Natural Awakenings Greater Boston/Rhode Island November 2025
• We offer a full range of nutritional supplements, natural products and homeopathic remedies.
• Dr. Gary Kracoff is a registered pharmacist with a doctorate in naturopathic medicine who provides in-depth consultation services at Johnson Compounding & Wellness.
• Alora Frederick, RDN is a functional and integrative registered dietitian who does in-depth nutrition and lifestyle consultations and accepts many insurance companies - some with NO COPAY!
• Call our wellness experts for a personalized immune supplement regimen for you!
• Now offering curbside, contactless pick - up
ALORA FREDERICK Integrative and Functional Dietitian GARY KRACOFF Registered Pharmacist and Naturopathic Doctor
GREATER BOSTON/ RHODE ISLAND EDITION
Publisher Maisie Raftery
Editor Randy Kambic
Administrative Asst. Carolyn Coogan
Design & Production Courtney Ayers
Contributing Writers Marlaina Donato
Tina Egbuiwe
Wendy Nadherny Fachon
Dr. Gary Kracoff
Darien Lesicko
Reed McLaren
Cécile Raynor
Hannah Tytus
CONTACT US
P.O. Box 6032 • Warwick, RI 02887
Phone: 617-906-0232
NA-GBRI.com
Maisie@NA-GBRI.com
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CEO Kimberly B. Whittle
COO Michael Bevilacqua
CMO Vee Banionis
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Editor Brooke Goode
Copy Editor Melanie Rankin
Print Production Specialist Kevin Rankin
Design Director Agnes Mazeikaite Production Flip180
Customer Service Dani Bucad
CONTACT US
Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 350 Main Street, Suite 9B • Bedminster, NJ 07921
Subscriptions are available by sending $29 (for 12 issues) to the above address.
Leaning into Balance!
Since starting my journey with Natural Awakenings as an avid reader of the Rhode Island edition back in 2009, I’ve admittedly ridden the roller-coaster on and off the healthy lifestyle path. May of that year, at the same time I picked up my first copy, I weighed in at 269 pounds. Over the next 12 months as I devoured my copy each month, multiple dramatic life changes began to occur. These changes included the healthy loss of 97 pounds. I felt great!
Some of the things I had been learning through the magazine like meditation, led me to a consistent practice that helped keep me grounded through some pretty challenging times that year. Little did I know what was to follow in the next few years to come, but that’s another story.
One of the most impactful life changes that year was a decision I made at the end of 2009 to leave the company I was previously so sure I would be retiring from at age 59 and a-half. I detoured into an opportunity that swiftly landed me career-less by the end of April 2010.
It was then that I discovered Natural Awakenings was a franchise and made the decision to go all in. I pretty much sold most of my belongings for what was to become my new life in Brookline, Mass., where I rented a condo from a dear friend as I started my publishing journey.
Starting the magazine grass-roots style with copies from the Rhode Island and Naples, Fla. editions, I set about my new career and subsequently began to lose all of those great habits I had been practicing as a reader. Now I was working from early morning into the night, grabbing junk food along the route as I slowly edged away from living the healthy lifestyle I was simultaneously promoting.
As I've especially ridden the weight-gain/loss healthy habit coaster during the last several years, self-judgement crept in as I drifted further and further away from my personal perception of what a Natural Awakenings publisher “should” look like.
The weight of this incongruent lifestyle dampened my ability to be the best I can be for myself and for our community, leading me to look for ways to hide or escape by selling out or simply quitting.
Today, I’m aiming to follow this month’s theme of balancing energy. Committing to a few of the plethora of tools I’ve learned about on this path, I’ll lean into incremental change and breaking through the limiting beliefs that hinder me from showing up at my best. Stay tuned, God only knows where this is gonna go!
I’ll leave you with today’s timely daily quote from a text subscription I picked up along the way from noted business philosopher Jim Rohn:
“If you don’t like your present situation, change it. If you haven’t got enough, change it. If there isn’t plenty, change it. If it isn’t to your liking, change it. You don’t like your present address? Change it. You’re not a tree!”
With the holiday season upon us, may you find a tool or two that help you balance your energy within our pages.
I’m grateful to each and every one of you for your readership and support and wish you a healthy and happy Thanksgiving.
Peace,
Identifying Health Imbalances With Root Reset HTMA Testing
Dee
Davidson, a board-certified Functional Health Practitioner and owner of Confidently Love Yourself, in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, now offers the Root Reset HTMA Group Program, a practical, science-backed method to check on the body’s mineral balance, toxic load, stress patterns and other root-cause health factors. Users obtain personalized data to see potential early imbalances, stay vibrant and move forward with clarity and take aligned action if warranted before conditions can turn into disease.
“While many use supplements, clean diets, detox practices, etc., HTMA shows them exactly what their body needs so they can stop guessing and refine what’s actually working,” says Davidson. “They like community and accessible tools. It’s a group program with education, accountability and affordability [that] makes functional lab testing approachable.
“Living a clean lifestyle, but still wonder why you’re feeling tired, inflamed or out of balance? This accessible, non-invasive test can provide answers and direction. This gives you the opportunity to stop guessing about diet, supplements and detox routines [and can] discover hidden blocks like mineral deficiencies or heavy metals that may be keeping you stuck.” A simple at-home hair test is included in Davidson’s program.
Instead of investing thousands for one-on-one programs, participants get a snapshot of their body’s vital voids and healing opportunities along with expert advice in a supportive group setting.
Cost: $199. For more information or to register, call 888-679-3815, email Dee@ConfidentlyLoveYourself.com or visit ConfidentlyLoveYourself.com. See Resource Guide, page 35.
A Transformative Day of Healing and Sisterhood
Designed to nourish mind, body and spirit, the Soul Sisterhood Summit will bring women together for a transformative day of holistic wellness from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 11 at RT3 Stages, in Marshfield, Massachusetts. Attendees—women 16 and over—will explore seven chakra-based inner journeys, from grounding and intuition to empowerment and self-expression, guided by holistic practitioners and inspirational speakers.
The Summit also features special guest, author and intuitive healer Ashley Haseotes, the author of The Unspoken. A wellness marketplace will showcase curated holistic vendors and artisans, and lunch will be provided by a local food purveyor.
The Scituate Salt Cave, a wellness leader south of Boston, is debuting this transformative day of healing, connection and feminine empowerment. Women that attend can expect to rise, reconnect and remember the divine wisdom that is within them.
Event location: 125 Enterprise Dr., Marshfield, MA. Scituate Salt Cave location: 164 Front St., Scituate, MA. For more information or to register for the summit, call 781545-7258, email Hello@SoulSisterhoodSummit.com or visit SoulSisterhoodSummit.com.
Leaders Unite to Advance Mind-Body-Spirit Mental Health Care
The Rhode Island Holistic Healing Association (RIHHA) will host The New England Integrative Mental Health Conference 2025, gathering thought leaders, clinicians and holistic practitioners to explore evidencebased and heart-centered approaches to mental health, to take place from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on November 1 and 2 at the La Salette Welcome Center, in Attleboro, Massachusetts. This year’s theme, Changing Times Empowering Wholeness, highlights an empowering shift toward mind-body-spirit wellness.
Attendees will have access to 30-plus experiential workshops, experiential sessions and two keynote speakers on many topics including energy medicine, homeopathy, Ayurveda, yoga, reiki, breath work, cacao ceremony, sound healing, expressive arts, integrative psychiatry, plant medicine, mindfulness, trauma recovery and spiritual resilience.
The conference is accredited 14 CEUs by the National Association of Social Workers. RIHHA has submitted to the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) for approval to award contact hours. The AHNA is accredited as an approver of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nursing Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Cost: $225 one day, $329 both days and $25 CEUs. Location: 947 Park St., Attleboro, MA. For more information or to register, visit rihha.org/mhc2025.
