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Dear Friends,
September doesn’t tiptoe in—it bursts through the door like a kid that forgot their lunch and needs it right now. The school buses are rumbling, the calendars are suddenly packed and your kitchen counter has transformed into the household command center. After the free-flowing days of summer, there’s something grounding about returning to a rhythm— packed lunches, predictable bedtimes and a sense of order (or at least the illusion of it) weaving its way back into daily life. With that structure comes an opportunity to focus on our own routines—what we eat, how we move and the ways we care for ourselves in this new season.
While our schedules find their footing, it’s a perfect time to check in on our health from the inside out. This issue is dedicated to that inner tune-up—from gut health and hormone balance to emotional resilience, mindful movement and even a little culinary inspiration.
We start with “Gut Health and Hormone Harmony: The Keys to Thriving Through Perimenopause,” exploring how supporting your microbiome can help smooth out the rollercoaster of midlife changes. In “The Gut-Brain Connection: How Your Gut Powers Your Mind,” you’ll learn how trillions of tiny organisms influence mood, focus and stress—and how small, consistent shifts can make a big difference. For a movement-based approach, “Gut Restorative Yoga” offers poses to support digestion, calm the mind, and bridge the gut-brain axis.
Because wellness should taste good, too, “Sweet and Tart: The Joys of Homemade Fruit Shrubs” will inspire you to create tangy, vibrant syrups that are as delicious as they are gut-friendly. For the families navigating September’s emotional curveballs, “From Butterflies to Balance: Easing the Back-to-School Transition with Heart” shares ways to make the shift smoother for kids (and parents) alike.
And for the animal lovers, “A House Full of Paws: My Life as a Dog Foster (And Why You Should Try It, Too),” is both a love letter to rescue dogs and a candid look at the urgent need for fosters as shelters across the country face unprecedented overcrowding.
Here’s to a September that’s structured, gut-happy, heart-centered and maybe even fueled by a homemade shrub or two.
NaturalAwakenings@KnoWEwell.com Natural Awakenings is printed on partially recycled and fully recyclable newsprint with black soy ink.
Wishing you wellness.
Publisher, Natural Awakenings South Jersey and Philadelphia
Shae Marcus, Publisher
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Celebrate
Community and Connection at Live in Joy’s Birthday Bash
Live in Joy Yoga & Wellness, in Audubon, will celebrate another year of community and healing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on September 27 with a free gathering featuring healing sessions, classes and an exciting announcement.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., guests can enjoy free mini-sessions and sample classes offered every half hour, including tai chi, yin yoga and more. The festivities continue from 1 to 4 p.m. with tarot readings, mini Thai bodywork, angelic reiki, light refreshments, community games like Pin the Tail on the Ganesh and door prizes.
“We’re inviting the entire community—past and present—to join us for a day of connection, healing and a special announcement you won’t want to miss,” says co-owner Sharon Plower. “It’s a great chance to explore different styles, meet our teachers and practitioners, and just have fun.”
She adds, “Whether you’re a current student, a yoga teacher training graduate, a former instructor or brand new, this is a chance to reconnect and celebrate the heart of our studio.”
Location: 118 W. Merchant St. For more information, visit www.LiveInJoyYoga.com.
Dr. Kevin McMenamin Joins Health Goals Chiropractic
Health Goals Chiropractic and Wellness Center, in Marlton, recently welcomed Dr. Kevin McMenamin, an experienced chiropractor specializing in care of active individuals and sports-related injuries. With five years of clinical practice in South and Central New Jersey, McMenamin is highly skilled in diversified, Thompson drop, flexion-distraction, spinal decompression and soft tissue therapies. He is dedicated to helping patients move better, feel stronger and stay active through personalized treatment plans.
McMenamin earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Florida, following his undergraduate studies in health and exercise science at Rowan University, where he also played four years of baseball. His athletic background allows him to understand the unique physical demands faced by athletes and active patients alike.
A passionate supporter of Philadelphia sports, McMenamin enjoys golf, spending time with his family at the shore and maintaining an active lifestyle outside of his professional work.
Location: 230 N. Maple Ave., Ste. G2. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.HealthGoals.com.
Blanket Angels and Kristy McAdams Return to Center for Living
The Center for Living, in Medford—formerly The Center, Life in Balance—is bringing back the Blanket Angels program with the return of longtime co-host Kristy McAdams. After a near-death experience and a threeyear recovery from head trauma, McAdams has resumed co-hosting Blanket Angels and leading new spiritual workshops at the center.
McAdams joined the center in 2013, offering psychic medium readings, crystal singing bowl meditations, mandala and canvas painting classes, angel workshops and co-hosting Blanket Angels—a community initiative making fleece-tie blankets for chemotherapy patients.
“Often in soul-centered work, the path can be a little unconventional because ‘not everyone gets it,’” says McAdams. “But the center provided a supportive community of people eager to encourage, learn and grow together.”
Reflecting on her recovery, she adds, “Those years taught me how precious our connections are and reminded me to focus on what truly lights up my soul.”
McAdams says Blanket Angels continues to guide her: “That simple act of giving—wrapping someone in warmth and kindness—still inspires me.”
Location: 45 S. Main St. For more information, visit www.Facebook.com/ TheCenterForLiving.
Dr. Kevin McMenamin
Kristy McAdams
Manifest Breakthroughs on Command With Dawn Ricci’s 5MQ System
Spiritual mentor and intuitive Dawn Ricci spent years uncovering hidden connections and solving complex cases as a top-rated private investigator. That training led to a powerful realization: The same investigative methods could be applied to inner work with profound results.
Ricci
Ricci developed the 5MQ – Manifestation Quotient Intelligence System to help others move beyond surface-level advice and into deep, lasting change. On September 23, she will host a 90-minute online workshop that shows participants how to stop guessing and achieve personal breakthroughs in health, relationships, business, finances and purpose-driven living.
The 5MQ Intelligence System combines principles of neuroscience and energetic flow into a clear, step-by-step process that eliminates guesswork and delivers personalized, actionable guidance. Participants learn how to access intuitive clarity, identify patterns blocking progress and create momentum—without relying on trial and error.
“When you learn how to master your MQ, then you attract desires faster, easier and with predictability,” says Ricci.
Register for this free virtual event at https://DawnRicci.com/5MQ today.
Dawn
Reconnect This Month With a Retreat and Teen Specials
September at Balanced Planet Yoga (BPY) offers multiple ways to reconnect with body, mind and spirit. From September 19 to 21, the studio hosts A Return to What Matters, a three-day retreat at Super Soul Farm, in upstate New York. Participants will experience yoga, meditation, sacred music, nourishing meals and reflective conversation in a serene countryside setting designed to help release stress and rediscover inner balance.
Back in Marlton, high school students can take advantage of BPY’s Back-toSchool specials throughout September. The Stress Reset pass includes five classes for $50—a $27 savings off the regular price—offering options like energizing Vinyasa, strength-building sculpt, or deeply relaxing restorative and meditation classes. For students wanting more practice, the Unlimited Month pass is $85, also $27 off the regular price, giving full access to the studio schedule to recharge, reduce stress and build focus throughout the school year. Both passes must be purchased at the studio and require no membership or long-term commitment.
Location: 795 E. Rte. 70, Ste. F, Marlton. Retreat reservations can be made by contacting Cheryl at GetBliss@BalancedPlanetYoga.com. For more information, visit www.BalancedPlanetYoga.com.
Learn Pranic Healing: A
Key to Fulfillment
Golden Light Pranic Healing Center invites participants to discover the transformative power of energy healing at a two-day Pranic Healing class from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on November 15 and 16 in Cherry Hill. This no-touch healing system is open to anyone with a loving heart and a willingness to heal, providing an opportunity to learn energy anatomy, measure chakras and correct energy imbalances.
Developed by Master Choa Kok Sui, modern Pranic Healing is a comprehensive system that synthesizes both ancient and modern healing methods. Senior instructors personally trained by the founder will facilitate the class in a relaxed, retreat-like environment, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking and real-world examples. Attendees will gain practical skills in pranic first-aid, self-healing and distant healing. They will learn breathing exercises to generate energy, explore protocols for addressing physical and emotional ailments, and practice energy hygiene and prevention techniques.
A highlight of the class is Meditation on Twin Hearts, which aims to bring planetary peace and illumination. Students will leave feeling empowered to use their newfound skills to heal themselves and others.
Location: Cherry Hill. For more information and event location or to register, call/text 856-905-9119 or visit www.PranicHealingCenter.com.
Passionate about Your Total Wellness
Prevention is the hallmark of good healthcare. As your proactive partner in health, I am devoted to helping you and your family stay healthy. At The Institute for Medical Wellness, we integrate traditional family care with holistic and complementary medicine to treat the whole person for a healthy heart, mind and body. Our balanced, caring approach empowers you to tap into your body’s natural ability to heal by addressing the root cause of illness – not just medicating symptoms.
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) for autoimmune disease and the prevention of recurring cancers
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Global Integration of Traditional Medicine
In May, the World Health Organization adopted the “WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034” with the objective of facilitating universal access to traditional, complementary and integrative medicine. The organization has committed to investing in the research of ancient healing practices and their integration into conventional healthcare systems over the next decade.
While representatives from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America supported this global strategy, the European Union raised concerns about quality and safety standards. To alleviate fears about counterfeit products or misleading claims, the plan stipulates that no practices would be endorsed without evidence-based research, and the modalities will be codified and integrated into a regulatory framework. The blueprint also acknowledges the rights of Indigenous peoples to their traditional medicines and emphasizes the importance of sharing the benefits when their knowledge leads to commercial products.
Traditional medicine employs nature-based remedies and holistic approaches to restore balance in the mind, body and environment. Certain practices such as Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese Medicine have been developed over millennia and codified in scholarly texts. Others can be characterized as non-codified folk medicine passed down orally from generation to generation. Whether formally documented or carried forward around the campfire or kitchen table, these practices serve as the primary healthcare option for substantial populations in low- to middle-income countries and are gaining popularity in wealthier countries as complementary care.
