Dr. Howard Robins has been helping people using Ozone Therapy for over 34 years. He is considered to be the foremost clinical expert in North America on bio-oxidative therapies for the safe and effective treatment of diseases and conditions and is published in peer-reviewed medical journals. His clinic has performed over 420,000 treatments, more than any other clinic in the world.
Intravenous Ozone Therapy has successfully treated Herpes (HSV) I and II, Lyme Disease, HIV, Diabetes including diabetic ulcers and neuropathy, Arthritis, Shingles, skin infections and skin conditions, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, All auto-immune diseases and CRPS - just to name a few.
Call to find out if your medical problem can be helped.
Listen to Dr. Robins podcasts on www.voiceamerica.com and on his www.YouTube.com channel “Functional Medicine with Dr. Robins”.
e Toxin Destroyer
INTRAVENOUS OZONE THERAPY
LIVIA DEVI SOUL MISSION ACCELERATOR
Live Your Purpose. Embody Your Calling.
What if the life you were meant to live is already inside you waiting to be remembered?
The Soul Mission Accelerator, is a transformational journey for conscious entrepreneurs, creators, and seekers ready to step into aligned purpose and expanded impact. This immersive experience invites participants to uncover their soul’s blueprint, dissolve limiting beliefs, and activate deeper clarity, confidence and fulfillment. Co-created with an advanced 7D collective consciousness, the Soul Mission Accelerator bridges multidimensional wisdom with practical, real-world embodiment supporting you in living with intention and integrity.
This month’s theme, Nourish and Flourish, feels especially meaningful to me. Having an autoimmune disorder makes me rethink much of what goes into my body, and trying always to move my body is very important. So often, we think of nourishment as simply what’s on our plates—but it’s also what we allow into our bodies through our thoughts and emotions. And to flourish goes way beyond how we’re doing at work or at home with family; it’s about feeling a deeper connection with what makes our bodies feel better. Putting the two together allows proper healing to take place. What we consistently feed our body and mind grows as nourishment, and making sure to move every day keeps us flourishing.
In this issue, we explore the powerful idea of using food as medicine. Anti-inflammatory and elimination diets are not about deprivation; they are about awareness. By choosing whole, balanced foods and paying attention to how our bodies respond, we can calm inflammation, restore gut health and create a stronger foundation for energy and clarity. Sometimes flourishing begins with something as simple—and profound—as changing what we eat and seeing how that makes our bodies feel.
Emotional nourishment is just as essential. For more than 25 years, Brett Cotter has helped people navigate and heal from various life stressors through his Stress Is Gone Method. Whether it’s through breathwork or guided emotional expression, his work reminds us that when emotional pain is acknowledged and met with compassion, the nervous system can “break free from the stress we see on the outside.”
Beginning March 27 at the Himalayan Institute, Cotter will lead a Women’s Self-Love Retreat designed to create space for that kind of renewal—through breathwork, movement, meditation and meaningful connection.
Putting physical and emotional nourishment together goes hand in hand; practicing both and integrating them into our lives can help us get to that safe, healing, feeling-good space.
Cyrece & Michael
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Bill Robert, formerly practicing in Atlanta, is now available for remote Spiritual Light treatments anywhere, for any reason. In NY, Bill is hoping to specialize with students of dance, acting, music and other artists. helping remove creative and emotional blockages. For repeat students/clients, Bill is available for in person treatments by coming to you within 30 minutes of the West Village. Bill has been working by donation only for over 12 years and is here to help you start the journey of healing.
Questions? Call Bill at 770-990-9191 or visit www.bill-robert.com
NewLife Expo Marks 36 Years as Nation's Longest Running Holistic Event
APRIL 25 & 26
NewLife Expo NYC 2026 will return to Manhattan April 25 and 26, inviting conscious consumers and wellness seekers to gather for a weekend devoted to holistic living and personal transformation. Billed as America’s longest-running event dedicated to conscious living and holistic wellness, the 36-year-old expo brings together passionate attendees and enlightened speakers, including spiritual teacher Livia Devi, alongside a vibrant array of exhibitors specializing in wellness, biohacking, UFO research, metaphysics, alternative health and spirituality. Organizers promise cutting-edge natural products, immersive workshops and transformational experiences designed to support mind-body-spirit growth in the year ahead.
Held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days, the event will feature educational panels, experiential sessions and opportunities to connect directly with practitioners and innovators shaping the future of integrative health. According to event coordinator Mark Becker, the expo continues to evolve in response to growing interest in sustainable lifestyles and expanded consciousness, offering resources that empower individuals to take charge of their well-being.
NewLife Expo NYC 2026 will take place at the NYC Event Center, 4 West 43rd St., off Fifth Ave., Manhattan. For pre-registration discounts and information about exhibiting, speaking or volunteering, call 516897-0900, email mark@newlifemag.com or visit NewLifeExpo.com. See calendar listing, page 27.
New Editor Leads NYC-LI Natural Awakenings
Natural Awakenings announces the appointment of Julie Peterson, former national content writer and editor for Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation, to lead editorial coverage for the NYC and Long Island market.
Peterson brings more than 25 years of experience as a freelance writer and editor, with a portfolio that includes Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation, The Earth & I and numerous organizations. Her work has focused on holistic health, environmental stewardship, sustainable food systems and conscious living—areas that resonate deeply across the diverse wellness communities of NYC and Long Island.
“I’m excited to work with readers and businesses to elevate awareness of New York’s holistic health practitioners, organic food options and green living resources,” says Peterson.
As part of the national editorial team, Peterson helped shape the voice of Natural Awakenings across markets nationwide. She now brings that experience to one of the country’s most influential metropolitan regions.
“We are thrilled to have someone of Julie’s editorial caliber serving our NYC and Long Island community,” say Michael and Cyrece Lehrman, co-publishers. “Her ability to collaborate with our loyal advertising partners and welcome new clientele ensures that missiondriven businesses are represented with clarity, credibility and heart.”
“I love translating complex material into accessible, engaging stories that resonate with readers,” Peterson says. “It’s fun to help people connect with the experts, services and products they need.”
Mark Becker
Julie Peterson
A Gentle Solution for Chronic Stress
A pioneering approach to stress relief is making waves in the wellness community, offering new hope for those burdened by chronic tension and illness. Gentle Energetic Chiropractic, a breakthrough modality practiced at The Family Wellness Center, unwinds the cumulative effects of physical, chemical and emotional stress stored in the spine and nervous system. The technique releases deep-seated tension patterns that distort spinal alignment and interfere with the body's central communication system.
Stress-related distortions can manifest as pain, fatigue, emotional instability and chronic illness. “When the nervous system is compromised, the entire body can begin to malfunction,” says Dr. Donald Epstein, developer of the method. “Gentle Energetic Chiropractic helps restore coherence, allowing for natural healing to occur.”
Patients undergoing this care report improvements such as pain relief, greater emotional resilience, miraculous healing, increased self-awareness and a profound sense of inner peace. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 93 percent of doctor visits are stressrelated, making solutions like this increasingly relevant.
This month, The Family Wellness Center is offering an introductory package that includes a consultation, examination, health workshop and six sessions, a $600 value, for just $195.
To learn more or book an appointment, visit NetworkWellnessCenter. com or call 516-822-8499. Network Wellness Center is located at 641B Old Country Rd., Plainview, NY.
Nourish Your Skin with Pure Botanicals
At Apricus Naturals, everything is made with organic ingredients and the intention to support real people with real skin. Herbs, oils and butters are combined in small batches, by hand, to care for and heal the body.
