, care for their health, and treat themselves to some relaxation. This treatment also helps relieve stress and increase energy levels. Making time for this holistic self-care ritual will give the body what it needs to tackle the holiday season without comprising wellness.

NA: As we head into the final stretch of 2025 and look ahead to 2026, is there anything new on the horizon for The Gabriel Center that you can share with our community?

Bradford: Along with our wellness services, we offer numerous retail products for licensed massage therapists and other wellness practitioners. We have stocked up our store with an expansive collection of massage lotions and oils to serve the needs of local practitioners as we head into autumn and the upcoming launch of 2026.

We also offer BioMat Far infrared treat-

ments. During a one-hour session, the BioMat emits safe heat levels, which penetrate six to eight centimeters into the body. This helps stimulate circulation, calm the nervous system, relieve pain, and lower inflammation.

The BioMat is an FDA 510(K) registered Class II Medical Device that targets muscles, joints, and tissues at a deep cellular level. Results from the BioMat far exceed what other heat or vibration products can achieve. I use this therapy on a regular basis for quick, sustainable relief from stress, as well as joint and muscle pain.

The Gabriel Center has been serving the Southwest Florida community for more than 14 years. This one-stop-shop wellness destination is located at 2886B Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. For more information and to book a session, call 941-954-0300, email GabrielCenterStore@gmail.com, or visit GabrielCenterForWellness.com.

Acupuncture, Electroacupuncture, and Brain Health: How They Spark Neuroplasticity

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

The brain is the most important organ in the body. It shapes how we think, feel, and interact in our daily lives. Protecting brain health is essential—not just for folks with serious conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s, or Alzheimer’s Disease, but for anyone who wants to remain sharp, calm, and focused in any stage of life.

One of the most exciting discoveries in modern neuroscience is neuroplasticity. This is the brain’s natural ability to adapt, rewire, and form new connections. Neuroplasticity is what allows stroke survivors to regain movement, children to learn new skills, and adults to strengthen memory and focus later in life. Both acupuncture and electroacupuncture are proving to be beneficial, powerful ways to tap into this natural ability of the brain.

Acupuncture is a modality within Eastern medicine that uses fine needles placed at specific points on the body. These points are chosen to balance energy flow, calm the nervous system, and improve circulation. From a modern medical view, acupuncture influences the brain directly. Studies show it can boost blood flow to brain tissue, reduce stress hormones, and encourage the release of “feel good” chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.

Electroacupuncture is a gentle enhancement of traditional acupuncture. Once the needles are placed, a light electrical current is activated. Patients usually describe it as a soft tapping or pulsing sensation that feels relaxing. This stimulation seems to boost the effects of acupuncture, especially for conditions involving the brain and nervous system.

It helps strengthen communication between nerve cells and encourages the brain to form new, healthier connections. The power of neuroplasticity is that it allows the brain to repair itself after

injury and to adapt throughout life. Both acupuncture and electroacupuncture seem to encourage this process in several ways:

• Stroke Recovery: Research shows that acupuncture can help the brain “rewire” movement pathways, which can improve coordination and reduce stiffness. This supports patients as they work to rebuild strength and independence.

• Emotional Health: By balancing neurotransmitters, acupuncture bolsters healthy levels of serotonin and dopamine. Patients often report improvements in mood, anxiety, and sleep—all signs of a healthier, more adaptable brain.

• Memory and Focus: An increase in blood flow and calmer brain activity help sharpen thinking and concentration. Regular acupuncture could also act as a preventive measure against the onset of cognitive decline.

• Stress Management: Stress hormones can damage brain cells over time. Acupuncture reduces cortisol, allowing the brain space to rest, heal, and grow new connections.

One of the most beneficial aspects of acupuncture is that it’s both safe and nonpharmaceutical. Instead of forcing the body into change, acupuncture supports what the brain is already built to do—adapt and heal itself. Neuroplasticity isn’t just a scientific concept—it’s something we can feel in our daily lives. Each time we learn a new skill, recover from a setback, or find calm in the midst of stress, our brains are showing their ability to grow and reshape. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture simply give the brain a helpful nudge in that direction.

Eastern medicine views health in terms of balance—of energy, circulation, and the mind-body connection. Modern research now confirms that acupuncture affects brain regions involved in memory, movement, and emotional control. Neuroplasticity is the scientific explanation for how these age-old practices create lasting improvements. This blending of ancient wisdom with modern science offers a holistic approach to brain health, something that deeply matters in this fast-paced, high-stress world.

Acupuncture and electroacupuncture are more than just symptom relievers. These modalities are tools to unlock the brain’s natural potential for healing and growth. By promoting neuroplasticity, they can help folks recover from injury, improve mood, sharpen focus, and protect brain vitality for the long-term. Whether you are seeking recovery after a health challenge or want to keep your mind clear and resilient, acupuncture offers a gentle, effective, and time-tested path toward a healthier brain.

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.

Sustainable Halloween Costumes

Dressing up for Halloween is a fun way for kids and adults to express themselves, try on new personalities or celebrate their favorite movie characters, but the merriment may come with a hefty environmental price tag. Too many of us buy ready-made, fast-fashion costumes, wear them once and throw them away. Store-bought costumes tend to be made with unsustainable materials such as plastic and polyester, which can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills, causing harmful microplastics to enter our waterways.

The eco-friendly alternative is to create a costume from items we already have or will use again. That means ditching the plastic, glitter and chemical-laden makeup. It is an opportunity to dial up our creativity and do-it-yourself spirit.

• Check the closet, thrift stores and online marketplaces. Outgrown clothes

can be repurposed for a unique boho or witchy look. Layer items in unexpected combinations to make everyday garments take on new personalities. Mix colors. Add a vest. Tie a scarf around the head. Wear multiple hats and mismatched belts.

• Go natural for makeup or effects. Choose eco-friendly paints or natural dyes, including black tea, coffee, turmeric and paprika to color fabrics or decorate handmade, creative costumes. For witchy green skin, slather on a face mask. For rosy cheeks and lips, use a slice of beet to stain the skin. Blend vibrant, shimmery mineral powders for eyes, face or lips. Use eco-friendly face paint kits, such as those available at NaturalEarthPaint.com

• Swap or borrow. Get together with family and friends and choose from a pile of costumes from years gone by. Have fun tweaking them and making them new again.

• Handcraft a mask. Gather leaves, flowers, pinecones, feathers, acorns and other natural specimens, as well as paper bags, recycled paper, felt fabric and cardboard. Make a sturdy shape for the base of the mask and cut out an oval for the eyes, then glue the decorative elements. This is a great craft project for kids.

ECO-FRIENDLY COSTUME IDEAS

• Garden or Forest Fairy: Wear practice clothing from dance class and layer it with colorful scarves, fake plants, leaves and flowers. Cut wings out of poster board.

• Mother Nature: Wear something green and make a crown from pinecones, sticks or leaves.

• Bat or Owl: Make wings from an old umbrella and use fabric scraps for feathers.

• Use household items. Cardboard boxes embellished with foil scraps and reused lids make great robots, astronauts or knights in armor. A white sheet with cut-out eyes is the quintessential ghost. Blankets and shower curtains can be fashioned into superhero capes.

by Dr. Fred Harvey

October is the perfect time to focus inward and strengthen the most powerful organ in your body—the brain. With neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s on the rise, it has never been more urgent to optimize cognitive function and emotional resilience.

Fortunately, science now confirms that your brain is not fixed—it’s adaptable and capable of incredible change. This is the magic of neuroplasticity, and you can activate it. Here are 10 science-backed, action-ready strategies to cultivate new brain cells, create stronger neural connections, and rewire your stress response—starting now.

1. Move Your Body, Grow Your Brain

Aerobic exercises—such as walking, dancing, swimming, or cycling—boost BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), a powerful molecule that signals your brain to grow. Resistance training has also been shown to improve memory and cognitive speed. Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement most days of the week.

2.

Feed Your Brain on a Daily Basis

Healthy fats like omega-3s from fish, flaxseed, chia, and walnuts help bolster your brain cell membranes, which is essential for

communication. Consume antioxidant-rich foods like beets, blueberries, green tea, dark leafy greens, and turmeric, to fight inflammation. Meanwhile, avoid ultra-processed foods and limit sugar intake, as these can impair memory and focus.

Try This: Sprinkle ground flaxseed in your oatmeal or smoothies, and sip on green tea to refuel energy reserves in the midst of an afternoon slump.