Special Offer on Initial Consults with Dr. Julia Smiley
Dr. Julia Smiley, a naturopathic doctor and owner of Radical Health ND, is currently accepting new clients. To make experiencing her services more affordable, initial, two-hour, virtual consultations can be obtained for $20 off her regular fee this month and through December by following the QR code below and booking through her website.
Smiley provides virtual consultations, seasonal courses and in-person bodywork sessions focused on helping clients find balance and vitality through holistic, evidence-informed care. She earned her doctorate in naturopathic medicine from Bastyr University and has additional training in functional medicine, vitalism, botanical medicine, craniosacral therapy and family constellation therapy.
Support and guidance from such an experienced practitioner with cold and flu season upon us can help jumpstart new clients to a vital winter.
For more information or to book a session, visit RadicalHealthND.com. Also email Hello@ RadicalHealthND. com. See Resource Guide, page 36.
Explore New Paths to Wellness at The Natural Living Expo
The 18th annual Natural Living Expo, New England’s largest holistic health and wellness event, will take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on November 8 and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on November 9 at the Best Western Royal Plaza Trade Center, in Marlborough, Massachusetts. Featuring more than 200 exhibits, 60 free workshops, guided meditations and a diverse selection of healthy food vendors, visitors can explore natural and holistic products, meet practitioners and discover centers from across the country.
Attendees can partake in a variety of workshops presented by expert speakers on a wide range of topics. Seating is first-come, first-served, and all workshops are included with admission. A healthy food court inside the trade center and food trucks outside will offer local, ethnic and natural food and beverages.
The expo provides an annual opportunity for people from across the Northeast to connect with like-minded attendees, learn about holistic approaches to health and wellness and discover new practices to enhance well-being. Since its debut in 2007, more than 50,000 people have attended the event.
Admission: $21 online, which includes a free tote bag, or $25 at the door. A $10 Sunday lateentry ticket is available from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Location: 181 Boston Post Rd. W., Marlborough, MA. For more information or to obtain tickets, visit NaturalExpo.org.
Expo Workshop on Hidden Causes of Weight Gain
Jessica Liggero of Rebalance Your Routine will lead a workshop on tips for losing weight and keeping it off from 3 to 4 p.m. on November 8 at the Natural Living Expo at the Best Western Royal Plaza Trade Center & Hotel’s Salon B, in Marlborough, Massachusetts. Attendees will learn how they may have unintentionally been gaining weight and tangible ways and resources to lose and keep weight off.
Her presentation along with Q-and-A stresses the importance for people to learn about the hidden causes of weight gain so that they know why they aren’t losing weight despite their best efforts.
“So many people are struggling with weight gain these days,” says Liggero, an HHP, FDNP, CPT and SIBO Specialist. “Some are even eating healthy and exercising yet still gaining weight. There are many hidden causes of weight gain outside of poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle that conventional medicine fails to recognize. It is essential for people to understand these reasons so that they can take control of their health and learn how to healthily manage their weight.”
Expo admission: $21 includes access to both days of the event, Nov. 8 & 9, and 60 workshops. Location: 181 Boston Post Rd. W., Marlborough, MA. For more information, call 617-459-8114, email, Jessica@RebalanceYourRoutine.com or visit RebalanceYourRoutine.com. See Resource Guide, page 34.
Dr. Julia Smiley
Jessica Liggero, HHP, FDNP
Heal Your Heart, Transform Your Life
Agita Bergmane, owner of Bliss Within, will present a free Heart Healing Experience from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on November 19 via Zoom. Participants will have the opportunity to experience deeply transformational emotional, energetic and profound release and healing toward stepping into a future where love feels safe, supportive and deeply fulfilling.
The session will combine breathwork, hypnosis, sound healing and meditation to support emotional release and heart opening toward helping women heal from painful relationships, restore confidence and reconnect with inner peace.
Benefits from the event can include feeling “lighter, calmer and more emotionally free, as if a weight has been lifted from your heart,” says Bergmane, a Certified Empowerment Coach, Sound Healing Practitioner and Breathwork Facilitator, adding that the experience will also engender reconnection to one’s worth, wholeness and inner peace; empower one to move forward with clarity, confidence and deep love for yourself; and instill openness to receive the kind of love that aligns with one’s truth—from a place of fullness, not longing.
She has guided hundreds of women through powerful transformations, helping them move beyond relationship trauma into lives filled with confidence, self-worth and self-love. Many participants have experienced breakthroughs that allowed them to attract aligned new relationships or reignite passion and meaningful connection in existing ones.
For more information or to register, call 786-696-6576, email Hello@BlissWithinHealing.com or visit BlissWithinHealing.com. See ad, page 12 and Resource Guide, page 35.
Rhode Island Marks World Diabetes Day with Free Educational Event
The Rhode Island Department of Health will host the 2025 Rhode Island World Diabetes Day event from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on November 13, at the Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick (Airport).
This free, in-person event brings together healthcare professionals and community members for a morning of educational presentations, discussions and Q-and-A sessions focused on diabetes prevention, management and awareness.
Keynote speaker Kris Freeman, a patient ambassador sponsored by Novo Nordisk, will open the program, followed by sessions covering such topics as affordable medication access, diabetic foot health, gestational diabetes in the AI era and agefriendly diabetes management. The event will conclude with the Grace Diaz Blue Light Award presentation. Attendees will be eligible for CME/CE credits, and light refreshments will be provided.
Location: 801 Greenwich Ave., Warwick, RI. For more information including a full schedule, visit riwdd.org.
BALANCING ENERGY
Aligning Your Financial Flow
As the days grow shorter and the year winds down, November invites us to recalibrate.
Just as we balance our physical energy with rest and nourishment, our financial energy deserves the same care. Are your income and spending aligned with your values? Are you investing in what truly sustains you—whether that’s health, connection, or creativity?
Try this: list three areas where your money feels “drained” and three where it feels “energized.” Then, make one small shift toward balance. Maybe it’s saying no to a purchase that doesn’t serve you, or yes to a donation that uplifts your community. Financial energy isn’t just about numbers—it’s about flow, intention, and reciprocity. As nature prepares for winter, let your finances reflect the same wisdom: conserve what’s needed, release what’s not, and trust that balance brings renewal.
LET FALL BE YOUR SEASON TO GET GROUNDED, SO YOU CAN MOVE FORWARD WITH INTENTION AND EASE.
To learn more about how we can help, schedule a no-cost consultation with John now.
John M Gautreaux ChFC® ORIGINATOR 401-691-4138 jgautreaux@indfp.com
For important disclosures please scan the QR code or visit IndependenceFP.net
Agita Bergmane
SCAN TO REGISTER TODAY!
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New Year, New Energy, New You
Reset, Revitalize and Reignite Your Spirit for a Vibrant 2026
AReset & Revitalize 2026 Retreat
will be hosted by Holistic Wellness Practitioner Loren Correia of Nurture Holistic Wellness, from January 2 to 4 at the Bethel Farm Yoga and Living Arts Center, in Hillsborough, New Hampshire. This immersive event is designed to cleanse, align and awaken the attendees’ energy centers through yoga, sound healing, meditation, nature connection and more to begin the new year refreshed, centered and inspired.
After a heart-opening cacao and intention ceremony to welcome in the weekend, the retreat will include a journey into the chakras with meditation, sound healing, breathwork and journaling activities; a reiki-infused sound bath; a Jivamukti yoga session; a vision board creation station for manifesting for the new year; an outdoor sauna and cold plunge for releasing the past and starting
the new year refreshed; and farm-to-table meals with Chef Tracey from Mountain Girl Yoga Chef. The proceedings will conclude with an uplifting fire ceremony.
