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Health & Wellness TUCSON EDITION
JANUARY 2026 January 2026
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Preventative & Restorative Therapies
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Contents
ON THE COVER: Eagle Spirit by Greer Jonas
11 Practicing Contentment as a Path to Lasting Joy 12 Wellness Begins with Who a Woman Believes She Is
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13 Creating Joyful Sounds with Kirtan 14 Meet Khris Dodge 16 The Power of Integrative Medicine
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20 EMF Wellness in 2026 21 The Gift of Presence
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22 Soulful Sourdough
Departments 8 News Briefs 9 Health Briefs 14 Community Spotlight
16 Feature Story 20 Green Living 21 Therapy Spotlight 20 Conscious Eating
24 Calendar 26 Resource Guide 31 Classifieds
The cover features Eagle Spirit, a striking acrylic painting by Greer Jonas depicting a majestic eagle soaring against a vast, luminous sky. This powerful image symbolizes vision, freedom and renewal—perfect themes as we embrace the possibilities of a new year. The eagle’s flight invites viewers to rise above challenges and see their path with clarity and strength. Greer Jonas is a numerologist, painter, sculptor and teacher living in New York City. Her paintings range from abstracts to landscapes created with acrylic, oil and mixed media. With more than 20 years of experience, her work has appeared in galleries, art shows and private collections in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and California. She blends her passion for numbers and art to inspire transformation and insight. For more about Greer’s art, visit Greer Jonas.com. Explore her numerology services at Numerology4YourSoul.com. Contact her at GreerDJonas@gmail.com.
Advertising & Submissions To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 520-760-2378 or email Holly@NaturalTucson.com. Email articles, news items, calendar events to: Holly@NaturalTucson.com. Deadline: the 10th of the month.
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Medicare Options Available for Chronic Conditions You May Qualify For ADDITIONAL BENEFITS With A Special Needs Medicare Advantage Plan
Qualifying conditions include one or more • of the following: • Diabetes • Cardiovascular Disorders • Chronic Heart Failure • End Stage Renal Disease (requiring dialysis)
ENROLL ANYTIME! To learn more or request a complimentary consultation and quote, contact Local Medicare Specialist Holly Baker at 520-760-2378. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information onJanuary all of your 2026options. 5
Proudly Announces — A Mini Documentary by
Coming 2026 — On National & Local Public Television
A Mini Documentary on The Regenerative Whole Health Movement Real People. Real Insights. Real Practitioners. Real Healing.
hosted by critically acclaimed actress
MEG RYAN
Be Inspired. Be Empowered. Be Well.
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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET
Styling & Photography by Jessica Korff Studios
Publisher’s Letter
Embracing Whole-Person Wellness in 2026
As we welcome the fresh start of 2026, I’m excited to share with you our January edition focused on Whole-Person Health & Wellness. This theme reflects the essential truth that true well-being embraces every aspect of our lives—mind, body and spirit. It’s a holistic approach to health that encourages us to nurture ourselves fully and find balance in all that we do.
My hope for every reader is that with each issue of Natural Awakenings Tucson, you discover something new. Whether it’s a local business or practitioner who Holly Baker can support your wellness journey, an inspiring artist whose work speaks to your soul or an upcoming event that invites you to celebrate life here in Tucson—we want to be your guide to the vibrant, healing energy that surrounds us. January’s cooler days offer a refreshing time to slow down, reflect and embrace the natural rhythms of the season. More than anything, I wish for you peace, calm and happiness throughout the year ahead. Health is more than just the absence of illness; it’s a sense of wholeness and harmony within ourselves and our communities. By centering our lives around well-being, we can cultivate a positive mindset that supports high intentions and meaningful goals. As you read through this issue, I encourage you to set your intentions high and focus on the positive changes you want to bring into your life. Let 2026 be a year of growth, connection and joyful living. Thank you for being part of the Natural Awakenings Tucson community. Here’s to a wonderful new year filled with health, inspiration and abundance. Cheers to a wonderful and health-filled new year,
TUCSON EDITION Publisher Holly Baker Contributing Writer Suzie Agrillo Design & Production Helene Leininger Erica Mills Sales & Marketing Holly Baker Editor Erica Mills Circulation Carolyn Coogan Proofreader Jane Aylward Website Erica Mills Social Media Carolyn Coogan Cover dreamyart on AdobeStock.com
CONTACT US Tucson Office Tel: 520-760-2378 Holly@NaturalTucson.com NaturalTucson.com Franchise Sales 239-530-1377
NATIONAL TEAM
CEO Kimberly B. Whittle COO Michael Bevilacqua CMO Vee Banionis Sr. VP Operations Brian Stenzler, DC National Editor Sandra Yeyati Editor Brooke Goode Copy Editor Melanie Rankin Print Production Specialist Kevin Rankin Design Director Agnes Mazeikaite Production Flip180 Customer Service Dani Bucad
CONTACT US Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 350 Main Street, Suite 9B Bedminster, NJ 07921 Ph: 239-206-2000 NaturalAwakenings@KnoWEwell.com © 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 Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines
Natural Awakenings is printed on partially recycled and fully recyclable newsprint with black soy ink.
January 2026
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Discover Calm, Balance and Wellbeing with Kindred Lights Healing Arts
Reiki sessions offer a gentle yet powerful way to reconnect with your inner light—restoring harmony, easing tension and awakening a natural sense of peace and joy.
Charis Nick-Torok, a trusted Reiki teacher and practitioner for both people and aniCharis Nick-Torok mals, as well as a trained mindfulness meditation facilitator, welcomes clients into a compassionate space where calm and clarity can gently return. In addition to in-person and remote Reiki sessions for people— including those living with dementia or in Hospice care—and for animals, Nick-Torok also teaches People and Animal Reiki classes, leads Reiki shares and hosts meditation gatherings that help caregivers release stress, prevent burnout and realign with what feels meaningful. For animals experiencing illness, trauma or life transitions, NickTorok’s sessions provide a gentle refuge that nurtures physical and emotional healing, whether at home or in care environments. Inspired by her devotion to heart-centered healing, Nick-Torok founded Kindred Lights Healing Arts, LLC, a collective of compassionate practitioners offering Reiki, yoga, life coaching, grief support, animal end-of-life care and more. Reignite your inner light—schedule a session or gift Reiki to someone you love, including animal companions, and share the healing of calm and connection.
e Wong,For more information or to schedule, call 520-771-6902 or visit Clayton. KindredLightsHealing.com.
Medicare Plan Changes Outside Open Enrollment
Most Medicare beneficiaries cannot change plans after the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs October 15 through December 7, but exceptions may apply. Certain life events can qualify individuals for a Special Enrollment Period, allowing plan changes outside the usual window. Those enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans also have a separate opportunity to make adjustments early in the year. The Little Hut AdobeStock.com
News Briefs
Key opportunities to change Medicare coverage include the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7, with changes effective January 1 and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31, available only to those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Special Enrollment Periods are available year-round when triggered by specific circumstances. Common reasons for a Special Enrollment Period include moving to a new address inside or outside a plan’s service area, losing other health coverage such as Medicaid or employer-sponsored insurance, moving into or out of a nursing home or long-term care facility, or being affected by a declared disaster or emergency. Individuals who qualify for Medicaid or Extra Help or those with certain chronic conditions may change Medicare plans on a monthly basis. Beneficiaries are encouraged to review their options carefully to ensure continued access to needed care and coverage. Holly Baker is an independent Medicare and retirement specialist. Reach her for a complimentary Medicare review by phone/text at 520-760- 2378 or Holly@ HollyLBaker.com. See ad, page 5.
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Health Briefs
New Year! New You!
A Breath of Salt, A Season of Balance
As the Sonoran Desert transitions from intense summer heat to cooler autumn and winter months, many residents notice changes in how their bodies respond to the environment. Dry air, dust and seasonal allergens can challenge respiratory comfort, skin health and overall balance. Salt therapy, also known as halotherapy, is gaining attention as a natural option to support seasonal well-being. Halotherapy involves dispersing microscopic salt particles into the air. These particles are inhaled into the lungs and settle on the skin, where they may help cleanse and calm the body. The practice aligns well with herbal and holistic traditions that focus on gentle, supportive care. Salt therapy is often used to promote respiratory ease, similar to how herbal remedies such as eucalyptus or peppermint are traditionally used to open airways and reduce congestion. For the skin, mineral-rich salt may help soothe dryness and irritation, complementing plant-based supports like calendula or aloe. Time spent in a salt room also provides a calming environment that can support relaxation, echoing the grounding effects associated with adaptogenic herbs such as holy basil or ashwagandha. In addition, salt’s natural cleansing properties are believed to support detoxification processes, working in harmony with herbal tonics traditionally used to encourage liver and lymphatic balance. When combined, salt therapy and herbal practices offer a complementary approach to seasonal self-care, supporting balance from both within and without as the body adapts to changing conditions.
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Intuitive, Healing Arts & Yoga Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine
Energy Work
Meditation
SUZANNE PEAR
TUCSON COMMUNITY MEDITATION CENTER
JADE STAR ACUPUNCTURE 5160 E Glenn St, Ste 150, 85712 520-400-8109 & WELLNESS
520-881-0827 Info@JadeStarAcupuncture.com JadeStarAcupuncture.com
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Holistic Integrative Wellness PROSPER IN WHOLENESS
MORGAN MAXWELL
Graduate of Psychic Horizons Center 505-307-5999 MWMaxwell3@aol.com
Astrology, Astrocartography Linktr.ee/ProsperInWholeness ProsperInWholeness@pm.me
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Hypnotherapy MARIA KINGSLEY
SOL PAGS
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Channeled Readings DAWN RATACZAK
Emotional Freedom Techniques Lisa Fields LuminosaEFT.com Lisa@LuminosaEFT.com
MARIA KINGSLEY
520-780-0170 KadaKingsley@msn.com Maria-Kingsley.com
Massage KEN READER, LMT, RYT
Group or Private Sessions 520-425-7286
LUMINOSA EFT
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The Right Touch Massage Therapy 3958 E Fort Lowell Rd, 85712 520-326-7675; cell 520-230-9103 RightTouchMassageTherapy.com
SHAWNA ROBERTS, LMT, REIKI II PRACTITIONER
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Social Dance
Andrew Chirch 520-775-1625 ExecDirector@TucsonMeditation.org Offerings.TucsonMeditation.org
Meditation Course MEGAN DITTMAN
203-461-4477 Megan@FrontGooseWellbeing.com FrontGooseWellbeing.com
Nutrition Response Testing CHRIS EVE
Tucson & Bisbee Locations 520-444-1461 FSTWellness.com
Psychic Readings MORGAN MAXWELL
Graduate of Psychic Horizons Center 505-307-5999 MWMaxwell3@aol.com
KRYSTYNA PARAFINCZUK, MDE
520-743-1349 KParafinczuk@pima.edu
Sound Therapy DR. LANCE MORRIS
2310 N Wyatt Dr, 85712 520-322-8122 ResonantSoundTherapy.com
Spiritual Guidance THE ATTUNEMENT CENTER
910-900-3815 • 520-222-9034 Info@TheAttunementCenter.com TheAttunementCenter.com
Yoga KEN READER, LMT, RYT
Yoga privates, 25 year experience Mobile appts • 520-230-9103
RESILIENCY WELLNESS CENTER
2055 N Kolb Rd, 85715 DrCourtneyNDavis.com/yoga
Yoga, HOT Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Pilates, Dance
Reiki for People and Animals
WATERFALL YOGA
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Practicing Contentment as a Path to Lasting Joy
awareness and emotional resilience. The ultimate goal is to find moments of joy and contentment each day, regardless of external circumstances. Author and yoga teacher Goswami Kriyananda summarized this teaching simply: whatever one’s condition in life, the practice is the same—find joy.