3. Make Your Sleep Habits Sacred

Deep, quality, restorative sleep allows the brain to clear waste, strengthen memories, and repair neural connections. On the flipside, a lack of sleep lowers BDNF and accelerates cognitive decline. Create a bedtime ritual—turn off screens an hour before bedtime, dim the lights, and coordinate your sleep and wake up schedules at the same time each day.

4. Practice Mindfulness to Rewire Stress

Meditation, breathwork, and mindfulness practices literally reshape the brain. These practices increase gray matter in the areas linked to memory, focus, and emotional regulation. Even five minutes each day can make a positive difference.

Try This: Use a free mobile app such as Calm, Insight Timer, or Breathwrk.

5. Challenge Your Mind With New Skills

Learn a language, musical instrument, or dance style to enhance synaptic growth—the formation of new connections. Keep your brain adaptable by remaining curious, exploring skills that interest you, and venturing outside your comfort zone.

Try This: Sign up for a local class, use a brain-training app, or learn a new hobby with a friend.

6. Train Your Brain with Games

Memory exercises, puzzles, strategy games, or specialized brain-training apps can enhance neuroplasticity. Find one that appeals to you, then work on increasing the level of difficulty over time. The idea is to sustain momentum and continue to challenge yourself.

7. Seek Out a Change of Scenery

Novel experiences stimulate your senses and form new neural connections. This doesn’t require an expensive vacation—just check out a new grocery store, walk a different route, or explore a new part of town. Travel and exposure to diverse cultures can supercharge this effect.

8. Connect with Other Human Beings

Strong social connections are linked to healthier brain function and a lower risk of cognitive decline. Join group activities, attend community events, volunteer, or simply call a friend. Deep conversations, laughter, and shared experiences activate multiple brain regions.

9. Get Creative Through Music and Art

Play an instrument, sing, paint, sculpt, or just immerse yourself in complex music. These activities light up the brain and strengthen neural connections. Creative play can also enhance emotional reg-

ulation, self-expression, memory, and problem-solving.

Try This: Make a monthly habit of visiting the many art exhibits or live music events within Sarasota and across the entire Suncoast.

10. Use Healthy Stressors to Build Resilience

Mild stressors such as cold exposure, intermittent fasting, or safe breath-holding exercises can activate repair and adaptability mechanisms in the brain. These “hormetic” stressors help both the brain and body cultivate more resilience.

Try This: Take a 30-second cold shower blast at the end of your normal shower, or fast for 12–14 hours overnight.

Brain Health Is an Inside Job

You have more control over brain health than you might have been led to believe. By adopting a few of these practices, you can enhance memory, sharpen focus, reduce anxiety, and promote more resilience in the brain for years to come.

Dr. Fred Harvey is the Medical Director of Functional Medicine Florida, He is quadruple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Functional Medicine, and Holistic-Integrative Medicine. He specializes in chronic illness recovery and defiant aging. Dr. Harvey is the host of The Healthy Steps Radio Show, airing live each Monday, 10 a.m., on 88.5 WMNF. Listeners are invited to call in with questions at 813-239-9663, email DJ@WMNF.org, or text 813-4330885. Learn more at FunctionalMedicineFlorida.com.

Activating Neuroplasticity The Brain's Ultimate Rewind Button

by Hannah Tytus

The brain has an amazing ability to rewire itself by strengthening, rerouting or growing new connections in response to learning, experience or injury. This continuous reshaping is known as neuroplasticity. The changes can be positive, such as regaining movement or speech after a stroke or learning a new skill. Sometimes they are neutral, and other times they can be harmful when maladaptive patterns reinforce chronic pain or anxiety. Fortunately, the brain can grow and adapt at any age, and there are many ways to help it thrive. Nourishing foods, mindful movement, meditation, social connection, clean air and restful sleep are everyday choices that can nurture the brain in powerful ways.

NEUROPLASTICITY ACROSS THE LIFESPAN

It has long been believed that children’s brains are more malleable as they grow, and that once they reach adulthood, the brain stops evolving. But new research suggests that this may not be the full story. While the brains of developing children are certainly very adaptable, the adult brain is far from fixed.

A variety of influences, including stress, hormones, neurotransmitters, growth factors, medications, environmental stimulation, learning and aging, can reshape how brain cells are built and function. These factors may trigger changes in the size or

structure of brain regions, shift the brain’s chemical makeup, alter the shape of individual neurons and even rewire networks of connections, sparking the growth of new neurons in a process called neurogenesis.

Scientists have long known that injuries, chronic stress and the natural process of aging can take a toll on the brain. Yet, new discoveries in neuroscience and integrative medicine point to the remarkable potential for repair and renewal at every phase of life.

HEALTHY FATS

“Nutrition is the foundation of everything in health. You can’t build anything in the body without good food,” says Dr. Kat Toups, a functional medicine psychiatrist, researcher and author of Dementia Demystified: The Definitive Guide to Resurrecting Your Brain, Reversing Cognitive Decline and Regaining Your Memory. Contrary to decades of marketing campaigns for low-fat and fat-free diets, Toups explains, healthy fats are essential for brain health. The spongy white and grey matter of the brain, where all the thinking and messaging happens, is made primarily of fat.

Found in fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel, as well as in walnuts and fish oil supplements, omega-3 fatty acids are some of the healthiest fats, increasing blood flow in the brain and nourishing its physical structures to help improve learning, memory and cognitive well-being.

MINDFUL MOVEMENT

“The most validated ways to support neuroplasticity are exercise and meditation— and both are free,” says Toups. Exercise is well-known to protect the brain and boost thinking skills. One way it may do this is by supporting the growth of new neurons and strengthening connections within the hippocampus, an area in the brain involved in the formation of fresh memories and the recall of past experiences. A 2017 study published in Experimental Gerontology found that regular exercise significantly increased hippocampus volume, while nonactive participants showed a shrinking hippocampus.

In addition to strength and cardio training,

exercise that incorporates mindful and creative components may enrich the benefits. Engaging the body and mind at the same time can strengthen neural networks and support long-term cognitive function. Long walks, yoga classes or playful sessions with the kids or grandchildren are excellent ways to support the link between body and brain. Studies show that tai chi, a mindful movement practice, may be even more effective than regular exercise in protecting cognitive function because it increases brain activation in regions associated with motor function and focus, and is accessible to those with mobility limitations.

DAILY MEDITATION

A regular mindfulness practice supports neuroplasticity, making it easier to regulate emotions and handle stress. A 2024 review found that regular meditation can physically reshape the brain, strengthening areas tied to focus, emotional control and self-awareness. One reason for this is meditation’s effect on a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This molecule acts like fertilizer for brain cells, helping them grow, form new connections and remain healthy. Meditation increases BDNF, and higher levels of BDNF are linked not only to sharper learning and memory, but also to longer lasting brain health.

Additional research has demonstrated that even a short daily meditation session can increase gray matter density in regions tied to learning, memory and emotional regulation. Over time, these changes help reduce stress reactivity and support long-term resilience. Even if formal seated meditation is not feasible, simple mindful presence can help. “I try to tell people to find small moments to come into their body, come into the moment and be present,” Toups advises. “You can do that by washing the dishes. You don’t need to sit in lotus position and chant for an hour.”

CREATIVE ACTIVITIES

“Every time you learn something new or do a novel task, you are promoting neuroplasticity,” explains Toups. Learning new skills, from juggling to speaking a new language, produces measurable changes in brain structure, particularly in brain matter volume. These changes can occur in both early-learning phases and long-

Dr. Deborah Scandin AP, RRT Acupuncture Physician

Dr. Deb has over 30 years’ combined experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Respiratory Therapy and Neuromuscular Massage.

How Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Help You

This over 3,000 year old true medicine reaches the core of any health problem. It enhances your own healing potential without side effects:

• Relieves Acute & Chronic Pain

• Builds Stronger Immunity

• Relieves Digestive Discomfort

Dr. Deb’s evaluation is specific for each individual’s needs including medical history, X-rays and labs. She tailor’s treatments to each individual’s specific symptoms, constitution, and imbalances.

Open Mon., Wed. and Fri. 9:30-6:30, also Tues. & Thurs, by appt.