“As we move through shifting seasons, it’s the perfect time to check in with your energy,” says Correia, whose practice is based in East Greenwich, Rhode Island.
“Your body’s seven chakras act as powerful gateways that influence your emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. When energy flows freely, you feel aligned, grounded and connected—but when blocked, life can feel heavy or unclear.
“Realigning your chakras through sound healing, meditation and breathwork restores balance and helps you return to your natural state of harmony and vitality” and can help “regulate your nervous system, release stored emotions and reconnect you to your intuition. As your energy centers harmonize, you may notice
better sleep, clearer thinking, improved mood, and a renewed sense of purpose. On a spiritual level, you begin to feel more in tune with life—grounded in the present yet open to what’s next.”
In releasing the old year and awakening fresh intentions for 2026, participants can restore balance, deepen self-connection and return home feeling centered, renewed and ready to step into their highest vibration.
Cost: $1,111 which includes a free gift. Event location: 34 Bethel Rd., Hillsborough, NH. For more information or to register, call 401-649-3898, email Hello@NurtureHolisticWellness.com or visit NurtureHolisticWellness.com. See ad, page 23 and Resource Guide, page 34.
Photo by Holly Walsh
Photo by Holly Walsh
Bethel Farm Yoga Studio
Host Loren Correia of Nurture Holistic Wellness & Chef Tracey of Mountain Girl Yoga Chef
Yoga’s Role in Preventing Memory Loss
Kundalini yoga focuses on personal growth and spiritual connection through movement, breathing, meditation and sound in the form of mantras or chants. A 2024 study in Translational Psychiatry examined its potential to help older women at risk for memory problems and dementia.
The study involved 63 women aged 50 and older that were experiencing early memory decline and increased dementia risk due to conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. Participants were randomly assigned to either a kundalini yoga group or a memory enhancement training (MET) group. The MET group performed verbal and visual memory-building exercises. All of the women met weekly with an instructor and practiced for 12 minutes daily at home over 12 weeks.
The yoga group reported greater improvements in how they felt about their memory. Gene testing showed beneficial changes in biological pathways linked to aging and inflammation in the yoga group, which were absent in the MET group. Additionally, levels of a harmful inflammationrelated protein rose in the MET group but remained stable in the yoga group.
Brain scans of a subset of participants indicated that the yoga group experienced increased brain size linked to memory, as well as enhanced connectivity between memory-related brain regions, while the MET group showed shrinkage in these areas.
Meditation for Pain Relief
Researchers at the University of California San Diego and Dartmouth College used advanced brain imaging and artificial intelligence to study how various interventions influence the brain’s perception of pain. The 2025 study, published in Biological Psychiatry , analyzed data from two previous trials involving 115 healthy adults randomly assigned to one of four groups.
The mindfulness meditation group was taught breathwork and how to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment. The sham-mindfulness group did not receive proper mindfulness instructions. The placebo cream group received a cream without active ingredients. The control group listened to an audiobook. Each group completed four, 20-minute sessions of their assigned activities, followed by brain scans while pain was applied to their leg.
The researchers discovered that mindfulness meditation significantly reduced pain intensity and unpleasantness more than the other groups. Brain scans revealed that mindfulness meditation decreased activity in neural patterns associated with both physical pain and emotional response to pain.
These findings suggest that mindfulness meditation reduces pain by directly altering sensory and emotional pain processing in the brain, whereas the placebo effect changes pain expectations. Further research is needed to confirm that mindfulness meditation can produce similar results for people with chronic pain.
FatCamera
Tapping into Everyday Energy A Holistic Approach
by Tina Egbuiwe, FNP
Many people may feel caught in a cycle of fatigue—drained in the morning, dragging midafternoon and restless at night. Energy isn’t simply about willpower or caffeine; it reflects how well the body’s systems (hormones, sleep cycles, digestion and stress responses) are functioning together. When one system is off, the ripple effect can leave anyone feeling sluggish or mentally foggy.
Morning Light and Movement: Exposure to natural morning light helps regulate the body’s internal clock, supporting alertness and steady energy
throughout the day. Pairing this with gentle movement—like stretching, yoga or a short walk—improves circulation, oxygen delivery and focus, and primes both body and mind for activity. Even five to 10 minutes can help jump-start the nervous system and lift mood.
Balanced Nutrition: Energy levels are strongly influenced by what and when we eat. Balanced meals that combine lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables and healthy fats help maintain steady blood sugar and prevent mid-day crashes. Functional medicine emphasizes the importance of understanding individual sensitivities,
such as food intolerances or gut imbalances, which may silently drain energy despite a seemingly healthy diet.
Evening Reset: Bright screens, heavy mental work or late-night stimulation can disrupt natural sleep rhythms. Creating a calm, tech-free wind-down, dimming lights and practicing relaxing activities (like reading or meditation) signals the body it’s time to rest, supporting restorative sleep and next-day vitality.
Balancing energy isn’t about perfection or constant productivity. It’s about tuning into the body’s natural rhythms, making small, consistent choices and addressing root causes that drain energy. Over time, these shifts can help anyone feel more grounded, focused and energized—ready to meet life’s busy days with resilience and clarity.
Tina Egbuiwe, clinical director and the founder of the Unlock Wellness Center, is a nurse practitioner and certified functional medicine specialist. She empowers women to manage chronic conditions, improve digestion, balance hormones and feel confident in their wellness journey through a holistic, education-based approach. For more information or to make an appointment, call 978-737-4844, email TinaE@ UnlockWellnessCenter.com or visit UnlockWellnessCenter.com. See Resource Guide, page 34.
Life Beyond Earth Is Highly Probable
Researchers from Durham University in England surveyed more than 1,000 scientists, both astrobiologists and non-astrobiologists, to assess their beliefs about the existence of basic, complex and intelligent life beyond Earth. Their findings were published in nature astronomy . Almost 87 percent of astrobiologists agreed or strongly agreed that at least basic extraterrestrial life likely exists in the universe, while less than 2 percent disagreed and 12 percent remained neutral. Similarly, more than 88 percent of other scientists concurred that other life forms exist.
These results align with mathematical reasoning. With an estimated 100 billion galaxies in the universe, each containing billions of stars, and our understanding of habitable planets and moons, the probability of no other life forms existing is less than one in a billion billion (1,000,000,000,000,000,000).
Benjamin Farren from Pexels/CanvaPro
Caring for Textiles During The Seasonal Transition
by Reed McLaren
As the weather cools, fall is the perfect time to give our favorite sweaters, jackets, coats and blankets a little extra care before they’re back in rotation. Proper maintenance not only extends the life of our textiles, but also helps reduce waste and our environmental impact.
When we pull out our cozy garments from storage, it’s common to find that some didn’t fare as well as we’d hoped. Beyond preserving our favorite pieces, taking time
to properly care for them is an ecofriendly act with a meaningful ripple effect. Each item we maintain instead of replacing reduces textile waste, saves resources and lowers our household carbon footprint.
Neglected or discarded garments often end up in landfills, where decomposing fibers release harmful greenhouse gases. By extending the lifespan of our clothing and home textiles, we help combat this
waste and reduce the demand for new textiles—an industry that consumes vast amounts of water, energy and petroleum-based materials. Even simple actions such as spot cleaning, airdrying and mending can significantly lower energy use, chemical runoff and environmental strain.
To transition our wardrobes responsibly this season:
• Air out stored items to prevent mildew and refresh fibers.
• Inspect woolens for holes or pests, and consider simple repair techniques like needle felting.
• De-pill knits appropriately: comb wool and cashmere, shave cotton and acrylic.
• Brush coats and heavier fabrics to remove dust and restore texture.
Thoughtful garment care keeps textiles fresh, functional and beautiful for many years to come. It’s also a simple, powerful way to live more sustainably—honoring the resources behind each piece and voting for a more mindful, less wasteful world with every stitch and every season.
