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The Rise of Somatic Therapies Yoga for Real Life

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Contents 17 Let the Garden Rest 18 Cultivating Space for Renewal 20 A Nest for Wellness 22 Introduction to Somatic Therapies

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26 Local Paths to Somatic Healing 30 Healing Harmonies 32 Functional Yoga for Everyday Mobility

34 Nutritious Nachos 36 The Power of Movement 38 Mindful Interdependence 40 Home Energy Resilience 42 Homeopathy Under the Microscope

Departments 8 News Briefs

32 Fit Body

14 Kudos

34 Conscious Eating

14 Health Briefs

36 Healthy Kids

16 Global Briefs

38 Wise Words

17 Nature Works

40 Green Living

18 Community Spotlights

42 Homeopathy

22 Feature Story

44 Calendar

26 A Closer Look

45 Classifieds

30 Healing Ways

47 Resource Guide

HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings, visit our websites at NALancaster.com or NABerks.com, or contact us at Advertising@NALancaster.com or by phone at 717-3993187. Deadline for ads: the 5th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Submit through our website or email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@NALancaster.com. Deadline for editorial: the 1st of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit events/classes through our website or email us at Publisher@NALancaster.com. Deadline: the 5th of the month. No phone calls or faxes, please. REGIONAL MARKETS Natural Awakenings is a network of natural lifestyle magazine publishers empowering local communities with knowledge, resources and connections to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet. OWN YOUR OWN FRANCHISE Make a difference in your community. Become a Natural Awakenings Franchise owner. Visit: Corp.NaturalAwakenings.com.

e p o H e v i G t a h t Gifts ir a F t f i G e v i t a n r Alte Skip big-box stores and shop for a cause with local nonprofits, an ethical marketplace, and a fair trade tour! Saturday October 10, 2026 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Farm & Home Center

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September 2026

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

Publishers’ Letter Awaken your spirit to adventure, hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk. Soon you will be home in a new rhythm, for your soul senses the world that awaits you. —John O’Donohue

LANCASTER/BERKS EDITION Co-Publishers/ Kendra Campbell Executive Editors Jacqueline Mast Copy Editor Sara Gurgen Design & Production Steffi K. Kern Proofreader Randy Kambic Contributing Writer Trella Dubetz Administrative Assistant Carolyn Coogan Sales & Marketing Kendra Campbell

here is something especially lovely about September in southeastern Pennsylvania. The warmth and generous spirit of summer linger even as the first hints of fall begin to appear. Cooler evenings bring the days to a close, and glimpses of red Kendra Campbell & and gold emerge across the green landscape. Seed pods Jacqueline Mast form, offering sustenance to songbirds starting their southbound journeys. Nature beckons us outdoors to wander the many nearby trails, while across our region, festivals and fairs usher in the season.

CONTACT US Ten Branches Publishing P.O. Box 6274 ∙ Lancaster, PA 17607 Phone: 717-399-3187 Publisher@NALancaster.com NALancaster.com • NABerks.com Natural Awakenings Lancaster/Berks @natural_lancasterberks

The changing landscape signals the year is beginning to close with a gentle message of balance as the autumnal equinox marks a moment when, all over the world, daytime and nighttime are nearly equal. As the days go by, the light shifts, and here in our hemisphere, we move gradually toward longer nights and shorter days. Nature doesn’t resist the change; it moves into the next season in its own gentle timing.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Visit our website to sign up for our free digital edition or to subscribe for home delivery. $36/12 issues or $60/24 issues. Cover image by Mikael Damkier/Adobestock

There is wisdom to be found here. Change doesn’t always announce itself; sometimes it unfolds quietly. Through presence and attention, we can sense when it’s time for our own season of change. We may notice it first in our energy levels, our emotions or subtle bodily sensations. Sometimes, these signals point to difficult experiences that the body and nervous system have carried long after the original circumstances have passed. Stress and trauma can linger in both our conscious and unconscious awareness. Positive change can begin by paying closer attention—to what we feel, what we need and what our bodies may be telling us.

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

Our September feature explores somatic therapies, highlighting modalities that help to integrate healing and transformation, and the many ways we can work with the body to support greater well-being. Through practices such as therapeutic massage, breathwork, yoga, craniosacral therapy and meditation, practitioners are helping people reset nervous systems and discover new ways of responding.

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

As we move into autumn, may we stay curious about what our bodies, our lives and the season are inviting us to notice—and where they may be gently asking us to grow.

Kendra Campbell & Jacqueline Mast, Co-Publishers, Executive Editors 6

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That kind of awareness can create a different relationship with our own experience— one rooted less in resistance and more in curiosity. When we meet the present moment with acceptance as it is, we create space for greater understanding, self-compassion and change. From there, we can begin to soften old patterns, reconnect with ourselves and open the door to something new.

© 2026 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment. Natural Awakenings Lancaster/Berks is a faithful steward of global resources and committed to being a part of an environmentally conscious community. We utilize a local printing company and an environmentallyfriendly cold-set web printing process which emits virtually immeasurable VOCs into the environment. This product is 100% recyclable.

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News Briefs

Guts and Glory Returns as Health and Wellness Festival Guts and Glory is back this fall with a new name and an expanded focus. Formerly known as the Guts and Glory Digestive and Wellness Expo, the 13th annual event debuts the new name of Guts and Glory: A Health and Dr. Aparna Mele (center) with Wellness Festival, vegetable volunteers. reflecting a full-spectrum community festival with education, movement, food, culture and celebration. This free family- and pet-friendly event is hosted by nonprofit My Gut Instinct Inc. in partnership with Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center and takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 3 at Jim Dietrich Park, in Reading. This year will feature a passport experience through the six pillars of whole-body health and will include vendors and community partners spanning nutrition, fitness, preventative health, integrative medicine, mental well-being and lifestyle balance. Visitors can also step inside the Inflatable Colon Exhibit, a walk-through display highlighting colon health and common digestive diseases. Founded in 2013 by board-certified gastroenterologist Aparna Mele, M.D., Guts and Glory promotes prevention and healthy living through practical, accessible resources. Location: 4899 Stoudts Ferry Bridge Rd., Reading. For more information or to become a vendor, sponsor, volunteer or nonprofit partner, visit MyGutInstinct.org. See ad, page 10.

Naturally Lathered Tallow Co. Gains Statewide Recognition

Naturally Lathered Tallow Co. has been designated a PA Preferred business and selected as the official bath and body company of the Pennsylvania Christmas and Gift Show, taking place December 2 through 6 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, in Harrisburg. The PA Preferred designation recognizes Pennsylvania businesses committed to supporting the state’s agricultural community through locally sourced products and responsible business practices. Naturally Lathered Tallow Co. sources its tallow from responsible local farms and butchers whenever possible, and uses it to create handcrafted soaps, lotions, balms, lip care and other skin care products. As the official bath and body company for the Christmas show, Naturally Lathered Tallow Co. will introduce its products and seasonal gift collections to holiday shoppers attending the annual event. The company says the recognition and partnership reflect its commitment to traditional craftsmanship, simple ingredients, and supporting Pennsylvania communities and agriculture. Admission to the Christmas show is $12 at the door or $10 online. Location: 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg. For more information, call 484-769-5954, email NaturallyLathered24@gmail.com or visit NaturallyLatheredTallowCo.com. See ads, pages 4 and 53.

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Grow Your Practice With Somatic Skills

Trella Dubetz, a holistic practitioner and licensed massage therapist, is now offering ongoing mentorship for massage therapists, energy workers and other somatic practitioners, along with somatic consulting for mental health providers. These offerings are designed to help experienced practitioners Trella Dubetz deepen their skills, expand their professional practices and develop a more individualized approach to their work. Through one-on-one or small-group mentorship, practitioners can build on foundational massage or energy work training while refining somatic and energetic listening skills, expanding their range of techniques and developing greater confidence in their unique style of practice. “Somatic consulting provides mental health professionals with an opportunity to explore somatic awareness through direct experience,” explains Dubetz. “Sessions offer space to develop a deeper understanding of how nervous system awareness and somatic practices can complement mental health care while supporting the providers’ own well-being.” Cost: $150 per hour; packages and payment plans are available. Location: 313 W. Liberty St., Ste. 267, Lancaster. For more information, call 717-468-7523, email TrellaDubetz@gmail.com or visit TrellaDubetz.com. See listing, page 50.

Reserve a Pasture-Raised Thanksgiving Turkey From Livengood Family Farm

Livengood Family Farm, in Lancaster, is now accepting preorders for its pastureraised, broad-breasted white turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving. Customers can reserve a bird now for pickup the week of Thanksgiving at the farm in Lancaster or at Clark Park Farmers’ Market, in Philadelphia.

Owned and operated by Dwain and Audrey Livengood and their four sons, the farm follows regenerative, beyond-organic practices, nurturing pasture-raised animals and organic produce. Their turkeys are raised outdoors on pasture with regular access to fresh grass, insects and a locally produced, non-GMO supplemental feed free of antibiotics, corn and soy. The farm’s rotational grazing practices support animal health while contributing to soil regeneration and land stewardship. Stock often sells out weeks before Thanksgiving, so early ordering is encouraged. Cost: $6.40/lb (farm pickup) or $7.75/lb (Clark Park Farmers’ Market pickup). Locations: 1648 Morningside Dr., Lancaster (farm); 4300-4398 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia (farmers market). For more information or to preorder, call 717-327-6817, email Info@Livengood FamilyFarm. com or visit LivengoodFamilyFarm.com. See listing, page 49.

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The partnership offers individuals and families an opportunity to learn about alternatives to conventional funeral practices and consider arrangements that reflect their values, wishes and budgets. Services include green burial, simplified funeral arrangements and preplanning. Adamo has long supported green and alternative funeral practices through educational programs, cemetery tours and consultations with families and community groups.

Upcoming educational events include a Snack and Chat for Lancaster County residents on September 30, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Mill 72, 45 North Main Street, Manheim. In Berks County, two community sessions will be held October 15, at Berks Nature, 575 St. Bernadine Street, Reading, at noon and 5:30 p.m. Both sessions will explore green burial, simplified funeral arrangements and preplanning, offering an opportunity to learn about options before they are needed.

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For more information, call Laura Adamo, 646-522-7119, or Simple Funerals, 717-664-1500. See ads, pages 13 and 49.

Embrace Autumn Renewal at The Spa at Willow Pond

As summer gives way to fall, many people welcome the season as a time to slow down, restore balance and care for body and mind. Cooler temperatures, drier air and busy schedules can leave muscles tense, skin depleted and energy levels low, making autumn an ideal time for self-care.

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Families in Berks and Lancaster counties have a new resource for exploring simple, affordable and environmentally conscious approaches to funeral arrangements and preplanning. Simple Funerals, an “alternative burial concepts” funeral service founded by Bill Spence, is expanding its regional services through a partnership with Kuhn Funeral Home funeral director and green burial specialist Laura Adamo.

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Simple, Green Funeral Options Expand in the Region

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News Briefs

The Spa at Willow Pond, in Reading, offers therapeutic services designed to help clients relax, recharge and support overall wellness throughout the season. Services include massage therapy, body treatments, detox to clear the liver, intestines, pancreas, spleen and stomach, skin care and lymphatic drainage, each tailored to encourage relaxation and support the body’s natural restorative processes. Seasonal treatments featuring comforting aromas and nourishing botanical ingredients provide an opportunity to reconnect with the senses and prepare for the months ahead.

d activities id activities && veggie veggie race race Whether the goal is easing stress, supporting circulation, refreshing the skin or simply olistic olistic experts experts && stress stress relief relief tips tips taking time to unwind, regular spa visits can become part of a fall wellness routine. The MEGA-colon MEGA-colon gut-health gut-health exhibit exhibit Spa at Willow Pond invites clients to welcome the season with personalized treatments that promote relaxation, renewal and well-being. lternative lternative therapies therapies ommunity ommunity partners partners Location: 1487 Old Lancaster Pike, Reading. For more information or to make an appointTITLE SPONSOR: onprofit organizations Nonprofit organizations ment,, call 610-507-9004 or visit TheSpaAtWillowPond.com. See ads, pages 9 and 47. rst Responders irst Responders Lancaster-Berks NALancaster.com | NABerks.com 10

2026 Greater Wellness Holistics Expo Greater Wellness Holistics, LLC, (GWH) brings its Greater Wellness Holistics Expo to the Lebanon Valley Expo Center, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on September 13. With a fall harvest theme, this event will offer an engaging day of holistic wellness, community connection and opportunities to support local small businesses. Everyone is welcome including those that are new to holistic wellness as well as longtime members of the community interested in physical, mental and emotional well-being.

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Founded by Liz Robb, GHW creates community-focused wellness events, including expos, networking events and retreats, to bring together holistic practitioners, natural product makers, educators and small businesses. This expo features holistic vendors, educational demonstrations, interactive experiences, giveaways, photo opportunities, a kids’ corner, food and beverages and complimentary grab bags for the first 150 attendees. Robb says the goal is to create an experience in which attendees can discover new approaches to wellness while connecting with the people behind local businesses. Cost: $10; free for children 12 and younger and active military personnel. Location: 80 Rocherty Rd., Lebanon. For more information, call 484-904-3901, email Liz@Greater WellnessHolistics.com or visit GreaterWellness Holistics.com. See ad, page 5.

Iridology: Wellness Through Your Eyes September 2026

News Briefs

Learn to Build Healthier Relationship Patterns Julia Veser, LCSW, is offering The Relationship Group, an eight-week therapeutic course for women exploring the impact of attachment and complex trauma on relationships, emotions and sense of self. The program will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays from October 17 through December 12 “This course is designed for women who Julia Veser want to better understand relationship patterns, boundaries, communication challenges and emotional responses,” explains Veser. Participants will explore attachment styles and develop evidence-based skills to support healthier relationships. The program includes an attachment and complex trauma workbook, weekly therapeutic group sessions and a supportive group environment. A minimum of six participants is required. Cost: $320 for the full program; $40 per session. Payment plans are available. Receive a 10 percent discount for payment in full. Location: The Candy Factory, 342 N. Queen St., Lancaster. For more information or to register, call 717-750-9900, email Julia@JuliaVeser. com or visit JuliaVeser.com. See listing, page 49.

Lancaster-Berks

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Celebrating 35 Years of Massage Education

From back left: President Winona Bontrager, Jennifer Bierbower, Christine Hellberg and Emmett Geesaman (front)

Lancaster School of Massage will celebrate its 35th anniversary with an alumni and community gathering from 1 to 5 p.m. on September 12. The celebration will bring together graduates and members of the school community to mark more than three decades of massage therapy education in Pennsylvania.

Founded in 1991 by president Winona Bontrager, the school offers a 600-hour massage therapy program designed to prepare students for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), along with continuing education opportunities. The school provides hands-on education focused on developing the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for a career in massage therapy. The anniversary celebration will take place at the school and is open to alumni and guests. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP in advance. Location: 313 W. Liberty St., Ste. 205, Lancaster. To RSVP, call 717293-9698 or email LancasterSchoolOfMassagePA@gmail.com. For more information, visit LancasterSchoolOfMassage.com.

Shop With Purpose, Give With Heart

The 19th annual Gifts That Give Hope Gift Fair will return from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 10 at the Farm and Home Center, offering Lancaster County shoppers an opportunity to make holiday purchases that support charitable causes. The community-centered event provides an alternative to traditional gift giving, with purchases benefiting nonprofit organizations working to improve lives locally and globally. Rather than purchasing items simply for the sake of having more, shoppers can choose gifts that reflect their values and contribute to causes making a difference in areas such as education, food security, environmental care and community support.

The fair brings together nonprofits, ethical businesses and community members for a day focused on generosity and meaningful connection. Families and friends of all ages are welcome to explore the offerings and discover ways to make their holiday giving more purposeful. Admission and parking are free. Location: 1383 Arcadia Rd., Lancaster. For more information, visit GiftsThatGiveHopeLancaster.org. See ad, page 5.

Kwee-Jack Fish Co. is bringing its latest harvest of wild Alaskan salmon to Pennsylvania this fall, giving local customers an opportunity to stock their freezers with highquality seafood for meals Joe Echo-Hawk, founder of Kwee- throughout the year. The Jack Fish Co., fishing with his sons. fisherman-operated company harvests salmon in Alaska and flash freezes the fish at peak freshness to preserve their flavor, texture and nutritional value. This year’s offerings include vivid red, sushi-grade sockeye salmon in boneless, skin-on fillets, portioned servings and smoked varieties. The seafood is sustainably harvested and available through Kwee-Jack’s community-supported fishery, which provides customers with a direct connection to independent fishermen. Fall pickup locations include Lancaster, York, Chambersburg, Mechanicsburg and Altoona, with nationwide shipping also available year-round, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. Bulk ordering offers an economical way to stock up on wild seafood for future meals. For more information, call Anna Echo-Hawk at 717-842-0180, email Anna@EatWildSalmon.com or visit EatWildSalmon.com. See ads, pages 16 and 54.

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Health Briefs MiddleWay Wellness, in Lancaster, has welcomed Dianne Villani, CRNP, to its team. A family nurse practitioner with expertise in acute and chronic disease management, functional medicine, behavioral health integration and traumainformed care, Villani is now accepting new patients.

Villani combines evidence-based medicine with functional and holistic approaches to provide individualized, whole-person care. She emphasizes collaboration and shared decision-making, creating a supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected and actively involved in their care. She also brings specialized experience caring for individuals with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. Her experience with complex and chronic conditions allows her to offer a more informed, personalized approach to care while building trust and supporting long-term wellness. Dianne Villani

Location: 101 Good Dr., Lancaster. For more information or to make an appointment, call 717-744-0532, email Hello@MiddleWayWellness. net or visit MiddleWayWellness.net. See ads, pages 4 and 51.