J
oy is often associated with a particular season or moment, yet yoga philosophy teaches that it can be cultivated and sustained throughout the year. In yoga, joy is closely connected to the principle of contentment, a quiet and deeply satisfying state of being rather than a fleeting emotional high. Contentment is likened to moments of simple bliss, such as watching a sunset, holding a baby or resting with a beloved pet. Contentment is rooted in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, a foundational text outlining the Eight Limbs of Yoga. Within this framework, contentment appears in the Niyamas, a set of personal observances that guide ethical and mindful living. As one of five observances, contentment is considered a discipline, reinforcing the idea that it is developed through consistent practice rather than achieved instantly. Yoga philosophy describes contentment as something cultivated on three levels: physical, verbal and mental. Physical practice focuses on moderating cravings and excess, allowing the body to remain comfortable and emotionally balanced. This often includes
By sandsun on AdobeStock.com
by Naomi Greene
meditation to quiet the mind, as well as simple, intentional activities such as walking in nature or spending time in peaceful surroundings. Yogic teachings emphasize that where the mind leads, the body follows. Verbal contentment centers on mindful speech. This includes avoiding unnecessary chatter and refraining from harsh or angry words toward others or oneself. Negative self-talk, even when casually expressed, can shape self-perception over time. Yogis instead aim to use calm, supportive and uplifting language that reinforces inner balance. Mental contentment is often considered the most challenging practice. It involves letting go of unnecessary attachments and remaining emotionally steady when change occurs. This level of practice encourages forgiveness and the ability to move forward without dwelling on loss or disruption. Yogic philosophy teaches that thoughts influence words and actions, making awareness and discipline of the mind essential. Though these practices may seem simple, even small, consistent efforts can increase
Naomi Greene is a freelance writer and certified yoga teacher at The Yoga Connection, Tucson’s only nonprofit yoga center and school. Connect at 520-323-1222 or Yoga@YogaConnection.org.
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January 2026
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Wellness Begins with Who a Woman Believes She Is by Deb Beroset
The body absorbs the hidden rules of an identity. An identity built on proving often creates chronic pressure. One built on pleasing can lead to porous boundaries and resentment. An identity built on self-reliance may make receiving support feel unsafe. Over time, the body carries the cost. That cost does not always appear dramatically. It can look like a low hum of depletion, sleep that never fully restores, a constant sense of being “on,” or a disconnection from pleasure and creativity. Many women come to treat this as normal, especially in midlife, when responsibilities expand and personal needs are pushed to the edges. Whole-body wellness can begin to shift when the focus moves from self-improvement to self-concept. Self-concept work looks at the identity running the day and updates what no longer fits.
W
hole-body wellness is shaped as much by self-concept as by self-care, because the body lives inside the story a woman believes about herself.
Wellness is often framed as behavior: what someone eats, how often she moves, whether she sleeps enough and how well she manages stress. These choices matter, but they are not the whole story. A deeper layer shapes how consistent any habit can become, how much care a woman will allow herself to receive and how safe her nervous system feels inside daily life. That layer is identity. Identity functions as an inner operating system. It is the story a woman holds about who she is, what she is allowed to want and what kind of life makes sense for her. It shows up in her pace, her boundaries, her calendar and her relationships. It influences what she tolerates, what she postpones and what she prioritizes. It also shapes how she relates to her body. This perspective does not suggest that health challenges are anyone’s fault. Bodies are complex. Genetics, hormones, trauma history, environment, access to care and simple bad luck all play a role. Whole-body wellness is not a morality contest and it cannot be guaranteed through perfect choices. Still, identity remains a powerful place to work because it affects what a woman does have influence over: the quality of her daily life, the level of stress she carries and the degree of partnership she feels with herself. Many women live inside identities formed early and reinforced for decades: the Achiever, the Caretaker, the Good Girl, the Responsible One, the Woman Who Holds It All Together. These identities can build impressive lives on paper while quietly draining the body. 12
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Several identity-level shifts can change the conditions of health. Moving from self-sacrificing to self-honoring alters how a woman eats, rests, schedules her time and responds when her body asks for care. Shifting from proving to partnering reduces internal pressure and supports steadier rhythms. “Push through” becomes “listen in,” and the body often experiences that change as relief. Another shift is moving from managing life to inhabiting it. This creates room for sensory nourishment. Beauty, music, creativity and simple rituals become part of wellness because they support regulation and restore vitality. Moving from isolated to supported recognizes that bodies do better in safe connection and that receiving help can strengthen resilience. These shifts are not medical treatment and they do not replace professional care. They are a way to reduce unnecessary strain and build a daily life that supports a woman’s capacity. When identity changes, choices become easier to sustain. Boundaries strengthen. Rest becomes permitted. Nourishment becomes normal. Joy becomes less apologetic. A woman no longer negotiates with herself about whether she is allowed to want a life that feels alive. The most practical version of whole-body wellness may be this: claiming an identity that supports vitality. Not by blaming the body for its challenges, but by refusing to continue living under roles and rules that cost too much. When the inner story shifts, the outer life gains room to follow and the body often responds with greater steadiness and ease. Deb Beroset is a midlife reinvention coach and the founder of It’s Time for Moxie. Through her private coaching offer, Monarch Rising, she helps women shed limiting identities, claim their next chapter and create lives that feel expansive, aligned and undeniably their own. Learn more at ItsTimeForMoxie. com. See ad, page 15.
Creating Joyful Sounds with Kirtan
of India. Some mantras are familiar and simple, such as “Hare Krishna, Hare Rama.” Sometimes cheat sheets are available to help with more complicated mantras, but most of the time, participants are challenged to mimic the sounds and syllables they hear, such as “Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha” and “Jaya Jagatambe Ma Durga.”
By Dmitri on AdobeStock.com
by Caryn S. Fogel
T
he yoga studio fills with a diverse group of kirtan fans. Some are yogis, some have musical backgrounds and others seek connection with themselves and each other. They settle onto blankets and bolsters, awaiting the first chant. Om… Om… Om… The kirtan wallah—the leader—delivers an invocation accompanied by the harmonium, a small keyboard that produces a resonant tone as air flows through its reeds. Thus begins the call-and-response mantra chanting. The music starts slowly as participants repeat the meditative mantras, but the kirtan wallah’s call invites more than just an echo. The blend of voices reverberating throughout the room creates a purely joyful sound. Om Namah Shivaya… Om Namah Shivaya… Then the tempo quickens and the tabla and other instruments join the harmonium. Participants begin clapping along, some spring to their feet to dance, while others remain seated, chanting and swaying. Some listen quietly. Rooted in the Vedic traditions of ancient India, kirtan is a devotional practice of repeating words of praise and names of deities. Most mantras are in Sanskrit, the classical sacred language
• Sound bath events • Angelic reiki • Yoga • Vibroacoustic massage • Meditation with live harp, crystal bowls and gong
For those skeptical or uninterested in devotional practices praising a deity other than their own, Grammy-nominated kirtan artist Krishna Das offers another perspective. He describes the deities as “like an older, deeper being.” These names, he says, “are the names of that place inside of us that is love, pure being, pure awareness, pure joy” (Kripalu.org). Kirtan is unique because it transcends its religious origins, uniting people of all ages and backgrounds who want to share spirituality and music. In addition to Krishna Das, devotional artists such as Jai Uttal, Deva Premal, Nina Rao and Girish have music available for streaming on Amazon and YouTube for those who want to learn Sanskrit mantras or simply enjoy the beautiful sound of chanting. Yet, the best way to experience kirtan is live. Tucson is fortunate to have its own kirtan ensemble. The Infinite Compassion Orchestra leads kirtan at least monthly at various locations throughout Arizona and Mexico. The kirtan wallah and other group members practice weekly at the Yoga Connection. Plenty of research supports the benefits of chanting mantras. Chanting increases joy, calms the mind and provides emotional release (ImmersiveSoundExp.com). It has been found to relieve stress, release endorphins and activate the vagus nerve and parasympathetic nervous system, which are critical for wellness (VagusNerve.com, ArtOfLivingRetreatCenter.org). Kirtan appeals to those seeking inner peace, emotional healing and connection to the divine within. And it’s a lot of fun! For more information about the Infinite Compassion Orchestra and a schedule of appearances, visit InfiniteCompassionOrchestra.com. Caryn S. Fogel is a writer who has practiced yoga and kirtan for more than 20 years.
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Community Spotlight
Meet Khris Dodge Executive and Artistic Director of The Tucson Jazz Festival by Suzie Agrillo
When did you become the director of the Tucson Jazz Festival?
Funny story. In February 2020 and one month later, the earth shook. The COVID epidemic made our work extremely challenging. The first couple of years doing this job were rough. But we persevered and have come out on the other side pretty positively.
photo credit: Lucas Walker
How have you used the Tucson Jazz Festival to elevate the jazz scene in Tucson?
Khris Dodge
T
ucson’s vibrant jazz scene owes much to the vision and dedication of Khris Dodge, the executive and artistic director of the HSL Properties Tucson Jazz Festival. A longtime Tucson resident and accomplished musician, Dodge has helped shape the city into a destination for jazz lovers by bringing world-class artists together and nurturing local collaborations that keep the music alive year-round.
How long have you lived in Tucson?
I moved to Tucson in the early ’90s to study music at the University of Arizona.
What instruments do you play?
I play piano and I still play professionally a lot. I have a master’s degree in percussion performance, so I can play any percussion instrument out there, from something melodic to banging on a tin can. I spent 20 years playing as a principal percussionist for the Arizona Opera. 14
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By holding a festival and bringing the best artists to Tucson during a concentrated time frame, we attract local jazz fans as well as people who travel here from around the country. We have purposely designed the festival to be attractive to both locals and out-of-towners and we’ve seen the numbers that indicate we’ve become a legitimate destination festival. A secondary part to that is sometimes jazz can be scary for some people who haven’t listened to it before. By exposing people to jazz, people see, hear and realize it’s just another form of expression. In doing so, the Tucson Jazz Festival has also helped birth other collaborations, like the Century Room at Hotel Congress, which is presenting jazz five days a week now. We have created a symbiotic relationship where we help each other out—a rising tide raises all ships.
What about your job makes you the happiest?
Bringing people together. I love the transformative power of music. It speaks a universal language that everyone understands and it’s a unifying force. We have enough things in the world that tear us
apart. Music brings the community together in a constructive way.