Reed McLaren is the owner of Tapestry Home Interiors and The Sustainable Garment. To learn more or to book a consultation, visit TapestryHomeInteriors.com or TheSustainable Garment.com. See Resource Guide, page 37.
Aligning Energy Reconnecting with the Body’s Natural Wisdom
by Cécile Raynor
We live in a culture that often rewards overdoing— pushing through fatigue, ignoring tension and relying on quick fixes to keep going. But our bodies are not machines. When energy is out of balance, we cannot avoid recurring tension, pain or emotional stress. Learning to restore balance in our energy is one of the most powerful gifts we can give ourselves.
Energy is more than just feeling rested or tired when we engage in daily activities. It is the flow of vitality coursing through our body, mind, and emotions. Ancient traditions like Chinese medicine describe this as qi or life force while in India, it is referred to as prana . Today, science
also shows us that the body is an integrated system—nervous, muscular, emotional and cognitive layers all influencing each other. When one part of us is blocked or overstressed, the whole system is affected.
Studies have shown that chronic stress doesn’t just live in our minds. It triggers layers of muscle tension already in our body due to misuse or overuse, restricts breathing and impacts posture. This is why so many people experience headaches, back pain or digestive issues when under pressure. Balance means bringing the whole self—physical, emotional and mental— back into harmony.
Energy imbalance doesn’t always announce itself loudly at first.
Sometimes it shows up as recurring tension in the same muscles; posture that feels effortful to maintain; a sense of “running on empty” despite rest; headaches or joint discomfort; or feeling stuck emotionally or mentally.
These signals are the body’s way of asking us to pause, listen and shift. Fortunately, we can restore energy balance with gentle, mindful practices intertwined into our daily life. Here are some accessible approaches that can be easily used when needed:
• Breathing with Awareness: Calms the nervous system, even two minutes at a time can reset tension patterns.
• Gentle Movement: Mindful walking promotes harmony between body and mind. The key is moving with awareness of our body movement and our environment.
• Integrated Posture Awareness: A first good step is to notice how we sit, stand and move to help prevent energy leaks caused by poor alignment. When good alignment is effortful, it is not sustainable. It indicates we need to explore the keys to integrated functioning for effortless good posture.
• Energetic Clearing: Guided visualizations and affirmations can help release obvious ties to old stress patterns so fresh energy can circulate. For underlying energies we may not even be aware of, even though they are still tied to past events and impacting us negatively, exploring “embodied energy clearing” practices can be most efficient.
• Listening to Emotions: Emotions are energy in motion. Journaling or mindful reflection allows us to process feelings instead of holding them in the body.
Andre Furtado / Unsplash.com
These practices are a bridge back to greater energetic balance—simple steps that reconnect us with our body’s natural wisdom.
Balanced energy matters. It creates the conditions for optimal health and also resilience, clarity and joy. When energy flows freely, people often notice they feel lighter, breathe more easily and experience greater ease in daily activities. They can also find that relationships improve, creativity flows and challenges feel more manageable.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that mindfulnessbased body awareness practices significantly reduced chronic pain and improved emotional regulation. This confirms what many traditions have long taught: Caring for energy balance supports both physical health and emotional well-being.
We can’t avoid stress or challenges entirely. But we can change how we respond. By cultivating balance— through breath awareness, integrated
movement, mindfulness and energetic release—we can create a life where health and happiness are sustainable. Balancing energy is not about perfection. It’s about learning to return, again and again, to a place where our body, mind and spirit feel aligned. From there, we can show up more fully in life, with the comfort, confidence and vitality we deserve.
Cécile Raynor has been guiding people toward greater ease and well-being for over 30 years. She is the owner of Cécile’s Wise Ways, the creator of the Body Intelligence Activation Process and an Inner Coach Method facilitator. She is also an artist, speaker and author of The Wise Way to Yoga and Body Wisdom Magic.
Raynor will present Embodied Energy Clearing for Harmonious Holiday Gatherings, an online experiential event designed to decrease reactivity and cultivate inner harmony, on Nov. 22 and Activate Your Body Wisdom
for Ease—Even Through the Holidays, an in-person event in South Brookline/ Chestnut Hill, MA, where participants will discover how to activate their body wisdom for greater ease of movement and ease of being on Dec. 6.
For more information, to register for upcoming events or to make an appointment with Raynor, call 857245-9488 or visit CecileRaynor.com. See Resource Guide, page 35.
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The Burnout Reset
Whole-Body Recovery for the Season Ahead
by Hannah Tytus
It’s six o’clock in the evening, and the sun has already set. The body is whispering for a warm cup of tea and rest, yet the to-do list stretches on: emails and carpools, fundraisers and school practices, appointments and dinner still to be cooked. The desire for rest is overridden by our self-imposed need to get it all done. The colder season, however, brings an opportunity to shift how we see rest and productivity, inviting us to move in harmony with the cycles of nature.
“Our culture has fed us the myth that we can grow and achieve ceaselessly,” explains Kari Leibowitz, Ph.D., a psychologist, speaker, workshop facilitator and author of How to Winter. “The idea that this growth is linear and steady, with no breaks, is a myth and a fantasy. So much of the winter woes and the burnout of the season comes from
a mismatch between our natural rhythms, our expectations and the demands of the world. Winter is an invitation to slow down.”
Lost Wisdom of Seasonal Living
As with every other living being, we are intimately connected to nature’s cycles. “We are animals, and we live on a planet. And almost every other living thing on this planet changes its behavior with the seasons,” observes Leibowitz. “Because we have electricity, artificial light and calendars, we have deluded ourselves into thinking that we can—and should—maintain the same routines and productivity levels year-round.”
This spirit of connectedness is echoed by Shamini Jain, Ph.D., adjunct professor
at the University of California San Diego, founder of the Consciousness and Healing Initiative, and author of Healing Ourselves: Biofield Science and the Future of Health. “When we own that we’re part of a universe that has its ebbs and flows, we pay attention to the seasons,” she notes, adding that Indigenous medicine and wisdom have long honored natural cycles, seeking to answer the same question we ask ourselves today: “How can I show up and be most efficient in my service?”
This ancient orientation toward seasonal rhythms is not just a philosophical concept. Anthropological studies suggest that our ancestors likely slept more in the cooler months, falling asleep soon after sunset and rising before dawn. They got the most sunlight in the morning, aligning their body’s cycles with temperature and light cues provided by nature. Contrast this with modern life, where we stay active well after dark, are exposed to sleep-disrupting blue light, wake with alarms and regulate our environment with thermostats that erase natural temperature shifts. By structuring our lives around modern demands, we resist nature’s rhythms. The result, says Jain, is chronic stress, fatigue and burnout.
Modern Stressors
As autumn transitions into winter and the holidays approach, many of us face greater demands to cook, shop, perform, travel or coordinate complex schedules, yet our resources of time and energy
remain the same—or even ebb—as daylight hours shorten and our bodies naturally slow down and produce less vitamin D because of a decrease in sunlight exposure.
“Whenever demands exceed resources, we become stressed,” says Dr. Sharon Grossman, physician and author of The Burnout Solution. Chronic stress has a cumulative effect on our bodies, causing what is known as an allostatic overload, which, according to Yale Medicine, can lead to emotional exhaustion, cynicism, detachment, reduced creativity, brain fog, disrupted sleep, physical aches and pains, or even social withdrawal.
Improving Our Mindset
“We often think of stress as a thing that lives ‘out there’, but stress is actually an internal perception that we have. It’s not always about the circumstances themselves; it’s about what you’re telling yourself about the circumstances that creates the stress,” explains Grossman.
