April 2024 Natural Awakenings South Central PA

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Dr. Owen Allison Dr. David Lambert

SOUTH CENTRAL PA EDITION

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HHeal-Our-World: A Checklist

You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of a difference you want to make.

~Jane Goodall

eartfelt passion about environmental conservation and sustainability may have been at its peak a century-and-a-half ago when the establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872 launched the National Park System. Today, the largest motivation for eco-friendly awareness and efforts may be anxiety and concern for the future.

Every day, local towns across the globe face mounting challenges from pollution, climate change and depletion of natural resources. While initiatives and governmental policies worldwide play a significant role in addressing some issues, the power of change also lies in the hands of individuals like you and me, right in our own communities.

Growing up amidst lush forests and fresh streams along the banks of the Susquehanna River, I didn’t develop a deep appreciation for nature as much as I just took it all for granted. We played in the fields, camped in the woods and fished in the river and local lakes. Looking back over the decades, the degradation of our natural surroundings has been gradual and subtle, yet pervasive.

Within our local communities, I’m inspired daily by hardworking individuals, organizations and businesses that support education and take action toward environmental well-being. You’ll find many of them within the pages of this issue, and there are many other neighbors and local leaders that when added together, create an undeniable synergy and transformative power of collective action toward a common goal.

But our work is far from over. Across the globe, throughout the nation and within our local counties, communities are grappling with environmental challenges from plastic pollution clogging our waterways to deforestation threatening our ecosystems. Now more than ever, we need to come together and take personal action with environmentally friendly efforts in our own backyards. See this issue’s eco-tip, Heal-Our-World Checklist on page 18.

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It starts with small, personal changes. Whether reducing our carbon footprint by opting for renewable energy sources, minimizing single-use plastic consumption or supporting local farmers markets to reduce transportation, every action we take has a ripple effect on the health of our local community, our region and planet.

By fostering a sense of environmental stewardship within us, our families and community, we not only safeguard the natural world for future generations, but also cultivate a deeper connection to the land and each other, establishing a home we can rely on to feel good, live simply and laugh more.

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Natural Awakenings is a network of natural lifestyle magazine publishers empowering local communities with knowledge, resources and connections to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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NARRATED BY MICHAEL BUBLÉ

"Like so many families, I have been deeply affected by Alzheimer's, so I was thrilled to become a part of this film when I realized that there's hope, and it's not just a death sentence."

- Michael Bublé

New Services at Happie Soul

Happie Soul Wellness has partnered with Rewaken Life to offer a number of health care services such as consultations for clients that wish to add professional health coaching, nutritional coaching, food sensitivity testing, hormonal testing and weightloss injections to their journey.

Owner Cristina Dunbar says, “This partnership allows clients to achieve their wellness goals with a professional team all in one place. No crash diets and supplements leaving a client guessing and unable to maintain their weight loss. Pairing this full-service healthcare aspect with our fat melting treatment and weight loss injections for those clients who need a little more help, our clients will not only see results faster, they will learn how to maintain their overall health and wellness.” All services are customizable.

Consultation is $25. Location: 5000 Lenker St., Ste. 103, Mechanicsburg. For appointments or more information, call 717-254-7250, email Admin@HappieSoul.me or visit HappieSoul.me. See ad, page 15.

Carlisle Creative Vibes

Carlisle Creative Vibes and Sarabesque celebrate diversity in all forms of healing from 2 to 4 p.m. on the last Sunday of the month, including April 28, with great music and performances. Drag and variety shows are bigger than ever from April through October.

Sarabesque will be hosting and performing along with other local performers that she hand-picks to rock the house down. Attendees will see drag queens and kings, non-binary and cis performers offering unique acts. Performances have a different theme each month—some are family-friendly and some are 18 and up. Performer inquiries are always welcome.

This location is different than any other in the area: shop the store from local artists and meet the practitioners.

Cost is VIP $35, day of $20 or preorder $15. Location: 152 N. Hanover St., Carlisle. For reservations or more information, call 223-269-0519, email CarlisleCreativeVibes@gmail.com or visit CarlisleCreativeVibes.com. See listings, pages 36-37.

Cristina Dunbar

Changes at Crystal Cove Collective

The Crystal Cove Collective in Camp Hill is open, but their Morning Sun Marketplace location at 5309 Lincoln Highway, in Thomasville, has closed. Owner Krista Prinkey, says, “Crystal Cove Collective is a comprehensive crystal and mineral store with jewelry, fossils, stones and crystals. Custom-made pieces can be commissioned.”