Microbiome Effects on Colorectal Cancer Risk

A study led by Harvard University and published in Cell Host & Microbe found that more than a decade after the removal of a precancerous mass known as an adenoma from the colon, changes in the gut microbiome and certain metabolites persist, potentially contributing to an elevated risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). The study also found that a poor diet and limited physical activity are more closely associated with the abundance of these CRC-related gut microbes in people with a history of adenoma compared to adenoma-free individuals, suggesting that lifestyle choices play an important role in the gut microbiome of this high-risk group.

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Photo: Diana Rodgers

Kudos

CRC is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, and the removal of adenomas is one of the most effective prevention procedures. However, people that have undergone this measure still face an elevated risk of developing CRC. The study involved more than 700 participants—half with a history of adenoma and the other half without. Researchers observed that further research is needed to determine whether modifying the gut microbiome through diet and exercise reduces the risk of CRC.

Microplastics Linked to Heart Disease

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A 2024 study in The New England Journal of Medicine involving more than 300 participants revealed a significant association between carotid artery plaque containing micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) and an increased risk of heart attack, stroke or death. A subsequent cross-sectional study published this year in the European Heart Journal further evaluated the relationship between plastic pollution and cardiovascular health. The study involved 61 participants suspected of having coronary artery disease who underwent coronary angiography—a specialized X-ray test that uses contrast dye to visualize blood flow through the arteries. The participants were categorized into three groups based on the angiography results: severe, life-threatening heart attack caused by coronary artery blockage; chronic coronary disease (CCD); and normal coronary arteries (control group). Researchers measured the concentration of MNPs in the coronary and surrounding blood of each patient. MNPs were detected more frequently, in higher concentrations and with greater diversity, in the heart attack group (84.2 percent) compared to the CCD (40 percent) and control (31.8 percent) groups. Detection of MNPs was also associated with elevated inflammatory markers. Notably, MNPs were more frequently detected in smokers and those exposed to air pollution. The co-authors of the study noted the significant impact of lifestyle choices and exposure to pollutants on heart health.

Panchenko Vladimir/shutterstock

In June, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) All of Us Research Program unveiled the world’s most extensive health database. More than 747,000 Americans from all 50 states contributed data, encompassing 535,000 complete genomes associated with 482,000 electronic health records and data from wearable technology like Fitbit. The database also includes participants’ socioeconomic information, sleep data and location-based air quality statistics. The database’s most significant advantage lies in its diverse participant pool. By contrast, the other leading health database, UK Biobank, includes genetic and other information on 500,000 participants, predominantly of white European descent. The NIH program began enrolling participants in 2018 with a goal of including 1 million Americans for at least 10 years to study the interplay between genes and lifestyle and environmental factors. More than 23,000 researchers have used the database and authored more than 1,400 peer-reviewed publications. Despite the NIH announcement, the program’s funding is scheduled to expire at the end of 2026. More than 50 medical organizations have petitioned Congress to allocate new funding or risk losing what has been built.

You don’t have to carry it alone

The Decrease in Peanut Allergies

Peanut allergies are severe, and approximately 80 percent of affected children fail to outgrow them. For decades, experts have recommended that parents avoid feeding peanut products to infants to prevent the allergy from developing. Then in 2015, a study in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that early introduction of peanut products—at between 4 and 11 months of age—significantly decreased the development of peanut allergies among children at high risk for the allergy. Following this study, early introduction of peanut products has become a standard practice to build immune tolerance.

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Largest Integrated Health Database

A new study published in the journal Pediatrics looked at how the implementation of the 2015 recommendations affected the peanut allergy rate. Researchers discovered that the overall food allergy rate in children under 3 dropped to 0.93 percent between 2017 and 2020 from 1.46 percent between 2012 and 2015. This 36 percent decrease in the overall rate was driven by a 43 percent drop in peanut allergies, confirming the benefit of the 2015 public health recommendation.

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Global Briefs

Heatwaves are the most lethal extreme weather events, causing approximately 498,000 deaths annually. Nearly half of these fatalities occur in Asia, while 36 percent are attributed to Europe. Researchers estimate that when the daily average temperature surpasses 95° F, the mortality rate increases by four deaths per 1 million people.

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Global Action Needed To Face Deadly Heatwave Crisis

A new report from the Climate Impact Lab predicts that by 2050, 10 times more individuals will succumb to heat-related events in lower-income countries compared to higherincome countries. This disparity arises from the limited resources available to low-income nations to effectively confront rising temperatures. Across the Sahel, situated south of the Sahara Desert in Africa, heat-related deaths are projected to escalate by more than 60 deaths per 100,000 people, surpassing the current mortality rate attributed to malaria in Africa. Pakistan is anticipated to experience an increase of 51 deaths per 100,000 people, comparable to the country’s current mortality rate associated with strokes. The researchers recommend that countries and communities make investments in climate adaptation measures. Order

NOW

The separation of substances is a crucial process for many manufacturing operations, including drug purification, textile dye treatment and food production, and it accounts for 40 to 50 percent of global industrial energy consumption. A study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society describes a new, nature-inspired technology that could reduce energy use and enhance water reuse. Polymer membranes are recognized as a cleaner alternative to existing separation methods, but they have uneven pore sizes that can change shape during industrial use.

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The researchers developed crystalline membranes using polyoxometalate (POM) clusters that have a naturally occurring, exactly one nanometer wide opening that does not change shape. Billions of POM clusters are arranged into a continuous membrane using chemical chains, which functions like a high-tech sieve. According to one of the study’s authors, the new technology demonstrated 10 times better performance compared to current separation technologies, while simultaneously remaining flexible, stable and scalable. If implemented in the textile industry, it would effectively remove dye molecules while allowing the water to be recycled, thereby reducing water demand and chemical waste.

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Nature Works

Let the Garden Rest Fall Stewardship for a Healthier Pennsylvania Garden by the Natural Awakenings editorial team

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Perhaps the most important shift in ecological fall gardening is recognizing that what looks finished may still be serving an important purpose.

utumn is a good time to take a closer look at the native garden. The flowers may be fading, but the garden is far from finished. Roots are still growing, birds are feeding on seed, and insects are settling into stems and leaf litter for the winter. For gardeners in Lancaster and Berks counties, this transition offers a chance to assess what worked, what didn’t and where a little thoughtful intervention—or simply leaving things alone—can be beneficial. “As ecological gardeners, we consciously or subconsciously naturally mirror the rhythms of nature,” says Elyse Jurgen, founder of and lead designer at Waxwing EcoWorks Co. As summer’s abundance gives way to autumn, she encourages gardeners to first pause and notice what the landscape has provided: wild strawberries in spring, the scent of anise-scented goldenrod in summer and the seasonal surprises of winged wildlife making their first appearances. That observation can also guide practical decisions. September and early October are excellent times to plant many native herbaceous species, as well as trees and shrubs, while the soil remains relatively warm and plants can establish roots before winter. Fall is also an ideal time to examine where the garden struggled, including places where stiltgrass or ground ivy persisted or weed pressure was greatest. Jurgen suggests considering whether native sedges (Carex spp.) or other living groundcovers could provide “green mulch” and reduce those problems in the coming year.

“Why do we feel the need to cut back and ‘tidy up’ in the fall?” asks Marcella Hostetler, founder of Colorgarden LLC. Traditional gardening has often equated a clean garden with a cared-for garden, but native landscapes tell a different story. Leaf litter provides habitat for overwintering insects, while stems and seed heads offer shelter and food. Hostetler points out that fireflies overwinter in leaf litter, while some butterflies and moths spend winter among the garden’s remaining vegetation. Seed-bearing plants—including coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, coreopsis and goldenrods—also provide food for birds. She particularly appreciates switchgrasses in winter, when their movement and structure continue to bring life to the landscape. This does not mean everything must remain untouched. Diseased foliage, hazardous limbs, invasive plants and annual weeds that are about to disperse seed may warrant removal. Plants obstructing walkways or creating other practical problems can also be addressed. Ecological gardening does not mean abandoning maintenance; it means being intentional about what is removed and what remains. Storm-damaged trees can likewise become an opportunity rather than simply a cleanup project. Jurgen suggests repurposing woodchips for sheet mulching, leaving suitable logs as salamander habitat and observing newly created sunny areas before selecting native plants adapted to those conditions. The result may look less “finished” in autumn, but it can be far more alive. Frost-covered seed heads, grasses moving in the wind, birds feeding and leaves sheltering unseen life all become part of the winter garden. “Perhaps we can learn to see the beauty in what remains,” Hostetler suggests—an invitation to let the garden rest while continuing to nourish the life within it. Connect with Jurgen at WaxwingEcoWorks.com and Hostetler at ColorgardenLancaster.com. See listings, page 52. September 2026

Community Spotlight

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Cultivating Space for Renewal

There are many opportunities to learn new practices during retreat weekends.

n a world of constant notifications, responsibilities and overstimulation, intentionally stepping away for moments of peace and quiet can seem almost impossible. Yet, according to Swamini Shraddhananda Saraswati, founder and director of Kula Kamala Foundation & Yoga Ashram, in Reading, “stepping away for spiritual retreat may be exactly what we need to balance and reconnect.” “This hectic, fast-paced world can take a toll on our nervous system, inhibiting our health and happiness,” says SwaminiJi, as she is affectionately known. From phone alerts and social media to responsibilities and financial pressures, “our nervous system often suffers from overload, leading to a chronic state of fatigue, fight or flight, freeze or fawn, and severe illnesses.” A retreat

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“Chaos brings chaos and balance brings balance,” notes SwaminiJi. A spiritual retreat provides an opportunity to disconnect from everyday demands and “empowers us to nourish balance” through teachings, practices, silence or simply being present. “We cannot pour from an empty cup,” she adds. Retreat allows us to replenish rather than continually giving from an exhausted place. More than simply a vacation or getaway, “a retreat provides a deliberate pause from daily stressors—an opportunity to reset the nervous system, shift perspective, and reconnect with the sacred and with the self,” explains SwaminiJi. This intentional break can be transformative, even when it lasts only a day or two. Stepping outside familiar routines can create room to notice what has been overlooked and see life with greater clarity. One of the most common changes she observes in retreat-goers is “the discovery of, or the return to, peace and joy,” along with relief from the guilt many feel for wanting to take time for themselves. Participants are surprised that even a short retreat away

Courtesy of Kula Kamala Foundation & Yoga Ashram

offers a way to counter such imbalances by creating space to pause, reset and reconnect. It can be an opportunity to support physical, mental and emotional well-being while renewing a connection with what is sacred.

The meditation path welcomes students daily from sunup to sundown.

from familiar routines can be refreshing and transformative, describing the experience as “a breath of fresh air” or “just what I needed to see things more clearly.” Kula Kamala offers several ways to take part in spiritual retreats. Local day retreats provide a brief respite for those with limited time to devote to themselves; weekend retreats offer a short-term reset; and extended retreats allow for deeper immersion in “learning, practice, stillness, quiet and peace.” International pilgrimages to destinations such as Ireland and India add another dimension, inviting participants to explore

spirituality, culture and self-discovery. She notes, “While in India, participants experience yoga and meditation from within the cultural and spiritual tradition from which they emerged.” To SwaminiJi, a retreat is not simply travel or vacation. “A spiritual retreat or pilgrimage, at its very core, sets the intention of spiritual exploration and self-inquiry.” Over the years, her commitment to her own time in retreat has deepened. “I am a more peaceful, happier, healthier person when I retreat regularly—when I take time to go inward,” shares SwaminiJi. Retreat helps her remain “energized, inspired and purposefully engaged in the sacredness” of her own life. For anyone feeling “a desire to recenter, to go deeper or to be more peaceful,” SwaminiJi offers a simple invitation: “Come and retreat.” In doing so, she says, people can discover space to “pause, reflect, recover and return to what truly matters.” Kula Kamala Foundation & Yoga Ashram is located at 17 Basket Rd., in Reading, with a second ashram location in Galway, Ireland. For more information, call 484-509-5073 or visit KulaKamalaFoundation.org. See ads, pages 7 and 54. Sara Gurgen is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.

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Community Spotlight

A Nest for Wellness Creating Community Through Somatic Healing, Collaboration and Connection by Sara Gurgen There are so many talented people doing meaningful work in health, healing and personal growth, but often they work independently and people have to navigate the wellness landscape on their own. I wanted to create something different—a space where people could access a variety of approaches while creating opportunities for practitioners to connect, learn from one another and support one another. The name “The Nest” reflects that vision. A nest is a place of safety, nourishment, connection, growth and possibility. That is what I hope people experience when they walk through our doors.

Courtesy of The Nest Collaborative

What connects the different approaches offered at The Nest?

t The Nest Collaborative, in West Reading, wellness takes many forms—and connection is at the heart of it. Founded by certified yoga and Ayurveda professional Sarita-Linda Rocco, The Nest brings together practitioners offering somatic, movement, mindfulness and whole-person wellness practices. Rather than focusing on a single approach, the collaborative gives practitioners a place to learn from and support one another while offering people different ways to explore their own well-being. We spoke with Rocco about the inspiration behind The Nest, the value of collaboration and community, and her vision for creating a welcoming space for whole-person health and healing.

At the heart of all of our work is a shared belief in whole-person healing. We recognize that the body, mind, emotions, spirit and relationships are interconnected. We may use different tools and approaches, but we are supporting the same thing: helping people become more connected to themselves and their capacity for health and well-being. No single practitioner or modality has to have all the answers. We can honor each person’s uniqueness and draw from different approaches depending on what they need.

How can the collaborative approach help someone new to somatic healing? For someone new to somatic work, The Nest can make the process feel more approachable and less overwhelming. There isn’t one “right” way to begin. People can explore different practices and practitioners and discover what resonates with them.

What inspired you to bring this collection of professionals together under one collaborative?

When practitioners work alongside one another, we also have the opportunity to see the whole person rather than just one piece of their experience. With appropriate collaboration and consent, practitioners can learn from one another and help create a more integrated experience of care.

The Nest grew out of personal experience, a deep calling to support whole-person wellness, and a need in our community for practitioners to have a place where they could come together and collaborate.

To me, somatic healing is about recognizing that our bodies are an important part of our experience of life. We don’t simply think and

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What does “somatic healing” mean to you?

Courtesy of The Nest Collaborative

feel our way through the world—our bodies are constantly communicating with us. Stress, emotions, experiences and patterns can show up physically, and somatic practices can give us another pathway for awareness, connection and healing. I think people are increasingly looking for approaches that feel more embodied and experiential. Rather than simply talking about wellness, people want to feel more connected to themselves. Somatic work can offer an opportunity to slow down, listen inward and develop a deeper relationship with the body.

Who can benefit from these offerings? The Nest is for anyone interested in a body-mind-spirit approach to health and wellness. You don’t have to be experiencing a particular problem or be at a crisis point to benefit from this kind of work. People may come to us during times of transition, stress, grief, personal growth or change. Others may feel that something is missing from a more conventional approach to wellness and want to explore a deeper connection with themselves.

practices in a supportive environment, ask questions, learn from one another and realize they aren’t alone in whatever they may be experiencing.

ing space for whole-person health and healing.

Community also creates connection beyond the practitioner-client relationship. We want The Nest to be a place where people can learn, explore, connect and feel a sense of belonging.

I think it’s important to emphasize that The Nest is not about promoting one modality or philosophy. It is about creating a space where different paths to wellness can coexist and where people are encouraged to explore what feels supportive and meaningful for them.

What are you most excited about as The Nest continues to grow? I’m excited about the possibilities that emerge when good people and good ideas come together. As The Nest grows, I want to continue bringing in practitioners and offerings that expand our understanding of wellness and give people more ways to connect with themselves and one another. I’m especially excited about creating more opportunities for collaboration, education, workshops and community connection. My hope is that The Nest continues to evolve organically while staying grounded in its original purpose: creating a welcom-

What else would you like people to know about The Nest?

Ultimately, my hope is that The Nest feels like more than a place where you go for classes and appointments. I want it to feel like a community—a place where people can slow down, reconnect, learn something new, meet like-minded people and remember that wellness is not just about treating what is wrong. It’s about nurturing what is already healthy, alive and wanting to grow. The Nest Collaborative is located at 629 Court St., in West Reading. For more information, call 610-763-1755, email Yoga@ SaritaLindaRocco.com or visit TheNest Collaborative.com. See ads, pages 33 and 54.

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Feature Story

Introduction to Somatic Therapies Reconnecting Mind and Body in an Overstimulated World by Sheldon C. Baker

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also disrupt sleep, impair digestion and can even reduce blood flow to the brain, making you feel anxious, exhausted or mentally foggy.”

e are often told to “just breathe” when we feel distressed, overreactive, overstimulated, hyper-vigilant, exhausted or digitally overloaded. Stress is a common consequence of modern life, and sometimes, a few deep breaths can provide relief. However, when stress becomes ever-present and deep-seated, we may need a bit more help to release the tension in our muscles and to lower our heightened blood pressure out of fight-flight-or-freeze mode. Somatic healing practices can provide a reset through movement and body awareness. According to Gina Nick, Ph.D., a naturopathic physician with 25 years of experience and an integrative medical practice in Los Angeles, “Somatic therapies are designed to address physical tension and release the stored emotions and stressors housed in the body.”

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These practices—which can be performed at home or with the help of a professional— forge a healthy, fluent connection between the mind and body by creating heightened self-awareness and boosting recovery and resilience. The result is sustained calmness and an improved ability to achieve serenity, focus and cognitive clarity.