One ingredient in soaps that brings questions is activated char coal. “Activated Charcoal helps detoxify by pulling to the surface of the skin or scalp the dirt and bacteria that generally blocks the pores. It is efficient and safe for most people to use,” says Assunta Fusco, owner and soap maker. “In ancient Rome, activated charcoal was a common ingredient in breads. Today, there are bakeries in Italy that bake black bread and there is a Miami pizzeria that will make black dough pizza.” Just as it detoxifies topically, activated charcoal removes toxins internally.
Historically, activated charcoal was made from carbonized wood or bones. Today, activated charcoal is typically made with coconut shells and is vegan.
Apricus Naturals carries bar soaps for every skin type and will help choose the best solution for sensitive skin, eczema or a natural beauty Mindful Mondays with Michael
New Center for Holistic Learning presents
FREE ONLINE Meditation Group
Hosted by Michael Lehrman, Co-Publisher, Natural Awakenings NYC & Long Island
Monday, Mar. 23 • 6–7pm Google Meets
To register, email publisher@natural awakeningsny.com
Workshop will include In-person, Videoconference or Watch Online Recordings
For more information: www.NewCenterNY.org www.JeanMcClellandVoice.com
Another Leap Forward in Dental Healing: YOUR FUTURE HEALTH STARTS WITH YOUR MOUTH
Leaders in longevity medicine emphasize preparing the body and mind so that by age 75 health does not suddenly decline. The same principle applies to oral health, yet dentistry is often treated as optional rather than essential preventive care. Many people delay treatment, assuming that absence of pain means absence of disease. But dental conditions progress silently until they reach a tipping point where treatment becomes more complex, invasive and far more biologically and financially costly. Just as cardiovascular or metabolic disease develops years before symptoms appear, oral disease follows a similar path. The mouth influences inflammation, immunity, nutrition and cognitive wellness. The goal is to arrive at age 75 with strong, stable teeth that support overall health. Preventive dentistry protects your future.
Delaying dental care is a common and costly mistake. People postpone treatment believing insurance will eventually cover everything, when most plans offer limited benefits rather than comprehensive coverage. A small cavity may progress and require a root canal, post and crown. What was simple becomes complex reconstruction. Dentists frequently hear, “Why invest in my dental health if I don’t know how long I’ll live?” In truth, protecting oral health supports longevity.
Dr. Jeffrey Etess, founder of Integrative Dental Specialists, approaches dentistry with a philosophy centered on precision diagnosis, prevention and long-term biological success rather than short-term patchwork. His practice focuses on identifying
problems when treatment is simplest and most conservative— distinguishing exceptional dentistry from routine care.
Under Dr. Etess’s leadership, preserving natural teeth is the primary goal because nothing artificial fully replicates what nature created. Even advanced implants, while excellent when replacement is necessary, have limitations and maintenance needs. Natural teeth contain a living ligament, shock absorption and sensory feedback that implants cannot reproduce. When problems are treated early, teeth can often be preserved for decades; when ignored, they may become unsalvageable.
Advanced biomimetic techniques allow teeth to be repaired in ways that restore strength and appearance while conserving structure. When teeth are more compromised, modern ceramic restorations provide durability and beauty while maintaining as much healthy tooth as possible. When infection or severe damage is present, biocompatible root canal therapy offers a safe and predictable way to retain teeth for years.
When replacement is required, dental implants provide a stable solution that preserves bone and restores chewing ability more effectively than removable options. Modern dentistry offers remarkable tools that allow patients to maintain comfort, confidence and function for decades when care is performed with precision and foresight.
Dentistry does not last forever, but the difference between reactive treatment and proactive care can mean decades of additional health and function. Addressing concerns early is biologically simpler, structurally more conservative and financially more sensible than rebuilding damage later. For patients seeking a scientifically grounded approach to oral health, Integrative Dental Specialists of Long Island and Manhattan provides comprehensive care designed to protect, restore and maintain natural dentition for the long term.
Jeffrey Etess, DMD, NMD, IBDM, graduated in the top 10% from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. An IVY LEAGUE trained Certified Endodontic Specialist/Implant Specialty Surgeon with a dual degree in Dentistry and Board Certified in Naturopathic & Integrative Medicine & certified in Biomimetic Cosmetic Dentistry to provide a broad array of biological dentistry covering all facets of restorative, cosmetic, prosthetic, surgical, endodontic, pediatperiodontal and implant denfor his patients for over 29 years. Visit idsli.com. See ad, page 15.
BOOM Photography/Pexels.com
Women’s Retreat
Release Emotional Pain with Self-Love, Group Healings, Dance and Drumming
Stress Is Gone delivers emotional healing in this immersive experience led by trauma recovery specialist Brett Cotter, somatic dance shaman Toni Bergins and African rhythmist Manas Itene. Beginning March 27 at the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, attendees may register for the weekend or a full week experience. Attendees for the full week retreat can participate in a sound bath, group healings, Qigong, Yoga Nidra meditations, a bonfire and more.
Cotter, author and Stress Is Gone founder, guides participants through techniques designed to release stored emotional pain and
trauma while calming the nervous system. Integrating intuitive questions, guided emotional expressions and higher power affirmations, Cotter helps attendees move beyond their anxiety and feel stress melt from their body. “Emotional healing can happen fast, once we understand the process” he says.
Toni Bergins, founder of JourneyDance, brings her signature conscious dance method, blending ritual, sweat and soulful storytelling to awaken joy and embody empowerment. Manas Itene, international percussionist with Michael Franti and ceremonial drummer, layers rhythm and vibration into the experience, creating “the heartbeat for transformation.” Together, this Dance and Drum collaboration offers participants a once-in-a-lifetime chance to dance away the stress of the world and reclaim their true power.
Recent retreat attendee Kelsey Foster shares, “My mom and I are feeling so fulfilled. There were no palpitations on my EKG right after the retreat, and that hasn’t happened in years. Thank you for helping us on our healing journey.”
Arlene Giacona, Therapist writes, “A group of 35 women holding space for one another, healing individually and as a group, unlocked power within us we never knew we had. The love in that room was palpable.”
Himalayan Institute, 952 Bethany Turnpike, Honesdale, Pennsylvania. For more information or to register, see StressIsGone.com/retreats. See ad, page 5, and calendar listings, page 27.
Toni Bergins, Stefanie Cotter, Laura Caton, Brett Cotter and Manas Itene
Brett Cotter on Emotional Stress Relief
For more than 25 years, Brett Cotter has helped people heal from trauma, anxiety and emotional suffering. With his innovative coaching methods, self-care practices and guided meditations, thousands have found relief, inner peace and renewed happiness.
Natural Awakenings magazine spoke with Cotter about breaking free from stress.
Why is the world so stressed and what can we do about it?
Life stresses us out through family, work, society, anything really. The universe wants us to look inside ourselves to break free from the stress we see on the outside. Like a dog chasing its tail, humanity has been stuck in a stress cycle for eons, and most people feel it’s getting worse. However, the universe uses stress to evolve us; we just haven’t figured out how to play the game yet.
To break free, you must first see your triggers as teachers. Stress is an opportunity to love the emotional pain inside our body unconditionally. Let love do the work for you, love is the healer. Second, whenever
you’re upset you can touch the tension, breathe deeply and slowly, express all your feelings as you exhale and then say, “I love breaking free from all this tension inside me, right now.” Slowly repeat that statement after every third breath. As your heart reopens you will feel love melt down the tension, and like magic…your Stress Is Gone.
Who
comes to you for help?
It could be anyone who has hit their limit and is ready to let go. There are so many situations, such as people struggling with PTSD, feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world or out of control family situations, grieving the loss of a loved one, having abusive or addicted parents and those grappling with burn-out as health professionals, caregivers or parents of children with special needs.