Three Ways To Boost Neuroplasticity Naturally

by Hannah Tytus

Meditate for 10 minutes. Sit down with eyes closed. Notice the breath and observe thoughts without judgment as they travel through the mind. Allow feelings of discomfort, frustration or impatience to come and go, knowing that they are part of the process that leads to increased self-awareness, enhanced emotional regulation and improved focus. Get involved in the community. Join a crafting meet-up, group hiking excursion, dance class or volunteering event. Activities that allow us to socialize, move our bodies and learn new things are excellent for the brain. Learn something new. Play a game, learn a new art form or read something challenging. Engaging the mind and body, such as moving our fingers while crafting, can help the brain forge new connections.

term practice, underscoring the brain’s capacity for adaptation throughout life. Making music and dancing can strengthen connections in the brain; even the act of listening to music has been shown to enhance neural plasticity and cognitive flexibility. Toups recommends rocking out to a favorite song in the kitchen and choreographing a few dance moves.

RESTORATIVE SLEEP

Rapid eye movement (REM), a stage of sleep marked by increased brain activity and vivid dreaming, plays an important role in neuroplasticity. During REM, the brain actively prunes unhelpful neural connections and reinforces others, supporting brain development, the learning of new skills and memory improvement. To support consistent REM sleep, aim for seven to nine hours of shuteye and try to maintain a consistent bedtime and wake time. A good night’s rest after learning a new skill or information can help that lesson integrate into the brain, supporting behavioral change.

CLEAN AIR

Keeping the air in the home clean is important for overall brain health. Research suggests that mold toxicity may be a risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease, after researchers discovered traces of fungi inside the central nervous system of many Alzheimer’s patients—an infection that was absent in healthy individuals. Mold toxicity in the home can elicit an immune response and harm the brain. For example, a 2020 study found that black mold inhalation can cause inflammation in the hippocampus and reduce neurogenesis, the growth of new brain cells.

Practicing clean air habits can help assuage the risks of mold exposure at home. These include investing in an air purifier, ventilating regularly by opening windows, using exhaust fans and maintaining household ducts. Mold concerns can be investigated with a simple at-home testing kit, followed by professional testing and remediation, if needed.

LIGHT THERAPY

“Photobiomodulation is a powerful way to create neuroplasticity, both quickly and over the long term,” says Dr. Lew Lim, founder of the Vielight photobiomodulation (PBM) device, which has been studied in collaboration with universities and medical institutions, including the University of Toronto, Harvard Medical School and Mount Sinai Hospital.

PBM, also called light therapy, uses gentle red or near-infrared light to stimulate brain cells, boost the energy-producing parts of cells known as mitochondria, improve blood flow and calm inflammation. “When we activate the mitochondria with PBM, the mitochondria actually release growth factors, which support growth of new cells in the brain,” Lim explains.

According to Lim, PBM may help the brain protect and repair its neurons, encourage the growth of new connections and support the clearing of harmful waste proteins linked to cognitive decline. He asserts that certain light pulse frequencies, such as 40 hertz, may also help tune brainwave patterns that are important for memory and learning. While most research so far has been in small human studies or animal models, the results suggest that regular PBM could strengthen the brain’s natural ability to adapt and rewire itself. Some people use PBM as part of a daily routine to keep their minds sharp, while others use it to heal from more serious brain injuries.

FINDING COMMUNITY

Research shows that staying connected to others offers powerful protection for the brain. Older adults that feel lonely or spend long stretches without social contact face about a 50 percent higher risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, even when other health factors are taken into account. One long-term study found that memory and thinking skills declined 20 percent faster in those that reported feeling lonely.

Being socially active can help guard the brain against decline. For 25 years, the

Northwestern University SuperAging Program has studied people in their 80s and beyond with nimble minds that work as well as people decades younger. Brain scans show that these study participants called SuperAgers do not exhibit the usual thinning of the brain’s outer layer normally seen with age, and one key area involved in attention and decision-making is thicker than even in middle-aged adults.

Under the microscope, SuperAger brain cells are larger, better connected and show fewer signs of Alzheimer’s damage or inflammation. These resilient individuals tend to be very social, valuing close relationships and staying engaged with others—habits that may work hand-in-hand with their unusually healthy brain structures to help protect thinking skills late in life.

Even a weekly coffee with a friend or joining a class can be powerful brain fuel. People with rich social lives, including those that regularly share time with friends, family and communities, tend to keep their minds sharper for longer.

AN EVOLVING BRAIN

The brain is never truly fixed. It is a living, adapting system that can grow stronger, sharper and more resilient at any age, and we can guide those changes. Whether through movement, nutrition, light therapy, meditation or meaningful connection, every choice we make can help shape and rewire the mind for the better. The science is clear: it is never too late to nurture the brain’s potential. Embrace neuroplasticity as a lifelong journey and let each new day be an opportunity to learn, adapt and thrive.

Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, researcher and former writer at the National Institutes of Health. She also hosts “Root Shock”, a podcast exploring how cultural and systemic forces shape our understanding of health.

Organic Salon

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Cuts + Smoothing Treatments

Silent Appointments Available

Hair & Earth Organic Salon

Salons by JC • 200 Central Avenue

Suite 18, Sarasota • 941-284-9563

HairandEarth.GlossGenius.com

PROTEIN-PACKED PANCAKES WITH WILD BLUEBERRIES

YIELD: 3 SERVINGS

1 cup old-fashioned, rolled oats

1 medium ripe banana

2 large eggs

½ cup cottage cheese (nonfat or whole), plus more for serving, optional

¼ cup water

½ cup almond, buckwheat, hazelnut or quinoa flour

¼ cup protein powder, optional

¼ cup hemp seeds, plus more for sprinkling

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp kosher salt

¾ cup frozen wild blueberries (about 1 Tbsp per pancake)

Yogurt to taste, optional

Fresh berries or mashed frozen berries for toppings, optional

Pure maple syrup, warmed, optional

Extra virgin olive oil, drizzled

Place the oats in a blender until ground into a coarse flour with a texture like almond meal. Add the banana, eggs, cottage cheese and ¼ cup water and blend on high until smooth and no pieces of banana remain. Add the flour, protein powder, hemp seeds, baking powder, cinnamon and salt, in that order. Blend just until combined. Set aside while toppings are prepared.

Check the batter. If it is too thick to pour, add water 1 teaspoon at a time until it has a pourable consistency but not too thin—these should be thick, hearty pancakes.

Warm a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil, swirling to distribute evenly. Measure ¼ cup of batter for each pancake, about three per large skillet. Scatter 1 heaping tablespoon of blueberries over each pancake, pressing slightly so they adhere. Cook until the underside is crispy and brown and the center is set, about 3 to 4 minutes. Using a rigid spatula, carefully flip the pancake and cook until golden brown on the other side and the center is dry, another 3 to 4 minutes.

Serve right away or transfer to a plate and place in the oven to keep warm. Repeat, using the remaining batter and berries. Serve hot, dollop with yogurt, a sprinkle of hemp seeds and more berries on top. Drizzle with maple syrup.

Store leftover pancake batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The batter will thicken as it sits, so thin with 1 teaspoon of water at a time.

Recipe courtesy of Annie Fenn.

Ayurvedic Scalp/Facial Massage

Lymphatic Drainage

Scalp Analysis + Exfoliations

Hair Growth Treatments

Red Light Therapy

Holistic Healing Guidance

Toddler-Friendly Mindfulness Activities

Simple and Interactive Games To Nurture a Developing Mind

by Christina Connors

Temper tantrums, bedtime battles and outsized feelings may occasionally overwhelm a toddler. Although such outbursts are a normal part of growing up, they represent a child’s attempt to work through and communicate their emotions. Whether these episodes happen at home or in the shopping mall, it can certainly feel uncomfortable for the child, the parents and nearby witnesses. Mindfulness practices designed for toddlers can help little ones navigate unsettling feelings and situational challenges while supporting their developing brains. Rambunctious youngsters may not be able to sit still and meditate yet, but they will likely engage in games and activities that strategically teach emotional regulation skills.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND LITTLE MINDS

A 2024 randomized study published in Cerebral Cortex reveals just how powerful mindfulness can be for developing brains. After analyzing brain imaging from 68 participating children, the researchers discovered that the kids that engaged in mindfulness activities exhibited measurable positive impacts in completing executive-function tasks and were better behaved than the control group.

“This research matters because during the toddler years, the brain is rapidly forming connections, especially in areas related to emotional regulation, attention and empathy,” says Dr. Yasmine Saad, a psychologist and founder of Madison Park Psychological Services, in New York City. “Mindfulness strengthens these neural pathways. When toddlers pause to notice their breath or sensations, they’re practicing self-awareness and impulse control, skills that form the foundation for emotional intelligence later in life.”

