Natural Awakenings – Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess NY Edition, 2026 Natural Living Directory

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WESTCHESTER, PUTNAM & DUTCHESS COUNTIES EDITION

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Welcome to the 2026 Natural Living Directory, your annual guide for holistic living in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties. This is more than a single issue to read and set aside. It is a yearlong resource designed to support you in every season, with one overarching intention woven throughout: to help you nourish and flourish all year long.

Nourishment is often associated with what we eat, but true nourishment extends far beyond the plate. It includes how we care for our bodies, how we protect our peace, how we cultivate relationships and how we invest in our homes and communities. Flourishing is what follows when those areas are tended to with intention and balance.

This directory was created to help you intentionally build and refine your personal wellness team. Within these pages, you will find practitioners, educators, wellness centers, farms, markets and businesses committed to supporting vibrant, whole-person health. From integrative medical providers and therapists to yoga studios, nutrition experts and sustainable home specialists, each listing represents a pathway toward greater well-being and conscious living.

In the Hudson Valley, we are surrounded by natural beauty, strong local businesses and professionals deeply rooted in community care. Even with these resources at our fingertips, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Consider this guide your starting point and your steady companion throughout the year.

There are seasons when life feels aligned and purposeful, and others marked by challenge, uncertainty and transformation. In both, the theme of nourish and flourish remains relevant. On the busiest days, nourishment might look like scheduling a long-postponed appointment, preparing a wholesome meal, taking a walk along the Hudson River or setting a clear boundary with someone. In quieter seasons, it may mean exploring a new healing modality, committing to mindful movement or creating space for reflection.

As a mother, artist, wife, daughter, philanthropist and business owner, I understand how many roles we hold and how easily our own needs fall to the bottom of the list. Building a trusted circle of support is not indulgent—It is wise, preventative and empowering. When we intentionally assemble the right resources around us, we are better equipped to care for everyone and everything that depends on us.

Throughout this annual guide, I invite you to ask a few honest questions: What truly nourishes me? Where do I feel depleted? Who or what can help me grow stronger in mind, body and spirit? What small steps can I take now that will allow me to flourish in the months ahead?

Return to this directory often. Highlight names. Schedule consultations. Visit local businesses. Attend workshops and community events. Let this be a living document that evolves alongside you.

Nourish and flourish is not a seasonal theme—it is a yearlong practice rooted in awareness, connection and intentional living. May this annual edition serve as your trusted companion as you create a life that is balanced, resilient and deeply fulfilling.

With love and gratitude,

ink.

and

The Power of Voice Vibration

How Sound Helps Shape Reality

Speaking, singing or humming creates vibrations that ripple through the body and environment. Research in cymatics—the study of visible sound—shows that specific frequencies can reorganize matter into distinct patterns, suggesting that vocal sound may influence both physical and emotional states.

A study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine reports that vocal toning and chanting may lower stress, reduce blood pressure, and improve mood. These vibrations stimulate the vagus nerve, activating the body’s natural relaxation response.

Ancient cultures have long used sound for healing. Sanskrit mantras, Tibetan chants and indigenous vocal practices each apply specific frequencies to shift consciousness. Today, science increasingly supports what these traditions have practiced for centuries: Sound may function as a form of medicine.

Health practitioners recommend beginning the day with a simple vocal toning exercise. Humming or repeating a vowel sound such as “Om” for just three minutes can help regulate the nervous system, improve focus, and support emotional balance.

Cynthia M. Chase, MSW, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with more than 30 years of experience integrating Western psychotherapy with Eastern energy healing. She offers Reiki Fusion sessions and certification training in Yonkers. To learn more or to make an appointment, call 860-395-0284 or visit CynthiaMChase.com.

Reset the Body, Calm the Urge

When someone is trying to change a habit or step away from an addiction, cravings can feel powerful and immediate. Yet, urges are not permanent. They are waves of sensation moving through the body, often intensified by stress, dehydration, fatigue or blood sugar imbalance. Supporting the body can gently reduce their intensity.

Movement is one of the most accessible tools to assist. A brisk walk, light jog or short burst of exercise stimulates the release of endorphins and other mood-supporting chemicals. Even a few minutes of an activity can shift internal chemistry and create breathing room between impulse and action.

Hydration also plays an important role. A glass of water, especially with fresh lemon, can refresh the system and ease cravings that are sometimes rooted in thirst rather than hunger. Sour flavors such as fermented vegetables or diluted apple cider vinegar may help counteract sugar cravings by awakening the palate and resetting taste expectations.

Cinnamon has been associated with balanced blood sugar and a sense of fullness, making it a supportive ally for those working through overeating patterns.

Breath may be the most powerful tool of all. Slow, intentional breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system—the body’s natural calming response. By bringing awareness

into the body rather than staying locked in racing thoughts, individuals often notice that cravings crest and subside on their own.

Simple interruption techniques can also help. Cold water on the face, a brief plank or pushups, humming or spontaneous movement can interrupt neurological patterns and gently redirect focus. These practices do not fight the craving; they outlast it.

The body is constantly seeking balance. When supported with movement, hydration and breath, it often recalibrates more quickly than expected. With steady support and small daily practices, the body often remembers how to restore its own balance.

Stephen Quinn is the founder of Quit With Quinn and has worked with clients on addiction recovery for more than 25 years through energy-based healing programs. For more information or to make an appointment, call 914-473-20015 or visit QuitWithQuinn. com. See ad, page 22.

Talking to a Loved One About Memory Changes

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, develops gradually, often over decades. Subtle cognitive shifts can emerge slowly, making it difficult to distinguish normal age-related forgetfulness from early signs of something more serious. Occasional misplaced keys or forgotten names can be typical with aging. Persistent or progressive changes may warrant closer attention.

Family members and friends are often the first to notice when something seems different. Early signs may include short- and long-term memory lapses, difficulty finding words, repeating stories or questions, confusion about time or place, trouble managing finances or increased difficulty with decision-making. Changes in personality or behavior can also occur. Someone that was once reserved may speak impulsively. A person that easily calculated tips may suddenly struggle with basic numbers. Mood shifts, reduced inhibition or frequent repetition may signal changes in brain function.

Because these changes can unfold gradually, loved ones may hesitate to speak up. It can feel easier to attribute symptoms to “senior moments” than to consider the possibility

by Alexander Raths

of cognitive decline. Yet, early recognition is important. Identifying concerns sooner allows for medical evaluation and, if necessary, earlier intervention.

Starting the conversation requires sensitivity. Approaching the topic from a place of curiosity and care rather than accusation can help reduce defensiveness. Referencing specific observations—such as a forgotten recent conversation—may open dialogue. Paying attention to verbal and nonverbal responses can guide how the discussion unfolds. Some individuals may acknowledge concerns; others may react with fear, sadness or denial.

Framing cognitive health similarly to other aspects of preventive care may be helpful. Just as annual physical exams and blood work establish health baselines, cognitive evaluations can assess memory and thinking skills. Standardized assessments can help determine whether changes fall within normal aging or signal something more significant.

If concerns arise, several options exist. Education about potential causes of memory loss is a first step. Cognitive testing can clarify the extent of impairment and guide treatment decisions. In some cases, temporary stressors—such as grief, trauma

or major life changes—may contribute to confusion or forgetfulness. If symptoms persist beyond several months or interfere with daily functioning, further evaluation is recommended.

A particularly challenging situation occurs when a loved one resists help. Lack of awareness about cognitive decline can itself be a symptom of dementia. In such cases, it may help to consider the person’s longstanding values such as if they historically prioritized their health or if they understand the concerns being expressed. Gentle, repeated conversations grounded in respect may be necessary.

Advances in research continue to expand understanding of dementia and related conditions. Early identification can open the door to treatment options, lifestyle interventions and supportive planning. While initiating the conversation may feel uncomfortable, addressing memory changes with compassion and persistence can be an important act of care.

If memory lapses are interfering with daily life or raising concern among family members, seeking professional guidance can provide clarity and direction.

Sharp Again is a nonprofit focused on dementia prevention. For more information or to register for upcoming Sharp Again programs, visit SharpAgain.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

Electronics Recycling and Computer Donation Service Available

Here is some advice for those that want to upgrade to a new laptop: Before placing the old one on the curb, consider a safer and more sustainable option. Discarded computers can leave personal information vulnerable if not properly handled.

Rare Sales Inc. offers free electronics recycling and pickup services throughout Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties. Owner Bob Engelman collects items directly from homes and businesses at no charge, ensuring that personal data stored on hard drives is properly removed. If a hard drive has not been taken out prior to being picked up, it will be removed on-site. The hard drive is the only component of a computer or laptop that stores personal information.

Whenever possible, equipment is rebuilt and then donated, helping provide computers to underprivileged children that might not otherwise have access to them. Items that cannot be reused are responsibly recycled.

The company accepts virtually anything electrical, including computers, cables, battery backups, monitors, old printers, software discs, cell phones and chargers. Room air conditioners, microwaves, flat-screen TVs, lamps and small appliances such as hairdryers are also accepted. For those that rebuild PCs, Rare Sales will take any old parts being replaced.

Large appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers are not accepted.

For more information or to arrange for a free pickup, call Engelman at 914-661-3605.

Creating a Moon Garden

A moon garden comes alive after dusk, built around plants that glow, scent the air, and invite quiet attention. White lilies, moonflowers and night blooming jasmine release their fragrance in the evening, while silvery foliage—lamb’s ear, dusty miller and artemisia— reflects moonlight with a soft shimmer. In our climate, evening primrose, four o’clocks, angel’s trumpet and night blooming jasmine add pale blooms and nighttime activity that support moths and other nocturnal pollinators.

Placement is essential. Situating the garden where it receives generous moonlight transforms it into a natural sanctuary. Light colored stones, reflective pathways and water features act as quiet guides, leading visitors deeper into the Sacred Space with intention and calm. A small seating area nestled among the plants turns the garden into a peaceful retreat for warm evenings.

Our eyes shift at night from color to contrast, shape and movement. Plants chosen for their pale hues and evening fragrance become more vivid under moonlight than in daylight. The result is a sensory refuge—glowing foliage, drifting scent, rustling leaves and the quiet presence of night active creatures.

With thoughtful design, a moon garden becomes a sacred space—a place where the land, the moon and the visitor meet in quiet harmony.

Michael Gulbrandsen is the owner of Reflections of Nature Landscaping. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 845489-7250. To learn more about creating a moon garden today, visit LandscapingWithNature.net. See ad, page 21.

Gardening Our Dreams

by Marlaina Donato

Like spring seeds carried by the wind, we sometimes find ourselves in unfamiliar circumstances, unsure of how we arrived there. Whether we believe it to be chance or choice, it is up to us to seize opportunities for growth. When confronted with the unknown, uncertainty can yield to a sense of empowerment if we recall that each day presents a banquet of choices, and the small decisions we make daily are acts of self-nourishment.

Spring can be a clean slate—a fresh, thawed soil in which to sow something courageous and new. With the wisdom gained from our winters, we can travel forward, even if we don’t have a map to guide the way. In the beginning, all we need is a spark, and it is okay if no one else sees its potential to ignite.

The renowned artist and sculptor Michelangelo believed that every block of stone contains a masterpiece waiting to be discovered and set free. Seasoned gardeners meticulously plan their harvests long before the first warm days appear, stockpiling seed catalogs and mapping out goals. Inspired

chefs court flavor pairings, and expectant mothers design nurseries. Perhaps we need to remember that we are all creators in our own right and capable of trusting our own vision.

Many of our aspirations are thwarted by decision paralysis because we overanalyze and ignore intuition. A more promising path may be to combine passion with patience, allowing each small step to organically lead into another. Maintaining our focus in the present moment and keeping our eye on the path—rather than the destination— leaves room for an outcome more fruitful than we might have imagined.

This month’s to-do list:

• Trust inspiration.

• Start a journal to record ideas and build upon them.

• Cheer for someone else’s goals.

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

WHERE GRIEF MEETS RECONNECTION

Transform sorrow into serenity.

• Induced After-Death Communication (IADC) therapy reunites individuals with loved ones who have passed.

• This evidence-based method fosters healing and peace.

• The only licensed IADC practitioner in the lower Hudson Valley.

VALERIE SMITH, LCSW, CFTG

Psychotherapist and Practice Owner

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Certified: IADC, EMDR, Forest Therapy SugarMapleCounseling.com

Healing Arts Center

FULBEING COLLECTIVE

8 Barristers Row, Wappingers Falls 845-288-1808

FulbeingCollective.com

Intuitive Healing

WHITE LOTUS GRACE

Healing/ Readings/ Dance

Millbrook & Remote

845-677-3517

WhiteLotusGrace.com

New Age Stores

UNIVERSAL HEALING ARTS

Crystals, Sage, Jewelry Cortlandt Manor • 914-737-HEAL SoulConnectionShop.com

Psychic Medium

CELESTIAL TOUCH

Laura Schek, Psychic Medium, Reiki Master

7 Arch St., Pawling 845-244-1767 • CelestialTouchllc.com

Reiki

BALANCING 4 LIFE

Anne Bentzen, Jikiden Reiki Certified Teacher/Practitioner

495 Main St., Ste. 205, 2nd Fl, Armonk 914-588-4079 • Balancing4Life.com

SWEET PEA WELLNESS

Jessie Parker, Owner

Personalized Virtual Sessions SweetPeaWellness.co

Spiritual Healing/ Connection

ROBIN MUELLER, REIKI MASTER

Psychic Medium/Channel Armonk • 914-400-7056 SpiritInside.net

WHITE LOTUS GRACE

Readings+Transformation

Millbrook & Remote

845-677-3517

WhiteLotusGrace.com

Add your business here. Call: 914-830-8306

Forest Therapy

Nourish and Flourish in the Company of Trees

by Valerie Smith, LCSW, CFTG

In a culture that prizes productivity and constant connection, many people are discovering that true nourishment does not always come from what they consume, but from how they slow down. To flourish, the nervous system must settle, attention must soften and the body must remember its relationship to the natural world. Forest therapy offers one such pathway—a practice rooted in presence, reciprocity and the quiet wisdom of the woods.

Forest therapy, sometimes called ecotherapy or “forest bathing”, is inspired by the Japanese tradition of shinrin-yoku, yet it stands as its own relational practice. Rather than focusing on exercise or destination, the modality invites participants to move slowly through a natural setting, guided by sensory awareness and curiosity. It is not a hike. It is not a fitness routine. It is an intentional immersion in the living landscape.

During a guided forest therapy walk, participants wander at an unhurried pace, often covering less than a mile over several hours. The emphasis is on mindful and body-ful awareness— noticing birdsong, the scent of leaves, the texture of bark, the rhythm of breath. Through a series of gentle invitations, individuals are encouraged to experience the environment directly and without judgment.

This slowing down is where nourishment begins.

Modern life places heavy demands on directed attention—the cognitive effort required to focus, analyze and respond. Over time, that effort can lead to fatigue, irritability and stress. Time in nature offers restorative relief. Research associated with forest bathing practices has shown that immersion in forest environments can lower cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure

and support cardiovascular and metabolic health. Participants often report improved mood, enhanced clarity and greater capacity for concentration.

Beyond stress reduction, studies in Japan have suggested that forest environments may strengthen immune function. Trees— particularly conifers—release organic compounds called phytoncides. Exposure to these airborne substances has been associated with increased activity of natural killer cells, a type of white blood cell involved in immune defense. While research continues to evolve, findings suggest that the forest is not merely calming—it may be biologically supportive as well.

Yet, forest therapy is not positioned as treatment for a diagnosis, nor as a replacement for psychotherapy. Unlike traditional counseling, it does not center on verbal processing or problem-solving. Instead, it creates space for participants to interpret their experiences personally. In this sense, flourishing is not prescribed—it unfolds organically.

A certified forest therapy guide facilitates the walk, offering structured yet open-ended invitations that foster connection—connection to place, to the more-than-human world and to oneself. The guide’s role is not

to lecture or analyze, but to hold a container of safety and attentiveness. Certification requires wilderness first aid and CPR training, underscoring a commitment to both emotional and physical well-being.

What distinguishes forest therapy from simply spending time outdoors is its emphasis on relationship. The practice recognizes that humans are not separate from ecosystems, but participants within them. By cultivating reciprocity—noticing how the land supports us and considering how we might care for it in return—forest therapy nurtures a sense of belonging.

Belonging is, in many ways, the foundation of flourishing. When people feel disconnected—from nature, from community, from their own bodies—stress and imbalance often follow. Forest therapy gently restores that connection. In the quiet company of trees, individuals frequently report feeling steadier, clearer and more grounded. The forest becomes a co-facilitator of restoration, offering shade, scent, texture and rhythm as subtle nourishment for the senses.

This nourishment extends beyond the individual. As participants deepen their relationship with the natural world, many

develop greater awareness of ecological interdependence. The experience can foster not only personal well-being but also a renewed ethic of stewardship and care. Flourishing, in this context, becomes collective as well as personal.

The invitation of forest therapy is simple: slow down, pay attention and allow the environment to meet you where you are. Some arrive carrying stress, grief or fatigue. Others come out of curiosity or longing for stillness. Whatever brings them to the trailhead, the forest offers space—space to breathe more fully, to listen more deeply and to remember that nourishment is not always something we take in, but something we receive through relationship.

To nourish is to sustain life. To flourish is to grow within it. In the presence of trees, these two impulses intertwine—reminding us that well-being is not manufactured, but cultivated.

Forest therapy walks and ecotherapy services are offered through Sugar Maple Counseling and Ecotherapy, founded by Valerie Smith, LCSW, CFTG, as part of an integrative approach to mental health and nature-based wellness. For more information, visit SugarMapleCounseling. com. See ads, pages 7 & 9.

NATURAL LIVING WELLNESS DREAM TEAM PROFILES

The following practitioners and businesses are ready to help you achieve your health and wellness goals in 2026.

Anne H. Bentzen, MSOT

JIKIDEN REIKI TEACHER AND PRACTITIONER

Balancing 4 Life, LLC

495 Main St., Ste. 205-2nd Fl., Armonk 914-588-4079 • Balancing4LifeUSA@gmail.com Balancing4Life.com

Anne Bentzen is the owner and founder of Balancing 4 Life, a holistic, restorative wellness center in Armonk, offering non-invasive energetic solutions for natural healing. She is a Jikiden Reiki Shihan teacher with the Jikiden Reiki Institute of Kyoto, Japan, and a former occupational therapist.

What drew you to this profession?

I discovered over 25 years ago, while providing occupational therapy to autistic children, that energy informs our sensory system, our health and well-being. Now, as a reiki teacher, I share the power of the reiki principles to support heart-centered living.

How does your work differ from that of others in your profession?

Balancing 4 Life offers Jikiden Reiki, Japan’s original, hands-on healing without Western influence. This authentic practice guides students to discern energy levels, identify problem areas, and monitor energy changes. Private sessions educate clients on stagnated emotional residue and provide strategies for releasing old wounds.

What should someone expect from working with you?

An initial consultation reveals the impact of energetic history on current imbalances. Jikiden Reiki focuses on areas of stagnation. A deep relaxation response activates the body’s innate healing ability. Clients may fall asleep. As balance is restored, clients realize relief from physical discomfort, emotional distress and leave grounded.

What changes do you have planned for 2026?

A new hybrid format will be offered when appropriate for various programs. New classes developing healthy boundaries and the energy dynamics of relationships will shift awareness for greater sovereignty. Jikiden Reiki beginner and advanced seminars will be held several times this year. I will continue offering crystal bowls and reiki healing in a combined sound bath experience monthly with another practitioner this year. Bringing community together for seasonal ceremonies to celebrate seasonal equinoxes and solstices is a highlight. Events will be held outdoors weather permitting.

Anything else our readers should know?

As a distributor for BEMER, a U.S. Food and Drug Administrationregistered, non-invasive, vascular care device, I offer free trials and presentations. Experience how BEMER targets your microcirculatory system to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to support your health. Add BEMER to your reiki sessions for enhanced energy. See ad, page 9.

Earth Angels Veterinary Hospital

DR. ALEXANDRA BARRIENTOS, OWNER

44 Saint Nicholas Rd., Wappingers Falls  845-227-7297 • Staff@EarthAngelsVet.com  EarthAngelsVet.com

Earth Angels is a local, family-owned and -operated integrative veterinary hospital with services that include surgery, dentistry and holistic protocols with Dr. Barrientos in conjunction with our pain center that features laser therapy, acupuncture, CBDs, dog/cat boarding and more.