FDA Cracks Down on 7-OH — But Natural Kratom Remains Untouched
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken decisive action against 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a powerful, lab-enhanced opioid compound sometimes confused with kratom. The move targets synthetically enhanced products—not the traditional kratom leaf that has been used safely in Southeast Asia for centuries.
Kratom’s natural form contains trace amounts of 7-OH—less than 0.05 percent by leaf weight—alongside dozens of other alkaloids that contribute to its unique effects. However, some products sold in the U.S. have been chemically boosted with unnaturally high levels of 7-OH and marketed as kratom in capsules, shots, gummies, and powders. These can carry serious opioid-like risks, including respiratory depression, physical dependence, and withdrawal.
The FDA’s distinction matters. By focusing regulation on synthetic derivatives, the agency preserves access to whole-leaf kratom while protecting consumers from misleading and potentially dangerous products.
For kratom users, this is a reminder to buy from trusted vendors that provide batch testing, transparent sourcing, and pure, plain-leaf kratom—no additives, no “boosters".
This action also highlights a broader need for education and thoughtful regulation. Clear labeling, responsible sourcing and consumer awareness can ensure that the centuries-old tradition of kratom use continues without being overshadowed by harmful imitations.
At Christopher’s Organic Botanicals, we have always offered pure, lab-tested, plain-leaf kratom—never synthetic 7-OH. We support measures that protect consumers, preserve tradition, and keep the public informed.
One thing is now official: 7-OH is not kratom. And the leaf remains safe.
For more updates, check FDA resources or join our Weekly Tea Talks every Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET on Zoom.
For more information, visit www.ChristophersOrganicBotanicals.com.
Heavy Metals in Rice
A study conducted by Healthy Babies Bright Futures revealed that rice sold in stores across the United States contains toxic heavy metals. After analyzing rice samples from 145 brands across 20 metropolitan areas, arsenic was detected in all samples, and one in four exceeded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s limit for infant rice cereal, which is set at 100 parts per billion. There is no established threshold for non-infant rice products.
Arsenic poses significant concerns for children under 2 years of age and pregnant mothers, and it has been linked to cancer and developmental brain damage, including lower IQ. Cadmium, lead and mercury were also found in the rice samples. Although the heavy metal levels are not high enough to cause acute poisoning, the concern is that consumption of these products over a long period of time could be harmful.
To lower exposure, the study suggests cooking rice in six to 10 cups of water and draining the excess liquid to reduce arsenic levels by up to 60 percent. Rice alternatives are also recommended, including quinoa, farro and barley, which exhibit a 69 percent lower heavy metal contamination than rice. Thai jasmine, Indian basmati and California-grown rices were also recommended as safer options.
Cranberry Products for Urinary Tract Infections
Products containing cranberries, including juice and capsules, have been widely used for decades to prevent urinary tract infections (UTI). To objectively assess this anecdotal evidence, a research team conducted a review of 50 studies involving approximately 9,000 participants susceptible to UTIs. The published findings in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews indicated that cranberry products may help prevent the condition in children, women with recurrent UTIs and those prone to UTIs following medical procedures. However, no discernible benefits were observed in elderly individuals living in long-term care facilities, pregnant women or adults experiencing difficulties with bladder emptying.
Endangered Butterfly Benefits From Hurricanes
The Schaus’ swallowtail butterfly was one of the first insects to be listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 1976, and their population hit an all-time low on Elliott Key, Florida, with an estimated 56 individuals in 2007, two years after Hurricane Wilma. Historically, Schaus’ swallowtails lived throughout the Florida Keys and parts of the mainland. But habitat loss and urban development have forced them to live only on protected land on Elliott Key and Key Largo.
A study by scientists from the Florida Museum of Natural History examined 35 years of data on the butterfly and found that they unexpectedly benefit from hurricanes. The swallowtails rely on torchwood and wild lime plants for food and to lay their eggs. These plants live in the understory of the forest where there is little filtered light. However, when the branches and leaves on taller trees are temporarily knocked out after a hurricane, torchwood and wild lime experience a rapid growth of fresh leaves. The tender shoots and leaves mean more butterflies. The most recent estimate of the Schaus’ swallowtail butterfly population on Elliott Key is 4,400 individuals.
Eco-Friendly Cattle
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, livestock accounts for approximately 12 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions, most of which is produced when cattle burp. Grazing bovines belch a greater amount of methane than feedlot or dairy cows because they consume more fiber from grass.
In a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers at the University of California, Davis, found that feeding grazing cattle a seaweed supplement reduced methane emissions by almost 38 percent without affecting the animals’ health or weight. The 10-week experiment on a ranch in Montana involved 24 steers divided into two groups—one was given a seaweed supplement in pellet form, and the other was not. The findings offer a way to make cattle grazing more environmentally friendly.
Only One Country Is Food Secure
Wars, pandemics, natural disasters and changes in trade policy can disrupt food supply chains around the world, potentially endangering the lives of millions of people. A study published in Nature Food evaluated the ability of 186 countries to achieve food self-sufficiency.
To identify deficiencies between domestic food production and the dietary needs of a country’s population, the researchers relied on food production data by the United Nations, as well as the Livewell diet developed by the World Wildlife Fund, a sustainable, predominantly plant-based eating plan that focuses on seven key food groups: vegetables, fruits, legumes, starchy foods, whole grains, lean meat and fish, and nuts.
Only Guyana was self-sufficient across the Livewell diet’s seven food groups, while China and Vietnam were self-sufficient in six groups. Only one in seven countries, mostly in Europe and South America, achieved self-sufficiency in five or more food groups, and one-third of all countries were self-sufficient in only one or two groups. Six countries, primarily in the Middle East, did not meet the needs of any food group. When grouped as an economic region, the United States, Canada and Mexico were deemed self-sufficient in five food groups.
Elisa
The Dirty Suitcase
Travelers are exposed to potentially harmful bacteria, fungus and mold in airports, planes, hotel rooms and public restrooms.
According to a study by Insure & Go Insurance Services Limited, a British travel insurance company, luggage may be the dirtiest item a traveler encounters during a trip. The company teamed up with a microbiologist to examine a sample of hard- and soft-shell suitcases at an airport train station. Swabs were taken from various surfaces of the suitcases and incubated for five days.
The study found that the suitcase wheels were the most contaminated with bad bacteria, including staph and E.coli, followed by the base and handle. The handle was found to carry 40 times more bacteria than a typical public toilet seat.
The study also identified the presence of black mold linked to musty odors, respiratory irritation and allergy triggers. Soft-shell luggage had higher fungal growth compared to hard-shelled luggage. To reduce exposure to harmful microbes on luggage, the study’s microbiologist recommended that travelers keep it off beds and tables, clean the wheels and base after each trip, cover the wheels when indoors, wash hands after handling luggage and be mindful about where the luggage is wheeled.
Billion Photos/CanvaPro
The Center for Living: Cory Tapper
Nestled in the heart of Main Street amid the colonial charm of historic Medford Village, a quiet yet meaningful evolution is underway. In a building that has long served as a haven for rest, ritual and renewal, a new steward has arrived to carry its legacy into the future.
Cory Tapper—guided by intuition, fueled by purpose and shaped by years of experience—is stepping into the circle of a cherished wellness community, lovingly cultivated by the respected healer Susan Drummond.
“The Center has always been a place of profound healing and transformation, thanks to Susan’s vision and the love she poured into Life in Balance as its founder,” Tapper says. “As I take on this role, I do so with deep respect for all she created. Renaming it The Center for Living represents both continuity and growth—a way to honor the soul of Susan’s work while opening space for new energy, ideas and possibilities. I’m so grateful that she will continue to be an integral part of this journey as a healer and guiding presence.”
Tapper’s vision for The Center for Living begins with a fresh digital presence—launching a new, user-friendly website that will streamline registration, simplify payments and make it easier than ever to explore the center’s rich lineup of workshops and events. She also plans to welcome a diverse group of new practitioners specializing in somatic healing, voice movement, life coaching, Kabbalah study along with both book and lyric clubs.
To mark this new chapter, Tapper will host a grand opening celebration and the facility will continue to offer its signature blend of healing and growth opportunities. She will introduce new offerings including cranial macro massage, Shamanism and numerology
among others. Also, she will launch The Center for Living Collective consisting of an off-site group of approved practitioners that will be vetted by the center’s strict standards.
She also intends to thoughtfully refresh the beloved historic physical space—honoring its roots while infusing it with renewed vitality. “This house isn’t merely a building; it’s a living, breathing entity, rich with stories that echo through every beam and intricate piece of woodwork. Knowing it once served as a women’s hospital in the 1890s adds a profound layer of meaning and care. As I revitalize the space, my aim is to preserve its deep history while welcoming new life, allowing its enduring spirit to continue to embrace everyone who enters,” says Tapper.
With decades of business experience—including her current flag company in Bucks County—she eventually stepped away from corporate life to follow a more spirit-led path, becoming certified in hypnosis, reiki and Transformational Coaching. Yet, amid all her accomplishments, she holds one role closest to her heart: being a mother. “Raising my two incredible children has been my greatest joy,” she shares. Now newly rooted at The Center, she is all set to nurture a growing circle of healing and awakening, where spirit leads and hearts remember their path.
The Center for Living LLC is located at 45 South Main St., Medford. For more information, call 609-975-8379, email info@TheCenterForLiving.net or Cory@TheCenterForLiving.net or visit www.TheCenterForLiving.net.
Cory Tapper
Gut Health and Hormone Harmony
The Keys to Thriving Through Perimenopause
by Kathryn Farrell, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, CNS (Pending)
Menopause, defined as 12 months without a menstrual cycle, typically occurs around the ages of 48 to 55 and is preceded by the perimenopausal period in women. Perimenopause is a time of significant hormonal fluctuations with the potential to last up to 10 years and can create substantial impacts on overall health. Perimenopause typically starts in a woman’s mid-40s, but has been observed starting as early as her late 30s.