A 2016 study in Anxiety, Stress, & Coping examined the effects of altering our perspective on stress. Participants were encouraged to see it as a potential source of energy and resilience, rather than harmful. Those that applied this change in mindset reported better moods, enhanced cognitive performance and healthier physiological responses during a stressful task.
Try this psychological exploration: Identify limiting beliefs by journaling about the specific fears and guilt that come with saying “no” to a request for help. Next time someone asks for something, politely decline and observe the outcome. Check if expectations of conflict or hurt were unfounded. This approach challenges limiting assumptions and helps us set healthier boundaries, thereby reducing stress and enhancing emotional well-being.
Setting Healthy Boundaries
We often have countless ideas about how we should behave, and many of these beliefs hold us back. Grossman emphasizes that every “yes” adds to our demands. “If you’re going to say ‘yes’, understand why you’re saying it,” Grossman cautions. “It should serve a purpose, because our resources are limited.” In practical terms, we have to either lower the demands we accept or increase our resources, such as time or support, to meet them.
For Leibowitz, setting boundaries becomes easier when guided by values. If we want Thanksgiving to feel lighthearted and memorable, that might mean skipping elaborate dishes, accepting a less-thanperfect home and prioritizing rest so we can be present and joyful.
When a new request comes in, pause and reflect on how it aligns with personal values. Consider whether we are acting out
Zffoto from
Not Your Traditional PT
of pressure. Release such commitments to make room for a new, better-aligned invitation.
Breathing Out the Stress
Simple breathing practices can profoundly calm the nervous system. “The point is to breathe—nice inhales, long exhales—and in letting out a long exhale, make a sigh of relief,” Jain advises, suggesting that sounds like “ooo” or “ahh” during exhalation enhance emotional release.
Just five minutes of intentional breathing can make a measurable difference. Studies have demonstrated that longer exhales stimulate the vagus nerve, activating the rest-and-digest system, while calming the fight-or-flight response. This reduces heart rate and blood pressure and signals the brain to relax.
Try this breathing exercise: Sit or recline comfortably. Inhale gently through the nose, then exhale through the mouth, allowing sound to escape—this can be a sigh, a groan or a vowel tone. With each round, allow the exhale to lengthen naturally, releasing tension.
Transformative Singing
According to Jain, “Singing, whether by yourself or in groups, helps harmonize the body’s rhythms, decreases inflammation and activates the nervous system’s rest-and-digest response.” A 2016 study by London researchers, published in ecancermedicalscience, demonstrated that just one hour of group singing reduced stress and improved mood, with saliva tests indicating lower levels of cortisol (the body’s main stress hormone) and changes in immune markers associated with resilience.
Bringing the benefits of song can be as simple as singing or humming a tune while washing dishes, showering or driving to work. Knowing the lyrics isn’t necessary; the vibrations alone create a positive resonance in the body.
Nature Therapy
Every breath we take is a dance between humans and plants. The oxygen they expel fuels us, and our exhaled carbon dioxide sustains them. This exchange is part of the deep bioelectric communication connecting us to the natural world.
“Fresh air, movement and connecting with nature are all natural antidepressants. Even a few minutes outside can be a powerful way to shift your experience,” says Leibowitz. A 2016 review of 52 Japanese studies found that spending time in nature measurably relaxes the body. Being around forests, plants or green spaces calms
the nervous system, improves brain function, balances hormones and strengthens the immune system.
Try this outdoor palliative: Find a patch of earth and stand barefoot. With eyes closed, imagine releasing the day’s energies down into the ground. After a few breaths, visualize energy flowing back up, reinvigorating the body.
Calming Movement
Mind-body-spirit practices offer powerful ways to find inner serenity. “They are effective in harmonizing the nervous system, reducing inflammation and opening our connection with heaven and Earth,” asserts Jain. Tai chi and qigong, which blend flowing movements with focused attention, breath and relaxation, have been shown in studies to pacify the overactive sympathetic nervous system and promote deep relaxation. Yoga offers similar effects. A 2020 review of 12 studies with nearly 675 healthy adults found
consistent reductions in perceived stress, confirming yoga’s power to ease everyday tension.
Practicing these modalities under the guidance of a professional helps reduce risk of injury. Look for a tai chi, qigong or gentle yoga class in the community. Many studios offer a free first class or sessions in a local park.
Rest as Wisdom
In a culture that glorifies hustle, reclaiming rest is an act of healing. Jain asserts, “We can move through the winter of our mind and body, allowing it to deeply rest so that when spring comes, we can move forward with more energy—for the right things, as opposed to everything.” Nature offers a model for this wisdom. Although the natural world seems to be still in winter, vital work occurs beneath the surface. Just as fruit trees need a cold dormancy period to bloom again, we also require periods of quiet renewal. Our cycles of stillness are as essential to growth, creativity and productivity as our cycles of action.
Rest is more than sleep; it is a way of tuning in. “When we slow down, it’s not just about regeneration,” explains Jain. “It’s about listening to the body’s wisdom, slowing down enough to access deeper intuitions and guidance about our next steps.” Our cycles of rest serve as a teacher. By slowing down, we gain the wisdom, focus and resilience to fully embrace a life renewed.
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.
WHERE MEDICINE MEETS PERSONALIZATION
Dr. Brenda Bithoney, ND (Dr. B)
Dr. Darien Lesicko, ND (Dr. L)
Dr. Chrysanthi Kazantzis, ND, MS (Dr. Kaz)
Dr. Noelle Cardarelli, ND, DAc
Balancing Act
Blood Sugar Stability for Better Health and Mood
by Marlaina Donato
Approximately 34 to 36 million people in the United States live with Type 2 diabetes, yet many cases go undiagnosed. Additionally, about 88 million individuals have prediabetes, a reversible condition marked by higher blood sugar levels that have not yet reached diabetic status. Glucose stability is crucial for everyone and can be the root cause of symptoms like low energy (especially in the afternoon), mood swings, increased belly fat, food cravings, brain fog, hormonal imbalances and loss of libido.
Fluctuating blood sugar levels affect all of us, especially after high-carb meals or skipping meals. Our diet directly influences our metabolic processes. By choosing nutrient-dense foods, replacing
high-sugar and high-carbohydrate snacks with healthier options and timing meals wisely, we can achieve balance. Incorporating blood sugar-stabilizing spices and herbs into daily meals can also have a positive impact.
Blood Sugar Basics
“Because glucose is a crucial fuel of the brain and body, there are many backup systems and ways to create glucose,” explains Iginio Stoppa, a naturopathic doctor at Sonoran University of Health Sciences, in Tempe, Arizona. “The absorption of glucose from our food, the production of glucose mainly from the liver and the breakdown of the storage form of glucose called glycogen is what contributes to what we see as blood sugar.”
Stoppa also notes that we may notice when our blood sugar is off. Low blood sugar, for example, is often felt through symptoms like anxiety, weakness, tingling, sweating and palpitations.
“Everyone experiences natural rises and dips throughout the day. Skipping meals, leaning on caffeine for energy, eating a lot of refined carbohydrates or grabbing quick, processed snacks can all cause sharp spikes, followed by sudden crashes,” says Jennifer Ribaudo, a clinical herbalist, educator and owner of Desert Moon Botanicals, in Gilbert, Arizona.
It is advisable to avoid high carbohydrate and sugary foods, especially in the morning or before bed. Instead, opt for complex carbohydrates like lentils, beans, sweet potatoes and oats to provide essential macronutrients and prevent glucose spikes. Sonoran University recommends eating certain foods in a specific order, such as eggs or avocado before bread and roasted vegetables with olive oil before pasta, to manage glucose levels.
