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As we come to the end of a year that has felt tumultuous for many, with political, social and global unrest dominating our newsfeeds, I’m reminded that my responsibility is to give my attention to the good I can do and the joy I can help create right where I am. My hope and intention is to expand ripples of goodness throughout our community by offering potential pathways to optimal health and healing through these pages.
For December, our theme, “Embrace Joy,” brings a gentle reminder that by embracing and focusing more attention on the good stuff we see around us, we naturally open to receive more and more of that good.
Just like the invisible power of electricity as it’s harnessed through a power cord, that invisible attracting energy which is demonstrated through our most dominant thoughts and words, begins to move through our lives as a steady current, drawing in experiences that reflect and amplify whatever we’ve chosen to nurture through thought.
This month’s feature story by Hannah Tytus, “Cultivating Joy: How Movement, Gratitude and Connection Transform Our Lives,” explores simple, uplifting ways to feel more alive from the inside out. Through movement, gratitude and connection, it shows how joy can be renewed, even in challenging times.
Our Healthy Kids department invites families to find delight in reconnecting with their roots. In “Unwrapping the Past,” Christina Connors shares simple, meaningful ways to help children discover the joy and grounding that can come from knowing where they come from.
As we step into the new year, may we each carry forward the intention to notice the good, nurture what lights us up and share that light generously with those around us. Joy doesn’t ask for perfection; it simply asks for our presence.
My wish for you and your loved ones is that the cold winter months ahead offer moments of genuine connection, renewed gratitude and simple delights that remind you of the good we can all cultivate from within.
Thank you for being part of this community and for all the ways you help brighten our shared world.
Peace,
Grand Opening at CARE Esthetics Bolton
CARE Esthetics Bolton, in Bolton, Massachusetts, will celebrate its grand opening at 6 p.m. on December 11 at 563 Main Street’s second floor. Attendees will be able to tour the space, meet the team as well as both learn about and obtain special discounts on the clinic’s offerings.
Owner Dr. Amparo David explains the goal of the new practice is to transform lives by offering advanced facial esthetic treatments that focus on natural results through regenerative science as an alternative to harsh or overly clinical procedures. “Many people are looking for treatments that feel natural and realistic, without fillers or chemicals,” she shares. “Our approach aligns with how the body heals. We work with nature—not against it—to help clients achieve results that look and feel authentic.”
CARE Esthetics Bolton is part of a global network of 100-plus clinics known for advancing natural rejuvenation methods and holistic aesthetic care. The Bolton location aims to serve the Greater Boston and Rhode Island region with accessible, science-based, non-surgical services.
The team’s commitment to avoiding harmful chemicals ensures a healthy, transparent and realistic approach to anti-aging therapies. Their philosophy centers on CARE— Cleanse, Align, Restore and Enhance—guiding clients toward radiant skin and inner balance through natural, holistic treatments.
Services include PRP and PRF facial rejuvenation, Fotona laser treatments, microneedling, hair restoration for men and women, acne and scar care, skin resurfacing, body contouring and other minimally invasive regenerative therapies designed to support natural, healthy results.
For more information or to make an appointment, call 978-216-2208, email info@CAREEstheticsBolton.com or visit CAREEstheticsBolton.com. See ad, page 31 and Resource Guide, page 37.
Story Walking Launches a New ‘Digital Sanctuary’
There’s
a quiet kind of joy when we notice the wonders of the world around us and how stories can catalyze an even deeper appreciation of them. This month, storyteller and environmental educator Wendy Fachon brings this joy to life with the launch of the Story Walking website, the centerpiece of her newly expanded Storywalker Wendy brand.
Rooted in Fachon’s celebrated Walking Journal, a collection of 70-plus nature-inspired tales and sound journeys, the new platform turns storytelling into acts of restoration. The series encompasses Eco-Detectives & Explorers, sparking childhood wonder; Story Walking Journeys and School Connections, helping families and teachers learn side by side; Bees, Weeds, Trees & Seeds, celebrating growth; Environmental Concerns & Solutions, transforming care into action; Spiritual & Mystical Reflections, nurturing stillness; and Creative Expression & Art Projects that turn joy into creation.
“When we slow down and listen, the landscape tells us who we are,” she says. “Story Walking is about more than nature; it’s about remembering that we belong to it, and if we watch close enough, there’s a world of wisdom ready for exploration. Every walk holds the power to transform.”
Fachon also offers digital Walking Packs, podcast subscriptions featuring industry experts and eco-inspired merchandise including journals, postcards and explorer bundles designed to carry curiosity into daily life.
Follow @storywalkerwendy on Instagram and Substack, and tune in to the Story Walking Podcast powered by Dreamvisions7radio. Also visit StoryWalking.com. See ad, page 29.
Take a Christmas Break With Yoga in The Salt Cave
Lori
Maher of State of Grace Yoga will lead a special Christmas Break Energy Yoga session from noon to 1:15 p.m. on December 26 in the Himalayan salt cave at Saltitude, in Lincoln, Rhode Island. The gentle movements and stretching conducted by attendees will bring them more into their bodies and assist them in practicing presence both on and off the mat.
Learning how our energy flows in our bodies as well as how to manage and move our energy and nervous system will also be shared. The class—a combination of slow movement, grounding, breathwork, acupressure therapy techniques and Chinese medicine principles— will end in a peaceful state, with reiki or guided meditation.
The benefits of yoga can include reduced anxiety and depression, regulated nervous system, quieting the “Monkey Mind”, release of tension and pain, and strengthening connection with ourselves.
Saltitude, a family-owned and -operated Himalayan salt cave and wellness center, offers meditation and salt (halo) therapy year-round. Salt is antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, posing many health benefits. The dimly lit cave has a starry ceiling, enhancing an already relaxing atmosphere and experience.
Cost: $45. Location: 204 Front St., Lincoln, RI. For more information or to register and prepay (required), call or text 401-359-7937, email SaltitudeRI@gmail.com or visit Saltitude.net. See ad, page 23.
Begin the New Year with Presence, Peace and Inner Connection
Dr. Amanda Zarriello, physical therapist and owner of Restore Physical Therapy, in Cranston, Rhode Island, will present Start the New Year Grounded: Discover the Power of Mindfulness & Meditation. This six-week mindfulness and meditation course—to be held from 10 to 11:15 a.m. on Thursdays from January 8 to February 12, at JG Fitness & Performance Annex, in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, will help attendees to slow down, reconnect with their bodies and rediscover calm from the inside out.
“We’ll teach you the foundations of mindfulness, guide you through meditation practices, and create space for genuine connection and reflection,” says Zarriello. “We’re often missing real conversation and community. This class is a place to slow down, to reconnect—with yourself and with others. Working on your mind is just as essential as working on your body. So often, physical pain and tension are deeply connected to the state of the mind. Learning how to tune into both through mindfulness and meditation can bring clarity, calm and healing.”
The program can help reduce stress, anxiety and overthinking; improve focus, sleep and emotional balance; increase self-awareness and compassion; support physical healing and pain management; enhance creativity, patience and resilience; strengthen our ability to respond rather than react to challenges; decrease the rate of aging in the brain; improve memory, cognitive abilities and learning; boost immune system; and more.
Event location: 7730 Post Rd, North Kingstown, RI. Restore Physical Therapy location: 10 Worthington Rd., Cranston, RI. For more information or to register, call 401-250-3060, email Amanda@RestorePTRI.com or visit RestorePTRI.com. See ad, page 22 and Resource Guide, page 34.
JOY SPENDING WITH HEART
December is a season of sparkle—but true joy doesn’t come from excess. It comes from connection, meaning, and presence. This month, let your financial choices reflect what truly lights you up. Instead of defaulting to holiday spending habits, pause and ask: What brings me joy? Maybe it’s gifting experiences instead of things, supporting local makers, or setting aside time for shared meals. Joyful spending isn’t about restriction—it’s about resonance. When your money aligns with what matters most, it becomes a source of celebration rather than stress. Try creating a “joy budget” this month: a small fund for spontaneous generosity, cozy comforts, or creative play. In doing so, you’re not just embracing joy— you’re embodying it. Let your finances mirror the season’s true spirit: warmth, wonder, and wholehearted giving.
Schedule some time here: Calendly.com/jgautreaux-indfp
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Shop Local Magic at Wolf’s Holiday Fair
Wolf’s Holiday Shopping Fair will be held from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on December 7 at MIST Fitness, in Middletown, Rhode Island. Visitors will be able to browse what many local vendors, artisans and psychics are offering while grabbing a glass of hot cider and spice cookies.
Some of the many handmade items to consider will be beaded power bracelets by Ravens Wings; wire wrapping by the Ginger Shaman; art prints, rugs and more by Cat ink studios; candles by Jack B. Nimble luxury candle co.; soap by Alchemy soap works; stained glass by Deanna Vivier; and decorative birdhouses by Wolf Moon’s sacred spaces. Hollie Rose, author of When Push Comes to Shove - Real Life on Dead Tour, will also be present with copies of her book.
In addition, psychic medium tarot readings will be provided at a special reduced holiday cost of $40 by top area mystics Chris McCullough, soul wisdom tarot; Allison Pharmakis, medium for the message; and Wolf Moon Eduardo.
“It’s their way of giving back to the community,” says Edward L. Kosicki, event coordinator of Wolf Moon’s Psychic Festivals which are held on a quarterly basis. “Shop and support local. All good things.” Free admission. Event location: 800 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown, RI. For more information, call 401-207-5814, email ELKosicki@gmail.com or follow the event at tinyurl.com/WolfsHolidayFair.
Veterinary Board Reinstates Dr. Margo Roman’s License to Practice
Dr. Margo Roman, owner of Main Street Animal Services of Hopkinton, Massachusetts, has resumed seeing patients after the state veterinary board voted last month to reinstate her veterinary license. Roman has been a pioneer in the field due to her holistic practices and her work with microbiome replacement therapy and ozone treatment.
“To everyone who wrote letters in support of my request for reinstatement: Thank you so very much. I think your efforts had an influence on the board,” shares Roman. “Although I have been reinstated, I am still pursuing a certified petition to the United States Supreme Court to create a positive precedent concerning First Amendment Rights and the defense of the Veterinary Oath and the Principles of Veterinary Ethics.”
Aligned with her mission to bring awareness about integrative veterinary medicine to the world, Roman attended the recent American Holistic Veterinarian Medical Association meeting. “The emotional support from my colleagues at this conference helped me realize how important it was for me to continue to work to introduce holistic veterinary care to more providers,” she added.