My mentor in college, Shadrick Blair, told me, “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.” He was an optimist and it’s amazing what a positive mentor like him can do for our lives.
are well curated and every artist meets the highest standards—the best of the best. If you’re a long-time jazz aficionado, you’re going to love it. If you’re a first-timer and have some trepidation about going to a jazz festival, you’re also going to love it because you’re human and you have a soul. Jazz will resonate with you and open your mind to possibilities you never knew existed before.
What is your favorite piece of music to listen to?
Do you have a favorite quote about music?
What’s the best advice anyone has given you?
It depends on what I want to accomplish. One of my favorites is Clair de lune by Claude Debussy, a composer from the 1800s. I also listen to everything from the jazz greats, Broadway musicals, operas and hard rocking classic rock—basically anything that’s done well, performed by great artists.
Who are some of your favorite jazz musicians?
The list is too long. Of course, I like the legends like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, but I am also a big fan of the younger generation of artists today. There is no shortage of great musicians to listen to.
Khris Dodge
How else do you give back to the community?
I conduct the Tucson Pops. These performances provide free access to music for the whole community. I do some seminar teaching when I have the time. I’m also a member of the Rotary Club of Tucson and I serve on the boards of several nonprofits.
Is there anything else you can tell us about the upcoming festival?
I can say this. The festival will present a diverse mix of live jazz. All of the artists
Several come to mind: “It’s not exclusive, but inclusive, which is the whole spirit of jazz,” Herbie Hancock; “What we play is life,” Louis Armstrong; “Life is a lot like jazz—it’s best when you improvise,” George Gershwin; and “Where words fail, music speaks,” Hans Christian Andersen. For information on the upcoming Tucson Jazz Festival, including dates, locations and tickets, visit TucsonJazzFestival.org or follow the festival on social media @TucsonJazzFest. See ad, page 8. Suzie Agrillo is a freelance writer in Tucson and a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings Magazine. She focuses her writing on the arts, inspirational people and the human connection. Connect at SuzieInTheOldPueblo@gmail.com.
January 2026
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Feature Story
indahlestar29 _ Indah Lestari/CanvaPro
The Power of Integrative Medicine A Guide to Whole-Person Care by Hannah Tytus
A
s interest in health and wellness grows, more people are seeking medical models that go beyond symptom treatment and disease management. Integrative medicine has emerged as one such approach, blending conventional and complementary methods to address the health of the whole person. An integrative health approach offers a practical, evidenceinformed framework for personalized care. Its focus is shifting the conversation to prevention by cultivating holistic health that goes beyond the absence of disease.
Defining Integrative Medicine
The Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health defines integrative medicine as a philosophy that emphasizes the practitioner-patient relationship, focuses on the whole person, is evidence based and draws on all appropriate therapies and lifestyle approaches that promote optimal health and healing.
Brent Bauer, M.D., a professor of medicine and the research chair for Mayo Clinic Integrative Medicine and Health, describes it as “bringing the best of both conventional and evidence-based complementary therapies together to optimally meet the needs of the patient. We simply ask, what is the best therapy for the individual patient? That gets us back to what I would think of as plain old good medicine.” On an integrative health team, medical doctors may work alongside acupuncturists, naturopaths, herbalists, chiropractors, massage therapists or any number of specialized practitioners. “Integrative medicine is taking the best of what we call Western medicine and integrating it into what is practiced in other parts of the world to create a health plan where the patient is the focus,” says Hakima Amri, Ph.D., co-director of the integrative medicine and health sciences program at Georgetown University. These other
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medicine systems include Traditional Chinese Medicine, Indian Ayurveda, UnaniTibb medicine, homeopathy and others.
The Whole-Person Mindset
Integrative medicine is about viewing patients holistically, considering all parts of their humanity. Rather than examining organs or systems in isolation, practitioners evaluate the multitude of factors that influence illness or well-being. It emphasizes disease prevention, resilience building and health restoration throughout the lifespan. “We bring a whole team of practitioners to work with the patient, to look at the patient as a whole and not only treat symptoms, but to truly heal the patient,” explains Amri. Whole-person health rests on five key principles: patient-centered, relationship-based care; personalized health plans; attention to physical, mental and spiritual well-being; prevention and self-responsibility; and collaboration across modalities and providers. It acknowledges the patient as being embedded in environmental, relational, emotional and spiritual contexts that each play a part.
Integrative Medicine in Practice
Bauer explains how an integrative approach might work for a surgery patient. “If they have pain, a conventional approach might include medications, physical therapy or perhaps an injection. As an integrative physician, I have an even larger toolkit with things
520.888.3955 such as acupuncture, tuina (a Chinese bodywork technique), massage, mind-body practices like yoga and meditation, herbs and supplements, and low-level laser therapy.” As the medical doctor leading the team, Bauer confers with other in-house practitioners to build a customized care plan. This expanded toolkit gives him a better chance of finding a therapy that not only works for the patient but also fits their personal preferences to optimize their quality of life.
Why Whole-Person Health Matters
“Chronic conditions are the biggest plight to humanity today. People are living with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, allergies, irritable bowel disorders and more, often with multiple conditions at once,” says Amri. Chronic disease is now a leading health challenge in the United States, heavily impacting quality of life for many. One in four American adults lives with chronic pain. At the same time, the use of complementary and integrative approaches has risen sharply from 19.2 percent in 2002 to 36.7 percent in 2022, with increases in yoga and meditation leading the growth. “I think integrative medicine is an excellent approach for any patient,” says Bauer. “But I think it really shines when it comes to patients with chronic disease. By definition, most chronic illnesses are ones that conventional medicine cannot cure.” At the Mayo Clinic, he sees firsthand how integrative approaches can transform lives. He often introduces mindfulness and biofeedback-based meditation to help patients manage stress. Beyond symptom relief, Bauer emphasizes a comprehensive lifestyle framework rooted in integrative principles that include balanced nutrition, regular exercise, daily mind-body practice, restorative sleep, strong social and spiritual connections, and time in nature, finding these evidencebased habits to be not only restorative, but profoundly transformative.
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Feature Story Misconceptions and Skepticism
When it comes to innovative healing philosophies, myths abound. Here are some common misconceptions about integrative medicine. • Myth: Integrative medicine is exotic. People often think it is coming from elsewhere— other people’s traditions—and not our culture, yet many of the modalities were founded in the West, including naturopathy, chiropractic, osteopathy and homeopathy, notes Amri. • Myth: Integrative is the same as alternative. Integrative medicine is not alternative medicine. Alternative therapies replace conventional care, often without scientific evidence, while integrative medicine combines evidence-based approaches for positive outcomes. • Myth: There is little scientific evidence. According to Amri, the assumption that there is no scientific evidence to support the use of integrative medicine is 30 years out of date. Today, almost every major healing modality has been studied. Bauer highlights the scale of research, pointing to the Mayo Clinic Integrative Medicine program, which has published more than 600 peer-reviewed manuscripts covering hundreds of clinical trials over three decades showing the benefits of massage, acupuncture and mind-body practices.
Communicating With Healthcare Providers
Although one-third of adults report using complementary and integrative medicine modalities, at least 42 percent of users do not disclose their integrative therapy usage to their doctor. This nondisclosure can be dangerous, as many integrative modalities can potentially interact with medications or chronic conditions. Amri offers an example: “Ginkgo biloba is good for improving memory, but it is also a blood thinner. If someone is on prescription blood thinners, it could cause serious complications.” Many herbs and supplements can interact with prescription medications and preexisting conditions, so it is very important to establish an open and honest dialogue with healthcare providers. To facilitate good conversations, Amri advises patients to be open and well-prepared. She encourages patients to bring their research materials with them to their appointments:
“Do your research ahead of time,” she says. “If there are papers or studies you find interesting, take them with you and share them with your doctor. Be prepared and explain why you want to try certain therapies.” “Physicians can do their part by listening carefully and by honestly acknowledging where their knowledge base might be limited,” says Bauer. “This is a great time for them to reach out to their integrative medicine colleagues and have them provide guidance to help meet the patient’s needs with evidence-based approaches.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the growth in integrative medicine, key barriers remain. Bauer points to insurance as the biggest gap, explaining, “Very few of these evidence-based, helpful, cost-avoiding therapies are covered by payers. My hope is that we see that change significantly in the immediate future. In a five-to-ten-year time frame, I think we’ll simply drop all the labels and call it good medicine.” Amri also sees the field evolving quickly. “We’ve been training a whole generation of researchers that look at things differently,” she remarks, adding that policy reform and adequate reimbursements are essential to making integrative care more accessible. Integrative medicine brings together evidence, empathy and empowerment, uniting the best of conventional, traditional and complementary approaches. It emphasizes collaboration between patients and providers, shared responsibility for wellness and a comprehensive focus on the whole person. By bridging therapies, fostering dialogue and addressing chronic disease with both science and compassion, integrative care offers a hopeful path to redefining modern health. Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, researcher and content creator at KnoWEwell, P.B.C., and former writer at the National Institutes of Health.
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Green Living
EMF Wellness in 2026 Taking Control of the Radiation from Your Home Router by Lisa Smith, Ph.D., EMRS —or any radiation at all—to access the internet. And you don’t need it all the time. What can you do to take control of your router to start off a healthy 2026? Here are some easy steps you can take on your own:
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lmost all Tucson homes have a router bringing the internet to computers, TVs and “smart” devices, amazingly connecting us to a wealth of information, entertainment and services. The convenience and benefits are undeniable. But this technology comes with an invisible risk: routers use an electromagnetic field (EMF) known as radio-frequency radiation to wirelessly transmit data through the air to our devices. This radiation is a known health hazard, particularly with cumulative exposures over time.
More than 10,000 peer-reviewed studies have documented the serious health effects of RF radiation exposure, including four U.S. government studies. Common symptoms include poor sleep, headaches, skin rashes, anxiety or depression, tinnitus, dizziness and heart palpitations. Long-term exposure increases risks of dementia, infertility and cardiovascular harm. Adding to the evidence of breast, thyroid and colon cancer, a new WHO-funded study has confirmed that RF radiation causes brain cancer. Children are more vulnerable due to their developing brains, thinner skulls and longer lifetime exposures. Some people develop Electromagnetic Radiation Syndrome, having particularly acute and immediate reactions. Routers typically spread unnecessarily high and unsafe amounts of RF radiation throughout homes non-stop, 24/7. But you don’t need such high levels of radiation 20
Tucson Edition
• Only turn the router on when needed; turn it off when you’re sleeping. Think of your router like a lamp. You turn off lights when they’re not needed—do the same for your router to protect your health (and save electricity!). It is especially important to eliminate RF exposure during sleep, when the body heals and repairs. You can use a remote outlet shutoff, such as the SaferTech Wi-Fi Kill Switch, to turn the router off with the click of a button or set a timer to do it automatically. • Shield with a radiation-blocking router guard. Cover your router with a metalmesh cloth guard that blocks some radiation while still allowing connectivity, such as the Signal Tamer router guard. This can reduce radiation by up to 95 percent. • Create space: distance is your friend. Wireless radiation drops off significantly with distance. Keep the router as far away as possible from places where people spend a lot of time: bedrooms, offices, living rooms and kitchens. Especially keep it away from children’s sleep, study and play areas.