What drew you to this profession?

I’ve wanted to become a veterinarian since the age of 5. Caring for animals and improving upon the important human/animal bond quickly became my purpose in life, and becoming a veterinarian was the best way to achieve my goal.

How does your work differ from that of others in your profession?

Twenty-five years of practicing holistic medicine gives me the experience as a veterinarian that sets our hospital apart from others with a uniqueness when it comes to knowledge of alternative modalities. My conventional training at Cornell University, combined with all my years of working alongside holistic veterinarians, makes our hospital a unique resource for pet owners.

What should a person expect from working with you?

We strive to offer all effective options—alternative and conventional—for the treatment of various ailments from birth through senior care. We also aim to educate our clients, so they have the ability to choose what best suits them and their furry family members.

What do you have planned for 2026?

We are pleased to announce the grand opening of our doggie daycare service, to be located adjacent to our dog boarding facility, later this year. As a local independently owned and operated veterinary facility, pet owners can rest assured that each of our daycare dogs will receive the same high-quality individualized attention provided to our boarders without the worry of “corporate” management. In addition to our daycare news, we are also excited about our new inhouse lab equipment which allows us to provide patients with more accurate results during a hospital visit.

Empowered By Nature

LORRAINE HUGHES, RH (AHG)

263 New Hackensack Rd., 2nd Fl., Wappingers Falls 845-416-4598 • LorraineHughes54@gmail.com

EmpoweredByNature.net

Lorraine Hughes specializes in herbal medicine and nutrition. She offers comprehensive wellness consultations using assessment techniques based in Traditional Chinese Medicine to provide each person with their own unique treatment plan. She also offers stress-reduction services, including reiki, reflexology, acupoint aromatherapy and qigong (private and group classes).

What drew you to this profession?

Over 25 years ago, I embarked upon my own health journey. During this process, I was fortunate to meet with naturopaths and practitioners of Chinese medicine, to which I owe a debt of gratitude. Nature heals, and this is my way of paying it forward.

How does your work differ from that of others in your profession?

I feel that my approach is unique in that I utilize assessment techniques based in Chinese medicine, correlating the client’s “patterns” in an East-West approach, including lifestyle, diet, detoxification, movement and breath work. I am also a Chinese and Western custom herbal formulator, after seeing them in a consultation.

What should someone expect from working with you?

They should expect an open and honest discussion concerning their health and wellness goals. Each person will determine their own progression to vibrant health based upon taking ownership of their journey by making the changes they need to make. Most people are experiencing chronic illness, and they must acknowledge that this did not evolve overnight. With that said, returning to vital health is a process in which the person must be patient, kind (to themselves) and exert discipline to regain resilience. I will be there to guide them along the way.

What changes do you have planned for 2026?

I will continue to teach in-person classes/workshops this year, including qigong with an emphasis on seasonal change, reflexology and herbal medicine.

Anything else our readers should know?

It is so critical and essential that the general public embrace the healing power of nature by connecting to their inner nature, their original healer; specifically, through plant medicines and healing philosophies that have been practiced for over 2,000 to 5,000 years. Are you ready to embark on your path to wellness?

Joy Matalon, CST, LMT

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

100 Executive Blvd., Ste. 203, Ossining Satellite Location in Garrison 914-519-8138 • JMatalon@optonline.net JoyMatalon.com

Joy Matalon offers many healing services, including CranioSacral Therapy, Somato-Emotional Release and Process Acupressure, Swedish and medical massage. As a certified provider of these modalities, she helps with anxiety, depression, traumatic brain injuries, migraines, back and neck pain, tinnitus, TMJ, vertigo, autoimmune disorders and ADHD, among other conditions.

What drew you to this profession?

My journey began over 35 years ago when I became certified in a form of body-centered meditation that allowed me to move through my own anxiety with grace. I discovered how softly shifting our approach toward ourselves creates insight and healing.

How does your work differ from that of others in your profession?

As a practitioner in the healing arts, everything I have ever learned effects how I work. I’m in a meditative state that allows me to follow the way of the person I’m with. I don’t follow a routine; I allow my whole being to “listen in” to the person on the table, allowing my intuition to guide my hands. Together with my client, we discover what is needed in the moment.

What should someone expect from working with you?

Adults typically experience a physically connected meditation whereby the central nervous system is supported, alleviating stress, trauma and physical restrictions. CranioSacral Therapy is a handson way to assist the process of developing intimacy with parts of ourselves that, through stress or trauma, have become unconscious. It is a gentle method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of the craniosacral system, comprising the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Releasing [such] restrictions enhances the functioning of the central nervous system, helping to eliminate pain and stress while strengthening the immune system.

What changes do you have planned for 2026?

In 2026, I will be offering 60-minute sessions for children and 75-minute sessions for adults.

Anything else our readers should know?

Clients are treated in a nonjudgmental and unconditionally loving, sacred space that creates safety, so you can unwind and connect deeply with yourself.

Mind-Body-World Optometry

SAMANTHA SLOTNICK, OD, FAAO, FOVDR, BEHAVIORAL OPTOMETRIST

495 Central Park Ave., Ste. 301, Scarsdale  914-874-1177 • Support@DrSlotnick.com  DrSlotnick.com

Dr. Samantha Slotnick takes a holistic approach to vision care, for all ages. She and the entire team at Mind-Body-World Optometry help patients maximize their natural ability to see with clarity, comfort and open awareness for space. Her practice specializes in vision therapy and rehabilitation for a broad range of vision problems which interfere with reading, learning, attention, performance and efficiency. They facilitate an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to patient care.

What drew you to this profession?

I was “born” to do this work, with personal challenges interfering with my binocular vision. Through vision therapy (VT), I retrained my brain to coordinate my eyes and enhanced my ability to process visual and spatial information.

How does your work differ from that of others in your profession?

I bring a unique blend of knowledge and experience to the Art and Science of Behavioral Optometry. I am a sought-after lecturer, renowned for my communication skills and ability to relate personal habits and patterns to people’s use of their visual systems.

What should someone expect from working with you?

I have a great facility in connecting with children and “children of all ages.” Patients are often surprised by the natural positive boost in reading comprehension and efficiency at work/school which comes along with the functional benefits of therapeutically designed glasses. Alleviation of stress in the head, neck and eyes naturally redistributes energy for cognitive processing. Many of our patients are also benefiting from lenses which improve posture, gait and freedom of movement (myself included!).

What do you have planned for 2026?

Our team has been delighted with stories from our “VT Graduates,” sharing the long-term impacts of vision therapy on their education and self-directed learning. We are striving towards greater community education, so that we may reach more children whose vision problems interfere with their ability to read, learn and attend with comfort and ease. We hope to arrange Storytime events among our community libraries, where we can share my children’s book, But MOMMY, I can SEE! as one such educational tool.

Anything else our readers should know?

Vision is our means of touching what lies beyond our grasp. Who we are shapes our view of the world, our use of our vision, and our outlook for the future. Behavioral optometry provides each individual with a personalized opportunity for self-evaluation, growth and change, with impacts extending far beyond the visual process. “You can indeed envision your world!” See ad, page 24.

Quantum Healing & Wellness

DR. MICHELLE ADAMS, FOUNDER & OWNER

7 Norm Ave., Bedford Hills • 914-218-4328

Info@QuantumHealingAndWellnesspma.com

QuantumHealingAndWellnesspma.com

Quantum Healing & Wellness utilizes a natural approach to restoring balance. Located in Bedford Hills, Quantum Healing & Wellness integrates advanced wellness technologies with natural healing practices. The center focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease rather than merely treating symptoms. Services include the Energy Enhancement System (EES), an active White Himalayan Salt Room, an Infrared Sauna with Red Light Therapy, Bio-Resonance Quantum Body Scanning (AO Scan), Microcirculation Treatment including BEMER and AVACEN Therapy and BrainTap for stress reduction and mental clarity.

What drew you to this profession?

After earning a Doctorate in Pharmacy and working in the pharmaceutical industry for 27 years, I saw firsthand how conventional medicine often focuses on symptom management rather than the underlying causes of illness. My journey into holistic healing began when I discovered quantum wellness technologies like the EES, AO Scan and BEMER Therapy. I realized true healing comes from correcting imbalances in the body rather than relying solely on medications. This inspired me to become a Natural Health Practitioner.

How does your work differ from that of others in your profession?  Unlike conventional health care, I take a root-cause approach to healing. The AO Scan assesses 12 major body systems, including food sensitivities, blood analysis, chakras and meridians, gastrointestinal function, nutritional analysis, toxicities, genetic markers, hormonal and thyroid health, immune system function, liver and gallbladder function, allergies and inflammation and pathogens. It also detects emotional imbalances and provides personalized sound therapy frequencies to restore mental and emotional well-being.

What should a person expect from working with you?

Each consultation starts with an AO Scan assessment, which identifies hidden imbalances affecting overall health. Based on results, I craft a customize, root-cause-focused wellness healing plan, this plan may include nutrition guidance (including food sensitivity patterns), lifestyle and stress-support strategies, vitamin and mineral support, gentle detox protocols, nutritional supplementation, and frequency-based wellness support. Clients often leave feeling more empowered to take control of their health—without pharmaceuticals or invasive treatments.

What do you have planned for 2026?

I plan to expand bio-hacking and root-cause healing offerings, advance research in frequency medicine, opening offerings to a frequency pharmacy, and expand my health coaching opportunities to a group setting. My mission is to help individuals achieve lasting health by addressing the root cause of disease. See ad, page 27.

Quit with Quinn

STEPHEN QUINN, OWNER/PRACTITIONER

All-Natural Addiction Cessation  Garrison and Online  914-473-2015 • Steve.Healingny@gmail.com  QuitWithQuinn.com

At Quit with Quinn, Stephen Quinn helps people overcome alcohol, drugs, smoking and sugar addictions, achieve weight loss, and overcome other unwanted habits. His treatment programs are simple and natural with a 90 percent success rate and near-immediate results. The treatments involve a combination of coaching and energetic/spiritual healing.

What drew you to this profession?

Over 30 years ago, my life went through an initial spiritual awakening that that led directly to the work I do today. In 1995, I began working with healing forces and saw how incredibly powerful they are in transforming people’s lives. I began practicing in the year 2000, becoming more and more effective at helping people overcome addictions, heal physically (and on many other levels) and progress in their spiritual development. Helping people is my way of giving back to God.

How does your work differ from that of others in your profession?

My work is very different from traditional addiction cessation assistance. I deal on the level of energies and have become skilled at the application of healing energies that restore a person to proper balance and actually remove the energies of an addiction. This results in a tangible, sustained feeling that the addiction is simply gone. The results come fast and don’t involve a stay in a treatment facility.

What should a person expect from working with you?

When you come, ready to quit and begin with the treatments, you can expect a far easier journey to overcoming your addiction. It feels like being power-assisted and graced as you quit. Cravings disappear or are dramatically reduced, which is a major help in being able to quit and stay that way.

What do you have planned for 2026?

In 2026, I’ll be launching another dimension of my work which is healing for all sorts of things besides addictions. I have an additional website in progress, EssenceHealing.usa.com. It is work I’ve been doing all along. As time passes, all of the healings—for addictions and all else—have been getting more and more powerful and effective, and I want people to have better access to them.

Anything else our readers should know?

Change can happen quickly and you can have the life you want! It can be done alone, but people usually negate their own best intentions. At Quit with Quinn, my expertise is transferring healing forces that can dispatch a person’s problem, resulting in real, sustained change.

On a different note: The times we are in are more powerful spiritually than ever before. And this is just the beginning. People can go off the rails faster than ever, but they can also improve their lives and develop spiritually faster than ever. See ad, page 22.

Reiki Fusion

CYNTHIA M. CHASE, FOUNDER AND OWNER

1 Abbey Pl., Yonkers 860-395-0284 • CynthiaMChase@gmail.com  CynthiaMChase.com

Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Reiki Master Cynthia M. Chase offers reiki sessions and reiki certification across three levels—Initiate, Practitioner and Master/Teacher— at her integrative practice. Chase's 30-year background as a psychospiritual therapist enriches her offerings through her unique modality, Reiki Fusion.

What drew you to this profession?

My near-death experience in 1974 revealed a profound truth: We are spiritual energy beings inhabiting physical bodies. I understood that the energy underlying our essence can be elevated to higher vibrations for healing and transformation.

How does your work differ from that of others in your profession?

I’ve spent over 30 years integrating psychotherapy with energy healing to create Reiki Fusion—a methodology that bridges traditional Usui Tibetan Reiki with clinical psychotherapy, shamanic wisdom and somatic healing. This approach honors the inherent wisdom and healing power within us all.

What should someone expect from working with you?

Empowerment. Through my guidance, you’ll reconnect with the extraordinary wisdom and healing capacity that has always existed within you. When energy blocks are released, they unleash unlimited potential for manifestation. Once you recognize yourself as an energetic being in a physical body—a divine embodied being—everything transforms.

What changes do you have planned for 2026?

Following the launch of my book, I’m thrilled to share that my audiobook Celestial Lessons: A Healer’s Journey to the Light and Back is now available on Audible and Amazon. It chronicles my near-death experience and the profound gifts I received in the light. You don’t need a near-death or out-of-body experience to access this joyous wisdom—the principles in my book guide you toward balance, healing and integration of your spiritual and physical self.

Anything else our readers should know?

After a decade of refinement, I launched Reiki Fusion certification in February—a groundbreaking program combining traditional reiki attunements with hypnotic trance work, shamanic journeying, sound healing and consciousness-based practices. This three-level certification honors both clinical excellence and spiritual depth. Rolling enrollment. “Because you don’t need fixing—you need remembering.”

SearchLight Medical

LAURIE R. MALLIS, M.D., LAC 2424 Rte. 52, Ste. 1A, Hopewell Junction 845-592-4310 • SearchLightMed@Optimum.net  SearchLightMedical.com

SearchLight Medical offers medical acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, reiki, ONDAMED biofeedback therapy, AcuGraph qi analysis, Jade Vitality mat heat therapy, Blood Energy Treatment (BET), GunaLight Qi Infusions, Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture System for face and neck, and Mei Zen Abdominal Acupuncture for fertility or weight loss.

What drew you to this profession?

After more than 30 years in traditional Western medicine, I wanted to treat my patients in a more natural way, without the use of pharmaceutical or nutraceutical remedies. I’ve always believed that all people have the ability to heal when their qi energy is balanced and flowing freely within their body.

How does your work differ from that of others in your profession? I combine my Western and Eastern knowledge to plan a course of treatment that is specific and unique for each patient. I focus my treatments on finding the root cause for any health issue and work to ensure a longlasting result as opposed to just getting short-lived superficial relief.

What should someone expect from working with you?

An extremely high level of dedication to helping my patients achieve better health and wellness, whether the illness is acute or chronic. My passion has always been to work one on one, developing a partnership to guide my patients down their individual healing paths without the need for any kind of medication—prescription or natural supplements.

What do you have planned for 2026?

In 2026, I will continue my commitment to offering my patients the best energy treatments available and only bringing in any new treatment once it has been thoroughly researched and proven to have a beneficial healing effect. I will continue to offer GunaLight which is a non-invasive treatment that gives an infusion of qi energy directly into the energy meridians of the body. Also, Jade Vitality Mat treatments have become a major modality to help relieve stress and anxiety while removing blockages in your body’s qi energy flow.

Anything else our readers should know?

The best results are achieved when you’re willing to devote time to allowing your body to heal on its own timetable. Energy work is not a quick fix. It is very important to understand that a problem that has been going on for a long time is not going to be resolved with only a few treatments. To get the most benefit from any energy treatment, it should be done on a regular basis and not only when you have a health concern. See ad, page 11.

Sugar Maple Counseling and Ecotherapy

VALERIE SMITH, LCSW, OWNER, GRIEF AND TRAUMA PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Universal Healing Arts, 4 Crestview Ave, Cortlandt Manor Services also available remotely 845-599-1148 • Valerie@SugarMapleCounseling.com SugarMapleCounseling.com

Valerie Smith provides psychotherapy for grief and complex trauma using Induced After Death Communication (IADC), EMDR intensives and forest therapy. IADC is a structured, evidence-based method that facilitates meaningful reconnection experiences. EMDR intensives support focused trauma resolution, while forest therapy supports nervous system and whole-body regulation through guided nature connection.

What drew you to this profession?

I am a psychotherapist who has personally experienced profound grief and complex trauma, and much of my healing unfolded in relationship with the natural world. I combine strong clinical training with lived experience, which brings depth, humility and authenticity to my work.

How does your work differ from others in your profession?

I am the only therapist in the Hudson Valley certified in both Induced After Death Communication and forest therapy. I am also developing a nature-based therapy for grief and complex trauma that integrates evidence-based psychotherapy with spirituality, embodiment and kinship with the natural world.

What should someone expect from working with you?

Clients can expect a compassionate, grounded and highly skilled clinician who offers safety, presence and depth. I am not a typical therapist. Spirituality, meaning-making and soul-level healing are central to the therapeutic process I offer.

What changes do you have planned for 2026?

In addition to long-standing virtual therapy services, I now offer in-person sessions for IADC, EMDR intensives and forest therapy at Universal Healing Arts, in Cortlandt Manor. The setting is serene, easily accessible off Route 202 and close to the Bear Mountain State Parkway.

Anything else our readers should know?

If you are seeking an alternative, deeply liberating approach to healing grief and trauma, you are not alone. This work is for those ready to heal beyond symptom management and reconnect with meaning, spirit and life. See ads, pages 7 & 9.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

Hope Is a Practice We Tend Together

NATURAL LIVING BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

A Sanctuary for Healing and Transformation

Just 90 miles north of New York City, Omega Institute is a place where hope takes shape and learning, connection and renewal come together in real and lasting ways. Easily accessible yet a world away from everyday demands, Omega welcomes seekers, creatives and lifelong learners into a community dedicated to awakening the best in the human spirit.

Set on 250 acres in the heart of the Hudson Valley, Omega offers innovative workshops and Rest & Rejuvenation Retreats led by respected teachers across wellness, creativity, spirituality, leadership and more. The campus is open seasonally from late May through October.

Guests enjoy access to a Wellness Center offering massage, facials and healing arts; a lakefront for kayaking and rowing; tennis and pickleball courts; wooded trails and gardens for quiet reflection. Omega is also home to the Omega Center for Sustainable Living— one of the greenest buildings in the world—where environmental education and water reclamation come together in a living example of a more sustainable future. All-inclusive accommodations range from campsites and private dorms to private rooms. Farm-to-table meals are included with every stay, along with open classes in yoga, tai chi, meditation and more. (Workshop tuition is separate.)

For those that can’t travel to Rhinebeck, Omega also offers livestream and on-demand programs, bringing its teachings and community to participants around the world.

Location: 150 Lake Dr., Rhinebeck. For more information, call 800944-1001 or visit eOmega.org. See ad, page 2.

Universal Healing Arts Connection Inc. (UHA)— founded in the summer of 2018 by Reiki Master Healer and Teacher Shima Chayvet—is a serene sanctuary devoted to healing, balance and personal transformation. Designed as a peaceful retreat, the center features calming healing rooms with soft music and starlit ceilings, a spacious event room for workshops and ceremonies, and tranquil gardens with a waterfall and koi pond that invite reflection and grounding. “We are more than a center,” says Chayvet. “We’re a refuge where healing unfolds, balance is restored and transformation naturally begins.”

UHA offers a wide range of holistic and spiritual services, including reiki healing and certification classes, psychic medium and tarot readings, acupuncture, massage therapy, sound healing, counseling and drumming. Movement and mindfulness practices such as tai chi, yoga, Feldenkrais and meditation support balance and awareness in daily life. UHA also serves as a community hub, hosting full moon ceremonies, children’s reiki classes, a summer fairy festival, guest speakers and creative workshops.

Their thoughtfully curated gift shop features crystals, books, jewelry, oracle and tarot cards, sage, candles and much more to support personal growth. Through its diverse healing arts offerings, UHA aligns with individuals seeking natural, holistic approaches to wellness and conscious living.

Location: 4 Crestview Ave., Cortlandt Manor. For more information, call 914-737-4325, email Shima@UniversalHealingArts.com or visit UniversalHealingArts.com.