MINDFULNESS FOR TODDLERS

Forget about sitting cross-legged in silence. Mindfulness for toddlers is about creating moments of awareness through their natural language of play. Moments of presence can be sprinkled into a child’s day by prompting them to notice their breath during a fun game, guiding them to recognize emotions through storytelling and building body awareness with movement. “When it comes to teaching mindfulness and presence with young children, it is about connection, not perfection,” says Lee Sowles, founder and CEO of Kind Mind, a company that provides social-emotional learning curriculums for early childhood

and elementary-aged children (ages 0 to 12 years). “We encourage a model-to-teach approach, so practicing yourself—in moments of chaos, triggers and calm—is the best way to teach and guide your children to develop healthy regulation strategies.” Sowles shares these simple techniques:

SENSORY-BASED APPROACHES

• Listening Games: Have toddlers close their eyes and identify different sounds around them, both inside and outside the room. Surprise them by asking if they can hear sounds inside their own bodies.

• Texture Exploration: To develop mindful touching, ask kids to close their eyes and then place various items in their hands, prompting them to identify what those trinkets and textures are. Another fun game is to have kids rub their hands together really fast, then stop. Ask them to describe what they feel, offering suggestions such as heat, tingling or coolness.

VISUAL TOOLS

• Calm Down Jars: Fill a clear jar about three-quarters full with warm water; stir in two tablespoons of clear glue and one to two teaspoons of eco-friendly glitter. Top off with warm water, leaving a little space at the top, and close with a water-tight lid. Toddlers can shake the jar and watch the glitter settle. This is a wonderful way to visually illustrate the process of calming down.

• Breathing Buddies: To help young children feel their breath moving, place a stuffed animal on their belly while they are in a reclined position. Invite them to take deep breaths and ask them to de-

scribe what is happening to their beloved toy as they breathe in and out.

MOVEMENT-BASED ACTIVITIES

• Slow-Motion Walking: Practice walking as slowly and deliberately as possible, and have the toddlers notice every movement. Do they feel the floor under their bare feet? Can they hear their knees?

• Body Awareness: Guide children to tighten and relax different parts of their bodies, head to toe. For example, ask them to scrunch their faces tightly for three seconds, then relax, feeling the muscles melting.

THE RIPPLE EFFECT ON FAMILIES

When toddlers learn these early mindfulness skills, the benefits extend to the entire family. Parents report feeling more confident when handling challenging behaviors, and siblings often naturally imitate the techniques.

Mindfulness can be woven into daily activities or mundane chores. “Turn waiting in line into a what-do-you-see-and-hear game,” Saad suggests. “Make toothbrushing a chance to notice tastes and sensations. Even a one-minute pause before meals to take a breath and say something you’re grateful for can help a child’s brain and body learn to reset. Small, consistent moments are what create lasting habits.”

GETTING STARTED

Begin with 30- to 60-second activities and gradually increase the duration as toddlers develop their attention span. All of the mindfulness activities should feel playful— like games, rather than formal meditation. Remember to model the behavior. Toddlers learn best through imitation. Be consistent. Regular practice, even if it involves brief moments, is more effective than longer, infrequent sessions. Follow the child’s lead. If a toddler is not responding to one technique, try another. Every child is unique and will connect with their preferred activities. Test them out and have fun with them.

Christina Connors is a writer, keynote singer and head of music and social-emotional learning integration for the Kind Mind Education Program. Learn more at ChristinaConnors.com.

SARDINIAN LENTIL SOUP WITH HERBS

Fresh herbs are the stars of this fragrant soup. When shopping for celery, look for a bunch that has plenty of tender leaves, which add flavor and aroma to the dish.

YIELD:

2 QUARTS

3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

5 celery stalks, finely chopped (about 2 cups), leaves reserved

1 large fennel bulb, cored and finely diced (about 1½ cups), fronds finely chopped and reserved

1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp kosher salt

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

½ tsp red pepper flakes, plus more for serving

2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced

½ cup dry white wine or water

8 cups vegetable, chicken or beef stock

¾ cup green lentils

¾ cup fregola sarda whole-wheat orzo, or other small, whole-grain pasta

1 large bunch Italian parsley, stems finely chopped, leaves coarsely chopped (about 1 cup each)

⅓ cup fresh tarragon, finely chopped

2 Tbsp chives, finely chopped

Pecorino cheese to taste, optional

Lemon wedges

Warm the oil in a medium pot over medium-low heat. Add the celery stalks, fennel bulb, onion, oregano, salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring often, for 8 to 12 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant for about 1 minute. Add the wine and cook for 2 to 4 minutes until the liquid is almost completely reduced.

Add the broth and bring soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the lentils, fregola sarda and parsley stems. Cook uncovered at a low simmer until the lentils are tender and the pasta is al dente (soft but with a chewy bite), about 20 to 30 minutes. Stir often to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot. Just before serving, stir in the parsley and celery leaves, fennel fronds, tarragon and chives. Grate or shave Pecorino atop and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side. Store leftover soup in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. The soup will thicken as it rests; add water or broth when reheating and an additional handful of fresh herbs before serving. Recipe courtesy of Annie Fenn.

Feeding Our Brain Power

What To Eat for Mental Acuity

by Maya Whitman

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about one in 10 adults aged 45 and older experience worsening memory loss or cognitive decline, a precursor to dementia. A 2022 study in JAMA Neurology indicates that 22 percent of adults over age 65 experience mild cognitive impairment. Our dietary choices significantly impact brain longevity, and what we avoid is equally important.

The late pioneering researcher Dr. Martha Clare Morris developed the MIND Diet, which merges the Mediterranean and DASH (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) diets to enhance cognitive function with plenty of delicious versatility. A

2015 study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia found that strict adherence to the MIND Diet can reduce Alzheimer’s risk by 53 percent, while moderate adherence can lower it by 35 percent.

The MIND Diet is a stress-free, lifelong plan with bountiful menu options, including fish, lean poultry, vegetables, nuts, berries, whole grains, legumes and high-quality olive oil. It accommodates gluten-free and plant-based preferences. With satiating breakfast options like Greek yogurt or scrambled eggs, spicy chili for lunch and fun dinner burrito bowls, this diet is flexible and beginner-friendly, allowing for moderate consumption of pasta, potatoes and bread, with a focus on whole-grain,

complex carbohydrates over refined ones. It also recommends oven roasting instead of high-heat frying.

A LIFELONG INVESTMENT

“You can never be too young to embrace brain-healthy dietary strategies in support of longevity. Early adoption of brainhealthy eating habits may also enhance cognitive reserve, strengthening the brain’s resilience to neuropathological damage over time,” says neuroscientist Kristen Willeumier, founder and CEO of the Willeumier Center for Advanced Research in Neurotrauma & Brain Rehabilitation, in California.

Embracing variety is important. “I like to have people think of brain-healthy food groups, not superfoods,” states Annie Fenn, M.D., founder of the Brain Health Kitchen and author of The Brain Health Kitchen: Preventing Alzheimer’s Through Food. Fenn notes that women are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than men “for reasons that have nothing to do with living longer. Alzheimer’s can start in the brain up to 30 years before the first symptoms. It’s never too early or too late. Data shows that switching to a brain-healthy diet can have benefits even in one’s 70s.”

The Link Neuroscience Institute, in California, recommends eating more colorful berries, fatty fish such as sardines, dark leafy greens, nuts and seeds, and a moderate amount of high-quality dark chocolate to protect the brain from oxidative stress, which can lead to conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, as well as mood disorders, including long-term depression. They also advise against consuming processed and fried foods, sugar, alcohol and sodium.

CUTTING OUT THE CULPRITS

According to Willeumier, even a modest reduction in the intake of processed foods, including packaged products, sweetened cereals, deli meats and sugary beverages, can have a positive impact on brain health. She recommends the complete elimination of alcoholic beverages. “Neuroimaging studies,

including the Whitehall II Study, which followed 550 participants over a 30-year period tracking alcohol intake and cognitive performance, suggest that there is no protective effect of alcohol on the brain, even from light drinking. Eliminate alcohol for the preservation of your long-term brain health.”