Eating and Snacking To Thrive
Jacqui Garrison, a San Diego-based health coach, suggests eating most calories before dinner and having an
earlier, lighter evening meal to reduce overnight blood sugar spikes that can negatively affect sleep quality. She recommends 30 to 40 grams of clean protein per meal; if animal protein is included, five ounces or the size of a loose fist is ideal. Aim for two servings of leafy greens, colorful veggies or whole fruit per meal, equivalent to half the plate or two open hands. Add one to two thumb-sized portions of healthy fats such as avocado, olive oil or nuts to complete the meal.
For snacks, Garrison suggests a hard-boiled egg or hummus with a handful of carrots, a cup of edamame in the pod or nitrite-free turkey slices in the afternoon. For an evening boost, she recommends “something light and protein-forward like half a cup of cottage cheese with cinnamon and berries.”
Stoppa supports high-quality protein and naturally lowglycemic index foods like wild blueberries, blackberries and chickpeas, which provide polyphenols and saponins that slow glucose absorption.
Herbal Help
Ribaudo emphasizes that blood sugar-supportive herbs can smooth out fluctuations. “Using herbs for blood sugar balance doesn’t have to be complicated. A little cinnamon can be stirred into oatmeal, blended into a smoothie or sprinkled into roasted vegetables or beans. Fenugreek seeds work beautifully in soups, curries and lentil dishes, while moringa leaf powder blends smoothly into salad dressings, sauces or soups.”
Ribaudo also recommends Gymnema sylvestre tincture for pancreatic support and long-term glucose balance, making sugary foods less tempting. Stress-reducing holy basil (tulsi) tea is beneficial during afternoon slumps. She stresses the importance of consulting a professional, especially for those on blood sugar-lowering medications or prone to hypoglycemic dips, as effects can accumulate.
Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and
ASIAN SALMON POWER BOWL
This delicious, nutrient-dense meal is packed with healthy fats, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
YIELD: 1 SERVING
4 oz salmon
½ cup whole grain brown rice
½ cup edamame
½ cup carrots, shredded
½ cup cabbage or bok choy, shredded
½ Tbsp sesame seeds
1 Tbsp coconut liquid aminos
1 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 Tbsp scallions, chopped
1 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Cook the rice according to package instructions. Steam and shell the edamame. Sauté the cabbage or bok choy, if using. Grill the salmon and season to taste.
Layer cooked rice, edamame, carrot and cabbage or bok choy in a bowl. Add salmon.
Whisk coconut aminos and rice vinegar together then pour over the contents of the bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Top with scallions and cilantro.
Recipe courtesy of Jacqui Garrison.
OVERNIGHT CINNAMON DATE OATS
This is a perfect late-autumn breakfast or snack with protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates.
YIELD: 1 SERVING
½ cup organic rolled oats
1 Tbsp ground flaxseeds
¼ cup organic, unsweetened peanut, almond or sunflower butter
1 to 2 Medjool dates, finely chopped
¾ cup unsweetened coconut, almond or soy milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp powdered Ceylon cinnamon
Place all ingredients in a bowl or Mason jar and stir well. Store overnight in the refrigerator for cold oats or on the counter for room-temperature oats in the morning.
Recipe courtesy of Marlaina Donato.
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VELVETY SWEET POTATO BISQUE
YIELD: 2 TO 3 SERVINGS
5 medium-sized, organic sweet potatoes
3 cups low sodium vegetable broth
1 13.5-oz can unsweetened Thai coconut milk, well-stirred before use
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp regular or vegan ghee
1 to 2 tsp Grade-A maple syrup or increase coconut sugar, below 1 tsp coconut sugar (2 to 3 tsp if omitting maple syrup)
¼ tsp powdered cinnamon
¼ tsp powdered ginger
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
OPTIONAL TOPPING
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Smoked salt, to taste
Coconut sugar, a sprinkle to taste
½ tsp curry powder
½ cup raw pumpkin seeds
Chop sweet potatoes into 2-inch chunks and add to a mediumsize pot; cover with broth. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, approximately 15 minutes.
Place the cooked sweet potatoes, hot broth, half a can of coconut milk and all other ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
Pour the sweet potato bisque into bowls until half full. Spoon a tablespoon of coconut milk in a swirling pattern into the soup. Ser ve immediately.
For the optional pumpkin seed topping, heat olive oil in a pan with the smoked salt, coconut sugar and curry powder. Add pumpkin seeds to the hot pan and toss around until they are browned but not burned. Remove from heat and sprinkle a tablespoon or more of the toasted seeds on top of the sweet potato bisque. Recipe courtesy of Marlaina Donato.
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Beyond the Numbers
How Naturopathic Medicine Supports Cardiometabolic Health
by Darien Lesicko, ND
Cardiometabolic health is more than just a number on a lab report—it reflects the balance between blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and weight that can help determine long-term vitality. Yet this balance is increasingly under strain: rates of metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease continue to rise worldwide. The good news is that many of these conditions are not only
preventable, but also reversible. It’s worth exploring how naturopathic medicine can support metabolic health through the lens of blood sugar regulation, a foundational aspect of cardiometabolic balance.
Understanding the Root Causes
One of the main contributors to cardiometabolic dysfunction lies in insulin resistance, a state in which
cells no longer respond efficiently to insulin’s signal to move glucose out of the bloodstream and into the cells. Chronic inflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction can all drive insulin resistance. Factors such as gut dysbiosis, poor sleep and chronic stress can amplify these imbalances. By identifying and treating these upstream issues, naturopathic doctors aim not just to normalize lab values, but to restore this metabolic imbalance from the inside out.
The Naturopathic Approach Comprehensive Assessment
Naturopathic doctors begin with an indepth assessment that extends beyond fasting glucose or A1C. Testing may include fasting insulin, lipid profiles, inflammatory and stress markers, and sometimes stool or other functional tests to uncover potential root causes. This comprehensive picture allows NDs to design individualized treatment plans that cater to someone’s unique needs.
Nutrition and Therapeutic Diets
Nutrition remains the cornerstone of blood sugar balance and a healthy diet is one of the main foundations for optimal health. The New England
Journal of Medicine found that the Mediterranean diet reduced the incidence of major cardiovascular events by 30 percent compared to a low-fat diet. This diet emphasizes healthy fats such as olive oil, vegetables and lean proteins and has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lower inflammation.
Specific natural compounds can also play an important role in addition to a healthy diet. Berberine is a plant compound that has been shown to significantly reduce fasting glucose and A1C in research studies. And cinnamon goes beyond being a delicious spice to being incredibly therapeutic. The Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology found that cinnamon was shown to positively impact most factors associated with cardiometabolic syndrome including insulin sensitivity, glucose, lipids, antioxidants, inflammation and blood pressure. Nutrients such as bitter melon, chromium and alpha-lipoic acid to name a few have also been linked to improved insulin signaling, lipid profiles and oxidative stress in hyperglycemic patients.
Lifestyle Medicine and Stress Regulation
Movement acts as a natural insulin sensitizer, and the timing of that movement has been shown to be important when discussing blood sugar specifically. As little as 10 minutes of post-meal walking significantly reduces postprandial glucose spikes. In addition to movement after meals, resistance training, yoga and aerobic exercise each increase glucose uptake in muscle tissue and are all useful for individuals to help positively impact their cardiometabolic health.
Stress regulation is equally crucial. Chronic activation of the stress response raises cortisol and blood sugar over time. A Healthcare review showed that mindfulness-based practices improved both mental health and physical health by improving blood sugar and blood pressure in individuals with diabetes. Sleep is another lifestyle factor that has been shown to be important for healthy insulin response. Diabetes Journals found that restricting sleep to five hours per night for one week reduced insulin sensitivity in healthy men.
Restoring Metabolic Resilience
Cardiometabolic disorders are not inevitable outcomes of aging, they are conditions that respond powerfully to lifestyle changes. By combining modern research with time-tested natural therapies, naturopathic doctors can help patients optimize their blood sugar to reclaim metabolic resilience and vitality.