Noticing the Body’s Messages

“Chronic stress doesn’t just affect your thoughts. It changes your biology,” explains Daniel Amen, M.D., a double board-certified psychiatrist, neuroscientist and author of multiple national bestsellers, including Change Your Brain, Change Your Pain: Breaking the Doom Loop to Heal Chronic Physical and Emotional Pain. “When stress hormones stay elevated for too long, they increase muscle tension, fire up inflammation and contribute to chronic pain. They

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Somatic therapy relies on interoception— awareness of body sensations—to identify and release stress and trauma. These sensations originate from the autonomic nervous system, which governs involuntary bodily functions like heart rate and digestion. Examples of negative body sensations include clenching muscles, racing pulse, stomach churning, temperature fluctuations, tightness around the chest and tingling. Steven Bradshaw, a psychologist, somatic experiencing practitioner and founder of Beyond Psychology Center, in Los Angeles, explains that the autonomic nervous system features two sub-systems that regulate safety: the sympathetic nervous system that mobilizes the body for action in dangerous situations and the parasympathetic nervous system to promote calmness and recovery. Chronic stress or trauma can get stuck in the sympathetic nervous system, causing a state of constant alertness. “The body is safety for the mind,” he remarks. “I use a mind-body approach that engages your inner healer to move from states of anxiety, burnout, disconnection and pain into states of goodness, flow and a deep sense of belonging in your own body.” Aimie Apigian, M.D., MS, MPH, founder of Trauma Healing Accelerated and author of The Biology of Trauma: How the Body

Holds Fear, Pain, and Overwhelm, and How to Heal It, explains, “Somatic therapies are body-based approaches that work at the level of sensation. Sometimes that means creating a sensation of safety in the body, and sometimes it means creating the sensation of overcoming a moment of powerlessness from the past, often through movement, by finally doing the self-defense movement you were not able to do when the real event happened. The benefit is that we uncouple a sensation from the meaning of danger it got paired with. That can be an internal sensation, like the twisting of your gut, or an external one, like a particular sight or smell. The sensation stops automatically signaling danger, and the body gets to learn a new response rather than only understanding the old one.”

Mind-Body Practices

“As anyone who has ever danced knows, our feelings can be more readily accessed through movement and getting in touch with our body’s sensations, which is what somatic therapy does,” says Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., a board-certified internist specializing in chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, sleep and pain, as well as the author of several books, including Pain Relief in 4 Simple Steps: Eliminating the Root Causes of Chronic Pain. While conventional talk therapy focuses on using the rational mind to release embedded stress, daily body-awareness activities can help people learn to process their tension while building emotional resilience. Amen recommends starting with basic practices, including slow diaphragmatic breathing, daily body movements, good quality sleep and time spent in nature. One of his favorite calming strategies is the butterfly hug to soothe the brain and body. “Simply place your hands on your opposite shoulders and gently stroke them downward,” he explains. Other self-somatic therapies can calm the body and mind, creating a sense of safety, which quiets racing thoughts and brightens the person’s outlook. “The aim of a daily practice is to create a sensation of internal safety or a felt sense of support in the body,” Apigian counsels.

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More Time for Self-Care

Body Scan: This exercise is all about interoception and is done by noticing sensations from head to toe while sitting or lying down comfortably.

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Four-Count Breath: An excellent tension reliever and mental refresh, the four-count breath can be performed anywhere at any time. Inhale fully while counting to four, hold for four, exhale for four and pause for four. Repeat up to five times.

Full-Body Shake: Standing up and shaking arms, legs and shoulders for 30 seconds not only loosen limbs but also relieves pent-up stress. Rolling the head in a circular motion can also release knotted tension at the base of the neck. Humming: The vibrations from humming (either a tune or single note like an “Om”) physically calms the vagus nerve, which bidirectionally carries information via electrical and chemical messages to and from the brain. A 2023 study published in the medical journal Cureus involving 23 participants revealed that humming significantly lowered stress biomarkers compared to physical activity and sleep, with positive impacts on the parasympathetic nervous system to reduce the fight-or-flight response. Mindful Movement: Moving with intention and body awareness can deepen in-the-moment joy and appreciation while also reducing anxiety, releasing tension and improving mood. Start with deep breathing, then turn attention inward for a headto-toe body check while moving. This can be practiced while washing the dishes or participating in a fitness class. Guided Imagery: A technique that can be performed alone or with a therapist, guided imagery utilizes breathwork and meditation while envisioning an object or scene, using all of the senses. Capitalizing on the mindbody connection, multi-sensory visualization reduces stress and relaxes muscles.

Guided Therapies

Long-term, somatic therapies with the help of expert practitioners can result in creating healthier habitual emotional patterns,

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E C O - F R I E N D LY C L E A N I N G , T O TA L P E A C E O F M I N D.

which contribute to repairing mood imbalance and creating sustained well-being. Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, handson approach that releases physical tension to enhance relaxation. It focuses on the skull, spine and craniosacral system, which includes the cerebrospinal fluid, fascia and soft tissues surrounding the central nervous system. A 2023 study published in Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland) involving male firefighter cadets found that five weekly sessions of craniosacral therapy significantly reduced cortisol levels, a primary stress hormone. Rolfing somatic movement is a touchbased technique designed to unblock or release protective posture patterns such as shrugged shoulders, bent postures and clenched jawlines from unresolved stress, anxiety and trauma. According to the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute, Rolfing resets the body’s stress response by releasing restrictions in the fascia—the connective tissue network that surrounds, separates and holds together the body’s muscles, bones, organs, blood vessels and nerve fibers. Trauma-sensitive yoga or trauma-informed yoga is designed to cultivate a compassionate awareness of what is happening in the body in the present moment and to develop the ability to take effective action based on that knowledge. It empowers individuals to reconnect with their bodies in a safe, non-judgmental environment and regulate the nervous system. A 2018 qualitative analysis published in International Journal of Stress Management identified key emotional themes that emerged from

engaging in trauma-sensitive yoga, including gratitude, compassion, relatedness, acceptance, centeredness and empowerment.

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Somatic experiencing is a specialized therapy designed to retrain the nervous system by processing trauma in small, manageable sessions. Instead of focusing on the story of the trauma, the therapist guides the client to notice physical sensations, while providing a feeling of safety and well-being. This treatment approach releases vestigial negativity and creates a new, intuitive, more deeply self-aware and empowered way of sustaining emotional wellbeing. A 2021 literature review published in European Journal of Psychotraumatology reported that somatic experiencing positively impacts symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder, notably reducing affective and somatic complaints while improving overall well-being.

Eye-Movement Therapies

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) centers on moving the eyes in a specific manner while being guided to process traumatic or stressful memories, which are stored differently than normal or happy ones. Reprocessing helps to repair mind injury caused by the traumatic event. Brainspotting (BSP), a newer neuro-based therapy, uses eye position or “brainspots” to access and release unresolved emotional energy stored in the limbic system and subcortical region of the brain. Compared to EMDR, BSP is more somatic and intuitive. In a 2022 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, just one 40-minute session of EMDR or BSP was found to have beneficial effects in processing distressing memories.

Finding Relief and Resolution

“Somatic therapies recognize that many emotional and physical symptoms are protective responses rather than a mental disorder, weakness or failure,” says Annie Wright, a licensed psychotherapist and relational trauma specialist. Acknowledging and observing our discomfort paves the way for a healing conversation with ourselves. Sheldon C. Baker is a contributing editor to numerous health, wellness and lifestyle publications.

When ‘Getting Through the Day’ Isn’t Enough M

any people have learned to live with chronic stress, anxiety, fatigue, pain or brain fog, assuming these challenges are simply part of modern life. They push through each day, meeting responsibilities while wondering why they never quite feel like themselves. Even those who eat well, exercise regularly or have tried traditional therapies may find that real, lasting relief remains frustratingly out of reach.

Increasingly, integrative health practitioners are finding that many persistent symptoms can be traced to a nervous system that has been stuck in survival mode for too long. When the body’s stress response stays switched on, it can affect everything from sleep and mood to digestion, focus and overall health. At Soothe Wellness, in Lancaster, the goal is to help the nervous system return to a healthier state of balance. Rather than solely managing symptoms, the practice takes a personalized, whole-person approach that combines neuroscience with evidence-informed holistic care.

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Depending on an individual’s needs, care may include Somatic Trauma Therapy to release patterns of stress held in the body, Neuromeditation and Brain Training to improve emotional regulation and cognitive function, or Metabolic Mental Health Coaching, which explores how nutrition, mineral balance and gut health influence mental wellness. Whether someone is dealing with chronic stress, unresolved trauma, burnout or health concerns that seem difficult to explain, Soothe Wellness provides a supportive environment to pause, reconnect and explore a path toward feeling better. To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit ExperienceSoothe.com. See listing, page 52. September 2026

A Closer Look

Local Paths to Somatic Healing by the Natural Awakenings editorial team

“What continually inspires me is the intelligence of the body,” Donovan says. Instead of fighting the body’s reactions, TRE encourages people to become curious about them—and, over time, potentially feel more capable of responding to stress with awareness and care.

Movement Changes the Conversation

Beneath these differences is a common understanding: Healing does not happen only through thought and conversation. The body, too, carries patterns of stress and protection and can become an active participant in changing them.

Our Body Already Knows

One of the more surprising ideas in somatic healing is that involuntary physical responses, such as shaking, may not need to be suppressed. TRE is a body-based practice developed by Dr. David Berceli that uses a sequence of gentle exercises to activate the body’s natural reflex of shaking or vibrating, sometimes called neurogenic tremoring. Lancaster-Berks

Jen Donovan

Jen Donovan of Soothe Wellness, in Lancaster, explains that stress and trauma can affect more than thoughts and memories. They may also influence muscular tension, breathing, posture, the startle response and overall nervous-system activation. TRE provides a structured opportunity for the body to release tension without requiring someone to verbally recount or analyze every stressful or traumatic experience. The process is not about forcing a dramatic physical or emotional release. Donovan guides clients to approach tremoring slowly, developing body awareness and learning how to start, adjust and stop the response. With practice, TRE can become a self-regulation tool people use independently when they recognize early signs of stress. That shift in perspective can be significant. People that initially feel frightened by shaking, muscular tension, fatigue or other

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Donna Bervinchak, a Lancaster-based practitioner, sees this through the Feldenkrais Method and Functional Integration, a gentle hands-on approach designed to increase awareness of movement and reduce unnecessary muscular effort. During a Functional Integration session, Bervinchak may use her hands to help a student recognize and soften muscular tension. Occasionally, she says, an emotional response follows. Rather than interpreting or directing it, she encourages the person to notice what is happening physically, including how the body may be working to suppress a feeling. For Bervinchak, awareness creates possibility. She teaches students to discover their habitual ways of moving and behaving that may have developed through family, soci-

Donna Bervinchak

Photo: Jude Bervinchak

The methods can look remarkably different. One person may experience gentle shaking through Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE), while another explores habitual movement through the Feldenkrais Method. Trauma-informed yoga uses movement, breath and choice to create a greater sense of safety. Breathwork intentionally changes breathing patterns, while Upledger CranioSacral Therapy uses extraordinarily light touch.

Photo: Jude Bervinchak

The body also communicates through the way it moves—or doesn’t move. Somatic movement practices can help reveal patterns that have become almost invisible.

he science behind somatic healing is compelling, and practitioners across the region are helping people calm their nervous systems, recover from trauma, ease chronic pain and reconnect with themselves through a variety of bodycentered approaches.

sensations may begin to understand those responses as protective patterns rather than signs that something is wrong.

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Trauma-informed yoga approaches movement from another direction, placing particular emphasis on creating an environment in which the body can experience predictability, boundaries and choice.

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Jamie Hogan of Elemental Wellness, in Wernersville, notes that a trauma-informed yoga class may look and feel different from a traditional class. Lighting may be softened, silence reduced, class sizes kept small and mats positioned so participants can choose where they feel comfortable. Certain poses may be avoided or alternatives offered. Hands-on adjustments and some props may also be eliminated.

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Jamie Hogan

These details matter because someone experiencing hypervigilance may continually scan the environment for potential threats. Predictability allows attention to gradually return to the body. Choice is equally important. On the yoga mat, Hogan emphasizes that participants decide how they move and breathe. As body awareness develops, they can begin noticing sensations and needs rather than automatically overriding them. Breath and movement also offer opportunities to move between activation and stillness, supporting nervous-system regulation. None of this requires being flexible, strong or experienced in yoga. “The point of yoga asana is not to perfect the pose,” Hogan explains. Instead, the practice can become an opportunity

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Sometimes the Breath Leads the Way

Breath is part of nearly every somatic practice, but it can also become the practice itself. Breathing is unusual because it occurs automatically while also remaining accessible to conscious control. That makes it a connection point between the body, mind and nervous system, explains Laural Miller of Shade Tree Embodied Wellness, in West Lawn. Under chronic stress or following trauma, breathing can become shallow, restricted or disconnected without a person noticing. Intentional breathwork brings awareness back to those patterns and uses breathing to support a greater sense of safety and regulation. Miller says clients may initially notice straightforward changes, such as better sleep, a greater sense of calm or an

Laural Miller

improved ability to recover after stressful situations. Over time, however, the shift can become less about relaxation and more about developing flexibility in how the nervous system responds. Instead of immediately reacting to an uncomfortable emotion or sensation, a person may become better able to pause, notice what is happening internally and respond intentionally. During a session, Miller establishes a sense of safety, discusses intentions and

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to turn inward, connect movement with breath and learn to trust what the body is communicating.

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helps clients understand what they may be experiencing in their nervous systems. She then guides intentional breathing while encouraging awareness of physical sensations, emotions and patterns that emerge. People sometimes expect breathwork simply to be relaxing and are surprised by the emotions, insights or memories that may surface. Miller emphasizes that the experience remains client-led, trauma-informed and paced according to the individual. “One of the most powerful things about the breath,” she says, “is that it gives us access to a part of ourselves that words alone often cannot reach.”

Gentle Doesn’t Mean Small

Of these modalities, Upledger CranioSacral Therapy may appear to involve the least movement. Trella Dubetz, a Lancasterbased holistic practitioner who has practiced the technique for more than 25 years, uses less than five grams of pressure—less than the weight of a nickel on the skin.

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During a session, Dubetz observes subtle physiological cues, including breathing, heart rate, eye and digestive movement, craniosacral rhythm, and changes in posture or movement. Gentle palpation is used to identify and work with areas where movement appears restricted. But Dubetz draws a distinction between helping someone relax and helping someone feel safe. Relaxation can occur for many reasons, she explains, without necessarily addressing whether the mind and body experience safety. In somatic work, that sense of safety may allow physical or emotional information to emerge without overwhelming or bypassing the person. This may help explain why seemingly small experiences, such as light touch or simply noticing a sensation, can feel meaningful. Modern culture frequently rewards overriding the body’s messages, Dubetz observes. Phrases such as “no pain, no gain,” along with expectations for constant productivity, can reinforce the idea that discomfort should simply be pushed through. Gentle therapeutic touch and somatic awareness offer a different experience: slowing down

enough to notice subtler information and allowing the nervous system to experience something other than pressure and urgency. Dubetz notes that people seek Upledger CranioSacral Therapy for many reasons, including chronic or acute pain, fatigue and stress-related concerns, while others are interested in developing greater body awareness and ease. Her advice to someone approaching somatic work for the first time is simple: Remain curious. Taken together, these approaches suggest that somatic healing is less a single technique than a different way of approaching the relationship between mind and body. Neurogenic tremoring, mindful movement, yoga, intentional breathing and therapeutic touch use different pathways, but each asks people to notice rather than override physical experience. The goal is not necessarily to make the body behave differently. It may begin more simply: creating enough safety and awareness to hear what it has been communicating all along. Where to learn more: Jen Donovan—Soothe Wellness Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises Lancaster, ExperienceSoothe.com See ads, pages 25 and 52. Donna Bervinchak Feldenkrais Method/Functional Integration Lancaster. FeldenkraisBlog.net

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The gentleness is intentional. Dubetz explains that the brain and nervous system continually evaluate the environment for potential threats. Very light therapeutic touch is intended to avoid provoking a defensive response and instead support conditions in which the nervous system can move toward a parasympathetic, or “rest and digest,” state.

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Healing Ways

Healing Harmonies

The sound healing field includes vibroacoustic therapy, which employs specialized tables and chairs to gently send sound waves through the body. Sound baths are deeply immersive, meditative sessions involving Tibetan or crystal singing bowls, chimes, gongs and tuning forks, as well as sessions with percussive instruments like hand drums, rattles and melodic tongue drums.

How Sound Therapy Supports Modern Wellness by Zak Logan

Other instruments like the didgeridoo and vocal toning—using the human voice—are also effective for some in turning off the chronic flight-fight-or-freeze stress response. A modality known as binaural beats uses stereo headphones to provide two different sound frequencies, one in each ear. As these two tones are processed by the brain, they align to create a perceived third frequency, which is believed to promote relaxation, focus or sleep.

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These therapies are practiced either by themselves or alongside complementary wellness modalities such as meditation, breathwork, massage and yoga, helping practitioners quiet mental overstimulation and encourage deeper states of rest and presence.

s stress, anxiety, burnout and sleep struggles rise, many people are searching for wellness approaches that feel calming, accessible and noninvasive. According to Metatech Insights, the sound therapy market is expected to grow 9.5 percent over the next decade. A number of these types of sessions are rapidly moving from niche wellness spaces into mainstream health culture, supporting relaxation, nervous system regulation, mindfulness and emotional balance through vibration, rhythm and tone.

According to a 2025 article from the University of California, Los Angeles, “Research on the benefits of sound therapy is inconclusive, but growing.” There are a number of studies that seek to determine which sound frequencies are most effective, how much sound therapy is needed to gain benefits and which individuals are the best candidates for this treatment. A 2016 observational study in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine reported that singing bowl meditations increased feelings of relaxation and spiritual well-being while significantly reducing stress, depression, anxiety and anger. The researchers also found significant reductions in physical pain and tension among 40- to 50-year-olds. Because of its positive impact on the central nervous system, sound healing therapy is being used in addiction recovery and post-traumatic stress disorder, reducing relapse triggers and hyperarousal.

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By boosting neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin in response to certain frequencies, participants find it easier to feel, express and release suppressed emotions.