Roman also recently released another book co-authored with Dr. Jyl Rubin, A Practical Guide to Veterinary Medical Ozone Therapy.
Location: 72 W. Main St., Hopkinton, MA. For more information or to make an appointment, call 508-435-4077 or visit MASHVet.com. See ad, page 23 and Resource Guide, page 35.
Dentistry by Dr. David Welcomes Laser-Certified Dental Hygienists
Dentistry
by Dr. David, based in Bolton, Massachusetts, and led by Amparo M. David, DMD, recently welcomed skilled dental hygienists Wilfer Gomez and Sophia Wenning to the practice. Both are laser certified, allowing the practice to further expand its range of advanced and personalized patient care services.
Lasers are an increasingly common tool in modern dentistry, treating various oral conditions and offering a range of therapeutic benefits. “They can be used alongside preventive cleanings to reduce bacteria, during non-surgical periodontal therapy to promote healing and even to desensitize a tooth that’s reacting to hot or cold,” explains David.
Massachusetts and several other states allow trained dental hygienists to perform laserassisted procedures, helping patients receive more comprehensive and tailored dental care.
“We’re proud to welcome Wil and Sophia to our team and to support their professional growth,” adds David. “Their certification enhances our ability to offer the most effective and comfortable treatments possible.”
Dentistry by Dr. David continues to ensure optimal outcomes for patients in a modern, welcoming environment and David notes that lasers are a valuable and versatile addition to the practice.
Location: 563 Main St., Bolton, MA. For more information or to make an appointment, call 978-779-2888, email info@BoltonDental.com or visit BoltonDental.com. See ad, page 16 and Resource Guide, pages 32 and 34.
Margo Roman, DVM, CVA, COT, CPT, FAAO
Sophia Wenning and Wilfer Gomez
Naturepedic Redefines
Naturepedic—a
leading organic mattress and bedding brand with 20-plus locations nationwide including downtown Boston and Wellesley, Massachusetts—recently became the first company of its kind ever to be independently validated as having non-detectable levels of PFAS (or “forever chemicals”) in their crib and kids' mattresses.
Providing parents peace of mind and assurance of maximum safety in the bedding choices for their children is highly important as scientific studies have linked PFAS— which don’t break down over time and are used to make products resistant to water, grease, stains and more—to various health issues, including hormone disruption, weakened immune systems and liver damage.
Results of a test conducted by a thirdparty safety science leader, UL, found that Naturepedic’s crib and kids' mattresses contain less than 50 parts per trillion of Total Fluorine. UL tested for 250-plus separate types of these chemicals.
In making a waterproof mattress without using these potentially harmful chemicals, Naturepedic has developed an innovative and safer solution. They use a proprietary waterproof material made from non-GMO sugarcane, facilitating an easy-to-clean surface for a crib mattress without the worry of dangerous “forever chemicals.”
For over 20 years, Naturepedic has provided certified organic, non-toxic products that support a healthier lifestyle.
Area Locations: 252 Newbury St., First Fl., Boston; 857-957-0151; Whole Foods Shopping Center, 444 Washington St., Wellesley, 781-237-0540. For more information, visit Naturepedic.com. See ad, page 4 and Resource Guide, page 36.
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Ayurveda Detox for Multiple Sclerosis Relief
A 2025 observational study in India, published in the International Journal of Medical and Public Health , investigated the effectiveness of Ayurveda, specifically Panchakarma therapy, in managing pain and improving the quality of life for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune neurological disease that inflames and damages nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Panchakarma involves cleansing procedures designed to detoxify the body and balance the three doshas (energies) in Ayurveda— vata, pitta and kapha
Over the span of four years, 120 female MS patients aged 19 to 50 received personalized Panchakarma treatments, including snehana (oil therapy), swedana (steam therapy), vamana (induced vomiting), virechana (purgation), basti (enema), nasya (nasal therapy) and rasayana (rejuvenation), alongside yoga and meditation. While 20 percent of the participants showed limited benefits, the remaining 80 percent experienced significant improvements in self-reported pain, mobility and overall well-being, allowing them to reduce their reliance on corticosteroids.
While observational studies lack control groups and cannot establish causal relationships, they can be useful for exploring associations. Further research with larger sample sizes and a control group is needed to confirm these findings.
Ultra-Processed Foods
Undermine the Healthiest Diets
Ultra-processing breaks down whole foods into components and recombines them with additives, flavors, colors and emulsifiers, often making them high in calories, salt, sugar and fat. A 2024 study published in eClinicalMedicine examined the consumption of ultra-processed and minimally processed foods among 200,000 adults with various dietary patterns, including regular red meat eaters, low red meat eaters, flexitarians, pescatarians, vegetarians and vegans. Food frequency questionnaires and food diaries were used to determine diet type and ultra-processed food intake.
Across all diet types, ultra-processed foods made up roughly one-fifth to one-quarter of total daily food intake. Vegetarians and vegans consumed slightly more ultra-processed foods than regular red meat eaters. Low red meat eaters, flexitarians and pescatarians ate modestly fewer ultra-processed foods than regular red meat eaters. All other groups ate more minimally processed foods than regular red meat eaters.
These findings challenge the assumption that plantbased diets inherently contain fewer processed foods. Vegetarian diets included slightly more ultra-processed foods than meat-heavy diets, while diets with modest amounts of meat or fish had the lowest ultra-processed food levels.
The authors noted that plant-based diets vary in quality depending on the degree of processing. While meat and dairy alternatives are often perceived as sustainable, many are highly processed. Simply replacing meat with packaged plant products may not yield the expected health or environmental benefits.
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A Memoir of Awakening in Turbulent Times
Award-winning author, spiritual teacher and healer Dana Micucci traces her extraordinary evolution as a lightworker in her transcendent new memoir, The Years of Living Dangerously: Lessons from the Front Lines of a 21st-Century Lightworker
Written during an era of profound planetary change, Micucci’s book blends
ancient wisdom and personal revelation into an inspiring call for all people to remember who they truly are. Through vivid storytelling and practical spiritual tools, including meditations and energy activations, she guides readers to awaken their own innate power and light.
The Years of Living Dangerously (available on Amazon.com) takes readers beyond the familiar boundaries of the self and into the Great Mystery. From the sacred temples of Egypt to high-frequency power spots around the world, Micucci reveals the miracles, tests and transformations that shaped her journey.
The book is both a personal odyssey and roadmap for navigating this time of intense planetary transformation. It invites readers to open their hearts to the evolutionary waves of change predicted by the ancients that are now unfolding across the planet.
Micucci’s other books include Sojourns of the Soul: One Woman’s Journey Around the World and Into
Her Truth, a gold medal winner in the Nautilus Book Awards that chronicles her travels to many of the world’s most sacred sites; and the novel The Third Muse , a metaphysical, time-travel mystery celebrating the divine feminine wisdom of the Magdalene Order and the healing power of love. Micucci conducts transformational events and sacred journeys worldwide.
For more information, visit DanaMicucci.com.
Connecting Community With Yogic Tradition
Kula Kamala Ashram Offers Universal Teachings and Restorative Practices
by Trella Dubetz
Nestled in the peaceful countryside of Berks County, Pennsylvania, Kula Kamala Foundation & Yoga Ashram is quietly reshaping what it means to live a spiritual life in today’s world. More than just a local yoga center, the ashram serves as a nonprofit sanctuary for both local and global communities, supports meaningful causes, fosters creative solutions and encourages inclusive spiritual exploration.
“We are an interfaith, inclusive space rooted in the principles of Sanatana Dharma—a universal perspective of truth, goodness, service and nonviolence. The work we do is summoned by our sincere calling to make the world a little more welcoming, a little less intimidating, and life more radiant and peaceful,” explains Swamini Shraddhananda Saraswati, affectionately known as SwaminiJi. Founded in 2015 by SwaminiJi and her husband, Ed RamaChandra Allitt (now deceased), the ashram is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, with offerings available both in person and online.
One of the ashram’s most beloved offerings is chanting—a practice rooted in yogic tradition. “The music and mantras are filled with messages of love and peace,” SwaminiJi observes. “We teach mantra from the beginning. We start with the history, work through the pronunciation and cultivate the bhav, the sweetest intention of devotion.” SwaminiJi personally leads the chanting training programs, which focus on either a traditional method called veda or a more modern approach. “When we chant, we witness people relax—their faces and nervous systems soften. It’s transformative physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.” Chanting is offered both online and in person.
For those seeking an in-person experience, the ashram offers wellness and themed retreats, professional trainings in leadership and yoga and serene outdoor spaces—including a koi pond, meditation path and labyrinth, library and several spots for personal quiet time. “Mindfulness and quietude are important,” SwaminiJi
emphasizes. “Our silent retreats, offered by donation twice yearly, provide people an opportunity to explore both.”
The ashram is deeply committed to sustainable living and is increasingly off-grid. The original structure was built in 1932, with an additional wing added in 1954. Since acquiring the property, SwaminiJi has overseen the installation of HVAC units to offset heating oil use; a solar system that generates up to 130 percent of the ashram’s energy needs; two geodesic greenhouses and 54 outdoor raised garden beds to support food production; and a café that serves wholesome, gluten-free, vegan food, offered by donation.
“The human heart is constantly looking for ways to heal through connection— with ourselves, with Source and with each other. We serve others to ease the incessant searching and empower the actual discovery,” SwaminiJi reflects. “May there be more places of peace, more spaces for healing.”
Kula Kamala Foundation & Yoga Ashram stands as a powerful reminder of our inherent potential as humans to explore, rediscover and empower spiritual growth, purpose and unity.
For more information about Swamini Shraddhananda Saraswati and Kula Kamala Foundation & Yoga Ashram, located at 17 Basket Rd. in Reading, call 484-509-5073 ext. 1 or visit KulaKamalaFoundation.org. See ad, page 21.
Trella Dubetz is a trauma-informed bodyworker, holistic and human design practitioner, graphic designer and writer based in Lancaster County. She blends creativity with healing practices to support personal transformation. Connect with her at TrellaDubetz.com.
From Root to Tip
Solutions for Hair Loss and Scalp Care
by Doreen Ise
Talking about hair loss and scalp issues is no longer taboo. More women and men are experiencing these concerns and openly discussing them with both professionals and peers. Luckily, a wide range of treatments and practices are now available, from in-salon organic, vegan and naturally derived services to at-home care routines. Modern approaches are no longer medicinal or unpleasant. Results are achieved through a combination of proper product use and spa-like practices, including aromatherapy.
Healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp. Hair loss can affect both women and men for a variety of reasons including stress, medication, hormonal changes, significant weight loss, thyroid issues and genetics. Plus, imbalances of the scalp such as dryness, flaking, excessive oil, itching and redness can be a result of using improper products, environmental elements, overactive oil glands, skin allergies, dietary factors, changes in hormonal levels and other factors.
Ideally, hair should be treated as its own entity, with specific products prescribed to meet individual needs and maintain shine, strength and vibrancy. It’s important to research and find a salon or spa that offers natural, paraben- and chemical-free treatments
made with certified organic ingredients. These practices can significantly improve both scalp and hair health.
Essential Scalp Care Practices
We often find ourselves rushing in the morning to get where we want to be. But not taking the time needed to properly cleanse and rinse the hair and scalp can cause several issues down the line. Here are some important tips to keep in mind.
• Always aim for water temperature that is tepid to warm. Hot water can cause irritation and dryness to our scalp, hair and skin.
• Apply the recommended shampoo to one’s entire scalp and manipulate thoroughly. There are scalp brushes/massagers available that help with loosening and exfoliating dead skin and cells away from the scalp.
• Rinse thoroughly with tepid to warm water. Separate hair so the water flow is concentrated right on the scalp.
• For excessive dry and oily scalps, a second shampoo is needed.
• Follow with a conditioner that treats the scalp. Apply to the entire scalp and follow with a thorough rinse.
• Additionally, seek out scalp leave-in remedies. These can be used daily to maintain one’s scalp health.
These practices are extremely important for addressing hair loss, as healthy hair begins with a clean, well-nourished scalp. There are also effective, naturally derived systems to treat hair loss. Topical products exist that can be applied thoroughly and massaged into the scalp. Hair loss products are created to nourish the hair follicle by generating blood circulation to the scalp.
Early intervention is crucial for managing follicle miniaturization. While dead follicles cannot be revived, dormant or shrinking follicles can often be stimulated. Maintaining a healthy scalp is fundamental to supporting strong, vibrant hair growth.
Doreen Ise is the owner of Birch Salon & Gallery, in Warwick, Rhode Island, where she blends her lifelong passion for hair artistry with Aveda’s Earth-friendly philosophy to offer guests a uniquely uplifting, holistic salon experience. Location: 2067 W. Shore Rd. For more information or to schedule a hair and scalp consultation, call 401-6427028, email BirchSalon@yahoo.com or visit BirchSalonGallery.com. See ad, page 22 and Resource Guide, page 32.
Cultivating Joy
How Movement, Gratitude and Connection Transform Our Lives
by Hannah Tytus
“Discovering more joy does not, I’m sorry to say, save us from the inevitability of hardship and heartbreak. In fact, we may cry more easily, but we will laugh more easily, too. Perhaps we are just more alive,” reflected the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu in The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World, where he shared wisdom alongside the Dalai Lama.
Joy invites us to be more alive. It surfaces through awareness, connection and acceptance of the present moment, exactly as it is. As winter days grow
shorter and the year draws to a close, this is a wonderful time to explore what joy truly is, the things that block it and how it can be reclaimed. Ultimately, joy is not a reward for a perfect life, but a way of being that reminds us to embody our full humanity. Though sometimes fleeting, joy can be profoundly sustaining.
A Physical Experience
“Joy is much bigger than happiness,” asserted Tutu. “While happiness is often seen as being dependent on
external circumstances, joy is not.” This mindset—rooted in both heart and spirit—aligns closely with the Dalai Lama’s vision that genuine fulfillment comes from recognizing the deep interconnectedness of all living beings. Joy is an embodied emotion that is distinct from happiness. Happiness is stable, evaluative and may reflect broader life satisfaction—a contentment with one’s career, finances, family, romantic relationships or personal fulfillment—while joy is experienced in the present moment. It is intense, yet fleeting.
In a study conducted in 2025 and published in the International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being, researchers interviewed 14 adults about their experiences of joy. The findings explain joy as a complex emotion shaped by individual, relational and cultural contexts. According to the research, joy is intense, transcendent and deeply felt—often arising spontaneously in response to meaningful experiences or connections.
In contrast, happiness encompasses a broader spectrum, exhibiting greater stability, and is associated with life satisfaction and contentment. Participants described joy as a somatic experience, identifying sensations such as “a rush of warmth and lightness throughout the body,” “electricity,” “a bubbling up,” and “tingling sensations,” accompanied by “the urge to move, smile and embrace others.” These visceral reactions often accompanied moments of intense connection, awe and accomplishment.
If joy is felt through the body, movement itself becomes a doorway to experience it more fully. This cultivation of joy is the cornerstone of Jennifer Joy Jiménez’s life’s work. A pioneer in integrative movement and founder of the Brave Thinking Institute’s Health & Well-Being Division, she developed TranscenDANCE, a conscious dance modality for all ages and mobility levels designed to improve mental, emotional and physical health through inspiring music, body positivity and free-form movement.
Conscious dance is any form of movement that emphasizes mindfulness, inner exploration and emotional release rather than performance or choreography. Although these transformative movement practices have existed for thousands of years, Jiménez laments that for many Americans, dance may be confined to weddings, occasional outings or fitness classes, leaving little room for the expressive and emotive daily practice that “allows our soul-self to move our human self.”
Jiménez asserts, “Just a few minutes of dancing releases the happy hormones, offering a DOSE [dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins] that shifts our mood better than any antidepressant.” Scientific evidence supports this assertion. A 2024 meta-analysis published in The BMJ analyzed 218 clinical trials, demonstrating that dance was more effective in alleviating depression symptoms than walking, yoga, strength training and even traditional antidepressants.
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NURTURE
Exercises To Expand Our Gratitude
by Hannah Tytus
Gratitude is an important part of joy because it helps us savor life and recognize that much of our good fortune comes from others, including those that have made it possible for us to be ourselves.
Saying Thanks at Mealtime: According to the Dalai Lama in The Book of Joy , even the act of eating a vegetable dish can become a communal experience. Hold gratitude for the seed in the earth, the sunlight and rain that nurtured it, the hands that tended and harvested the plant, the people that transported it to the local market or restaurant, and those that prepared the meal or taught us to cook.
N u r t u r e y o u r b o d y a n d s o u l w i t h :
• Intention setting & vision creation
• Heart-opening cacao ceremony
• Sound healing, yoga & chakra alignment
• Reiki, rest & outdoor sauna renewal
• Nourishing farm-to-table meals
• Transformational fire ceremony for new beginnings
Writing Down the Blessings: This daily practice is suggested by Jennifer Joy Jiménez, founder of the Brave Thinking Institute’s Health & Well-Being Division. With eyes closed, recall three items from the day for which to be grateful—from a friend’s kindness to the bounty of a good meal or the pleasant aroma in the air. Record these items in a journal, aiming to add three new items each day.
The Social Nexus
Joy thrives on connection. While it can arise in solitude, it naturally expands most effectively through relationships and shared humanity. When individuals feel seen, supported and part of something larger than themselves, their sense of well-being deepens.
The 2024 World Happiness Report identifies social support as one of the strongest predictors of life satisfaction. Similarly, the Harvard Study of Adult Development —one of the longestrunning longitudinal studies of human health—has shown that healthy, fulfilling relationships are the single greatest predictors of both longevity and life satisfaction.
This growing body of research underscores that social connection shapes health across our lifespan. Individuals that maintain meaningful relationships exhibit lower risks of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, infections, cognitive decline and depression compared to those that are lonely. When people share laughter, empathy or a sense of belonging, they exhibit improvements to their nervous system and immune function, as well as an expanded capacity to experience joy.
Isolation’s Impact
While connection nurtures joy, disconnection erodes it. In The Book of Joy , the Dalai Lama identified loneliness as one of the most significant obstacles to joy, emphasizing that it arises not from isolation itself, but from a mindset of separation. A person can live alone in the wilderness and still feel content, while another may feel lonely in a crowded room. Loneliness, he suggests, emerges when the heart closes—when anger, fear or stress obscure the ability to perceive warmth in others.
Many modern experiences reinforce this sense of separation. Chronic stress, fatigue, poverty and depression all constrict the emotional space needed for joy. Cultural ideals built around constant happiness add another
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layer of strain. Researchers describe how placing pressure on ourselves to be perpetually positive leads us to suppress authentic emotion, rather than cultivate genuine contentment. The Dalai Lama observed that persistent anxiety keeps the mind spinning in worry, unable to rest in presence.
Emotional avoidance further narrows the capacity for joy. According to the 2024 World Happiness Report, individuals that intentionally process difficult experiences report a 40 percent increase in life satisfaction. Gratitude research suggests the reason behind this phenomenon: Recognizing joy requires openness and receptivity. When individuals soften their defenses and allow life’s full range of emotion, they create space for joy to return.
Cultivating Gratitude
Adopting an attitude of gratitude is one of the best ways to cultivate joy. Recognized by the Dalai Lama as one of the “8 Pillars of Joy”, gratitude has been shown to enhance the capacity to perceive joy in everyday life. Gratitude increases joy, and joy, in turn, increases gratitude in an upward spiral of positive disposition. A 2018 study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology revealed that when the participants practiced gratitude regularly, it became part of their natural disposition. Participants that exhibited greater gratitude also experienced heightened levels of joy.
Jiménez notes that cultivating gratitude—and therefore joy—is not
Dancing for Joy
by Hannah Tytus
Developed by Jennifer Joy Jiménez, TranscenDANCE
is a conscious dancing modality that uses gentle movement to connect with the body, release stress and cultivate positive emotion. Here is an abridged practice for daily use.
Step 1: The Dance of Spirit (three minutes)
Begin by bringing awareness to the breath. Listen to the exhale, releasing air slowly and steadily. Root your feet, lift your heart and let your body flow gently, like a leaf in the wind or a cat stretching in the sun. This breathe-and-move practice reconnects you to the present moment and reminds you of your inner calm and strength.
Step 2: The Dance of Shift (three minutes)
Shake it out. Stress lives in the body as tension; release it like flicking water or shaking dust from a rug. Add sound and breath as you move. Each shake helps your nervous system reset, leaving you lighter, clearer and freer.