What methods are most useful?
We help our community through one-on-one coaching, daily relaxation in our membership, certification programs and retreats. One example is our annual Women’s Retreat in the Poconos starting March 27. We blend music, movement, meditation, dance, sound bath, bonfire, two daily emotional relief sessions and include a year of after-care.
How can readers better manage stress, and what should they remember about it?
All emotional pain heals when it’s seen, heard and loved. Your stress is coming up to leave, but your mind holds on every time you say things like, “I'm so angry” or “I’m so depressed.” Your breath and your touch are the two tethers to the present moment; together they will help you break from free from the cycles of stress and anxiety. The universe is not torturing you; it loves you and more importantly, it wants you to realize how to love yourself from the inside out.
Brett Cotter is the author of 3 Keys to Managing PTSD, The Stress Is Gone Method and The Suicide Prevention Family Handbook. Combining Eastern and Western philosophies with compassion and humor, Cotter has become a respected voice in trauma recovery, teaching his signature approach at Fortune 500 companies, hospitals, schools, military bases and retreat centers. A diplomate for the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, Cotter also serves as a trauma expert for Meditation University and developed a breathwork technique certified by the American Institute of Stress. To learn more, see StressIsGone.com. See ad, page 5, and calendar listings, page 27.
Photo: Jean Terman
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Using Food To Heal
A Look at Anti-Inflammatory and Elimination Diets
by Hannah Tytus
There is a growing movement to use food as a primary means for preventing and managing disease. Before reaching for pharmaceuticals or even supplements, people are seeking healing on the plate. According to a 2024 academic article in the Nature Partner Journal Science of Food, scientific advances in our understanding of nutrition at the cellular level are driving a food-first strategy. Key micronutrients have been identified to reduce inflammation and promote cellular regeneration and repair, prompting practitioners to champion dietary modifications that soothe chronic symptoms, repair gut integrity, rewire immune signaling and reach metabolic balance.
“Healing the gut is the backbone of my practice,” says Lorraine Maita, M.D., a triple board-certified internal, integrative and functional medicine specialist who helps patients harmonize their hormones and detoxify their bodies through her Restore & Rejuvenate program at The Feel Good Institute. Whether a patient needs to lose weight, have more energy, regain their focus or sleep better, Maita’s approach centers on eliminating foods that trigger inflammation and replacing them with deeply nourishing ingredients.
Dianne Moore, a functional nutrition coach, restorative health practitioner and founder of MooreBetterFood, asks her clients to keep a food and symptom journal to diagnose the underlying causes of their health challenges. Writing down a detailed description of each meal, as well as the time and how the body responds 30 minutes after eating—including energy levels and any digestion issues
or discomfort—helps make patterns more visible without requiring testing.
Anti-Inflammatory Food Protocols
Inflammation is the body’s first line of defense against dangerous pathogens, damaged cells and irritants, as well as a crucial biological process for healing and recovery from injuries and infections. However, problems arise when the immune system remains activated all the time. Chronic inflammation is linked to many health issues, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders and autoimmune conditions, according to a 2024 article in Cells
A 2023 article published by the medical education platform StatPearls notes that an anti-inflammatory diet is one of many interventions that help calm an overactive immune response. Two of the most popular such diets are the Mediterranean Diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet, which prioritize fruits and vegetables, whole grains, unsaturated fats and proteins sourced from legumes and lean meats. Inflammatory foods including highly processed products, high-fat dairy, refined grains and sugars, artificial sweeteners and industrial seed oils are significantly reduced or eliminated.
Staying well-hydrated and pairing carbohydrates with protein, fiber or fat help keep blood sugar steady—further reducing inflammatory stress, according to the Joslin Diabetes Center. An anti-inflammatory food protocol is best viewed as a long-term foundation, rather than a strict diet.
Elimination Diets
According to Maita, “People that have experienced trauma, infections or general inflammation may become more sensitive to food. Some individuals may even be sensitive to healthy whole foods. Identifying which foods are contributing to common symptoms can be challenging. This is where elimination diets can be helpful.”
An elimination diet is a short-term process that removes specific foods from the diet and then slowly adds them back in while observing changes in symptoms, according to a 2024 educational article published by StatPearls. These diets are commonly used to identify food intolerances or sensitivities and to manage conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, allergic skin reactions and other inflammatory or digestive issues.
Most elimination diets focus on common food allergens including wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, animal milk, eggs, soy, fish and shellfish. “A functional medicine elimination diet may also include eliminating corn, all dairy and any artificial ingredients,” says Maita. The process typically begins with an elimination phase, during which these foods are fully removed. This can range from a few days to several weeks in more structured protocols. Even short eliminations can help people notice connections between what they eat and how they feel.
After the elimination period, foods are reintroduced one at a time. If symptoms return after adding a specific food back in, it may be
contributing to the problem. Maita notes that the goal is not longterm restriction, but awareness—identifying which foods support health and which may need to be limited or avoided.
Elimination diets work best when they are time-limited and intentional. Staying on restrictive diets too long can lead to nutrient gaps or stress around food, which is why reintroduction and practitioner guidance are important. If symptoms do not improve, the information gained can help determine whether further testing is needed. Used thoughtfully, elimination diets are a practical and accessible tool within a food-first framework.
When To Seek Practitioner Support
According to Maita, an elimination diet can be both therapeutic and diagnostic. The response—or lack thereof—to dietary changes can help clarify whether food is playing a meaningful role in a person’s symptoms, while also informing next steps in care. Additional testing may be necessary to provide more individualized guidance. Maita points out that the interpretation of results is most effective when ordered and reviewed by a trained practitioner that can analyze the data within the context of the patient’s symptom history, diet, lifestyle and stress patterns.
Some of her patients experience a Herxheimer reaction involving a flu-like worsening of symptoms, constipation or extreme cravings. These changes are most often temporary and do not pose a serious
risk to health, and she has strategies to prevent or eliminate these reactions. It is helpful to have a roadmap, along with tips for getting through the discomfort. When detox reactions hit, Maita recommends that patients slow down, rest, hydrate with lemon water and spend some time at the sauna or in an Epsom salt bath.
Healing Our Relationship to Food
A key goal of food-first approaches is maintaining a healthy relationship with food. Practitioners encourage their patients to celebrate the foods they can add to their diet, rather than mourn what has been taken away. This includes the rainbow of delicious produce options they can have on every plate, a rotating selection of proteins and even new ingredients such as venison or bison.
For some patients, elimination diets can open doors to unexpected favorite foods. Moore shares how one patient that discovered she had a sensitivity to salmon, which she loved, found cod—a new fish to enjoy. These experiences help broaden perspectives and reduce feelings of deprivation. Keeping food enjoyable means finding creative alternatives. For example, someone that cannot tolerate garlic bulbs may be able to infuse garlic into oil to capture flavor and nutrients without any associated symptoms.
Food is at the center of all sorts of celebrations and rituals, whether shared with friends and family, or enjoyed alone as an act of selfcare. Moore coaches clients that are following an elimination diet to plan ahead for social settings. This may include reviewing a menu online for an upcoming restaurant outing; bringing a diet-compliant dish to a potluck dinner to be enjoyed and shared with others; or politely letting a party host know of any dietary restrictions well in advance of the event. “Most people want to cheer you on if you’re doing something for your health,” she says.
Maita also cautions against setting unrealistic goals. “We are looking for progress, not perfection. You will never reach perfection—relax. Experiment with it,” she says, adding that she has seen patients succumb to orthorexia, a disordered obsession with healthy eating. She also notes that eating the same foods every day can induce or worsen sensitivities. Joyful variety, supportive relationships and flexibility are essential parts of healing.