Energy Affects Energy

“Sound therapy is the intentional use of sound, vibration and frequency to support relaxation, self-awareness and the overall well-being of body, mind and soul,” explains sound therapist Anthony Profeta, in Vero Beach, Florida, who offers sound bath sessions to private clients and also serves as part of an integrative medical team at the Cleveland Clinic. “Physicians use sound waves therapeutically in procedures like lithotripsy to break up kidney or gallbladder stones. Many healing traditions believe that a sound bath operates on the same fundamental principle, working with subtler forms of stuck energy held in the meridians, nadis [in traditional Indian medicine] and other energy centers of the body.” Profeta adds that this physical contact with sound stimulates the vagus nerve—the longest nerve in the body and primary regulator of the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows respiration, decreases heart rate and increases heart rate variability, shifting the body out of stress and into genuine relaxation.

Beider believes that the effects of a sound bath or other types of sound therapy can be profound because they cut through our constant mental chatter. “Many of us are extremely skilled at thinking about our feelings without ever actually feeling them. Because sound healing offers nothing to analyze, that loop gets interrupted and whatever has been held beneath the surface often finds room to move,” he points out, encouraging participants to move slowly after a session, drink water and give themselves a few minutes before re-entering the pace of the day.

60-minute sound bath as an introduction, asserting, “Longer is not necessarily better. After about 45 minutes, especially when participants are lying on a thin yoga mat on a hard floor, restlessness tends to increase and those positive effects begin to reverse. The quality of the sound experience matters more than duration,” he says. “Approach sound with curiosity rather than expectation. Sometimes the deepest benefit arrives very quietly: for a few moments, you become still enough to hear yourself again.”

For those new to sound therapy, Profeta recommends a low commitment, 30- to

Zak Logan is a freelance writer dedicated to holistic healing and getting back to basics.

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Guy Yair Beider, a New York City-based sound healing practitioner, educator and founder of Sound Medicine Academy, emphasizes the zero-effort component of the modality. “In a wellness culture that has, ironically, become exhausting in its own right—with protocols, optimization and self-improvement that starts to feel like another job—sound healing offers something genuinely rare: permission to do nothing and still receive something real.”

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Fit Body

Functional Yoga for Everyday Mobility Simple Poses for Real-Life Strength and Stability by Marlaina Donato intelligent. Yoga helps us get out of its way and meets you where you are.”

Images by Kris Han/CanvaPro

Noting that non-demanding yoga postures like Tree Pose and Mountain Pose encourage ankle, hip and core stability over time, Senesi points out, “We’re lengthening tissues under load and teaching the body to own the space it’s moving into. As we age, this becomes critical.”

oga is often regarded as a practice reserved for the ultra-flexible, deeply spiritual or highly athletic— but at its core, it can simply be a practical tool for helping the body move and feel better. Individuals with compromised mobility can greatly benefit from intentional movements that incorporate stretching, balance and breath awareness. Rather than focusing on achieving perfect poses or extreme flexibility, functional yoga emphasizes sustainable movement patterns that improve joint health, posture, stability and body awareness. Yoga-inspired movements can reduce stiffness, support recovery, improve balance and help prevent injury—regardless of age, fitness level or experience. The goal is not performance or perfection; it 32

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is about maintaining freedom of movement and helping the body function more comfortably in daily activities such as walking, lifting, reaching, driving, cleaning and gardening.

Non-Demanding Postures

Tim Senesi, a Southern California yoga instructor who offers instructional videos for beginners on his Yoga With Tim YouTube channel, says, “Loss of mobility is one of the primary drivers of injury and physical decline later in life. A consistent yoga practice is one of the most powerful things a person can do to stay functional and pain-free at any age. It gives us a daily opportunity to counter all the sitting, screen time and repetitive patterns that compress the body over time. The body is remarkably

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For beginners, he recommends less intensive types of yoga such as hatha or vinyasa slow flow. “Aim for consistency over intensity, and don’t underestimate short sessions,” he counsels. “Ten to 20 minutes done consistently every day will take you further than a long class once a week. The nervous system learns through repetition, not duration, and short, frequent practice is where real change happens.” Senesi recommends the following poses, adding that notable mobility improvements are possible within two to three weeks of consistent practice: Cat-Cow for spinal mobility and low-back health: On hands and knees, inhale as the belly drops and chest lifts, then exhale as the spine rounds up. Let the breath lead the movement. Low Lunge to counteract the effects of prolonged sitting by opening the hip flexors: Step one foot forward, lower the back knee to the floor and breathe. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds per side.

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Reclined Supine Twist to improve rotational mobility: Lying on the back, draw one knee to the chest and guide it across the body. Hold each side at least 60 seconds. Legs Up the Wall for recovery, improved circulation and calming of the nervous system: Sit sideways as close to a wall as possible before lying down and extending the legs vertically against the wall. Rest in this position for five to 10 minutes.

Living Room Yoga

Tamantha Yanders, a yoga instructor and owner of Living Room Yoga, in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, notes that poor posture is a learned habit, suggesting that rounded shoulders, forward head positions and tight hips can improve with yoga-inspired routines. “Every time you access a joint with movement, you are lubricating the mechanism and supporting mobility,” she notes, adding that even individuals that are not very flexible can benefit from such movements.

As a starting point for those with limited mobility, Yanders recommends a gentle or chair yoga class, or even a few private classes for personalized attention. “Most importantly, I support learning to work with how your body is now, not how you think it should be,” she says. Here are a few moves in her arsenal; aim for 10 to 20 repetitions per side: Side Bends: Stand tall with feet hip-width apart and place hands on the hips. Slowly bend the upper body to the right, return to the center and then bend the upper body to the left. Focus on lengthening the spine on each inhale and deepening the stretch on each exhale. Seated Ankle on Thigh: Sit straight up in a chair, lift one ankle and place it on the opposite thigh. Use one hand to gently press down on the knee of the crossed leg to open the hip. Then cup the crossed knee with the opposite hand and draw it across the body toward the opposite shoulder to stretch the gluteus muscle. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds while breathing normally. Head Twist: Gently and slowly turn the head over each shoulder to release neck tension, keeping eyes level. Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.

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Conscious Eating

Nutritious Nachos

“It can be tempting to cover everything in cheese or really pile on the meat, but you can actually dial down these indulgent elements and add so much flavor in healthier ways,” says James Rayner, senior editorial manager of FoodFaithFitness, an online resource for simple and healthy recipe ideas. Traditionally, nachos are served as an appetizer, but they can easily be elevated to main meal status. Cumin-spiced mushroom and walnut vegan nachos, chicken nachos with zesty Greek yogurt crema, sheet pan sweet potatoes and black beans, or Mediterranean-based whole-grain pita chips with smashed garbanzos and feta are only a few inspiring examples.

Yummy Ideas Everyone Will Love by Maya Whitman

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Mouthwatering Upgrades

achos are a classic favorite for fall gatherings, sports parties, game nights and cozy weekends, but traditional versions can quickly become overloaded with oversized portions, excess sodium, unhealthy fats and highly processed ingredients. To make nachos a healthier option, consider making a few simple changes that balance favorite toppings with nutrient-dense ingredients.

Dan Whalen, a lifelong enthusiast for this popular comfort food, authored the cookbook Nachos for Dinner: Surprising Sheet Pan Meals the Whole Family Will Love. “What I love about nachos is that you can make them with leftovers. Just open your fridge and find a combo of things,” he says. It all begins with a chip base, protein source, colorful vegetables and fiber-rich toppings such as avocado, fire-roasted tomatoes, fresh salsas, homemade slaws, pickled onions, tangy citrus splashes or fresh chiles. Whalen, also a food blogger and the founder of the online recipe hub The Food in My Beard, reminds us that switching things up doesn’t require eliminating our favorite fixings. “One secret to using indulgent toppings is to make sure everything is chopped up small,” he explains. “You always want to do this anyway, so each chip can hold a mix of all the different ingredients. Doing this with more indulgent nacho toppings allows you to use less but still feel like it is prevalent in the overall dish.” Steak or pulled pork lovers can opt for shredded leaner cuts, while seasoned, sautéed ground turkey or chicken breast serves as an excellent substitute for ground beef. Vegans can enjoy meaty textures with sautéed, crumbled tempeh or tofu. And everyone can

Crisp plantain chips meet carnitas, black beans and two melted cheeses, then get a bold finish with lime crema, hot sauce, avocado and fresh lime.

KETO-GREEN NACHOS

Courtesy of Dr. Anna Cabeca

Courtesy of Dan Whalen

PLANTAIN NACHOS

Zucchini chips pile on shredded chicken, creamy cashew queso, fresh vegetables and guacamole for a colorful, satisfying lowercarb spin on nachos.

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Ethnic Inspirations

Although traditionally Tex-Mex, nachos can be most exciting with creative variation. For Rayner, the use of Indian spices can tantalize taste buds and broaden the possibilities. “Think generously spiced tandoori chicken with red onion, cilantro and a creamy sauce made from Greek yogurt and mint,” muses the editor. He also favors the idea of a deconstructed Greek gyro with “thinly sliced lamb or beef, charred bell peppers, chopped herbs and a garlicky Greek yogurt drizzle to finish.” Whalen embraces Italian flavors, recreating a loaded sandwich. “I use all the typical meats, and when it comes out of the oven, I add a ‘salad’ of romaine lettuce, roasted red peppers and pepperoncini.” Drizzling punchy sauces such as sweet yet savory Mexican chamoy made from pickled apricots, plums or mangoes, or bright and spicy Middle Eastern green shatta can add an exhilarating element to any nacho dish.

Assembly Tips

For optimal tortilla nachos every time, Rayner recommends briefly toasting the chips in the oven for two to three minutes to unlock nutty flavors and enhance the crunch. “After that, layer your toppings. Veggies can release a lot of moisture, so scatter your protein over your chip base first, then cheese and vegetables afterward. Repeat the layers if you want to go all out.” Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.

YIELD: 6 SERVINGS ½ lb lean ground beef 26 mini bell peppers 6 Tbsp salsa 1 cup shredded, reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend, packed (4 oz) ½ cup tomato, diced ¼ cup green onion, diced 1 large avocado, diced Cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Preheat oven to 400° F. Heat a medium pan over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking up meat into pieces, until no longer pink inside. Cut the stem off each pepper and cut in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and white flesh.

Courtesy of FoodFaithFitness

Whalen suggests upgrading the chips, explaining, “Using crispy plantain chips cuts out the extra carbs and fat in traditional tortilla chips. You can even use dehydrated or baked plantains instead of fried.”

MEXICAN MINI BELL PEPPER NACHOS

Satisfy nacho cravings without the chips.

Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray and arrange the peppers on it, cut sides up. Stir the salsa into the cooked beef and fill the peppers with the beef mixture. Sprinkle with the cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted, about 5 to 7 minutes. Sprinkle on the tomato, green onion, avocado and cilantro. Serve immediately. Recipe courtesy of FoodFaithFitness.

CHICKEN NACHOS

A cheesy classic gets a makeover with protein-packed shredded chicken. YIELD: 4 SERVINGS 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen 10 oz baked tortilla chips (about 8 cups) 2¼ cups cooked, shredded chicken breast 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed 1¾ cups shredded, reduced-fat cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese 1 tomato, diced 2 avocados, diced 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced (optional) ⅓ cup green onions, sliced ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped ⅓ cup nonfat Greek yogurt (for serving) Salsa (for serving) Preheat the oven to 350° F. If using frozen corn, thaw it. Arrange half of the tortilla chips on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle half of the shredded

Courtesy of FoodFaithFitness

enjoy the flavorful, hearty protein provided by pinto, black or red kidney beans. Rayner notes, “Whatever protein you’re going for, don’t forget to add plenty of seasoning. You can also try toasted pepitas [pumpkin seeds] or crushed almonds for added taste and texture.”

chicken, black beans, corn and cheese over the chips. Add another layer of chips and top with the remaining chicken, black beans, corn and cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 13 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and top with diced tomatoes, avocado, jalapeño slices, green onions and cilantro. Serve immediately with nonfat Greek yogurt and salsa on the side. Recipe courtesy of FoodFaithFitness. September 2026

Healthy Kids

The Power of Movement

Each Child’s Movement Experience Is Unique Not all children experience movement the same way. Occupational therapist Crae Akerson, with a private practice in Stamford, Connecticut, explains that children have varying neurological “ceilings” for vestibular input. In other words, their nervous systems are able to process balance, spatial orientation and movement in unique ways before they become overwhelmed. A child with a high ceiling constantly seeks movement, which may appear as restlessness or getting into trouble. A child with a low ceiling quickly reaches their limit and avoids movement altogether, often seeming shy or staying at the edge of recess. Neither pattern is a character flaw; both are nervous systems expressing different needs.

Supporting Healthy Childhood Development Through Balance

Robert Kneschke/shutterstock

by Christina Connors

alance is about far more than standing on one foot. From climbing the monkey bars to sitting still at circle time, this foundational motor skill influences how children move, learn, feel and interact with the world around them, often in unexpected ways. While most of us know the five senses—sight, sound, touch, taste and smell—there is a sixth, less obvious sense doing constant work behind the scenes: the vestibular system. Located in the inner ear, it monitors every tilt, spin, jump and turn of the head, sending this information directly to the brain. Pediatric occupational therapist Dr. Chanie Messinger describes it as our movement and balance system, likening it to an internal global positioning system (GPS). Before a child can focus on reading, writing or sitting through a lesson,

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the brain must first understand where the body is in space.

Movement and Self-Regulation Work Together

A 2025 feasibility study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health tracked preschoolers in four Massachusetts childcare centers through a 10-week program focused on physical literacy, pairing short, playful lessons with active free play. Children in the intervention group showed significant improvements in gross motor skills and behavioral self-regulation compared to peers that maintained their usual routines. These findings add to a growing body of evidence that movement and self-regulation are interconnected aspects of childhood development.

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Proprioception, the body’s sense of pressure and position, can help regulate these patterns. Akerson recommends activities like crab walks, wheelbarrow walks, jumping, cartwheels and leapfrog. As she explains, any activity that applies pressure on the body tends to calm and organize the system, supporting focus, motor planning and emotional regulation.

Screens Are Not the Enemy

Messinger emphasizes that digital screens are not inherently bad. “The bigger question is how we are using them and whether we are creating healthy boundaries around them,” she explains. Prolonged periods in one position—head down, body still—are simply crowding out the climbing, crawling and balancing that growing bodies need. “You can learn about riding a bike by watching videos,” she points out. “But eventually, you have to get on the bike.”

Encourage Purposeful Boredom

Unstructured free play is as important as organized activities. Messinger has watched children choose a cardboard box

over an expensive toy time and again. During open-ended play, kids develop creativity, negotiation skills, confidence and body awareness simultaneously, and such lessons endure well into adulthood.

Recognizing the Need for More Movement

Signs such as difficulty sitting still, frequent clumsiness, poor posture, trouble winding down at bedtime and constant sensory-seeking (crashing, chewing and fidgeting) may indicate a child's need for more movement. Messinger advises, “I always encourage parents to ask, 'I wonder what my child’s body is trying to tell me?’”

Simple Ways To Build Balance at Home

Movement activities can be fun for the entire family, inviting creative play and a sense of accomplishment. They are designed to build core strength, coordination and body awareness. None of these

require perfection, equipment or a therapy clinic in the basement. They simply need snippets of time throughout the day dedicated to swinging, spinning, climbing and resting. • Animal Walks: Invite kids to travel sideways like a crab, leap like a frog or waddle like a duck. • Pillow Obstacle Course: Create a safe sequence of challenges across the living room, using blankets, bed pillows and couch cushions to construct stepping stones, a crawl tunnel, a small mountain and even a jumping area with built-in crash pad for safe falling. • Balance Beam: Using a fallen log in the backyard or a line of painter’s tape on the patio, invite kids to walk a straight light and maintain their balance. • Dance Break: A five-minute dance

break between homework subjects is a great way to keep kids active while helping to develop their balance and spatial skills. • Stretch and Breathe: A few stretches and deep breaths before bed can help calm the nervous system and signal the brain to wind down. Balance is not a skill children master once and move past. It is a practice they revisit repeatedly, in bodies that are always growing and changing. Organized sports, gymnastics or swim lessons each build their own type of coordination and confidence, but they are most effective alongside ample unscheduled time to simply move. When children's bodies feel steady, their minds tend to follow. Christina Connors is a burnout prevention specialist, keynote singer and author. Learn more at ChristinaConnors.com.

CONCUSSION

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Wise Words

Mindful Interdependence A Conversation With Jeremy David Engels by Sandra Yeyati I grew up surrounded by shouting and naturally became the peacemaker. This trait is inherent and influenced by my environment, deeply ingrained in my personality. In high school, I first encountered the works of Martin Luther King, Gandhi, Tolstoy and Thoreau’s writings on civil disobedience and nonviolence. These books spoke to my soul and became a part of who I am. I identify as a peacemaker and relationship builder.

Courtesy of Jeremy David Engels

What subjects do you teach at Penn State?

eremy David Engels is a liberal arts endowed professor of communication arts and sciences at Penn State University, co-founder of Yoga Lab and a mindfulness and yoga teacher. He has authored six books, including his latest two published this year: On Mindful Democracy: A Declaration of Interdependence to Mend a Fractured World and Living Namaste: A Practical Guide to Mindfulness, Yoga, and Building Community. Engels holds a master’s degree (2003) and doctorate (2006) in rhetoric from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He has also studied Sanskrit, yoga philosophy, pranayama (breathing techniques) and chanting at the prestigious Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram. After a pilgrimage to India and Nepal in 2018, following the Buddha’s footsteps, he became a devoted student of mindfulness meditation as taught by Zen master and peace activist Thích Nhất Hạnh. He was certified to teach mindfulness after completing an intensive, two-year training program under Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield.

Why did you aspire to be a teacher and peace advocate as a child, and how did you uphold those ideals into adulthood? 38

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My Ph.D. is in rhetoric, which focuses on the power of language to build and break worlds, bring people together and push them apart, incite wars and foster peace. My classes reflect this focus. I teach communication ethics, looking at how people can communicate better to build stronger communities and healthier relationships. I teach a big lecture class on propaganda, exploring how we are manipulated and how to resist it. And, I teach classes on how to deliberate, debate or argue without devolving into a fight.