Darien Lesicko is a Naturopathic Doctor at Anasa Personalized Medicine, at 245 Waterman St., Ste. 308, in Providence, RI. Her passions include helping others feel happy and healthy in all aspects of their lives—and traveling. For more information or to make an appointment, call 401-270-1742 or visit AnasaMedicine.com. See ad, page 19 and Resource Guide, page 36.
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Whole-Body Physical Therapy
by Wendy Nadherny Fachon
Restore Physical Therapy (PT), in Cranston, Rhode Island, focuses on treating root causes of pain or limited movement, as opposed to just treating the symptoms. This requires time, which is the reason Amanda Zarriello, DPT, left her job at an insurance-paid practice to start her own direct-pay business. She wanted to spend less time on paperwork so she could spend more time with her patients. For Zarriello, it’s vital to truly get to know the whole person and be able to offer a whole-body approach.
“Patients need time to tell their entire story and not feel rushed,” says
Zarriello, “and therapists need time to educate. Time and knowledge give patients comfort and safety. These are imperative. A calm, confident and unrushed clinician and environment are key when it comes to healing.” This is what sets Restore PT apart from the insurance model.
PT is for people who value health and want to stay active. It’s a proactive choice that helps people enjoy an active life and engage in favorite activities. Essentially, physical therapists keep people moving with safety and confidence.
Many people seek out PT after they reach an intolerable level of pain, and they would have benefited from seeking it out sooner. “Pain is your body talking to you,” Zarriello explains, “and people don’t get quiet enough to listen to their bodies. I help them listen.” Neck, back and joint pain can develop overtime from overuse or improper movement. PT is about rewiring motor patterns, and the sooner, the better. “We can identify motor patterns that exacerbate a situation,” continues Zarriello, “and teach ways to move without exasperating pain. We change habitual movement through repetition and practice. The body is capable of changing and adapting to new loads and new strain, which strengthen muscles and tendons.”
Pain can be frightening. Zarriello sees a lot of fear regarding movement. People stop moving, out of fear of injury or increasing pain. She points out that not moving the body will weaken it. Movement is medicine. She states, “We build confidence in how people can move and strength train without getting hurt.”
In addition to treating sports injuries, Restore PT helps people over the age of 40 navigate aging with more strength, mobility and functionality.
Some patients choose PT to prevent injuries before they happen. Other patients engage in PT to try and avoid surgery, injections and pain medications or to learn strategies that will help them recover more quickly after surgery. PT has so many benefits.
Zarriello’s office is in her husband’s gym, Olympia Fitness and Performance, which provides post-rehab training. In conjunction with the fitness center, Restore offers a Wellness Warrior maintenance program that helps keep people injury free and able to do the activities they love without pain. Membership includes a customized mobile app with specific individual exercises, full-access to a PT doctor for any health question, a full-hour PT treatment once a month and much more. Wellness Warrior is ideal for active adults, athletes or anyone else that wants to live a healthier lifestyle, lose weight, work out safely and join an active and healthy community.
Photo by Holly Walsh
Photo by Holly Walsh
Amanda Zarriello, DPT
by
Lifestyle is an important component for treating chronic pain. Nutrition and rest are integral to healing. Sugar and alcohol create inflammation in the body. Drinking clean water reduces inflammation by flushing out toxins and keeping joints lubricated. Hydration supports the body’s ability to manage inflammation effectively. Zarriello will partner with functional medicine doctors to help patients improve their nutrition intake. She empowers her patients with knowledge about how the body works and how time can help them create positive change.
The relationship begins with a free discovery call to discuss what is holding the patient back. Movement analysis and a full-body diagnostic leads to a personalized recovery plan. In some instances, Zarriello may recommend orthopedic care, because healing an injury may require more than just PT.
“Restore PT is right for you,” explains Zarriello, “if your body isn’t moving as it should, you have a persistent ache or pain that won’t go away or you struggle to perform specific exercises at the gym.”
Location: 10 Worthington Rd., Ste. J, Cranston, RI. For more information or to arrange for a discovery session, call 401-3381713 or visit www.RestorePTRI.com. See ad, page 18 and Resource Guide, page 34.
Wendy Nadherny Fachon is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.
Photo
Holly Walsh
Tired but Wired
Rebalancing
by Hannah Tytus
Cthe Cortisol-Sleep Cycle
ortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, plays several important roles in human physiology. Produced by the adrenal glands, this multifunctional messenger operates on a 24-hour clock, peaking in the moments just before waking from sleep in the morning, slowly tapering off throughout the day and returning to low levels at night to support rest. When in balance, cortisol helps regulate inflammation, blood pressure and blood glucose, allowing the body to adapt to life’s changing demands. This rhythm is intimately connected to the circadian rhythm, or sleep-wake cycle. But when sleep is irregular or stress becomes chronic, cortisol levels can fall out of sync—too high at night,
too low in the morning or fluctuating unpredictably.
“Stress is neither good nor bad. It gets us out of bed in the morning. Cortisol is part of that natural rhythm,” says Dr. Sharon Grossman, a burnout recovery strategist and author of The Burnout Solution. “When cortisol becomes imbalanced, it can affect memory, sleep and even immune function. The key is to find the sweet spot.”
Shamini Jain, Ph.D., an adjunct professor at the University of California San Diego, founder and president of the Consciousness and Healing Initiative, and author of Healing Ourselves: Biofield Science and the Future of Health, explains, “If we have dysregulated cortisol rhythms because we don’t have
regular sleep, or we have too much stress and we’re not handling the origins of the stress, then we could create chronic inflammation in the body, and we could have mental health issues as a result.”
Restoring Evening Serenity and Morning Clarity
The seasons affect our circadian rhythm. The sleep-wake cycle becomes more stable in autumn and winter, with longer time spent in bed, slightly more total sleep time and higher daytime activity compared to warmer months. While cooler weather often encourages more rest, it can also intensify feelings of sluggishness if cortisol and sleep cycles are not aligned. Jain recommends these simple practices that help keep cortisol and circadian rhythm in balance, even as the seasons change.
• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking at the same times each day helps the body reset. Ayurvedic wisdom, the ancient science of life originating in India, recommends being asleep before 10 p.m. and rising before 6 a.m. to align with the body’s natural cycles.
• Create wind-down rituals. Just as children benefit from bedtime routines, adults can cue the body for rest through calming activities like reading, journaling or reflecting on the day’s positive aspects.
• Establish bedroom boundaries. Reserve the bedroom for sleep and intimacy and practice a digital detox in the evening to reduce stimulation. Avoiding blue light from screens before bed allows melatonin, a sleep hormone, to rise naturally. “But it’s not just about the light,” Jain points out. “It’s about the activation of the mind. Consider a book instead.”
• Add simple relaxation practices. A warm foot soak or shower before bed, deep breathing exercises or restorative yoga asanas like waterfall pose can prepare the body for rest.
Waterfall pose
• Curb caffeine. Limiting caffeine in general, and particularly after noon, can help ensure a more restorative sleep.
• Start the morning well. Exposure to natural sunlight shortly after waking can reset the circadian rhythm, prompting alertness and energy.
Inviting Sleep With Natural Ingredients
Certain supplements, herbs and lifestyle swaps can help calm the nervous system and prepare the body for restorative slumber.
• Magnesium Glycinate: This highly absorbable form of magnesium is gentle on the stomach and has been shown to improve both the quality and onset of sleep.
• Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA): Supplementing with this inhibitory neurotransmitter may ease an overactive mind before bed.
• Beverage Swaps: Replacing late-day coffee with alternatives such as herbal tea, a mushroom-based latte or ginseng can reduce cortisol spikes that interfere with sleep.