Step 3: The Dance of Joy (three minutes)
Put on a song that lifts your spirit. Let the body move however it wants—bounce, sway, smile. It’s not about performance; it’s about feeling alive. As gratitude rises from within, joy becomes the natural overflow.
just a matter of responding to positive circumstances. “There is a difference between gratitude for and gratitude in. It’s easy to be grateful for positive windfalls like winning the lottery or receiving a nice gift. But when something
challenging happens, such as a loved one receiving a serious medical diagnosis, how can we be grateful in that moment for the gift that lies in the wisdom of that situation?” Viewing challenging events as lessons with the potential for
wisdom and healing helps us cultivate a more resilient kind of gratitude.
As Tutu and the Dalai Lama teach, joy is not the absence of struggle but the presence of heart. It lives in the body, grows through connection and deepens through gratitude. To reclaim it, we must soften the grip of perfection, release the myth of constant happiness and allow space for both laughter and tears.
Jiménez reminds us that joy is something to be practiced—not achieved—through movement, mindfulness and a willingness to feel. Gratitude becomes the bridge that turns awareness into aliveness, inviting us to notice what was there all along. When people pause long enough to be present, they discover that joy does not need to be sought. It simply needs to be welcomed.
Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, researcher and content creator for KnoWEwell, P.B.C., as well as a former writer at the National Institutes of Health.
Dr. Brenda Bithoney, ND (Dr. B)
Dr. Darien Lesicko, ND (Dr. L)
Dr. Chrysanthi Kazantzis, ND, MS (Dr. Kaz)
Dr. Noelle Cardarelli, ND, DAc
From Frazzled to Festive
Holiday Foods to Calm the Nervous System
by Alora Frederick, RDN, LDN
The holiday season stretches the nervous system thin. Between travel, social commitments, sugarfilled treats and disrupted routines, even the most joyful celebrations can create a wired and weary feeling. Support for the nervous system isn’t about restriction— it’s about balance and tools that stabilize the body’s physiology, so holiday joy can actually be felt.
A balanced nervous system starts with balanced blood sugar. Holiday meals that are rich in refined carbohydrates or alcohol create glucose spikes and crashes that can mirror anxiety. This can manifest in a racing heart, irritability and fatigue. The antidote is simple: combine complex carbohydrates with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. If each meal isn’t perfectly
balanced, that’s okay. Strive for what’s possible, even just one balanced meal per day, like breakfast.
Starting the day with oats, chia seeds, walnuts, yogurt and/or protein powder, and cinnamon provide slowburning fuel for the brain and stabilizes cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Midday, choose meals that pair lean proteins with colorful vegetables and a grounding grain, such as roasted salmon with buckwheat and sautéed greens. This keeps energy and mood steady throughout the long winter days.
As the months get darker and colder, soup is medicine for the nervous system. A miso-ginger broth with mushrooms and bok choy supports both gut and immune health, as well as the gut-brain
connection that influences mood. For heartier nourishment, try a lentil and kale soup simmered with garlic and lemon. This is rich in fiber, plant protein and minerals that replenish depleted reserves from holiday stressors. The warmth of these meals isn’t just physical, but also emotional and deeply regulating. Additionally, magnesium, B vitamins and omega-3s make for a resilient nervous system. These nutrients help regulate neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin, which foster a sense of ease. Think dark leafy greens, legumes, eggs, fatty fish, nuts and seeds.
To skip out on holiday traditions treats, and indulgences would create a sense of restriction and more stress. Place intention on ingredients that create balance in the body while still allowing for holiday specialties, such as pumpkin pie leftovers. Try a warm roasted root vegetable bowl: roasted carrots, beets and parsnips tossed with olive oil and rosemary, served over a bed of farro or lentils, and some chicken. Top it with toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch and extra magnesium. The result is a dish that’s hearty, grounding and comforting without the crash. It provides nervous system stabilizing ingredients so that the slice of pumpkin pie doesn’t wreak havoc on blood sugar levels as much.
To help offset stress-induced cravings, pause before meals to breathe deeply and engage senses with the scent of cinnamon, the texture of roasted vegetables or the warmth of the plate. These small rituals shift the body into its parasympathetic “rest and digest” mode, improving nutrient absorption, digestion and overall calm.
This holiday season, let nourishment become an act of kindness toward the nervous system. Choose meals that sustain rather than stimulate and rituals that ground rather than exhaust.
Alora Frederick, RDN, LDN, is an integrative and functional dietitian in Waltham, MA. She is currently accepting new patients at Johnson Compounding and Wellness for virtual nutrition appointments. Schedule a free, 15-minute, introductory call at NaturalCompounder.com/Alora. See ad, page 7 and Resource Guide, page 34.
The Magic of Gourmet Salts
From Fleur de Sel to Himalayan Pink
by Maya Whitman
Specialty salts can transform everyday foods. To elevate the experience, add bold chili salt to a hearty winter stew, smoked salt to popcorn or ruby-colored wine salt to chocolate truffles. Flavored finishing salts surprise the tastebuds in ordinary dishes like oatmeal, desserts or hot cocoa. Used mindfully, gourmet salt reduces the need for excessive sodium and invites us to savor the extraordinary.
“I think salt is amazing and brings out the best in food—all those hidden flavors,” says Craig Cormack, a gourmet salt chef in Cape Town, South Africa. His career as a food artisan advanced in 2009 when he embraced specialty salts. “My personal collection is sitting at 232 naturally occurring salts from around the world,” adds Cormack, who favors unrefined regional varieties, but also enjoys bold options such as smoked
Danish Viking salt for its ancient, bonfire-infused qualities.
Salts vary in texture, flavor and nuance based on their source and harvesting techniques, such as solar evaporation or hand-raking. Many contain trace minerals, adding depth to dishes, and when consumed in moderation, sea salt may benefit the body compared to refined salt.
Salt’s Good Side
Salt has a bad reputation for causing high blood pressure and other health conditions, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that more than 70 percent of dietary sodium comes from prepared and packaged foods, not from salt added at home. The FDA daily value for sodium is less than 2,300 milligrams per day, and using unrefined salts can be a healthier alternative to common table salt, which is demineralized and processed with anti-clumping agents. Celtic gray salt and other mineral-rich varieties contain naturally occurring, trace heavy metals, but also minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium, which can help prevent the body from absorbing harmful metals like lead.
“We all need salt in moderation to live. The best way to ingest salt is to season your own food. Processed food has too much salt, and you can’t control your intake. Naturally made, mineralrich salt is the best choice,” affirms Nancy Bruns, a seventh-generation salt maker at J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works, in Malden, West Virginia. She and her family produce rare, small-batch finishing salts harvested from the ancient Iapetus Ocean beneath the Appalachian Mountains.
Spanning the Salt Spectrum
Whether sourced from evaporated seawater (sea salt) or underground salt mines (rock salt), there is much to choose from. Sea salt comes in various colors, coarseness and complex
Langan/CanvaPro
flavors. Highly prized flake salt—fleur de sel from coastal France—is hand-harvested from evaporation ponds with clay bottoms and, with its delicate, paper-thin crystals, offers delicious nuances as a finishing salt. Celtic gray salt, sourced deeper within evaporation ponds, contains more moisture and minerals.
Himalayan pink salt, mined from salt beds formed from ancient seas approximately 600 million years ago, contains more than 80 minerals and has a rosy color due to the presence of iron oxide and magnesium. Black volcanic rock salt, also known as Himalayan black salt or kala namak , has a pungent, sulfuric quality that diminishes with heat during cooking and imparts an egg-like aroma and taste that can be useful in vegan recipes. The large, coarse grains of kosher salt traditionally used in Hebrew cuisine give food a robust, briny quality and satisfying texture.
Salt can be infused with herbs, spices, fruits and smoke from various woods to create a multitude of flavor qualities and moods. Bruns highlights her ramp-infused salt, which is combined with wild onions gathered during the Appalachian springtime. Charred oak from old bourbon barrels makes their smoked salt a favorite for grills and even chocolate desserts. Cormack spotlights the fine indulgence of Tartuflanghe brand truffle salt from Italy for an unforgettable mushroom risotto.
Bruns is grateful for the timeless spirit of salt. “I come to work on the same land where my ancestors made salt for over 150 years. I feel their presence, as if they are watching over my shoulder. That legacy and sense of stewardship is present every time I sprinkle salt on my food.”
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.
FLAVOR-INFUSED SALT
1 tsp dried herbs, spices or citrus zest of choice
¼ cup kosher salt, coarse sea salt or coarse Himalayan pink salt
Basic Infusion Instructions
In a bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of dried herbs, spices or citrus zest for every ¼ cup of kosher salt, coarse sea salt or coarse Himalayan pink salt. Stir thoroughly and store the mixture in a sealed, dry, airtight jar. For optimal results, let the flavored salt sit in the closed jar for a few hours before use.
Suggested Combinations and Uses
Create a delicious finishing salt for grilled shrimp, vegan tacos or black bean soup by combining 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest, ½ of a dried hot chili pepper and ¼ cup kosher salt. Sprinkle to taste just before serving.
Enhance fresh blueberries, melon, warm oatmeal or freshly baked brownies with a unique flavor by crushing 1 teaspoon of organic lavender buds in a mortar and pestle until the flowers are bruised and fragrant, then combining them with ¼ cup coarse Himalayan pink salt. Sprinkle to taste immediately before serving.
Make a wonderful cooking salt for roasted vegetables by mixing 1 teaspoon dried rosemary with ¼ cup Celtic gray sea salt. Sprinkle to taste before baking in the oven.
Recipe courtesy of Marlaina Donato.
POMEGRANATE PICKLED FISH
This gourmet holiday dish is ideal for a dinner party.
YIELD: 8 SERVINGS
3½ lbs yellowtail fish, skinned
6½ oz vegetable oil
3½ lbs sliced onions
1 Tbsp garam masala
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp black peppercorns
4 whole cloves
FOR
HOMEMADE
LIME MAYO
5 large egg yolks
1 Tbsp English mustard
Juice of two limes
Preheat the oven to 400° F.
4 to 5 bay leaves
¾ cup, combined, equal amounts of dried apricots and sultanas (golden raisins)
2 cup white or red wine (red wine gives fish a deeper color)
½ Tbsp coarse salt
5 Tbsp white wine vinegar
2 Tbsp brown sugar
Seeds of 1 large pomegranate
Zest from one lime
1½ cups sunflower oil
1 tsp salt
Place fish in a baking dish, allowing space for sauce.
Heat the vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or a flat wide pot. Add onions, cover and sauté at low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become sweet.