They host 15 vendors and a variety of classes, including glass blowing, drum circles and yoga. Other services include reiki, sound and crystal healing sessions and oracle card and astrology readings. Prinkey states, “We are happy to be serving customers and sharing the gift of crystals, jewelry and fossils, as well as building a growing community of vendors and practitioners in our Camp Hill store.”

Location: 2208 Gettysburg Rd., Camp Hill. For more information, call 717-731-2830, email kwetterhall@yahoo.com or visit crystalcovepa.com. See ad, page 14.

From Saboteurs to Sages

Transformational coach Dan Gormley, a PQ (Positive Intelligence) and Agile coach, PMI-ACP, PMP and Disciplined Agile Senior Scrum Master, says, “PQ will transform your life!” He helps people build powerful habits for a positive mind. “During the PQ program, you get to build a foundation of mental fitness by strengthening three critical mental muscles to shift the balance of power from your inner saboteurs to your inner sage. With lifelong applications to work and life, the opportunity is yours to continue to grow.”

Gormley explains, “As a transformational coach, I will teach you how to empower your sage right-brain thinking to overcome daily negative thoughts and stress. I will motivate you to figure out your true calling and to work out a plan to achieve your goals, regardless of where you are currently in your life and career.”

All sessions are delivered virtually via Zoom. For more information, call 904-377-5789 or email DGormley23@outlook.com. See ad, page 32.

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An Indigenous Perspective on Modern Times

Joan-Marie Lartin, Ph.D., RN, a psychotherapist practicing in south central Pennsylvania, will present a special seminar, Keeping Your Head Above Water In Perilous Times—Indigenous and Spiritual Perspectives on Our Turbulent Times, from 4 to 6 p.m., April 14, at Carlisle Bowenwork.

She says, “Indigenous and other spiritual sources have a big picture of these times, using large-scale epochs as a way to understand present and potential future human realities.” Lartin has been studying these perspectives since 2008, when she spent two weeks with a group of Mayan elders in Guatemala. She discovered the large-scale time perspective with Barbara Hand Clow, a spiritual teacher, in 1997, and learned about the Hopi nation’s prophecies in 2009. This larger perspective and some practical suggestions for navigating in these extraordinary times are presented during her talk, with time for Q&A.

Lartin uses Bowen Family Systems Therapy, neurofeedback training and neurotransmitter testing to treat adults for depression, anxiety, PTSD, child abuse, sexual assault, marital problems, work-related issues and stress-related physical problems.

Cost is $40, limited to 20 people. Location: 616 W. Main St., Mechanicsburg. To register, call 717-386-8279 or email nbittinger@comcast.net. For more information, visit JoanMarieLartin.com. See ad, page 11.

Dr. Joan-Marie Lartin

Chamomile Workshop at ReWeaving Balance

Kristina Nousianen, LMT, a new massage therapist at ReWeaving Balance, is accepting clients and will lead a Gentle Plants Workshop on chamomile from noon to 2 p.m., April 27. Gentle enough for children, yet potent enough to ease the tensions associated with adulthood, the group will discuss the herb’s usage, preparations, herbal actions, indications, cultivation and historical usage. There will be optional taste testing and aromatherapeutic application. Participants will receive handouts, tea and a potted organic chamomile to grow this spring.

Nousianen has been studying herbalism since 2006, but in 2012 she began to take plants more seriously in response to declining health and took an herbal immersion course in 2016 with Lancaster Farmacy. She is currently enrolled in the Vitalist Herbal Practitioner program with the School of Evolutionary Herbalism.

Nousianen provides Swedish, hot stone and Ayurvedic massage, including add-on options of aromatherapy, herb-infused massage oils and herbal poultices.

Cost is $25 for the workshop. Location: 5A Harrisburg Pike, Dillsburg. For more information, call 717-943-4833, email ReWeavingBalance@gmail.com or visit ReWeavingBalance.earth. See listing, page 38.

Kristina Nousianen

Dr. McLaughlin Expanding Online Presence

Dr. Tia McLaughlin, owner of Wholistically Simple RX, has moved from their office in Hanover and will be operating virtually online and by phone, with some in-person appointments available in Gettysburg and East Berlin. Online booking for oneon-one consultations are planned for the near future.

McLaughlin will continue to provide health coaching sessions, energy rebalancing and mental fitness coaching. She offers personalized care for health and wellness, combining a whole body approach with mind-body-soul connection. The doctor specializes in helping people better understand their unique body signals and how to make food and lifestyle changes that work for them and their family.