How do you incorporate mindfulness in your college classes?

Historical writings by the founders of the United States assumed citizens were capable of paying attention without distraction. We can’t make that assumption anymore, given our current world of distractions. Mindfulness is a wonderful practice for this. Everything I teach is better absorbed when students have mindfulness skills.

What do you propose in your book, Living Namaste?

We often say “namaste” to each other at the end of yoga practice, but for me, it doesn’t mark an end but rather a moment of continuation, when we take the practice from the mat into the world. Namaste means, “I bow to you. I honor you. I recognize you. I honor the dignity of you.” Over time, it has become associated with bowing or honoring the divine in someone else. The philosophy of namaste is that every time you say hello to someone, you acknowledge their dignity, worth, beauty and miraculousness, even when you disagree on fundamental things. Our relationships transform when we are willing to meet people on that common ground of shared divinity.

As a rhetorician, in the spirit of namaste, which words should we use more frequently and which should we reduce?

My next book will include a chapter on the mindfulness of words and noticing how often we bring violent words into everyday conversations. We talk about fighting this or fighting that, going to war, having a battle. We need to become more conscious of this because describing our relationships with others as a war increases the likelihood of those relationships becoming combative. One word I like is “friends”. It’s an invitation to a certain kind of relationship. Instead of preparing for battle, perhaps we should be getting ready for a conversation.

How can we become more interconnected when our society seems to keep us distracted and divided?

We have never been more connected to news and information in the history of the world. Social media gives us access to more people than ever before, but we feel lonelier because those are not genuine relationships. Real relationships with embodied human beings make life worth living and nourish the spirit. A key motivation behind my books is to encourage people to open up to others and recognize our deep interdependence.

What do you mean by interdependence?

Interdependence is an insight, not just a concept to understand intellectually. It’s something you have to feel in your body. Meditation is one path to this understanding, but

not the only one. Many religions, science, theoretical physics and ecology all teach interdependence. A forest exemplifies it. It’s not just that we have to collaborate with people we may have written off, dislike or rarely consider. It’s that we are already working together in unseen ways. Think about prescription medication: from research and development to your medicine cabinet, it’s staggering to think about the countless individuals that have touched that pill or shot—scientists, medicine developers, trial participants, ingredient harvesters and assemblers, plant operators, label designers, bottle makers, shipping workers, truck drivers and pharmacists. That’s interdependence.

I hope my work helps to awaken people to our inherent connection. Imagine how much stronger we would be if we acknowledged this interdependence and actively devoted our attention and energy to building things together. There is such profound untapped power in the human species. Even little bits of awakening to this power will go a long way. Sandra Yeyati is the national editor of Natural Awakenings.

To read a longer version of this conversation, visit TinyURL.com/EngelsWW or scan the QR code.

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SEPTEMBER ONLINE EXCLUSIVES > Find additional articles and videos at NALancaster.com or NABerks.com. Go to the home page and click on the “In This Issue” image in the top carousel or in the right colum.

Natural Pet

PROMOTING CALM IN DOGS AND CATS

Green Living

Home Energy Resilience Smarter Ways To Prepare for Outages and Rising Costs by Zak Logan

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SOWING SEEDS OF PROMISE

More Health Briefs & Global Briefs

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aving backup options in place for unexpected power outages, severe weather events and grid vulnerabilities ensures that life can go on during emergencies without relying on fossil fuelbased systems. According to Environment America, approximately 5 million U.S. households are powered by solar energy and more than 295,000 Americans rely on backup battery systems that store solar energy from their rooftops for use during power outages. As storms, grid strain, rising utility costs and unpredictable outages become more common, many homeowners are rethinking what energy security means to them. Even those that are not ready to fully commit to rooftop systems are looking for

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more sustainable and safer options than gasoline-powered generators. An emerging market includes battery-powered home backup systems, as well as portable, solar-powered generators that can keep essentials like refrigerators, medical devices, lights and internet routers running. These smarter strategies are transforming the idea of preparedness into independence.

Home Integrated Systems

According to Marriele Mango, senior project director at the national nonprofit Clean Energy Group, a whole-home battery solution such as a Tesla Powerwall can back up an entire home for hours or longer. It stores electricity derived from utility power or solar panels and kicks in during a grid outage to power essential appliances such as

the refrigerator, well pump, internet router, lighting, air conditioning and security systems. When paired with solar, the system can provide indefinite backup power, assuming solar is available to recharge the battery. “We’re finding that battery storage systems have a useful life well beyond the typical 10-year warranty, with newer models able to charge and discharge much more frequently than older models,” Mango explains. “The shift from nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) chemistry to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) is not only more affordable, but also has a longer useful life. It is also a safer chemistry, as it is more resistant to overheating. Where available, a battery can actually generate income for a homeowner during clear sky days, unlike a gas generator, which solely exists to provide backup power.” “Battery technology has advanced significantly,” says Lesley McCain, executive director of the Illinois Solar Energy & Storage Association. “Today’s systems store more electricity, take up less space and can last well over a decade with normal use. Many are managed through smartphone apps that let homeowners monitor energy production, battery levels and household usage in real time.”

Portable Solutions

Portable power stations are different from generators in several ways. They do not use combustion engines to create power, so they are completely silent and produce zero harmful emissions. These compact, rechargeable battery units provide electricity on demand and on the go, making them ideal for both outdoor and indoor use such as camping, tailgating, off-grid living or emergency home backup during outages. Because they are standalone plug-and-play systems, rather than permanent home infrastructure, they do not need county permits, inspections or utility agreements. Different sizes and capacities are available. Smaller portable units can power smartphones, tablets and LED lights. Mid-sized stations are best for laptops, mini refrigerators, fans, internet routers and small medical devices. Larger units, designed for home backup, RV trips or longer off-grid use, are

ideal for powering TVs, small kitchen appliances such as coffeemakers and blenders, or even power tools.

Design | Installation | Stewardship

“Some permissionless plug-in batteries can be charged by smaller solar arrays, even just one or two panels, rather than an entire rooftop,” Mango points out. “Pairing a plug-in battery with even a small solar array could greatly extend the duration of backup power available.”

Getting Started

McCain advises homeowners to understand their average electricity usage, how much backup power they actually need and whether their roof is suitable for solar before purchasing a solar and battery system. Her best tip is to obtain multiple quotes from certified installers and ask for a comprehensive, easy-to-understand estimate of energy production, expected savings, warranty coverage and how the battery will perform during an outage. “Here in Illinois, many residents begin by subscribing to a community solar program, which allows them to receive credits on their electric bill from a nearby solar farm without installing panels on their home,” McCain suggests. “When they’re ready, they can explore adding rooftop solar and battery storage,” she explains. Mango notes, “Subscription community solar models help with reducing utility bills without the need to invest in an individual solar-plus-storage system. However, that also means there are no household resilience benefits. In other words, community solar won’t keep your lights on in the event of an outage.” For renters, portable solar panels like the Renogy 200-watt foldable solar panel are an entry-level apartment backup. In addition, renters may be able to sign up for a community solar program or a community choice aggregation program that allows local governments to procure greener power from an alternative supplier on behalf of their residents. Zak Logan is a freelance writer dedicated to holistic health and getting back to basics.

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Homeopathy

Homeopathy Under the Microscope An Evidence-Based Look at a Controversial Therapy by Athena Eamon

Rawf8 from Getty Images Signature/CanvaPro

Reviewed by Lauri Grossman, DC, CCH, RSHom(NA)

o evaluate evidence-based research for a health treatment, it is important to comprehend the research methodology, study design, included and excluded evidence, and the potential existence of bias in the study’s design, execution or funding. This understanding is essential before drawing any conclusions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for evaluating the efficacy of medical treatments with minimal bias and determining if an intervention surpasses placebo effects. However, individualized homeopathy poses unique methodological challenges that differ 42

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from testing a standardized pharmaceutical drug. Unlike conventional RCT drug trials, where all participants with the same diagnosis typically receive the same medication and dose and are evaluated uniformly over specified time periods, classical homeopathy is tailored to the individual patient rather than the disease diagnosis. Two patients with migraines, seasonal allergies or arthritis may receive different remedies based on their physical symptoms, emotional state, sleep patterns, food cravings, environmental sensitivities, personality traits and constitution. As a result, researchers designing

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and conducting homeopathy trials face the following challenges that hinder the use of testing models developed for single pharmaceutical compounds: • Participants with the same diagnosis often receive different remedies, making it difficult to standardize interventions across a trial. • Homeopaths frequently adjust remedies as symptoms evolve, whereas conventional RCTs require treatments to remain fixed throughout the study. • Homeopathic care includes lengthy consultations, individualized assessments,

follow-up visits and therapeutic relationships that may independently contribute to outcomes beyond the remedy itself. • Patients may seek improvements in wellbeing, energy, resilience or quality of life in addition to symptom relief, yet clinical trials measure only disease-specific endpoints.

What Clinical Studies Demonstrate

Many studies on homeopathy exist, but their quality differs greatly. Some treatments, such as Arnica montana for pain management, show more promising evidence than others. Systematic reviews, which are top-tier research tools that compile, evaluate and synthesize empirical studies, find the evidence on homeopathy inconclusive due to issues like small sample sizes, inconsistent study designs, varying prescribing methods, difficulty blinding individualized treatments, publication bias and poor methodologies. These limitations prevent the determination of whether benefits are due to specific homeopathic effects, nonspecific therapeutic effects, placebo responses or a combination of all three.

Some Reviews Reach Divergent Conclusions

Systematic reviews can reach different conclusions due to varying inclusion criteria. One review might include all studies regardless of quality, while another might focus only on larger trials or low-riskof-bias studies. These design differences affect the conclusions. For example, the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council found no reliable evidence supporting homeopathy for any health condition after analyzing only studies with strict methodological criteria. By contrast, a meta-analysis conducted by the University of Bern in Germany specifically focused on individualized homeopathy. The analysis concluded that statistically significant effects may exist for treating

conditions such as childhood diarrhea, respiratory conditions and post-surgical recovery, but the certainty of evidence remains low to moderate due to study limitations.

The Scientific Debate Extends Beyond Clinical Trials

Perhaps the greatest controversy about homeopathy pertains to its mechanism rather than its clinical outcomes. Many homeopathic medicines are diluted beyond Avogadro’s limit, leaving no measurable molecules of the original substance. Conventional chemistry and pharmacology struggle to explain how these highly diluted remedies could produce biological effects. Homeopathy researchers argue that these findings, along with advances in understanding complex biological systems, justify further investigation into mechanisms involving nanostructures, water organization, electromagnetic signaling and other physical processes that are not yet fully understood.

A Growing Consensus for More Research Arises

Scientists on both sides of the homeopathy debate agree that future research must combine the methodological rigor of randomized trials with study designs that more accurately reflect clinical practice. This requires larger sample sizes, transparent

reporting, standardized outcome measures, longer follow-up periods and independent replication across multiple research centers. Additionally, homeopathy study designs should better align the research methodology with the intervention being studied without sacrificing scientific rigor. The goal is to maintain the standard for evidence while formulating research questions that accurately represent the personalized nature of homeopathy practice. This approach will yield clearer insights into where homeopathy offers meaningful benefits, where it falls short and how it can best contribute to evidence-informed, patientcentered integrative healthcare. Athena Eamon is a researcher and parent with nearly two decades of experience studying and using homeopathy, integrative health and whole-person wellness. Dr. Lauri Grossman has more than 30 years of experience as an integrative care expert, chiropractor, classical homeopath and global educator. Underwritten by Grato Health, in operation since 1987, dedicated to advancing health and wellness through natural, holistic solutions that support the body’s ability to heal.

Join us in Washington, DC

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1200 attendees 75 exhibitors

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5 farm-to-table meals

A vibrant weekend of talks, socializing and delicious food SPEAKERS: Josh and Adam Bigelsen, Del Bigtree, Natasha Campbell-McBride, Laura Delano, Ben Edwards, Catherine Austin Fitts, Chris Knobbe, Joseph Ladapo, Thomas Massie, Sally Fallon Morell, Thaddeus Owen, Toby Rogers, Joel Salatin and many others! Volunteer Opportunities • Children’s Program • Saturday Night Banquet Special Rates for 13-20 Year Olds • Continuing Education Units • Farm Tour

3 Days with 5 Meals: $500 wisetraditions.org (703) 820-3333 $50 off registration Sept 1-18. Use code: NA September 2026

Friday, September 18

Calendar of Events NOTE: To share your events and classes in our calendar, please visit our websites NABerks.com or NALancaster.com for guidelines and a submission link. Deadline: 5th of the month prior.

Sound Meditation with Abby – 6-7pm. Every 3rd Friday. Relax in comfortable clothes to the sounds of singing bowls, wind chimes and voice. $25. Register online. Willow Yoga Studio, 25 Nolt Ave, Willow Street. WillowYogaStudio.com.

Saturday, September 19 Visit our online calendar where you can find updated event and class information and share your events for free.

Friday, September 11 Sound Bath – 6-7:30pm. Michael & Sarita Rocco facilitate an intentional healing experience designed to calm the nervous system, open the heart, and bring a return to inner harmony. This deeply restorative session weaves crystal alchemy bowls, gongs, chimes, wave drum, frame drum, and mantra/humming practices into a soundscape that supports profound relaxation and energetic reset. $35. Register online. The Nest Collaborative, 629 Court St, West Reading. 610-823-2401. TheNestCollaborative.com. Women's Group: Nurturing Your Intuition & Protecting Your Energy – 6:30-8pm. Join medium Heather Hanko for a playful evening exploring intuition. Practice techniques to strengthen your sixth sense while learning ways to ground and protect your energy. Donation-based. West End Yoga Studio, 221 W. Walnut St., Lancaster. 717406-9681. WestEndYogaStudio.com.

Saturday, September 12 Medical-Grade Detox for Whole-Body Wellness – (thru Friday, 9/18). Provider-led, weeklong medical-grade detox program combining herbal and vitamin supplementation, a personalized eating plan and clinical guidance to support whole-body wellness. Includes virtual Zoom sessions on September 8 and 17. Registration required by 9/4. $150 members; $175 non-members. MiddleWay Wellness. 717-744-0532. Middle WayWellness.net. Celebrating 35 Years of Massage Education – 1-5pm. Bringing together graduates and members of the Lancaster School of Massage community to mark more than three decades of massage therapy education. Registration required. Lancaster School of Massage, 313 W Liberty St, Ste 205, Lancaster. 717-293-9698. Lancaster SchoolOfMassage.com. Transformational Breathwork – 3-4:30pm. Lisa Frank guides participants inconscious, connected breathing paired with evocative music to dissolve emotional blockages and expand awareness, opening the door to deep personal transformation. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring water. $35. Register online. The Nest Collaborative, 629 Court St, West Reading. 610-823-2401. TheNestCollaborative.com.

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Sunday, September 13 Greater Wellness Holistics Expo HARVEST & HARMONY 10am-4pm 80+ vendors, speakers, giveaways, Kids Corner, alternative wellness & natural healing. $10 cash at the door or online. Kids 12 & under free. Free parking. Lebanon Valley Expo Center North Hall, 80 Rocherty Rd, Lebanon. GreaterWellnessHolistics.com.

Sunday, September 13 Living Hope Circle – 4-5:15pm. A nurturing circle where hope is not something to wait for—it’s something to cultivate from within. Nadine Smitt-Weiss invites reconnection with your inner light, wonder about the unique way it shines through and to imagine it growing brighter with each breath. By donation. Register online. The Nest Collaborative, 629 Court St, West Reading. 610823-2401. TheNestCollaborative.com.

Tuesday, September 15 The Practice of Recovery – 5:30-6:45pm. (Also held on 9/22 and 9/29). Explore recovery, healing and renewal through gentle yoga, breath, reflection and the wisdom of the 12 Steps. No prior yoga experience or recovery background is required. Donationbased. The Urban Well Yoga Studio at Saint James, 119 N Duke St, Lancaster. 717-3974858. SaintJamesLancaster.org.

Wednesday, September 16 Cancer Support Writing Workshop – Wednesdays on Zoom through 11/4. A gentle, supportive space to awaken creativity in an atmosphere of compassion and trust. For cancer patients and caregivers. Sharing optional; no experience needed. Register via Penn Medicine/LGH at 717-544-4636 or LGHealth.org. Mid-session joiners welcome. Info: Write From the Heart, 717-393-4713, WriteFromTheHeart.us. Somatic Singing Circle – 7-8pm. A monthly joyful, community-based experience where voice and movement come together to support expression, connection and nervous system regulation. Through vocal play and gentle movement, participants release, ground and reconnect with themselves in a supportive space. No singing experience needed. $20. Space limited. ResonateYou at Shivaya Healing Arts, 26 N Cedar St, Lititz. Registration required at ShivayaHealingArts.org.

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York County Pawpaw Festival – 9am-5pm. More than 40 vendors featuring local food producers, artisans, native plant nurseries and environmental organizations, fresh pawpaws, seedlings, produce and more, plus free farm and orchard tours and family-friendly activities. $7; children 12 and younger are free. Advance ticket purchase required. Horn Farm Center, 4945 Horn Rd, York. HornFarmCenter.org/PawpawFest. Practical Alchemy: From Trigger to Transformation – 10am-4pm. A workshop teaching practical tools to find and return to your center in the transformational space between triggered and shut down, without skipping any of the work. $150. A Soul Unfolding at Soundwise School of Harmonic Therapy, 313 W Liberty St, Ste 263, Lancaster. 717-340-0793. ASoulUnfolding.com.

Sunday, September 20 Kitten Yoga: Benefiting Cornwall Community Cats – 12:30-1:30pm. Join us to move, stretch and practice alongside social kittens while they safely explore the studio and meet members of our community that may be interested in giving them a forever home. $35. West End Yoga Studio, 221 W Walnut St, Lancaster. 717-406-9681. WestEndYogaStudio.com.