Food-first approaches are ultimately about discovering what helps the body thrive. Elimination diets and anti-inflammatory protocols offer powerful tools for uncovering sensitivities, reducing inflammation and restoring balance. By focusing on small, sustainable changes, individuals can build a foundation for long-term wellness, vitality and resilience.
Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, former writer at the National Institutes of Health and host of the Root Shock podcast, exploring our understanding of health.
Stress-Free Fitness
The Role of the Nervous System in Exercise Recovery
by Marlaina Donato
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, stabilize blood sugar levels, improve body composition and combat depression, but, during times of stress, it can become counterproductive. Chronic stress triggers a steady release of hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine, keeping the sympathetic nervous system in overdrive.
Hitting the gym too hard or too often when we have too much on our plate disrupts the vagus nerve’s ability to shift gears and bring the body back into balance. This is when we might notice fat storage (particularly around the belly), an increased appetite, fatigue, systemic inflammation and lack of muscle gain.
“If you are working out hard and constantly stressed, you are basically fighting against yourself,” says Stephanie Mansour, a Today Show fitness contributor who also provides daily motivation on her fitness app, Step It Up With Steph. “During this time, your cortisol levels spike and make it harder for your body to use insulin properly,
which slows down fat burning and even breaks down the muscle that you have been working so hard to gain.”
Feeling wired but tired, experiencing mood swings and getting sick more often are signs that it might be time to dial things back and focus more on recovery. To initiate a parasympathetic response— the other branch of the autonomic nervous system that helps the body reset—it might be a good time to consider alternative forms of exercise and a diet rich in nourishing foods. Stanford Lifestyle Medicine recommends moderate cardio exercises such as walking, swimming, cycling or light jogging, along with restorative practices like yoga, breathwork, tai chi and Pilates.
Move To Reset and Rest To Recharge
Cindy Brauer, the founder of Mojo Fitness, in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, advocates for a combination of rhythmic flow exercises, followed by intentional cooldowns to activate the parasympathetic system and strengthen vagal integrity.
“Different movement styles speak different languages to the nervous system,” she explains. “Our HIIT-based dance fitness techniques provide a powerful sympathetic challenge. We use creative, everchanging movement patterns that intentionally elevate heart rate, engage the lungs and stimulate the brain, helping trigger the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a crucial protein that supports brain health, learning and adaptability.”
At the end of each class, Brauer leads participants through a series of extensive stretches, balance exercises and breathing techniques. She emphasizes the importance of consistent routines that strike a balance between predictability and flexibility, enabling the nervous system to feel secure while preserving its capacity for movement.
For nervous system regulation, Mansour recommends a combination of HIIT and yoga or stretching, acknowledging that individual needs may vary at different times. “When balanced, both types of modalities can sustain energy levels throughout the day and facilitate relaxation and unwinding at night, creating a workout system that works best for you.”
In addition to switching up routines, complementary strategies include saunas, cold plunges for vagal tone enhancement and somatic therapies such as myofascial release. Resting without external stimuli like smartphone scrolling can have far-reaching benefits, too. “I encourage my clients to prioritize sleep,” says Mansour. She recommends aiming for seven to nine hours of slumber per night. To enhance sleep quality and counteract stress, she suggests incorporating a few minutes of meditation, outdoor walks or five minutes of stretching every day.
Food Factors
A 2024 study published in the journal Nutrients underscores the pivotal role of nutrition in post-exercise recovery. It emphasizes
the significance of consuming adequate nutrients to replenish glycogen stores, repair muscle tissue, lower inflammation and bolster the immune system. Supporting a healthy microbiome by eating prebiotic-rich foods like oats, apples and flaxseeds can enhance nutrient absorption and aid recovery, especially after exercise. Anti-inflammatory foods rich in healthy fats, including walnuts, eggs, omega-3-rich fish and avocados, will help balance the nervous system.
Brauer highlights the importance of consuming healthy carbs, which support the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter and hormone that regulates happiness and calmness. Her other recommendations include staying hydrated, getting enough minerals (particularly magnesium and potassium) and practicing mindfulness. “Slowing down at mealtime, chewing fully and eating without constant distractions sends a powerful signal to the vagus nerve that it’s safe to rest and digest,” she adds.
Mansour’s go-to recovery foods include salmon and colorful fruits and veggies that are naturally packed with vitamins and antioxidants. She also reminds us to maintain stable blood sugar levels by eating protein every few hours to prevent sugar cravings or other uncomfortable symptoms of low or high sugar such as fatigue, dizziness, irritability, headaches and weakness.
Marlaina Donato is an author, artist and musician. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.
Coming in April
STRESS AWARENESS
To participate, contact: 212-726-1420 · Publisher@ NaturalAwakeningsNY.com.
Ishakamusa “Sha” Mualimm-Ak,
Certified Personal Trainer
As a child, Ishakamusa “Sha” Mualimm-Ak was rooted in his parents’ WuShu Academy of Physical Fitness and Martial Arts in the South Bronx. Sha watched his father, Abu Bakr (popularly known as Sijo) instill in students young and old that embracing health, fitness and community is fundamental to shaping happy families and individuals. Both his mother and father were martial artists and freedom fighters. Beyond them, Sha’s mentors included athletes and coaches from across the country and around the world.
At age 15, Sha was already teaching youth classes, practicing parkour and gymnastics and researching techniques for strength and conditioning. He went on to compete in the Sport Parkour League and received certification through NASM as a personal trainer and with USA Parkour and USA Gymnastics as a certified coach. Now, with almost 20 years of professional experience, he mindfully blends global professional insights with foundational experiences as he works with clients of all ages and abilities to build stronger bodies and more resilient minds.
Since everyone has different starting points and goals, Sha provides a free consultation to create a customized plan. Clients can choose from in-studio, online and in-home personal training sessions, with discounts on packages. He also leads workshops that include Functional Strength and Mobility, Youth Team Programs and Adult Bootcamps that include elements of fitness, parkour and self-defense, allowing each student to hone skills from the ground up.
Sha’s resilient, patient mindset and high internal motivation make him an exceptionally effective trainer, as well as his personal values for discipline and forward planning (developed through martial arts and competitive athletics from a young age). By offering personalized guidance and recognizing the difficulty of lifestyle changes, his wisdom empowers students to own their progress and stay on track. He says that “use it or lose it” is scientifically sound
“I help individuals stay ahead of preventable health issues and address joint and nerve pain
His general advice to people wanting to stay or get fit is to understand the nutrients they need at their stage of life and to find a form of movement they truly enjoy. “Strive to be your best self and live simply,” recommends Sha. His mission is to carry on his parents’ legacy to create programs that positively impact communities worldwide. As he works toward his
“Seeing the transformation that occurs when individuals become masters of their own For
information or to book a free consultation, see VanguardAthletics.org, email Sha@
Intentional Nutrition
Energy, Mood and Vitality Begin in the Gut
by Dr. David Pollack
In my practice, one of the most common things I hear is, “I’m exhausted by mid-afternoon,” or “I just don’t feel like myself.” Many people assume fatigue, brain fog or mood swings are simply part of a busy life. I see them differently. These are signals from the body and they often begin with how we’re nourishing ourselves.
The body has an incredible capacity to heal and function at a high level, but it needs the right inputs. True nourishment goes far beyond calories. It’s about supporting digestion, balancing blood sugar, reducing inflammation and providing the raw materials your body needs to produce hormones and neurotransmitters.
Your digestive system plays a central role in how you feel every day. It’s one of the main hubs of immune activity and is deeply connected to brain chemistry. When digestion is compromised or inflamed, symptoms can show up as anxiety, irritability, fatigue or difficulty concentrating. Food doesn’t just affect your waistline; it affects your mood, resilience and clarity.