Stir in garam masala, fennel, coriander, peppercorns, cloves and bay leaves. Turn heat up to medium and fry for 30 seconds to temper the spice, and then add the apricots, sultanas, wine and salt. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
Remove pan from heat and stir in the vinegar and sugar until well incorporated into the sauce. Pour sauce over the fish. Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove dish from oven, let it cool completely and then refrigerate for at least a day.
Add all the lime mayo ingredients into a bowl, except for the sunflower oil. Slowly add the oil while whisking the ingredients vigorously. When all the oil is added, the mix should be velvety smooth and be able to hold its own shape. Store in the refrigerator.
Serve cold fish on a salad with homemade lime mayo. Garnish with a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds.
Recipe courtesy of Craig Cormack.
GenAI/CanvaPro
HEARTY VEGETABLE FRITTATA
YIELD: 4 SERVINGS
2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
1 large yellow onion, sliced
1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
1 medium yellow squash, thinly sliced
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
Preheat the oven to 350° F.
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
¼ tsp heirloom salt, divided
4 large eggs
½ cup whole milk
5 grinds from black pepper mill
3 dashes of jalapeño hot sauce
⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 10-inch oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until lightly browned, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
Take the onions out of the pan and set them aside. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, along with the zucchini, yellow squash and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until cooked through and tender. Add the garlic, thyme leaves and ⅛ teaspoon of salt. Stir and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant.
Remove the pan from the heat. Return the onions to the pan and mix well. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, remaining salt, pepper and hot sauce. Pour this mixture over the vegetables and sprinkle feta cheese on top.
Place the pan on the center rack of the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until just set in the center.
Take the pan out of the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. Cut into quarters and serve.
Recipe courtesy of J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works.
10 Mistakes to Avoid Before Retirement
by John Gautreaux, ChFC
Retirement isn’t just a finish line, it’s a new beginning. But too often, people arrive at that milestone unprepared, having made avoidable missteps along the way. Whether one is decades away or just a few years out, steering clear of the following common mistakes can make all the difference.
1 WAITING TOO LONG TO INVEST
Time is our greatest ally. The earlier one starts investing, the greater the benefits from compound growth, where our earnings generate their own earnings. Even small contributions in our 20s can outpace larger ones made later.
2 UNDERESTIMATING THE POWER OF REINVESTMENT
Reinvesting dividends and interest may seem minor, but it’s a quiet engine of growth. Over time, these reinvested earnings can dramatically boost a portfolio’s value, especially in tax-advantaged accounts.
3 SKIPPING SYSTEMATIC SAVING
Dollar cost averaging, investing a fixed amount regularly, can help smooth out market volatility and builds discipline. It’s not about timing the market; it’s about showing up consistently.
4TRYING TO TIME THE MARKET
Even seasoned professionals struggle to predict market highs and lows. Jumping in and out based on headlines or hunches often leads to missed gains and unnecessary stress.
5 LETTING EMOTIONS DRIVE BUYING DECISIONS
Just because one may feel they deserve to make a specific investment doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the best decision at a given time. Consider the most economical way to own something before pulling the trigger.
6 CONFUSING VOLATILITY WITH LOSS
It’s normal for markets to fluctuate. A dip isn’t a disaster unless one is locking in losses by selling. Understanding an investment’s long-term potential can help one ride out short-term bumps.
7 IGNORING THE ‘TIME HORIZON’
One’s retirement period could last 20 to 30 years or even longer. Investing too conservatively too early may limit growth. Align a strategy with a timeline, not just one’s age.
8 BORROWING FROM RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
It’s tempting to tap into our 401(k) or IRA for short-term needs, but doing so can derail one’s future. One can lose out on growth, may face penalties and risk falling behind.
9 RETIRING WITHOUT A PLAN
Retirement isn’t just about having enough money, it’s about knowing how one’ll spend it. Without a clear income strategy, budget and purpose, retirement can feel uncertain or even isolating.
10 NEGLECTING SOCIAL SECURITY AND ESTATE PLANNING
Claiming Social Security too early can reduce lifetime benefits. And without an updated estate plan, one’s wishes may not be honored. These aren’t just financial decisions, they are acts of care for oneself and loved ones.
Retirement readiness isn’t about perfection, it’s about intention. Avoiding these common missteps allows individuals to approach the next chapter confidently, guided by clarity and peace of mind. Thoughtful planning and steady habits lay the foundation for a secure, fulfilling future.
John Gautreaux, ChFC, is a financial advisor and partner with Independence Financial Partners, in Warwick, Rhode Island, where he helps individuals and businesses plan confidently for retirement and long-term financial success. Location: 935 Jefferson Blvd. For more information or to arrange for a no-cost initial consultation, call 401691-4138, email JGautreaux@indfp.com or visit IndependenceFP.net. See ad, page 5 and Resource Guide, page 34.
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Unwrapping the Past
Helping Kids Connect With Their Family Heritage
by Christina Connors
December unites families in ways few other times can, creating opportunities for children to explore their origins. Heritage is not just something to preserve under glass; it is alive, evolving and ready for kids to add their own chapter. This holiday season invites daughters and sons not only to observe family traditions, but to become joyful stewards of them. Through storytelling, cooking, crafting or creating TikTok-style recipe reels, children can connect with their roots in meaningful, playful and personal ways.
Lessons From Former Generations
Research from Emory University’s Family Narratives Lab, published in Psychotherapy in 2008, reveals that children that are familiar with their family history have better self-esteem, higher social competence, quality friendships, reduced anxiety and stress, and fewer behavioral problems. The study also highlights that families discussing challenging events in emotionally open ways help children cope better during difficult times.
“It is extremely grounding for children to feel connected to their past and family history and elders,” explains Denise Olivera Schira, a wellness educator and retired assistant superintendent for the New York City Department of Education. “It gives them a sense of stability in the world and connection to something much bigger than themselves. It validates their identity and
culture, provides context and relevance in their lives, and offers a purposeful and meaningful understanding of who they are and from where they come.”
Fun Ways To Promote Family Traditions
“Making family and cultural norms and discussions a part of everyday life experiences and interactions is an especially meaningful manner in which to engage children and elders seamlessly,” Schira explains, adding that opportunities for connection and sharing abound through storytelling, photos, craft projects, games and other engaging exchanges. Mealtime, especially during holidays, is Schira’s favorite time for worthwhile conversation, when elders share stories
with humor while children listen intently and ask questions. These gatherings create spaces where family history flows organically, without pressure or formality.
Keep It Simple
“What I love about the way my family heritage and tradition was celebrated was its simplicity and connection to nature,” shares Christina Heike, MS, MEd, a certified clinical trauma specialist and international educator with a background in Ayurveda and naturopathic medicine. “Many projects don’t happen because they seem too time-consuming and complicated to fit into our busy lives. For our children, it’s important to do handson activities that show direct results to balance the high usage of technology in many other areas of their lives.”
Heike recalls her grandmother’s simple tradition of culturing milk on the windowsill in glass cups. “Make memories with simple things,” she advises. Her childhood included painting real eggs for Easter (blown empty to save the contents for scrambled eggs), picking berries straight from bushes, pressing autumn leaves for art projects and singing songs together on lantern walks after sunset.
Creating the Family Tapestry
Everyday moments can become memory-making traditions through
intention and presence. Schira and Heike offer some suggestions to kickstart the family’s exploration of their heritage and create new traditions and memories:
• Initiate conversations at family mealtimes.
• Encourage elders to share stories with humor and relevant comparisons to present times.
• Create space for children to ask questions that spark their interest.
• Create a decorative plate adorned with natural finds from walks.
• Learn seasonal songs together.
To involve younger children in the conversation, prompt elder family members with simple questions such as:
• What was your favorite game to play when you were my age?
• What food did you love eating on holidays?
• Can you teach me a song or poem you learned as a kid?
• What’s something funny that happened during the holidays when you were a kid?
• If you could save only one recipe from your family, what would it be?
Some children love crafting, while others prefer making videos or digital slide shows. Some are naturally chatty; others need quieter ways to participate. “Depending on a child’s age, vary activities and include them as much as possible in the decision-making process,” Heike advises. The goal is to invite kids to participate on their terms, making heritage education a celebration of joy and identity rather than obligation.
As families gather around holiday tables with familiar dishes and new experiments alike, remember that heritage isn’t a history lesson; it is a living conversation between past and present. Every question, every story and every recipe becomes a thread in the family’s tapestry. Let the children see that they do not just inherit traditions; they also have the power to shape them.
Christina Connors is a writer, keynote singer and head of music and SEL integration for the Kind Mind Education Program. Learn more at ChristinaConnors.com.
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Harnessing the Mind for Healing
Integrating Medical Hypnotherapy for Pre- and Post-Surgical Breast Cancer Care
by Lata Patel, CCht, CMH
Surgery is often one of the most stressful parts of breast cancer treatment. Many women experience anxiety leading up to the operation and can face discomfort, phantom‐nerve sensations and emotional fatigue afterward. Medical hypnotherapy—a clinically applied therapeutic hypnosis approach—is emerging as an evidence‐supported way to ease some of this burden alongside standard cancer care. In one breast cancer case, a woman used medical hypnotherapy both before
and after surgery. Before surgery, sessions focused on relaxation, reducing fear and mentally preparing for healing. After surgery, hypnotherapy helped her manage phantom - nerve sensations and support emotional recovery. Her surgical team noted strong healing progress and her breast reconstruction was moved forward by three months— although individual responses vary and hypnosis is not a replacement for conventional treatment.
Results of a randomized trial published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that a single pre‐surgery hypnosis session reduced anxiety, fatigue, nausea and pain-medication use in women undergoing breast surgery. Other studies suggest hypnosis may support wound healing by lowering stress responses and improving comfort, and small studies show promise for phantom pain relief using guided imagery and self-hypnosis. Findings reinforce the role of medical hypnotherapy as a complementary evidence-based tool to support surgical patients, reduce anxiety and pain, and promote recovery.
Medical hypnotherapy is safe when provided by a trained clinician and works best as a complement to medical and surgical care—helping patients feel calmer, more in control and supported through their recovery.
Lata Patel, a Certified Medical Hypnotherapist and Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist with Soul Speaks Therapies, offers powerful therapeutic solutions, including NLP and hypnotherapy, to help individuals improve their emotional, mental and spiritual well-being to assist healing alongside conventional medical treatment. With 20-plus years of experience, Patel supports patients through cancer care, trauma recovery and surgical preparation dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, trauma and more.