For appointments and more information, call 717-885-6638, email DrTiaMcLaughlin@gmail.com or visit DrTiaMcLaughlin.com. See listing, page 39.

Dr. Tia McLaughlin

York County and Dauphin County Women’s Expos

OLP Events will present the second annual York County Women’s Expo from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 4, at the York Expo Center Memorial Hall East. The 11th annual Dauphin County Women’s Expo will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 1, at the Hershey Lodge.

Women of all ages and interests can spend a day shopping, relaxing and learning about products and services. Guests can find information and speak with representatives from businesses and organizations in home improvement, finances, health and wellness, beauty, fitness, fashion, retirement living, leisure, entertainment and more. Both Expos feature entertainment, door prizes, demonstrations and seminars.

Entertainment in York County will include the latest research in healthy living, a mozzarella-making demonstration and more. In Dauphin County, visitors can enjoy puppy hugging by donation to benefit the Harrisburg Kennel Club, or stop by the AAA mobile branch van to discover their many services. Stage entertainment will feature presentations on protecting against fraud, the healing potential of reiki and more.

Locations: 334 Carlisle Ave., York; and 325 University Dr., Hershey. For more information, call 717-285-1350 or visit aGreatWayToSpendMyDay.com. See ad, page 25.

Eat More Wild Seafood

Kwee-Jack Fish Co. offers sustainably harvested wild Alaskan salmon fillets and portions. Customers can order online in April and May for fall pick-up at several convenient local locations in Lancaster, York, Chambersburg, Mechanicsburg and Altoona.

Annual bulk purchases for local pick-up offer the best price, and convenient, year-round shipping to every state but Alaska and Hawaii is also available. For two decades, this family-owned and fishermen-operated model has provided access to the best wild Alaskan seafood. For a direct connection to the fisherman or fisherwoman, allow their community-supported fishery to provide ethically harvested, wild and delicious nutrition.

Cost varies. A personalized referral code allows customers to give others $20 off while accumulating $10 off per referral purchase. For more information, call Anna Echo-Hawk at 717842-0180, email Anna@EatWildSalmon.com or visit EatWildSalmon.com. See ad, page 31.

Refill and Repeat for Earth Day

Local refill and eco-lifestyle shop Refillism will celebrate their second anniversary in Downtown York with giveaways from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., April 20, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 21, then free litter clean-up kits on April 22, Earth Day.

Elizabeth E. Bower says, “The event will mark the launch of new products, free samples and treats for visitors to enjoy. Additionally, there will be snacks available to enjoy while shopping. We want to thank our customers for their continued support and for caring for the Earth by reusing and refilling.”

Refillism is committed to sustainability and reducing waste. The shop offers a wide range of non-toxic refills for home and body, as well as eco-friendly accessories.

Location: 38 S. Beaver St., York. For more information, call 717-356-2982. Email Info@Refillism.com or visit Refillism.com.

MorelFest at Conscious Acre Farm

Unkle Fungus Mushrooms and Conscious Acre Farm will present a weekend of family-friendly mushroom and environmental education from noon, April 27, to 5 p.m., April 28, at Conscious Acre Farm. Overnight camping is included with ticket purchase. VIP tickets upgrade the experience and include the culinary delights of an exquisite morel mushroom dinner and brunch.

This educational event gathers a community of like-minded individuals to immerse themselves in mushroom and environmental education, mushroom forays, Earth-based workshops, community building, wellness classes, live music and more.

Drew Zimmerman, who founded Unkle Fungus Mushrooms in 2020 to combat local food shortages during the pandemic, alongside his partner Samantha Snyder, from Unkle Fungus Mushrooms, have

Advertorial

co-created Morel Fest with David Hoover and Priyanka Malhotra, of Conscious Acre Farm, which focuses on regenerative agriculture and natural farming methods. Together, they bring a rich blend of passion, expertise and community spirit to the festival.

Cost ranges from $75 to $250. Location: 575 Hilltown Rd., Gettysburg. For tickets and more information, call 717-990-1274, email Daughtermycelia@gmail.com or visit ConsciousAcreFarm.com/morelfest. See ad, page 19.

Walk With a Woodsman Series

Sonnewald Natural Foods is collaborating with Chad Redding to host a monthly Walk with a Woodsman series in 2024. There is a shared belief that the benefits of living gently on the land, foraging for wild foods, treating land and all life with respect and grace transcend generations, communities and lifestyles. Scheduled dates are April 13, May 11, June 8, July 13, August 10 and September 14, with Wilderness Skills from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and a Foraging Walk from 11 a.m. to noon. Redding is the proprietor of Ruck Rabbit Outdoors, which supplies an assortment of crafted, curated, refurbished and surplus outdoor gear.