One of the biggest contributors to the “afternoon slump” is unstable blood sugar. I often see patients who start their day with toast, cereal or fruit alone. Without adequate protein and healthy fats, blood sugar rises quickly and then crashes. That crash leads to cravings, fatigue and mental fog. When we shift to balanced meals that include clean protein, healthy fats and fiber, energy becomes more consistent and sustainable.
Food quality matters just as much as timing. Diets high in processed foods, refined sugar and unhealthy fats promote inflammation throughout the body. Chronic inflammation can disrupt hormone levels, stress the immune system and affect emotional balance. When we replace those foods with nutrient-dense vegetables, properly sourced proteins and whole, unprocessed ingredients, we create a foundation for both physical and emotional stability.
In my office, I focus on identifying root causes rather than masking symptoms. Through personalized nutrition plans, functional lab testing and targeted supplementation — along with supportive therapies such as chiropractic care, acupuncture and detoxification strategies — we work to restore balance at a foundational level. When underlying imbalances are addressed, improvements often extend far beyond digestion. Patients frequently report better sleep, clearer thinking, steadier moods and renewed energy.
Flourishing isn’t about quick fixes or temporary boosts. It’s about giving your body what it truly needs so it can function the way it was designed to.
For Natural Awakenings readers who are ready to move beyond symptom management and experience true, sustainable vitality, I invite you to take the next step. Schedule a comprehensive consultation so that we can uncover what your body needs to thrive. When you nourish your body intentionally, you create the conditions for true flourishing in your health, your work and your life.
Dr. David L. Pollack is the founder of Pollack Wellness, located at 66 Commack Rd., #204, Commack, NY. For appointments or information, call 631-4620801 or visit PollackWellness.com. See ad, page 7.
MMerellinn/AdobeStock
Flourish with Joyful Nourishment
Mabel Del Castillo Guccione, MS, is dedicated to helping individuals feel their best in mind, body and plate. She is the founder and integrative nutritionist at Beauty and the Greens by MDC Nutrition & Wellness, LLC, which is a supportive space where women, parents and busy professionals can break free from dieting, manage cravings, improve digestion and develop mindful eating habits. Through individualized coaching, practical strategies and ongoing support, clients gain the tools and confidence needed to maintain a positive relationship with food.
“I'm on a mission to redefine wellness and prove that sustainable, transformative results are within reach once we break free from the chains of restrictions, guilt and fear,” says Guccione. “It's all about self-love, awareness and reframing your mindset—one delicious and joyful bite at a time.”
Guccione blends her clinical expertise with compassionate, holistic guidance. Rather than promoting rigid programs, she emphasizes intuitive eating and realistic lifestyle strategies, noting that, “Clients find that my approach reduces stress, boosts energy and makes healthy living satisfying and easy to maintain.”
Beauty and the Greens stands out for its combination of advanced nutrition training and a client-centered approach. Guccione draws on her master’s in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, corporate wellness background and personal experiences with diet culture to create individualized programs that meet clients where they are— without radical limitations. This distinctive wellness experience combines one-on-one counseling with education, inspiration and consistent support to ensure long-term health.
The unique services offered by Guccione give clients a jumpstart to sustainable habits and simply make life happier. If the supermarket aisles are an obstacle to health and happiness, Guccione teaches how to decode labels and make delicious, healthful shopping choices. Pantries and refrigerators can become nourishing havens after Guccione helps declutter, organize and stock with nutrient-rich options. Adulting also brings with it the “What’s for dinner?” blues, but Guccione obliterates mealtime stress with a customized meal plan that aligns with tastes, goals and schedules along with a grocery list to reduce waste.
“As we navigate our health journey, let's not overlook the importance of happiness,” says Guccione. “We need to nourish not just the body but also the mind and spirit, in order to flourish.”
To further support others to flourish, Guccione is currently working through certified lactation counselor training and a dietetic internship to become a Registered Dietitian. She already facilitates postpartum support groups and is passionate about guiding women through preconception, pregnancy and postpartum wellness.
For more information or to schedule a free consult, visit Beautyand theGreens.com, email mabel@beautyandthegreens.com or call 347278-7969. Connect on social media @_beautyandthegreens. See ad, page 19.
THE PROBLEM
CANDIDIASIS
The Great Imposter Pandemic
From the Desk of Dr. Howard Robins at The Healing Center in New York City…
New patients come in each day, all with different health complaints and suffering in their own special way. No two are the same. Most have been suffering for years and have tried everything—almost everything, that is—to get well. While many treatments and medicines have helped and offered hope, at least temporarily, they eventually fail to stop the never-ending discomfort, pain and suffering.
Each doctor has told them that they have this or that condition or disease. After all, they show the entire range of classic symptoms. But the treatments don’t work. The reason is that the true underlying cause was missed or ignored. Ignored because it wasn’t recognized as the real “felon,” the real reason for the problem.
THE CAUSE
Since the first time you had even one dose of antibiotics as a child or eaten red meat or chicken that wasn’t organic (most contain traces or more of various antibiotics), the good, healthy bacteria in your intestines were killed along with the harmful bacteria that needed to be destroyed. This allowed yeast, the different types of candida (also known as monilia), to overgrow in your intestinal wall and then bad bacteria moved in to inhabit your intestinal wall, continually secreting toxins into your system.
THE RESULTS
This is important because, after years of research, scientists have discovered that by allowing the yeast(s) to overgrow, the immune system and body becomes weakened. Weakened to different degrees and in different ways, as each of us is unique, but causing a wide variety of symptoms often leading to a misdiagnosis.
What’s worse is that while most doctors know the condition exists, they “don’t see the forest for the trees!” They either don’t believe or don’t recognize the relationship between health problems and the yeast overgrowth. The symptoms, conditions and illnesses are so varied that it’s hard to believe that this one cause could be the problem. Incredibly, this is just a partial list of symptoms that have been associated with this horrible illness (found on numerous anticandidiasis websites):
• Constant tiredness, excessive fatigue and exhaustion
• Sensitivity to fragrances and/ or other chemicals
• Thrush
• Athlete’s foot/fungus nails
• Sore throat
• Chronic pain in muscles/joint pain
• Herpes outbreaks
• Environmental allergies
It is staggering that this one problem can cause all these different health issues. Regardless, if you or someone you know suffers from one or more of these symptoms, please, don’t give up hope!
THE ANSWER
Finally, the answer to this persistent health dilemma consists of a necessary combination of three things:
1. Temporary dietary change. An anti-candida diet is an important element in combating this pesky health issue.
2. Medical grade probiotics. High quality, doctor formulated Doctor’s Biome contains 15 strains of probiotics that have been carefully chosen from clinical studies.
3. Intravenous Ozone Therapy. Most importantly, in very resistant cases, Intravenous Ozone Therapy has been proven to be effective in eliminating candida from the body.
More information about this amazing, safe and effective treatment is available at OzoneWith outBorders.ngo and OzoneDoctor.net. Listen to Dr. Robins’ live and archived radio show on VoiceAmerica.com and the YouTube channel “Functional Medicine with Dr. Robins.” For more information, call 212-581-0101 or email ozonedoctor@yahoo.com. Ask about online consultations. Treatments also available in Nassau County. See ad, page 3.
• Headaches Partnered Editorial. Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.