Certain foods accelerate brain aging, and Fenn recommends limiting or eliminating fast and fried foods, sugar, artificially sweetened drinks, ultra-processed products and foods that are excessively high in saturated fat like butter and some cheeses. Certain cooking techniques are also problematic. “Frying, searing and grilling directly over high heat creates inflammatory particles called advanced glycation end products, or AGEs,” explains Fenn. “Think low-and-slow when you cook—low heat, slow cooking, braising, poaching, steaming and indirect grilling.”

Willeumier notes that these healthy eating habits can have an immediate effect on brain function by influencing neurotransmitter production, stabilizing blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation and improving cerebral blood flow, all of which can also help us to live longer, maintain our focus and thinking skills, and feel happier.

Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.

SALMON AND ROASTED ASPARAGUS

YIELD: 2 SERVINGS

2 wild-caught salmon fillets

1 lb fresh asparagus, washed

2 Roma tomatoes

1 avocado, sliced

1 head butter lettuce, divided in half

½ lemon, sliced in two

1 to 2 cloves of fresh garlic, finely chopped

1 Tbsp fresh or dried thyme leaves

Sprinkle of oregano

Himalayan salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

Extra virgin olive oil, drizzled

Preheat the oven to 400° F.

Place salmon in a baking dish and squeeze an even amount of lemon juice on each fillet. Season filets evenly with chopped garlic and thyme leaves. Add Himalayan salt and black pepper to taste. Drizzle with olive oil.

Bake salmon in the oven for 25 minutes.

Place asparagus on a baking sheet and drizzle about a tablespoon of olive oil on top. Add Himalayan sea salt and black pepper to taste. Roast the asparagus in the oven for 15 minutes.

Serve salmon on a bed of butter lettuce with chopped Roma tomatoes, avocado and roasted asparagus on the side.

Recipe courtesy of Dr. Kristen Willeumier.

GREEN JUICE: MORNING HYDRATION BRAIN BOOST

YIELD: 1 SERVING

4 to 5 stalks of celery

½ to 1 whole cucumber, peeled

½ cup Italian parsley

½ cup baby spinach

2 to 3 stalks of red kale or Pacific kale

½ to 1 whole green apple, peeled and cored

Mix all ingredients together in a juicer or blender and enjoy.

Recipe courtesy of Dr. Kristen Willeumier.

Creativity Therapy

Discovering the Healing Power of Crafting

by Megy Karydes

In living rooms, coffee shops and community centers across the country, a quiet revolution is unfolding. The arts and crafts of previous generations—from quilting, basketweaving and jewelry-making to painting, pottery and bookbinding—are experiencing an unprecedented renaissance that extends beyond nostalgia.

“This trend is a natural reaction to how much of people’s lives are spent on screens,” remarks Ivana Labuckas, clinical director at Build Bright Care Group, in Granada Hills, California. “People are constantly dealing with abstract tasks like emails or social media that never give them that satisfying feeling of being truly done. Crafting brings them back to something real.”

DIGITAL DETOX

Recent research published in Frontiers in Public Health found that engaging in arts and crafts activities increased people’s sense that life was worthwhile. Of the nearly 7,200 adult participants, those that engaged in creative activities self-reported higher levels of happiness, life satisfaction and overall well-being, even after accounting for employment status and socioeconomic conditions.

Making things with our hands may be just the digital detox we need. Crafting provides what Labuckas calls “a process people can control and a finished product they can actually hold in their hands, which pro-

vides a powerful sense of accomplishment and calm in a world that often feels out of their control.”

ANXIETY RELIEF

The mental health benefits of hands-on crafting are also profound. “Craft-based activities tend to activate various regions of the brain linked with memory, attention and motor coordination,” explains Jessica Plonchak, clinical director at ChoicePoint, a mental health and addiction treatment center in Fairlawn, New Jersey. “Being engaged in slow-paced handwork works as a meditation for many people, as it keeps their minds in good coordination with rhythm and repetition.”

According to Plonchak, the rhythmic nature of crafting “ultimately increases dopamine levels, while reducing stress and anxiety levels.” Unlike the short-lived boosts from social media notifications, craft-induced dopamine provides sustained satisfaction and genuine mood elevation.

The focused attention required for counting stitches or following intricate patterns creates what psychologists call flow states—periods of deep engagement where stress and time seem to fade away. “Making something by hand is one of the best forms of practical mindfulness people can do,” says Labuckas. “The focused, rhythmic nature of these activities gives busy minds one thing to focus on, quieting the part of the brain that tends to replay worries.”

Kim Rippy, a licensed counselor and owner of Keystone Therapy Group, in Burke, Virginia, is also an avid crocheter. “Crafting slows down the brain to shift into a more mindful state of focusing on the present,” she says. “One can’t count crochet stitches correctly if they’re worried about something else from the past or future.”

For Rippy, who manages patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, crafting serves as a powerful regulation

tool. “Something in one’s hands that is productive helps the brain stop from drifting or becoming overwhelmed with anxious or intrusive thoughts,” she notes. This tactile engagement pulls attention away from worry and grounds it in present-moment awareness, a principle that underlies many therapeutic interventions.

ANTIDOTE TO OVERCONSUMPTION

The crafting renaissance also allows us to reuse and repurpose materials destined for the landfill. This shift from consumption to creation represents a reorientation of values. “Instead of just buying and discarding things, people realize the utmost importance of creating something of their own and preserving it,” Plonchak says. “It allows people to believe that, apart from being consumers, they are also the creators of something inventive and useful. This acknowledgment boosts self-esteem, improves emotional regulation and keeps the negative forces at bay.”

Consider upcycling fabric scraps into patchwork blankets, turning old CDs into mosaic art, transforming glass jars into lanterns or vases and wine corks into a trivet. To ensure the sustainability of a crafting project, use minimally toxic materials, avoiding new plastics, and be mindful to reduce waste at every step.

IGNITING THE IMAGINATION

In her clinical work, Plonchak has witnessed firsthand that “crafting serves as a bridge to better mental health by offering moments of stillness and creativity.” It is a sophisticated form of therapy that engages multiple brain systems while providing sustainable, meaningful alternatives to digital entertainment.

As society navigates an increasingly complex and accelerated world, the wisdom needed is not found in the latest technology, but in time-tested practices. In every stitch and woven strand, we are not just creating treasured objects. We are choosing to craft calm, build community and rediscover what it means to be truly present in our own lives.

Megy Karydes is a Chicago-based writer and author of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress.

Rewiring the Stress Response

Therapies To Restore Balance and Calm

by Marlaina Donato

White-knuckling our way through life can be exhausting, but more than that, chronic strain can negatively impact brain function and even alter its physical structure. Continually recurring stressors can lead to impaired memory, emotional dysregulation, anxiety disorders and depression. When the nervous system gets stuck on overdrive, the body delays a variety of critical functions, including immune response and tissue repair, in order to deal with perceived emergencies.

Over time, the amygdala, an area within our brain that is responsible for processing fear and alerting us to danger, can become enlarged and hyperreactive, hardwiring us to be in a constant fight-or-flight mode. Prolonged stress of this nature can lead to excessive accumulation of cortisol in the brain, setting the stage for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.

Gently reprogramming an overstimulated nervous system can initiate and improve cellular repair, nutrient absorption, sounder sleep and more tranquil moods. Restoration of the body’s natural capacity for calm is possible through noninvasive, painless approaches such as sound healing, craniosacral therapy and certain forms of acupressure.

SOUND-ENABLED RELAXATION

“When we are under stress all the time, the autonomic nervous system gets out of balance, and the body cannot heal itself as it is intended to do,” explains Gail Lynn, the author of Unlocking the Ancient Secrets to Healing and inventor of the Harmonic Egg, which uses light, color and sound to provide an immersive relaxation experience. In 2007, she faced a cardiovascular health crisis at age 37, which she attributes to three successive challenging careers and a stressful personal life over the span of many years. Lynn explored a number of alternative solutions, and with full-body sound-and-light sessions experienced a profound shift in her health and well-being. She attests that resetting her nervous system enabled her body to heal itself, making her life “100 percent better”.

Modern sound therapy has ancient roots in cultures worldwide. The use of tuning forks, therapeutic gongs, singing bowls, mantras, percussive hand instruments and binaural beats has been shown to synchronize brainwaves in a process called brainwave entrain-

ment, resulting in a lowered stress response. Harvard Health notes that soothing tones can lower elevated blood pressure and promote healthier heart and respiratory rates, alleviating burden on the autonomic nervous system.