With the hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause, women can experience both physical and psychological symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, insomnia and mood among others. These hormonal shifts can have a significant impact on quality of life, as well as potentially leading to development of chronic disease such as osteoporosis, cardiac disease and cognitive changes. With this, women are often looking for ways to alleviate symptoms and strive for optimal health and longevity. One key component to improving the perimenopausal period is ensuring a balanced gut microbiome.
The gut microbiome is a group of microorganisms that are found in the gastrointestinal tract and tie into multiple areas of both health and disease. During perimenopause, there are often changes to the microbiome and therefore working to maintain microbial balance in the gut during this time is essential to minimizing the impact perimenopause has on the female body. One way to help modulate the gut microbiome to ensure optimal hormonal balance is through key foundational lifestyle changes.
A key intervention to navigating perimenopause is adopting an anti-inflammatory diet by following these tips:
• Load Up on Veggies: Aim for 4 cups of colorful vegetables daily, like leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots or bell peppers. They’re packed with fiber and nutrients that feed the good bacteria in our gut.
• Include Antioxidant-Rich Fruits: Add 1–2 cups of fruits like berries, cherries, oranges or pomegranates daily. These are packed with antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and support overall health during perimenopause.
• Try Fermented Foods: Add a scoop of yogurt, kefir or sauerkraut to meals. These foods are full of probiotics that boost gut health. And don’t forget the prebiotics with foods like onions, garlic or asparagus.
• Sprinkle in Flax Seeds: Use a tablespoon or two of ground flax seeds daily which has beneficial properties for hormonal health due to the hormone supporting lignans and omega-3s.
• Include Protein: Choose high-quality lean meats, wild caught fish or beans to keep energy steady and support muscles.
• Cut Back on Alcohol and Caffeine: These can negatively impact your sleep and worsen symptoms like hot flashes, so try to limit them. Optimal sleep is key to navigating the perimenopausal transition.
And finally, focus on balance of movement, sleep and stress. Balance stress with deep breathing, meditation, acupuncture, time outdoors or other techniques that help one unwind. Balance exercise by alternating between resistance training and cardio to one’s level of ability. And make sure to practice good sleep hygiene. Good sleep is like a reset button for our hormones and our gut. Aim for seven to eight hours a night by sticking to a regular bedtime, winding down with a relaxing routine and skipping screens before bed.
Focusing on our foundations will be key to navigating both gut health as well as hormonal harmony through perimenopause.
Kathryn Farrell, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, CNS (Pending) is the founder and Clinical Director of Wildfire Wellness. With over 18 years in health care, she blends functional and integrative medicine to address complex conditions.
For more information and to begin your healing journey, email Info@WildfireWellness.com or visit www.WildfireWellness.com.
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Chiropractic and Gut Health:
Separating Fact from Fiction
by Madison Iannotta
Many wonder if chiropractic care can improve digestion. For years, chiropractors have reported gut health improvements in patients, from reduced bloating to relief from chronic issues. While skeptics questioned these claims, research on the gut-brain connection is revealing how spinal health may influence digestion.
Exploring the nervous system’s role in digestion—and separating helpful practices from misleading promises—can clarify what chiropractic care can and cannot do.
Chiropractic care is only for back pain.
False. Chiropractic goes beyond back pain, addressing posture, headaches, joint mobility, injury prevention, and even gut health. It focuses on optimizing the musculoskeletal system and improving overall function.
Gut health is more than digestion.
True. Gut health affects mood, immunity, skin, and brain function
via the gut-brain axis and the microbiome. Misalignments, stress, or nervous system imbalances may indirectly impact gut health, making chiropractic care supportive.
Probiotics and prebiotics are the same.
False. Probiotics are live “good” bacteria; prebiotics are fibers that feed them. Think seeds (probiotics) and fertilizer (prebiotics). Needs vary from person to person.
More
fiber is always better.
False. Soluble fiber feeds good bacteria; insoluble fiber adds stool bulk. Both are important, but not all guts need the same ratio.
Chiropractic care supports digestion by regulating the nervous system.
True. The gut is influenced by the vagus nerve, part of the parasympathetic nervous system. Chronic stress activates the sympathetic system, slowing digestion. Chiropractic adjustments encourage “rest and digest,” helping the body shift into a healing state.
Supplements can replace nutrients from food. False. Supplements can fill gaps but cannot replace whole foods, which provide better-absorbed nutrients. Supplements are best as support, not substitutes, especially for deficiencies or specific health goals.
Muscle testing can help identify food sensitivities.
True. Applied kinesiology (AK) uses muscle testing to assess body function. It can detect imbalances from food sensitivities or stressors, guiding dietary and lifestyle changes to support digestion.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to gut health. Chiropractic care may be one piece of the puzzle—supporting the nervous system, addressing stress, and using tools like AK. Paired with good nutrition and mindful supplementation, it can help set the stage for a healthier gut.
Madison Iannotta, of Health Goals Chiropractic and Wellness Center, is a full-service chiropractic and wellness practice dedicated to improving patients’ overall health through personalized care, advanced techniques and a holistic approach. The practice specializes in spinal health, sports injuries, pediatric care and wellness strategies that support the body’s natural healing processes.
Health Goals Chiropractic and Wellness Center is located at 230 North Maple Ave., Ste. G2, Marlton. For more information or to make an appointment, call 856-983-5422 or visit www.HealthGoals.com.
It’s a good idea to always do something relaxing prior to making an important decision in your life.
—Paulo Coelho
Gut Restorative Yoga
Poses That Bridge the Gut-Brain Axis
by Jordan Peschek, RN-BSN
The gut, often called the second brain, plays a pivotal role in not only digestion, but also immune function and mental well-being. With a growing body of research exploring the gut-brain axis, many are turning to yoga not just as a physical discipline, but as a therapeutic modality to support gut vitality.
Yoga traditionally involves eight components, including postures, breath control, concentration and meditation. The yoga postures can be practiced in many ways, from flowing sequences and strengthening postures to very slow stretches that can be held for minutes at a time, focusing on breath and meditation simultaneously.
The Science Behind the Stretch
Emerging evidence suggests that yoga may positively influence gastrointestinal health by modulating the autonomic nervous system. Through its emphasis on breathwork and relaxation, yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system—often referred to as the rest-and-digest mode—helping to promote digestion and reduce stress, a known aggravator of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as those experienced with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
A 2015 12-week, randomized, controlled trial published in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine demonstrated significant improvements in IBS symptoms, anxiety, physical flexibility and
autonomic function in patients practicing a gentle form of yoga compared to controls.
Yoga for Digestion
Certain yoga poses specifically support digestive function. According to the Indian yoga teacher B.K.S. Iyengar in his seminal book, Light on Yoga, twists such as ardha matsyendrasana (half lord of the fishes) and supta matsyendrasana (supine spinal twist) gently compress and massage abdominal organs, stimulating the movement of food through the digestive tract and encouraging waste elimination. Forward folds like paschimottanasana (seated forward bend) can soothe the nervous system while enhancing circulation to digestive organs.
Practicing viparita karani (legs up the wall) after meals may promote lymphatic drainage and calm inflammation, especially when paired with diaphragmatic breathing. Virasana (hero pose) after eating can also support digestion and, because the spine is upright in this posture, is ideal for those with acid reflux.
“When supporting clients with digestive concerns, I incorporate yoga postures and breathwork to encourage healthy, balanced digestion,” explains Katie Mullins Denk, a yoga instructor, Ayurvedic health counselor and owner of Moonflower Studio, in Brookfield, Wisconsin. “Apanasana (knees to chest) helps relieve gas and bloating; supta matsyendrasana (supine spinal twist), malasana (garland or yogi squat) and surya bhedana (right nostril breathing) help stimulate elimination. Lying on the left side after meals—a version of savasana (final rest or corpse pose)—supports digestion through rest and relaxation. These simple, intentional practices create space for healing from within.”
Mind-Gut Connection
Yoga’s impact extends beyond posture. Mindfulness practices such as pranayama (breath control) and dhyana (meditation) cultivate interoception—the ability to sense internal bodily states. This deepened awareness can promote healthier eating habits, support mindful digestion and reduce overeating. Mullins shares, “Uttanasana (standing forward fold), seated forward fold and nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) help calm the nervous system.”
Chronic stress is a major disruptor of gut flora, and yoga has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone. A calm mind often translates into a calmer gut. Digestive health can be tied to the body’s natural circadian rhythm. By practicing sun salutations or flowing yoga postures in the morning, the metabolism is gently awakened, and by incorporating restorative yoga or stretches in the evening, we signal our body to wind down naturally.
An Integrative Approach
As an integrative tool, yoga complements both conventional and alternative therapies for gut health. It works synergistically with dietary modifications, probiotics and functional medicine interventions. For individuals navigating gastrointestinal disorders—from bloating and constipation to chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease—yoga offers a noninvasive, accessible practice with minimal side effects.
Yoga practice was found to improve constipation and sleep quality in a 2021 randomized, controlled trial with elderly adults published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. A 2019 systemic review and meta-analysis in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that mindfulness interventions including yoga reduced stress and improved depression and quality of life in participants with irritable bowel disease.
Gut vitality is foundational to overall well-being. Yoga, with its blend of movement, breath and mindfulness, offers a holistic path to digestive harmony. Whether practiced in a studio, on a living room floor or during a midday break, it invites each person to tune into their body’s wisdom and support the healing journey from the inside out.
Jordan Peschek has a background in personal training, yoga instruction and mental health nursing. She publishes the Milwaukee and Twin Cities editions of Natural Awakenings.
Moving From Center
An Aikido Lesson in Balance and Strength
At first glance, Aikido may appear primarily to be a graceful, fluid response to movement and momentum. But beneath the surface of this traditional Japanese martial art lies a deep philosophy rooted in harmony, balance and one deceptively simple idea: learning to move from our center.