DID YOU KNOW? The Arizona Department of Health Services, in partnership with the Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council, recently recognized “electromagnetic fields and Wi-Fi” as environmental toxins. They recommend health facilities, including doctors’ offices, clinics and hospitals, shut off Wi-Fi for people who are sensitive to RF radiation to eliminate barriers to their health care. Tinyurl.com/FCCECFSDownload.
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Help from an IT professional or Building Biologist may be needed for these more highly technical solutions: • Go wired! The safest way to protect yourself from router radiation is to eliminate the radiation completely. Use ethernet cable to connect to the internet and then turn off the Wi-Fi on your router or use a no-Wi-Fi router. Don’t forget to turn off the Wi-Fi on your connected devices too. • Install a low-radiation router. Install a router that keeps radiation levels to a minimum, such as the JRS Eco. • Reduce radiation in router settings. Reduce the emitted radiation to as low as possible while still maintaining connectivity (turn off the 2.45 GHz radio, reduce transmission power or number of SSIDs, or adjust the beacon signal). While implementing these solutions, it’s helpful to measure the radiation so you can make sure you have lowered or eliminated it. The Safe and Sound Pro II meter from Safe Living Technologies is accurate and easy to understand. Last but not least, routers providing home internet through cell towers or wireless rooftop antennas (together known as Fixed Wireless Internet) have negative side effects for entire neighborhoods. In Tucson, Verizon and AT&T are installing 5G “small cell” towers very close to homes and schools to provide this type of internet —without people’s consent. In addition to spreading RF radiation for blocks, the towers have negative effects on neighborhood character, privacy and property values. For the sake of your own health and your neighbors’ well-being, it’s best not to sign up for these services. Lisa Smith, Ph.D., EMRS, is a Building Biology-certified Electromagnetic Radiation Specialist and founder of EMF Wellness Tucson, which offers EMF assessments and mitigation counseling. For more information, call 520-2480461, email LSmith@EMF-Wellness.com or visit EMF-Wellness.com.
Therapy Spotlight
The Gift of Presence
By Agung on AdobeStock.com
How Channeled Readings Can Support Awareness and Inner Guidance
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s a new year begins, many people feel a desire to reconnect with themselves on a deeper level. Often, the clarity or guidance they are seeking is already available through inner awareness or through spiritual guidance that supports insight and conscious choice. This guidance tends to reflect what is happening in a person’s life at any given moment, whether it is fully recognized or not. Being present in each moment plays an essential role in overall well-being. When attention is focused on the here and now, individuals are better able to notice subtle
cues, emotions and intuitive signals. This kind of awareness allows for a more conscious relationship with the energy moving through daily experiences. In this way, presence itself becomes a gift that supports clarity, balance and connection. Many spiritual traditions emphasize that support is always available, but receiving it requires awareness. Choosing to slow down and fully experience the present moment helps quiet mental noise and opens space for insight. Over time, this practice can strengthen trust in inner knowing and foster a deeper sense of alignment.
Channeled readings are one modality some people use to access spiritual guidance. A channel reader works by stepping aside energetically, allowing information to be communicated from a higher level of consciousness through spoken words and embodied presence. This process is intended to offer perspective, reassurance and guidance that may help individuals better understand their current circumstances and next steps. Whether guidance comes through meditation, intuitive reflection, or a channeled reading, presence remains the foundation. When individuals are grounded in the present moment, they may find it easier to receive insight, respond thoughtfully and move forward with greater confidence and trust. Channeled readings are not meant to replace personal responsibility or professional care, but rather to complement self-awareness and personal growth. For those feeling called to explore this type of support, channeled sessions can offer an opportunity to pause, listen and reconnect with inner wisdom. Dawn Rataczak offers channeled readings designed to support awareness, clarity and spiritual connection. Her work focuses on helping individuals deepen presence and access guidance that supports personal insight and conscious living. For information about group or private channeled sessions, call 520-425-7286.
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January 2026
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Conscious Eating
Soulful Sourdough Why This Bread Still Heals by Maya Whitman
S
ourdough, made from flour, water, salt and starter, is the oldest form of leavened bread, originating with the ancient Egyptians. Unlike most yeast breads, sourdough has a low glycemic index and does not spike blood sugar levels. A 2024 study in Foods highlights its benefits compared to other types of bread, including improved digestibility, high mineral and antioxidant content, better blood sugar control and improved dietary fiber composition, including prebiotics to feed healthy gut bacteria. Artisans that master its versatility also find sourdough to be a source of emotional nourishment. “You hear the crust crackle as it cools, smell the warmth of grain and time, and know that something very old and very human has happened in your own kitchen,” says Lisa Robitaille, founder of Great Lakes Sourdough, in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
grafvision from Getty Images/CanvaPro
With knowledge, a good starter and patience, sourdough can become a lifelong friend, offering more than just the iconic crusty loaf. “The same living starter that makes a loaf rise can become the morning’s pancakes, the evening’s pizza or even a tray of chocolate chip cookies,” says Robitaille. “Once you understand how the culture behaves, you can shape it into nearly anything: soft rolls, bagels, waffles, muffins, even pastry.”
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Tucson Edition
A Belly-Friendly Treat
While many yeast breads cause bloating and other gut discomforts, sourdough is gentler. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular consumption of sourdough can improve the intestinal microbiome. “During a long fermentation, the yeast and bacteria produce enzymes that help break down gluten and some carbohydrates and reduce phytic acid, a grain compound that can block mineral absorption. The result is a sourdough bread many people find easier to digest,” explains Katya Nikolov, a cancer research scientist and owner of Dubuque Bakery, in Snohomish, Washington. “My view is simple and science-first: When it is slowly fermented and made with high-quality flour, sourdough can be a delicious, gut-friendly ally within a varied, balanced diet.” According to Emily Harryman, owner of Plain Jane Bakes, in Keller, Texas, and author of the upcoming cookbook Plain Jane Sourdough, her customers with irritable bowel syndrome and gluten intolerance attest to sourdough’s superiority. “I had one customer in particular who relayed to me that my bread was the only bread she could eat,” Harryman boasts. “She took my sourdough class before she moved out of state so she could replicate it in her new home. It was such a blessing to her.”
Tips for Beginners
A sourdough starter is a live, active, fermented culture made from flour and water that acts as a leavening agent for baked goods, replacing commercial yeast and providing a signature tangy flavor. Sourdough starters vary greatly depending on water-toflour ratios (from liquid to stiff), flavor profiles (from tangy to sour to slightly sweet) and flour types (from whole grain rye to whole wheat to unbleached all-purpose). The secret to sourdough success is letting nature take its course.
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Fresh herbs, fruit, cheese, seeds or chocolate can be folded into the dough for a delicious taste experience, but behind every fresh-from-the-oven masterpiece is a good starter. Each one is unique, thanks to a mélange of elements. As Harryman explains, “When the wild yeasts from the starter mingle and consume the sugars in the flour, carbon dioxide gas is released. The dough’s gluten network traps the gas, causing the dough to rise, yielding sourdough’s renowned, airy crumb.” “Sourdough bread baking isn’t just following a recipe; it’s understanding the living system in your bowl and a constant response to a changing environment like temperature, season, humidity and flour,” says Nikolov, who recommends using a scale, keeping notes and aiming for steady, comfortable temperatures between 72° and 78° F for both the starter and dough. She generally prefers clean, non-processed, organic whole-grain flours milled directly from the grain, as well as ancient wheats like einkorn and spelt. For reliability and depth of flavor, Harryman suggests acquiring a mature starter fed with organic flour, ideally dark rye. This can be accomplished by connecting with a local sourdough baker or ordering a well-reviewed, dehydrated sourdough starter. “They are fairly easy to revive, and some are nearly 100 years old in maturity,” she explains. For a glutenfree option, she recommends building a starter from scratch to be sure of its purity. Robitaille underscores the importance of time, grain and imagination for flavor. “Red Fife [a North American heirloom wheat variety] brings a quiet sweetness; rye adds depth and spice; and whole wheat speaks of the harvest field,” she explains. In a busy world, baking bread can be a grounding, meditative act that also nourishes family and friends. “There is a kind of stillness in the act of baking that feels sacred. You watch a living culture transform simple ingredients into sustenance,” she muses. “That, to me, is magic.” Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.
FRENCH ONION SOURDOUGH
Raw milk Gruyère cheese, organic onions caramelized in beef tallow and fresh chives make this loaf truly memorable. YIELD: 1 LOAF
To caramelize the onions, heat the beef tallow in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the onions and stir to coat. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply browned and caramelized, about 45 minutes to an hour. Keep the onions in the refrigerator until they are ready to be used. In a large glass bowl, combine the flour, active starter, water, beef stock, salt, chives and caramelized onions. Mix thoroughly. The bulk fermentation process begins as soon as the starter is mixed with the other ingredients, which means that the dough will rise and grow in size while it ferments. Cover the dough with a damp linen kitchen towel and let it rest for 1 hour at room temperature. Stretch and fold the dough as follows: With lightly wet fingertips, grab a portion of the dough and stretch it upward. Fold the dough over toward the center of the bowl. Give the bowl a quarter turn and repeat the stretch and fold. Continue to turn, stretch and fold until the circle is complete. Cover the dough and let it sit for 30 minutes. Repeat this stretch-and-fold process two more times, letting the dough rest for 30 minutes in between.
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4 cups plus 2 Tbsp organic bread flour ¾ cup active sourdough starter 2 cups plus 2 tsp room-temperature water ½ cup grass-fed beef stock 1½ tsp salt 1½ Tbsp fresh chives 1 small organic onion, sliced thin 1 Tbsp beef tallow 3 oz raw milk Gruyère, cubed
Evenly distribute the cheese over the surface of the dough and perform one more set of stretch and folds.
Transfer the banneton basket to the refrigerator and let the loaf cold proof for 12 to 24 hours.
Continue to ferment the dough for 2 to 4 more hours until it has proofed or domed in the bowl with various sized bubbles visible along the sides of the dough. (The dough will ferment faster on a warm day and slower on a chilly day.)
Place an oven-safe cast iron Dutch oven with the lid onto the center rack of the oven. Preheat the oven to 490° F.
Once the dough has proofed, turn it out onto a clean work surface and shape it into a ball by hand—this is called a pre-shape. Let it rest for 10 minutes on the counter uncovered.
Once the oven has preheated, remove the loaf from the refrigerator and turn it out onto a 12-by-12-inch piece of unbleached parchment paper. Using a bread lame knife (or sharp paring knife), score the loaf down the center. Top with finely grated Gruyère and fresh chives.
After this pre-shape, it is time to shape the dough. The goal is to create good tension that will help keep the dough’s shape while it bakes. Prepare a banneton (or extra-large bowl) lined with a linen cloth generously dusted with flour. Turn the dough top side down, then perform a letter fold, folding top to center then bottom to center.
Transfer the loaf on the parchment paper into the Dutch oven and seal it with the lid. Bake covered for 25 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes uncovered.
Roll the loaf like a burrito and crimp the sides. Place the loaf into the banneton. If any cubes of cheese are sticking out on the bottom of the dough, tuck them in by pulling a bit of dough over them. This will prevent the bottom of the crust from burning.