Monthly topics include Wild Teas—collecting, identification and brewing; Firecraft—firewood selection, processing, tool use and more; Sheltercraft—low-impact shelters for emergency and camping, tarp pitches and ridgeline concepts; Bundle Bow and Traps; Water Gathering—handling and filtration; and Camp Lighting.

Sonnewald is concerned about the health of the planet and the impact of food choices, constantly seeking to carry as many locally and regionally produced products as possible.

Admission is free. Location: 4796 Lehman Rd., Spring Grove. For more information, call 717-225-3825, email Info@Sonnewald. org or visit Sonnewald.org. See ad, page 9 and back cover.

Native Plant Sale

Nonprofit Wild Ones South Central PA will conduct a Native Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., May 4, in conjunction with Diakon Wilderness Greenhouse. President Jane Allis stresses the “importance of using native plants in our landscapes to protect biodiversity and reverse declines in bird, amphibian and insect populations.” Wild Ones members will be on hand to help select the right native plants for individual conditions, whether a sunny front yard, shady spot under some trees or pots on the patio.

Wild Ones is a national organization dedicated to education about and promotion of native plants in the landscape, as well as protection of native plants in natural areas. The South Central Pennsylvania chapter encompasses 11 counties dedicated to the motto, “Connecting people and native plants for a healthy planet.”

Admission is free. Location: 571 Mountain Rd., Boiling Springs. For more information, call 717-574-4990, email wildonesscpa@gmail.com or visit southcentralpa.wildones.org.

Kudos

Cristina L. Dunbar at Happie Soul Wellness has been nominated in Harrisburg’s Best 2024 competition in several categories: Best Place To Help You Lose Weight, Best Day Spa-West, Best Facials and Best Massage-West.

Dunbar provides massage therapy, esthetics, reiki, lymphatic drainage, weight loss and more. She earned a Bronze award at the American Massage Championship 2022 and secured a spot among the top four therapists globally in 2023.

Dunbar will also judge the Pennsylvania Massage Competition and attend the World Spa Wellness and Beauty Cosmetology Federation Championship Competition, in Singapore, followed by the United Massage Championship of America, in Tennessee.

Vote at HappieSoul.me beginning Apr. 15. Location: 5000 Lenker St., Ste. 103, Mechanicsburg For more information, call 717-254-7250 or email Admin@HappieSoul.me. See ad, page 15.

Chad Redding

Cristina L. Dunbar

County Declares Loneliness a Public Health Crisis

San Mateo County near San Francisco is the first county in the U.S. to declare loneliness a public health crisis. The resolution, which commits the county to address the issue but does not set aside funds to reduce loneliness, was inspired by the United Kingdom and Japan, which appointed ministers to tackle the problem. Future efforts by San Mateo County may include investments in infrastructure to make neighborhoods more accessible, social media posts that encourage social interaction, and the earmarking of community mental health dollars for organizations that develop or offer solutions.

Loneliness has been associated with increased risk of dementia, depression, anxiety, heart disease and stroke. A British study found that those that lived alone and had no visitors had a 39 percent increased risk of premature death compared to those visited by loved ones daily.

A Look at Single-Use Plastics Understanding the Challenges and Solutions

by Sheryl DeVore

We might be tempted to bring plastic forks to a picnic or succumb to the expediency of prepackaged chips for our kids’ lunches, but single-use plastics wreak havoc on the environment and human health. Although marketed as disposable, most of these fossil fuel-derived, non-biodegradable items are not being recycled, so they languish indefinitely in landfills or pollute our waterways in the form of microplastics. “Plastic pollution has been linked to everything from infertility and cancer in humans to severe injury and death in wildlife,” says Veena Singla, senior scientist for the National Resources Defense Council, in New York.

Plastic Use Is Rampant

Roughly 30 percent of garbage in the U.S. comes from single-use plastics,” says Shawn Flood, a partner and vice president of operations and customer care at SBC Waste Solutions, a waste collection company based in Broadview, Illinois.

Marketed for their inexpensive, lightweight, flexible and impermeable qualities, we have come to rely on plastic grocery bags, shrink wrapping, drink bottles, stickers, K-cups, straws, gloves, takeout containers and other throwaway products. According to the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency, approximately 380 billion plastic bags and wraps are used annually, which require 12 million barrels of oil to make.