Supporting Health, Harmony and Healing With Flowing

Rivers Acupuncture

Flowing Rivers Acupuncture offers “relief, resilience and overall well-being,” according to board-certified licensed acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist Pamela Todd Battle. Acupuncture can help reset the body’s nervous system and the effects have been likened to rebooting a computer. This ancient modality is thought to rebalance the action of neurotransmitters, hormones and other bioactive agents to promote better blood flow; repair damaged tissues; reduce pain and stress; and improve relaxation, mental clarity, performance, immunity, hormonal and emotional balance and more.

Prior to becoming a licensed acupuncturist, Battle had gained extensive experience working with many medical specialties, which provides additional insight and understanding of her patients’ health concerns. She utilizes a variety of natural therapies such as Oriental medicine (acupuncture and Chinese medicine herbal formulas), functional medicine assessment, alchemical healing, stress reduction, phototherapy, electrical stim, cupping and more.

“One of the major reasons patients come to see me these days is for relaxation and to reduce stress, anxiety and worry,” notes Battle. Patients visit to optimize their resilience, performance, fitness and overall well-being, and to address complaints such as body pain, headaches, women’s health concerns, digestive and sleep disorders and other chronic medical concerns.

“My approach is a fusion of my intuition and my varied knowledge and skills,” explains Battle. “The result is a combination of medical and spa-like treatments. I customize sessions in collaboration with my patients, targeting their specific conditions and objectives while empowering them to take charge of their health and well-being.”

Insurance, including Veterans Affairs (VA), is accepted when acupuncture is a covered benefit for a patient’s particular complaint. Office hours are by appointment only.

Location: 601 Warbuton Ave., Hastings-on-Hudson. For more information or to make an appointment, call 914-572-1559 or visit FlowingRivers.net.

A Path to Wholeness and Vitality at Balancing 4 Life

Balancing 4 Life, a restorative wellness center, in Armonk, offers non-invasive healing modalities designed to improve energy flow for better health. Owner and Jikiden Reiki teacher Anne Bentzen says, “Energy flow and balance is the foundation of health. Gain awareness of your imbalances through private treatments and programs offered at our center.”

Experience monthly in-person and hybrid programs by a variety of expert practitioners. Monthly sound and reiki healing program feature didgeridoo and crystal bowl sound journeys by Alejandro Fuentes and Anne Bentzen. Explore Dragon’s Way qigong with instructor Beth Anesi for breast health and immune vitality. Indigenous programs including medicine wheel teachings and drumming circles led by shamanic healer Scott Nelson inspire connection with nature. Try Sacred Circles to support personal growth. Group programs and private sessions by psychic medium Jessica Lawrence and astrologer Nancy Volante provide timely guidance. Our seasonal gatherings for equinoxes and solstices create connections.

“Reiki provides a foundational philosophy for health based on inner equilibrium and heart-centered living,” says Bentzen. “By facilitating the body’s natural healing, anything is possible.” Bentzen is Westchester’s only Shihan teacher authorized by the Jikiden Reiki Institute, in Kyoto, Japan. Beginner and advanced Jikiden Reiki seminars are taught regularly.

Holistic practitioner Dr. Bear Walker, ND, provides monthly wellness evaluations with Bio-Tracker analysis reveals imbalances. Receive recommendations for natural remedies. As a distributor for BEMER, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration Class II-registered device, the center offers BEMER Therapy to support improved microcirculation and oxygen flow.

Bentzen adds, “Let healing start naturally. Replenish what has been depleted and balance your life-force energy here.”

Location: 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. For more information or to register, call 914-588-4079, email Balancing4LifeUSA@gmail. com or visit Balancing4Life.com. See ad, page 9.

A Tranquil Setting for Personal and Collective Transformation

The Center at Mariandale retreat center—situated on 61 wooded acres in Ossining, with stunning views of the Hudson River—offers a serene and peaceful environment for reflection, study and connection. Its programs and retreats focus on spirituality, wellness, social and environmental justice, the arts, interfaith dialogue and contemplative practices.

Mariandale is a sponsored mission of the Dominican Sisters of Hope. With care of the Earth as its central tenet, the retreat center encourages the community to lighten their environmental footprint and practice land and environmental justice. “We believe in fostering deep connections between spirituality and care of the natural world,” affirms Executive Director Carl Procario-Foley.

Emphasizing the importance of environmental and social justice, Mariandale is dedicated to providing a welcoming space—an unforgettable and peaceful setting for planning, teaching, training, studying or meditating. The center is the perfect venue for spiritual retreats and gatherings. “Whether you’re seeking personal growth, meditation or a space for your organization’s next event, Mariandale offers a tranquil venue inspiring transformative experiences,” says Procario-Foley.

The center is an inclusive community, welcoming people of all faiths and traditions, and is particularly supportive of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. Nonprofit organizations are also invited to host workshops, retreats and conferences, either for day events or overnight stays.

Location: 299 N. Highland Ave., Ossining. For more information and a complete schedule of upcoming offerings, call 914-941-4455, email Info@Mariandale.org or visit Mariandale.org.

The Fellowship Community Fosters Holistic Wellness and Elder Support

Founded in 1966 by physician Paul Scharff and his wife, Ann, The Fellowship Community offers a holistic approach to elder care rooted in the spiritual philosophy of Anthroposophy.

Situated on 80 acres of forests, fields and biodynamic farmland in Chestnut Ridge, the campus is home to approximately 140 elders, co-workers and families that live, work and grow together. “Our approach to elder care is deeply relational,” says Mia Bieber, admissions manager at Rudolf Steiner Fellowship Foundation, the nonprofit that oversees the community. “We believe it should foster joy, belonging and continued development.”

The Fellowship blends independent living with individualized support, allowing members to age in place with dignity and continuity of care. Residents enjoy nourishing meals, therapeutic and medical services, and a vibrant cultural life that includes music, lectures, movement classes and seasonal celebrations. Hands-on activities such as painting, woodworking, baking and biodynamic farming encourage lifelong learning, personal growth and meaningful contribution to the community.

Intergenerational collaboration is woven into daily life, with elders and younger members learning from and supporting one another in shared projects, cultural events and community work. The campus emphasizes connection to nature, with sustainable gardens, biodynamic farming practices and outdoor spaces designed for reflection, meditation and wellness. Guided by principles of social renewal, environmental stewardship and human-centered care, The Fellowship fosters a sense of purpose, belonging and wellbeing for all members.

The Fellowship is currently accepting new member applications. Location: 241 Hungry Hollow Rd., Chestnut Ridge. For more information, call 845-356-8494, ext. 2, email rsffOffice@FellowshipCommunity.org or visit FellowshipCommunity.org. See ad, page 23.

If

Homemade Natural Cleaners That Work

by Natural Awakenings staff

Spring is a time for sprucing up around the house, and toxic-free cleaners are our best allies. It’s high time to forever banish commercial products laden with bleach, ammonia and other harsh chemicals. Creating our own formulas couldn’t be easier, and best of all, they really work. Save money, reduce plastic waste and get creative with common household ingredients like baking soda, white vinegar and a few sweet-smelling essential oils.

Here are the easiest recipes. Store in clearly labeled glass jars for powders and reusable spray bottles for liquids, away from children and pets. Mix or shake well before using with soft rags or microfiber cloths.

All-purpose spray cleaner combines one part vinegar, one part warm water and 10 drops essential oil of choice. Lavender and peppermint are antimicrobial and deodorizing, while lemon and orange essential oils cut grease and air freshen.

Glass cleaner combines one cup distilled water with one cup rubbing alcohol. For

extra grease cutting, one-half teaspoon liquid castile soap may be added.

Bathroom cleaning paste combines threequarters cup baking soda, two to three tablespoons hydrogen peroxide and two to three tablespoons liquid castile soap. Apply with a rag using circular motions, wait 10 minutes before wiping, then rinse. This works on bathtubs, showers and sinks.

Mold and mildew spray is a one-ingredient solution: distilled white vinegar. Spray onto moldy areas and let it sit for an hour before scrubbing with the bathroom cleaning paste. White vinegar effectively treats more than 80 percent of mold species, including black mold.

Grout cleaner combines baking soda and a small amount of warm water to form a thick paste. Slather onto the grout line, then spray white vinegar on top, allowing the mixture to bubble and sit for about 15 minutes. Scrub with a stiff grout brush or toothbrush and rinse with warm water. Dry the area with a clean cloth.

Oven and glass stovetop cleaner combines

three-quarters cup baking soda with a few drops of water or liquid castile soap to form a paste. Initially wipe surfaces with a damp rag or sponge, then spread the paste in an even layer and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes. Gently scrub baked-on areas with a sponge or soft-bristled brush, then wipe with a clean, damp rag.

Stainless steel cleaner combines white vinegar with a few drops of olive oil. Shake well before lightly misting the appliance. Using a microfiber cloth, wipe with the grain of the steel.

Wood furniture polish combines one-half cup olive oil, one-quarter cup white vinegar, 10 drops lemon essential oil and one cup water. Lightly spray onto a soft cloth and wipe down wood surfaces.

Spot cleaner for carpets combines two cups white vinegar with two cups water, plus two tablespoons baking soda gradually stirred in to dissolve. Spray without over-saturating the carpet and use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to gently scrub the carpet fibers clean. Blot the treated area dry.

Using Food To Heal

A Look at Anti-Inflammatory and Elimination Diets

by Hannah Tytus

There is a growing movement to use food as a primary means for preventing and managing disease. Before reaching for pharmaceuticals or even supplements, people are seeking healing on the plate. According to a 2024 academic article in the Nature Partner Journal Science of Food, scientific advances in our understanding of nutrition at the cellular level are driving a food-first strategy. Key micronutrients have been identified to reduce inflammation and promote cellular regeneration and repair, prompting practitioners to champion dietary modifications that soothe chronic symptoms, repair gut integrity, rewire immune signaling and reach metabolic balance.

“Healing the gut is the backbone of my practice,” says Lorraine Maita, M.D., a triple board-certified internal, integrative and functional

medicine specialist who helps patients harmonize their hormones and detoxify their bodies through her Restore & Rejuvenate program at The Feel Good Institute. Whether a patient needs to lose weight, have more energy, regain their focus or sleep better, Maita’s approach centers on eliminating foods that trigger inflammation and replacing them with deeply nourishing ingredients.

Dianne Moore, a functional nutrition coach, restorative health practitioner and founder of MooreBetterFood, asks her clients to keep a food and symptom journal to diagnose the underlying causes of their health challenges. Writing down a detailed description of each meal, as well as the time and how the body responds 30 minutes after eating—including energy levels and any digestion issues or discomfort—helps make patterns more visible without requiring testing.

Anti-Inflammatory Food Protocols

Inflammation is the body’s first line of defense against dangerous pathogens, damaged cells and irritants, as well as a crucial biological process for healing and recovery from injuries and infections. However, problems arise when the immune system remains activated all the time. Chronic inflammation is linked to many health issues, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders and autoimmune conditions, according to a 2024 article in Cells

A 2023 article published by the medical education platform StatPearls notes that an anti-inflammatory diet is one of many interventions that help calm an overactive immune response. Two of the most popular such diets are the Mediterranean Diet and the Dietary

Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)

Diet, which prioritize fruits and vegetables, whole grains, unsaturated fats and proteins sourced from legumes and lean meats. Inflammatory foods including highly processed products, high-fat dairy, refined grains and sugars, artificial sweeteners and industrial seed oils are significantly reduced or eliminated.

Staying well-hydrated and pairing carbohydrates with protein, fiber or fat help keep blood sugar steady—further reducing inflammatory stress, according to the Joslin Diabetes Center. An anti-inflammatory food protocol is best viewed as a long-term foundation, rather than a strict diet.

Elimination Diets

According to Maita, “People that have experienced trauma, infections or general inflammation may become more sensitive to food. Some individuals may even be sensitive to healthy whole foods. Identifying which foods are contributing to common symptoms can be challenging. This is where elimination diets can be helpful.”

An elimination diet is a short-term process that removes specific foods from the diet and then slowly adds them back in while observing changes in symptoms, according to a 2024 educational article published by StatPearls. These diets are commonly used to identify food intolerances or sensitivities and to manage conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, allergic skin reactions and other inflammatory or digestive issues.

Most elimination diets focus on common food allergens including wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, animal milk, eggs, soy, fish and shellfish. “A functional medicine elimination diet may also include eliminating corn, all dairy and any artificial ingredients,” says Maita. The process typically begins with an elimination phase, during which these foods are fully removed. This can range from a few days to several weeks in more structured protocols. Even short eliminations can help people notice connections between what they eat and how they feel.

After the elimination period, foods are reintroduced one at a time. If symptoms return after adding a specific food back in, it may be contributing to the problem. Maita notes that the goal is not long-term restriction, but awareness—identifying which foods support health and which may need to be limited or avoided.

Elimination diets work best when they are time-limited and intentional. Staying on

restrictive diets too long can lead to nutrient gaps or stress around food, which is why reintroduction and practitioner guidance are important. If symptoms do not improve, the information gained can help determine whether further testing is needed. Used thoughtfully, elimination diets are a practical and accessible tool within a food-first framework.

When To Seek Practitioner Support

According to Maita, an elimination diet can be both therapeutic and diagnostic. The response—or lack thereof—to dietary changes can help clarify whether food is playing a meaningful role in a person’s symptoms, while also informing next steps in care. Additional testing may be necessary to provide more individualized guidance. Maita points out that the interpretation of results is most effective when ordered and reviewed by a trained practitioner that can analyze the data within the context of the patient’s symptom history, diet, lifestyle and stress patterns.

Some of her patients experience a Herxheimer reaction involving a flu-like worsening of symptoms, constipation or extreme cravings. These changes are most often temporary and do not pose a serious risk to health, and she has strategies to prevent or eliminate these reactions. It is helpful to have a roadmap, along with tips for getting through the discomfort. When detox reactions hit, Maita recommends that patients slow down, rest, hydrate with lemon water and spend some time at the sauna or in an Epsom salt bath.

Healing Our Relationship to Food

A key goal of food-first approaches is maintaining a healthy relationship with food. Practitioners encourage their patients to celebrate the foods they can add to their diet, rather than mourn what has been taken away. This includes the rainbow of delicious produce options they can have on every plate, a rotating selection of proteins and even new ingredients such as venison or bison.

For some patients, elimination diets can open doors to unexpected favorite foods. Moore shares how one patient that discovered she had a sensitivity to salmon, which she loved, found cod—a new fish to enjoy. These experiences help broaden perspectives and reduce feelings of deprivation. Keeping food enjoyable means finding creative alternatives. For example, someone that cannot tolerate garlic bulbs may be able to infuse garlic into oil to capture flavor and nutrients without any associated symptoms.

Food is at the center of all sorts of celebrations and rituals, whether shared with friends and family, or enjoyed alone as an act of self-care. Moore coaches clients that are following an elimination diet to plan ahead for social settings. This may include reviewing a menu online for an upcoming restaurant outing; bringing a diet-compliant dish to a potluck dinner to be enjoyed and shared with others; or politely letting a party host know of any dietary restrictions well in advance of the event. “Most people want to cheer you on if you’re doing something for your health,” she says.

Maita also cautions against setting unrealistic goals. “We are looking for progress, not perfection. You will never reach perfection—relax. Experiment with it,” she says, adding that she has seen patients succumb to orthorexia, a disordered obsession with healthy eating. She also notes that eating the same foods every day can induce or worsen sensitivities. Joyful variety, supportive relationships and flexibility are essential parts of healing.

Food-first approaches are ultimately about discovering what helps the body thrive. Elimination diets and anti-inflammatory protocols offer powerful tools for uncovering sensitivities, reducing inflammation and restoring balance. By focusing on small, sustainable changes, individuals can build a foundation for long-term wellness, vitality and resilience.

Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, former writer at the National Institutes of Health and host of the Root Shock podcast, exploring our understanding of health.

Sustainable Pantry Solutions

Maximize Space, Minimize Waste

by Zak Logan

Clutter and disorganization can be a source of stress, while a tidy space promotes efficiency and mental well-being. In the kitchen, a well-ordered pantry aids meal planning, but a sustainable one goes even further, safeguarding our health and the planet. Revamping food storage can be as simple as using glass jars for grains or as innovative as adding hanging baskets and shelf risers for more space. Choosing reusable, eco-friendly containers and adopting an efficient system to prevent waste can nourish us in unexpected ways.

“A calm, well-organized pantry reduces decision fatigue and makes home cooking feel manageable rather than overwhelming,” says Nassim Secci, owner of The Happy Space Company, in Hong Kong. “When nutritious ingredients are easy to see and reach, they naturally become the default option.”

Start With the Basics

A busy schedule can make us forget what is at the back of the cupboard. Secci suggests the simplest and most impactful first step is to take everything out and inventory what is already there. “Most pantries aren’t unsustainable because of what’s in them, but because of what’s forgotten. When items are hidden or duplicated, we overbuy, waste food and lose track of expiration dates.” Secci encourages clients to consider what they truly use and consistently waste before buying new containers or reorganizing.

Keep Items Fresh

Designate specific shelves or areas as “use first” zones to minimize food waste and overbuying, helping to ensure freshness. For Joana Fernandes, founder of Sage Home Harmony, in San Francisco, visibility is key. “Use clear jars with labels. Color coding helps. Keep items you use often on easy-to-grab shelves and items you use infrequently on a higher shelf. For example, I had a client who only bakes during the holidays, so baking items were kept higher. When she was ready to bake this year, all items were in one place, and she double-checked her inventory before shopping.”

Fernandes prefers airtight metal or glass containers; for flour, sugar and rice, she uses food-grade stainless steel locking buckets, which are rodent- and pest-resistant. Classic Ball and Bormioli Rocco glass jars add a timeless touch to any pantry shelf, while silicone storage brands like Stasher and ZipTop offer versatility and color options.

Group similar items together at eye level, especially everyday grains, cereals, breakfast items, flours and sugars. Reserve a special

shelf for locally sourced products like honey and specialty items for practicality and a sense of connection.

Optimize Space

For those without a walk-in pantry, use bookcases to create pantry shelves in a dining room, kitchen or even an unused coat closet. A metal over-the-door rack or canvas organizer can hold spices, herbs, condiments, oils and small items, especially in galley kitchens. Other vertical storage ideas include lazy Susan towers, stackable containers and under-shelf drawers for canned goods and bulk items. Tiered shelving or risers prevent items from disappearing at the back.

Although storing food in glass and metal containers thwarts ants and mice, cleaning the storage area regularly with a natural solution is advisable. Secci recommends a simple vinegar and water solution for shelf cleaning, baking soda for odors, and essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus on cotton pads or in sachets to deter pests.

The Bigger Picture

Focus on organic whole foods and fair-trade items, and source ingredients from local businesses and farmers markets. Shifting our mindset adds abundance to our lives when we use leftovers, compost, buy in bulk and support brands with ethical, regenerative practices.

Add a personal touch by hanging dried herbs or flowers or a whimsical kitchen witch over pantry shelves. For convenience, Fernandes suggests keeping a running list of needed items using an app or pen and paper to stay organized before shopping.

Zak Logan is a freelance writer dedicated to healthier living.

Joe Baldwin on a Lifetime of Growing and Giving with Sunchokes

Joe Baldwin is a Hudson Valley farmer, trained chef and a U.S. Army veteran who has spent decades cultivating both the land and a deep respect for foods that can heal. With more than 70 years of farming experience and a culinary background shaped by his time at the Culinary Institute of America, Castle Point VA, in Wappingers Falls, New York, and his own restaurants, Baldwin brings a rare blend of practical wisdom and heart-centered nourishment to everything he grows and shares. Among the plants he champions most passionately is the sunchoke—an often-overlooked crop he considers one of nature’s most generous allies.

For readers that may be unfamiliar, what exactly is a sunchoke?

The sunchoke—also called the Jerusalem artichoke—is a native North American plant that’s been misunderstood for a long time. It has nothing to do with Jerusalem or artichokes. It grows tall, like a sunflower, with bright yellow blooms, and underground it produces knobby tubers that look a bit like ginger and taste nutty, almost like a potato.

Why do you consider the sunchoke such a special plant?