Cut the loaf once it has fully cooled and store it wrapped in a linen kitchen towel at room temperature for up to three days.
Remove the loaf from the oven and immediately transfer it to a wire rack to cool.
Recipe courtesy of Emily Harryman.
January 2026
23
Calendar of Events
Monday, January 19
NOTE TO OUR READERS: All events were accurate at press time; we suggest confirming these details with the hosts before attending. Please check NaturalTucson.com to enter your events or find others.
In Commemoration of Martin Luther King: Healing Sounds from Around the World – 7-8:15pm. An evening of meditative live music and global instruments. Experience sound healing and reflection led by Miguel Molina and Bodhi Bob Effertz. By donation. The Yoga Connection, 3929 E Pima. 520-323-1222. YogaConnection.org.
Thursday, January 1
Sunday, January 11
New Year’s Day Intention Setting Ceremony with Cacao Ceremony and Voice – 3-5pm. With Joseph Moffitt and Casey Shaw. Vocal resonance breath, ceremonial cacao and gentle postures to awaken the body and open the heart. Registration required. $40. The Yoga Connection, 3929 E Pima. 520-323-1222. YogaConnection.org.
Channeled Personal Readings – 2:30-3:30pm. Would you like to seek counsel for your life’s journey or ask about a loved one who has passed over? This is a group session where each person may ask a question. $20. Private home. Call Dawn 520-425-7286 for further details.
Saturday, January 3 Restorative Reset: Crystal Bowls & Chimes – 1:303pm. Restorative postures with crystal singing bowls and Koshi chimes guide deep calm and renewal. Led by Amanda Elias with Vaughn Gregory. $20; $10/ All Access. The Yoga Connection, 3929 E Pima. 520-323-1222. YogaConnection.org.
Sunday, January 4 Free Stress-free Workshop: MELT Intro Class – 1-2:30pm. Experience the MELT Method in a 90-minute intro class reducing inflammation, pain and tension using soft rollers. Led by Ann Ramsey. Donations support Ben’s Bell’s and The Yoga Connection. The Yoga Connection, 3929 E Pima. 520-323-1222. YogaConnection.org.
Mark Your Calendar Taizé First Tuesday of the Month 6:45-7:30pm Our Taize service is beautiful, candlelit, with prayer, singing, music, contemplative readings, meditation and silence. No charge.
Tuesday, January 13 Channeled Personal Reading – 7:30-8:30pm. Would you like to seek counsel for your life’s journey or ask about a loved one who has passed over? This a group session where each person may ask a question. $20. Unity Church, Annex Bldg, Classroom #2., 3617 N Camino Blanco Pl. Call Dawn Rataczak 520-425-7286 for further details.
Friday, January 16 Energy Practices for Staying Present and Calm – 6:30-8:30pm. 1/16: 6:30-8:30pm; 1/17: 3-5pm; 1/18: 3-5pm. This three-session weekend series explores practices to elevate consciousness, self-regulate the nervous system and cultivate peace. Led by Danielle “Rain” Dvorak. $125. The Yoga Connection, 3929 E Pima. 520-323-1222. YogaConnection.org.
St. Michael's Episcopal Church 602 N Wilmot Rd, 85710
Mark Your Calendar
Contact Steve Wagner Text: 520-400-2137 SJTucson@aol.com
Beginner’s Guide to Meditation
Mark Your Calendar Bio-Touch Meetup & Practice January 10 • 9-11am 5634 E Pima St, 85712 Bio-TouchDoveMountain.com/ meetup Bio-Touch Practitioner Training January 20 • 9am-4:30pm Live / Online: 8 Hours of CE for nurses, doulas and massage therapists JustTouch.com/product/virtualpractitioner-training-step-1 Workshop: Supporting Caregivers January 22 • 6-7pm 1 CE hour for RN, LMT Live on YouTube and Facebook JustTouch.com/product/healthcondition-workshop
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Mindfulness Meditation Workshop – 6:308:30pm. 1/9: 6:30-8:30pm; 1/10: 9:30am-4pm; 1/11: 9:30am-3:30pm. Silent meditation retreat fosters clarity, resilience and presence. All levels, in person or online. $80: full weekend; $15:1/9 only. Tucson Community Meditation Center, 1147 N Howard Blvd. TucsonMeditation.org. ExecDirector@ TucsonMeditation.org. 520-329-2213.
Tucson Edition
Sunday, January 25 Goddess Yoga: Introduction & Practice to the Goddess Kali – 1-3pm. This workshop supports those navigating transition through yoga, breathwork and meditation, exploring Kali Ma’s archetype of endings, courage and renewal to build resilience, release and create space for growth. By donation. The Yoga Connection, 3929 E Pima. 520-323-1222. YogaConnection.org. Channeled Personal Readings – 2:30-3:30pm. Would you like to seek counsel for your life’s journey or ask about a loved one who has passed over? This is a group session where each person may ask a question. $20. Private home. Call Dawn 520-425-7286 for further details.
Friday, January 30 Kirtan, an Evening of Chanting – 6:30pm7:30am. Chanting is half the battle on the spiritual path said Yogananda. RSVP to Evey 520-6975982. No charge. Ananda Tucson Meditation Center, 1002 E. Prince Rd. AnandaTucson.org.
Saturday, January 31 Tibetan Gong Bath – 4-5:30pm. Experience the healing power of sound with the Paiste Earth Gong, which helps restore the body’s natural vibrational frequency. Mats and props provided. Led by Danielle “Rain” Dvorak. Preregistration required. $30 or $25 All Access Pass. The Yoga Connection, 3929 E Pima. 520-323-1222. YogaConnection.org.
Mark Your Calendar Social Dance Heals
January 18 • 1-2:30pm
Saturdays, January 31 - May 16 • 3-5pm
Learn meditation practices and mindfulness exercises and how to incorporate them into daily life. Explore ways to relax and balance mind and body while cultivating greater energy, vitality, health, happiness, and spiritual growth. Designed for beginners and those returning to a meditation practice. Led by Priscilla Potter, RYT-500. By donation The Yoga Connection, 3929 E Pima, 85712 520-323-1222 • YogaConnection.org
A 14-week affordable social dance course featuring salsa, waltz, swing and more. Enjoy great music, movement, connection, and fun in a welcoming community setting. Cost: $100.50 plus fees; 50 percent off tuition for ages 55+ Pima Community College West Campus Dance Studio 2202 W. Anklam Rd, 85709 520-743-1349 • Pima.edu Kparafinczuk@Pima.edu
See INTUITIVE,
HEALING ARTS & YOGA on page 10.
NaturalTucson.com
Ongoing Events
Daily Warmpool Peaceful Floating – 10am-6pm. 90 min, by appt. Wednesdays-Saturdays. Santa Rita Springs invites you to float in our indoor warm pool. $20/solo/duet; $35/3-5 guests. Santa Rita Springs, 2301 N Santa Rita Ave. Text: 520-990-1857. SantaRitaSprings@gmail.com. SantaRitaSprings.com.
Sunday First Sunday Antique Vintage Fair – 8am-2pm. First Sunday. Over 100 vendors, great deals and a beautiful park. No better way to spend your Sunday. Medella Vina Ranch, 4450 S Houghton. 520-298-1983. Sitting Together, a Morning of Meditation Practice – 8:30am-12pm. First Sunday. Spacious morning of meditation, walking and connection. Join for any part. Shared silence and stillness, offered on a donation basis. All are welcome. Tucson Community Meditation Center, 1147 N Howard Blvd. TucsonMeditation.org. Sunday Morning Silent Meditation TCMC – 8:30-9:20am. Second Sunday. Join our Sunday morning meditation with John. Open to all levels. Sit in stillness deepen practice and connect in community afterward. By donation. Tucson Community Meditation Center, 1147 N Howard Blvd. TucsonMeditation.org. Unity of Tucson Spiritual Center Sunday Celebration – 9:15-10:30am. Our purpose is to provide a safe, inclusive space for exploring New Thought principles to master understanding, find purpose and develop a spiritual path. Unity of Tucson Spiritual Center, 3617 N Camino Blanco. 520-577-3300. UnityTucson.com. New Mind, New World - Buddhist Philosophy and Meditation for Daily Life – 10-11:15am. Buddhist teachings and meditation to help us to understand the root of our problems and their solutions. No charge. Kadampa Meditation Center Arizona, 5326 E Pima St. 520-441-1617. MeditationInTucson.org. Aldea Spiritual Community: Weekly Gathering – 9:30-10:30am and 10:45-11:45am. Join us Sundays for coffee, music, meditation and a message on practical spirituality. Kids’ program available. All ages welcome. No charge. Aldea Spiritual Community, 8800 N La Cañada Dr, Oro Valley. AldeaSpiritualCommunity.org. Center for Spiritual Living Tucson Sunday Celebration Service – 11am-12:15pm. With Rev. Rhonda Tretsven. An inclusive spiritual alternative offering spiritual solutions to everyday challenges. Meditation: 10:30am. By donation. CSL Tucson, 3617 N Camino Blanco. 520-319-1042. CSLT911@ gmail.com. TucsonCSL.org. Church of Mankind Services – 2-3:30pm. Celebrating 48 years. Services every Sunday at 2pm and Thursday at 7:30pm. We have scripture, laying on of hands healing and Holy Spirit Communication in every service. Church of Mankind, 1231 S Van Buren Ave. Unity of Tucson at Saddlebrooke – 4-5pm. Fourth Sunday. Unity of Tucson hosts a monthly Celebration Service at the Desert View Performing Arts Center—music, message and spiritual community. Desert View Preforming Arts Center, 39900 S Clubhouse Dr. 520-818-1000. UnityTucson.com.
Govinda's Sunday Feast and Bhakti Program – 5:30pm. 7pm ten-course feast. Govinda’s Hare Krishna temple and vegetarian restaurant hosts a wonderful program. No charge. Govinda’s Natural Foods, 711 E Blacklidge. 520-792-0630. GovindasOfTucson.com.
Monday WATSU Aqua Massage – 10am. With Katelyn Schombert. LMT. WATSU is aquatic bodywork combining warm water and shiatsu to unwind trauma, pain and stress. MossWATSU@gmail.com or text 520-627-5277 to schedule. Santa Rita Springs, 2301 N Santa Rita Ave. SantaRitaSprings.com. How to Transform Your Life – 10:30-11:15am. Buddhist teachings and meditation to help us to understand the root of our problems and their solutions. No charge. Kadampa Meditation Center Arizona, 5326 E Pima St. 520-441-1617. MeditationInTucson.org. Meaning & Mortality: Creative Conversation and Tucson Friendly & Fearless Death Café – 4:307pm. First Monday. Safe, respectful Death Cafe conversations aim to increase awareness of death. Hosted by Isabel Amorous. No charge. Ward 2, 7820 E Broadway. Facebook.com/TucsonDeathCafe. Meditating in Community, with Blake Barton – 6-7:15pm. Each class will begin with 30-40 minutes of guided meditation. All levels welcome. $5-10 per class or $20-40 per month by donation. Tucson Community Meditation Center, 1147 N Howard Blvd. Offerings.TucsonMeditation.org.