Aikido was founded by Ueshiba Morihei—respectfully referred to as O’Sensei by students—who dedicated his life (1883–1969) to the integration of physical training and spiritual discipline. In the midst of great political and cultural shifts in early 20th-century Japan, he developed Aikido not as a method of domination, but as a way of peace. Publicly announced in 1942, Aikido offers practitioners a path to resolving conflict with integrity, awareness and intention.
Let’s explore how it means to “move from center”.
In the beginning, it’s easy to focus on the physical. We are learning stances, postures and techniques—how to redirect energy, how to stay grounded, how to not get knocked off balance. And yet, with time, something subtle begins to take shape. The idea of “center” becomes less about where our body is positioned and more about how we relate to the world around us—and within us.
The practice begins to show up off the mat, too. We start to notice
when our breath gets shallow. We catch ourselves clenching our jaws or raising our shoulders. We begin to recognize when we are reacting instead of responding. And in those moments, Aikido gives us a choice: return to center or stay scattered.
That awareness is powerful. It’s the moment where true growth happens—not just as a martial artist, but as a person.
One of my favorite moments as an instructor is when a student tells me they stayed calm during a stressful situation—not because they fought harder, but because they stayed centered. Or when I see a student settle into a natural stance, grounded and soft yet strong. It may not seem like much, but it’s everything. It means their body is beginning to trust its own intelligence.
The truth is, most of us live in our upper bodies—thinking, bracing, overanalyzing. Aikido teaches us to root down, to engage from the core. That’s not only where our physical power lives—it’s where confidence begins.
Moving from center isn’t about perfection or performance. It’s a life practice. It’s what helps us recover after an injury, walk a little taller, and breathe a little deeper. And when life inevitably throws us off balance, this practice gives us the tools to come back home to ourselves.
So the next time one is faced with stress, conflict or even just a full inbox—pause. Take a breath. Feel one’s feet on the ground. And remember: Our strength lives in our center.
Source: Kathy Crane Sensei, 7th Dan, Chief Instructor of Aikido Agatsu Dojos, located in Laurel Springs, NJ. For more information including on lessons and events, visit www.AikidoAgatsuDojos.com.
—Victor Hugo
Sweet and Tart
The Joys of Homemade Fruit Shrubs
by Chloe Karydes Krecun
Afruit shrub is a sweet and tart syrup made by combining fruit, sugar and vinegar. Used for centuries as a way to keep nutrients alive, these tangy, fermented syrups are becoming popular again as irresistible additions to cocktails and mocktails, while also contributing to gut health.
Long before fruit shrubs became a trendy addition to modern beverages, fermenting fruits in alcohol or vinegar was one of humanity’s oldest preservation techniques. Resourceful cooks combined seasonal fruits with vinegar and sugar to create potent elixirs that captured the fleeting abundance of summer harvests in shelf-stable form.
When winter’s grip tightened and fresh produce became scarce, these preserved fruits
provided delicious flavors and vital nutrients. Today’s food enthusiasts celebrate fruit shrubs for their complexity and versatility in everything from sodas to salads and other inventive side dishes.
Health Benefits
Each ingredient in a fruit shrub plays a distinct role in both preservation and nutrition. “The vinegar component in shrubs is what helps preserve the fruits and keep them from spoiling,” explains Lea Ann Chen, M.D., assistant professor of gastroenterology at the Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. “However, the total amount of fruit in shrub recipes is relatively modest. Thus, the benefits of eating fresh fruits would be much higher. For example, fresh whole fruit contains fiber, which has many health benefits, but this is mostly missing in shrubs.”
Chen notes that the fruit in shrubs is nevertheless a source of certain vitamins, such as vitamin C in citrus fruits, while berries are also high in polyphenols, which offer anti-inflammatory properties. A 2021 Stanford University study published in the journal Cell found that consuming fermented foods may increase gut microbiome diversity and decrease inflammation, so the fermentation of fruit shrubs may be part of a gut-healthy diet.
According to Kirsten Shockey, the author of several books on fermentation, including Fermented Vegetables, fruit shrubs and mocktails serve as a practical steppingstone toward healthier drink choices. They offer a middle ground for those seeking to improve their habits by steering away from soda and alcoholic beverages without making dramatic changes.
Fermenting Tips
Creating gut-friendly fruit shrubs at home requires nothing more than fresh fruit, sugar, vinegar and patience. Morgan Shortt, sales director at Pink House Alchemy, a maker of farm-to-table simple syrups, aromatic bitters and shrubs, explains that the sugar breaks down the fruit and naturally turns it into a thick, viscous syrup without having to smash the fruit. This natural maceration process allows the sugar to draw out fruit juices and flavors over the course of a couple of days.
Once macerated, the fruit is strained through cheesecloth or a coffee filter. The syrup can be used immediately as a topping on desserts or savory dishes. To make it last longer and add the tart taste, vinegar is incorporated. Almost any type can be used, depending
on personal taste. White vinegar is intensely sharp; apple cider vinegar provides a mild, fruity flavor; and balsamic can add depth to berry shrubs with only a splash. The higher the quality of vinegar, the better the results, Shockey points out.
Although fruit shrubs are shelf stable, the shelf life varies depending on the ingredients. Shortt estimates that her shrubs have a shelf life of at least two years. Refrigeration
can help maintain the quality and flavor for a longer period of time.
Enjoying the Results
Shrubs offer a practical solution for reducing food waste. They are a good way to use seasonal fruits that may be bruised or considered a farmer’s seconds. “The key takeaway is that it’s an easy and affordable way to consume a gut-healthy product, and it’s delicious,” says Shortt.
For those preferring convenience over homemade preparation, shrubs are increasingly available at farmers markets, health food stores and online. When purchasing, prioritize products containing raw, unpasteurized vinegar and minimal added sugar while checking for clean-ingredient labels. Premixed shrub drinks are also available in ready-to-consume cans or bottles for the ultimate in convenience.
Shrubs represent a delicious intersection of ancient preservation wisdom and modern
wellness needs. Whether crafted at home or purchased ready-made, these tangy syrups offer a simple way to support gut health while adding flavor to drinks and recipes.
Chloe Karydes Krecun is a sophomore at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Connect at LinkedIn.com/in/ chloe-karydes-krecun.
Rimma_Bondarenko from Getty Images/CanvaPro
Rimma_Bondarenko from Getty Images/CanvaPro
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FOR THE VINAIGRETTE
2 Tbsp apple spice shrub
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp raw honey or maple syrup
1 squeeze of orange, optional
Sea salt, to taste
Fresh black pepper, to taste
FOR THE SALAD
1 cup cooked farro
1 sweet potato, cubed
Extra virgin olive oil for roasting
A few kale leaves, chopped
2-3 cups salad greens
1-2 carrots, peeled into ribbons
1 apple, diced
A few radishes, sliced thin
Small handful parsley, chopped
½ cup almonds, chopped and toasted
Salt, to taste
Fresh black pepper, to taste
Preheat the oven to 400° F.
Whisk all the vinaigrette ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.
Toss the sweet potato cubes with a drizzle of olive oil and salt and pepper, to taste. Spread sweet potato cubes on a baking pan lined with parchment paper and roast until golden brown, about 35 minutes. Once roasted, let the sweet potato cubes cool.
In a large bowl, lightly massage the kale with a bit of the vinaigrette until the kale wilts down. Mix in the farro and sweet potato cubes. Add the salad greens, carrots, apple, radishes, parsley and almonds to the bowl and toss with vinaigrette. Add additional salt and pepper, to taste.
Recipe courtesy of Priscilla Koch, founder of The Urban Farmhouse Co., makers of organic shrub beverages.
WILD RICE SIDE DISH
YIELD: 6 TO 8 SERVINGS
FOR THE VINAIGRETTE
2 Tbsp pomegranate shrub
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp shallots, finely chopped
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp honey or liquid sweetener
½ tsp fresh ginger, grated
½ tsp ground coriander
Kosher salt, to taste
Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
FOR THE SALAD
1½ cup cooked wild rice
1 cup pomegranate arils (about one large pomegranate)
1 cup pistachios, coarsely chopped
½ cup parsley, coarsely chopped
In a small bowl, combine pomegranate shrub, olive oil, shallots, lemon zest, honey, ginger, coriander, salt and black pepper. Set aside.
Combine wild rice, pomegranate arils, pistachios and parsley in a serving bowl. Add dressing and toss to combine. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to three days.
LOCAL MEDFORD HONEY
Recipe courtesy of Priscilla Koch, founder of The Urban Farmhouse Co., makers of organic shrub beverages.
The Gut-Brain Connection:
How Your Gut Powers Your Mind
by Nicole L. Kizitaff, RDN
Our gut is more than just a place for digestion—it plays a vital role in your mental health. Through the gut-brain axis, our gut and brain communicate constantly. A healthy gut can boost mood, sharpen focus and reduce stress, while an unhealthy gut may leave one feeling anxious, down or mentally foggy. At the heart of this connection is the microbiome: trillions of tiny organisms living in the gut.
The gut hosts a thriving community of beneficial microorganisms that help digest food, produce vitamins and protect against harmful pathogens. This microbiome acts as a support system for both body and mind. When balanced, it promotes overall wellness; when disrupted, it can impact mood and mental clarity.
The gut-brain axis is a complex network that connects the gut and brain through:
• The Vagus Nerve: This major nerve carries signals between the gut and brain.
• Chemical Messengers: Beneficial gut organisms produce serotonin, the neurotransmitter that regulates mood—90 percent of which is made in the gut.
• Immune System Support: A healthy microbiome strengthens the immune system, reducing inflammation and supporting brain health.
Disruptions to the microbiome, caused by poor diet, stress, or lack of sleep, can send negative signals to the brain, potentially contributing to anxiety, depression or difficulty concentrating.