Tuesday, September 22 The Practice of Recovery – 5:30-6:45pm. See 9/15 listing for details. Memoir Writing Workshop: “Exploring Our Life Stories” – 6:30-8:30pm. (Tuesdays thru 10/20.) A safe haven for capturing the memories that matter most. Taught with humor and warmth, learn how writing about our past enables us to better understand our present. No grades, grammar, or judgment. Registration required. Write From the Heart, Lancaster. 717-383-4713. WriteFromTheHeart.us.

Saturday, September 26 Hope Noted Summit – 10am-3:30pm. (Coffee hour begins at 9am). “Find Hope: Branches of Belonging.” An immersive holistic wellness and mental health day retreat including yoga, equine-assisted therapy, art, forest therapy, keynote speaker, workshops, additional private therapies and more. Drinks and lunch included. $65. Registration required. Held at The Gathering Place, 21 S. 12th St, Akron. HopeNoted.com.

Tuesday, September 29 The Practice of Recovery – 5:30-6:45pm. See 9/15 listing for details.

Wednesday, September 30 Snack & Chat – 6:30-7:30pm. Learn about

green burial, simplified funeral arrangements and preplanning, with time for Q&A. Free. RSVP to Laura Adamo, 646-522-7119, or Simple Funerals, 717-664-1500. Held at Mill72, 45 N Main St, Manheim. SimpleFunerals.com.

Plan Ahead October 1-6 Vision Quest: Grand Teton and Yellowstone Retreat – Explore breathtaking landscapes, soak in mineral hot springs, practice yoga, experience the awe of nature, and create space to reconnect with what matters most. This retreat is about remembering who you are beneath the noise. $2,495 early bird, $2,795 after 7/31 (airfare not included). EveryBody Yoga and Wellness, 1245 Horseshoe Pk, Downingtown. 484-593-4075. EveryBodyYogaAndWellness.com.

Saturday, October 3 Spirit of Oneness: Allowing Our Collective Light to Guide Us – 10am-5pm (4pm on Sunday). A holistic expo with over 60 vendors offering an array of services from reiki to handmade artisan gifts. $5/day or $10/weekend. Alta View Wellness Center at Scottish Rite Cathedral, 2701 N 3rd St, Harrisburg. SpiritOfOnenessEvent.com. Guts & Glory: A Health & Wellness Festival – 11am-3pm. An interactive community wellness festival featuring health screenings, fitness demonstrations, educational exhibits, family activities, local wellness vendors and expert resources designed to inspire healthier living. Free. Jim Dietrich Park, 4899 Stoudts Ferry Bridge Road, Reading. MyGutInstinct.org.

Sunday, October 4 Spirit of Oneness: Allowing Our Collective Light to Guide Us – 10am-4pm. See 10/3 listing for details.

Saturday, October 10 Gifts that Give Hope Gift Fair – 10am-3pm. 19th annual joyful celebration of meaningful gift-giving featuring charitable gift opportunities, fair trade and sustainable goods and more. Free. Farm & Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Rd, Lancaster. GiftThat GiveHopeLancaster.org. Feldenkrais Workshop: Dynamic Standing – 1-4pm. Explore the dynamic nature of standing through an Awareness Through Movement workshop. Learn how improved alignment and movement can reduce unnecessary tension and create greater ease, balance and comfort. $50 early registration; $60 thereafter. Susquehanna Dance Center, 120 College Ave., Mountville. 717-8983359. FeldenkraisBlog.net.

Sunday, October 11 – Tuesday, October 20 Vaishno Devi/Shakti Peetham India Pilgrimage – Join a small group pilgrimage from Delhi to Katra, India and receive darshan at many sacred temples along the way, including and culminating in the Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra. $3,900. For

information and further details, visit KulaKamalaFoundation.org or speak to Casey at 484-509-5073 ext 1.

Friday, October 16 – Sunday, October 18 Certified Medical Reiki Master Training Friday, 5-6:30pm via Zoom Saturday, 9:30am - 5:30pm & Sunday, 9:30am-5:30pm. Designed for reiki masters, this comprehensive training prepares practitioners to bring reiki into healthcare settings with confidence, emphasizing clinical professionalism, ethical practice, research, communication, documentation and compassionate presence. $880. Liberty Place, 313 W Liberty St, Suite 263, Lancaster. 717-269-6084 MedicalReikiInternational.com

Saturday, October 17 The Relationship Group: An Attachment & Complex Trauma Therapeutic Course for Women – weekly thru 12/12. Learn how attachment patterns and complex trauma influence relationships, boundaries, communication and emotional well-being. Includes The Attachment & Complex Trauma Workbook, guided therapeutic group sessions and the support of a community of women committed to healing and growth. In-person and virtual options. $40 per session (payment plans available). The Candy Factory, 342 N Queen St, Lancaster. 17-750-9900. JuliaVeser.com. Lancaster Conservancy Trail Fest – 1-6:30pm. Get outside and celebrate the trails that connect us with nature. Music, food, and community await as you explore one of the Lancaster Conservancy’s newest nature preserves before it’s fully open to visitors. $25-32 adults, $10 child. Lancaster Conservancy at Ingrid Graham Historic Hellam Nature Preserve, 562 Hillview Rd, York. 717-392-7891. LancasterConservancy.org/trailfest/.

Sunday, October 18 Quaker Worship, Community Meal & Open House – 9:45am-12:30pm. A welcoming opportunity to explore Spirit, community and the Quaker tradition. Featuring silent worship from 10-11am followed by a community lunch and fellowship. Free. Lancaster Friends Meeting, 110 Tulane Terrace, Lancaster. LancasterPAQuakers2@ gmail.com. LancasterPAQuakers.org.

Tuesday, October 27 Women’s Intro Writing Without Fear – 6:30-8:30pm via Zoom. Thru 12/1 (no class 11/24). A warm and welcoming community of trust, kindness and understanding. Learn to write freely without perfection and self-doubt. Beginners welcome. Sharing optional. Registration required. Write From the Heart, Lancaster. 717-393-4713. WriteFromTheHeart.us.

Ongoing Events

Sundays Sacred Sunday Stillness – 9:30-10:30am. Traditional hatha yoga postures and a focus on the breath for deep relaxation and gentle release. An opportunity to self-nurture and a respite from daily living. Open to all levels. $27 or EYW Membership. EveryBody Yoga and Wellness, 1245 Horseshoe Pk, Downingtown. 484-593-4075. EveryBodyYogaAndWellness.com. Rejuvenating Pilates – 11am-12pm. Focus on improving muscle tone, strength, building core stability, enhancing flexibility, and supporting better posture. With mindful movement and intention exercises, leave feeling stronger, more balanced and more connected to your body. $27 or EYW Membership. EveryBody Yoga and Wellness, 1245 Horseshoe Pk, Downingtown. 484-5934075. EveryBodyYogaAndWellness.com. Svaroopa Yoga with Sarita – 12-1:30pm. Immerse yourself in a soothing yoga practice designed to release tension and boost vitality. Easy to follow with personalized attention. $25. The Nest Collaborative, 629 Court St, West Reading. 610-763-1755. SaritaLinda Rocco.com. Living Hope – 4-5:15pm. 2nd Sundays. Explore what it mean to live with hope as a daily practice, allowing it to illuminate your path forward. Leave the session renewed, inspired and ready to tend the quiet flame of hope that lives inside you. Donation. Nadine Smet-Weiss at The Nest Collaborative, 629 Court St, West Reading, PA. 610-7631755. TheNestCollaborative.com Slow Flow – 4-5pm. A gentle, breath-centered yoga flow to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body, ending in peaceful stillness. Open to all levels. $15. Willow Yoga

Classifieds Fee for classifieds is $1 per word per month. To place listing, email content to Advertising@NALancaster.com. Deadline is the 10th of the month.

Help Wanted INTEGRATIVE MEDICAL CLINIC – Established integrative medical clinic in Lancaster County is seeking a CRNP, medical assistant and receptionist. Offering flexible hours and competitive pay rate. Send resume to DrNickDorazio@gmail.com. LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST – Busy day spa in Berks County seeks a licensed massage therapist for individuals, couples and occasions. Send inquiry and resume to: GLSwans1@aol.com.

September 2026

Mondays Gentle Yoga – 9-10am. A welcoming and accessible practice guided by experienced teachers, each bringing their own style and approach. Classes include mindful movement, breath, and a variety of postures with options offered to support different abilities and experience levels. $15. The Urban Well Yoga Studio at St. James Episcopal Church, 119 N Duke St, Lancaster. 717-397-4858. SaintJamesLancaster.org. Chair Yoga at West End Yoga – 10:3011:30am. Accessible for everyone. Traditional poses are converted to using a chair as a foundation or prop. The addition of a long scarf/yoga belt, books/yoga block and beach towel/yoga blanket helps expand the options. $18. West End Yoga Studio, 221 W Walnut St, Lancaster. 717-406-9681. WestEndYogaStudio.com. Breathe and Flow Yoga – 7-8pm. Gentle and invigorating class that combines breathwork with flowing yoga poses to improve flexibility, strength and balance while cultivating a sense of calm and inner peace. Recommended for those who move freely from sitting to standing. $25 or EYW Membership. EveryBody Yoga and Wellness, 1245 Horseshoe Pk, Downingtown. 484-5934075. EveryBodyYogaAndWellness.com.

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Tuesdays Slow Flow Yoga – 8:30-9:30am. Breathcentered practice is designed to build strength, balance, and flexibility while creating a sense of calm. Modifications are offered throughout, making classes accessible to all levels. New students receive their first class free. Drop-in classes are $12, or an 8-class pack is available for $80. Holding Space Yoga at Urban Well Studio, 119 N Duke St, Lancaster. 717-940-9338. Holding SpaceYoga.com. Slow Flow – 6-7pm. See Monday listing for details. WillowYogaStudio.com. Chair Yoga – 10am. An adaptable and accessible yoga practice suitable to all. Perfect for experiencing the benefits of yoga while using a chair for support and having fun. $15. The Urban Well Yoga Studio at St James Episcopal Church, 119 N Duke St, Lancaster. 717-397-4858. SaintJames Lancaster.org. Lunchtime Kirtan – 12-12:45pm. Stressful days? Try chanting and see what it can do for you. Beginners welcome. $15. Kula Kamala Foundation, 17 Basket Rd, Reading. KulaKamalaFoundation.org/calendar. Nervous System Regulation Lab – 4:305:30pm. Gentle class weaves polyvagal theory, somatic release techniques, vagal toning, fascia work, limbic retraining and embodiment practices to help shift from survival mode into safety. $18. West End Yoga Studio, 221 W Walnut St, Lancaster. 717-406-9681. WestEndYogaStudio.com. Huddle by Connect Counseling – 8-9pm. Online. A therapy group for men and those who identify as men. Most insurances accepted or $35 out of pocket. For more information or to register, contact Les Jones, LAPC at Les@ConnectingCounselingPA. com or 717-693-5848.

jeviniya!/Pixabay.com

Studio, 25 Nolt Ave, Willow Street. 717-6172128. WillowYogaStudio.com.

Landisville. 717-530-5555. Center.com.

HeathWellness

Thursdays Slow Flow Yoga – 9:30-10:30am. See Tuesday listing for details. Holding Space Yoga at Urban Well Studio, 119 N Duke St, Lancaster. 717-940-9338. HoldingSpaceYoga.com. Chair Yoga at Urban Well – 11am. See Tuesday listing for details. Svaroopa Yoga with Sarita – 4-5:30pm. A soothing yoga practice designed to release tension and boost vitality. Small class size allows for personalized attention. $25. The Nest Collaborative, 629 Court St, West Reading. 610-763-1755. SaritaLindaRocco.com. Yoga for You – 5:30-6:45pm. No experience needed. Mindful, gentle practice to bring everyone to the experience of yoga by meeting you where you are each week. By donation, $10 suggested. Kula Kamala Foundation, 17 Basket Rd, Reading. KulaKamalaFoundation.org/calendar. Slow Flow – 6-7pm. See Monday listing for details. WillowYogaStudio.com.

Svaroopa Yoga with Sarita – 9:30-11am. See Sunday listing for details.

Foundations 60 – 7-8pm. Perfect for those that are brand new to yoga or experienced yogis who want to gain deeper knowledge of the foundational postures. Spend time in in the basic Vinyasa postures to help with your alignment and to get deeper knowledge of yoga. Room heated to 90 degrees. $18. Register online. Bldg7 Yoga, 220 N Park Rd, #7, Wyomissing. 484-755-5705. Bldg7Yoga.com.

Feldenkrais, Awareness Through Movement Class – 11am-12pm. Build physical, mental, and emotional awareness through gentle movements inspired by a baby’s first year of development. Improves flexibility, movement quality, energy, posture, focus and overall body organization. $15/drop-in. Susquehanna Dance Center, 120 College Ave, Mountville. FeldenkraisBlog.net.

Holistic Living Series – 7-8:30pm. Each week features a different topic led by experienced practitioners, ranging from nutrition and Ayurveda to meditation, energy practices, creative expression, and mindful living skills. $50/class or EYW membership. EveryBody Yoga & Wellness, 1245 Horseshoe Pk, Downingtown. 484-593-4075. EveryBodyYogaAndWellness.com.

Wednesdays Gentle Yoga at Urban Well – 9am. See Monday listing for details.

Warm Yin and Crystal Sound Bowls – 7-8pm. Slow, supported yin practice with long-held poses, sound bowls, gentle assists, and focused hip opening in a warmly heated room. Bring a mat and water. Room heated to 90 degrees. $18. Bldg7 Yoga, 220 N Park Rd, #7, Wyomissing. For information, call 484-755-5705. To register, visit Bldg7Yoga.com. Ultimate Health Workshop – 7pm. Learn how you can achieve optimal health. Topics vary by week. Free. Call to reserve your spot. Heath Wellness Center, 14 W. Main St,

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Fridays Gentle Yoga at Urban Well – 9am. See Monday listing for details. Friday Morning Flow Yoga – 9:30-10:30am. A breath-centered Vinyasa practice to build strength, improve flexibility, and start your day feeling energized, balanced, and refreshed. All experience levels welcome. $27/ Members free. Everybody Yoga and Wellness, 1245 Horseshoe Pk, Downingtown. 484593-4075. EveryBodyYogaAndWellness.com.

Red Light Recovery Yoga – 4:30-5:30pm. Slow flow movements, deep stretching and the healing benefits of infrared red light to facilitate a comprehensive reset for your body and mind. Promotes relaxation, enhances mobility, relieves stress, and restores the nervous system. $27/Members free. Everybody Yoga and Wellness, 1245 Horseshoe Pk, Downingtown. 484-5934075. EveryBodyYogaAndWellness.com. Unwind and Release Yoga – 5:30-6:15pm. Experience whole body and nervous system relaxation and release the stress of the week. $18. West End Yoga Studio, 221 W Walnut St, Lancaster. 717-406-9681. WestEndYogaStudio.com. Level 1 Yoga – 6-7:15pm. Features basic postures, including alignment and refinement techniques. A slower mindful approach to practice that has both moderate and gentle energetic tones. Registration required. Suggested donation $10. Kula Kamala Foundation, 17 Basket Rd, Reading. KulaKamalaFoundation.org/calendar. Sound and Movement – 6-7:30pm. 3rd Fridays. A chakra-based exploration of physical movement, sound vibration and stillness. Connect and create on your own and with others through attunement with the instrument of your body. $25. The Nest Collaborative, 629 Court St, Reading. 610-7631755. TheNestCollaborative.com.

Saturdays Yoga in the Park – 9-10am. Thru 9/26. Open to all ages and levels. On clear days, meet near the playground; in case of rain, meet under the pavilion. Bring a yoga mat and water and wear comfortable clothing. This outdoor practice offers an opportunity to move, breathe and connect in nature and the community. $10 suggested donation. The Nest Collaborative at West Reading Park, 505 Sycamore Rd, West Reading. 610823-2401. TheNestCollaborative.com. Tai Chi at Mindful Yoga – 10-11am. Saturdays, 9/12-10/3. Sifu Frank Hollingsworth provides a gentle Tai Chi series focused on mindful movement, balance, breath, and overall well-being. This class is open to all experience levels. Urban Well Yoga Studio, 119 N Duke St, Lancaster. UrbanWell.org. Yoga on the Roof – 10-11am. Outdoor Vinyasa for all experience levels. Bring a yoga mat, towel, water and sunscreen. Meet on the side of the building at 9:45am and a community steward will direct you to the rooftop location. Registration recommended. $18 advance, $20 walk-up. West End Yoga Studio at Tellus360, 24 E King St, Lancaster. 717-406-9681. WestEndYogaStudio.com. Tarot – 10:30am-4pm. Nancy Warble offers 4-6-card readings during 20-30-minute session. Drop in or make an appointment. Call for details. $19. Radiance, 13 W Grant St, Lancaster. 717-290-1517. HerbsFromTheLabyrinth.com. Astrology Readings by Leo – 11am-3pm. Call ahead to schedule and provide birth date, place, and if available, specific time. $100 for a 2-3-hour private session. Radiance, 13 W Grant St, Lancaster. 717-290-1517. HerbsFromTheLabyrinth.com.

Community Resource Guide Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Advertising@NALancaster.com or visit NALancaster.com or NABerks.com.

Acupuncture LANCASTER ACUPUNCTURE Beverly Fornoff Eden Natural Care Center 600F Eden Rd • Lancaster 717-381-7334 LancasterAcupuncture.com

Discover your body’s natural ability to h eal with th e supports of acupuncture and herbal medicine. Acupuncture is a way to relieve acute or chronic pain, stress, allergies, colds, digestive problems, and insomnia and support your overall well-being. See ad, page 30.

Ayurveda EVERYBODY YOGA & WELLNESS 1245 Horseshoe Pike • Downingtown 484-593-4075 EveryBodyYogaAndWellness.com

We a r e k n o w n f o r o u r transformative Ayurvedic bodywork and treatments using herbal-infused oils, customized to restore balance and vitality. Also offering detox, reflexology, reiki and yoga—holistic services designed to support your physical, emotional and energetic wellbeing. See ad, page 33.