Tuesday WATSU Aqua Massage – 10am. With Katelyn Schombert. LMT. WATSU is aquatic bodywork combining warm water and shiatsu to unwind trauma, pain and stress. MossWATSU@gmail.com or text 520-627-5277 to schedule. Santa Rita Springs, 2301 N Santa Rita Ave. SantaRitaSprings.com. Mindfulness Yoga – 10-11:15am. Each class includes guided relaxation, mindful movement and seated practice, suitable for all levels. Bring a yoga mat if you have one. Suggested donation: $7–$15. Tucson Community Meditation Center, 1147 N Howard Blvd. Offerings.TucsonMeditation.org. Tuesday Peer-led Silent Meditation Sit – 5-6pm. Join a quiet in-person meditation with Barry Reflow and Molly McKasson. Together, cultivate stillness, clarity and connection in supportive community through shared silence. By donation. Tucson Community Meditation Center, 1147 N Howard Blvd. Offerings.TucsonMeditation.org. Thriving ~ Together – 6:30-7:30pm. Join by Zoom or in-person at TCMC. This weekly class blends meditation, restorative tools and neuroscience to support balance, resilience, and well-being. All levels welcome. By donation. Tucson Community Meditation Center, 1147 N Howard Blvd. Offerings. TucsonMeditation.org.
Death, Dying, Near Death Experiences and Thoughts About the Afterlife – 7-8:30pm. First, third and fifth Tuesday. Join David Swift for a biweekly Zoom discussion. No charge. Zoom link email ArizonaParanormalTimes@gmail.com or text 520-683-4494.
Wednesday All-levels Yoga Class – 9-10am. Harrison Hills Mobile Park, 4675 S Harrison Rd. Must register to receive gate code via text. $11 dropin. Register: BlissfullyBe.com. Virtual Tucson Friendly & Fearless Death Café – 10-11:30am. First Wednesday. Safe, respectful Death Cafe conversations aim to increase awareness of death. No agenda, counseling, or therapy. No charge. Visit Facebook.com/Tucson DeathCafe for Zoom link. Ai Chi with Connie Seddon – 10-11:15am. Guided aquatic moving meditation. Calms thoughts and nerves, gently stretches muscles, improves balance, range of motion and energy, while standing in 96-degree saltwater indoor pool. $20/class. Santa Rita Springs, 2301 N Santa Rita Ave. Register: 520-245-6616 or ConnieSeddon@gmail.com. SantaRitaSprings.com. Aquacize with Rebecca Lennon – 12-1:15pm. Join us in a 96-degree private indoor salt water pool for a safe, head to toe aquatic workout focusing on strength, balance and joint mobility. Free trial class. $200/8 consecutive classes. Santa Rita Springs, 2301 N Santa Rita Ave. Register: 520-444-8636 or B43Lennon@aol.com. SantaRitaSprings.com. Mindfulness and Loving Kindness with Chuong Tran – 6pm. Explore Shinzen Young’s “Five Ways” meditation with Chuong Tran, blending creativity, love, and skillful awareness. By donation. Tucson Community Meditation Center, 1147 N Howard Blvd. Offerings.TucsonMeditation.org.
Thursday Aqua Strong at Santa Rita Springs – 1011:30am. Improve mobility and strength in 96-degree heated saltwater pool with certified personal trainer leading this full body workout and gentle stretching. $20/class. Sharon Powell: 520-3316562. Santa Rita Springs, 2301 N Santa Rita Ave. SantaRitaSprings.com. Sadhana, Yoga & Meditation – 11am-12:35pm. Join us to energize, practice yoga, chant and meditate. Evey: 520-697-5982. No charge. Ananda Tucson Meditation Center, 1002 E Prince Rd. AnandaTucson.org. Mindfull Aquatics – 12-1pm. While mindfully moving in warm, healing salt water, we learn ways to calm the mind, regain mobility and strengthen the body. Brain Gym and Psych-K are used. With Becca Howard, LPC, CCHT: 520-869-2327. $20, $70/month. Santa Rita Springs, 2301 N Santa Rita Ave. 520-990-1857. SantaRitaSprings.com.
Buddhist Meditations & Practices for the Modern World – 6:30-7:45pm. Buddhist teachings & meditation to help us stop the causes of suffering. No charge. Kadampa Meditation Center Arizona, 5326 E Pima St. 520-441-1617. MeditationInTucson.org.
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Ongoing Events
Community Resource Guide
Community Clinic Acupuncture – 5-8:15pm. This is a great way to try acupuncture out for the first time or to add additional treatments to your plan. $10. Arizona School of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, 2856 E Fort Lowell. 520795-5999. ASAOM.edu.
Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email Holly@NaturalTucson.com to request our media kit. Check out our online directory at NaturalTucson.com and enter your free online listing.
Heart of Recovery-Sarpashana – 6-7:30pm. Heart of Recovery offers meditation, readings and open sharing in a safe, supportive space. All are welcome. For more information contact Linda at 520-305-1764 or Gary at 520-850-7300. By donation. Tucson Community Meditation Center, 1147 N Howard Blvd. Offerings.TucsonMeditation.org. Artist’s Way Classes – 6-8:30pm. Begins 1/22. Connect, create and discover your authentic self with The Artist’s Way. Discover your inner magic in this transformational class. . $320 for eight-week class. Aldea Spiritual Community, 8800 N La Cañada Dr, Oro Valley. AldeaSpiritualCommunity.org. Yin Yoga Class – 7-8pm. Waterfall Yoga believes in a holistic approach that incorporates nature, sound healing, meditation, breathwork and physical postures to bring balance to your body. $20 per person. Waterfall Yoga, 3460 W Peterson Pl. 520-275-1915. WaterfallYoga.net.
Friday
Paranormal Friday – 5:30-8pm.Third Fridays. Guest speakers plus dinner and networking with other paranormal enthusiasts. Kettle Restaurant Meeting Room 748 W Star Pass Blvd. 248-497-5869. Get tickets here: TucsonParanormalSociety.com.
Saturday Mini Psychic Fair – 10am-1pm. 1st Sat. We offer a variety of spiritual readings. Seashells, egyptian sand, rocks, abstract art, sparkle, psychometry and tea readings. Church of Mankind, 1231 S Van Buren Ave. Simply Meditate: 30-minute Guided Meditations – 10-10:30am. Guided meditations designed to lead to inner peace and mental clarity and to increase our love and compassion for others. No charge. Kadampa Meditation Center Arizona, 5326 E Pima St. 520-441-1617. MeditationInTucson.org. Meditation, Chant and healing prayer – 1011:30am. First & third Saturdays. Many feel very relaxed after chant and meditation (40-minutes). No charge. Ananda Tucson Meditation Center, 1002 E Prince Rd. 520-697-5982. AnandaTucson.org Tucson Metaphysics Fair – 10am-4pm. Fourth Saturday. Fourth Saturday. Mediums, psychics, angelic and tarot, astrology, palm reading, divination, reiki and much more. Prices vary. Mystic Cavern Metaphysical, 6546 E 22nd St. 520-4056062. TucsonMetaphysicsFair.com. Aquacize with Rebecca Lennon – 12-1:15pm. 96-degree private indoor salt water pool for a safe, head to toe aquatic workout, focusing on strength, balance and joint mobility. Free trial class. $200/8-consecutive classes. Santa Rita Springs, 2301 N Santa Rita Ave. Register: 520-444-8636 or B43Lennon@aol.com. SantaRitaSprings.com.
Acupuncture ARIZONA SCHOOL OF ACUPUNCTURE & ORIENTAL MEDICINE 2856 E Fort Lowell Rd, 85716 520-795-5999 • ASAOM.EDU
Traditional Chinese Medicine is one of the fastest growing health professions today and joining integrative medicine worldwide. ASAOM offers four Masters level Programs. Come experience clinical treatments at affordable prices. Learn about Acupuncture, Bodywork, Cupping, Guasha, Chinese Herbs and Nutrition.
Nathan Anderson, LAc 3208 E Fort Lowell Rd, Ste 106, 85716 520-999-0080 CatalinaAcupunctureTucson.com Nathan Anderson, LAc treats chronic and acute pain and illness. In addition to his practice, Nathan is faculty at the Arizona School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and fellowship faculty with the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. Insurance Accepted. See ad, page 21.
Aesthetics & Medspa ADVANCED DERMACARE Diane D Lowery 7484 N LaCholla Blvd, 85741 520-888-3955 AdvancedDermaCare.com
Where Science Meets Soulful Radiance, we offer more than skincare—we offer sanctuary. From DiamondTip facials to herbal-infused hydration, salt therapy to red light rejuvenation, every treatment is a love letter to your skin and spirit. Your radiance begins here. See ad, page 17.
—Karen Lamb Tucson Edition
Suzanne Pear, RN PhD, LE COE CQH 5160 E Glenn St, Ste 150, 85712
520-400-8109 • PamperedSkinStudio.com If you believe less is more, Dr. Suzie (PhD in Epidemiology) is the Nurse-Aesthetician for you. She provides customized nature-based, holistic skin rejuvenation therapies for all skin types, ethnicities and sensitivities while educating you about your skin concerns and care. See ad, page 9.
Aqua Therapy SANTA RITA SPRINGS
Dorothy Richmond, LMT since 1983 2301 N Santa Rita Ave, 85719 Aquatic Massage • Jin Shin Jyutsu Craniosacral Therapy • Watsu Integrative Massage 520-990-1857 • SantaRitaSprings@gmail.com Water is life… 80-minutes of Bliss. Immersed in heavenly 96-degree saltwater inside our poolhouse, receive massage, shiatsu, energy work, great stretches, flowing movement and maybe Aquatic Craniosacral Therapy to deliciously unwind trauma and strain patterns. See ad, page 21.
CATALINA ACUPUNCTURE
A year from now you may wish you had started today. 26
PAMPERED SKIN & SOUL STUDIO
NaturalTucson.com
Astrology KEY OCHO
The Chiron Guide Key@KeyOcho.com • TheChironGuide.com Key Ocho, The Chiron Guide, offers personalized spiritual coaching for seekers who are ready to heal emotional wounds through Chiron in their birth chart. Her signature Wounded Healer sessions blend intuitive insight, sound healing, and sacred tools to help you reclaim clarity, purpose and wholeness.
BodyTalk SOL PAGS
BodyTalk Practitioner & Intuition Coach Contact@SolPags.com Support for your busy lifestyle. BodyTalk practitioner Sol Pags helps women self-regulate without disrupting daily life through BodyTalk energy healing and intuition coaching. BodyTalk considers the wholeperson for lasting balance and well-being.
Bodywork
Cleaning Services
Colon Hydrotherapy
SYLVIA BOYED
PURMAID
VERY SPECIAL ALTERNATIVES
Sylvia Boyed, MA, VMT, CST. Now welcoming new clients. Restorative bodywork and energetic healing for physical and emotional well-being. 14+ years experience in energetically applied visceral manipulation and craniosacral therapies. Specializing in treatment of head injuries, tinnitus and post-surgical rehabilitation. See ad, page 11.