Supporting our microbiome and mental wellness begins with nutrition. Quality proteins
and B vitamins are key:
• Quality Proteins: Foods like eggs, fish, lean poultry, beans and nuts provide amino acids essential for gut and brain function. These nutrients help the gut nurture beneficial organisms and support serotonin production. Choosing unprocessed proteins helps avoid added sugars and unhealthy fats.
• B Vitamins from Whole Foods: B vitamins, including B6, B12 and folate, are essential for energy production and the synthesis of mood-regulating brain chemicals. They are found in leafy greens, eggs, fish and whole grains. Whole food supplements can also support absorption.
• Avoid Synthetic B Vitamins: Many processed foods contain synthetic B vitamins, which may not be as effective and could disrupt gut or brain health. Prioritize whole, unprocessed foods over fortified options.
3 Practical Tips to Boost Gut Health
1. Eat Whole Foods: Include a variety of fruits, vegetables and protein-rich foods to nourish our microbiome.
2. Add Fermented Foods: Plain yogurt, kefir or sauerkraut provide beneficial organisms and nutrients.
3. Stay Hydrated and Active: Water and regular physical activity, such as walking or yoga, support gut health.
Every gut is unique. A functional nutritionist can help you create a personalized plan to optimize your microbiome, selecting the best whole foods, proteins and B vitamins while avoiding synthetic additives. Professional guidance can help us strengthen the gutbrain connection and support mental clarity, emotional balance and overall wellness.
Nicole L. Kizitaff, RDN, is a Functional Nutritionist, Quantum Nutrition Testing Practitioner and the founder of TriUnity Nutrition & Wellness, LLC, based in Cherry Hill, NJ. For more information or to make an appointment, visit www.TriUnityNutrition.com.
Childhood Friendships
How To Support a Kid’s Social Development
by Christina Connors
Supporting a child’s social development today means setting aside outdated assumptions. What once felt simple, like walking up and saying “Hi” on the playground, may require emotional scaffolding today. Kids face a more complex and often emotionally charged social world, so the way we guide them needs to evolve, too.
Joanna Faber and Julie King, co-authors of the bestselling books How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen and How to Talk When Kids Won’t Listen, offer a compassionate framework for supporting children through
friendship conflicts. “In the moment that a child is in distress over a social slight, the first thing we can do for them is to offer quiet sympathy instead of a game plan and a pep talk,” they write. “Sometimes just a sympathetic sound is enough. Resist the urge to lecture, ask questions, or give advice. … Your restraint in not jumping in with questions and advice shows trust in your child’s ability to manage her own relationships.”
This gentle, emotionally attuned approach is backed by child mental health experts who emphasize that emotional safety is the
foundation of healthy social development. “Children thrive when they feel seen and heard,” says Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, a clinical psychologist and integrative pediatric mental health expert. “Social skills don’t grow in a vacuum—they’re cultivated through repeated, safe interactions where kids feel supported, not judged or directed. When adults approach social challenges with calm empathy, they send the message that it’s okay to have big feelings and that mistakes are a part of learning.”
This doesn’t mean stepping back entirely. While Capanna-Hodge warns against the temptation to micromanage social interactions, she does suggest alternative actions. “We have to stop swooping in to fix every peer conflict,” she says. “When we do that, we unintentionally rob children of the chance to build problem-solving and coping skills. Instead, guide them gently and give them the language to express themselves. That’s what truly sets the foundation for deeper, more meaningful relationships.”
One key strategy Capanna-Hodge recommends is co-regulation, a powerful technique where adults model calm and emotional steadiness, especially when a child is dysregulated or distressed. “We talk a lot about self-regulation, but kids need co-regulation first,” she explains. “That means being the calm in their storm—breathing with them, validating their feelings and staying present without judgment. That’s how they learn to calm themselves and respond, rather than react, in social situations.”
Connection Is the Heart of Growth
Friendship is not just a social bonus; it is a developmental necessity. As caregivers, educators and parents, the focus is not to orchestrate every social moment but to create the conditions where trust, empathy and connection can flourish. By modeling emotional presence, offering tools for regulation and holding space for kids to navigate the ups and downs of friendship, we empower them to
build lasting, meaningful relationships. These moments of quiet support may seem small, but they build social wisdom that lasts a lifetime.
As Capanna-Hodge advises, “The best gift we can give our children is the belief that they can handle hard things, especially when it comes to friendships. When we trust them, support them and walk beside them instead of ahead, we teach them how to be kind, confident and resilient.”
As discussed in a 2017 research article published in the journal Social Development, children’s friendships and their ability to navigate
them matter. Friends engage in more complicated social activities, talks, tasks, cooperation, negotiation, altruistic activities and effective conflict management. In a world that often feels fast and fragmented, the ability to build deep, authentic connections may be one of the greatest gifts we can offer the next generation.
Christina Connors is a writer, singer and creator of a YouTube series for children. Learn more at ChristinaConnors.com.
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From Butterflies to Balance
Easing the Back-to-School Transition with Heart
by Shae Marcus
Back-to-school season is a time of fresh starts—but it can also be one of heightened emotions, especially for children navigating big transitions. For parents, it may seem like a simple shift in routine, but for kids, these early weeks are filled with unknowns. Whether it’s starting kindergarten after the comfort of preschool, jumping into middle school’s social maze or stepping into the larger world of high school, change can be both exciting and intimidating.
The emotional landscape often includes a mix of anticipation, anxiety, hope and even grief for what’s being left behind. Add new teachers, unfamiliar classmates, changing friend groups and mounting academic expectations and it’s easy to see why this time can feel overwhelming for young minds and hearts. As parents and caregivers, we have an opportunity to offer grounding, compassion and intentional support to help our children feel safe and confident as they step into a new school year.
1. Start with a Mindful Morning Routine
Mornings set the tone for the entire day. Instead of racing the clock, create a calming routine that grounds the child emotionally and physically. This could include deep belly breaths together before leaving the house, a positive affirmation taped to the bathroom mirror or
a special “mindful moment” while eating breakfast. Even five intentional minutes can transform stress into centeredness—for both kids and parents.
2. Talk About the Transition (and Normalize the Nerves)
Transitions are big emotional milestones. If a child is entering a new school, don’t be surprised if their excitement is laced with uncertainty. Validate their feelings—whether it’s nervousness about new teachers, sadness about old friends or hesitation to join clubs where they don’t yet know anyone. Open-ended questions like, “What part of the day do you feel most unsure about?” can invite connection without pressure. Remind them it’s okay to feel all the feelings and that making new connections takes time.
3. Fuel Their Brain (and Mood) with Smart Snacks
Nutrition plays a huge role in energy, attention span and emotional regulation. Stock lunchboxes and after-school snack drawers with foods rich in omega-3s, fiber and healthy fats. Think almond butter on apple slices, hummus with veggie sticks or a smoothie with chia seeds and spinach. Keep blood sugar balanced to help minimize mood swings and mid-day crashes.
4. Watch for Signs of Burnout or Overload
While some stress is normal, chronic school stress can show up as irritability, stomachaches, sleep disturbances or withdrawal.
Keep an eye on the child’s overall mood and energy levels, especially in the first month back. If they’re overbooked with activities, consider simplifying their schedule. More doesn’t always mean better—especially when it comes to their mental health.
5. Create a Calm Home Base School is stimulating, and kids need a sanctuary to unwind. Create a homework or relaxation space that encourages peace and focus. Incorporate calming elements like essential oils (lavender or orange are great for kids), a soft rug or cushion and low lighting. Even adding a small indoor plant or a few crystals like fluorite or amethyst can help create a grounding atmosphere.
Every child experiences the stress of going back to school differently, and there’s no perfect formula for navigating it. But by staying connected, slowing down and prioritizing emotional wellness, children can feel safer, supported and seen. And that’s the best foundation for any school year to begin.
Shae Marcus is a mother of two teens, publisher of Natural Awakenings South Jersey and Philadelphia, and an expert in sticky counters and excessive dog hair. She believes back-to-school is a transition for parents as well. Between forgotten lunches and teenage eye rolls, may we find grace in the mess, laughter in the chaos and connection in the quiet moments. Presence, not perfection, is the true back-to-school essential.
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The Gut Microbiome
Preventing ‘Traffic Jams’ and ‘Uncontrollable Speeding’
Digestive disturbances such as constipation or diarrhea are issues most individuals experience at some point. On one end of the spectrum, one may feel uncomfortably backed up—unable to have a bowel movement. On the other, one may find themselves dealing with persistent urgency and frequent trips to the restroom.
While there are many potential causes, one often overlooked factor is the type and dosage of mineral supplements—particularly calcium and magnesium.
Avoiding Constipation
A common contributor to constipation is the use of calcium carbonate, a widely available and convenient form of calcium supplementation. While effective, calcium carbonate alters the pH of the digestive tract. In high doses, it can cause calcium salts to precipitate in the gut, slowing down movement and leading to constipation.
To help prevent this “traffic jam”, consider using a different form of calcium, such as calcium citrate, or divide daily intake into smaller doses taken throughout the day. Taking calcium with meals may also improve absorption and ease digestion.
Curbing Diarrhea
Magnesium, another essential mineral, can have the opposite effect. Magnesium citrate, in particular, is known for its laxative properties and is often used to prepare the bowel for
procedures like colonoscopies. In high doses, magnesium can accelerate gut motility, leading to loose stools or diarrhea.
To minimize this effect, try taking smaller, more frequent doses of magnesium throughout the day, preferably with meals. This not only helps with absorption, but may also reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
Striking the Right Balance
A well-balanced mineral supplement with a 2:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium can support both skeletal and digestive health. When taken with meals containing complex polysaccharides (such as those found in whole grains, legumes and vegetables), absorption of both minerals may be enhanced.
By understanding how calcium and magnesium affect the gut, we can make informed choices that support a balanced and healthy microbiome—avoiding both “traffic jams” and “uncontrollable speeding” in our digestive tract.