For more information or to schedule a free, 20-minute, online consultation, call 617-444-9236, visit SoulSynergyMedicalHypnotherapy.com or SoulSpeaksTherapies.com. See ad, page 13 and Resource Guide, pages 34 and 35.
Boosting Canine Health
Holistic Immune System Strategies
by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN
Adog’s immune system is the first line of defense against infection and disease, relying on nutrition, rest and emotional balance for optimal protection. Prolonged stress and consistently poor nutrition can gradually weaken this vital network, but holistic care provides gentle, effective strategies to restore and safeguard immune function, contributing to lasting wellness and vitality.
A Solid Nutritional Foundation
Immune resilience begins in the gut, where most immune cells are located. A 2024 study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science revealed that supplementing canine diets with chitooligosaccharides (COS), bioactive compounds derived from chitin in crustacean shells and fungi, enhanced immune responses and antioxidant enzyme activity by promoting a healthier gut microbiome. In addition to these functional supplements, nutrient-dense foods, particularly fresh leafy greens and colorful vegetables such as carrots, beets and peppers, also nourish beneficial gut bacteria and provide antioxidants that combat inflammation. Each color of the vegetable rainbow contributes unique phytonutrients that protect cells and bolster a dog’s innate defenses.
While many vegetables are beneficial, pet parents should not give dogs onions, garlic, leeks, scallions and chives, as they are toxic to dogs. Likewise, dogs should not eat tomatoes, corn on the cob and vegetables that can cause blockages such as radishes and the pits from avocados and fruits. Certain fruits, such as cherries, grapes and raisins, are also toxic to dogs.
Healthy fats are equally indispensable because they form the structural basis of cell membranes, ensuring optimal cellular function and resistance to pathogens. Omega-3
and omega-6 fatty acids from sources like fish oil, boneless sardines or ground flaxseed in moderation nourish the skin, reduce inflammation and support immune regulation. Cholesterol plays a crucial role in maintaining cell integrity and hormone equilibrium. Good cholesterol sources for dogs include eggs, organ meats, fish and lean meats fed in moderation. These nutrients promote strong, adaptable cells and a balanced microbiome—the cornerstone of enduring health.
A comprehensive whole-food diet centered around these principles offers greater benefits than isolated supplements. The synergistic effects of nutrients found in fresh foods support the immune system in a natural, sustainable manner, helping dogs heal, adapt and thrive.
The Power of Mushrooms
Nature provides potent tools to further enhance immune balance. Medicinal mushrooms have long been recognized for their immunomodulating properties, helping to strengthen, balance and regulate a dog’s natural defense mechanisms. Medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, shiitake, cordyceps, lion’s mane, turkey tail and chaga are safe and beneficial when used under the guidance of a veterinarian. Unidentified and wild mushrooms, including Amanita and Galerina species, should not be given to dogs as they may be toxic.
Research on shiitake mushrooms indicates that they contain beneficial bioactive compounds, including beta glucans (β-glucans), eritadenine and other polysaccharides, which can augment immune activity, support liver function and improve antioxidant capacity in humans.
A 2024 study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that four weeks of shiitake mushroom powder supplementation in healthy dogs significantly increased antioxidant activity, while reducing cholesterol. These findings suggest that shiitake mushrooms may help enhance cellular defense and immune resilience in dogs. Because of their immune-stimulating properties, shiitakes should be given only under veterinary supervision to dogs with immune-mediated diseases or those undergoing chemotherapy or immunosuppressive treatments.
Similarly, reishi mushrooms have been studied in animals for their
immune-supportive and protective effects. Their polysaccharide and triterpenoid constituents have been demonstrated to stimulate pathogen-killing white blood cells such as macrophages and T-lymphocytes, leading to improved immune surveillance and resistance against abnormal cell growth. Rodent studies have shown that reishi extracts can significantly inhibit tumor development, reduce inflammation and enhance overall immune function without adverse effects.
A pivotal factor in these effects is the presence of β-glucans—complex polysaccharides that function as biological response modifiers, training the immune system to respond appropriately to challenges without overstimulation. “The beta glucans help to stabilize your immune system,” explains Rob Silver, a pioneering
holistic and integrative veterinarian in Boulder, Colorado, recognized for his expertise in veterinary herbal medicine and medicinal mushrooms. He notes that these compounds can “re-educate” immune cells, enabling them to distinguish between genuine threats and harmless triggers such as pollen, food or dust. In this way, β-glucans promote a balanced, resilient immune response that supports both health and tolerance.
Establishing Balance for Lifelong Wellness
Holistic canine care goes beyond food and supplements, encompassing emotional well-being and preventive measures. Because chronic stress can weaken immunity,
maintaining a calm, enriching environment is essential. Regular exercise, mental stimulation and comforting companionship promote equilibrium and confidence. Gentle detoxification practices such as supporting liver function with milk thistle or kidney health with dandelion root further assist the body’s natural cleansing processes.
Regular checkups are pivotal in preserving a dog’s health, enabling veterinarians to detect emerging issues early. Collaborating with a holistic practitioner provides a comprehensive approach that integrates natural therapies with conventional medicine.
Holistically strengthening a dog’s immune system entails nurturing the entire being— body, mind and spirit. With a foundation of whole-food nutrition, balanced fats, supportive herbs and mindful care, dogs can enjoy vibrant health and lasting vitality. This integrated approach not only fortifies the immune system, but also cultivates a life of balance, joy and resilience.
Ruth Roberts, an integrative veterinarian and a holistic health coach for pets, is the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.
chengyuzheng from Getty Images/ CanvaPro
Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Sales@NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com to request our media kit. Community Resource Guide
Acupuncture
HANNAH REDD ACUPUNCTURE
Hannah Redd, DA Path 2 Harmony, 1182 Boston Neck Rd Narragansett, RI 02882 401-261-4316
HannahReddAcupuncture.com
Chinese- and Japanesestyle treatments utilizing gua sha, tui na, craniosacral therapy and cold laser.
Akashic Consulting
INTO THE AKASH WITH ASTRID!
401-617-8074
AstridMeijeruic@gmail.com rihha.org
Curious to learn how your other lifetimes are impacting your life? Ready to clear trauma, negative belief patterns, relationship dynamics, vows and soul contracts? Through consulting your Akashic Records, I facilitate the clearing of energies blocking your True Self, and coach you through conscious meaning-making to create the life you want.
Beauty
BIRCH SALON & GALLERY
Aveda Salon for Women & Men 2067 W Shore Rd, Warwick, RI 02889 BirchSalonGallery.com
All products used on salon guests, including hair color, are 96%-99% naturally derived. Retailing Aveda hair, skin, body and home essentials. Services: hair cutting, coloring, highlighting, scalp and hair treatments, hair-loss treatments, men’s cutting, beard grooming and gray blending. Great Lengths Hair Extensions offered. See ad, page 22.
Biological Dentistry
BIO DENTAL
Candida Castillo
2148 Mineral Spring Ave, North Providence, RI 02911
401-232-7777
SmileRI.com
Discover holistic dental care with Dr. Castillo at Bio Dental. Integrating advanced technology and natural healing, Dr. Castillo focuses on whole-body wellness through safe, biocompatible treatments. Experience a healthier smile and balanced life—where dentistry meets holistic healing. Book your consultation today. See ad, page 17.
Boston Dental Wellness provides biological, integrative dentistry that supports whole-body health. Offering advanced periodontal care, zirconia implants, ozone therapy, Vitamin C protocols, regenerative treatments and a calm, anxiety-free experience focused on natural healing and total wellness. See ad, page 15.
DENTISTRY BY DR. DAVID
Amparo M. David, DMD 563 Main St Bolton, MA 01740
978-779-2888
BoltonDental.com
We look beyond our patients’ teeth in order to improve both their smiles and their quality of life. Our practice offers full preventive services: biological, holistic, functional dentistry, ozone therapy, reconstructive dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, dental sleep medicine, implant dentistry, in addition to TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders) therapy. See ad, page 16.
Chiropractic
CAMERON ROTH, DC
328 Cowesett Ave, Ste 7 West Warwick, RI 02893
401-615-5200
RothChiro@gmail.com
Our practice takes a holistic approach to medicine focusing on diagnosis and treatment of biomechanical conditions. We employ a hands-on approach utilizing adjustments, soft tissue mobilizations and modalities to promote healing throughout the body.
MALCHAR CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS CENTER
33 College Hill Rd, Bldg 30C Warwick, RI 02886
401-826-7600
MalcharWellness.com
MCWC offers a variety of services, which include chiropractic care, nutrition, homeopathy, total body modification, activator methodology, auto, sports and work injuries, applied kinesiology, contact reflex analysis and Graston technique. Dr. Malchar and Dr. Boudreau, as well as supporting staff, are here to support you along your wellness journey. See ad, page 24.
MCARDLE CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS CENTER
Catherine McArdle, DC Robert Sedlor, DC 2013 Plainfield Pk Johnston, RI 02919 401-383-3400
McArdleChiropractic.com
Family chiropractic practice offering holistic care to patients of all ages. Based on the initial evaluation, patients will be given a treatment plan which addresses ergonomics, exercise, stretching and nutrition in addition to their spinal alignment. See ad, page 4.
Recognizing that you are not where you want to be is a starting point to begin changing your life.
Benjamin Blackett is a multi- certified, International Life Mastery Consultant and motivational speaker. He helps people pull their dreams into their lives. His clients experience better health, deeper and more meaningful relationships, more satisfying careers, and expanded time and money freedom. You are invited to get to know him through his livestream “Morning Mindset Book Studies” on his Facebook page, A Creative Healing Place, Mon-Fri, 9:05-9:25am. See ad, page 17.
Cold Laser Therapy
HANNAH REDD ACUPUNCTURE
Hannah Redd, DA Path 2 Harmony, 1182 Boston Neck Rd Narragansett, RI 02882
401-261-4316
HannahReddAcupuncture.com
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is very effective for pain management and healing. Utilizing red light and infrared light, our bodies ingest the light and healing is increased.
Colon Hydrotherapy
INTERNAL WELLNESS CENTER
Liz Marcano-Pucillo 150 Wood Rd, Ste 403 Braintree, MA 02184
Receive professional colon hydrotherapy by a national board-certified therapist using the Angel of Water system. The most comfortable and private system in the industry. See ad, page 11.