PurMaid LLC provides professional green cleaning services to Tucson homes and businesses. Locally owned and operated. Special offer: $50 off initial cleaning. See ad for details. See ad, page 16.
6979 E Broadway Blvd, Ste 109, 85710 520-370-3689 • SylviaBoyed.com
KEN READER, LMT, RYT
The Right Touch Massage Therapy 3958 E Fort Lowell Rd, 85712 520-230-9103 (cell) 520-326-7675 (Right Touch Massage) RightTouchMassageTherapy.com Experienced Pain Relief therapist and wellness provider with 25 years as Reiki/Cranial therapist. Shiatsu, Thai and Manual Lymphatic massage. Facial massage: jade rolling, gua sha with cold jade tools, facial cupping and facial acu points. Also offering yoga privates, text 520-230-9103.
Bookkeeping AT PEACE BOOKKEEPING Amanda Pihl 760-709-2188 AtPeaceBookkeeping.com
At Peace Bookkeeping helps small businesses stay financially grounded with reliable, stress-free support. Offering cleanups, monthly maintenance, and QuickBooks expertise, Amanda brings clarity and calm to your numbers— so you can focus on growing your business with confidence and ease.
Channeled Readings INTUITIVE AND CHANNEL Dawn Rataczak 520-425-7286
Requesting guidance is a natural response to the constant activity of each day which may leave one feeling drained. Moving toward a higher connection to the self is a saving grace. Offering group or private sessions. Call to request further details.
520-331-2629 PurmaidTucson@gmail.com PurMaids.com
Coaching, Counseling & Guidance ARMORLESS BODY THERAPIES
Randy Usem, LMT, Radix Practitioner Near Campbell & Grant 520-312-9563 TucsonEmotionalAndTraumaTherapy.com TucsonMassageAndBodyTherapy.com Affordable alternative or a ddition to traditional therapy. Radix is a neo-Reichian, deep feeling, regressive process similar to bio-energetics and primal therapy. Exploring with breath, body awareness, centering and grounding to access anger, fear, grief, longing and restore love, trust, pleasure, fulfillment and aliveness.
BLISSFULLY BE HOLISTIC WELLNESS
Shawna Roberts, NBC-HWC, LMT, RYT-200 421 N Schrader Ln, 85748 520-216-5699 • BlissfullyBe.com Shawna believes in connecting clients with their values to enable behavior changes towards a healthier lifestyle, especially surrounding food. Everybody has to eat. Food can either be medicine or it can be poison, the choice is yours.
IT'S TIME FOR MOXIE
Deb Beroset 312-436-2160Deb@ItsTimeForMoxie.com ItsTimeForMoxie.com Tired of playing small? Moxie coaching blends neuroscience-backed and womancentered coaching with deep creativity and personal transformation. Whether in one-on-one or group programs, you’ll reclaim confidence, creative spark and self-trust to shape a life that feels fully yours. Book a free intro call: MoxieTime. as.me/introductory-call. See ad, page 15.
Vonnie Schultz Albrecht, RN 2028 E Prince Rd, Rm 9, 85719 520-403-1686 VerySpecialAlternatives@gmail.com VerySpecialAlternatives.net Heal.me/Vonnie-Schultz-Albrecht-RN RN-delivered colonics. FDAapproved system integrated with a full, closed-gravity option. Infrared Therapy included! Probiotic reflorastation and ozone therapies available. Warm, supportive healing environment. Affordable rates and packages. By appointment, flexible hours. Free 15-minute consult!
Dental Insurance HOLLY BAKER
Retirement Specialist 520-760-2378 • Holly@HollyLBaker.com Providing Solutions for Your Retirement With dental insurance, you can prioritize your oral health, save money on routine and emergency dental care and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’re covered in case of unexpected dental issues. Robust plans available at reasonable rates. Book an appointment today! See ad, page 5.
Dentistry E DENTAL SOLUTIONS
Elahe Wissinger, DMD 2810 N Swan Rd, Ste #100, 85712 520-745-5496 • Info@EDentalSolutions.net EDentalSolutions.net Our mission is to build a partnership to achieve optimal dental health. The state-of-the-art technology, attention to our clients’ needs and commitment to continuing education ensure that our clients receive the highest quality care, in a safe and comfortable environment. See ad, back cover.
TUCSON BIOLOGICAL DENTISTRY
Jeanne Anne Krizman, DMD, MPH 1601 N Tucson Blvd, Ste 35, 85716 520-326-0082 • Smile@KrizmanDental.com
A centrally located biologic and integrative dental office with Tucson’s only International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology accredited dentist. Specializing in general and cosmetic dentistry, mercury-free fillings, safe amalgam removal, implants, extractions, cavitation treatment and ozone therapy. Call for appointment today. See ad, page 2.
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Electromagnetic Wellness EMF WELLNESS TUCSON
Lisa Smith, PhD, EMRS Certified Building Biology Electromagnetic Radiation Specialist 130 E Congress St, Ste 200-110 Info@EMF-Wellness.com • EMF-Wellness.com “Electromagnetic safety for a healthy life” EMF Wellness helps keep Tucson’s homes, schools and work-places safe from unhealthy levels of electromagnetic fields (EMFs). We offer professional EMF assessments with emphasis on reducing exposure to rising levels of microwave radiation from wireless devices and cell towers. Assessments include EMF education and mitigation counseling.
Emotional Freedom Technique - EFT MARIA KINGSLEY
EFT Practitioner, Certified Hypnotherapist 520-780-0170 • KadaKingsley@msn.com Maria-Kingsley.com Emotions run high in many people right now. Do you need help in coping with life? Emotional freedom is just that: an easy tool to deal with upsetting circumstances, anxiety, fears andsickness. It combines energy therapy and psychology to eliminate and reduce emotions. Affordable and necessary.
Energy Work ENERGETIC SYSTEM RE-BOOT
Suzanne Pear, RN PhD, LE COE CQH 5160 E Glenn St, Ste 150, 85712 520-400-8109 DoctorSuzie@PamperedSkinStudio.com Dr. Suzie (PhD in Epidemiology) is a Registered Nurse and Quantum Energy Practitioner offering chakra energy system realignment and balancing as well as auric field clearing, forgiveness and self-healing practices. Call 520-400-8109 to schedule an Energetic Assessment. See ad, page 9.
Harp Therapy
Invisalign
INTUITIVE HARP HEALING
E DENTAL SOLUTIONS
Jessica Foley 9255 N. Oracle Rd. 85704 Jessica@IntuitiveHarpHealing.com IntuitiveHarpHealing.com Intuitive harpist, Jessica Foley tunes into your energy, to create personalized music for healing. Private services and events include: sound baths, vibroacoustic soundmassage therapy, yoga, angelic reiki, meditation with live harp, crystal bowls, and gong. See ad, page 13.
Healthy Home EMF WELLNESS TUCSON
Lisa Smith, PhD, EMRS Certified Building Biology Electromagnetic Radiation Specialist 130 E Congress St, Ste 200-110 Info@EMF-Wellness.com • EMF-Wellness.com “Electromagnetic safety for a healthy life” EMF Wellness Tucson provides Electromagnetic Field (EMF) assessments and mitigation counselling, specializing in the creation of EMF-safe bedroom sleep sanctuaries. Services include measurement of electric fields, magnetic fields, dirty electricity and radio frequency radiation from wireless devices and cell towers.
PURMAID
520-331-2629 • PurmaidTucson@gmail.com PurMaids.com PurMaid LLC provides professional green cleaning services to Tucson homes and businesses. Locally owned and operated. Special offer: $50 off initial cleaning. See ad for details. See ad, page 16.
Holistic Health VERY SPECIAL ALTERNATIVES
Vonnie Schultz Albrecht, RN 2028 E Prince Rd, Rm 9, 85719 OR your space/home • 520-403-1686 Nurse@VerySpecialAlternatives.net VerySpecialAlternatives.net Heal.me/Vonnie-Schultz-Albrecht-RN What or who do you need? RN consultant • assessment, information, referral. Skilled nursing • phlebotomy, IV therapy, home services. Education • gentle, easy detox protocols, colon health, ozone therapies and resources. By appointment, flexible hours. Free 15 minute consult!
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Tucson Edition
NaturalTucson.com
Elahe Wissinger, DMD 2810 E River Rd, 85718 520-745-5496 • Info@EDentalSolutions.net EDentalSolutions.net Looking to fix your bite issues but avoid the “metal mouth” phenomenon? At E Dental Solutions, we can help you understand how to keep the aligners and your teeth clean and make it easy for you to fit into your best smile. See ad, back cover.
Massage SANTA RITA SPRINGS
Dorothy Richmond, LMT since 1983 2301 N Santa Rita Ave, 85719 Aquatic Massage • Jin Shin Jyutsu • Craniosacral Therapy • Watsu • Integrative Massage 520-990-1857 • SantaRitaSprings@gmail.com Water is life… 80-minutes of Bliss. Immersed in heavenly 96-degree saltwater inside our poolhouse, receive massage, shiatsu, energy work, great stretches, flowing movement and maybe Aquatic Craniosacral Therapy to deliciously unwind trauma and strain patterns. See ad, page 21.
Medical Intuitive
BODY & ENERGY INTUITIVE READINGS Taesha Mata 208-360-7542 WellnessWithTae@outlook.com
Channeled readings offer clarity and insight to root causes of imbalances. Connecting to deeper parts of yourself with the aid of spirit guides and your higher self can empower you to restore your personal health and be your own best wellness advocate.
Medicare Support HOLLY BAKER
Retirement Specialist 520-760-2378 • Holly@HollyLBaker.com Providing Solutions for Your Retirement As an independent advisor, Holly works with a variety of Medicare carriers to serve your needs. Contact us by phone or email today for your personalized Medicare review. Special needs plans availble for chronic conditions. See ad, page 5.
Medical Thermography INFLAMMATION IMAGING OF TUCSON Lisa Holliday, CT 405 W Cool Dr, Ste 105, Oro Valley, 85704 520-468-1530 Info@InflammationImaging.com InflammationImaging.com
2026 EDITORIAL CALENDAR
Medical Thermography uses infrared imaging to detect blood flow patterns and health concerns years before structural changes form. Early intervention supports lifestyle or medical recommendations. Get $25 off any thermal health study for proactive wellness.
Meditation THE YOGA CONNECTION
3929 E Pima, 85712 520-323-1222 • Yoga@YogaConnection.org YogaConnection.org The Yoga Connection, a non-profit center, serving Tucson over 35 years, offers all levels of yoga and specialized classes. We offer Yoga teacher training leading to 200-hour and 300hour certification. Ask about scholarships and payment options.
Naturopathic Medicine DR. DEEANN SABER, NMD Transformational Medicine 2028 E Prince Rd, 85719 520-209-1755 • TFMND.co
Dr. Saber is a primary care naturopathic physician who specializes in endocrinology and functional medicine. Using science-based information as well as your personal symptoms, we will together find the best way to optimal health. See ad, page 3.