Deanna J. Nelson, Ph.D., and founder of ActiveSR supplements, is an internationally recognized leader in providing patented, best-of-class nutritional and mineral supplements for people of all ages. For more information or to make an appointment, email DNelson@ActiveSR.com or visit www.ActiveSR.com
Packing School Lunch With Zero Waste
Families that rely on single-use plastics and prepackaged foods for their children’s lunches often overlook the tremendous amount of daily waste they generate. With a few easy swaps, lunch packing routines can be fun, eco-friendly rituals for the back-to-school season. By replacing disposable plastics with reusable alternatives and adding a few homemade snacks, parents can save money and safeguard kids’ health while reducing landfill waste. Here are some excellent options.
Reusable Containers, Wraps and Cutlery
• Stainless steel lunchboxes
• Compartmentalized bento boxes made of wood or stainless steel
• Leakproof and dishwasher-safe silicone pouches
• Cloth or compostable snack bags for dry goods such as nuts or pretzels
• Repurposed glass jars with lids for drinks, hummus or applesauce
• Stainless steel water bottles that keep liquids hot or cold for extended periods of time
• Beeswax wraps or soybean-based “wax” paper to secure sandwiches
• Reusable cutlery and chopsticks made of stainless steel and bamboo
• Biodegradable and compostable cutlery made of renewable starch sources such as corn or cassava
Bulk Foods and Homemade Snacks
• Nuts and seeds, dried fruits, trail mix, crackers, healthy chips and granola from bulk bins
• Sandwiches on whole grain breads made from scratch with fresh, healthy ingredients
• Locally sourced, seasonal produce and bread from the farmers market for a lighter carbon footprint
• Easy parfaits made with milk- or plant-based yogurt, chopped fruits, nuts, flax or chia seeds and a drizzle of local honey
• Wraps made with soft tortillas, lettuce or cabbage leaves, or nori sheets filled with yummy fresh ingredients such as sautéed or shredded raw vegetables, nut butters, bananas, Medjool dates, soft cheeses, olives or hummus
• Homemade energy bars packed with healthy ingredients, including oats, protein powder, dark chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit and maple syrup
Eco-Friendly Totes
• Fun and colorful cloth totes purchased new or at thrift stores
• Recycled insulated lunch bags
• Organic cotton lunch bags
A House Full of Paws
My Life as a Dog Foster (And Why You Should Try It, Too)
by Shae Marcus
For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt deeply connected to animals, especially dogs. There’s just something about their joy, innocence and unconditional love that lights me up. As a kid, I thought it was perfectly normal to come home with muddy paw prints behind me. Turns out, not much has changed.
One of my first jobs was at an animal shelter. (How I went from animal rescue to publishing wellness magazines is a story for another day—though trust me, it’s one filled with passion, perseverance and plenty of wagging tails.) Even when life took me to Las Vegas, I worked with exotic animals abandoned by traveling shows and circuses. No matter where I go, animals in need always seem to find me, and I’ve always felt it’s my duty to help.
That sense of responsibility is at the heart of why I still foster today. For me, fostering isn’t just about opening my home—it’s about opening my heart and showing my family and community the importance of rescue, compassion and responsible pet ownership. Many animals end up in shelters because people underestimate the lifelong commitment that comes with pet ownership. Fostering offers a way to help without the long-term commitment—while making an enormous difference.
In fact, fostering doesn’t just save one life—it makes room for another in the shelter. Further, dogs in foster homes get adopted nearly five times faster than those in shelters. A home environment lets them relax, shine and show their true personalities—helping adopters fall in love with who they really are.
I know fostering can feel overwhelming. I hear it all the time: “I’d get too attached!” And -
ing them for a little while and watching them walk into their forever home is one of the -
age you to reach out to your local animal shelters and rescue organizations. They’re always in need of loving homes, whether short term or long term. You don’t need to be an expert—just someone willing to offer
I may not be able to save them all, but every life I touch along the way matters. And that’s
Right now, shelters and rescues are in crisis. Across the country, they are operating at or above capacity, with more animals coming in than going out. Adoptions have slowed, while surrenders—often due to financial struggles or housing issues—are rising. Every filled kennel means another dog waits in limbo, and sometimes, tragically, there just isn’t space.
That’s why fostering is more than a kind gesture—it’s a lifeline. By opening your home to one dog, you’re not only giving them safety and love but also freeing up space for another animal in desperate need. In times like these, that simple act can mean the difference between life and death.
Fostering has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my life, teaching me—and my family—the true meaning of compassion. I hope my journey inspires you to open your heart and home to an animal in need. You won’t regret it.
Local Rescues for Those Ready to Foster
Friends of Burlington County Animal Shelter –foster cats and dogs, full support (www.FriendsOfBCAS.org)
Animal Welfare Association (AWA) –large South Jersey no-kill shelter, low-cost vet care (www.awanj.org)
The Wuff House/Emergency Foster Services –short-term fosters for people in crisis (www.FriendsOfBCAS.org)
These organizations welcome fosters, supply training and love the tail wags you’ll share!
—Josh Hopkins
A Gentler Grip on the Wheel of Life
by Marlaina Donato
Life can be overwhelming at times. We diligently juggle work and personal commitments with outward precision while grappling with internal struggles, barely catching our breath, feeling off kilter and maybe a little ashamed that we can’t do it all. Somewhere along the line, we bought into the idea that worry puts us in the driver’s seat, granting us control over the road ahead.
We plan and strategize, convinced that holding the steering wheel in a white-knuckled grip will ensure the perfect outcome. We exhaust ourselves by running through an imagined maze and getting snagged on thorny what-ifs, too often investing precious energy into daydreaming about what could go wrong instead of wondering what could go right.
Professional dancers dedicated to their craft work six days a week and spend endless hours maintaining excellence. They attend classes even on performance days and undergo rigorous dress rehearsals before the curtain rises. Yet even these consummate professionals sometimes panic when the music begins, and they find themselves
unable to recall a single nuance of their choreography. In such instances, when the mind is in lockdown, their bodies take over, moving fluidly on cue.
This seemingly miraculous phenomenon known as muscle memory serves as an inspiration for our daily lives. After hard work and preparation, worry becomes an unnecessary mind game. The lecturer delivers their most compelling speech when they throw away their notes. The teacher connects to a challenging student when they think outside the box and embrace an unconventional approach. The soloist springs into the air as effortlessly as a bird.
As September takes the stage adorned in the sun’s spotlight, let us take our hands off the wheel and allow the road to unfold into unforeseen magic. By ceasing relentless planning and embracing spontaneity, we just might live our best life. Now is the time to dance.
Marlaina Donato is an author, visionary painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.
Calendar of Events
Friday, September 5
Conscious Dying, Conscious Living with Gene Ang – 6-8pm. An introductory exploration of death, dying, and the afterlife. Learn the wisdom from the Tibetan tradition and six bardos meditations to prepare energy body, how to meet Angelic guides, and what to keep or release. Caretakers, hospice workers, and all interested in living well. Cost: $50. On Zoom & Live at Soul Sanctuary, 110 Marter Ave., Suite 206, Moorestown. www.KathyMilano.com.
Saturday, September 6 –
Monday, September 8
Death, Dying & Afterlife Training with Gene Ang – Explore death not as an end, but as a sacred passage. Discover the profound immersion into death, dying, and the afterlife. Caretakers, hospice workers, and all interested in living aware now. On Zoom and live at Soul Sanctuary. 110 Marter Ave., Suite 206, Moorestown. www.KathyMilano.com.
September 11-19
Mystical Journey to Damanhur and the Temples of Humankind with Kathy Milano. Accelerating spiritual awakening and visionary dreaming as you upgrade your LightBody, engage cosmic healing energy, and supercharge your soulful purpose. Soul Sanctuary, 110 Marter Ave., Suite 206, Moorestown. www.KathyMilano.com.
Tuesday, September 16
1:1 Free Session Intuition and Manifest with the 5MQ Intelligence System – 11am-2pm. You’re invited to a 1:1 session with Dawn to learn how to amplify your intuition and manifest all that is waiting for you. Register now: https://DawnRicci.com/ManifestYourLife.
Wednesday, September 17
1:1 Free Session Intuition and Manifest with the 5MQ Intelligence™️ System –11am-2pm. Spiritual Mentor and Intuitive Dawn Ricci explains how investigative skills unlock manifestation in this free online session. Register now: https://DawnRicci.com/ ManifestYourLife.
Thursday, September 18
1:1 Free Session Intuition and Manifest with the 5MQ Intelligence™️ System – 11am-2pm. Spiritual Mentor and Intuitive Dawn Ricci explains how investigative skills unlock manifestation in this free online session. Register now: https://DawnRicci.com/ManifestYourLife.
Thursday, September 18–Sunday, September 21
“Change Your Mind ~ Create New Result” created by Dr Joe Dispenza – Thursday, Online 6-7:30pm, Saturday, in-person 9am2:30pm, Sunday, in-person 10am-3pm. Features the Change Your Mind ... Create New Results (CYMCNR) Workshop. Cost: $888, early registration. Infinite Possibilities Center, 801, Suite I, Rte. 73 N., Greentree Executive Commons, Marlton. 856-983-1767. www.LoveInfinitePossibilities.com.
Friday, September 19–
Sunday, September 21
A Return to What Matters - Super Soul Farm, New York – In a world that moves faster every day, it’s easy to lose sight of the things that truly matter — your peace, your purpose, your connection to self and others. This September, Balanced Planet Yoga invites you to step away from the noise and immerse yourself in a weekend of deep renewal at the breathtaking Super Soul Farm in upstate New York. Contact Cheryl at GetBliss@BalancedPlanetYoga.com to reserve your spot.
Saturday-Sunday September 20 & 21
Advanced Pranic Healing Course –9:30am-6pm. Take your healing skills to a totally new level! Open only to those who attended the first level of Pranic Healing. Proof of prior attendance will be required. Email GoldenLight@comcast. net or text 856-905-9119 or register at www.PranicHealingCenter.com.