Recycling Is Not Happening

Many plastic products that could be recycled are still getting tossed into the landfill. “The biggest problem is contamination,” Flood explains. “When someone puts a plastic milk jug into the recycling bin and there’s still milk inside of it, that ends up getting trashed. Those products become single-use plastics when consumers don’t do the correct job of washing recyclables.”

Banning Single-Use Plastics

Over the past few decades, countries including Costa Rica, France and Italy, as well as some U.S. states, have introduced laws that prohibit or tax single-use plastics. “They are banning single-use plastics in California,” Flood notes. “Everything is paper. Basically, you cannot find a plastic straw,” Flood notes.

Other states following the trend to ban certain plastics include Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New York, Oregon, New Jersey and Vermont. The U.S. Department of the Interior is phasing out single-use plastics on public lands, including national parks, by 2032. A Los Angeles County public works study reports that a ban on plastic bags in San Jose has led to reductions of plastic bags found in storm drains (89 percent), rivers (60 percent) and residential areas (59 percent).

Some states, however, have chosen to protect the continued use of these items. For example, Indiana passed a bill in 2016 prohibiting city and county officials from taxing or restricting the use of disposable plastic bags by certain retailers. Similar laws have been enacted or proposed in Wisconsin, Idaho, Florida and Arizona.

Beware of Greenwashing

New single-use products are continually being introduced that claim to be better for

McLittle Andranik Hakobyan / CanvaPro

the environment, but consumers need to be cautious of such promises, says Brandon Leeds, co-founder of SOFi Paper Products, based in Miami, Florida. “There’s a tremendous amount of greenwashing going on,” he explains. “They stamp the products as eco-friendly. For example, some agave straws are predominantly made with plastic and just mixed with agave.”

SOFi manufactures straws and drinking cups that are 100 percent paper, 100 percent plastic free and 100 percent compostable. They sell to 4,000 businesses in the U.S., including mom-and-pop coffee shops, highend restaurants, convenience stores and popular food chains. Leeds remarks, “Our company mission is to educate people.”

Choosing Better Options

Alternatives to plastic, such as cotton or paper bags, also have environmental

impacts, and the jury is out on whether single-use plastic bans can really improve the environment, according to Enhesa, a company that helps businesses with regulatory compliance.

A study commissioned by the American Recyclable Plastic Bag Alliance, a group that represents U.S. manufacturers and recyclers of plastic bags, found that New Jersey’s ban resulted in a 60 percent decline in bag volume. However, the study also found six times more woven and non-woven polypropylene plastic was used to produce reusable bags, which are not widely recycled. The non-woven bags consume 15 times more plastic, and their production generates five times the greenhouse gas emissions per bag than the thin plastic bags.

Flood says one solution may be “to go back to the early days when glass was used for

everything, and it could be used over and over.” Several states have created container deposit laws related to glass and plastic. In Oregon, for example, nearly every business that sells certain beverages in redeemable sealed containers is legally required to accept returned containers that can be recycled or reused.

The bottom line, Flood asserts, is that people n eed to move away from a throwaway mentality and stop using single-use plastics. “The consumer has the power to do anything,” he says. “When I go on vacation and I’m walking on the be ach, I’m picking up pieces of plastic everywhere.”

Sheryl DeVore is a frequent contributor to national and regional publications and has authored six books on science, health and nature. Learn more at SherylDeVore.wordpress.com.

Heal-Our-World Checklist

Our current systems and practices are depleting the Earth’s resources at an increasing rate well beyond its capacity to renew itself. According to the World Wildlife Fund, it takes a year-and-a-half to generate the resources we use in one year. That’s an unsustainable path for the planet’s future.

The world needs topsoil to grow 95 percent of its food, and yet the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimated in 2019 that 90 percent of the Earth’s topsoil is likely to be at risk by 2050.

Such statistics seem daunting, but if each of us reduces their individual ecological footprint, together we can make a difference. Here is an action checklist. Consult it often and complete one action at a time. Think of incremental change as hope.

Foods and Goods

■ Plant a produce garden for homegrown sustenance.

■ Build a compost bin in the yard.

■ Shop at local farms and farmers markets.

■ Join a community-supported agriculture group.

■ Eat a meatless meal at least once a week.

■ Recycle paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and metals.

■ Use reusable water bottles.

■ Shop with reusable bags.

■ Buy organic and regenerative organic foods.

■ Buy local, sustainably sourced and packaged products.

■ Choose products with less packaging to reduce waste.

Water

■ Take fewer and shorter showers.