Bodywork CIRCLE OF LIFE MASSAGE & WELLNESS 918 N Reading Rd • Ephrata 717-335-2338 CircleOfLifeWellness.com

Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, reduced stress or enhanced overall wellness, our experienced therapists tailor each session to meet your individual needs, blending therapeutic bodywork techniques for optimal results. We specialize in Ashiatsu, Thai yoga massage, lymphatic drainage, craniosacral therapy, Japanese facial massage, and more. See ad, page 21.

THE SPA AT WILLOW POND 1487 Old Lancaster Pike Sinking Spring 610-507-9004 TheSpaAtWillowPond.com

Escape to Berks County’s top spa and experience total re n e wa l . F ro m s t re s s relieving massage to skinbrightening facials and detoxifying wraps, every service is designed to help you feel relaxed, refreshed, and more deeply restored—inside and out. See ad, page 9.

Chiropractic A THERAPEUTIC EFFECT

Dr. Andrew Ashton 313D Primrose Ln • Mountville 717-285-9955 • ATherapeuticEffect.com Prov i d i n g a n a rray o f therapeutic treatments and services that promote relaxation and detoxification. Our doctor specializes in low-impact Torque Release Technique which provides immediate results for people of all ages. See ad, page 2.

BLUE SKIES CHIROPRACTIC

Dr. Leah Reiff 2727 Old Philadelphia Pike • Bird-in-Hand 717-390-9998 BlueSkiesChiroHealth.com Chiropractic is used for natural relief from conditions such as chronic pain, injuries, pregnancy complications, complications from aging & more. Dr. Reiff carefully considers every individual's comfort level & provides specif ic adjustments to support the body for benefits that will last.

DR. SUPER’S HOUSE OF HEALTH 2209 Quarry Dr, Ste B-21 • West Lawn 610-601-9011 DrSupersHouseOfHealth.com

At Dr. Super’s House of Health, we believe in a personalized approach to health care. We do things the right way, all the time, every time. Discover the healing power that lives within you and take control of yo u r h ea l t h a g a i n . A l s o offering massage and lymphatic drainage.

September 2026

Chiropractic HEATH CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS CENTER LLC Thomas Heath, DC 14 W Main St • Landisville 717-530-5555 HeathWellnessCenter.com

For 33 years, Dr. Heath has been helping people recover their health and reduce stress in their lives through Functional Integrative Brain / Body Balance. He uses Professional Applied Kinesiology, Neuro Emotional Te c h n i q u e , Q u a n t u m Neurology, Nutritional counseling, traditional Chiropractic and other cutting-edge techniques. See ad, page 31.

LINK CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Dr. Thomas B. Wachtmann, DC 3130 Pricetown Rd • Fleetwood 610-944-5000 DrWachtmann.com

High-quality, patient-focused Chiropractic Care and Functional Diagnostic Medicine evaluation and treatment. We focus on correcting the underlying causes of many disorders, diseases and conditions. Call for a complimentary consultation and benefits check. See ad, page 27.

Clinical Aromatherapist INSHANTI

Debra Stoltzfus 48 Slaymaker Hill Rd • Kinzers 717-587-3990 • Inshanti.com Trust a nationally certif ied aromatherapist specializing in clinical consultations. Deb can wo rk d i re c t l y w i t h yo u r physician to create a plan that supports mind and body health. In addition to retail and wholesale accounts of proprietary blends and pure essential oils sourced directly f rom the farmers, half- and full-day education courses with certification are offered. See ad, page 11.

Coaching (Functional Health) REVIVE WELLNESS HEALTH & PHYSIQUE Allison Fahrenbach, FDNP Allie@ReviveWellness.health ReviveWellness.Health

With nearly two decades of experience, Allison supports men and women in resolving gut, hormone, and weight concerns through personalized, root-cause nutrition and lifestyle coaching. She blends evidence-based strategies, functional lab testing, and holistic guidance to restore hormone balance, improve health, and support sustainable weight loss.

Coaching (Life) CREATE A LIFE WORTH LIVING Stephane Poncelet 570-449-2219 Create-A-LifeWorthLiving.com

I help individuals heal from abuse by transforming survival strategies into tools for connection. Through coaching, clients explore inner conflicts, embrace selfawareness, grieve the past, and build self-respect—creating a life rooted in love, truth and accountability.

TSW LIFE COACH & CONSULTANT, LLC

Tara Wages, MS, CET1, MCLC 313 W Liberty St, Ste 226A • Lancaster 717-808-4575 TSWLifeCoach.com Tara is a Trauma-informed Life Coach, Recover y Coach, Experiential Therapist and R e i k i Pr a c t i t i o n e r w i t h experience in healing, personal growth and transformation. She guides clients with compassion, integrating mind-body approaches to foster resilience, clarity and lasting change.

How Healing Works Coming in October Contact: 717-399-3187 Publisher@NALancaster.com

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Counseling CHELSEA HARRIS COUNSELING LLC

122 W Lancaster Ave, Ste 207 • Shillington 484-898-5063 By Appointment Only Chelsea@ChelseaHarrisCounseling.com Chelsea-Harris6746.clientsecure.me Specializing in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma for children (8+), teens, and adults. Using a traumafocused approach, CBT, DBT and AnimalAssisted Therapy, Chelsea provides a safe, supportive space to explore emotions, develop healthier coping strategies, and navigate life’s challenges.

CONNECT COUNSELING

822 Marietta Ave, Ste 22 • Lancaster & Online with Satellite Offices in Carlisle, Gettysburg & Harrisburg ConnectCounselingPA.com 717-224-1273

Our counselors provide compassionate, client-centered, attachment-based and systems-aware counseling for individuals, couples and families. Through evidencebased therapy, we support emotional wellness, relationship growth and personal healing while creating a welcoming environment tailored to each client’s unique needs, life experiences and goals.

ELEMENTAL WELLNESS

60A Werner St • Wernersville 610-750-9447 • ElementalWellnessLlc.com Elemental Wellness offers trauma-informed counseling rooted in EMDR, IFS, DBT and somatic practices. Focused on nervous system regulation and emotional healing, sessions guide clients toward balance, selfdiscovery, and lasting well-being through a compassionate, integrative approach. See ad, page 24.

JULIA VESER, LCSW

342 Queen St • Lancaster Julia@JuliaVeser.com 717-750-9900 JuliaVeser.com Build resilience, strengthen emotional regulation, and deepen self-awareness through a trauma-informed blend of mind and body practices designed to restore balance and inner safety. While Julia specializes in providing therapy for women healing f rom attachment and complex trauma, she can support clients with a diverse range of needs. Accepted insurance plans can be found on Julia's website.

M. HARNISH COUNSELING & SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

Malinda Harnish Clatterbuck, MA (she/her) 228 E Orange St • Lancaster 717-875-5066 MHarnishTherapy.com The work of healing and formation begins as we listen to what is going on in our inner life, what is happening in our heart and in our head. Using compassion and deep listening, I will be present with you and help you along your way.

TAKE HEART COUNSELING & EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY

Informative Seminar

699 Wooltown Rd • Wernersville 717-917-7137 TakeHeartCounseling.com

Providing traumainformed services to address anxiety, depression, self-worth, ADHD, autismspectrum, trauma, behavioral issues, spirituality, family issues and overall mental health and well-being. We empower families and individuals f rom children through adulthood to f ind hope, healing and wholeness through therapy sessions with trained clinicians and the intuitive partnership of horses. See ad, page 15.

12:00 PM THURSDAY OR Dentistry JUNE 20TH, 2024 5:30 DAVID A. SCHWARTZ, DDS, PM PC 701 Jefferson Blvd • West Lawn

BERKS NATURE - The Nature Place 610-670-6910 575 SchwartzFamilyDental.com St. Bernardine St, Reading, PA 19607 We provide general and

cosmetic mercury-free dental care to the entire family with attentionOR to “whole SCAN CALLperson health.” We have advanced TOinRSVP training the safe removal of mercury fillings, non-surgical gum treatments, orthodontics, sleep apnea, solutions for TMJ, facial pain and headaches. Visit our website to learn more. See ad, page 19.

+855-597-7613

DNA Testing

Energy Healing

ANY LAB TEST NOW

RESTORE YOUR ENERGY

235 Bloomfield Dr, 110 Bldg B • Lititz 717-207-7604 AnyLabTestNow.com/Lititz Any Lab Test Now makes it easy for consumers and businesses to manage their health! We provide direct access to clinical lab tests, DNA tests, and drug- and alcoholtesting services, vitamin B12 injections and more. See ad, page 12.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning HUGHES HOME SERVICES

Green Cleaning SamanthAnneHughes@yahoo.com 717-538-6383 We offer weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly services, as well as deep cleaning and organizing using organic safe environmentally kind products. We’d love to help make your home healthy and happy. Schedule your free consultation today. See ad, page 24.

End-Of-Life Care KUHN FUNERAL HOMES

Laura Adamo, LFD Specializing in Green Burial 739 Penn Ave • West Reading 646-522-7119 Laura@KuhnFuneralHomes.com KuhnFuneralHomes.com Certified by the Green Burial Council, Kuhn Funeral Homes provide the highest level of service for natural funerals and green burial. We are committed to supporting those seeking familycentered and sustainable PRESENTED BY alternatives at Adamo end-of-life – Laura whether traditional, cremation, or home Licensed Funeral Director funerals. See ad, page 13. and Green Burial expert in Berks County.

SIMPLE FUNERALS

Deb Gallagher, RN, AP Lancaster • 717-203-9666 RestoreEnergy12@gmail.com RestoreYourEnergy.org Experience Eden Energy Medicine, a practice created by Donna Eden, healer, author and teacher. This method assists with balancing our nine energy systems which can become blocked by stress, pain and illnesses. When the energy is balanced, sleep, joy, concentration and immunity improve, and our body’s natural ability to heal can begin.

Family Medicine LUZ MEDICINE

Danielle Miller, MD, Amber Leed, CRNP, Stephanie, Wile CRNP 29 Cloister Ave • Ephrata 717-844-9003 •LuzMedicine.com Dr. Miller and her team empower patients to take charge of their health through t r a n s p a r e n t communication, compassionate care and convenient access. Specializing in family medicine and hormone-related concerns, Luz fosters growth, trust and patient-centered solutions. See ad, page 19.

Farm/Farmers Markets HOMEFIELDS

150 Letort Rd • Millersville 717-572-2719 Homef ields Care Farm, Lancaster County’s longestrunning CSA, is Pennsylvania Certif ied Organic, offering 300+ vegetable, fruit, and herb varieties May–Nov. Celebrating 30+ years, Homef ields provides vocational training, volunteering, and employment for people of all abilities. Homefields is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

40 N Charlotte St • Manheim LIVENGOOD FAMILY FARM Come learn about green burial 717-664-1500 Pastured-Raised Meats, Eggs, & Produce SimpleFuneralsPA.com options for natural interment. 1648 Morningside Dr • Lancaster At Simple 717-327-6817 Discover how you or your loved ones Funerals, LivengoodFamilyFarm.com

can be laid to we rest with nature. pride ourselves See which cemeteries on serving families with dignity, respect and offer this compassion, offeringlocally. affordable funeral option services that focus on simplicity and value. P l a n n i n g , p re - p l a n n i n g , c re m a t i o n , traditional and green burial services are available. See ad, page 13.

Our regenerative farm o f f e r s organically grown produce and pastured raised meat & eggs and feature intensively rotated grazing. Our ruminants are 100% grassfed and our pork and poultry are f ree of GMO, soy, and corn. Shop online. Convenient farm pickup. Consider hosting a delivery point in your area.

September 2026

Functional Medicine FUNCTIONAL HEALTH OF LANCASTER

Kristen Miller, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, CRG 2207 Oregon Pike, Suite 301A • Lancaster Info@FH-Lancaster.com 717-490-6227 (call or text) FH-Lancaster.com Kirsten is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in functional and integrative medicine, helping patients uncover root causes of chronic disease. She focuses on cardiometabolic health, hormone balance and mental wellness through targeted lifestyle strategies. See ad page 18.

KULP NUTRITION & WELLNESS

Dr. Donna Kulp, DC, DACBN, IFMCP 52 Morgantown Road • Reading 610-208-0404 KulpChiropractic.com Dr. Donna Kulp helps patients achieve health and wellness goals through finding the root cause of illness by considering individual biochemistr y, health histor y, genetics, lifestyle, exercise, and stress to create customized wellness programs for all body systems, including the immune, endocrine and gastrointestinal systems. See ad, page 39.

Functional Neurology LANCASTER BRAIN & SPINE 221 Granite Run Dr • Lancaster 717-299-9600 LancasterBrainAndSpine.com

Our mission is to improve the lives of people suffering from complicated neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, by utilizing cutting-edge diagnostic testing and customized brain-based treatment plans. See ads, pages 8 and 37.

Health Mentorship FUNCTIONAL HEALTH OF LANCASTER

Elizabeth Kelly, MA, FMCHC, NLP, TLT 2207 Oregon Pike, Suite 301A • Lancaster Info@FH-Lancaster.com 717-490-6227 (call or text) FH-Lancaster.com Elizabeth is a triple-certified n e u r o - l i n g u i s t i c programming practitioner, timeline therapist and functional medicine health coach. Her expertise helps to reduce stress and anxiety, support digestion, hormone balance, relationship improvements, academics, job performance, addiction recovery and general well-being. See ad page 18.

Lancaster-Berks

Herbalism/ Herbal Medicine GREEN ENCHANTMENTS, LLC

Cara Marino OTR/L and Holistic Herbalist 860-604-5125 Cara@GreenEnchantments.com GreenEnchantments.com Green Enchantments offers Holistic Herbal Medicine from an Occupational Therapist mindset in order to provide 100% handmade organic and/ or ethically sourced remedies to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual quality of life utilizing internal and external approaches. We additionally offer individualized consultation services using a complementary perspective of allopathic and holistic education.

HERBS FROM THE LABYRINTH

Master Herbalist Sarah Preston Radiance, 13 W Grant St • Lancaster 717-290-1517 HerbsFromTheLabyrinth.com Longtime Herbalist Sarah Preston crafts s m a l l - b a tch h e rb a l body-care and wellness products, teas, tinctures, syrups, salves and creams using organically grown and ethically sourced wildcrafted herbs. Consultations and custom blends available. Products found at Radiance and Lemon Street Market, both in Lancaster. See ad, page 33.

Holistic Wellness CIRCLE OF LIFE MASSAGE & WELLNESS 918 N Reading Rd • Ephrata 717-335-2338 CircleOfLifeWellness.com

Ex p e r i e n c e h o l i s t i c wellness with our diverse range of services designed to support mind, body and spirit. Unwind in our floatation room, infrared sauna or vibroacoustic space to reduce stress, soothe your nervous system, and alleviate chronic pain. We offer a full menu of bodywork therapies, expertly delivered by skilled practitioners. See ad, page 21.

INDIGO HEALING ARTS STUDIO 265 Plane Tree Dr, Ste 300 • Lancaster 717-803-5537 IndigoHealingArtsStudio.com IndigoApothecary.net

A boutique holistic wellness studio offering botanical facials and body treatments, restorative massage therapy and bodywork, manual lymphatic drainage, shiatsu, reflexology, TCM mind/body medicine, and handcrafted apothecary skincare made with wildcrafted and organic plant botanicals.

Homeopathy RUTA HOMEOPATHIC & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE Tele-health consultations 646-204-9199 RutaComprehensive.org

Dr. Serguei Krissiouk is an experienced practitioner of homeopathic and other complementary medicines with a background in pediatrics. He provides children and adults effective and harmonizing management for acute and chronic health conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, sleep disturbances, eating disorders and more.

Human Design TRELLA DUBETZ, HUMAN DESIGN PRACTITIONER TrellaDubetz.com IG: @akashicreflector

Human Design melds ancient and modern sciences, providing data, guidance and context to HOW we are built genetically to cosmological levels. It deepens our awareness and relationship to ourselves, so we can move through life with greater ease and satisfaction.

OUR READERS WILL S E E YO U in our community resource guide!

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Integrative Medicine AQUA BLUE WELLNESS

Dr. Peter Hurtubise, DO 2435 Old Philadelphia Pk Smoketown • 717-656-8615 AquaBlueWellnessCenter.com Dr. Hurtubise offers integrative family medicine in Lancaster County, blending over 23 years of m e d i c a l ex p e r t i s e w i t h holistic care. He provides tailored IV therapy plans, acupuncture and lifestyle management, emphasizing personalized, non-pharmacological, and modern medical approaches to wellness. See ad, page 23.

MIDDLEWAY WELLNESS

Comprehensive Holistic Primary Care Mary Ellen Francescani, CRNP, IFMT Jane Snyder, CRNP, IFMT 101 Good Dr • Lancaster 717-744-0532 MiddleWayWellness.net At MiddleWay Wellness, w e c o m b i n e conventional, integrative, and functional medicine to d e l i ve r a h o l i s t i c , patient-centered approach to primary care. We provide compassionate, thorough care tailored to your needs, whether you're seeking treatment for illness, preventive care, or strategies for optimal health and longevity. All-in-one care! See ad, page 4.

STRASBURG HEALTH ASSOCIATES

Nick D’Orazio, MD 181 Hartman Bridge Rd • Ronks 717-687-7541 DrNickDorazio@gmail.com Physician board certified in i n te g ra t i ve a n d h o l i s t i c medicine employs a wide variety of treatment modalities i n c l u d i n g Ay u r v e d a , I V treatments including chelation, homeopathic, herbal, and nutritional medicine, natural injections, physical rehabilitation, and bodywork. Dr. D’Orazio is a physician who lives what he teaches.