Dr. Howard Robins
Fiber’s Fun Side
Delicious Ways To Boost Daily Intake
by Maya Whitman
Studies consistently show that the vast majority of Americans fail to consume enough fiber in their diet, even though it has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and colorectal cancer. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that adults aim for 14 grams of fiber per 1,000 calories consumed, which is about 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men daily. Adequate fiber is indispensable for lowering inflammation and maintaining digestive, cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Many of us believe that fiber-rich foods are unappetizing and difficult to digest, when in fact, they can be versatile and enjoyable components of a well-rounded diet. “Across cultures, some of the most comforting and flavorful dishes are naturally high in fiber. These meals rely on legumes, vegetables and whole foods as their foundation, and have done so long before fiber became a nutrition buzzword,” says Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Nichole Dandrea-Russert, author of The Fiber Effect and co-author of Powered by Plants: Nutrient-Loaded 30-Minute Meals to Help You Thrive.
Soluble and Insoluble Fibers
According to the Mayo Clinic, soluble fiber—which dissolves in water and forms a gel-like material in the stomach—slows digestion and increases feelings of fullness, helping us to control our weight
and lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It is found in beans, oats, apples, bananas, avocados, citrus fruits and carrots. Insoluble fiber, which does not dissolve in water, helps to move material through the digestive system and adds bulk to stool, helping to prevent constipation and promote regularity. It is found in nuts, beans and vegetables such as cauliflower and potatoes. Most plants have a combination of soluble and insoluble fiber.
Boosting Our Daily Intake
Given all the wonderful fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, nuts, beans and legumes available, adding fiber is easy, as well as an opportunity to play with flavors, colors and textures. For crunch, color and a refreshing taste, nothing beats a good slaw with shredded purple cabbage, carrots, green apples, turnip greens and spicy radishes. Sushi roll-ups served with wild rice, avocado and baked sweet potato is a filling, complete meal. To satisfy our sweet tooth, fiber-rich Medjool dates filled with raw pistachios, creamy nut and seed butters or tangy goat cheese hit the spot.
“Fiber comes in a few different forms, and most plant foods contain a mix of them, so you don’t need to overthink it,” explains Sandra Turnbull, a registered dietician and owner of Midlife Nutrition and Coaching, in British Columbia, Canada. “You don’t need to track fiber types. Eating a variety of plant foods naturally gives you the mix your body needs.”
Turnbull points out the variety of textures associated with fiber, including the crunch of vegetables, the creaminess of beans and the chewiness of whole grains. For fiber-rich snacking, her favorite options include popcorn, edamame pods and yogurt with berries. She also highlights the significance of prebiotic fiber, a dietary ally that nourishes beneficial gut bacteria and is found in onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, bananas, oats and beans.
Dandrea-Russert recommends adding at least three plant-based colors into each meal, such as blueberries, banana and chia seeds into oatmeal; arugula, tomato and red onion in a sandwich; or sprouts, greens and shredded carrots into a wrap. To start the day, her “avocado toast salad” consists of mashed avocado on whole-grain sourdough, topped with arugula, matchstick radish, red onion, shaved ginger, fresh herbs, sprouts and microgreens, all drizzled with a squeeze of lemon. She favors a handful of nuts or toasted chickpeas as a healthier alternative to chips.
Prapol
Srinakara/Shutterstock
With fruits, Dandrea-Russert stresses the importance of consuming the skins, particularly those of organic apples, kiwis and grapes, as they offer the benefits of insoluble fiber. In general, she prioritizes whole-food, minimally processed sources of fiber-rich foods, noting, “We’re not just consuming fiber in isolation; we’re benefiting from the full spectrum of compounds that work synergistically in the body.”
General Tips
According to Dandrea-Russert, mild bloating or gas is a normal initial response to consuming fiber and often indicates that beneficial gut bacteria are waking up and thriving. With consistency and patience, digestion typically becomes more comfortable and resilient.
Turnbull advocates for a gradual approach to increasing fiber intake, emphasizing the importance of chewing foods thoroughly and introducing one higher-fiber food at a time to allow the gut to adjust. “Fiber and fluids work best as a team,” she adds. “When people increase fiber without drinking enough, they’re more likely to run into trouble with bloating or constipation. Sip water regularly throughout the day, rather than chugging it all at once.” Incorporating foods with natural fluid content like soups, stews, smoothies or juicy fruits can also help.
Soaking dried beans for 12 to 24 hours and discarding the soaking water before cooking in fresh water can enhance digestibility. Adding a piece of kombu seaweed or spices like ginger, cumin, fennel, coriander seeds or bay leaf to the beans’ cooking water can help reduce gas-producing compounds while subtly enhancing the flavor. Drinking peppermint tea or chewing fresh rosemary leaves after meals can relax digestive muscles and alleviate discomfort.
Adding fiber to our diet is an opportunity to discover new culinary experiences and marvel at the amazing variety of nourishing options. Dandrea-Russert says, “Pausing to feel gratitude for the thousands of edible plants available to us with fiber as their foundation can shift how we relate to food.”
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.
Herbs are Nature’s Medicine
with Zakiyyah Madyun, C.H. (Certified Herbalist)
Nourish to Flourish
with Herbs and Essential Oils
by Zakiyyah Madyun, C.H.
Considering the global changes we’ve faced post-COVID, we have been forced to rely on our resilience and adaptability in an effort to not only survive, but to ‘nourish and flourish.’ Resilience and adaptability are key skills that everyone needs to enhance to thrive in these world-wide shifts. To support you in navigating viable holistic alternatives, Sacred Healing 7 Herb Center’s Integrative Master Course offers training to help you identify the source of illness and health imbalances in addition to providing in-depth knowledge on how to utilize herbs and essential oils (EOs) that assist in revitalizing and nourishing the body’s systems.
Understanding the healing aspect of herbs and EOs, and how to use various herb parts (leaves, roots, bark, etc.) that serve various organs and systems (e.g., liver, kidneys, lungs, nervous, and lymphatic systems), is a core aspect of the course content. For EOs, the course expands on external and internal uses and various application methods, employing Robert Tisserand’s essential oil safety guidelines.
Each group of herbs that serves one set of organs or system (e.g., urinary system) can serve to nourish that system and stimulate or fortify the next system (liver/gallbladder) in the Nurturing (Shen) Cycle of the Five Element System in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). For example, the herbs rehmania, buchu and uva ursi leaves, horsetail and fu ling will serve to restore health, harmony and balance to the kidneys and bladder, while nourishing the organs of the liver/gallbladder, and simultaneously control any excess heat or imbalances in the heart/small intestines (circulatory system) (see diagram).
"Nourish to Flourish" is a holistic philosophy I embrace to provide the essential physical, mental and nutritional support (nourish) for individuals to thrive, grow and blossom (flourish). In addition, I utilize several healing modalities, such as reflexology, meridian therapy and the healing systems of Ayurveda and the Chinese 5 Element systems, to connect healthy eating, self-care and community support to improve your well-being.
Join our next Integrative Master Course class to acquire practical, formulary skills and techniques that can be applied right away, to help you redefine the narrative for your personal health transformation.
Zakiyyah Madyun, Certified Herbalist, teaches virtual herbal education classes twice monthly. For more information, visit her blog: HerbsAreNaturesMedicine.blogspot.com; for a consultation call 347-407-4312 or email theherbalist1750@gmail.com. See ad, page 17, and calendar listing, page 27.
Image created by Zakiyyah Madyun
Women’s Retreat
HEALING EMOTIONAL PAIN WITH SELF-LOVE
Release, Restore and Reconnect
Join Brett Cotter, founder of Stress Is Gone, for a transformative women’s retreat focused on releasing emotional pain and restoring calm. Through guided emotional processing, mindfulness, and Qigong, participants gain practical tools to reduce anxiety and overwhelm. Special guests Toni Bergins, founder of JourneyDance, and master percussionist Manas Itene will lead the Dance of Destiny; blending movement and rhythm to embody healing.