SOURCE COLON
HYDROTHERAPY
Elizabeth Regal, I-ACT Certified Hydrotherapist Columbia, CT
860-634-7523
Info@SourceColonHydrotherapy.com
Colonics are a soothing way to promote hydration and elimination by natural peristalsis. A series of three sessions is the best way to start cleansing. FDA-approved, closed-system device. Sessions offered at Roots Natural Medical Center, in Columbia, CT.
Compounding & Wellness Pharmacy
BIRD’S HILL COMPOUNDING PHARMACY
401 Great Plain Ave
Needham, MA 02492
781-449-0550
Pharmacist@BirdsHillPharmacy.com
BirdsHillPharmacy.com
Familyowned and -operated since 1960, we have evolved from a traditional pharmacy to a worldwide compounding and nutritional resource. Our unique one-on-one patient consultations produce a full understanding of your health needs. You, your physician and one of our compounding pharmacists work as partners to ensure that you will receive the best care possible.
JOHNSON COMPOUNDING AND WELLNESS
577 Main St
Waltham, MA 02452
781-893-3870 • Fax: 781-899-1172
John@NaturalCompounder.com
NaturalCompounder.com
JCW is the only sterile and non-sterile PCAB- accredited pharmacy in Massachusetts. In addition to our compounding service, we offer a full range of nutritional supplements, natural products, homeopathic remedies and home health care equipment. See ad, page 7.
LIGGERO Rebalance Your Routine
Deciding to work with Natural Awakenings was an easy decision for me. I was already familiar with the magazine and trusted it as a good resource for holistic and natural products and services. When I first spoke with the publisher, Maisie, she was so helpful in explaining all of the advertising options that the magazine provides and I felt a very positive energy from her. Within the first month of advertising, I received several phone calls and bookings through acuity scheduling on my website for free consults. People were seeing my ad and wanting to get more information about my services. I am pleased with the visibility that my business is receiving as a result of advertising in Natural Awakenings.
Specializing in Craniosacral Therapy and Cupping. Treatments are deeply relaxing and restorative. Cupping releases tight muscles, and CST addresses issues with the nervous system. This combination is effective for headaches/migranes, TMJ disorder, neck/back pain, digestion and more.
Family Constellation Therapy
SOUL SPEAKS THERAPIES
Certified Clinical & Medical Hypnotherapist Family Constellation Practitioner 617-444-9236
Break free from inherited emotional patterns and heal family dynamics through the powerful modality of Systemic Family Constellations. Offers a range of holistic therapies to empower you on your healing journey. Free 20-min. consultation. See ad, page 13.
Financial Wellness
JOHN GAUTREAUX
Independence Financial Partners
401-691-4138
indfp.com
If you are seeking a comfortable retirement, look no further. John and his team can provide the guidance you need. For over two decades, John has been helping his clients achieve their goals. Contact John now for a no-cost consultation. See ad, page 5.
Frenectomy (Tongue/ Lip Tie Release)
DENTISTRY BY DR. DAVID
Amparo M. David, DMD
563 Main St, Bolton, MA 01740
978-779-2888
BoltonDental.com
Dr. David uses the latest technology available to diagnose and treat infants as well as children and adults. She has extensive training in the fields of functional release, airway dentistry and myofunctional therapy. See ad, page 16.
Functional Dietitian
ALORA FREDERICK, RDN
Johnson Compounding & Wellness
781-893-3870 x 149
Alora@NaturalCompounder.com
NaturalCompounder.com
Integrative and Functional Registered Dietitian who strives to motivate individuals on their health journey. Alora loves to help people feel their best and has a special interest in GI health and mental health (depression & anxiety). See ad, page 7.
Functional Medicine
UNLOCK WELLNESS CENTER
Tina Egbuiwe, FNP
888-778-8271
UnlockWellnessCenter.com
I use advanced testing to uncover the root causes of chronic illnesses like fatigue, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances and autoimmune conditions. This deeper insight helps me create personalized, natural care plans that restore balance, boost energy and support long-term healing without the guesswork.
A virtual Holistic Health Coaching Service that focuses on improving gut health, SIBO and detoxification by making changes to your daily habits and by integrating the best herbal supplements for your individual needs.
Holistic Center
NURTURE HOLISTIC WELLNESS
Loren Correia
Holistic Wellness Professional
Hello@NurtureHolisticWellness.com
NurtureHolisticWellness.com
Nurture Holistic Wellness is dedicated to supporting your journey to well-being through holistic therapies like sound healing, meditation and bodywork. Our mission is to help you find balance, restore energy and enhance mental clarity in a peaceful, nurturing environment. See ad, page 14.
Holistic Physical Therapy
RESTORE PHYSICAL THERAPY
Dr. Amanda Zarriello, DPT 10 Worthington Rd Cranston, RI 02920
401-250-3060
RestorePTRI.com
Restore Physical Therapy helps active adults age stronger with holistic, one-on-one care. We uncover root causes, relieve pain and build resilience through hands-on treatment, digital support and personalized plans for long-term health, mobility and injury prevention. See ad, page 22.
The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it.
—Richard Bach
Homeopathy
VANDANA PITKE
Om Homeopathy, It’s My Health Cumberland, RI 02864
401-573-3757
OmHomeopathy.com
With 16+ yrs experience in classical homeopathy, Vandana Pitke has helped many clients restore and achieve health. A certified classical homeopath, she looks at the clients from a holistic perspective focusing on mind, body and spirit. She also incorporates many other holistic modalities in her practice, which makes healing faster, better and from within when combined with homeopathy.
Explore holistic hormone health solutions at our practice. Certified in hormone health, we address issues like hormone imbalance, infertility, thyroid, Type 2 diabetes and menopause. Tune in to our podcast, Confidently Balance Your Hormones, for expert insights.
Hypnotherapy
INTEGRAL HYPNOSIS
Arthur D Schwartz, Professional Hypnotist 2120 Commonwealth Ave, Ste 200 Newton, MA 02466 617-964-4800
IntegralHypnosis.com
Arthur D Schwartz practices philosophical hypnotherapy, and blend philosophical perspectives with hypnotherapy and hypnotism. Conflicts and blockages can develop within and between the conscious mind and the subconscious, but the ultimate goal is to achieve a graceful harmony between them. See ad, page 7.
SOUL SYNERGY MEDICAL
HYPNOTHERAPY
Certified Medical Hypnotherapist
617-444-9236
Info@SoulSynergyMedicalHypnotherapy.com
SoulSynergyMedicalHypnotherapy.com
Empowering your health and healing through hypnotherapy. With over 20 yrs’ experience, we empower healing through custom treatment plans designed to support your unique path to wellness. Support for chronic illnesses, stress and pain management, weight loss, smoking cessation, trauma. Free 20-min consultation. See ad, page 13.
Inner Healing & Empowerment Coach
BLISS WITHIN
786-696-6576
Hello@BlissWithinHealing.com
BlissWithinHealing.com
@Bliss_Within_Coaching
Agita guides women to heal from painful relationships, release limiting patterns and rediscover their worth. Clients rebuild confidence, embrace self-love, and attract healthy, fulfilling connections that reflect their true value and the love they genuinely deserve. See ad, page 16.
Integrative Veterinary Medical Care
MASH MAIN ST ANIMAL
SERVICES OF HOPKINTON
72 W Main St
Hopkinton, MA 01748
508-435-4077
MASHVet.com
A full-service integrative veterinary clinic offering caring and healthful options and modalities like acupuncture, functional nutrition, homeopathy, chiropractic, herbs, ozone therapy, surgery and dentistry. See ad, page 23.
Integrative Wellness Resources
IT’S MY HEALTH
Marie Bouvier-Newman 1099 Mendon Rd Cumberland, RI 02864
401-305-3585
Its-My-Health.com
We provide much more than products, services and education. We provide the tools you need to optimize your health in a comfortable environment. We care. See ad, page 17.
Ionic Foot Bath
CARLEEN’S BODY HEALING THERAPY
Carleen Christopher
401-345-6527
CarleensBodyHealingTherapy.com
This ionic detox is a therapy that uses negative ions to cleanse the body. The ions attach themselves to the toxins and then are flushed out through the feet’s reflex points.
Life Coaching
CÉCILE’S
WISE WAYS
857-245-9488
Contact@CecileRaynor.com CecileRaynor.com
Ready to savor the joy and well-being of your dream life? Do you have aspects of your life that need upgrading? Discover how to elevate your vibrations to the frequency of your vision with a fun Body Intelligence Activation Process.
TAKE THE LEAP COACHING
Kim Childs, CPPC 369 Mass Ave, Arlington, MA 02474 617-640-3813
Kim@KimChilds.com
KimChilds.com
Need help clarifying and realizing your desires? Asking “What’s next?” or “How do I get started?” Kim is a certified life and career coach specializing in Positive Psychology, creativity and midlife transitions, to help clients create more personally fulfilling, meaningful and empowered lives. Initial consultations are free
December 2025
Medical Medium
Coaching
HANNAH REDD ACUPUNCTURE
Hannah Redd, DA
Path 2 Harmony, 1182 Boston Neck Rd
Narragansett, RI 02882
401-261-4316
HannahReddAcupuncture.com
Using Medical Medium information by Anthony William for classes and coaching. Bio energetic assessments to help scan the body and determine causes for health conditions.
Naturopathic Medicine
CHRYSANTHI KAZANTZIS, ND,
MS
ANASA PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
245 Waterman St, Ste 308 Providence, RI 02906
401-270-1742
AnasaMedicine.com
Owner and founder of Anasa Personalized Medicine, Licensed Naturopathic Physician, Clinical Nutritionist, Reiki Master and Craniosacral Therapy Level 1 practitioner. Specializing in digestive disorders, thyroid disorders, diabetes, Lyme disease and mold toxicity. Addressing these conditions by treating the underlying cause through herbal medicine, supplements, homeopathy, clinical nutrition and lifestyle counseling. See ad, page 18.
NOELLE
CURIOUS ABOUT THE GROUP PROCESS? –Ever thought about joining a group to talk about life? Craving connection with others, in-person? Wonder about impacting others? And how they impact you? Interview to join an ongoing process group with Samantha Dorian at The Therapy Center, Brookline, MA. 617-277-3910.