RESTORING INTERNAL RHYTHMS

Another way to switch off a state of perpetual survival mode is to restore balance to the vagus nerve, which connects the brain to the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and most of the digestive tract. “Seventy percent of the traffic on the vagus nerve goes from the organs to the brain. Only 30 percent of the traffic goes from the brain to the organs, so it is much more a situation of the gut controlling the brain,” explains Tim Hutton, a craniosacral therapist and Upledger Institute instructor in Bellingham, Washington. Hutton underscores that the body can recuperate once it is able to shift out of fight-flight-orfreeze mode and into the ventral vagal state of rest-and-digest. Developed by John E. Upledger in the 1970s, craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle bodywork modality that seeks to restore the natural functioning of the membranes and fluids surrounding the spinal cord and brain. “There is a subtle, rhythmic motion of the tissue that we call the craniosacral rhythm that is easily disrupted. Any tension or compromise in the body’s ability to function will adversely affect the craniosacral rhythm,” says Hutton. “As a therapist, I support the client’s healing process and let their body lead.” CST releases tension in the craniosacral system, shifting the body to the rest-and-digest mode and enhancing vagus nerve function.

A 2020 study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine of patients with complex traumas, including post-traumatic stress disorder, reported improvements in quality of life after receiving a combination of CST and psychotherapy. A 2023 randomized clinical trial published in Behavioral Sciences involving 57 healthy firefighting cadets showed a reduction of the stress hormone cortisol in participants that received CST sessions for five consecutive weeks.

AURICULAR ACUPUNCTURE

Stress and anxiety contribute to insomnia, which can cause even more stress. With roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine, auricular therapy involves the stimulation of 120 acupoints in the ear that correspond to the nervous system and certain other parts of the body. The therapy is believed to positively influence neurotransmitter activity, which facilitates the communication between brain cells, while also enhancing neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt by forming new neural pathways.

A 2023 systematic meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Sleep reported that auricular acupressure can be beneficial for insomnia. Ear seeds, a type of ear acupressure without needles, have also shown promise for anxiety and insomnia.

PERSISTENCE IS KEY

By applying any one or a combination of these therapies, it is possible to experience more balance and calm. If a particular modality does not bring about the desired stress relief, persist with another. “There is always hope,” says Hutton. “Most often, miracles are incremental.”

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

Smart Devices for Pets

Integrating Technology Into Daily Routines

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

Advancements in technology are improving the daily lives of pets and their people. From collars equipped with global positioning systems (GPS) to wearable devices that monitor behavior and detect potential health shifts, these innovations are transforming the way we interact with our animal companions. Before embracing smart devices, however, pet parents should be informed about their potential benefits and limitations.

LOCATION TRACKERS

GPS trackers attached to pet collars are gaining popularity, especially for active or escape-prone animals. Using satellite or cellular signals to continuously monitor a pet’s location, these devices help pet owners quickly locate stray companions.

A 2021 study conducted at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, revealed that the radiation exposure experienced by pets from GPS and Bluetooth devices is well below international safety standards, implying that adverse health effects are unlikely. The study also noted that adjusting how often a tracking device sends location data can influence a pet’s exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). For example, some devices transmit only every few hours when the pet is resting, but switch to every

minute or every few seconds during periods of high activity. To further minimize RF-EMF exposure, the researchers recommend using a harness-mounted tracking device instead of a collar-mounted one.

In addition to GPS technology, microchips can serve as a reliable backup identification method. A microchip is a permanent form of identification implanted under the pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. It cannot track a pet’s real-time location but stores a unique number linked to the owner’s contact details. If scanned at a clinic or shelter, it can help reunite lost pets with their owners.

HEALTH MONITORS

Although they do not replace veterinary care, health trackers can support early intervention and informed veterinary conversations. Certain devices monitor behaviors such as scratching, licking, shaking, sleeping and resting. They compare this data to the pet’s usual habits or population averages. Sudden changes may indicate discomfort and prompt further attention. Data from health trackers helps veterinarians and pet parents confirm concerns about allergies, anxiety or appetite changes. These devices can be useful in busy or multipet homes. Owners may miss subtle changes, whereas trackers are capable of detecting them. The historical data can help veterinarians see patterns over time. Still, the data needs context, as not every change signals an illness. Environmental shifts, routine disruptions or the natural progression of aging can also impact an animal’s behavior. Trackers flag what is different, but they do not explain why.

While pet health trackers can provide valuable behavioral insights, metabolic estimates such as calorie burn should be interpreted with caution. A 2023 study published by AVMA Publications evaluated the accuracy of a popular

dog activity monitor. The study of 23 healthy dogs over a 28-day period found that the monitor failed to accurately measure the dogs’ calorie expenditures. Notably, the device overestimated the calorie needs of most of the dogs, even when their body weights remained stable throughout the study period. While these devices can be useful for tracking trends and identifying changes, pet owners should exercise caution when using them to make dietary decisions.

AUTOMATIC FEEDERS

Feeding routines are crucial components of many pet health plans, particularly for animals experiencing food sensitivities, chronic illness or weight concerns. Smart feeders can automate portion control, meal timing and consistency. For veterinarian-guided weight-loss plans that rely on controlled food and calories intake, it is imperative to select devices that can deliver multiple daily feedings in precise, small portions. Most smart feeders work well for dry kibble. Some models feature sealed trays, microchip-activated lids or cooling compartments, making them suitable for wet or home-cooked meals.

Smart feeders can help maintain consistency and promote healthy habits but should not be considered standalone solutions for diet-related health concerns. They are most effective when integrated into a clinical feeding plan under the guidance of a veterinarian. This approach ensures that calorie needs are met, a healthy weight is maintained and potential dietary risks are minimized.

SMART DEVICE LIMITATIONS

Smart pet technology can provide valuable insights into a pet’s daily habits, but it is essential to understand its limitations. These devices are not diagnostic tools. They cannot test for allergens, run lab work or evaluate physical symptoms. Their primary function is to serve as early warning systems, flagging subtle changes that pet parents might otherwise miss. It is important to refrain from solely relying on technology. Misinterpreting data can lead to unnecessary worry or delayed medical attention. Real observation and professional input remain indispensable.

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

Strong at Any Age

Embracing

Resistance Training During Menopause

by Jordan Peschek, RN-BSN

Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life, bringing with it numerous physiological changes that can affect health, mobility and quality of life. Among these changes, declines in muscle mass, bone density and balance present particular challenges. Research suggests that resistance training is a safe and effective strategy to counteract these effects.

For women navigating perimenopause and menopause, it is not just a savvy fitness choice, but a crucial intervention to improve strength, balance, lean muscle mass and bone health, thereby reducing the risk of falls and injuries while supporting healthy aging.

PHYSIOLOGICAL CHALLENGES OF MENOPAUSE

Perimenopause can last for two to 10 years leading up to menopause, which is officially marked by 12 months without a menstrual period. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and involves a natural decline in estrogen production. This hormonal shift accelerates loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) and bone density (osteopenia or osteoporosis), both of which are critical factors for maintaining physical function and preventing injury.

“Once in menopause, we lose muscle and bone mass at a faster rate, so strength training helps counteract that loss,” explains

Dr. Brenda Heinecke, physical therapist and pelvic floor specialist based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Muscle weakness and decreased balance increase the risk of falls, a leading cause of injury in older adults, while reductions in lean body mass slow metabolism and contribute to weight gain.

BENEFITS OF RESISTANCE TRAINING

Resistance training, also known as strength training, involves exercises that cause muscles to contract against an external force such as weights, resistance bands or body weight. Unlike aerobic exercise, which primarily benefits cardiovascular health, resistance training specifically targets muscle and bone strength.

A 2023 systematic review of 12 randomized controlled trials involving more than 800 women, published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, reported that resistance training improved musculoskeletal health in menopausal women, highlighting its positive effects on muscle mass, bone density and functional outcomes like balance and mobility.

The authors noted that resistance training could effectively combat the muscle and bone loss accelerated by menopause, contributing to better overall health and reduced risk of fractures. They also found strength training to be positively associated with hormonal and metabolic improvements in menopausal women, including stabilized blood pressure and a reduction of hot flashes compared to inactive women in the studies.