Weekend:
Fri–Sun, March 27–29
5 Day:
Fri–Tue, March 27–31
Himalayan Institute 952 Bethany Turnpike, Honesdale Info: 833-867-3529 or info@stressisgone.com
Registration: StressIsGone.com/retreats
NewLife Expo NYC 2026
Healing Outside the Box, Rooted in Rhythm
Join America’s longest-running event (36 years) dedicated to conscious living and holistic wellness as it returns to New York City. The NewLife Expo brings together passionate attendees, enlightening speakers, including Livia Devi, and a vibrant array of exhibitors in wellness, biohacking, ufo's, metaphysics, alternative health and spirituality. Discover cuttingedge natural products, personal growth workshops, transformational experiences and resources to support your mind-body-spirit journey in 2026.
Saturday & Sunday, April 25–26 • 10am-8pm
NYC Event Center 4 West 43rd St, off 5th Ave, Manhattan, NY
For pre-registration discounts, as well as opportunities to exhibit, speak, sponsor, volunteer or advertise, contact: Mark Becker at 516-897-0900 or mark@newlifemag.com
Visit NewLifeExpo.com to register and learn more.
Sacred Healing 7 Herb Center
Complete Integrative Master Course
Join Zakiyyah Madyun, C.H., for a yearlong curriculum in Herbs, Essential Oils, Chakra & Crystal Healing. Learn to create safe and effective formulas, explore plant medicine and crystal healing and study healing traditions from Ayurveda, African Healing and the Chinese Five Elements.
Starting March 2026 (through February 2027)
1st & 3rd Saturdays
10am–noon EST
Virtual (all sessions recorded)
$200/month
Contact: theherbalist1750@gmail.com 347-407-4312
Mindful Mondays with Michael
Free Meditation Group
Hosted by Michael Lehrman Co-Publisher, Natural Awakenings NYC & Long Island
The free sessions are open to ALL, with no experience and no expectations necessary, honoring a collective coming together of Natural Awakenings readers.
Monday, March 23 6–7pm • Google Meets
To learn more or register, contact publisher@naturalawakeningsny.com or call/text: 212-726-1420
Dance of Destiny
...with Toni Bergins & Manas Itene MOVE, RELEASE AND CELEBRATE
Join Toni Bergins and Manas Itene for an energizing evening of conscious dance and live drumming during the Stress Is Gone Women's Retreat. This heart-opening experience invites participants to release old emotional energy, reawaken their power and celebrate in community.
Saturday, March 28 7:30–10pm
Himalayan Institute 952 Bethany Turnpike, Honesdale Info: 833-867-3529 or info@stressisgone.com
Registration: StressIsGone.com/retreats
To submit an event which you want to appear in BOTH - the next print issue and our online calendar - scan the QR code to the right or go to: NaturalAwakeningsNY.com and click on the arrow next to the SUBMISSION tab on top of the website, then select “Mark Your Calendar Submission”.
EXCLUSIVES
Find additional articles & videos online at NaturalAwakeningsNY.com
Go to the Home page and click on the “In This Issue” image in the right column.
Data-Driven Wellness
Functional Lab Testing To Personalize a Healthy Lifestyle
Sustainable Pantry Solutions
Maximize Space, Minimize Waste
The Hydration Habit
Helping Kids Thrive With Every Sip
Gardening Our Dreams
Pet Reactions to Food
How To Ease Their Discomfort
Insights From The Gut Biome Lab
A Conversation With Ravinder Nagpal
Homemade Natural Cleaners That Work
COMMUNITY PARTNERS: Dr. Robins Dr. Pollack
Jean McClelland
Community Resource Guide
Alexander Technique
JEAN MCCLELLAND, MMUS., MAMSAT
JeanMcClellandVoice.com
Private lessons and workshops: voice, breathing and Alexander Technique. Jean McClelland has more than 40 years’ experience as a performer and teacher. She has helped thousands of students free their bodies, strengthen their breathing and uncover the natural beauty of their voices. See ad, page 11.
Certification Course
THE CALM MONKEY
Mindfulness Facilitator Training & Certification
Wendy@TheCalmMonkey.com TheCalmMonkey.com
Become a certified mindfulness facilitator through a self-paced online course with resources, peer support and tools to bring mindfulness into workplaces and community settings. See ad, page 9.
Chiropractic
CENTER FOR THE ALIGNMENT OF BODY, MIND & SPIRIT
Dr. Gina Marino 2213A Wantagh Ave, Wantagh 516-221-3500 Align-Me.com
Dr. Marino utilizes a combination of gentle chiropractic spinal adjustments, Reiki and bodywork to reduce pain, lessen the effects of stress on your system, restore flexibility and ensure optimum vitality. See ad, page 15.
New York City | Long Island community Can't find what you're looking for?
More businesses, organizations, services and practitioners are listed on NaturalAwakeningsNY.com
Clinical Nutrition
BEAUTY & THE GREENS
MDC NUTRITION & WELLNESS
Mabel Del Castillo Guccione, MS mabel@beautyandthegreens.com BeautyAndTheGreens.com
Guiding individuals to break free from dieting, reclaim confidence around food, and foster an abundance mindset. Learn to eat empowered, reconnect with your whole self through mindful eating, and adopt a balanced, sustainable approach to nutrition, unlocking a vibrant, joyful and healthier version of yourself. See ad, page 19.
THE BIAMONTE CENTER FOR CLINICAL NUTRITION
Michael Biamonte, CCN 2185 34th Ave, Ste 14D • Astoria, NY 866-240-8651 info@health-truth.com Health-Truth.com
Michael Biamonte has been in practice for over 30 years, is the author of “The Candida Chronicles” and is a world recognized candida elimination expert. His office has proprietary software developed for NASA that helps identify and treat all nutritional deficiencies. Offering both online and in-person appointments.
Conscious Centers
AUM SHANTI BOOKSHOP
230 E 14th St, NYC 212-260-2866
AumShantiBookshop.com
Aum Shanti Bookshop is a community-oriented spiritual gallery providing offerings that inspire clarity, guidance and inspiration on one’s journey. They offer high-vibration, reikicharged and spiritually energized items such as a semi-precious gems and tumbled stones, one-of-a kind rare crystal specimens and clusters, beautifully hand-crafted jewelry made with love and empowering energy. Join for tarot, psychic and astrology readings.
NAMASTE BOOKSHOP & HEALING CENTER
2 W 14th St, NYC
212-645-0141
NamasteBookshop.com
Namaste Bookshop and Healing Center offers a unique and large selection of Eastern and Western philosophy books, tarot cards, crystals, pendulums, calendars, wind chimes, incense, greeting cards, yoga accessories, meditation cushions, instructional and music CDs and DVDs, salt lamps, and 20 sections of books – including Spanish. The event space above the bookshop holds classes, workshops and book signings, and provides rooms for regular readers and practitioners.
Energy Healing
ANN KORONOWSKI
Cert. Soul Realignment Practitioner By online appointment/ Schenectady AnnEnergyHealer.com
Allow me to access your soul's divine blueprint through your Akashic Record to discover your true gifts and why your current patterns of choice may not be in alignment with your soul’s intentions. Learn actionable steps to create the life your soul intended. Other services, energy healer, psychic readings.
BILL ROBERT
Remote Lightworker
Based in Manhattan 770-990-9191
InmateHealing@gmail.com Bill-Robert.com
Remote spiritual Lightwork offers emotional and creative healing, especially for artists. In-person sessions are available for returning clients near the West Village. See ad, page 9.
The nourishment of body is food, while the nourishment of the soul is feeding others.