DR. EMILY TAKEUCHI-MILLER, NMD Transformational Medicine 2028 E Prince Rd, 85719 520-209-1755 • TFMND.co
WELLNESS MADE EASY JANUARY Health & Wellness FEBRUARY Nurture the Heart MARCH Nourish & Flourish APRIL 2026 Natural Living Directory + Sustainable Together MAY Vitality Her Way JUNE Men Built to Thrive
JULY Good Vibes, Great Outdoors AUGUST Building Healthy Foundations SEPTEMBER Inner Balance OCTOBER How Healing Works NOVEMBER Rooted in Gratitude DECEMBER Living Generously
Dr. Emily Takeuchi Miller, or “Dr. Em” as she prefers, enjoys seeing patients of all ages and is committed to helping them live well no matter what their current condition. Her special interests include primary care medicine, pediatrics and Mind-Body medicine/biofeedback. See ad, page 3.
To Learn More Contact Us Today Holly@NaturalTucson.com or 520-760-2378 January 2026
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WHOLISTIC FAMILY MEDICINE
Dr. Lance Morris 2310 N Wyatt Dr, 85712 520-322-8122 • WFMedicine37@gmail.com ResonantSoundTherapy.com Dr. Morris treats all conditions, pediatric through geriatric, emphasizing “nature cure” to heal mind, body and spirit. Developer of Resonant Sound Therapy. See website for more information. See ad, page 17.
Research
Sound Therapy
GREEN MOUNTAIN HEALTH CARE/ EXPAND HEALTH RESEARCH
WHOLISTIC FAMILY MEDICINE
Dr. Caitlin Connor 1775 W St Mary's Rd, Ste 111, 85745 520-609-1766 ExpandHealthResearch.com
TMC One La Canada Office 10390 N La Cañada Dr, Ste 110, 85737 520-420-2110 tmcaz.com/tmc-one/our-providers/ana-tanase Holistic pediatrician, board certified in pediatrics and Integrative Medicine, provides integrative medicine consults, primary care services, second opinions. Visits include personalized nutrition plan, lifestyle counseling, supplements, functional medicine testing, mind body medicine teachings. Accepts most insurances, appointments available online and by phone.
Permanent Jewelry & Makeup A LASTING TOUCH SALON AT TRANSITIONS HAIR STUDIO
Yvette Dwornik • 520-869-5593 Sarah Dwornik-Olivo • 520-869-4040 7163 E Broadway, 85710 ALastingTouch.com TransitionsHairStudio.com LovelyLinksPermanentJewelry.com
Dr. Morris treats all conditions, pediatric through geriatric, emphasizing ‘”nature cure” to heal mind, body and spirit. Developer of Resonant Sound Therapy. See website for more information. See ad, page 17.
We invite you to explore research studies. If you have an interest give us a call, and we will set up a time when you can tour the lab. We look forward to seeing you in the future! See ad, page 18.
Pediatric Integrative Medicine ANA TANASE, MD, ABOIM
Dr. Lance Morris 2310 N Wyatt Dr, 85712 520-322-8122 • WFMedicine@gmail.com ResonantSoundTherapy.com
Salt Room ADVANCED DERMACARE Diane D Lowery 7484 N LaCholla Blvd, 85741 520-888-3955 AdvancedDermaCare.com
Halo Salt Therapy is natural, safe, and sideeffect free. It benefits adults and athletes by detoxifying the respiratory system, improving skin health and appearance, strengthening immunity, and promoting overall wellness through consistent, gentle, noninvasive treatment. $35 each, bring a friend at no additional cost. See ad, page 17.
Skin Care PAMPERED SKIN & SOUL STUDIO Suzanne Pear, RN PhD, LE COE CQH 5160 E Glenn St, Ste 150, 85712 520-400-8109 PamperedSkinStudio.com
New location. Offering Hair, Permanent Make Up and Permanent Jewelry at beautiful, remodeled eastside location. Broadway at Kolb next to DSW. $50 off any new permanent make up service. $20 off new lashes. See ad, page 11.
Dr. Suzie (PhD in Epidemiology) specializes in providing customized holistic skin care treatments for all skin types and concerns. Make an appointment today and start on your path to creating beautiful skin for life. See ad, page 9.
Spiritual Teachings ECKANKAR
The Path of Spiritual Freedom 1-877-300-4949 8 EckankarArizona.org Facebook.com/EckankarArizona Eckankar.org • HearHU.org Eckankar is a spiritual path that redefines the experience of religion. Eckankar is based on direct personal experience, transcending philosophy and orthodox religion, offering practical ways we may have spiritual experiences—even the ultimate experience of God—in this lifetime.
Wellness Center TRANSFORMATIONAL MEDICINE DeeAnn Saber, NMD Emily Takeuchi Miller, NMD Zach Saber, LMP Vonnie Schultz Albrecht, RN 2028 E Prince Rd, 85719 520-209-1755 • TFMND.co
We are like-minded healing professionals who have created a collaborative, patient-focused environment to provide healthy experiences for those ready to reach optimal health and wellness. See ad, page 3.
Yoga THE YOGA CONNECTION
3929 E Pima, 85712 520-323-1222 • Yoga@YogaConnection.org YogaConnection.org The Yoga Connection, a non-profit center serving Tucson over 35 years, offers all levels of yoga and specialized classes. We offer yoga teacher training leading to 200-hour and 300hour certification. Ask about scholarships and payment options.
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Tucson Edition
NaturalTucson.com
Classifieds AT PROSPER IN WHOLENESS we blend several sacred modalities for awareness and healing into a personalized reading for holistic remedies, astrology, astrocartography, Self Realization, Intuitive Guidance. Keys to your freedom and well being may be in exploring the higher realms! Email today for a free 15-minute discovery call! ProsperInWholeness@pm.me. Linktr.ee/ProsperInWholeness.
AT THE ATTUNEMENT CENTER, we help you release emotional, spiritual, and ancestral blocks. Our integrative approach blends therapy, energy healing, intuitive guidance and spiritual coaching. We empower you to release limiting beliefs, reconnect with your truth, and step into authentic living— meeting you where you are and guiding your transformation. 910-900-3815/520-2229034. Info@TheAttunementCenter.com. TheAttunementCenter.com.
ARE YOU A COMPASSIONATE PROFESSIONAL ready to make a diff-erence? At Kolb Wellness Spa we have suites available for rent for professionals who want to expand their practice and support cancer patients. Ideal for holistic provider, massage therapist, nutritionist, acupuncturist. Info: text 520-484-2249 or call 520-771-8801.
DESERT ESCAPE PRICED TO SELL FAST! Renovated 2BR/2BA with chef's kitchen, quartz counters, 2-car garage. Community pool plus effortless access to bike loop, Udall Park, Sabino Canyon. This lifestyle won't last. Premium home offered. Smart buyers call now! Natalie 916-628-6253. Serious inquiries only.
EFT TAPPING— EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUES . Luminosa EFT offers
compassionate, trauma informed guidance for calm and clarity, to shift behavioral patterns, and alleviate pain. Sessions customize EFT Tapping Techniques to fit the individual and create a long term, selfcare skillset. Accredited Certified Clinical EFT Practitioner. For a free consultation contact Lisa@LuminosaEFT.com.
HEIDI WILSON OFFERS private craniosacral sessions and teaches a six level workshop series called Riding the Wave, Touching Stillness; Craniosacral Work with a Biodynamic Perspective. Each workshop offers 20 CEUs for massage therapists. 520271-4680, HeidiWilsonFluidHealing.com.
TIME TO CLEANSE & DETOX! It is always important to cleanse & detox, to strengthen immunity! Call us today for a DETOX foot bath with added sound therapy at J3 Wellness. Call Tracy at 520-247-8345 for more info and to reserve a space...
REDISCOVER PEACE, CALM, CLARITY. Kindred Lights Healing Arts, founded by Reiki Tea-cher Charis NickTorok offers people and animal Reiki sessions, Reiki classes, meditation, yoga, pet hospice support and more. The KLHA community nurtures you on your healing journey, compassionately helping you rediscover your light and experience Wellbeing. 520-777-6902. Charis@ KindredLightsHealing.com.
SACRED JOURNEYS OFFERS compassionate, holistic healing through naturopathic medicine and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Led by Dr. Tim Frank, N.M.D., we address the root causes of trauma, depression, anxiety and emotional pain. Begin your healing journey today. 520991-4568. SacredJourneys-Medicine.com.
SUFFERING FROM HEAD TRAUMA OR MIGRAINES? A blend of Visceral manipulation and craniosacral therapy can help. It can also be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, bladder urgency or incontinence, and acid reflux. Contact Sylvia Boyed at 520-370-3689 or SylviaBoyed. com for restoration of health & well-being.
NEVER USED ORGANICPEDIC OMI traditional firm queen organic latexfree innerspring mattress with soft cotton batting and cotton and wool quilting. $3,395 new, asking $1000. Deluxe washable full, barely used wool mattress protector from The Woolroom. $199 new, asking $50. Text only 520-730-0848.
Grow Your Business, Expand Your Reach. All for Just $75/Month!
Classifieds aren’t boring anymore— they’re your affordable pathway to thousands of new eyes every month! For just $75 a month, your business can land right in front of thousands of conscious, health-loving readers who flip straight to our classified ads to discover local products, services, and events. To place a classified ad, email: Holly@NaturalTucson.com. 50 words and a logo for just $75 per month.
Contact us with questions, 520-760-2378.
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Health & Wellness in Dentistry:
A Whole-Body Approach to a Brighter, Longer-Lasting Smile True health begins with the mouth. Modern research shows that oral wellness is directly connected to the health of your entire body—from digestion and inflammation to immune function and overall vitality. At E Dental Solutions, we believe dentistry should do more than fix teeth. It should support your total well-being. Why Your Oral Health Matters More Than Ever Your mouth is the gateway to your body. Harmful bacteria, chronic gum inflammation, and untreated dental issues can increase the risks of systemic issues such as fatigue, inflammation, and immune stress. A healthy smile isn’t just cosmetic—it plays a vital role in how your body functions every single day.
Our Wellness-Focused Dental Services • Biologic, Biocompatible Dentistry Our materials and methods are selected to be body-friendly and supportive of your overall wellness. • Gentle Laser Hygiene Therapy Laser hygiene safely and effectively eliminates harmful bacteria on contact, promoting cleaner gums, fresher breath, faster healing, and improved gum health —without harsh scraping. • Wellness-Driven Preventative Dentistry Our approach focuses on early detection, minimally invasive care, and maintaining healthy gums, teeth, and bone for life. • Holistic Oral Evaluations We assess bite balance, airway considerations, gum health, inflammation, toxicity exposure, and more—supporting your total body wellness.
Dr. Elahe Wissinger • Natural, Whole-Health Treatment Planning Your care plan is designed to support both your oral health and your long-term systemic wellness goals.
Experience Dentistry That Helps You Feel Better Every Day Patients consistently report:•Less sensitivity•Improved gum health• More energy •A cleaner, fresher smile•Reduced inflammation•Greater confidence in their dental care
E DENTAL SOLUTIONS
Holistic and Biologic Dentistry
Dr. Elahe Wissinger, DMD
520-745-5496 2810 N. Swan Rd.,Suite 100,Tucson, AZ 85712 EDentalSolutions.net 32 Tucson Edition NaturalTucson.com