Sunday, September 21
The Master’s Retreat: Sound, Reiki, and Deep Restoration – 2-4pm. Join Sharon Plower and Giacomo Reggente for an evening of deep restoration honoring the autumn equinox. This blend of restorative yoga, Angelic reiki, yoga nidra, and sound will guide participants to a profound sense of inner peace. Live in Joy Yoga & Wellness, 118 W. Merchant St., Audubon. www.LiveInJoy.com.
Thursday, September 25
FREE Online Healing and Meditation with Natalie – 7-8pm. This is your chance to pause, take a breather, and reconnect with your light. Facilitated by an experienced certified Pranic healer and Pranic psychotherapist. To reserve your spot and receive the Zoom link, please email GoldenLight@comcast.net or visit www.PranicHealingCenter.com.
Friday, September 26
Power to the Peaceful: A Yoga Practice for Inner Strength and Collective Liberation with Daria + Kait – 12-1pm. Balanced Planet Yoga, 795 E. Route 70, Suite E, Marlton. www.BalancedPlanetYoga.com.
Elemental Realms: Fairies, Gnomes & Nature Spirits With Heaven Mireles –6:30-8pm Join Heaven in this whimsical earthy class as she brings clients into the mystical world of the elementals—fairies, gnomes, sylphs, undines, and other nature spirits. Cost: $35. The Center for Living, 45 S. Main St. Medford. 609-975-8379 or Info@TheCenterForLiving.net.
Saturday, September 27
Live in Joy’s 15th birthday celebration –10am-4pm. Free sample yoga classes, tarot readings/Thai bodywork/reiki mini-sessions, games, door prizes, snacks, and community fun! Live in Joy Yoga & Wellness, 118 W. Merchant St., Audubon. www.LiveInJoy.com.
Monday, September 29
Divine Design-Create Your Own Angel Oracle Card With Kristy McAdams – 6:30-8pm. This workshop kicks off on Monday, September 29, The Feast Day of Arch Angel Michael and of all the angels. Cost: $40. The Center for Living, 45 S. Main St. Medford. 609-975-8379 or Info@TheCenterForLiving.net.
Tuesday, October 7
THRIVE TOGETHER Group Coaching for Women in Midlife Ready to Reclaim Their Well-being. Are you always taking care of everyone else—and putting your own needs last? Thrive Together is a 10-session virtual group coaching experience designed for women in midlife who are ready to make sustainable changes for their health, energy and wellbeing. Cost: $489. www.GrowthAndGritHealth.com
Saturday, November 15
WARRIOR Rhythm Instructor Certification – 9am-5pm. Learn the bridge between classic group exercise and traditional yoga. Join Karen as she teaches us how to intertwine mindfulness, yoga, weightlifting and even HIIT training into an extraordinary experience. Live in Joy Yoga & Wellness, 118 W. Merchant St., Audubon. www.LiveInJoy.com.
September tries its best to have us forget summer.
—Bernard Williams
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Ongoing Events
Monday
Monthly Meditation/Mini-Workshop, First Monday – 6:30pm-8pm. An open invitation to those who are interested in exploring meditation, energy education/topics and reiki. Please be respectful and arrive on time so the meditation is not disturbed. Please refrain from alcohol the day of the workshop. Cost: $15. The Center, Life in Balance, 45 S. Main St., Medford, 609-975-8379 or Info@TheCenterForLiving.net..
Wednesday
PEC Sunrise Fitness Hikes Registration – Take a mid-week break to greet the sun, clear your mind, and get your heart rate up. Teens & Adults. Hikes will be about 2 hours, and 4+ miles on the trails. We will aim to walk at least 20 minute miles. Free. Questions? PEC@phila.gov or 215-685-0470.
Midday Meditation – 12-12:10pm. On Wednesday, the focus is Love. Each week we raise the Love vibration personally and globally. Treat yourself to a midday refresher. The Center for Living, 45 South Main St. Medford, 609-975-8379. Info@TheCenterForLiving.net.
Wellness Wednesdays – 6-7:30pm. Join Dawn Mahalik amd Olivia Grenato each week for a Breathwork Sound Bowl Class. Ravenwood Farms, 125 Bassett Rd, Mannington Township, 609-315-4075 Contact@ TheRavenwoodFarms.org.
Christopher’s Weekly Tea Talks – 7pm. Join our weekly Zoom call to learn about kratom, its traditional use, safety tips, industry news, and your rights as a consumer. Sign up here: bit.ly/47vJtgC.
Thursday
Vibe and Vitality – 6:45-8:15pm. Every 3rd Thursday join in to explore innovative holistic techniques, deepen self-awareness, and gain practical tools from expert hosts to empower y our well-being. Cost: $30. Studio 67, 67 N. Main Street, Medford. https://shorturl.at/LKh95.
Feminine Flow Yoga Series with Jeanette – Feminine Flow Yoga is a soulful practice that honors fluidity, intuition, power, and embodiment of the female form. Live in Joy Yoga & Wellness, 118 W. Merchant St., Audubon. www.LiveInJoyYoga.com.
Friday
Midday Meditation – 12-12:10pm. On Friday, the focus is Peace. Each week we raise the Peace vibration personally and globally. Treat yourself to a midday refresher. The Center for Living, 45 South Main St. Medford, 609-975-8379. Info@TheCenterForLiving.net.
Summer Night Market – 6-9pm. We’ve curated a beautiful group of vendors with handmade Jewelry, candles, clothing, home decor, metaphysical supplies, herbal goods, art, yummy food, live music, and spiritual readers! Mystic Ginger, 36 S. Black Horse Pike, Blackwood. www.MysticGingerApothecary.com.
Saturday
Psychic & Healing Fair, Third Saturday – 10am-2pm. The fair offers holistic and innovative lectures and workshops on healing. Guests are able to sit-in on lectures, have an intuitive psychic reading, a reiki session, energy healing, or lie on the BioMat.Cost: $30/20 minute session. Signups and Walk-ins are welcome. The Center for Living, 45 South Main St. Medford, 609-975-8379. Info@TheCenterForLiving.net.
Classifieds For Hire
PART-TIME POSITION - Medford Functional Medicine is looking for a parttime functional medicine nurse practitioner. 609-969-4844.
For Rent
OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE – Integrative Physician looking to share office space in Voorhees. 856-669-9118.
OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE – Newly renovated professional office space/ medical/health & wellness office space available in Medford. For more information, call Reneé at 856-906-0644.
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 Publisher@NASouthJersey to request our media kit.
Offering simple, effective solutions for optimal health for the whole family. Includes: Functional Medicine testing, Othromolecular energy medicine, Neuro-Emotional Technique, Psycho neurobiology, autonomic response testing, Theta Healing.
Ancestral Energy and Pranic Healing
DANA REYNOLDS-MARNICHE, Ph.D.
Shaman-based Qi Channeler, Clairvoyant and Teacher
Mount Meru Holistic Earth Power Healing 856-993-1786
MtMeruHolistic.com/healing-testimonials
Highly trained with 35 yrs experience in mind-body healing, I utilize Korean Chunsu, a 5,000-yr-old therapeutic practice, involving the channeling of balanced Heaven-Earth cosmic qi energy to release negative ancestral patterns from the body and mind. Rapidly restores well-being, addresses anxiety, depression, treats hormonal, immune system and chakra imbalances, alleviates physical pain, rejuvenates body cells and clears toxins. Over time, a prevalence of harmony in one’s home and work environment and the ability to manifest abundance and protection become our natural state of being.
Art Psychotherapist
NICOLE GOICURIA, M.A.
Therapeutic Astrologer and Tarotist www.theastralbotanica.com
Nicole Goicuria M.A. is an art psychotherapist that has been practicing since 2007. She is also a professional Astrologer and Tarot reader that provides psychodynamic, intuitive and trauma-informed offerings that can be customized to suit a wide range of mental health and wellness needs. Nicole is available for virtual and in-person appointments.
Awareness Coaching
MARYANN PINO MILLER, M.Ed.
Certified Heal Your Life® Teacher Emotion Code Practitione
Consciously Living, LLC
The Center, Life in Balance 45 S Main St, Medford, NJ
856-912-2087
Maryann@ConsciouslyLiving.net
Become aware of your true nature, meet your inner child waiting for your love, become aware of and unload the baggage weighing you down, become aware of the depth of love that exists within you and gain the understanding of the importance of your relationship with yourself and how to foster it.
Ayurveda Wellness Coaching
SUSAN DESIDERIO, BA, LMT
Ayurvedic Wellness Coach Pitman, NJ
856-535-7478
BlueHavenMassage@gmail.com
BlueHavenMassage.MassageTherapy.com
With over 20+ years’ experience in the Wellness industry, Susan specializes in holistic lifestyle management. She offers Ayurveda coaching, mindful movement classes, massage/reiki sessions.
Chiropractor
HEALTH GOALS CHIROPRACTIC CENTER
Dr. Kathleen Baumgardner
Health Goals Chiropractic
230 N. Maple Ave., Marlton 856-983-5422
www.MountLaurelChiropractors.com
Experience personalized, compassionate chiropractic care at Health Goals Chiropractic Center, where Dr. Kathleen Baumgardner and her team help you achieve pain relief and total-body wellness through a range of services including chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, massage therapy, and fitness training. Specialties include women’s wellness, pregnancy care and the young athlete.
HARMONIOUS HEALINGS HOLISTIC HEALTHCARE
30 Jackson Rd, D207 Medford, NJ 08055
856-359-6005
www.DrKevinG.com
Optimize your human potential holistically: functional neurology & kinesiology, stress release & neuro-emotional technique, structure & posture improvement with advanced biostructural correction, biophysics body optimizer.