Business Opportunities
COLON HYDROTHERAPY BUSINESS FOR SALE (RETIRING) – Colon hydrotherapy business, 17 yrs, for sale in Braintree, MA. Located near major highway. Sale includes all assets in addition to 2 Angel of Water systems and a fully furnished suite of 2,300 sq ft. Subleases space to acupuncturist. 2 additional rooms for added services. Will fully train buyer in the equipment and daily operations of the business. Annual income part-time, $106,000 (average). Income potential annual full-time, $265,000. Serious inquires only. Looking for $200K, negotiable. Liz: 781-801-2819.
CARDARELLI, ND, DAC
ANASA PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
245 Waterman St, Ste 308 Providence, RI 02906
401-270-1742
AnasaMedicine.com
Licensed Naturopathic Physician with a specific interest in treating patients with hormonal, metabolic, gastrointestinal and inflammatory conditions. She is also well versed in treating tickborne illnesses. She is passionate about the natural intelligence of the physical and emotional body and the inherent connection between the two. She utilizes a variety of modalities including nutrition, vitamins and herbs to treat her patients holistically. See ad, page 18.
BRENDA BITHONEY, ND
ANASA PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
245 Waterman St, Ste 308 Providence, RI 02906
401-270-1742
AnasaMedicine.com
Licensed Naturopathic Physician with a specific interest in uterine and ovarian health (including fertility, endometriosis, irregular menstrual cycles, menopause, perimenopause, PCOS, cervical dysplasia, etc.) and digestive conditions (including IBS, SIBO, etc). She currently offers two additional therapies including naturopathic physical medicine and cervical escharotic therapy. To support patients, Dr. B uses herbal medicine, supplements, homeopathy, escharotic therapy and physical medicine. See ad, page 18.
DARIEN LESICKO, ND
ANASA PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
245 Waterman St, Ste 308 Providence, RI 02906
401-270-1742
AnasaMedicine.com
Licensed Naturopathic Physician and Craniosacral Therapy Level 2 practitioner. Dr. L enjoys working with people of all ages and conditions, truly believing that naturopathic medicine can benefit anyone and everyone. Her primary focus is the foundation of health and utilizes functional lab testing, homeopathy, nutraceuticals and botanical medicine to find and treat the root cause of disease. See ad, page 18.
GARY KRACOFF, RPH
Johnson Compounding and Wellness
781-893-3870
Gary@NaturalCompounder.com
Dr. Gary Kracoff provides guidance and in-depth consultative services to find the “why” to what is happening physically and mentally, working with individuals to restore balance in the body. Specializes in customizing medications to meet individualized needs of patients, and he suggests nutritional supplements, natural products and homeopathic remedies to aid in faster healing and recovery. See ad, page 7.
RADICAL HEALTH ND
Dr. Julia Smiley, ND
Hello@RadicalHealthND.com
RadicalHealthND.com
Offering virtual holistic health consultations for all ages and stages of life, craniosacral therapy and online courses. My goal is to provide guidance towards optimization of health and wellness with root cause solutions always in the forefront of any recommendations made.
Organic Mattresses NATUREPEDIC
252 Newbury St, First Fl Boston, MA 02116 444 Washington St Wellesley, MA 02482
Naturepedic specializes in certified organic mattresses and bedding designed with health, wellness and sustainability at the forefront. See ad, page 4.
Organic Hair Care
FLIPP SALON APOTHECARY
38 Transit St Providence, RI 02903 401-274-1981
FlippSalon.com
A small boutique salon promoting a holistic approach to beauty, herbalism, art and music. Offering a full range of hair services using organic, plant-based products, full apothecary of loose herbs, blends and organic self-care items and accessories. Herbalist on staff. Gallery walls featuring local artisans; all mediums welcome. Live music in semi-acoustic for Music Nights. We believe that all these mediums are symbiotic in promoting joy and wellness in the individual and the community.
Raindrop Therapy
CARLEEN’S BODY
HEALING THERAPY
Carleen Christopher
401-345-6527
CarleensBodyHealingTherapy.com
Raindrop Technique is a sequence of anointing with oils that brings structural and electrical alignment to the body in a relaxing and invigorating manner through the power of essential oils. The oils can improve overall bodily function.
Regenerative Esthetics
CARE ESTHETICS BOLTON
563 Main St, Bolton, MA 01740
978-652-3507
CAREEstheticsBolton.com
All-natural regenerative skincare with a holistic, science-based approach. No chemicals. No fillers. Just natural rejuvenation designed to restore healthy, radiant skin from within. It’s all delivered in a warm, supportive environment focused on long-term beauty and wellness. See ad, page 31
Reiki/Energy Healing
BOSTON REIKI MASTER
34 Lincoln St Newton Highlands, MA 02461 617-633-3654
BostonReikiMaster.com
Are you stressed from the pressure of your job, home life, kids or an illness? Do you want to feel calm and relaxed? Experience reiki. Certified Reiki Master/ Teacher with over 20 years’ experience in energy medicine providing pure Usui Reiki healing/relaxation sessions.
INTUITIVE HEARTS
Dawn McLaughlin, Founder 14 Cedar Swamp Rd, Smithfield, RI 02917 401-500-5612
Dawn@Intuitive-Hearts.com
Through Intuitive Hearts, Dawn McLaughlin offers holistic healing services including reiki, sound healing and hypnotherapy. Her intuitive approach supports energetic balance, emotional clarity and soul-level restoration—empowering clients to reconnect with their truth and embrace vibrant, aligned living. See ad, page 11.
Sleep Therapy
TMJ & SLEEP THERAPY CENTRE OF NEW ENGLAND
563 Main St
Bolton, MA 01740
978-779-0865
Info@TMJSleepMa.com; TMJSleepMa.com
Our facility addresses the root problem of most people’s sleep issues. Symptoms like facial pain, jaw pain, headaches, ringing in the ears, clenching, grinding and sleep disturbance must be examined thoroughly in order to treat a patient with individualized care. This usually involves the fabrication of a custom oral appliance. See ad, page 27
Spinal Flow Technique
CARLEEN’S BODY HEALING THERAPY
Carleen Christopher 401-345-6527
CarleensBodyHealingTherapy.com
The Spinal Flow Technique assists you in eliminating stressors causing pain, dis-ease and illness by decreasing blockages and increasing ease and flow. Spinal Flow is a powerful yet gentle healing using the nervous system. It consists of flight touches on specific areas of the spine and cranium, allowing the body to release those blockages.
Mentoring Healers-TeachersTherapists, Spiritual Seekers, Summer Retreats, Trainings, Classes, profound healing, clearing, reclaim yourself, enjoy life. Shamanic and Intuitive Energy Sessions. Soul Retrievals. Past Life, Ancestral, Current life healing. Business, Home and Land clearings. More.
Clothing Care
THE SUSTAINABLE GARMENT
Reed McLaren, Sustainability Consultant
ReedMcLaren@
TheSustainableGarment.com
TheSustainableGarment.com
Through one-on-one consultations, Reed McLaren shares intentional care practices and techniques, from how to keep cashmere sweaters looking new to maintaining the stretch of yoga pants, to truly connect with your clothes and help make what you love last.
Sustainable Interiors
TAPESTRY HOME INTERIORS
Reed McLaren, Interiors
Sustainability Consultant
ReedMcLaren@TapestryHomeInteriors.com
TapestryHomeInteriors.com
Through one-on-one consultations, Reed McLaren helps you navigate your home with intention, from sustainable furnishings and decor, both new and reimagined, to eco-friendly wall colors and papers, and offers thought-provoking considerations to help make what you love last.
and What to Do About It Wednesday, January 14 7- 9pm
Demystify the most overlooked stage of women’s health with a panel of local experts. Learn what’s really happening in your body in the perimenopause years and discover conventional and integrative therapies that make a meaningful difference—plus practical steps you can start right away for energy, mood, sleep and weight. $20.
The Lexington Venue theater 1794 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington https://tinyurl.com/nrrtshat
Mark Your Calendar
Wolf’s Holiday Shopping Vendor Fair
Sunday, December 7
12:30-4:30pm
This holiday, stop in and browse what these local vendors and artisans are offering while grabbing a glass of hot cider and spice cookies. Everything is made by hand by this talented group: beaded power bracelets, by Ravens Wings; wire wrapping by the Ginger Shaman; art prints, rugs and more by Cat ink studios; candles by Jack B. Nimble candle co.; soap by Alchemy soap works; stained glass by Deanna Vivier; decorative birdhouses by Wolf Moon’s sacred spaces. Also, psychic medium tarot with Chris McCullough and Wolf are offered at a reduced holiday price.
Mist Dance and Exercise Studio 800 Aquidneck Ave, Middletown 401-447-7008 • MistFitness.com
Mark Your Calendar
Women’s Health
CURATED HOLISTIC HEALTH
Appts In-Person and Virtual 1050 Main St, Unit 34 East Greenwich, RI 02818
CuratedHolistic.com
Curated Holistic Health supports women through life transitions with compassionate coaching and curated programs that nurture physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. We specialize in perimenopause, sober lifestyle and women’s hormonal health. Reclaim your health: mind, body and spirit.
INNER EASE HEALTH
Bianca Siravo, CNM, WHNP 401-558-7797
Bianca@InnerEaseHealth.com InnerEaseHealth.com
Inner Ease Health is a clinical practice specializing in women’s pelvic health, sexual well-being and menopause. We integrate evidence-based medicine with holistic support to provide compassionate, comprehensive and personalized care tailored to our patients’ unique needs.
Yoga & Tai Chi
TIME FOR YOU YOGA
Maria Sichel, RYT, CSYT 2155 Diamond Hill Rd Cumberland, RI 02864 401-305-5319
Maria@TimeForYouYoga.com TimeForYouYoga.com
Private Svaroopa® yoga therapy sessions are tailored to meet your needs. Specially trained in treating pain, including back pain and neck and shoulder issues. Yoga therapy is more powerful than weekly yoga classes and moves you more quickly toward health and well-being. Experience pain relief, greater mobility, improved sleep, easier breathing, deep relaxation, increased flexibility and a deep sense of peace.
Hi ladies. When pain and trauma make you hide your body for safety, and you’ve tried everything to release this reflex, but nothing works, know that there are proven techniques that can reconnect you to safety, control and self-expression. See ad, page 13 .
January 2-4
Join Loren Correia of Nurture Holistic Wellness on a transformative 3-day wellness retreat to kick off 2026. Nestled in the rolling hills of New Hampshire, the Bethel Farm Yoga & Living Arts Center is a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by nature’s quiet beauty. This retreat is a powerful energetic renewal that awakens your inner light and helps you step into the new year fully aligned with your highest self.