■ Run the dishwasher only when it is full.

■ Fix leaks throughout the house.

■ Buy natural-fabric clothing; avoid synthetic garments.

■ Wash clothes in larger loads, on shorter cycles and in cold water; add a filter to absorb most microfibers.

■ Wash the car less often.

■ Avoid watering the lawn or power washing the home and walkways.

■ Set up a rain barrel to catch water for the garden.

■ Plant drought-tolerant plants.

Transportation

■ Walk, bike and take public transportation over driving.

■ Drive a small car; turn off the engine when idling more than 30 seconds.

■ Regularly service the car; change air filters, fill tires and maintain emission control systems.

■ Avoid short airplane trips; take a bus or train instead.

Energy Use and Toxins at Home

■ Choose energy-saving light bulbs and appliances.

■ Insulate walls, windows and ceilings.

■ Consider double-paned windows.

■ Keep thermostat low in winter and high in summer and strategically open windows.

■ Unplug electronics when not in use.

■ Hang-dry clothes.

■ Choose sustainably produced, nontoxic furniture.

■ Use biodegradable, nontoxic cleaning products.

Learn More About:

• Earth Overshoot Day, when humanity exhausts nature’s budget for the year, and how to #MoveTheDate at EarthOvershootDay.org.

• The personal footprint calculator at FootprintCalculator.org.

• Rodale Institute’s organic-growing resources at RodaleInstitute.org.

Pixelshot

Connecting to Sentient Earth

by Marlaina Donato

Each April, Mother Nature spills blossoms from her apron as songbirds trill the songs of their ancestors and prepare for the next generation. Contrary to widespread human assumption, many animal species grieve, express empathy and form bonds that still elude our complete understanding. Trees communicate through complex root systems. Plants respond to environmental and emotional stimuli. Wolves howl their soul-song, and

David Fuentes Prieto / Shutterstock.com

define this life force, but perhaps 12th-century abbess and visionary Hildegard von Bingen came closest when she coined the word veriditas to denote “the greening power of nature”. Whether we see this innate energy as simple photosynthesis or handiwork of a higher power, sentient Earth is our all-providing, intelligent resource from cradle to grave.

Many of us can remember a moment in childhood when nature startled our consciousness, be it in a drop of pond water under a microscope or in the shocking power of a summer thunderstorm. We ran barefoot over her grassy lap, made wishes on stars and boggled our minds trying to grasp the concept of light years. This intimate relationship with the planet and her cosmic connections may dwindle in adulthood, but something deep within our souls—if we are honest with ourselves—longs to reunite with anima, Earth’s ever-present, pervasive energy.

particles of desert sand emit bell-like frequencies if the wind’s provocation is just right. Our planet is alive on levels beyond our senses or scientific instruments.

To the ancient Greeks, Gaia (also known as Gaea) was a living being separate from the gods that ruled the Earth—a primordial, maternal entity from which all life springs. Through the centuries, luminaries such as Plato or 1970s scientist James Lovelock have endeavored to

Earth Day is an invitation to sync our hearts to Gaia’s force, feel the holy purpose of roots beneath our footsteps and witness her sanctity by planting a simple container garden or inhaling her breath of spring deeply into our lungs, exhaling gratitude.

Marlaina Donato is an author, multimedia expressionist and a cultivator of wild wellbeing. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.

Sustainable Travel

Wanderlust With the Earth in Mind

by Sara Kaplan

Whether travel is enjoyed for much-needed relaxation, cultural immersion or the opportunity to volunteer in an eco-program spotlighting permaculture or farming, journeying to places far and near greatly enriches our human experience. During these environmentally critical times, our travels may carry a hefty price tag that the planet can no longer afford. This does not mean we need to sacrifice adventure. Every traveler can make a difference not only for the Earth but for the local communities they visit.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, 8.1 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to travel and tourism. Being in the know and taking more responsibility for our environmental impact can be easier than

Reiser reminds travelers, “You may be in your destination for only a week, but the people who live there year-round feel the impacts of visitors every day, for better or worse.” By respecting local traditions and engaging locals in a respectful and inclusive manner, tourists can contribute positively to the cultural integrity of the communities they visit.

Greener Horizons

/ CanvaPro

commonly assumed, all the while inviting unexpected enjoyment.

Amanda Reiser, a global sustainable tourism specialist based in Pennsylvania, encourages her clients to consider the three pillars of sustainable tourism: environment, economy and equity. “We all can play a part in fostering sustainable tourism and creating a more sustainable world," she explains, noting that a green-minded approach benefits not only the traveler but also the destination. "Ask yourself: Does my participation in this activity create a negative impact on the natural environment? Are there any actions to help reduce my environmental impact?"