HIP STRENGTH AND FALL PREVENTION

The hips play a vital role in balance and mobility, but hip strength diminishes significantly during menopause, affecting gait stability and increasing the likelihood of falls. A 2023 article in the Iranian Jour-

nal of Public Health reported on a Korean study of postmenopausal women that performed a variety of resistance exercises to target the large muscle groups of the lower body, including a band lateral walk, one-leg deadlift, side-lying hip abduction and squat deceleration, over the span of four weeks. The group that performed these resistance exercises significantly improved their gluteal muscle strength.

LEAN BODY MASS AND METABOLIC HEALTH

Menopause-related declines in estrogen also contribute to reductions in lean body mass and increases in fat mass, which can negatively impact metabolism, insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular health. “Strength training not only helps increase muscle and bone mass, but it helps with other common issues of menopause such as cardiovascular disease; insulin resistance; and impairments to mood, cognitive function and sexual health," Heinecke remarks. Resistance training helps to preserve and increase lean muscle mass, which in turn supports a healthy metabolic rate and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.

A 2023 BMC Women’s Health study of premenopausal women highlights that maintaining lean body mass through resistance exercise helps mitigate common menopausal symptoms such as weight gain and fat redistribution.

BALANCE AND FUNCTIONAL INDEPENDENCE

Balance naturally deteriorates with age due to changes in the nervous system and muscle function. The 2023 review in Journal of Clinical Medicine reinforces that resistance training not only strengthens muscles, but also improves neuromuscular coordination, which is critical for maintaining balance and preventing falls. Exercises such as squats, lunges and step-ups challenge both strength and balance systems, making them ideal components of a menopausal fitness program.

STARTING A RESISTANCE TRAINING PROGRAM

Given its benefits, resistance training should be a cornerstone of menopausal health routines. However, many women may feel uncertain about how to begin or

fear injury. “My personal recommendation would be to join a fitness class or hire a personal trainer for a few sessions,” shares Victoria Morse, a certified fitness instructor in Kona, Hawaii. “For most people, lasting change can be hard to achieve alone—they need accountability. Once we accept this truth, our chance of success increases dramatically.”

For those that are ready to add strength training to their routine, begin with light resistance and focus on proper technique, gradually increasing weight or resistance as strength improves. Aim for two to three sessions per week, targeting major muscle groups with these exercises:

• Squats, lunges and step-ups for lower body and hip strength

• Push-ups or chest presses for upper body

• Rows and shoulder presses for back and shoulders

• Core stabilization exercises such as planks or medicine ball rotations

Menopause introduces complex challenges, but resistance training offers a scientifically supported solution to some of the most significant concerns: loss of hip strength, balance and lean body mass. For women facing menopause, lifting weights or using resistance bands is more than just a fitness trend; it is an essential strategy to maintain mobility, independence and vitality for years to come.

Jordan Peschek has a background in personal training, yoga instruction and mental health nursing. She publishes the Milwaukee and Twin Cities editions of Natural Awakenings.

Calendar of Events

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2

Archangels Workshop - Experience the Top 5 “Go To” Archangels with Workshop Leader Cyndy Paxton, Reiki Master Teacher - 6:30pm online, or Sundays in person starting Oct 5th at 1pm. This fun and engaging series is about “Experiencing the Archangels”, through learning about each Archangel, healing meditations, and practical everyday use. Students say working with the Archangels is life changing. This 5-week workshop is offered two ways - online via Zoom on Thursdays, or in person in Sarasota on Sundays. Workshop details and registration at CenterForReikiWellness.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4

Toning and Mindfulness - 3-4:30pm. Do you want to learn how to release trauma and awaken your psychic abilities with the power of your voice, while you bathe in healing sounds and light? Join us for this transcendental workshop with experienced sound healer and board-certified Music Therapist: Carlos Cuellar Brown MT-BC. Retune your vital body with the power of your voice. In this workshop you will un-block emotional trauma while you are immersed in powerful crystal singing bowls. $25. Location:  Prana Yoga, 3840 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota, 941 928-2137, PranaYogaSarasota.com.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8

A Way with Words: A Poetic Venture7-8:30pm. We are starting up our 2nd Wed. of the month schedule. Mark your calendars. Door opens at 6:30pm to first come, first read/sign up. All are welcome. Come read your poetry or your written words in an accepting ambiance of our wondrous diversity. Readings are 5 min to 7 min. per reader. $5 Admission, whether you come as audience or reader. At Rising Tide, 5102 Swift Rd. Sarasota. Presented by Rev. Zan Benham, 941-922-7839, or Zan@woman-spirit.com.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9

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-ofthe-art equip. in a large comfortable setting. Facilitator: Bob Waxman, Ph.D., 2 hr. free parking. No reservations. 941-724-5151, Iands.org.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10

Ethiopian Food Pop-Up at Flobucha5-8pm, Fri. 10th and 24th. Join us for another fun night of Ethiopian food, seasonal flavors and live music. A fabulous array of Ethiopian dishes that start at $6. You can enjoy all 6 of the menu items for $37 and it’s great to share while enjoying our refreshing Kombucha in a variety of flavors. We have six standard flavors, two seasonal flavors as well as our non-alcoholic wine alternatives Cab, Rose and Blanc. We now offer a 6 flight Kombucha sampler

for $12.95 if you want to try them all. Then you can order your favorite by the glass and take a bottle or growler home with you. For those who are musically inclined and would like to contribute to the live music, you are welcome to use our stage at the Flobucha taproom that includes a microphone, guitar and piano. Flobucha, 2725 Mall Drive, Sarasota, Info@Flobucha.com, follow us on social media: Instagram. com/Flobucha and on Facebook: Flobucha.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14

Professional Intuitive Healer Certification Program - Begin a soul-aligned career you love in 9 months. Learn how to give accurate readings and powerful healings even if you’re not sure if you’re intuitive. Train with 6 experienced, heart-centered, professional healing teachers. Part heal yourself, part awakening journey and part professional training all at once. Visit SchoolofAwakenedLiving.com/ read-me for more information and to sign up.

Manatee Spirit Universal Wisdom and Meditation Course - 7-8:30pm, Oct. 14, 15, 16. Online or at Manatee Spirit. Navigating multidimensional consciousness expansion. $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.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19

Manatee Spirit Whole Food Plant-Based Oil-Free Course - 12-3:30pm, Oct. 19-26. Unlock the secrets to maintaining your ideal size. $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.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 20

A Reiki Share for Reiki III Practitioners7-8:30pm. This Reiki share is ongoing, the 3rd Monday of each month. Bring a table if you have one. $5 donation/ATD. At Rising Tide International, 5102 Swift Rd., Sarasota. Rev. Zan Benham, 941-922-7839, or Zan@woman-spirit.com.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21

Manatee Spirit Sound Healing Course - 6:309pm, Oct. 21 & 23. Improvisation, harmony, binaural beats, rhythm, acquiring quality instruments, and leading sound baths. $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.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22

Cacao Exploration Workshop at Flobucha6-7:30pm. Every 3rd. Wed. of the month. Carrie Eckert says cacao healed her autoimmune conditions and anxiety. She wants to help others reap its benefits. Come join the fun and have a healthy drink at this educational workshop. Learn more here: AvocadoToZen.com. Registration required, space is limited. To sign up, visit Flobucha.com/events. Flobucha, 2725 Mall Dr., Gulf Gate, Sarasota, Flobucha.com.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23

Best Medicine Monthly Thermography Scans - Best Medicine Inc. offers monthly thermography scans for patients and non-patients. Our partner Southwest Medical Thermal Imaging offers appointments in our office on the 4th Thursday of each month. Thermography scans offered are breast scans, women’s health checks and full body screenings. Call now to book your appointment or for more information including pricing, test requirements, etc. 941-404-8030 or visit the website to learn more at BestMedicine.us under the “Services- Thermography” tab.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25

Intuitive Readings with Charlotte of Aroma Oracles at Flobucha - 4-6pm. Short on time but seeking guidance? Quick insight, deep clarity 15-minute Intuitive Readings. Tap into your inner wisdom with a powerful 15-minute Aroma Oracle Intuitive Reading at Flobucha. Perfect for a quick check-in with Spirit, clarity around a specific question, emotional support or next steps, a taste of what Aroma Oracles is all about. You’ll receive intuitive insights, essential oil guidance, and a gentle energetic boost in just 15 minutes. $20. Walk-in or schedule in advance at: Calendly.com/charlottewarn/15-minute-reading-for-20. Flobucha, 2725 Mall Dr., Gulf Gate, Sarasota, Flobucha.com.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29

Free - “Poets in Conversation” - Real Talk with Writers - Via Zoom - 2pm. For anyone who writes or wants to. Come as you are. A gentle, welcoming space for poets and writers to connect, converse and be in a 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.