—Ali ibn Abi Talib
Energy Healing Center
ASCENTIAH HEALING CENTER
122 E 55th St 5 Fl New York, NY 10022 646-476-4847 • info@ascentiah.com Ascentiah.com
Located in Midtown NYC, Ascentiah offers holistic healing to support clarity, emotional balance and nervous system regulation. Through energy work and intuitive guidance, we help you realign with your authentic self and reconnect to a deeper sense of well-being.
Health Food Store
WHOLE FOODS MARKET
8 Locations in Manhattan WholeFoodsMarket.com
Whole Foods Market is an eco-minded chain with natural & organic grocery items, housewares & other products. We support local communities & agriculture, practice and advance environmental stewardship, support & rewards team member excellence and encourage and educate on all aspects of healthy living. See ad, page 27.
Herbs & Natural Medicine
SACRED HEALING 7 HERB CENTER with Zakiyyah Madyun, C.H. Since 1985 theherbalist1750@gmail.com 347-407-4312 • NYC
For over forty years, the Sacred Healing 7 Herb Center has offered naturopathic, experiential curricula that educate you about various alternative healing modalities so that you can heal yourself physically, emotionally, and energetically, restore your health, and raise your vitality. Available for private/group workshops, seminars, and other events in local NYC locations. See ad, page 17.
Holistic Dentistry
CARIODONTAL
A Place for Dental Wellness
Jonathan Richter DDS, FAGD Specializing in Periodontics and Implantology Periodontal Prosthesis, and Fixed Prosthodontics
525 West End Ave, Suite 1G, NYC 212-874-2880 • Cariodontal.com
We welcome you to come in for a comprehensive exam of teeth, gums, early detection, and oral health problems. We offer the following services: holistic dental care, mercuryfree dentistry, TMJ disorder and treatment, treatment for sleep disorders, Invisalign and orthodontics, dental implant, sleep apnea. Payment plans available. See ad, back cover.
GOLDEN DENTAL WELLNESS
444 Community Dr, Ste 204, Manhasset 516-627-8400 • GoldenSmile.com
A practice that cares for you like family. The philosophy of our dental wellness center is a whole-body approach working closely with your healthcare practitioners that you already have a relationship with. The practice incorporates the teaching of Huggins, IOAMT, and much more. See ad, page 2.
INTEGRATIVE DENTAL SPECIALISTS
Long Island: 245 Hillside Ave, Williston Park, NY • 516-253-1800 Manhattan: 120 E. 56th St • 212-845-9740 drjeff@idsli.com IntegrativeDentalNY.com
Dr. Jeff created Integrative Dental Specialist to provide the best comprehensive dental care today. There is always an emphasis on biocompatible and holistic dentistry to create a natural and beautiful smile you can be proud of. Dr. Jeff has achieved a highly professional, relaxed, caring, and pain-free environment for his patients, with sedation dentistry available if required. See ads, pages 12 and 15.
Holistic Education
OMEGA INSTITUTE FOR HOLISTIC STUDIES
150 Lake Drive Rhinebeck, NY 12572 800-944-1001 • eOmega.org
Open from May to October, we offer a wide variety of workshops and retreats, led by world-class teachers on our beautiful 250-acre campus, just 90 miles north of New York City. Can’t make it to Rhinebeck? Join us for a livestream.
Integrative Coaching
GOOD MOOD INTEGRATIVE LLC
2248 Broadway # 1789, NY, NY 10024 917-245-5105
griselle.goodmood@gmail.com
Griselle Phillips, LCSW, helps clients overcome feeling stuck and overwhelmed using holistic methods. She offers single sessions or a 12week program. Prospective clients may schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss their needs and goals.
Naturopathic Medicine
FINKER WELLNESS
Bellmore
516-765-3272 • DrFinker.com
Utilizing Naturopathic Medicine to help her patients feel better naturally. Many illnesses can be treated by nutrition, botanicals, and nutraceuticals. Dr. Finker provides personalized health care solutions for her patients. See ad, page 10.
POLLACK WELLNESS
66 Commack Rd, Commack NY 631-462-0801 • PollackWellness.com
Dr. David L Pollack specializes in functional nutrition which is the science of helping repair and restore the body naturally without the use of drugs and surgery. Many of his clients were frustrated with their past health care; conventional or holistic. Most seek help with their thyroid, weight loss, digestive disorders, hormone imbalances including infertility, menstrual & Low T. We accept those with or without diagnosis, complex and simple disorders. Most insurance policies accepted for many services. See ad, page 7.
Nutrition
OPTIMAL FRUITS & VEGGIE PLUS 939 Eighth Ave, Third Fl, Ste 307 New York, 646-320-8999
M4hf.com
Whole food supplements rich in phytonutrients are shown to support joint health, heart health, cognitive function, and overall vitality through natural antioxidant protection.
Ozone Therapy
DR. HOWARD ROBINS
The Healing Center 200 W 57th St, Ste 807, NYC 212-581-0101
drhowardrobins@gmail.com OzoneDoctor.net
If you have a disease or condition that you haven’t been able to get rid of, Ozone Therapy will most likely be the answer, even for people that have suffered for years and have lost all hope. If you are questioning if your condition can be treated, call or email Dr. Robins today. See ads, pages 3 and 23.
Pyschotherapy
PRESENT CENTERED THERAPIES
Michael Mongno, MFT, Ph.D, LP Upper West Side • 212-799-0001 drmongno@presentcenteredtherapies.com PresentCenteredTherapies.com
Michael Mongno MFT, Ph.D LP is a licensed psychoanalyst, marriage and family therapist, and holistic counselor based in Manhattan. Committed to creating a real difference in the world, his “Real change in real time” describes the dynamic, effective synthesis of personal growth and spiritual transformation
Skin Care
MASSAGE FOR HEALTH AND FITNESS
Nigel Hunt, LMT New York, 646-329-8999
M4hf.com
Offers an Anti-Aging Face Lift Massage, blending acupressure and massage to rejuvenate skin, boost circulation, and reduce wrinkles naturally.
Regenerative Technology without injections
Featuring NuvoCell Biologics
NuvoCell is revolutionizing regenerative medicine by taking the same ingredients currently used in stem cell injections, stabilizing them with lipid nanoparticles, and formulating them into a topical cream with natural transdermal ingredients that act as carriers to deliver powerful regenerative relief to discs, cartilage, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. All without injections or downtime, and easily applied at home.
51% decrease in pain in just 1 month
In an 80-person pilot study utilizing a transdermal regenerative cream, the average Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score among patients diagnosed with chronic low back pain and osteoarthritis decreased by 51%.
TARGET AREAS
Neck
Back
Shoulders
Elbows
Wrists and Hands Hips
Knees Ankles
Feet
JoAn was recommended for knee replacement surgery after suffering from debilitating knee pain for years but was determined to find alternative ways to regain her mobility and live pain-free. After just one month of using NuvoCell, she is amazed by the results she has seen in her knee and in her quality of life.
Brian, a 3x world champion rodeo rider, struggled with back pain for years from competing. After trying various treatments, he found real relief with NuvoCell. Hear his story and why he is continuing to use NuvoCell on his back and other areas.
Brad, a retired contractor, lived with severe shoulder pain for over 50 years after a car accident left him with a separated shoulder, broken collarbone, and torn rotator cuff. A recent fall made things worse, forcing him to give up golf and basketball. Recently, his wife introduced him to NuvoCell. After applying it twice daily for two months, his pain dropped by over 90%. Today, Brad is back to playing golf, shooting hoops, and enjoying life again - pain-free.
Ask your local healthcare provider about NuvoCell or scan the QR code to find a provider in your area.