Few crops give as much while asking so little in return. They’re incredibly generous— nutritious, resilient and versatile. In my 70

years of farming, I’ve found very few plants that support both the garden and the body the way sunchokes do.

What are the main health benefits?

Sunchokes are rich in inulin, a prebiotic fiber that supports gut health, helps regulate blood sugar and promotes a healthy microbiome. Research from Ohio State University shows the roots can contain up to 75 percent inulin. They’ve also been linked to improved heart health, including lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides.

How easy are they to grow?

Very easy. They thrive in poor soil, don’t need watering, compost or weeding, and they’ll grow in raised beds, containers or even rocky mountain slopes. On my farm, they grow where nothing else will. When I plant, I just toss in some coffee grounds and wood chips—they love it.

When should gardeners plant and harvest them?

Plant them in early May and let them grow all summer. You can start harvesting around mid-November and continue through winter. The beauty is you don’t have to dig them all up at once—you can leave them in the ground and harvest as needed until they sprout again in spring.

How do you like to use sunchokes in the kitchen?

They’re incredibly versatile. You can sauté them, roast them, add them to soups and stews, blend them into smoothies or dry them into chips. They ferment and pickle beautifully. I always tell people to wash them well—they’ll be covered in dirt—and store them cool after harvesting.

Is there value beyond the tubers themselves?

Absolutely. Nothing goes to waste. The flowers brighten homes and attract pollinators. The stalks can be dried and used as garden stakes. The leaves can be sautéed like greens or dried for tea. It’s truly a whole-plant ally.

How does your background as a veteran shape your relationship with food?

Due to my decades of experience farming and working in kitchens growing up, I was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam [War] era and became a cook. After the war ended and I was in the Army Reserves, I worked as a chef in the kitchen at Castle Point VA, cooking for other veterans. Even the Culinary Institute of America, where I studied, was originally established to teach World War II veterans to become chefs. Feeding fellow veterans food that was both healthy and comforting meant a lot to me, and still does. Healing food is personal. It’s about nourishment, dignity and care. I still share these foods with my fellow veterans; specifically crops I grow, dehydrate and ferment.

Why is it important to you to share sunchokes with others?

A lot of people have never heard of sunchokes, so sharing them— through food pantries or directly—brings me real joy. Once people try them, they’re usually amazed at how simple and nourishing they are. They are easy to find, easy to heal, and easy to teach others about.

What do you hope readers take away from this?

I hope people begin to see the sunchoke as a friend—to the garden, to the body and to the heart. It’s a healing ally and a joyful plant to grow. After a lifetime in the soil and the kitchen, I can honestly say it’s one of the most rewarding crops I’ve ever known.

For more information, email Joe at Earth2TableJB@gmail.com.

A daily harvest of sunchokes

Spring Information Session and Campus Tour Saturday, April 18th at 10am

BLUE ROCK SCHOOL

and Forest Play Summer Program Independent K-8 serving the Lower Hudson Valley

Stress-Free Fitness

The Role of the Nervous System in Exercise Recovery

by Marlaina Donato

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, stabilize blood sugar levels, improve body composition and combat depression, but, during times of stress, it can become counterproductive. Chronic stress triggers a steady release of hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine, keeping the sympathetic nervous system in overdrive.

Hitting the gym too hard or too often when we have too much on our plate disrupts the vagus nerve’s ability to shift gears and bring the body back into balance. This is when we might notice fat storage (particularly around the belly), an increased appetite, fatigue, systemic inflammation and lack of muscle gain.

“If you are working out hard and constantly stressed, you are basically fighting against yourself,” says Stephanie Mansour, a Today Show fitness contributor who also provides daily motivation on her fitness app, Step It Up With Steph. “During this time, your cortisol levels spike and make it harder for your body to use insulin properly, which slows down fat burning and even breaks down the muscle that you have been working so hard to gain.”

Feeling wired but tired, experiencing mood swings and getting sick more often are signs that it might be time to dial things back and focus more on recovery. To initiate a parasympathetic response—the other branch of the autonomic nervous system that helps the body reset—it might be a good time to

consider alternative forms of exercise and a diet rich in nourishing foods. Stanford Lifestyle Medicine recommends moderate cardio exercises such as walking, swimming, cycling or light jogging, along with restorative practices like yoga, breathwork, tai chi and Pilates.

Move To Reset and Rest To Recharge

Cindy Brauer, the founder of Mojo Fitness, in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, advocates for a combination of rhythmic flow exercises, followed by intentional cooldowns to activate the parasympathetic system and strengthen vagal integrity.

“Different movement styles speak different languages to the nervous system,” she explains. “Our HIIT-based dance fitness techniques provide a powerful sympathetic challenge. We use creative, ever-changing movement patterns that intentionally elevate heart rate, engage the lungs and stimulate the brain, helping trigger the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a crucial protein that supports brain health, learning and adaptability.”

At the end of each class, Brauer leads participants through a series of extensive stretches, balance exercises and breathing techniques. She emphasizes the importance of consistent routines that strike a balance between predictability and flexibility, enabling the nervous system to feel secure while preserving its capacity for movement.

For nervous system regulation, Mansour recommends a combination of HIIT and yoga or stretching, acknowledging that individual needs may vary at different times. “When balanced, both types of modalities can sustain energy levels throughout the day and facilitate relaxation and unwinding at night, creating a workout system that works best for you.”

In addition to switching up routines, complementary strategies include saunas, cold plunges for vagal tone enhancement and somatic therapies such as myofascial release. Resting without external stimuli like smartphone scrolling can have far-reaching benefits, too. “I encourage my clients to prioritize sleep,” says Mansour. She recommends aiming for seven to nine hours of slumber per night. To enhance sleep quality and counteract stress, she suggests incorporating a few minutes of meditation, outdoor walks or five minutes of stretching every day.

Food Factors

A 2024 study published in the journal Nutrients underscores the pivotal role of nutrition in post-exercise recovery. It emphasizes

Yoga, Pilates & Fitness Network

the significance of consuming adequate nutrients to replenish glycogen stores, repair muscle tissue, lower inflammation and bolster the immune system. Supporting a healthy microbiome by eating prebiotic-rich foods like oats, apples and flaxseeds can enhance nutrient absorption and aid recovery, especially after exercise. Anti-inflammatory foods rich in healthy fats, including walnuts, eggs, omega-3-rich fish and avocados, will help balance the nervous system.

Brauer highlights the importance of consuming healthy carbs, which support the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter and hormone that regulates happiness and calmness. Her other recommendations include staying hydrated, getting enough minerals (particularly magnesium and potassium) and practicing mindfulness. “Slowing down at mealtime, chewing fully and eating without constant distractions sends a powerful signal to the vagus nerve that it’s safe to rest and digest,” she adds.

Mansour’s go-to recovery foods include salmon and colorful fruits and veggies that are naturally packed with vitamins and antioxidants. She also reminds us to maintain stable blood sugar levels by eating protein every few hours to prevent sugar cravings or other uncomfortable symptoms of low or high sugar such as fatigue, dizziness, irritability, headaches and weakness.

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

DOBBS FERRY

BEDFORD

Fitness for Active Aging

900 South Lake Blvd., Ste. 6

845-216-6810

HealthBalanced.com Pilates

ALIGN PILATES

Reformer. Springboard, Mat combo. 796 Rt. 82 914-204-9061

TheAlignPilates.com

7 Norm Ave. 914-218-3428

QuantumHealingAnd WellnessPMA.com

BREWSTER

LUNA POWER YOGA

Move, Sweat & Breathe

175 East Main St. 845-276-4619

LunaPowerYoga.com

SACRED SPIRIT YOGA & HEALING ARTS CENTER

343 Broadway (on campus of South Presbyterian Church) SacredSpiritYogaCenter.org

MAHOPAC

PUTNAM YOGA

30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Pl. 845-494-8118 • PutnamYoga.com

NORTH SALEM

TULA YOGA FOR WELLNESS

Kathy Daigneault 914-806-3286

TulaYogaForWellness.com

SOMERS

ZEN GARDEN HEALTH

COACHING & YOGA

Edit Babboni; CHC, RYT-200 61 Lakeview Dr., Yorktown Heights 917-721-2529 • ZenGardenYoga.net

WAPPINGERS FALLS

BACK2HEALTH YOGA

Iyengar Yoga 6 Broadway Ave. 845-202-2228

Back2HealthYoga.com

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS

PURE PRESENCE YOGA

JV Mall, 650 Lee Blvd. 914-214-8111

PurePresenceYogaNY.com

Pet Reactions to Food

How To Ease Their Discomfort

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

Persistent itching, recurrent ear infections, digestive upset and dull coats are common in pets and often indicate a food reaction. Distinguishing food allergies from sensitivities can be confusing because their symptoms often overlap. However, understanding the difference is essential to arrive at an accurate diagnosis, effective dietary strategies and better long-term outcomes.

Food allergies occur when the immune system misidentifies a normally harmless food as a threat and triggers an inflammatory response. According to a 2023 article published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, when the immune system’s tolerance to food breaks down, the response involves either antibodies or immune cells like T-cells. Common symptoms include persistent itching, recurrent skin or ear infections, vomiting, diarrhea or a combination of skin and tummy symptoms. Over time, even small amounts of the offending ingredient can provoke noticeable reactions.

Food sensitivities, also referred to as food intolerances, differ from food allergies because they do not involve antibodies or immune cells. Instead, food intolerance arises when foods overwhelm the pet’s digestive capacity, its metabolism or its normal gastrointestinal function. Common symptoms include intermittent diarrhea, gas, vomiting, variable itching and changes in energy or behavior, with reactions often appearing hours or days after the food was eaten.

Although food allergies and food sensitivities can exhibit similar skin and gastrointestinal signs, veterinarians differentiate between them based on reaction patterns, dose sensitivity, timing and response to dietary intervention, rather than relying solely on symptoms.

Dietary Triggers and the Role of Elimination Diets

Food allergies are most often caused by specific proteins. A 2016 study published in BMC Veterinary Research indicates that the most prevalent allergens in dogs include beef, dairy, chicken, wheat and lamb; while in cats, beef, fish and chicken are most frequently implicated. Food sensitivities, on the other hand, are usually related to how the pet’s body handles certain ingredients. These reactions may occur when foods are highly processed, contain additives or are difficult for the pet to digest, rather than being caused by the immune system.

The most reliable way to identify the problematic food is through an elimination diet, followed by gradual reintroduction of ingredients. During the elimination phase, pets are fed a simplified diet with ingredients they have rarely or never eaten. All treats, flavored medications, supplements and table foods are removed during this process. This phase typically lasts eight to 12 weeks, although chronically affected pets may require a longer duration. Signs like itching, vomiting, diarrhea or ear problems are meticulously monitored. Once symptoms improve or stabilize, individual ingredients are slowly reintroduced one at a time, with several days separating each addition. If symptoms return after a specific ingredient has been reintroduced, that food is identified as the trigger.

A 1994 study published in the Australian Veterinary Journal demonstrates that an elimination diet can lead to improvements, and the recurrence of symptoms confirms food-related reactions. This method also helps veterinarians determine whether the reaction is more consistent with a genuine allergy or a non-immune sensitivity, thus guiding long-term dietary management.

Supporting Healing From the Inside Out

Dr. Peter Dobias, a conventional and integrative veterinarian, emphasizes that food sensitivities and food allergies should be viewed as expressions of deeper systemic imbalances rather than isolated dietary shortcomings. He explains that regardless of whether a pet develops a sensitivity or an allergy, the underlying contributors frequently overlap. These include genetic predisposition, toxin accumulation, nutrient deficiencies, gut dysbiosis (imbalance), chronic stress and limited dietary diversity during early development.

Dobias treats both allergies and sensitivities with foundational restoration rather than symptom suppression. His approach includes feeding species-appropriate, minimally processed whole foods; providing essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, vitamins and minerals; supporting liver detoxification; and maintaining spinal and structural health. While allergies often appear more acutely and require immediate management, he stresses that addressing underlying imbalances benefits both conditions.

“Allergies are a signal that the body’s systems and metabolism need support, not just that a single food needs to be eliminated,” Dobias asserts. This perspective helps explain why quick dietary fixes often fail. Removing a single ingredient without addressing digestive capacity, detoxification or inflammation may temporarily reduce symptoms, but it does not resolve the conditions that allowed reactivity to develop. Effective dietary intervention therefore requires structure, patience and a broader understanding of how food interacts with the whole system.

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

Regenerative Technology without injections

Featuring NuvoCell Biologics

NuvoCell is revolutionizing regenerative medicine by taking the same ingredients currently used in stem cell injections, stabilizing them with lipid nanoparticles, and formulating them into a topical cream with natural transdermal ingredients that act as carriers to deliver powerful regenerative relief to discs, cartilage, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. All without injections or downtime, and easily applied at home.

51% decrease in pain in just 1 month

In an 80-person pilot study utilizing a transdermal regenerative cream, the average Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score among patients diagnosed with chronic low back pain and osteoarthritis decreased by 51%.

TARGET AREAS

Neck

Back

Shoulders

Elbows

Wrists and Hands

Hips

Knees

Ankles

Feet

JoAn was recommended for knee replacement surgery after suffering from debilitating knee pain for years but was determined to find alternative ways to regain her mobility and live pain-free. After just one month of using NuvoCell, she is amazed by the results she has seen in her knee and in her quality of life.

Brian, a 3x world champion rodeo rider, struggled with back pain for years from competing. After trying various treatments, he found real relief with NuvoCell. Hear his story and why he is continuing to use NuvoCell on his back and other areas.

Brad, a retired contractor, lived with severe shoulder pain for over 50 years after a car accident left him with a separated shoulder, broken collarbone, and torn rotator cuff. A recent fall made things worse, forcing him to give up golf and basketball. Recently, his wife introduced him to NuvoCell. After applying it twice daily for two months, his pain dropped by over 90%. Today, Brad is back to playing golf, shooting hoops, and enjoying life again - pain-free.

Ask your local healthcare provider about NuvoCell or scan the QR code to find a provider in your area.

Fiber’s Fun Side

Delicious Ways To Boost Daily Intake

by Maya Whitman

Studies consistently show that the vast majority of Americans fail to consume enough fiber in their diet, even though it has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and colorectal cancer. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that adults aim for 14 grams of fiber per 1,000 calories consumed, which is about 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men daily. Adequate fiber is indispensable for lowering inflammation and maintaining digestive, cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Many of us believe that fiber-rich foods are unappetizing and difficult to digest, when in fact, they can be versatile and enjoyable components of a well-rounded diet. “Across cultures, some of the most comforting and flavorful dishes are naturally high in fiber. These meals rely on legumes, vegetables and whole foods as their foundation, and have done so long before fiber became a nutrition buzzword,” says Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Nichole Dandrea-Russert, author of The Fiber Effect and co-author of Powered by Plants: Nutrient-Loaded 30-Minute Meals to Help You Thrive.

Soluble and Insoluble Fibers

According to the Mayo Clinic, soluble fiber—which dissolves in water and forms a gel-like material in the stomach—slows digestion and increases feelings of fullness, helping us to control our weight and lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It is found in beans, oats, apples, bananas, avocados, citrus fruits and carrots. Insoluble fiber, which does not dissolve in water, helps to move material through the digestive system and adds bulk to stool, helping to prevent constipation and promote regularity. It is found in nuts, beans and vegetables such as cauliflower and potatoes. Most plants have a combination of soluble and insoluble fiber.

Boosting Our Daily Intake

Given all the wonderful fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, nuts, beans and legumes available, adding fiber is easy, as well as an opportunity to play with flavors, colors and textures. For crunch, color and a refreshing taste, nothing beats a good slaw with shredded purple cabbage, carrots, green apples, turnip greens and spicy radishes. Sushi roll-ups served with wild rice, avocado and baked sweet potato is a filling, complete meal. To satisfy our sweet tooth, fiber-rich Medjool dates filled with raw pistachios, creamy nut and seed butters or tangy goat cheese hit the spot.

“Fiber comes in a few different forms, and most plant foods contain a mix of them, so you don’t need to overthink it,” explains Sandra Turnbull, a registered dietician and owner of Midlife Nutrition and Coaching, in British Columbia, Canada. “You don’t need to track fiber types. Eating a variety of plant foods naturally gives you the mix your body needs.”

Turnbull points out the variety of textures associated with fiber, including the crunch of vegetables, the creaminess of beans and the chewiness of whole grains. For fiber-rich snacking, her favorite options include popcorn, edamame pods and yogurt with berries. She also highlights the significance of prebiotic fiber, a dietary ally that nourishes beneficial gut bacteria and is found in onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, bananas, oats and beans.

Prapol Srinakara/Shutterstock

Dandrea-Russert recommends adding at least three plant-based colors into each meal, such as blueberries, banana and chia seeds into oatmeal; arugula, tomato and red onion in a sandwich; or sprouts, greens and shredded carrots into a wrap. To start the day, her “avocado toast salad” consists of mashed avocado on whole-grain sourdough, topped with arugula, matchstick radish, red onion, shaved ginger, fresh herbs, sprouts and microgreens, all drizzled with a squeeze of lemon. She favors a handful of nuts or toasted chickpeas as a healthier alternative to chips.

With fruits, Dandrea-Russert stresses the importance of consuming the skins, particularly those of organic apples, kiwis and grapes, as they offer the benefits of insoluble fiber. In general, she prioritizes

whole-food, minimally processed sources of fiber-rich foods, noting, “We’re not just consuming fiber in isolation; we’re benefiting from the full spectrum of compounds that work synergistically in the body.”

General Tips

According to Dandrea-Russert, mild bloating or gas is a normal initial response to consuming fiber and often indicates that beneficial gut bacteria are waking up and thriving. With consistency and patience, digestion typically becomes more comfortable and resilient.

Turnbull advocates for a gradual approach to increasing fiber intake, emphasizing the importance of chewing foods thoroughly and introducing one higher-fiber food at a time to allow the gut to adjust. “Fiber and fluids work best as a team,” she adds. “When people increase fiber without drinking enough, they’re more likely to run into trouble with bloating or constipation. Sip water regularly throughout the day, rather than chugging it all at once.” Incorporating foods with natural fluid content like soups, stews, smoothies or juicy fruits can also help.

Soaking dried beans for 12 to 24 hours and discarding the soaking water before cooking in fresh water can enhance digestibility. Adding a piece of kombu seaweed or spices like ginger, cumin, fennel, coriander seeds or bay leaf to the beans’ cooking water can help reduce gas-producing compounds while subtly enhancing the flavor. Drinking peppermint tea or chewing fresh rosemary leaves after meals can relax digestive muscles and alleviate discomfort.

Adding fiber to our diet is an opportunity to discover new culinary experiences and marvel at the amazing variety of nourishing options. Dandrea-Russert says, “Pausing to feel gratitude for the thousands of edible plants available to us with fiber as their foundation can shift how we relate to food.”

Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.

LIME COCONUT CHIA PUDDING WITH CRUSHED ALMONDS

YIELD: 2 SERVINGS

¼ cup white (or black) chia seeds

2 Tbsp hemp seeds

1½ cups unsweetened plant-based milk

1 tsp lime zest

2 Tbsp lime juice

2 Tbsp maple syrup

¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut

2 Tbsp crushed almonds

Add everything but the almonds to a medium-sized bowl or 16-ounce mason jar. Stir well so that the chia seeds are dispersed throughout the milk mixture.

Place in the refrigerator. After approximately 30 minutes, stir the mixture again and let it sit in the refrigerator for another 1 to 2 hours before serving.

When ready to serve, top with crushed almonds.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Nichole Dandrea-Russert of PurelyPlanted.com.

Markets

GREENS NATURAL FOODS

Briarcliff Manor

97 North State Rd. 914-800-9146

Eastchester

780 White Plains Rd., Scarsdale 914-874-5481

Mount Kisco

666 Lexington Ave. 914-864-1274

Somers 57 Rte. 6. (in Baldwin Place) 914-485-8093

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GREEN ORGANIC MARKET

275 S. Central Park Ave., Hartsdale 914-437-5802

FB: GreenOrganicMarket

MOTHER EARTH’S STOREHOUSE

300 Kings Mall Ct., Kingston 845-336-5541

MotherEarthStorehouse.com

NATURE’S PANTRY HV 1545 NY-52, Fishkill 845-765-2023

NaturesPantryhv.com

NATURE’S HARVEST MARKET HV

1955 South Rd., Poughkeepsie 845-296-1069

NaturesHarvesthv.com

WHOLE FOODS MARKET

575 Boston Post Rd., Port Chester 914-708-1985

1 Ridge Hill Rd., Yonkers 914-378-8090

WholeFoodsMarket.com Restaurant

BROOKLYN ORGANIC KITCHEN

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 890 South Lake Blvd., Mahopac 845-621-2655

CREAMY AND COZY VEGGIE RAMEN

This creamy, comforting, savory and satisfying coconut-based broth is a feast for the eyes. It also feeds the mind, body and soul.