A traveler’s footprint extends to the socio-cultural fabric of the destination, too.

Instead of hitting all the trendy, transportation-reliant sights, opt to slow down and stay in one place for a longer period. This not only invites a richer, deeper experience but minimizes the need to hop onto another plane or bus. To support the local economy of a desired destination, buy locally produced items and book small, private hotels and inns, rather than international chains. Dining at locally owned eateries supports small business while giving travelers higher-quality fare and a more authentic cultural experience.

When planning a trip, contemplate the many treasures of domestic travel or choose a location that is not drowning in overtourism. The influx of tourists can significantly strain fragile ecosystems, deplete resources and disrupt the lives of local communities. Consider destinations that can be crossed via boat, train or bus, such as the New York-Montreal border or clusters of countries in Europe or Southeast Asia.

Packing With Purpose

Making small choices even when packing a suitcase goes a long way. Bring eco-friendly sunscreen and opt for brands that avoid chemicals harmful to coral reefs and tropical environments. Pack a cloth tote bag for daily excursions and a reusable water bottle to avoid single-use plastics. Remember that by using plastic containers more than once, we reduce the amount of waste that is released over time. Try not to overpack— bring only the most necessary items, preferably those that can be recycled, reused and disposed of properly.

Dmitry Pichugin

Sojourning With Savvy

To avoid getaway glitches, become acquainted with local laws and regulations. When planning a fishing excursion, for example, identify the legally designated fishing spots and avoid harming endangered species, which are heavily protected under national and international regulations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) offers an interactive map to show where legal fishing areas are by state (fws.gov/fishing/ map). Historical resources should also be taken into consideration. For instance, the Florida Keys require special permits for cultural, maritime, heritage and archeological explorations, including snorkeling expeditions of ancient shipwrecks and other unique, underwater sites.

It is always best to ask whether a destination is a naturally protected sanctuary or requires special permits. The FSW is a good reference site for information on activities in national wildlife refuges and the endangered animals that live there. To enjoy these areas to their fullest, make sure to find a knowledgeable local tour guide that understands the laws of the land.

Traveling consciously involves personal responsibility toward the environment through individual actions. “You can make a difference,” says David Knight, a professor of tourism management at Colorado State University. “Regenerative travel is not just leaving things the way you found them. It’s a matter of giving more than you take.”

Don’t Be Greenwashed

Greenwashing is a corrupt practice by companies that claim to support conscious tourism but fail to live up to their claims. Vetting businesses when planning a trip means delving into third-party research and reports to check the fine print. Before booking, make sure the ecolodge or eco-touring company being considered has a legitimate certification on their website. The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) sets global standards and provides accreditations for destination managers,

hotels and tour operators. There are also certifying groups in specific locations, such as the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii, and others that are accredited by the GSTC, like Preferred by Nature.

For tourism operations that have not been certified, the onus is on the traveler. “Check with the local chambers of commerce. They should know who is working toward sustainability and can direct you to those aligned with what you are looking for,” says Claudia Gil Arroyo, an agricultural agent for the Rutgers University Cooperative Extension, in New Jersey. “If a tour operator or destination does not have a clear goal on how they’re contributing to the environment, it is unlikely that they are actually green.”

For tourism to be truly sustainable, it must also be economically viable for local communities. Economic sustainability ensures that tourism dollars benefit the local economy, creating fair wages, local sourcing and community empowerment, and allowing communities to thrive while preserving their cultural heritage. When traveling, support local, eco-friendly businesses that provide sustainable products.

A good example is agritourism—a vacation stay at a participating local farm—which can provide exciting, hands-on learning experiences. “Get out there. Look for your local growers and check out the services and activities they offer,” says Gil Arroyo. “People have this idea that agritourism is just picking your pumpkins and that’s it, and there’s so much more that can be done at a farm.”

Eco-Friendly North American Parks

North America is home to many national parks—63 in the United States and 48 in Canada. Here are five exceptional examples that provide a sustainable, eco-friendly vacation experience.

Yellowstone National Park is known for its geothermal features, including the

famous Old Faithful geyser. It also has a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves and herds of bison. This U.S. park has implemented sustainable practices such as renewable energy installations, waste management programs and educational initiatives to promote conservation.

Great Bear Rainforest is a temperate locale on the central and northern coasts of British Columbia, Canada. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including the rare Kermode bear, also known as the spirit bear. The park works closely with First Nations communities, implementing conservation measures to protect biodiversity and support eco-conscious businesses.