Coaching
GROWTH & GRIT HEALTH AND WELLNESS COACHING
Anita Romero MSN, APN, RYT-200, NBC-HWC
Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach
856-281-7285
www.GrowthAndGritHealth.com
Anita@GrowthAndGritHealth.com
As a board-certified health and wellness coach, my mission is to empower women to take charge of their health and wellbeing with clarity, vitality and confidence. Healthy aging starts now and is supported by healthy lifestyle choices. I will be your ally as we create meaningful goals, and a customized action plan aligned with your values and unique needs.
I would really like to go back to school. I would love it now.
—Fiona Apple
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STEPHANE PONCELET
570-449-2219
calwl2022@gmail.com
www.Create-A-LifeWorthLiving.com/
Clients learn to observe and respond to deep-seated emotions of conflict, emptiness, and loneliness that often arise from family dysfunction. Guided in mourning the unchangeable aspects of their past, helped to own their truths and grieve their losses, clients are encouraged to show themselves the love, patience, and respect they truly deserve. A transformative process which creates a life that is truly worth living.
Infinite Possibilities invites you to relax in our zero-gravity chairs and experience the Energy Enhancement System which generates life-enhancing scalar wave energy, light, and color therapy. Other services include a Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna, LET Lymphatic Drainage, BioWell personal energy field scan, nourishing massage, and restful Reiki sessions. The EES system has been tested, peer-reviewed, and recognized at medical, scientific and professional conferences.
Functional Medicine
CHARLOTTE NUSSBAUM, MD
Medford Functional Medicine 103 Old Marlton Pike, Suite 203 Medford, NJ 08055
609-969-4844
www.MedfordFunctionalMedicine.com
Board-certified pediatrician and internist Charlotte Nussbaum is a founder of Medford Functional Medicine where we partner with people of all ages to reclaim their health.
Functional Nutrition
NICOLE L. KITZITAFF, RDN
TriUnity Nutrition & Wellness
1060 Kings Highway N., Suite 301 Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
856-667-6805
Info@TriUnityNutrition.com
www.TriUnityNutrition.com
TriUnity Nutrition & Wellness, led by Nicole Kizitaff, RDN, uses functional nutrition, muscle testing, and holistic remedies to address root causes and optimize your health.
Holistic Coaching
APRIL WILLARD
The Zen Den on Main 5 South Main Street Medford, NJ 08055
609-975-8379
www.TheCenterLifeInBalance.com
Ordained Minister (all denominations), Art Therapy (all ages), Sound Healing, Reiki II, Guided Meditation, and Letting Go Ceremonies. Supporting holistic and emotional coaching. Contact: YogiCaresnj@gmail.com or 215-205-2786 for bookings and inquiries.
Holistic Healing
TRU WELLNESS
1220 Kings Hwy, Swedesboro 484-832-4457
www.TruWellness.live
We provide a sacred space for healing and transformation from the inside out. Our diverse services—including red light therapy, PEMF, sound bed, and crystal light bed— support physical, emotional, and mental well-being while reducing pain, inflammation, and inner stress. Join our nurturing community.
Hypnotherapy
DR. JAIME FELDMAN, DCH
Chairman, Medical & Dental Division, International Hypnosis Federation 214 W Main St, Ste L4 Moorestown, NJ 08057 856-231-0432 • DrJaimeF@aol.com www.PartsTherapy.com
Dr. Jaime Feldman, one of the pioneers in an advanced technique called “Advanced Parts Therapy,” has been able to unlock the subconscious and remove unwanted behaviors: stop smoking (guaranteed), weight loss, stress, depression, pain and anger management, and more. Outstanding success in curing phobias and deep-seated trauma, and treating the immune system to put cancer into complete remission.
Frustrated with physicians, nutritionists and therapists? This chronic complex illness involves the body, mind and spirit. Using a holistic approach, we will explore concepts from recent neuropsychology research and proven meditation practice to promote lifestyle changes that work to minimize and manage your IBS-D symptoms.
Integrative Nutrition Health Coach
DESIREE BOHN
Next Level Health and Healing Cherry Hill, NJ 609-541-1087
NextLevelhh@outlook.com
Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach specializing in HEALING YOUR BODY with food and vitamins including teaching “food over medicine,” educating on life-changing foods and navigating packaging labels and avoiding harmful ingredients. Heal your skin conditions, fatigue, constipation, ADHD, anxiety, chronic illness and Lyme disease.
Integrative/Holistic Medicine
DR. STEVEN HORVITZ
Institute for Medical Wellness
110 Marter Ave, Ste 408, Moorestown, NJ
856-231-0590
www.DrHorvitz.com
Board-Certified Family Medicine blending traditional family care with a holistic focus and preventive, nutritional and integrative approach. We look for causes and triggers for disease before reaching for the prescription pad. Same and next day appointments are available.
Integrative Medicine/ Holistic Pain Management
POLINA KARMAZIN, MD
Board certified in Integrative Medicine & Acupuncture
Our practice treats each person individually by addressing the root cause of the problem. Dr Karmazin employs holistic therapies, such as acupuncture, biopuncture, homeopathy and nutritional counselling for a variety of ailments. We also specialize in holistic pain management and do not use narcotics, NSAIDs or steroid injections.
Susan is an Intuitive Medium and Reiki Master. She specializes in intuitively enhancing the mind, soul and physical body with healing energy for your highest well-being. Susan can connect you to your loved ones in spirit for healing and peace.
Intuitive Massage
INTUITIVE MEDICAL MASSAGE
THERAPY WITH INFRA-RED LIGHT AND PEMF THERAPY
Trusted Healing Hands at The Center Life In Balance
45 S. Main St., Medford
609-752-7675
www.TrustedHealingHands.com
Tiffany is a highly skilled, intuitive massage therapist, energy worker who utilizes heartbased coherence vibrations to reduce pain and stress while harmonizing the body.
Prime IV Hydration & Wellness is the nation’s leader in vitamin-infusion therapy. They offer a spa-like environment and utilize only the latest in cutting-edge intravenous (IV) therapies.
Medical Skincare and Cosmetics
DR. ANAMARIA NEWPORT, DMS, DMD, MHS, PAC
17 White Horse Pike, Ste 10B Haddon Heights, NJ 08035
856-323-8885
Dr. Newport is a discerning artist, highly experienced master cosmetic injector and renowned dermatology speaker with 10+ years of extensive medical training. Her continuous dedication for skincare, surgery, dentistry, and cosmetic procedures are enhanced by combining the use of the latest technology and her unique homeopathic style. As an artist, she is genuinely passionate about bringing out the unique beauty in each one of her patients. Look no further for your organic skincare specialist, offering the purest treatments achievable with our personalized natural products.
A healthy body is a guest-chamber for the soul.
—Francis Bacon
Three-Month Planner
Natural Mattress
KELLY WERNERSBACH
Adjust Your Sleep Mattress Boutique LLC 888 NJ-73, Marlton, NJ
Kelly@aysmattress.com
Offering a personalized, educational approach to mattress selection, we focus on your comfort and health needs to ensure a perfect sleep system—because quality rest is essential for overall well-being and daily vitality.
Natural Solutions
RACHEL DINKLER, APN
HOLISTIC HEALING
1381 Route 38, Suite E, Hainesport, NJ 640-249-8888
HolisticHealingFP@gmail.com
Find the root cause of your symptoms and discover true healing through natural nontoxic solutions, including supplements, herbs and homeopathy.
Join the region’s leading numerologist as you discover your life’s purpose. Encoded in your name and birth date are your lessons, talents and desires. Traci will help you realize your full potential.
Outdoor Recreation & Pinelands Preservation
PINELANDS ADVENTURES
1005 Atsion Rd, Shamong, NJ 08088
609-268-0189
www.PinelandsAdventures.org
A nonprofit initiative of Pinelands Preservation Alliance. Recreational activities include guided/unguided river paddling, camping, hiking and small group history and ecology forest tours.
Pranic Healing Sessions and Pranic Psychotherapy
NATALIE BOROKHOVSKY
Certified Pranic Healer and Certified Pranic Psychotherapist
I offer highly customized sessions for various physical and emotional ailments as well as providing valuable energy support for your daily activities and major projects. If you are struggling with a condition or just looking for more peace and harmony, my unique holistic approach can help. I have completed years of training under the founder of Pranic Healing and have been in professional practice for over 20 years. I am offering a limited-time $20 intro session to all new customers who want to try it.
Open to the flow of reiki that is before you and experience the divine life force energy that is innate to all of us. You can heal, grow, process trauma, change your beliefs, create new experiences, and shift into a life that you love, and reiki can guide you. Individual reiki sessions and reiki courses are provided at the Nutritional Wellness Center.
THERAPY EDGE CONSULTING
Dr. Katie O'Shea
1200 South Church St., Ste. 9, Mount Laurel 856-452-1532
DrKatieOShea@gmail.com
www.DrKatieOShea.com
Offering transformative Reiki sessions to restore balance, reduce stress, relieve pain, boost vitality, improve sleep, and guide you toward lasting wellness and inner peace.
Spiritual Wellness
BETH O’BRIEN
Spiritual Healing Through Guidance
The Center Life in Balance, 45 N Main St, Medford On Angels Wings, 110 Creek Rd, Mt Laurel BethOB67@yahoo.com
Beth, a psychic/medium, can give you spiritual and intuitive guidance from your loved ones. Beth is also a Reiki Master and an ordained minister to officiate your wedding. She also is a paranormal investigator and does private and public homes. She also does house blessings and cleansing.
Yoga
RISE AND THRIVE WELLNESS YOGA
Terry Veit-Harmening
714 E Main St, Moorestown 609-923-5782
www.RiseAndThriveWellnessYoga.com
Terry Veit-Harmening is a certified Yoga Therapist, a certified Ayurvedic Lifestyle Educator and a brain longevity specialist with the Alzheimer’s Research Association. Yoga Therapy is a holistic approach to health care using postures, movement, stretches, lifestyle choices, relaxation and breathing practices to address your specific issues.
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