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

8 oz chopped button mushrooms (approx. 2 cups)

1 cup chopped white or yellow onion

1 cup chopped red bell pepper

1 Tbsp grated garlic cloves

1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger

1 Tbsp finely minced fresh lemongrass, outer leaves removed

4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

8 oz dry brown rice noodles

2 Tbsp mellow white or chickpea miso

1 cup canned light coconut milk

2 Tbsp coconut aminos or reduced-sodium tamari

2-3 tsp gochujang or chili paste

2 cups chopped bok choy

1 cup shelled frozen and thawed edamame

2 Tbsp lime juice

3 stalks green onion, thinly sliced

¼ cup chopped cilantro

Sriracha or hot sauce of choice to taste (optional)

To a large stockpot over medium-high heat, add the mushrooms, onion and red bell pepper. Stir occasionally until the onions are translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Stir in the garlic, ginger and lemongrass. Cook for another minute.

Add the vegetable broth and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and then add the noodles. Cook for 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the miso, coconut milk, coconut aminos and gochujang until the miso is completely dissolved.

Once the noodles are tender, turn off the heat and stir in the coconut milk mixture.

Add the bok choy and edamame, stirring until the bok choy is slightly wilted. Add the lime juice.

Divide the ramen among four bowls and garnish with a generous amount of green onion, cilantro and sriracha.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The noodles will continue to absorb the broth and may get a bit soggy.

Note: The coconut miso mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.

Substitutions: Button mushrooms can be replaced with shiitake, cremini or any other mushroom. Substitute red onion or shallots for the white or yellow onion. Green, yellow or orange bell pepper can replace the red bell pepper. Instead of bok choy, use spinach or kale. Add chickpeas in place of edamame.

Recipe from the cookbook Powered by Plants: Nutrient-Loaded 30-Minute Meals to Help You Thrive by Food Revolution Network CEO Ocean Robbins and Nichole Dandrea-Russert, MS, RD, published by Hay House.

NOURISH AND THRIVE IMMUNE SUPPORT SOUP

Loaded with fiber, protein, iron, selenium and magnesium, this soup harnesses the natural power of plants in a deliciously wholesome way to help support the immune system through seasonal transitions. Fiber supports the health of the gut, where 70 to 80 percent of immune cells live; selenium has been shown to lower the risk of infections; and phytonutrient-rich veggies and spices fight inflammation.

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

¾ cup thinly sliced leeks (white and light green parts only)

2 tsp mustard seeds

2 cloves garlic, minced 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced

1 small head cauliflower, leaves removed, cut into 1-inch florets

2 tsp ground turmeric

1 Tbsp ground cumin

½ tsp salt (optional)

Ground black pepper to taste (optional) 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

1 cup canned light coconut milk 1½ cups home-cooked or 1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained 2 cups destemmed and chopped kale ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional) 1-2 dashes cayenne pepper (optional) 1-2 dashes smoked paprika (optional)

In a large stockpot over high heat, add the leeks and mustard seeds. Stir for 2 to 3 minutes, until the leeks are translucent.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic, ginger, cauliflower, turmeric, cumin, salt and pepper. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the spices are lightly toasted. Deglaze the pan with 2 to 3 tablespoons of water or vegetable broth as needed.

Add the 3 cups of vegetable broth. Raise the heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the cauliflower is tender, about 10 minutes.

Stir in the coconut milk, chickpeas and kale. Heat through until the kale is slightly wilted.

Add more salt and pepper to taste.

Divide among four bowls and serve with the cilantro, cayenne pepper and smoked paprika.

This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or kept in the freezer for up to one month.

Substitutions: In place of leek, use onion or shallot. Use white beans or another legume of choice instead of chickpeas. Use a favorite leafy green in place of kale, such as spinach, mustard greens or bok choy. Instead of cilantro, use parsley or chives.

Recipe from the cookbook Powered by Plants: Nutrient-Loaded 30-Minute Meals to Help You Thrive by Food Revolution Network CEO Ocean Robbins and Nichole Dandrea-Russert, MS, RD, published by Hay House.

Please call ahead to confirm times and dates. Pre-register early to insure events will have a minimum number to take place. To place a calendar listing, email us before March 8 (for the April 2026 issue) and please adhere to our guidelines. Email Admin@WakeUpNaturally.com for guidelines on how to submit listings.

Sunday, March 1

Four Energy Gates Full Moon Experience –11am-12pm. Qigong instructor Beth Anesi teaches a self-care system using 4 acupressure points and a standing meditation to awaken your body’s healing wisdom. Adults $30. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com.

Monday, March 2

Community Yoga Class – 5:30-6:45pm. A welcoming monthly class designed to make Iyengar yoga accessible to all. Providing clear guidance, supportive instruction and space for everybody to practice with comfort and confidence. Donation-based. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845-202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

Tuesday, March 3

Native American Medicine Wheel Teachings –7-9pm. Scott Nelson (Spirit Keeper Brother) shares sacred Anishinaabe Medicine Wheel and guiding principles for living a balanced life. Adults $40. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com.

Wednesday, March 4

Quit with Quinn, Addiction-Free Naturally – 6:30pm, lasts 30-45min. Quit with Quinn addiction-cessation treatments bring remarkable, fast and sustainable results for overcoming all sorts of addictions. Q & A regarding smoking, alcohol, sugar, overeating, weight loss. Free. Details: 914473-2015; QuitWithQuinn.com.

Friday, March 6

Quit with Quinn, Addiction-Free Naturally – 6:30pm, lasts 30-45min. Quit with Quinn addiction-cessation treatments bring remarkable, fast and sustainable results for overcoming all sorts of addictions. Q & A regarding smoking, alcohol, sugar, overeating, weight loss. Free. Details: 914473-2015; QuitWithQuinn.com.

Sound Bath with Reiki Healing – 7-8:30pm Alejandro Fuentes, sound healer, and Anne Bentzen, Jikiden Reiki teacher, combine healing to release stress, stagnant energy, and restore inner harmony. $40. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com.

NEXT DEADLINE

Thursday, March 12

Sound Healing Journey – 6-7pm. With Ananda Priti. Join us, Experience an autumn evening of deep relaxation, where resonant seasonal sounds invite grounding, release and renewal, helping you connect with nature’s rhythm and ease into a new chapter. $45. Ascend Center + Collective, 75 Main St., Cold Spring. Register: 845-264-4444; AscendCenter.com.

An Evening with Spirit – 7-8:30pm. With Jessica Lawrence, top Westchester psychic and clairvoyant leads group reading. Receive loving messages from your guides and ancestors. Bring clarity to your life issues. Limit 12. $40. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com.

Friday, March 13

Quit with Quinn, Addiction-Free Naturally – 6:30pm, lasts 30-45min. Quit with Quinn addiction-cessation treatments bring remarkable, fast and sustainable results for overcoming all sorts of addictions. Q & A regarding smoking, alcohol, sugar, overeating, weight loss. Free. Details: 914473-2015; QuitWithQuinn.com.

Gathering with Grief – 6:30-8:30pm. A special themed session exploring how yoga, breathwork, and meditation support the body and mind in navigating grief and regulating the nervous system. All levels welcome. Note: not a substitute as a replacement for therapy. $40. Yoga Haven, 125 Marbledale Rd., Tuckahoe. Info/register: 914-2635427; YogaHaven.com/events-series.

Mark Your Calendar

Dragon’s Way Qigong Series 6-week series with instructor Beth Anesi

Saturday, March 14

Overview and learn two movements. Guidebook and video download included. Herbal supplements extra. $360 for the series. No drop-ins.

Balancing 4 Life 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk Registration/details: 914-588-4079 • Balancing4Life.com When you plant a tree, every

Saturday, March 14

Hudson Valley 5 Rhythms – 5-6:30pm. Come sweat your soul! 5Rhythms is a dynamic movement practice—a practice of being in your body—that ignites creativity, connection, and community. Ascend Center + Collective, 75 Main St., Cold Spring. Pricing/register: AscendCenter.com/events-summary.

Tuesday, March 17

Native American Medicine Wheel Teachings –7-9pm. Scott Nelson (Spirit Keeper Brother) shares sacred Anishinaabe Medicine Wheel and guiding principles for living a balanced life. Adults $40. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com.

Pure Gentle Flow : Beginner-Friendly– 7pm. Soothing flow that combines gentle postures, slow stretches, mindful movement, meditation and intentional breathing to help you feel relaxed, grounded and fully present. $22. Pure Presence Yoga, Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown Heights. Info/ register: PurePresenceYogaNY.com.

Wednesday, March 18

ADD Just Doesn’t Add Up! – 7-9pm. Is it really a short attention span? Learn current facts and how to distinguish visual problems that mimic or complicate AD(H)D. Free. Dr. Samantha Slotnick, Mind-BodyWorld Optometry, 495 Central Park Ave., Ste 301, Scarsdale. RSVP: 914-874-1177. DrSlotnick.com.

Thursday, March 19

Relax + Restore: Restorative Yoga – 5:30-7pm. This class celebrates the art of deep relaxation. We will prepare the body with specific poses to open the body and move into a relaxed state. Basic breathwork will be introduced to deepen the meditative practice. $28. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845-202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

Friday, March 20

Quit with Quinn, Addiction-Free Naturally – 6:30pm, lasts 30-45min. Quit with Quinn addiction-cessation treatments bring remarkable, fast and sustainable results for overcoming all sorts of addictions. Q & A regarding smoking, alcohol, sugar, overeating, weight loss. Free. Details: 914473-2015; QuitWithQuinn.com.

Calendar of Events

Mark Your Calendar

Sacred Toltec Mitote Shamanic Ceremony

Spring Equinox Overnight Retreat

March 21-22

This Mitote comes from the Don Miguel Ruiz, of the Four Agreements tradition. We move through waking and sleeping, chanting and lucid dreaming. We clear outdated patterns and stored emotional energy. The Mitote supports expanded awareness through chanting, rest, and dreamwork. We rebirth ourselves anew in the morning light. Powerful experience to bring in the Spring. Guided by Shaman, Janet StraightArrow Private Home in Chester, NJ 973-647-2500 • Bethemedicine.com

Saturday, March 21

Spring Equinox Ceremony & Celebration –1-4pm. Bear Walker, First Nation Anishinaabe Medicine Man, leads a traditional Spring Equinox Ceremony. Plant seeds from the Winter Solstice and bring food offerings to share. Free. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com.

Ostara Emerging: Spring Equinox Women’s Circle – 2:30–4:45 p.m. Gather for ritual, creativity and reflection honoring the Spring Equinox, including an Ostara egg-themed craft with journaling and seeds. Space limited. Sliding scale $40-$50. Moss and Moonlight: Sanctuary for Healing Arts, Rt. 52, Hopewell Junction. Register: MossAndMoonlight.com.

Sunday, March 22

Reiki Healing Circle – 10 a.m. Robin Mueller leads a collective reiki experience designed to amplify healing energy and support shared intention in community. $40. The Well Center, 430 Bedford Rd., Ste. 203, Armonk. Register: text 914-4007056. Info: SpiritInside.net.

Native American-Style Drumming Circle –2-4pm. Scott Nelson leads to help you raise your vibration and release low residue following Native American traditions. Extra drums and shakers. Families welcome with children 10 and up. Adults. $30. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com.

Springtime Guided Meditation & Reiki – 8-9 p.m. Welcome spring with visualization meditation and reiki. Held virtually. $30. Register: SweetPeaWellness.co.

Monday, March 23

Pilgrims of Hope in a Year of a New Pope –10am-12pm. The Dominican Sisters of Hope and The Center at Mariandale host an online conversation with Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe reflecting on hope during the jubilee year of Pope Leo XIV. By donation. Held via Zoom. The Center at Mariandale, 299 North Highland Ave., Ossining. Preregistration requested: 914-941-4455; Mariandale.org.

Tuesday, March 24

Candlelight Yin Yoga and Sound: Stretch and Soothe – 5:30pm. Allie Kaye leads a candlelit yin practice with seated and supine poses held 3–6 minutes, supported by props and soothing instruments to open connective tissue and ease tension. Beginner-friendly. $20. Pure Presence Yoga, Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown Heights. Info/register: PurePresenceYogaNY.com.

Friday, March 27

Magic of the Circle – 7-9pm. Anca Chelaru and Mary Streche lead a monthly spiritual circle for personal growth, sharing, tarot reflection, and meditation. Limit 12. $30. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-5884079; Balancing4Life.com.

Saturday, March 28

Let’s Talk Astrology – 1-3pm. Astrologer Nancy Volante explores current astrological transits and what the stars highlight personally and collectively. Limit 15. $40. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com.

Bride-to-Be Yoga Flow & Celebration Circle –2-3:30pm. With Lynn Allen & Juliette Doyle. Gentle yoga, mindful meditation, heart-centered celebration circle, and bridal gift bag included. $65. Luna Power Yoga, 175 E. Main St., Brewster. Info/register: Register: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.com,

Candlelight Yoga Nidra & Sound Healing –7-8:30pm. Gentle restorative postures, guided yoga nidra and crystal sound bowls in a candlelit studio at Yoga Haven. This calming practice may ease stress, insomnia and anxiety; all levels welcome.$40. Yoga Haven, 125 Marbledale Rd., Tuckahoe. Info/register: 914-263-5427; YogaHaven.com/events-series.

Tuesday, March 31

Native American Medicine Wheel Teachings –7-9pm. Scott Nelson (Spirit Keeper Brother) shares sacred Anishinaabe Medicine Wheel and guiding principles for living a balanced life. Adults $40. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com.

Mark Your Calendar

Comprehensive Reiki 1 Training

Advanced Learning & Experience

April 25-26

Reiki is full of potential as a healing gift for people from all walks of life. Janet StraightArrow has been teaching reiki, Shaminism and Medical Intuition for three decades. In this class,, you will have all of the Reiki 1 training, be confident in understanding and practicing energy medicine and healing on you and others. You will activate your intuitive gifts and spiritual helpers. Reiki Master Healer Teacher-Shaman, Janet StraightArrow

Private Home in Chester, NJ 973-647-2500 • Bethemedicine.com

Mark Your Calendar

Soul Shamanism-A Weekend With Your Soul

May 29-31

Experience an Ancient Siberian Practice brought forward to the future to assist us in these times of ascension. A sacred weekend to learn a practice where you know and live your authentic self. Meet your soul, learn to access the love, wisdom, and truth of who you are. Learn how to heal and walk your journey with understanding and high-level spiritual connections and energy. Bring all forward into your everyday life.

Guided by Shaman, Janet StraightArrow Himalayan Institute Yoga Center, Honesdale, PA 973-647-2500 • Bethemedicine.com

Mark Your Calendar Catskill Summer Vision Quest & Mitote

July 9-12

International psychic medium Carl Seaver and Dolores Rilho connect attendees with messages of hope and love from the spirit world. $75.

Universal Healing Arts, 4 Crestview Ave., Cortlandt Manor Registration/details: UniversalHealingArts.com 914-737-4325

Pause and get off the track of everyday life, to go inside and discover your authentic self, visions, and spiritual connections in nature. Indoor cabins, or camping as you choose, private wooded land to safely sit in nature to hear your heart speak. Awaken clarity, life purpose and joy as we break through illusions fears, and ego protections. Seasoned Guide, Shaman, Janet StraightArrow Art Farm, Accord, NY 973-647-2500 • Bethemedicine.com

Spring is far more than just a changing of seasons; it’s a rebirth of the spirit.

—Toni Sorenson

Ongoing Calendar listings must be resent quarterly for our April, July and October editions. Email listings to AdminWakeUpNaturally.com.

Sunday

Yoga Flow – 9:30-10:30am. A 60-min. breathbased flow of yoga postures designed to reduce stress and improve strength and flexibility. All levels are welcome, but participants must be able to get down and up from the floor. $23 preregistration, $25 drop-in. Health-Balanced Fitness Studio, 900 South Lake Blvd, Ste. 6, Mahopac. Register call/text: 845-216-6810 or HealthBalanced.com.

Myofascial Release & Yoga – 9:30-11am. With Joelle Van Sickle. Use massage balls, foam rollers and yoga to release fascia, hydrate tissue and enhance resiliency. $28/class; packages available. FulBeing Collective; 8 Barristers Row, Wappingers Falls. Info/register: FulBeingCollective.com/ ClassesWorkshops.

Journey Into Power Yoga Class – 9:30-11am. This 90-min. signature class is a journey to vitality, power and freedom. All levels. $25 drop-in; class cards and memberships available. RedTail Power Yoga, 810 Rte. 82, Hopewell Junction. Info: RedTailPowerYoga.com; 845-605-2257.

Hudson Valley Regional Farmers Market – 10am2pm. Year-round, weather-permitting. Buy local produce, baked goods, organic products, eggs, pickles, cheese and much more 15 Mt. Ebo Rd. South, Brewster. Info: HudsonValleyFarmersMarket.org.

Beginner Yoga – 11am. Classes consist of standing poses to build strength, balance and improved flexibility. Detailed instruction with focus on proper form and function will help you build a safe, fun and nurturing practice. $22. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845202-2228 Back2HealthYoga.com.

Monday

TLC Online Holistic Networking Morning – 8:3010am. 2nd Mon. Holistic practitioner or wellness entrepreneur? Join our vibrant conscious-living community for breakfast! Connect, grow and share your passion. First visit is free as Beth’s guest—then consider becoming a TLC member. RSVP to Beth at 203-856-9566 (call/text).

Barre Sculpt – 9am. A challenging, total-body workout utilizing low-impact and high-intensity movements to improve strength and flexibility. BYO mat. Grip socks recommended. $35 per class or monthly packages available. Barrebelle by Joelle, 83 N. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua. Info/ register: 646-734-6964; BarreBelleByJoelle.com.

Level 1 Yoga – 9:30am. Discover the foundations of yoga in our Level 1 class, suitable for beginners and those seeking a moderate practice. Explore seated and standing poses, along with Sun A Salutations, to build strength and flexibility. Tula Yoga for Wellness, Hammond Museum, 28 Deveau Rd., North Salem. Info: 914-806-3286; TulaYogaForWellness.com.

Putnam Yoga Level 1 to Level 2 – 9:30am. This yoga class offers a flow with modifications shown designed for yogis just starting out. All classes are an hour long. $20 drop-in, class cards and memberships available. Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. Info/register: Christine Dodge, 845-494-8118; PutnamYoga.com.

Back Care Essentials – 9:30-10:45am. A foundational yoga class that strengthens the spine, improves alignment, and eases tension. Ideal for all levels, including those with back pain, injuries, or specific needs. $22. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845202-2228 Back2HealthYoga.com.

Vinyasa Express with Betsy – 4:30-5:30pm. A practice that harmonizes breath and movement through fluid transitions. This all-level class invites you to explore pranayama, flowing sequences and practices that nurture balance, flexibility and strength, while encouraging serenity in the mind. $17. PranaMoon Yoga, 1000 N. Division St., Ste. 2H, Peekskill. Info/ register: 845-528-0318; PranaMoonYoga.com.

Level 2 Yoga – 5:30pm. Immerse yourself in a combination of seated and standing poses along with the invigorating sequences. Deepen your practice, challenging you with more advanced postures while maintaining a mindful and balanced approach. Tula Yoga for Wellness, Hammond Museum, 28 Deveau Rd., North Salem. Info: 914806-3286; TulaYogaForWellness.com.

All Levels Iyengar Yoga – 5:30-6:45pm. Yoga that emphasizes safety, optimal body alignment and attention to detail. Modifications will be given as necessary for those new to yoga, injuries or certain medical conditions. $22. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

Tuesday

Putnam Yoga Level 1 to Level 2 Class with Meditation – 9:30am. The yoga flow will have modifications shown. This class starts and ends with special meditation segments; designed for people new to meditation. All classes are an hour long. $20 Dropin. Class cards and memberships available. Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. Info/register: Christine Dodge, 845-494-8118; PutnamYoga.com.