There are years that ask questions and years that answer. —Zora Neale Hurston

WALNUT GROVE FAMILY MEDICINE & WELLNESS CLINIC

Mary Tierney, MD 3100 Willow Street Pk • Willow Street 717-723-9104 WalnutGroveFamilyMed.com With a patient-first approach using science-based research to guide treatment plans along with supplementary modalities, we help our patients achieve and maintain optimal health and wellb e i n g . Prov i d i n g fa m i l y and sports medicine, acupuncture, infrared therapy, hyrdomassage, discounted labs, medications and supplements and more. See ad, page 24.

IV Therapies AQUA BLUE WELLNESS CENTER 2435 Old Philadelphia Pk Smoketown • 717-656-8615 AquaBlueWellnessCenter.com

We offer a range of IV hydration vitamin and mineral therapies to support your well-being. IV therapies can suppor t hydration, weight loss, increased energy, improved immunity, address nutrient deficiencies and more. See ad, page 23.

FUNCTIONAL HEALTH OF LANCASTER

2207 Oregon Pike, Suite 301A • Lancaster Info@FH-Lancaster.com 717-490-6227 (call or text) FH-Lancaster.com

Our intravenous (IV) supplement therapy provides bioavailable nutrients to help you recover, rejuvenate, repair and rebuild. IV therapy delivers vitamins, minerals and nutrients to the body quickly, efficiently and effectively by bypassing the gastrointestinal tract, allowing for direct cellular uptake. See ad, page 18.

VITA HEALTH

Yvonne Godin, MJ, BSN, RN 1834 Oregon Pk, Ste 12 • Lancaster 717-208-5686 VitaHealth-Wellness.com Transform your wellness with precision and care at Vita Health. From 3D body s c a n n i n g a n d re d - l i g h t therapy to IV nutrient therapy and bio-identical revitalization plans, our datadriven, holistic approach delivers personalized, lasting results for your body, mind, and vitality. See ad, page 29.

Lab Testing ANY LAB TEST NOW

Markets BLUE DOOR MERC & PERC

Twin Valley Holistic Health 2403 Main Street, Suite B • Narvon 484-262-9020 TwinValleyHealthAndWellness.com A cozy cafe-mercantile inside Twin Valley Holistic Health & Wellness, serving organic coffee, wholesome food, specialty drinks and curated wellness products including supplements, herbal remedies and locally made and carefully selected self-care goods. See ad, page 28.

KIMBERTON WHOLE FOODS

Wyomissing, Douglasville, Kimberton, Downingtown, Ottsville, Collegeville, Malvern, Eagleview KimbertonWholeFoods.com A family-owned and operated community market with a commitment to integrity, sustainable agriculture, and fair trade. We carry organic produce, raw dairy, humanely-raised meats, specialty and gourmet foods, baked goods, supplements, natural body care, and household items, cards and books many f rom our over 150 local producers, as well as healthy take out, eat-in and to-go items. See ad, back cover.

LEMON STREET MARKET 241 W Lemon St • Lancaster 717-826-0843 LemonStreetMarket.com

We are an independent & woman-owned grocery store with a focus on sustainable and healthy living, with many local, organic, vegan and gluten-free options. We’re open 7 days a week, including our kitchen, serving coffee, tea, espresso, fresh juices, smoothies, and grab-and-go takeout items. See ad, page 41.

September 2026

Mattresses Natural/Organic GARDNER’S MATTRESS & MORE 830 Plaza Blvd • Lancaster 717-299-6228 GardnersMattressAndMore.com

Gardner’s is a locally owned mattress store offering a wide selection of quality natural and organic mattresses ranging from the luxurious to economical. Educating our customers on getting a good night’s sleep and the benefits of sleeping naturally and organically is our mission. To learn more and schedule sleep consultation, visit GardnersMattressAndMore.com/Natural. See ad, page 3.

Mind-Body-Spirit SACRED ALIGNMENT

Heather Hanko Online and In-person 717-693-0224 Heather@HHSacredAlignment.com Connect with loved ones in spirit , f ind balance and receive gentle guidance through life’s challenges. As a gifted medium, Heather creates sacred alignment, offering readings, reiki and supportive coaching to help you invite healing and live with greater peace and clarity.

Can't find what you're looking for? More businesses, organizations, practitioners and services are listed on our website. Go to NALancaster.com or NABerks.com and click on Directory (top of screen)

Lancaster-Berks

Mind-Body Therapy A SOUL UNFOLDING

Jody Kulas, Certified Soul Coach, Sound Practitioner 717-340-0793 ASoulUnfolding.com A Soul Unfoldin g offers transformational workshops and experiences designed to support greater selfawareness, emotional re s i l i e n ce a n d p e r s o n a l growth. Through practical tools, embodied exploration and sound-based practices, participants are invited to reconnect with their center and create meaningful, lasting change.

SOOTHE WELLNESS

Lancaster and surrounding area Text or call: 541-515-1515 ExperienceSoothe.com Experience deep nervous system rebalancing and renewal through a trauma-informed, integrative approach. Receive neuro-meditation, neurofeedback, trauma release exercise, fascia realignment, and more. Gain powerful tools for those seeking relief and lasting balance. See ad, page 25.

Native/Ecological Gardening COLORGARDEN LLC

Marcella Hostetler 717-413-7054 ColorgardenLlc@gmail.com ColorgardenLancaster.com We design, install and provide ongoing care for native habitats, transforming your property into a haven for birds, butterflies and native bees. Join the movement to r e s to r e b a l a n c e i n o u r ecosystems by creating a beautiful, low-maintenance oasis in your backyard!

MAYAPPLE NATIVE LANDSCAPING

717-390-5832 Hello@MayappleNative.com MayappleNative.com We can help you turn your property into an inviting, sustainable, l o w - m a i n te n a n c e haven for you and the w i l d l i fe yo u l ove . Mayapple provides design and installation of pollinator-loving gardens, rain gardens, native meadows, natural stonework and more. Visit the website to book a consultation.

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WAXWING ECOWORKS CO. Elyse Jurgen, MEd, CBLP 717-676-1045 WaxwingEcoWorks.com

Waxwing EcoWorks Co. offers native/ecological gardening consultation, design, build, stewarding and educational services to enhance human well-bein g an d suppor t dwindling wildlife p o p u l a t i o n s . We w o r k alongside you to make your vision come to fruition! Explore our website and online listing for more details.

WILDCRAFT LANDSCAPES

Nate Tietbohl, Owner, Designer 484-772-8012 Info@WildcraftLandscapes.com WildcraftLandscapes.com We d e s i g n , install and s t e w a r d vibrant native landscapes that support healthy ecosystems and expand our clients’ connection to the natural world. We offer a wide array of services for projects of all sizes. HIC#:PA179637. See ad, page 41.

Naturopathic Doctor HEALTH FOR LIFE

Ann Lee, ND, L.Ac 112 Cornell Ave • Lancaster 717-669-1050 DoctorNaturalMedicine.com Learn how your symptoms are connected, get answers and achieve improved health and well-being as we facilitate your body’s ability to heal itself through acupuncture and naturopathic medicine. Special focus on hormone balancing and fertility (now offering DUTCH hormone testing).

Naturopath (Traditional) TWIN VALLEY HOLISTIC HEALTH Britt Stratton, Traditional Naturopath 2403 Main Street, Suite B • Narvon 484-262-9020 TwinValleyHealthAndWellness.com

With years of experience, and using a variety of modalities to help your body heal itself, Britt focuses on root cause corrections rather than treating or diagnosing any disease. She and her team work with the body’s systems, believing that each is signif icant, but not separate from the others.

NeuroIntegrative Therapy

FUNCTIONAL HEALTH OF LANCASTER

Angelique Canonico, CMC, PVT, C-IAYT 2207 Oregon Pike, Suite 301A • Lancaster Info@FH-Lancaster.com 717-490-6227 (call or text) FH-Lancaster.com

Personalized Medicine

Skincare

FUNCTIONAL HEALTH OF LANCASTER

GSL ORGANICS

Mary Regan, DNP, CRNP, FMCP-M 2207 Oregon Pike, Ste 301A • Lancaster Info@FH-Lancaster.com 717-490-6227 (call or text) FH-Lancaster.com

Nutrition

Dr. Regan is dually certified in functional and personalized medicine and has been an adult primary care provider since 2010. She provides inperson and remote care to Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware residents. Services may include specialized testing, customized prescriptions, nutritional medicine, neuro-integrative techniques, thermography, IV therapy and health mentorship. See ad, page 18.

FUNCTIONAL HEALTH OF LANCASTER

Pet Care

Angelique is formally trained in neurokinetics, polyvagal theory and yoga therapy. Her treatments are tailored for patients with chronic pain, poor posture, dysautonomia, insomnia, trauma, fatigue, headaches and more. See ad, page 18.

Rileigh Smith, MS, CNS, LDN, CHHC 2207 Oregon Pk, Ste 301A • Lancaster Info@FH-Lancaster.com 717-490-6227 (call or text) FH-Lancaster.com Rileigh is a trained integrative nutritionist with expertise in hormonal optimization, renal disorders, endocrine dysfunction, weight struggles, cardiometabolic disease and osteoporosis. She is also skilled in treating gastrointestinal complaints such as SIBO, H.Pylori, GERD, and candida overgrowth. Virtual and in-person appointments available. See ad, page 18.

Pelvic Floor/ Health Therapy PELVIC FOUNDATIONS

Home-based care in Berks & Lancaster Counties 717-723-9270 PelvicFoundations.com

We provide expert pelvic floor therapy, restoring whole-body health with skilled treatment, education and lifelong tools. Specialties include chronic pain (pelvic, back, hip and tailbone), bowel and bladder disorders, pregnancy/postpartum care, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual health issues—all delivered conveniently and comfortably in your own home. See ad, page 15.

TILL WE MEET AGAIN

In-home Pet Euthanasia 717-808-4654 TillWeMeetAgain.com For some, euthanasia of their pet at the veterinary hospital is simply not an option. Dr. Mark Huber and his wife Stacey provide home euthanasia for dogs and cats in the most comfortable environment possible-your home-with the intention of bringing peace and comfort to ease the pain of losing a beloved pet. See ad, page 55.

Skill Building LANCASTER WORKSHOP & TOOL LIBRARY 433 Ice Ave • Lancaster 717-951-6037 LancasterWorkshop.com

We foster an inclusive, hands-on space where diverse community members access tools, learn historic and modern trades, and connect with mentors—building skills, preserving craftsmanship, and empowering the next generation through creativity, sustainability and collaboration. Visit our website to learn about classes and events.

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? —Mary Oliver

216 S Church St • Quarryville Candy@GreenStreetLux.com GSLOrganics.org With over 25 years of ex p e r i e n ce , ow n e r Candy St. Mar tinePack, a certif ied aroma-therapist, formulates all skincare products using natural and organic ingredients to treat a variety of skin issues including, eczema, psoriasis and the effects of aging. See ad, page 27.

NATURALLY LATHERED TALLOW CO. 114 Hidden Valley Rd • Mertztown 484-769-5954 NaturallyLatheredTallowCo.com

Naturally Lathered Tallow Co. crafts traditional tallowbased soaps, whipped balms, skincare, beard care, lip care and specialty household products using thoughtfully sourced ingredients. The familyowned company blends time-honored craftsmanship with modern innovation, offering products designed for natural, everyday living. See ad, page 4.

Sound Healing/Music RESONATE YOU

Jen Lobo Rose Lititz/Lancaster ResonateYou@gmail.com ResonateYou.com Jen Lobo Rose, a voice teacher for over 20 years, will help guide you to release your singing or sounding voice to help in your own personal well-being and healing. Offering private lessons, group classes and sound meditations.

SOUNDWISE SCHOOL OF HARMONIC THERAPY SOUNDWISE HEALTH ASSOCIATES, LLC

Lana Ryder, Director and Senior Instructor, Sound School 313 W Liberty St, Suite 263 • Lancaster 610-301-4356 SoundwiseHealth.com Our trained and experienced professional practitioners offer individual intuitive sound therapy sessions, group immersions, sonic massage a n d co rp o ra te we l l n e s s events. Also offering an eightmonth sound school and individual classes for fundamental education in the art and science of sound healing. Sharing the healing power of sound, voice and music for fifty years.

September 2026

Specialty Foods

Travel

KWEE-JACK FISH CO

LIVING WILD COLLECTIVE

Sustainably harvested wild Alaskan seafood available, f i s h e rm a n - d i re c t . Pre order online seasonally for local pick-up of sushigrade delicious nutrition, deep-frozen at the peak of f reshness to enjoy throughout the year. See ad, page 16.

Living Wild Collective o f fe r s t ra n s fo rm a t i ve nature immersions that deepen connection to self, c o m m u n i t y, a n d t h e natural world through mindfulness, creativity, ecological awareness, and immersive land-based experiences. Offerings in Pennsylvania, South Africa, and Namibia invite guests to reconnect with the rhythms of the Earth.

Wild Alaskan Salmon, Halibut & Cod 717-842-0180 EatWildSalmon.com

Therapeutic Writing WRITE FROM THE HEART

Creative Writing Workshops Melissa Greene • Lancaster 717-393-4713 • WriteFromTheHeart.us Our uplifting, be-who-you-are w o r k s h o p s a w a ke n t h e creative spirit, gently, without intimidation. Taught in an a t m o s p h e re o f wa rm t h , whimsy and trust, they are a safe haven for all ages. Especially those who long to overcome perfectionism and self-doubt. No grades or red pen. Sharing optional. Mischief a must. See ad, page 14.

Thermal Imaging AQUA BLUE WELLNESS CENTER

Lori Martin, BCNP 2435 Old Philadelphia Pike • Smoketown 717-656-8615 AquaBlueWellnessCenter.com A family wellness center offering thermal imaging for breast and body, detox therapies, therapeutic and oncology massage, lymphatic drainage, a fullspectrum inf rared sauna, nutritional education and more. Thermal imaging is a safe, non-invasive procedure for early detection of sources of pain, injury and disease. See ad, page 23.

SHALOM THERMOGRAPHY Darlene Heath, DC, CTT 14 W Main St • Landisville 717-530-5555 HeathWellnessCenter.com

Thermography provides a noninvasive view of potential health concerns in the breast and body. Used as a risk assessment tool, thermography is able to detect inflammation and metabolic changes, and offers a proactive, prevention-focused approach to health care. See ad, page 31.

Lancaster-Berks

Connect@LivingWildCollective.com 717-368-3543 LivingWildCollective.com

Weight Loss VITA HEALTH

Yvonne Godin, MJ, BSN, RN 717-208-5686 VitaHealth-Wellness.com Transform your wellness with precision and care at Vita Health. From 3D body s c a n n i n g a n d re d - l i g h t therapy to IV nutrient therapy and bio-identical revitalization plans, our datadriven, holistic approach delivers personalized, lasting results for your body, mind, and vitality. See ad, page 29.

Yoga BLDG. 7 YOGA

220 North Park Road, #7 Wyomissing • 484-755-5705 Bldg7Yoga.com A community-based yoga studio that offers something for everyone! With 3 different practice rooms, a wide variety of daily classes, unique monthly workshops, plus free weekly meditation. We strive to create a safe space for our community to connect and live healthier together.

HOLDING SPACE YOGA Urban Well Studio 119 N Duke St • Lancaster HoldingSpaceYoga.com

A welcoming space where Vinyasa and chair yoga become a path of presence and growth, and each class invites balance of body and spirit. Rooted in c o m p a s s i o n , t h e p r a c t i c e n u r t u re s connection, authenticity and a deep sense of belonging.

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KULA KAMALA FOUNDATION & YOGA ASHRAM 17 Basket Rd • Reading 484-509-5073 KulaKamalaFoundation.org

Kula Kamala Foundation is a nonprofit, non-sectarian spiritual center dedicated to mindfulness, non-violence, unity, and healing. Our public and professional programs serve people f rom all walks of life. No matter who you are, we have something special for you. OM. Peace. See ad, page 7.

THE NEST COLLABORATIVE 629 Court St • West Reading 610-763-1755 TheNestCollaborative.com

Your place for movement, healing and connection. Yoga, sound baths, wellness circles and fitness classes that support body, mind, and spirit. Your people; your growth. Feel your best— right here in our cozy space. Come as you are, leave more you. See ad, page 33.

WEST END YOGA STUDIO

221 W Walnut St • Lancaster WestEndYogaStudio@gmail.com WestEndYogaStudio.com A diverse yoga studio offering a full range of yoga, meditation and movement classes, in studio, outdoors and vir tual. We are community-oriented, creating a welcoming learning environment dedicated to healing and compassion. All ages and levels welcome. Offering new student unlimited monthly passes and other discounts. See ad, page 33.

WILLOW YOGA STUDIO 25 Nolt Ave • Willow Street 717-617-2128 WillowYogaStudio.com

O f f e r i n g accessible yoga for all levels, this welcoming studio features Slow Flow, Restorative, Chair, Yin and Basics classes, plus on-demand options, private sessions and group events. Yoga teacher training is offered one weekend a month from September through May.

· Specialty Foods · Premium Herbs & Spices · Kitchen Cookware & Gadgets · Cocktail Mixes & Wine Accessories · Cooking Classes for All Experience Levels

COMING SOON!

Store 717.626.6002 30 E Main Street, Lititz We’re open daily

Come cook with us!

Zest Cooking School is moving to The Shops @ Rockvale November 1st!

Scan for our upcoming classes

OKIN

G SCHO

717.435.8890 ZESTCHEF.COM

Fulfilling The Unspoken Promise ... Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest decisions a family can make. Dr. Mark and Stacey Huber are dedicated to providing compassionate support for you and your pet through this difficult time, ensuring comfort and care every step of the way.

T i ll W

i co m

In-home Hospice & Euthanasia services for Dogs and Cats

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Why Choose In-Home Euthanasia? • Less stress for your pet by avoiding a trip to the clinic • Comfort and privacy for your family • A familiar environment to help create a peaceful experience

When it is time, please be in touch.

Text: 717.808.4654

Cremation services, both private and communal, are available and provided by a local, family owned crematorium. Cremains are returned, in person. September 2026