PLAN AHEAD

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1

A Way with Words Workshop - 10am-1pm. A workshop to help open expression, imagination, sharpen your senses and vision in a fun, improvisational and non-sensical way. Open to your playful and dramatic, creative writer within. Presented by Rev. Zan Benham, who has taught 18 years of improvisational theatre, i.e. Act Your Way into Being. $25. At Rising Tide, 5102 Swift Rd. Sarasota. Contact Zan - 941-922-7839, or Zan@woman-spirit.com.

Ongoing Events

Sunday

Cosmic Center Sunday Sabbath Services - 10:30am. 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. Nancy Robinson. 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, 941-3719333, CCOSL.com, Facebook and Instagram.

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. 941-9536620, SarasotaCenterOfLight.com.

Cosmic Center Study Group the Pistis Sophia - The Faith of Wisdom with Kim Converse - 1-4pm, 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

Resident Medium, Pranic Healer and Spiritual Counselor at The Cosmic Center - 1-5pm. Rev Nancy Lee Robinson is available by appt only at The Cosmic Center for Spiritual Counseling, through medium/intuitive readings, pranic healing, aura & chakra clearing, inner child healing, past life regression and restorative release (emotional release). These sessions guide you on your spiritual path, releases energetic, mental, emotional, physical and spiritual blocks that keep you from moving forward and raising your vibration to higher levels. Other times available by appt only – call/text 941-313-0418 or at RevNancyLee52@gmail.com. Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Meadows, Bldg G-2, Sarasota, 941-371-9333, CCOSL.com, Facebook and Instagram.

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, 941-360-2248. 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, 941-3719333, CCOSL.com, Facebook and Instagram.

Tuesday

Manatee Spirit’s Manifest Abundance Morning Sound Meditation - 9:30-11am. Release energy blockages and create space for growth, harness the power of healing vibrations, light stretching, soothing breathwork, and a 60-minute Sound Meditation. Everything provided for your comfort, kindred spirits, heart connection. Per person: $30/1 session, $50/2 sessions, $80/4 sessions. 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.

Wednesday

Cosmic Center Study Group the Pistis Sophia - The Faith of Wisdom with Kim Converse - 1-4pm, 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 ses-

sion 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, except holidays and hurricanes. Love donations welcomed. Spirit Speaks, 411 W. Dearborn St., Englewood, 734-464-6828, IamMsKitty.com.

Wednesday Night Healing Service - 7pm, every 3rd Wed. Sarasota Center of Light, 852 S Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, 941-953-6620, SarasotaCenterOfLight.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

Manatee Spirit’s Manifest Abundance Morning Sound Meditation - 9:30-11am. Release energy blockages and create space for growth, harness the power of healing vibrations, light stretching, soothing breathwork, and a 60-minute Sound Meditation. Everything provided for your comfort, kindred spirits, heart connection. Per person: $30/1 session, $50/2 sessions, $80/4 sessions. 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 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

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.

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, 786-380-3037.

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, 941-371-9333, 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, 941-953-6620, SarasotaCenterOfLight.com.

Friday

Cosmic Center Rev. Ildigo Varga, Resident Spiritual Guardian - Rev. Varga removes all nefarious energies. She has extensive knowledge of metaphysical and of spiritual self-defense against nefarious energies. She has been training ongoing with the Devine Angelic realms of light of the highest order to the present day. Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Meadows, Bldg G-2, Sarasota, 941-371-9333, CCOSL.com, Facebook and Instagram.

Cosmic Center - How to Call Up Spirits of the Departed in 6 Easy Lessons - History, Psychology and Practice - 7-8:30pm Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov. 7. The Cosmic Center is honored to have Dr Moody back again to offer a six-week lecture series at the Cosmic Center. Internationally renowned and known as the Father of Near-Death Experiences, Dr. Raymond Moody is a researcher and international bestselling author who coined the term “near death experience.” In 1975, he published the book Life After Life, which described the astonishing accounts of those who died and came back to life. Weekly Lecture with Q&A includes: Oct. 3 - History: Greek Oracles of The Dead: Dr. Dee and James Bond, Oct. 10 - Mirror Gazing for Creativity and Inspiration, Oct. 17 - Mirror Gazing for invoking The Departed, Oct. 24 - Dream Incubation and Visionary Reunions, Oct. 31 - Grief, Bereavement and Spirits of The Departed, and Nov. 7 - Muses, Hypnogogic Experiences and calling up Spirits. Tickets: $25./lecture (in-person and online) or discounted six-week pkg./$120. (in-person only) For more information and to register Tockify.com/Sharon.Elizabeth.James/ detail/612/1759532400000. Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Meadows, Bldg G-2, Sarasota, 941-371-9333, CCOSL.com, Facebook and Instagram.

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.

Acupuncture/Massage

HEALTHY BODY ACUPUNCTURE, LLC

Dr. Karen Helmick, D.O.M.

2 locations: 1511 Tamiami Trail S., Suite 202 Venice 941-228-4688

AcupunctureVenice.com

SANDHILL HEALING CENTER, LLC

2484 Caring Way, Suite D Port Charlotte 941-235-8929

SandHillHealing.com

Our offices focus on the wellbeing of your entire body by offering: Acupuncture, Oriental Medicine, Massage Therapy, and Nutritional Supplements. We are a proud VA Community Care provider approved at both locations. Let us customize a healing program for you!

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.

Bookstore/Gifts

ELYSIAN FIELDS GIFTS & BOOKS FOR CONSCIOUS LIVING

Jewelry/Workshops/Readings/Spiritual Items 1273 S. Tamiami Trail

Midtown Plaza, Sarasota 941-361-3006

ElysianFieldsGifts.com

Info@ElysianFieldsOnline.com

Elysian Fields, a Sarasota shopping destination for over 32 years, offers hand-selected books, gifts, greeting cards, jewelry, spiritual items and more! Coming to Elysian Fields is an opportunity to explore your senses, embrace the serene and delve into self-discovery. They offer daily intuitive readings, workshops, house clearings, private events, parties, and more.

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..

Community

SPIRITUAL BOOKS & INTUITIVE READINGS

S.M.I.L.E. -- Spiritual Miracles Intentional Living Education

Spiritual Books, Intuitive Readings, Podcasts, Classes

Michelle Marie Angel  Smile4love.com  MichelleMarieAngel.com  VisionarySolutions4Smile.org  ZOOM or in person: Spiritual one on one guidance, readings, & spiritual development. Group classes also available at Wild Ginger Apothecary: “Spiritual Guidance & Development” on Thursdays, 1:45-3pm.See MichelleMarieAngel.com for details. Books that will help you master your energy and vibration on Amazon. Live Love, Forever Free, & It IS A New World After All will help you attain higher consciousness, replace old programming, and give you tools for empowerment and self-development. These are amazing times and you are being changed and activated.  Michelle offers support and assistance through 3 life-changing books, events, decrees, messages, and much more at Smile4Love. com. Podcasts: Rumble “smilesoulpower” or YouTube SMILE Soul Power. Classes: VisionarySolutions4Smile.org  Text Michelle at 541-261-4483 or email Michelle@Smile4Love.com.

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.

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.

Three-Month Planner

Mediumship & Spiritual Readings

INTERNATIONAL

MEDIUM, INTUITIVE, MASTER HEALER & SPIRITUAL COACH

Caroline Crawford

Receive Messages from the spirit world with clarity and compassion. 941-402- 9595 • Carolinecrawford.org CarolineCrawfordorg@gmail.com

Highly gifted British Medium and Master Healer, with four decades experience, Caroline channels messages of healing to comfort, inspire and empower you from your loved ones and her team of Angelic Beings. Receive guidance & insight into your life now and your future career, relationships, health and spiritual path. Spiritual coaching and guidance sessions are also available to transform and empower you. Caroline is currently based in Sarasota. By appointment only, in person, by phone or zoom.

Natural Food

CAFE EVERGREEN

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.

Pet Supplies

PET SUPPLY CENTER

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

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

• 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.

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.

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.

Thermography

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.

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Call for a free evaluation of your community's potential at 239-206-2000. To apply or learn more, visit Corp.NaturalAwakenings.com.

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