Strength in Motion – 9:30am. All levels class. Warm up the body with an add-on of light weights to tone and strengthen. Tula Yoga for Wellness, Hammond Museum, 28 Deveau Rd., North Salem. Info: 914-806-3286; TulaYogaForWellness.com.

Smart Strength Training – 12pm. With Erin Baker. Improve strength and function; all abilities welcome. $28/class; packages available. FulBeing Collective; 8 Barristers Row, Wappingers Falls. Info/register: FulBeingCollective.com/ClassesWorkshops.

Tai Chi – 4:30pm. Weekly one-hour class with Sifu Steven Reilly blending movement, philosophy and laughter; beginners encouraged. $28/class; packages available. FulBeing Collective; 8 Barristers Row, Wappingers Falls. Info/register: FulBeingCollective. com/ClassesWorkshops.

APRIL Sustainable Together

MAY

Vitality Her Way + Lyme Disease

JUNE

Men Built to Thrive + Fitness

JULY Good Vibes, Great Outdoors

AUGUST Building Healthy Foundations

SEPTEMBER Yoga Month + Inner Balance

OCTOBER How Healing Works

NOVEMBER Rooted in Gratitude

DECEMBER Living Generously + Meditation & Mental Health

Ongoing Events

Candlelight Yin-Soothe & Stretch – 5:30-6:30pm. You will be guided through a series of seated or supine postures in a calming candle lit background. Each pose is held for about 3-6 minutes while Allie uses the healing energies of various soothing instruments to enhance your experience. $22. Pure Presence Yoga, Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown Heights. Info/register: PurePresenceYogaNY.com.

Yoga and Meditation – 6:30-7:30pm. This Level I-II class is a combination of gentle movements, Vinyasa flow and meditation. Focusing on breathwork, building strength and flexibility. No experience needed. $23 preregistration, $25 drop-in. Health-Balanced Fitness Studio, 900 South Lake Blvd, Ste. 6, Mahopac. Register call/text: 845-216-6810 or HealthBalanced.com.

Wednesday

TLC Networking Breakfast in Mount Kisco – 8:30-10am. 3rd Wednesday. We are a vibrant and growing community committed to living consciously and offering healthy lifestyle opportunities through our businesses and passions. Come the first time as Beth’s guest, and later become a TLC member. RSVP to Beth at 203-856-9566 (call/text).

Vinyasa Yoga Flow: Open Level – 9-10am. Flow through mindful stretches, gentle breathwork and accessible poses, with your knowledgeable teacher’s hands-on adjustments—designed for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike—to cultivate balance, flexibility strength and a centered, peaceful state of mind. $20. Zen Garden Health Coaching & Yoga, 25 Carpenter Pl., Yorktown Heights. Info/register: 917-721-2529; ZenGardenYoga.net.

Chair Yoga for Healthy Aging – 11am. Participants practice poses seated in a chair or standing with assistance of a chair. Great for active older adults who want to build strength and improve balance, coordination and posture. $20. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845-202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

Qigong – 11:30am-12:30pm. Qigong (chi kung) is a gentle yet powerful Chinese medicine practice combining breath and movement to restore balance, enhance vitality, and unite mind, body and soul—suitable for all ages.$20. Lifestyle Fitness & Yoga, 35 Violet Ave., Poughkeepsie. Info/register: Lorraine Hughes, 845-416-4598.

Flow – 6-7pm. A Vinyasa-based class focused on aligning movement with breath. Flow through a series of movements designed to center and ground, with an emphasis on flexibility, mobility, and strength. $25 drop-in. Luna Power Yoga, 175 Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.com.

TLC Online Holistic Networking Evening –6-7:30pm. Last Wednesday monthly. We are a vibrant and growing community committed to living consciously and offering healthy lifestyle opportunities through our businesses and passions. Come the first time as Beth’s guest, and later become a TLC member. RSVP to Beth at 203-856-9566 (call/text).

Thursday

Rise – 7-8am. Awaken your body and set a positive tone for your day with this gentler Vinyasa-based class with a focus on grounding, flexibility, and creating space. $25 drop-in. Luna Power Yoga, 175 Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.com.

TLC Networking Breakfast in Rye – 8:30-10am.

Slow Flow Yoga with Lucia Rich – 9:45-11am. This class blends meditation and mindful movement to reflect seasonal shifts, reducing stress and anxiety while enhancing energy, organ balance, and joint mobility through Yin and Yang-inspired yoga. $25 drop-in. Class cards available. All Saints’ Artist Collective, 201 Scarborough Rd., Briarcliff Manor. Info/ register: EmbodiedArtsAndWellness.com.

Yoga Therapeutics: Functional Movement & Breath w/ Dani Locastro – 10-11:15am. Learn yoga poses and breathing techniques to support a healthy body, clear mind and greater awareness. $28/class; packages available. FulBeing Collective; 8 Barristers Row, Wappingers Falls. Info/register: FulBeingCollective.com/ClassesWorkshops.

Adult Intermediate Ballet – 10:30am-12pm. Mimi Wallace teaches this invigorating and fun class. Wear comfortable clothing and canvas slippers (leather slippers, jazz shoes and thick socks work too). $25. Union Hall, 2 Keeler Ln., 2nd Fl. studio, North Salem. Info: UnionHallOnline.com.

Chair Yoga/Balance – 12:30-1:30pm. A gentle, breath-based flow designed to increase flexibility and joint mobility, reduces stress and improves balance. Includes standing and seated exercises. Inperson/via Zoom. $23 preregistration; $25 drop-in. Health-Balanced Fitness Studio, 900 South Lake Blvd, Ste. 6, Mahopac. Register call/text: 845-2166810 or HealthBalanced.com.

Weekly Meditation Practice – 4:30-5:30pm. With Fernando Camacho, MD, and Maeve Eng-Wong, LCSW, RYT. Explore various meditative practices to enhance your spiritual path. A short discussion follows the meditation. Free will offering. The Center at Mariandale, 299 North Highland Ave., Ossining. Preregistration requested: 914-941-4455; Mariandale.org.

Natural Awakenings Special Features

Barre Pilates Blend Class – 6-7pm. Combining ballet-inspired movements with Pilates alignment principles, this class incorporates light resistance with high repetition moves that challenge strength, coordination and balance. $23 preregistration, $25 drop-in. Health-Balanced Fitness Studio, 900 South Lake Blvd, Ste. 6, Mahopac. Register call/ text: 845-216-6810 or HealthBalanced.com.

Balanced Rock Zen – 6:30-8:30pm. MeditationMindfulness-Zen in the Korean Seon tradition. Beginning and experienced practitioners are welcome. $15 suggested donation. Union Hall, 2 Keeler Ln., 2nd Fl. studio, North Salem. Info: 845-6669-6551.

Radiant Flow with Rajni – 7pm. A rhythmic Vinyasa class geared to inspire your most radiant self. This evening practice includes some heat building sequences designed to build inner stability and clarity. All levels are welcome. Some yoga experience is helpful. $17. PranaMoon Yoga, 1000 N. Division St., Ste. 2H, Peekskill. Info/register: 845-528-0318; PranaMoonYoga.com.

Friday

Vinyasa Yoga Flow: Open Level – 9-10am. Flow through mindful stretches, gentle breathwork and accessible poses, with your knowledgeable teacher’s hands-on adjustments. Designed for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike—$20. Zen Garden Health Coaching & Yoga, 25 Carpenter Pl., Yorktown Heights. Info/register: 917-721-2529; ZenGardenYoga.net.

Smart Strength Training for Women – 10:1511:15am. With Erin Baker. Focus on strength and movement patterns for daily life. $28; packages available. FulBeing Collective; 8 Barristers Row, Wappingers Falls. Info/register: FulBeingCollective. com/ClassesWorkshops.

Mom and Baby Bonding Through Yoga –11am-12pm. This yoga class supports postpartum moms and babies (ages 6 weeks to pre-crawling) with gentle movement, infant bonding and community—honoring both your recovery and your baby’s early development. $30. Yoga Haven, 125 Marbledale Rd., Tuckahoe. Info/register: 914-7210546; YogaHaven.com/events-series.

My Friend, PerI: A Free Perimenopause Workshop Series — 2/6, 2/13, 2/27. 11am-12:30pm. Certified herbalist Tara Gregorio leads a free three-week workshop series exploring the physical and hormonal changes of perimenopause and natural ways to support hormone metabolism. Walk-ins welcome; registration suggested. Free. The Hub, 3590 Route 9, Suite 109, Cold Spring. MyFriendPeri.eventbrite.com.

Overnight Healing Retreat in the Energy Enhancement System – 8:45pm-6:30am. Experience deep healing as scalar energy frequencies rejuvenate your cells and spirit while you sleep. Bring sheets, pillow, blanket, water and any comforts needed for a good night’s sleep. Quantum Healing & Wellness, 7 Norm Ave., Ste. 202, Bedford Hills. Pricing/preregistration (required): 914-218-3428; WellnessLiving.com.

Saturday

Barre Power high-intensity movement meets deep muscle activation, functional strength, and expert sequenc ing. No ballet needed—just come ready to move with intention, precision, and power. $25 drop-in; class cards and memberships available. RedTail Power Yoga, 810 Rte. 82, Hopewell Junction. Info: RedTailPowerYoga.com; 845-605-2257.

Barre Sculpt

workout utilizing low-impact and high-intensity movements to improve strength and flexibility. BYO mat. Grip socks recommended. $35 per class or monthly packages available. Barrebelle by Joelle, 83 N. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua. Info/ register: 646-734-6964; BarreBelleByJoelle.com.

Level 1 Yoga

of yoga through seated and standing poses along with Sun A Salutations. Suitable for beginners, this class helps build strength, flexibility and confidence on the mat. Tula Yoga for Wellness, Hammond Museum, 28 Deveau Rd., North Salem. Info: 914806-3286; TulaYogaForWellness.com.

• Established wellness & massage spa in prime Fairfield County location.

• Loyal clients, fully established, strong community presence, zero startup needed.

Intermediate Kripalu-Based Yoga – 9:15-10:30am. With Kathleen Hinge. For more experienced practitioners who desire more of a challenge. Be guided through more advanced postures, and invited to hold poses longer and explore personal variations. In-person or virtual. Info/register: SacredSpiritYogaCenter.org.

FOR SALE in prime Fairfield County, CT location. Established wellness & massage studio in prime. Loyal clients, fully established, strong community presence, zero startup needed. Ready for a handson owner/operator to take it to the next level. NO BROKERS. BusinessCTSale@gmail.com.

• Ready for a hands-on owner/operator to take it to the next level.

Donations

Beginner Kripalu-Based Yoga – 10:45am-12pm. With Kathleen Hinge. A very nurturing practice, promoting mindfulness, flexibility and relaxation. Classes include setting intentions, guided breathing, meditation and gentle pose sequences. Suitable for beginners, and those with physical limitations. In-person or virtual. Info/register: SacredSpiritYogaCenter.org.

Beginner Yoga – 11am. Class consists of standing poses to build strength, balance and improved flexibility. Detailed instruction with focus on proper form and function will help you build a safe, fun and nurturing practice. $22. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

Vinyasa Flow Yoga – 11am. Vinyasa Flow Yoga for a relaxing and somatic stretch to calm the body and mind. $20 or discounted class card options. Expression Dance & Wellness Center, 2141 Crompond Rd., Cortlandt Manor. Register: 914-293-7021; ExpressionDanceWellness.com.

LET IT SHINE AGAIN THRIFT STORE IN VERPLANCK – Donations needed of housewares and home decor in excellent condition. Vases, platters, dishes, pots—beautiful and useful things for the home. Items sold to support Let It Shine Food Pantry. Set up a donation appointment: email Info@LetItShineOnline.com.

Grow Your Business

IF YOU’RE READING THIS, SO ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS! Let us connect your business with the right customers. Contact us today to grow your local reach and impact! Call: 914-8308306 or email Erica@WakeUpNaturally.com.

Volunteers

JOIN STRAY HELP’S TEAM of dedicated cat rescuers. Work directly with cats or help “behind the scenes”. Let’s save lives together. Visit StrayHelp.org/volunteer.

See the YOGA, PILATES, FITNESS NETWORK on page 29.

Gentle Hatha Yoga – 12:30pm. A yoga style based in Kripalu tradition, focusing on yoga postures, mindful awareness and self-care. Breathing techniques and meditation will be explored as well! Suitable for all levels! $20 drop-in. Class cards and memberships available. Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. Info/register: Christine Dodge, 845-494-8118; PutnamYoga.com. 55 + Beginners Yoga – 1:30-2:30pm. Feb. 14, 21 & 28. This beginners yoga series offers a safe, supportive and welcoming space to build strength, improve balance, increase flexibility and relax the mind. No prior yoga experience is needed, but must be able to get up and down. BYO yoga mat. $20/class or $48 for series. Luna Power Yoga, 175 Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.com.

NATURAL LIVING DIRECTORY LISTINGS

All year long, Natural Awakenings brings you the latest information and resources available for natural health, nutrition, personal growth, green living, fitness and creative expression. We are pleased to offer this special edition, including Wellness Dream Team Practitioner Profiles on page 12 and local Business Spotlights on page 18. The Natural Living Glossary and our Westchester, Putnam & Dutchess Counties, Natural Living Directory can support you in leading a healthy, happy and balanced lifestyle. Dive into the wealth of knowledge and inspiration within these pages to enhance your well-being.

Acupuncture

SEARCHLIGHT MEDICAL

Laurie R. Mallis, MD, LAC 2424 Rte. 52, Hopewell Junction 845-592-4310 • SearchLightMedical.com

Frustrated with not feeling or looking your best? Let me guide you on your path to better health and well-being. Utilizing: Medical Acupuncture, ONDAMED Biofeedback Therapy, Reiki, Mei Zen Acupuncture for facial rejuvenation, weight loss and fertility. See ad, page 11.

Addiction Cessation

QUIT WITH QUINN

Garrison and Online

Steve.HealingNY@gmail.com 914-473-2015 • QuitWithQuinn.com

Quit with Quinn helps people overcome daily addictions and unwanted habits ranging from sugar, smoking, alcohol, weight loss, to overeating and other compulsive habits. All natural, energetic healing programs with 90% success rate. See ad, page 22.

Alternative Healing

QUANTUM HEALING & WELLNESS

Dr. Michelle Adams, Owner & Natural Health Practitioner 7 Norm Ave., Bedford Hills • 914-218-3428 QuantumHealingAndWellnesspma.com

Dr. Adams, Natural Health Practitioner, offers AO Scan, revealing imbalances in 12 body systems, along with EESystem™ and other holistic therapies and technologies. Experience advanced energy healing, detox and cellular regeneration to restore balance and optimize wellness. Empower your body’s natural ability to heal! See ad, page 27.

Artist

ANNE ZIMMERMAN

Art Teacher, Therapeutic Practitioner Westchester County 845-490-8462 AmsZim@aol.com

Monthly Neuroart classes and Art Escapes at the tranquil Universal Healing Arts, in Cortlandt Manor. I also offer private classes in person or online. Art is healing.

Behavioral Optometry

Samantha Slotnick, OD, FAAO, FCOVDR 495 Central Park Ave., Ste. 301, Scarsdale 914-874-1177 • DrSlotnick.com

A whole-person, holistic approach to vision care, for all ages. Specializing in vision therapy and rehabilitation for vision problems which interfere with reading, learning, attention, performance and efficiency. Please visit website for details. See ad, page 24.

Brain Health

SHARP AGAIN

SharpAgain.org

Sharp Again is a nonprofit organization that educates and empowers individuals to optimize cognitive health through our coaching programs, webinars, online resources and our new book, Minding Your Memory. Committed to accessibility, we provide essential brain health education, support, and tools, ensuring everyone can take an active role in maintaining and improving their cognition.

Chiropractic

DR. LEIGH DAMKOHLER, CCSP, LMT 8 Bacon Pl., Yonkers

914-523-7947

Chiropractor-WestchesterNY.com

Personalized treatments designed for you by Westchester’s only dually licensed practicing Sports Chiropractor and Massage Therapist. Receive a unique combination of muscle work and adjustments not provided elsewhere. Dr. Leigh can help you move and feel better. Get back to the life you love!

Chronic Pain

RECOVERY FROM PERSISTENT PAIN

Louise Beach, MS, CNS

914-260-7548

LouiseListens.com

A sensitized, overprotective nervous system can cause persistent pain and other symptoms. Louise is trained in Pain Reprocessing Therapy, mindfulnessbased and somatic techniques that have proven remarkably effective in helping people 'unlearn' their pain by retraining the brain.

Community Support

LET IT SHINE INC.

Kacey Morabito Grean 137 7th St. • P.O. Box 818, Verplanck 914-323-8343 • Info@LetItShineOnline.com LetItShineOnline.com

Let It Shine "gathers love and gives it away" at The Food Pantry, in Verplanck. The Let It Shine team also connects women to the things services they need. Support the mission by shopping at the Let It Shine Again (LISA) Thrift Store Wednesdays through Saturdays.

Craniosacral Therapy

JOY MATALON, LMT, CST

Locations: Ossining, Garrison 914-519-8138 JoyMatalon.com

CranioSacral Therapy with Somato Emotional Release allows physical, emotional and spiritual issues to be intimately explored bringing relief from pain and activating a healing process which continues beyond the session. Experience CST alone or integrated with acupressure.

Eastern Healing Arts

FIVE LIGHTS CENTER

220 W. 93rd St., NYC Demo & Classes in Purchase 917-721-0823 • FiveLightsCenter.com

Intuitive Shiatsu facilitates mental wellness; relieves muscular and joint pain; reverses low energy and treats chronic conditions. Here at Five Lights Center—the longest-running accredited Japanese Shiatsu center in America—we invite you to leave the chaos of the world out there. Together, we bring you back to balance. See ad, page 22.

Electronics Recycling

ELECTRONIC RECYCLING

RARE SALES, INC.

Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess Call Bob: 914-661-3605

We recycle anything electrical. Computers, cables, battery backups, monitors, old printers, software discs, cell phones and charges and virtually any other electrical equipment you may want to discard. If you rebuild PCs, we will take any old part you replace.

Emotional Pain Relief

BRETT COTTER

Coach, Author, Retreat Leader

Telehealth and In-person sessions, NYC 833-867-3529 • StressIsGone.com

Quickly release emotional pain with 1-on-1 coaching via phone or in person at a retreat. Brett has 25+ years’ experience helping clients release emotional pain. He guides you step-by-step for long lasting relief. Brett leads retreats at Omega, Kripalu, Sivananda Bahamas and the Himalayan Institute. He trains, mentors and certifies students weekly online.

Energy Healer

ANN KORONOWSKI

Cert. Soul Realignment Practitioner

By online appointment/ Schenectady AnnEnergyHealer.com

Allow me to access your soul’s divine blueprint through your Akashic Record to discover your true gifts and why your current patterns of choice may not be in alignment with your soul’s intentions. Learn actionable steps to create the life your soul intended. Other services: energy healer, psychic readings.

Energy Healing

ANNE H. BENTZEN

495 Main St., Ste. 205, 2nd Fl., Armonk 914-588-4079

Balancing4Life.com

BETH LEAS

Inner harmony fosters health and wellness. Discover modalities to relieve stress, support recovery and transformation. Reiki, BEMER therapy, sound healing, Bach Flower essences, intuitive guidance and PastLife Regression. Regular drumming circles and Stargate meditations offer growth within a supportive community. See ad, page 9.

Transformative Healing • Tarot

Virtual and In-Person Sessions

203-856-9566 • BethLeas.com

If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels—greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 30+ years of intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot.

ALEXANDRA LECLERE

Energy Healer & Medium • Author New Rochelle or Virtually AlexandraLeclere@aol.com 914-548-3450 • AlexandraLeclere.com

Alexandra Leclere is the author of Healing Wisdom from the Afterlife and Seeing the Dead; Talking with Spirits. She has many years of experience helping clients overcome obstacles, heal, contact loved ones and identify and communicate with spirit guides.