• Herbal Allies: Adaptogens like ashwagandha help modulate cortisol levels, while calming herbs such as chamomile or passionflower promote relaxation and better sleep quality. Incorporating these strategies can help synchronize cortisol rhythms and encourage deep, restorative sleep. As the days grow shorter and colder, honoring the body’s natural rhythm becomes even more important. Slow down, embrace rest, and work with the cycles of light and dark.
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.
t Jaw clicking, jaw locking
t Ear pain, ringing in the ears, dizziness
t Loud snoring (with periods of silence followed by gasps)
t Restless sleep
t Jaw/neck/facial pain or headaches
t Mood changes (irritability, anxiety and depression)
t Frequent heartburn and heavy night sweats
t Unexplained weight gain
t Trouble concentrating
The Mighty Mitochondria
Why They Matter, What Happens as We Age and How to Support Them
by Dr. Gary Kracoff
Most of us think about exercise, nutrition and sleep when it comes to energy and health. But underneath it all, at the microscopic level, there are tiny power plants inside every cell called mitochondria. These remarkable structures produce ATP—the body’s energy currency— which fuels every heartbeat, thought and movement. Mitochondria also help regulate cell growth and death, maintain calcium balance, support immune defenses and even influence how our bodies metabolize fats and carbohydrates. When they’re functioning well, we feel vital and resilient. When they falter, fatigue and dysfunction often follow.
Mitochondria and Aging
Unfortunately, mitochondria don’t remain pristine throughout life. As we age, several changes take place. ATP production declines, leaving our cells less able to meet energy demands. At the same time, mitochondria accumulate oxidative damage from reactive oxygen species, which can harm mitochondrial DNA and proteins. The number of mitochondria in cells also decreases with age, while existing mitochondria often become less efficient. In addition, communication between mitochondria and the rest of the cell begins to break down, disrupting metabolism. Collectively, these changes contribute to the
gradual decline in energy, recovery, muscle mass and cognition often seen with aging.
Lifestyle Strategies for Mitochondrial Support
Fortunately, lifestyle choices can have a profound impact on mitochondrial health. Exercise is one of the most powerful tools—both resistance training and high-intensity interval training stimulate the creation of new mitochondria (a process called mitochondrial biogenesis) and improve their efficiency. Nutrition also plays a critical role. Diets rich in colorful plant foods, healthy fats and adequate protein provide antioxidants and essential nutrients that protect mitochondria and reduce oxidative stress. Sleep is another cornerstone, allowing for repair and recovery at the cellular level. Managing stress through mindfulness, meditation or yoga can further protect mitochondria, since chronic stress and excess cortisol disrupt mitochondrial function.
Supplementation for Mitochondrial Health
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10/Ubiquinol): Integral to the electron transport chain and essential for ATP production, it also functions as a powerful antioxidant within the mitochondria. Levels decline with age, and supplementation has been shown to improve energy and cardiovascular health.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR):
Helps transport fatty acids into the mitochondria to be used as fuel. It also supports brain health and has been linked to improved energy and cognition.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA): A unique antioxidant that can regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, and glutathione. ALA also supports glucose and energy metabolism.
NAD+ Precursors (e.g., NADH): NAD+ is required for mitochondrial energy production and cellular repair processes. Levels drop with age, and precursors may help restore mitochondrial efficiency.
Magnesium: A critical cofactor in ATP production, since every molecule of ATP must be bound to magnesium to be biologically active.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA): Essential for healthy mitochondrial membranes and reducing inflammation that can damage mitochondria.
Polyphenols (resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin): Plant-derived compounds that activate pathways involved in mitochondrial renewal and antioxidant defense.
D-Ribose: It’s often used by athletes for muscle recovery and by individuals with chronic fatigue or mitochondrial disorders for energy support. Some studies show benefits in patients with ischemic heart disease and congestive
heart failure, where energy depletion is common. By providing the building blocks for ATP, it directly supports the mitochondrial energy cycle.
The Bottom Line
Mitochondria are at the heart of our energy, vitality and longevity. While aging inevitably brings changes, lifestyle choices and targeted supplementation can significantly slow the decline and even improve mitochondrial resilience. Supporting these tiny powerhouses invests directly in our ability to stay strong, energetic and mentally sharp well into the future.
Dr. Gary Kracoff is a registered pharmacist with a doctorate in naturopathic medicine at the Johnson Compounding and Wellness Center, at 577 Main St., Waltham, MA. Consultations with their professional pharmacists and dieticians are also offered. For more information, call 781-893-3870 ext. 2, email Gary@NaturalCompounder.com or visit NaturalCompounder.com. See ad, page 3 and Resource Guide, page 36.
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Community Resource Guide
Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Sales@NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com to request our media kit.
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 25.
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 25.
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 27.
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 17.
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 27.
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 18.
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
781-228-6915
Liz@InternalWellnessCtr.com
InternalWellnessCtr.com
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 25.
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.
Classifieds
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.
Compounding & Wellness Pharmacy
BIRD’S HILL COMPOUNDING PHARMACY
401 Great Plain Ave
Needham, MA 02492
781-449-0550
Pharmacist@BirdsHillPharmacy.com
BirdsHillPharmacy.com
Family- owned 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 3.
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.
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.
testimonials
JESSICA LIGGERO
Family Constellation Therapy
SOUL SPEAKS THERAPIES
Certified Clinical & Medical
Hypnotherapist Family Constellation Practitioner
617-444-9236
Info@SoulSpeaksTherapies.com
SoulSpeaksTherapies.com
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 21.
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 7.
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 27.
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 3.
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.
Since 1984, we have been providing the finest quality Natural & Organic Whole Foods including many gluten-free products, natural body care, athletic supplements & protein powders, incense, smudging supplies and candles made with essential oils. Natural pet care food & supplements. Open Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm. Visit website for more information.
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 23.
Holistic Physical Therapy
RESTORE PHYSICAL THERAPY
Dr. Amanda Zarriello, DPT 10 Worthington Rd
Cranston, RI 02920
401-250-3060
www.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 18. Always
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 12.
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 21.
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 12.
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 13.
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 21.
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
November 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 19.
NOELLE 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 19.
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 19.
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 19.
GARY KRACOFF, RPH & NMD
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 3.
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 27.
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.
The experience of being cared for is profound, and it nourishes the soul as much as the food does the body.
—Mariska Hargitay
Professional Organizer
KMA ORGANIZING
Katy Annulli
Professional Organizer & Calmer of Chaos
401-903-2704
KMAOrganizing.com
KMA Organizing provides in-home and small-business decluttering and organizing services. We empower individuals to reclaim their living spaces by transforming their homes into serene, clutter-free sanctuaries. We deliver personalized decluttering and organizing solutions that enhance functionality, efficiency and peace of mind. See ad, page 15.
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.
Reiki/Energy Healing
BOSTON REIKI MASTER
34 Lincoln St
Newton Highlands, MA 02461 617-633-3654
BostonReikiMaster.com
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 21.
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 29
Mentoring Healers-Teachers- Therapists, 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.
Sustainable 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
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.
The Spinal Flow Technique assists you in eliminating stressors causing pain, disease 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.
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.
Mark Your Calendar
Integrative NE Mental Health Conference
November 1-2
8:30am-6pm
A unique mental health conference is set to take place over 2 dynamic days, offering a fresh and forward-thinking perspective on mental wellness. The conference features an ambitious format of 32 carefully curated sessions, totaling dozens of diverse voices from fields including psychiatry, integrative medicine, neuroscience, mindfulness and somatic therapy. Experiential and academic sessions immerse participants in differing styles of learning. 14 CEUs. $225 one day; $329 both days; $25 CEUs La Salette Retreat Center, 947 Park St, Attleboro, MA
For more info or to register: rihha.org/mhc2025
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
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. Mark Your Calendar
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.
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.