ANGELO ORTIZ, LCSW

3265 Johnson Ave., Ste. 212, Bronx 845-391-3640

AOrtizLCSW@gmail.com

I offer a psycho-spiritual combination of psychotherapy and reiki energy healing. My philosophy and approach is based on the understanding that we are all on a journey towards becoming the best versions of ourselves. Our past and current experiences present challenges, and I support the person in understanding and overcoming those challenges. I believe that we all have the power to heal. I am just a guide and confidant on your journey.

Evidential Psychic Medium

STACEY

DECEA, CSW

EVIDENTIAL PSYCHIC MEDIUM

Medium-Westchester & Ridgefield, CT 914-588-6196

Stacey@StaceyDecea.com

Stacey offers individual, group and family readings, demonstrations, teaches classes and mentors students.

NATURAL LIVING GLOSSARY

Active Release Techniques (ART):

A patented, state-of-the-art soft tissue system/ movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.

Acupuncture: An ancient Oriental technique that stimulates the body’s ability to sustain and balance itself, based on the theory that an electromagnetic life-force (qi or chi, pronounced “chee”) is channeled in a continuous flow throughout the body via a network of ‘meridians.’ Disease is understood as an imbalance in the meridian system Diagnosis of an imbalance is made by “reading” the pulse, face, tongue and body energy. To correct it, a practitioner inserts acupuncture needles at specific points along the meridians to stimulate or disperse the flow of life force. Acupuncture principles include the yin and yang polarities and the associations of the five elements of fire, earth, metal, water and wood with bodily organs.

Addiction Cessation: Programs, therapies or coaching designed to help individuals stop harmful habits, including substance use or behavioral addictions. Techniques may include counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, energy healing, mindfulness practices and holistic lifestyle interventions to support long-term recovery.

Apothecary Practitioner: Once an archaic term for a person who made and sold medicine, the term is used today to refer to specialists in a range of modalities—including spiritual practices, herbal remedies and energy and vibrational medicine—that facilitate natural healing and support spiritual growth.

Aromatherapy: An ancient healing art that uses the essential oils of herbs and flowers to treat emotional disorders such as stress and anxiety and a wide range of other ailments. Oils are massaged into the skin, inhaled or added to a water bath. Often used in conjunction with massage therapy, acupuncture, reflexology, herbology and chiropractic or other holistic treatments.

Artist: A professional or practitioner engaged in visual, performing or creative arts as a form of expression, healing or therapy. Artistic practices can support emotional well-being, personal growth and community engagement, often used in conjunction with modalities like art therapy or mindfulness.

Art Therapy: Uses the creative process of making art to improve and enhance physical, mental and emotional well-being and to deepen self-awareness. The therapist makes a diagnosis and determines treatment plans by encouraging a client to express his or her feelings and unconscious thoughts through the nonverbal creative process and by observing the forms and content created.

Astrology: A system of traditions and beliefs that holds that the relative positions of celestial bodies either directly influence life on Earth or correspond to events experienced on a human scale. Modern astrologers define astrology as a symbolic language, art form and type of divination that can provide information about personality and human affairs, aid in the interpretation of past and present events and predict the future.

Ayurveda: The oldest medical system known to man and a comprehensive spiritual teaching practiced in India for 4,000 years. It focuses on achieving and maintaining perfect health via the balance of the elements air, fire and water (illness is considered an excess of any element). A patient’s body type, determined according to Ayurveda principles, is the basis for individualized dietary regimens and other preventive therapeutic interventions. Ayurveda prescriptions might include purification procedures for the restoration of biological rhythms; experience of expanded consciousness through meditation; nutritional counseling; stress reduction; enhancing neuromuscularconditions;andbehavioralmodification.

Behavioral Optometry: A branch of optometry focused on how vision affects learning, behavior and overall brain function. Practitioners address issues such as eye tracking, focusing and visual processing to improve reading, sports performance and daily functioning.

Biof e edback: A relaxation technique that monitors internal body states and is used especially for stress-related conditions such as asthma, migraines, insomnia and high blood pressure. During biofeedback, patients monitor minute metabolic changes (e.g., temperature, heart rate and muscle tension), with the aid of sensitive machines. By consciously thinking, visualizing, moving, relaxing, etc., they learn which activities produce desirable changes in the internal processes being monitored.

Bio-Identical Hormone Replace

ment (BHRT): The treatment of the symptoms of menopause (and its male equivalent andropause) through the use of hormones that have the same chemical structure as those naturally produced by the body. Many compounding pharmacies have staff trained in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), which is thought by its proponents to have fewer risks and side effects thantraditionalmethodsofhormonereplacement.

Fashion and Styling

JACKIE CONDURA

Personal Stylist at Stylings By Jackie StylingsByJackie@gmail.com

StylingsByJackie.com

Stylings By Jackie Facebook Group

With a range of services including Color Analysis, Body Type and Closet Cleanses, take time to elevate your fashion and style! As an established Personal Stylist who’s worked for popular styling services, now I bring that expertise to private clients.

The Feldenkrais Method

MARY NEWELL, PHD

Cold Spring and Beacon Flexible-Comfort.weebly.com 914-522-8017

The Feldenkrais Method is a body-mind approach employing movement with awareness to enable freedom from pain, stiffness, and tension; increase flexibility, coordination and balance; improve movement skills and creative expression. Try private sessions for active problems, classes for ongoing well-being.

Gyrotonic Exercise

GYROTONIC WHITE PLAINS

10 County Ctr. Rd., White Plains 914-522-5533

GyrotonicWhitePlains.com

Gyrotonic exercise allows users to stretch and strengthen muscles, while simultaneously stimulating and strengthening connective tissues in and around the joints of the body. The circulatory system is stimulated through breathing techniques paired with undulating circular and spiraling movements.

Hair Salon

FRESH ORGANIC SALON SOLUTIONS

Hair care, Skincare & Make up 190 Rte. 117 Bypass Rd., Bedford 914-242-1928 • FreshOrganicSalon.com

A healthy approach to beauty and wellness led by Maureen Toohey, Regional Educator for Organic Salon Systems. The fresh team is committed to making your experience fully complete and satisfying, organically. Receive a gift valued at $75 with your 1st color appointment, when you mention Natural Awakenings.

Healing Arts Center

FULBEING COLLECTIVE

8 Barristers Row, Wappingers Falls 845-288-1808

FulbeingCollective.com

A multidisciplinary, collaborative group of practitioners who take care and interest in the totality of your being. We offer holistic physical therapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, energy healing, perinatal care, private/group therapeutic yoga and more.

UNIVERSAL HEALING ARTS

4 Crestview Ave., Cortlandt Manor 914-737-4325

UniversalHealingArts.com

Experience healing, balance, wellness, transformation, meditation and peacefulness. Reiki healing and certifications, acupuncture, massage, bio mat, psychic medium, tarot, sound baths, drumming. Yoga, tai chi, Feldenkrais, counseling, art classes. Special events: full moon ceremonies, Yoga Nidra, guest speakers. Gift Shop: crystals, jewelry, sage, candles.

Healing Gardens

REFLECTIONS OF NATURE LANDSCAPING

Serving the Hudson Valley Area EcoPlanner191@gmail.com 845-489-7250

LandscapingWithNature.net

Sustainable landscaping that connects you to nature. We build and maintain holistic landscapes and sacred spaces. secret gardens, labyrinths, vedic gardens, hiking trails, medicine wheels, pollinator and butterfly gardens, fairy gardens, permaculture, perennial seasonal gardens, patios and fire pits.

Holistic Education

OMEGA INSTITUTE FOR HOLISTIC STUDIES

150 Lake Dr., Rhinebeck 877-944-2002 eOmega.org

Just 90 miles north of Manhattan, Omega is a nonprofit retreat center in the Hudson Valley operating since 1977. Open May through October, leading teachers offer workshops and retreats in Rhinebeck and online. See ad, page 2.

Home Energy

SUSTAINABLE PUTNAM

Joseph Montuori, Executive Director Info@SustainablePutnam.org 646-598-6560 • SustainablePutmam.org

Our new Putnam Energy Affordability program offers free information, resources, and a home energy consultation for Putnam County residents. For additional information and other programs, call, email or visit our website.

Integrative Optometry

EYECARE ASSOCIATES, PC

Dr. Randy Schulman, MS, OD, FCOVD

Dr. Krupa Baxi • Dr. Allie Decker

Dr. Jason Grygier • Dr. Ken Landesman

Dr. Diana Ngo • Dr. Maryam Nizami

Dr. Justin Rapp • Dr. Sonia Singh

Dr. Magy Tepliz • Dr. Matthew Weatherbee 6515 Main St., Trumbull, CT • 203-374-2020 444 Westport Ave., Norwalk, CT • 203-840-1991 2600 Post Rd., Southport, CT • 203-255-4005 992 High Ridge Rd., 1M, Stamford, CT • 203-357-0204 572 US-6, Mahopac • 845-628-3750 103 S Bedford Rd., Mount Kisco • 914-241-2020

CTNYEyecare.com

We offer behavioral optometry, comprehensive vision exams, contact lenses and vision therapy. Call to schedule your appointment today.

Lens-Based Postural Therapy

MIND-BODY-WORLD OPTOMETRY

Samantha Slotnick, OD, FAAO, FOVDR 495 Central Park Ave., St. 301, Scarsdale 914-874-1177 • DrSlotnick.com

Chronic neck and back discomfort associated with computer work? Postural skews, such as tilting, tipping or turning your head, or twisting your torso? The eyes lead the body, for better or for worse. Find out why physical therapists trust Dr. Slotnick to treat visuallydriven disorders in posture, gait and movement. Call for consultation. See ad, page 24.

Brain Health: Approaches and practices that support optimal cognitive function, memory, emotional regulation and neuroplasticity. Methods include neurofeedback, meditation, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle strategies designed to prevent cognitive decline and enhance mental performance.

Chinese Medicine: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the world’s oldest and most complete systems of holistic health care. It combines the use of medicinal herbs, acupuncture, food therapy, massage and therapeutic exercise, along with the recognition that wellness in mind, body and emotions depends on the harmonious flow of life-force energy (qi or chi, pronounced “chee”).

Chiropractic: Based on the premise that proper structural alignment permits free flow of nerve activity in the body. When spinal vertebrae are out of alignment, they put pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves radiating from it, potentially leading to diminished function and illness. Misalignment can be caused by physical trauma, poor posture and stress. The chiropractor seeks to analyze and correct these misalignments through spinal manipulation or adjustment.

Chronic Pain/Emotional Pain Relief: Techniques and modalities aimed at alleviating long-term physical pain or emotional suffering. Approaches can include massage therapy, acupuncture, bodywork, energy healing, psychotherapy, meditation and holistic medical interventions.

Coach (Life): A professional who helps clients identify their personal and/or professional goals and design a plan or institute techniques for achieving them. The life coach works with clients to recognize and overcome any obstacles that may interfere with achievement of those goals.

Community Support/Support Group: Organized gatherings or networks where individuals share experiences, resources and encouragement for personal or health challenges. Support groups foster emotional resilience, connection and a sense of belonging, often facilitated by trained leaders or holistic practitioners.

Conscious Living: As we become increasingly aware of the interdependence of humans, animals and the planet, progressive businesses are concerning themselves with far more than the bottom line. They know that today’s consumers are willing to invest in what they believe in, from fair-trade goods to animal-friendly and environmentally sound products and services.

Counseling/Psychotherapy: These terms encompass a broad range of practitioners, from career counselors, who offer advice and information, to psychotherapists, who treat depression, stress, addiction and emotional issues. Formats can vary from individual counseling to group therapy. In addition to verbal counseling techniques, some holistic therapists may use bodywork, ritual, energy healing and other alternative modalities as part of their practice.

Craniosacral Therapy (CST): A manual therapeutic procedure to remedy distortions in the structure and function of the craniosacral mechanism—the brain and spinal cord, the bones of the skull, the sacrum and interconnected membranes. Craniosacral work is based upon two major premises: that the bones of the skull can be manipulated, because they never completely fuse; and that the pulse of the cerebrospinal fluid can be balanced by a practitioner trained to detect variations in that pulse. CST is used to treat chronic pain, migraine headaches, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), ear and eye problems, balance problems, learning difficulties, dyslexia and hyperactivity.

Dance/Movement Therapy: A method of expressing thoughts and feelings through movement, developed during the 1940s. Participants, guided by trained therapists, are encouraged to move freely, sometimes to music. Dance/movement therapy can be practiced by people of all ages to promote self-esteem and gain insight into their own emotional problems, but is also used to help those with serious mental and physical disabilities. In wide use in the United States, this modality is becoming established around the world.

Dentistry (Holistic): Regards the mouth as a microcosm of the entire body. The oral structures and the whole body are seen as a unit. Holistic dentistry often incorporates such methods as homeopathy, biocompatibility testing and nutritional counseling. Most holistic dentists emphasize wellness and preventive care, while avoiding (and often recommending the removal of silver-mercury fillings).

Detoxification: The practice of resting, cleansing and nourishing the body from the inside out. According to some holistic practitioners, accumulated toxins can drain the body of energy and make it more susceptible to disease. Detoxification techniques may include fasts, special diets, sauna sweats, body wrapping, ionized foot baths and colon cleansing.

Doula: A woman who supports an expectant mother through pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period. Studies indicate that support in labor has profound benefits, including shorter labor, less desire for pain medication, lower rate of Caesarian delivery and more ease in initiation of breast-feeding.

Dowsing: A type of divination originally intended to locate ground water, minerals or other underground objects, through the use of a forked stick or “divining rod.” Modern advocates, who may or may not use a divining rod, believe that dowsing also can be used for much broader purposes. Those may include finding missing persons or lost objects, spiritual or distance healing or gaining insight into money or relationship issues.

Electronic Recycling: The responsible collection, disposal and repurposing of electronic devices and components to reduce environmental impact, prevent pollution and recover valuable materials.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): A self-help procedure founded by Gary Craig that combines fingertip tapping of key acupuncture meridian points while focusing on an emotional issue or health challenge. Unresolved or "stuck," negative emotions, caused by a disruption in the body’s energy system, are seen as major contributors to most physical pains and diseases. These can remain stagnant and trapped until released by the tapping. EFT is easy to memorize and portable, so it can be done anywhere.

LIFE COACH DAVID

David Scott Bartky

Certified Law of Attraction & Empowerment Life Coach 973-444-7301 • LifeCoachDavid.com

Call or text today to manifest your real goals, unlock potential, and build a positive mindset. I offer supportive coaching and practical tools to improve key areas of life—lasting skills you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life.

Mental Health Training

GET CERTIFIED TO SAVE LIVES WITH BRETT COTTER

Live Certification Training on Zoom Flexible Schedule • 1.5 Hours Weekly StressIsGone.com/Mentorship 833-867-3529 • StressIsGone.com

Get mentored, trained and certified by Brett Cotter as a Suicide Prevention Specialist, Trauma Recovery Coach, Meditation Teacher or in SelfCare > Self-Love Techniques. Brett is an expert trainer that uses experiential learning to help students master the material and embody the techniques. Heal yourself while you train with Brett.

Nutrition

LOUISE BEACH INTEGRATIVE NUTRITION

Louise Beach, MS, CNS 914-260-7548

LouiseListens.com

Optimize your health by optimizing your gut with the help of a Certified Microbiome Analyst/Nutritionist specializing in SIBO and digestive issues. Louise can competently guide you to affordable, cutting-edge testing, interpret the results and recommend interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, herbs, diet and lifestyle to help correct dysbiosis throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract.

Pediatric Headache Care

INTEGRATIVE PEDIATRIC HEADACHE CARE

Kim Levinson

Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner 600 Mamaroneck Ave., #400, Harrison 914-690-7967

IntegrativePediatricHeadacheCare.com

Integrative, compassionate care for children and teens with migraines and tension headaches. I partner with families seeking a holistic approach—beyond quick prescriptions—to ease pain and help kids feel better at home, at school, and with friends.

Personal Development/ Life & Leadership

PURPOSE

Paul Moda

RISING

Serving clients online in the Central and Greater New York area. 315-327-2773 • PaperBell.me/PurposeRising

Strengths-based coaching using evidence-based insights and tools tailored to guide life and leadership transitions. Gain clarity, confidence and purposeful direction aligned with who you truly are—for students, professionals, or anyone navigating change or designing their next chapter.

Psychic Mediumship

STACY SCHAFFER MEDIUM

Connection • Guidance • Spiritual Coaching 917-689-8373 • StacySchafferMedium.com UniversalHealingArts.com

Readings connect you with loved ones in spirit, your angels, guides and guardians. Receive guidance on the next steps for your life, spiritual coaching to trust and strengthen your intuition and innate gifts. Sessions are available in person in Mount Kisco and Universal Healing Arts, or online via Zoom. Available for parties and events too.

ORTIZ PSYCHOTHERAPY SERVICES LCSW, PLLC

3265 Johnson Ave., Ste. 212, Bronx

347-292-7071

Info@OrtizPACS.com

Our mission is to foster growth, healing and resilience in individuals and communities by expanding access to compassionate and culturally responsive psychotherapy services, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations. We strive to create ripple effects of empowerment, accessibility and wellness that reaches far beyond the therapy room. Our motto: “Psychotherapy for the Community by the Community.”

QHHT - Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique

THE SWEET PATH • MAMARONECK

Vicky Sweet

VictoriaSweet108@gmail.com

The-Sweet-Path.com/schedule-free-consult

As a QHHT Level 2 Practitioner, I am dedicated to Dolores Cannon’s method (qhhtofficial.com/ about-us). If you feel called to experience a transformative session, I'd be honored to support your journey. Reach out to learn more or schedule your session.

Reiki

SHIMA CHAYVET

Master of Reiki Masters

917-279-9577 • 914-737-HEAL UniversalHealingArts.com

A reiki session with Reiki Master Healer/Teacher, Shima Chayvet stands apart through her authentic lineage training. As she honors the integrity of this ancient art, clients feel safe, supported and gently transformed. Healing is transmitted with clarity, sacred intention and spiritual wisdom.

REIKI CLASSES

Cynthia M. Chase, LCSW, Reiki Master 860-395-0284 • CynthiaMChase@gmail.com CynthiaMChase.com

Manifest yourself as a healer; fulfill your life’s purpose! Cynthia offers personalized classes leading to Reiki levels I, II and Master level. Go to CynthiaMChase.com for details.

Energy & Movement Therapies: A range of practices that balance the body’s energy systems and enhance physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Techniques include Jin Shin Jyutsu, a gentle acupressure art to relieve stress and pain; Polarity Therapy, which redirects the body’s energy to support natural healing; These therapies can be used individually or together to improve overall wellness and performance.

Energy Healing: The art and practice of realigning and re-attuning the body between the physical and the etheric and auric fields to assist in natural healing processes. Working directly with the energy field in and around the body, the practitioner is thought to channel and direct energy into the cells, tissues and organs of the patient’s body to effect healing on physical and nonphysical levels simultaneously. Sessions may or may not involve the physical laying on of hands.

Evidential Psychic Medium/Psychic Mediumship/Tarot: Modalities that provide spiritual insight and guidance. Psychic mediums claim to perceive information from unseen sources or spirits; tarot involves interpreting symbolic cards to gain clarity about personal challenges, growth, or decision-making.

Feng Shui: The ancient Chinese system of arranging manmade spaces and elements to create or facilitate harmonious qi or chi (pronounced “chee”) or energy flow, by tempering or enhancing the energy where necessary. Feng shui consultants can be an asset to both personal and business spaces, either before or after the spaces are created.

Functional Medicine: A personalized medicine that focuses on primary prevention and deals with underlying causes, instead of symptoms, for serious chronic diseases. Treatments are grounded in nutrition and improved lifestyle habits and may make use of medications. The discipline uses a holistic approach to analyze and treat interdependent systems of the body and to create the dynamic balance integral to good health.

Healing Arts Center/Spiritual Retreat Center: Dedicated spaces that offer integrated wellness programs, classes and services focused on physical, emotional and spiritual growth. Offerings may include yoga, meditation, energy healing, workshops and retreats to support personal transformation.

Herbal Medicine: This oldest form of medicine uses natural plants in a wide variety of forms for their therapeutic value. Herbs produce and contain various chemical substances that act upon the body to strengthen its natural functions without the negative side effects of synthetic drugs. They may be taken internally or applied externally via teas, tinctures, extracts, oils, ointments, compresses and poultices.

Home Energy: Practices and technologies that optimize energy use in the home, including efficiency improvements, renewable energy and sustainable design, to reduce environmental footprint and promote healthier living spaces.

Homeopathy: A therapy that uses small doses of specially prepared plants and minerals to stimulate the body’s defense mechanisms and healing processes in order to cure illness. Homeopathy, taken from the Greek words homeos, meaning “similar,” and pathos, meaning “suffering,” employs the concept that “like cures like.” A remedy is individually chosen for a person based on its capacity to cause, if given in an overdose, physical and psychological symptoms similar to those the patient is experiencing.

Hydrotherapy: The use of water, ice, steam and hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full-body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating a wide range of conditions and can easily be used at home as part of a self-care program.

Hypnotherapy: A range of hypnosis techniques that allow practitioners to bypass the conscious mind and access the subconscious. The altered state that occurs under hypnosis has been compared to a state of deep meditation or transcendence, in which the innate recuperative abili-

ties of the psyche are allowed to flow more freely. The subject can achieve greater clarity regarding his or her own wants and needs, explore other events or periods of life that require resolution or generally develop a more positive attitude. Often used to help people lose weight or stop smoking, it is also used in the treatment of phobias, stress and as an adjunct to the treatment of illnesses.

Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT):

A combination of diagnostic and treatment methodologies that assess and treat pain, dysfunction, disease and disability. Developed by Sharon Giammatteo over 30-plus years, IMT is intended to address the complex needs of patients. IMT practitioners identify and address the underlying causes of dysfunction using a comprehensive and holistic approach. While IMT diagnostics and treatment modalities are predominately hands-on, IMT also integrates a wide range of diagnostic and treatment technologies, nutritional programs (i.e. natural supplements, diet and herbs) and IMT bodybased psychotherapeutic approaches to develop a customized solution for a patient’s needs.

Integrative Medicine: This holistic approach combines conventional Western medicine with complementary alternative treatments, in order to simultaneously treat mind, body and spirit. Geared to the promotion of health and the prevention of illness, it neither rejects conventional medicine nor accepts alternative therapies, without serious evaluation.

Integrative Optometry: Eye care that addresses visual function alongside overall health, incorporating vision therapy, postural alignment and lifestyle interventions to optimize visual processing, comfort and well-being.

Integrative Pediatric Headache

Care: Holistic care approaches for children experiencing headaches, combining conventional medical evaluation with therapies such as nutrition counseling, bodywork, behavioral interventions and mind-body techniques to reduce frequency and intensity of symptoms.

SWEET PEA WELLNESS

Jessie Parker, Owner SweetPeaWellness.co

Take time to pamper yourself with a distant reiki treatment! Personalized virtual sessions allow you to receive the specific boost of energy you require for your unique needs, but from the comfort of wherever you are.

Spiritual Healing/ Connection

ROBIN MUELLER, REIKI MASTER

Psychic Medium/Channel/Healer Armonk in Person or Remote SpiritInside.net • 914-400-7056

Robin’s various sessions including reiki healing and tarot help heal and guide. Her ability to connect to the spirit world enables her to bring amazing energy into every session. Her 5-Star Google reviews are a testament to her client’s experiences.

WHITE LOTUS GRACE

Gigi Oppenheimer Millbrook & Remote 845-677-3517 • WhiteLotusGrace.com

White Lotus Grace creates an oasis for the soul to receive inner peace and spiritual refreshment. I facilitate personalized healing experiences, readings and dance to restore harmony and nourish growth.

Spiritual Healing Teaching

BE THE MEDICINE

Janet StraightArrow 973-647-2500 • BeTheMedicine.com

Remote mentoring healersteachers-therapists, spiritual seekers, Catskill retreats, trainings, classes, profound healing, clearing, reiki, Shamanic Intuitive Energy Sessions. Soul Retrievals. Past, Ancestral, current life healing. Business, home, land clearings. Get unstuck. Discover purpose. 33 years experience. Shaman, Master Healer-Teacher, Sage, Astrologer.

Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s party!”

—Robin Williams

Spiritual Retreat Center

THE CENTER AT MARIANDALE

A Sponsored Ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Hope 299 N. Highland Ave., Ossining Info@Mariandale.org • Mariandale.org

The Center at Mariandale sponsors retreats in spirituality, contemplative practices, social and environmental justice, interfaith dialogue, the arts and wellness of body, mind and spirit. The center also welcomes nonprofit groups for day or overnight workshops, retreats and conferences.

Support Group

SUPPORT CONNECTION

Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support Services 914-962-6402 • 800-532-4290 SupportConnection.org

Support Connection provides free support services to people affected by breast, ovarian, or any gynecological cancer. Services include: One-on-one counseling (counselors are also cancer survivors); Support groups; Educational and wellness programs; Webinars; Social gatherings; Referrals; a national toll-free information and support hotline.

Tarot

BETH LEAS

Tarot • Transformative Healing Virtual and In-Person 203-856-9566 • BethLeas.com

What’s in the cards for you? Tarot is a powerful tool for guidance and will empower you to make your best choices. Gain insight to your most thoughtful questions. The answers you receive will illuminate your path, making visible your challenges and ways to overcome them.

Transformative Healing

BETH LEAS

Transformative Healing • Tarot

Virtual and In-Person Sessions

203-856-9566 • BethLeas.com

If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels—greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 30+ years of intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot.

Veterinary Hospital

EARTH ANGELS

VETERINARY HOSPITAL

44 Saint Nicholas Rd., Wappingers Falls 845-227-P-A-W-S (7297) EarthAngelsVet.com

Where East meets West with compassionate care for a holistic approach to your pet’s health. Offering a wide range of services/products including wellness exams, nutritional support, alternative cancer therapies, surgery, dentals, acupuncture, CBD products, pet boarding and more on our beautiful 9-acre facility.

Vision TherapyOptometric

MIND-BODY-WORLD OPTOMETRY

Samantha Slotnick, OD, FAAO, FCOVD 495 Central Park Ave., Ste. 301, Scarsdale 914-874-1177 • DrSlotnick.com

Smart in everything but school? Distracted, disorganized? Taking hours to do a 30 minute assignment? Could it be a vision problem? Dr. Slotnick and her kind and patient team can help your child take the struggle out of schoolwork. Through individualized vision therapy programs, children (and adults!) transform into confident, self-directed learners. Please visit website for details. See ad, page 24.

Wellness & Stewardship

NATURE'S WHISPERS

Keepers of the Earth Holistic Center 845-489-7250

WalkingTheTrail16@gmail.com

TheNaturesWhispers.com

We nurture connection to nature and self through drum circles, meditative wellness walks, medicine wheel teachings, fairy walks, permaculture, seven grandfathers teachings, land restoration, wisdom walks, Triskelion Labyrinth walks and feather healing, helping people reconnect with themselves and Mother Earth. See the INTUITIVE & HEALING ARTS on page 10.

Intuitive Arts: A general term for various methods of divination, such as numerology, psychic reading and tarot reading. Individuals may consult practitioners to seek information about the future or insights into personal concerns or their personality. Numerology emphasizes the significance of numbers derived from the spelling of names, birth dates and other significant references; psychics may claim various abilities, from finding lost objects and persons to communicating with the spirits of the dead; tarot readers interpret a deck of cards containing archetypal symbols.

Iridology: Analysis of the delicate structure of the iris, the colored portion of the eye, to reveal information about conditions within the body. More than 90 specific zones on each iris, for a combined total of 180-plus zones, correspond to specific areas of the body. Because body weaknesses are often noticeable in the iris long before they are discernible through blood work or other laboratory analysis, iridology can be a useful tool for preventive self-care.

Kinesiology/Applied Kinesiology:

The study of muscles and their movement. Applied kinesiology tests the relative strength and weakness of selected muscles to identify decreased function in body organs and systems, as well as imbalances and restrictions in the body’s energy flow. Some tests use acupuncture meridians and others analyze interrelationships among muscles, organs, the brain and the body’s energy field. Applied kinesiology is also used to check the body’s response to treatments that are being considered.

LENS-Based Postural Therapy: A specialized method addressing postural imbalances and neuromuscular alignment to improve overall function, reduce tension and support ergonomic and movement health.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

(MLD): A gentle, non-invasive, rhythmical whole-body massage, aimed at stimulating the lymphatic system to carry away excess fluid in the loose connective tissue, which helps remove toxins. Blockage or damage within the system may lead to conditions like edema, acne, inflammation, arthritis and sinusitis. The therapy stimulates one of the body’s natural cleansing systems to help bring tissues to a healthier state.

Martial

Arts: Systems of codified practices and traditions originally designed primarily for self-defense or combat. Now more often practiced as a sport, the martial arts have a strong emphasis on honor and self-discipline. The best-known martial arts originated in Asia and include aikido, karate, judo and tae kwon do.

Massage Therapy: The manipulation of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes, including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports and Thai massage. Massage therapy improves circulation, relieves tension, reduces stress and supports overall wellness. Techniques vary in pressure, rhythm and focus: Swedish massage uses long, flowing strokes for relaxation; Deep Tissue targets deeper muscles and fascia to relieve chronic pain; Sports massage addresses athletic injuries and performance; Thai massage combines rhythmic compression, stretching and energy line work to enhance flexibility and vitality. Massage therapy can complement chiropractic care, Reiki and other holistic treatments.

Meditation: The intentional directing of attention to one’s inner self. Methods and practices to achieve a meditative state are based upon various principles using the body or mind and may employ control or letting-go mechanisms. Techniques include the use of imagery, mantras and observation and the control of breathing. Research has shown that regular meditation can contribute to psychological and physiological well-being. As a spiritual practice, meditation is used to facilitate a mystical sense of oneness with a higher power or the Universe. It can also help reduce stress and alleviate stress-related ailments, such as anxiety and high blood pressure.

Midwife: A birth attendant who assists a woman through the prenatal, labor, birth and postpartum stages of pregnancy. The mother is encouraged to be involved and to feel in control of her birthing experience. Midwives are knowledgeable about normal pregnancy, labor, birth and pain relief options. They respect the process of birth as an innate and familiar process. Certified nurse-midwives are registered nurses who have received advanced training and passed a national certification exam. Nurse-midwives collaborate with physicians, as needed, especially when problems arise during pregnancy. (Also see Doula.)

Movement & Bodywork: Practices that enhance physical alignment, mobility and body awareness while supporting mental and emotional well-being. Techniques include: Alexander Technique, retraining posture and movement to reduce tension; Feldenkrais Method, using gentle movement to improve function and coordination; MELT, a self-care method to rehydrate connective tissue and reduce stress; Pilates, strengthening the core and improving flexibility; Yoga, combining postures, breathwork and meditation for balance and vitality; Gyrotonic Exercise, flowing circular movements to enhance range of motion; These modalities can be combined or used individually to improve overall wellness and performance.

Myofascial Release Technique: A hands-on therapy that applies gentle, sustained pressure to the body’s connective tissue (fascia) to release tension, improve mobility and restore alignment. It addresses areas of muscular stress caused by injury, scarring, or chronic tension. This technique treats conditions such as neck and back pain, headaches, recurring sports injuries and scoliosis and is tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques (NAET): A noninvasive, drug-free, natural modality that tests for and eliminate allergies. NAET uses a blend of selective energy balancing, testing and treatment procedures from acupuncture, acupressure, allopathy, chiropractic, kinesiology and nutritional medicine. One allergen is treated at a time.

Naturopathy: A comprehensive and eclectic system whose philosophy is based upon working in harmony with the body’s natural healing abilities. Naturopathy incorporates a broad range of natural methods and substances aimed to promote health. Training may include the study of specific approaches, including massage, manipulation, acupuncture, acupressure, counseling, applied nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy and minor surgery plus basic obstetrics for assistance with natural childbirth.

Network Chiropractic: Uses Network

Spinal Analysis (NSA), a system of assessing and contributing to spinal and neural integrity, as well as health and wellness. Founded and developed by Donald Epstein. Practitioners employ gentle force to the spine to help the body eliminate mechanical tension in the neurological system. The body naturally develops strategies to dissipate stored tension/ energy, thus enhancing self-regulation of tension and spinal interference. (Also see Chiropractic.)

Neurofeedback

(Real-Time EEG Neurofeedback): A brain-training technique that monitors electrical activity in the brain and provides real-time feedback to help the brain self-regulate. Using sensors and computer-guided exercises, individuals learn to strengthen desirable brainwave patterns and reduce dysfunctional ones. Neurofeedback is used for stress management, attention and focus improvement, sleep regulation and support for conditions such as anxiety, ADHD and migraines.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming

(NLP) : A systematic approach to changing the limiting patterns of thought, behavior and language. Through conversation, practitioners observe the client’s language, eye movements, posture, breathing and gestures, in order to detect and help change unconscious patterns linked to the client’s emotional state.

Nutritional Counseling:

Embracing a wide range of approaches, nutrition-based, complementary therapies and counseling seek to alleviate physical and psychological disorders through special diets and food supplements. These will be either macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, proteins and fiber) or micronutrients (vitamins, minerals and trace elements that cannot be manufactured in the body). Nutritional therapy/counseling often uses dietary or food supplements, which can include tablets, capsules, powders or liquids.

Osteopathy/Osteopathic Physicians:

Osteopathy uses generally accepted physical, pharmacological and surgical methods of diagnosis and therapy, with a strong emphasis on body mechanics and manipulative methods to detect and correct faulty structure and function, in order to restore the body’s natural healing capacities. Doctors of Osteopathy (DO) are fully trained and licensed according to the same standards as medical doctors (M.D.) and receive additional extensive training in the body’s structure and functions.

Oxygen

Therapies: Alters the body’s chemistry to help overcome disease, promote repair and improve overall function. Properly applied, oxygen may be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including infections, circulatory problems, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, allergies, cancer and multiple sclerosis. The major types of oxygen therapy used to treat illness are hyperbaric oxygen and ozone. Hydrogen peroxide therapy (oral or intravenous) can be dangerous and should be avoided.

Past Life Regression: Past life and regression therapies operate on the assumption that many physical, mental and emotional challenges are extensions of unresolved problems from the past, either childhood traumas or experiences in previous lifetimes. The practitioner uses hypnosis or other altered states of consciousness and relaxation techniques to access the source of this “unfinished business,” and helps clients to analyze, integrate and release past traumas that are interfering with their current lives.

Physical Therapy: Evaluates difficulties with mobility or function to focus on rehabilitation, through a restorative treatment program and instruction on how to make efficient use of the body in daily activities. Physical therapists use massage, exercise, electrical stimulation, ultrasound and other means to help the patient regain functional movement.

Prolotherapy: A rejuvenating therapy that uses injections of natural substances to stimulate collagen growth, in order to strengthen weak or damaged joints, tendons, ligaments or muscles. Often used as a natural alternative to drugs and/ or surgery to treat pain syndromes, including degenerative arthritis, lower back, neck and joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, migraine headaches and torn ligaments and cartilage.

Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT): A form of deep regression hypnosis developed by Dolores Cannon to facilitate physical, mental and emotional healing by accessing the subconscious mind or "Higher Self". It involves exploring past lives or other relevant symbolic experiences and tapping into inner wisdom to resolve root causes of trauma, illness or life challenges.

Qigong & Tai chi: Qigong and tai chi combine movement, meditation and breath regulation to enhance the flow of vital energy (qi or chi, pronounced “chee”) in the body, improve circulation and enhance immune function. Qigong traces its roots to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Tai chi was originally a self-defense martial art descended from qigong and employed to promote inner peace and calm.

Rebirthing

Breathwork: Also known as conscious connected breathing or vivation. Rebirthing is a means to access and release unresolved emotions. The technique uses conscious, steady, rhythmic breathing, without pausing between inhaling and exhaling. Guided by a professional rebirther, clients re-experience past memories, including birth and let go of emotional tension stored in the body.

Reflexology: A natural healing art based upon the principle that there are reflexes in the feet and hands that correspond to every part of the body. Correctly stimulating and applying pressure to the feet or hands increases circulation and promotes specifically designated bodily and muscular functions.

Reiki: A Japanese healing practice that channels universal life-force energy to promote physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Practitioners lightly place their hands on or near the client’s body to balance energy, support natural healing and reduce stress.

Rolfing Structural Integration

(Rolfing): A hands-on technique for deep tissue manipulation of the myofascial system, which is composed of the muscles and the connective tissue or fascia, in order to restore the body’s natural alignment and sense of integration. As the body is released from old patterns and postures, the range and freedom of physical and emotional expression increases. Rolfing can help ease pain and chronic stress, enhance neurological functioning, improve posture and restore flexibility.

Rubenfeld Synergy Method: Combines touch, talk and compassionate listening in a dynamic system for the integration of body, mind, emotions and spirit. Through gentle touch and verbal sharing, each of these four levels can be accessed simultaneously, releasing pain and fears held in the body/mind. This method facilitates pain management, increased ease of movement, improved body image and self-esteem and recovery from physical and emotional trauma.

Shamanism: An ancient healing tradition, which believes that loss of power is the real source of illness and that all healing includes the spiritual dimension. Shamanic healing usually involves induction into an altered state of consciousness and journeying into the spirit world to regain personal power and to access the powers of nature and of teachers. Shamanic healing may be taken literally or employed symbolically, but in or out of its cultural context, the tradition can be both self-empowering and self-healing.

Shiatsu: The most widely known form of acupressure, Shiatsu is a Japanese word meaning finger pressure. The technique applies varying degrees of pressure to balance the life energy that flows through specific pathways or meridians, in the body. Used to release tension and strengthen weak areas in order to facilitate even circulation, cleanse cells and improve the function of vital organs. Shiatsu may be used to help diagnose, prevent and relieve many chronic and acute conditions that manifest on both physical and emotional levels.

Somatic Psychotherapy: A type of psychotherapy that uses the body to help heal mental and physical trauma. It's also known as body psychotherapy.

Spiritual Healing/Counseling:

Practiced in two forms. In one, the healer uses thought or touch to align his or her spiritual essence with that of the client. The healer works to either balance the spiritual field or shift the perceptual base of the client to create harmony between mind and body and draw the client into the active presence of Divine Spirit. In the other, the healer transforms healing energy into a vibrational frequency that the client can receive and comfortably assimilate, reminding the person’s intuitive core of its inherent healing ability.

Tantra: Has emerged as a modern spiritual path of embodied consciousness, with roots in ancient Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Tantra views the ‘spiritual’ as being directly present within the ‘physical’ and respects sensory experience as a vehicle for accessing higher states of awareness. Tantric practices balance the chakras (energy centers) and can contribute to a sense of presence, intimacy and fulfillment in all aspects of living.

Transformative Healing: Holistic practices aimed at creating profound shifts in physical, emotional, or spiritual well-being. Techniques may include energy work, breathwork, counseling, meditation, or mind-body therapies to release blocks, cultivate self-awareness and promote personal transformation.

Trigger point/Myotherapy: A massage technique used to relieve pain, similar to Neuro Muscular Therapy (NMT). Practitioners apply pressure to specific "trigger points" on the body—tender, congested spots of muscle tissue that may radiate pain to other areas—in order to release tension and spasms. Treatment decreases the swelling and stiffness associated with muscular pain and increases range of motion.

Vision Therapy/Behavioral Optometry: Exercises and treatments designed to improve visual processing, eye coordination and perceptual skills, often used to support learning, reading, sports performance and neurological function.

Wellness & Stewardship: Holistic lifestyle practices that integrate personal well-being with conscious care for the community and the planet. Includes sustainable living, ethical consumer choices and actions that support ecological balance and social responsibility.

Yoga: An ancient Indian practice that unites the physical, mental and spiritual elements of a person. Techniques include postures (asanas), breath control, meditation and relaxation, often complemented by mindful diet and lifestyle. Regular practice enhances flexibility, strength, balance, circulation and energy flow, reduces stress and promotes overall well-being. Yoga can also serve as a spiritual practice, fostering self-awareness and inner calm.

Thermography (Thermal Imag

ing): A diagnostic technique that uses an infrared camera to measure temperature variations on the surface of the body, producing images that reveal sites of inflammation and abnormal tissue growth. Inflammation is recognized as the earliest stage of nearly all major health challenges.

Please note: The contents of this Natural Living Glossary are for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to be used in place of a visit or consultation with a healthcare professional. Always seek out a practitioner who is licensed, certified or otherwise professionally qualified to conduct a selected treatment, as appropriate.