Everglades National Park is a unique wetland ecosystem in Florida known as the “River of Grass”. It provides habitat for numerous endangered species, such as the Florida panther and the West Indian manatee. The park employs restoration efforts to preserve the natural water flow and conserve wildlife, with plenty of opportunities for eco-friendly recreational activities like kayaking and hiking.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is located on the northern tip of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. It offers breathtaking coastal views, rugged cliffs and stunning hiking trails. The park implements waste reduction, energy conservation, ecological restoration and educational programs to promote environmental stewardship.

Redwood National and State Parks, in California, are home to the tallest trees on Earth, the majestic coast redwoods. Sustainable eco-practices include trail maintenance and restoration, wildlife protection, interpretation programs to educate visitors about the delicate ecosystem, and conservation efforts to combat climate change and preserve redwood habitat.

Sara Kaplan is an environmentally conscious freelance writer and eco-traveler from Fort Collins, CO.

Bittinger Opens Moringa Sagrada Wellness Retreat in Ecuador

by Sheila Julson

Nancy Bittinger, a licensed massage therapist of 30 years and owner of Carlisle Bowen Works, in Mechanicsburg, since 2012, has helped myriad people regain their mobility and wellness using a combination of bodywork therapies and energy work. Because she knows there is even more she can do on emotional and subconscious levels to help clients overcome the causes of their physical pain, she has purchased property in Ecuador to establish Moringa Sagrada, a multifaceted wellness center and retreat to help people heal and discover more about their true selves.

Carlisle Bowen Works will remain open to serve local residents after Bittinger moves to Ecuador on April 29 with specialized bodywork services. Her team in Pennsylvania will continue to offer BowenWork, craniosacral therapy, therapeutic massage, integrative manual therapy and relaxation techniques such as qigong, hypnotherapy and PSYCH-K. She will stay involved with the center, returning occasionally to visit and work.

The Bowen Method, developed in the 1950s in Australia by the late Thomas A. Bowen, blends osteopathic principles with acupuncture, acupressure and craniosacral therapies to get to the root causes of aches and pain. “With Bowen therapy, we’re looking for patterns of tension that happen in the body,” Bittinger explains. “With shoulder pain, often the shoulder is actually fine—something else in the body is creating the tension and causing pain in the shoulder. I’m looking for the causes of the symptoms.”

She notes that other therapies focus on individual parts of the body such as the neck or shoulder, sharing, “The body doesn’t work that way. It’s almost impossible for pain to occur in the hip, for example, without the rest of the body trying to compensate for it.”

Moringa Sagrada Wellness Retreat

The move to Ecuador allows Bittinger to satisfy a longtime desire to take her wellness services to the next level without the time constraints of an appointment-based business model. The Moringa Sagrada retreat, located in the town of Sinchal, six miles from the coast, occupies properties on a 12-acre organic fruit farm with 400 moringa trees. The lush, tropical landscape features hammocks where guests can relax to the sound of singing birds.

“I want people to come to a place where they can eat real food, inhale fresh air and be active in beautiful, natural surroundings,” Bittinger explains. She will lead personal retreats for those that need to get away from it all and focus on healing some aspect of their lives. Guests may stay for as long as they need.

Bittinger is also assembling a team of wellness practitioners to offer services at Moringa Sagrada that include hypnotherapy and various types of energetic healing. As a member of the Blue Lotus Buddhist Temple board of directors, Bittinger will host Buddhist retreats, as well as group retreats focused on meditation techniques or targeted toward specific populations such as those in recovery. Other educational retreats will host homeschool families and youth groups, or focus on organic farming and Ecuadorian culture.

In addition, Moringa Sagrada can be used as a hostel or Airbnb. She says, “There are different levels of stay, and all will include breakfast, lunch and dinner. We will also work with volunteer programs such as Workaway (Workaway.info), which is an inexpensive way for people to travel. Volunteers stay for free in exchange for four hours of work each day. All meals are included. My goal is to help people find themselves and discover who they were meant to be before life and traumas happened.”

U.S. location: 616 W. Main St., Mechanicsburg. For more information, call 717-3868279, email nbittinger@comcast.net or visit carlislebowenworkpa.com. Those interested in learning more about retreat options can visit MoringaSagrada.com and sign up for the newsletter, which features updates and ways to get involved. See listing, page 35.

From Organic to Grass-Fed to Regenerative Finding the Best Farming Practices

by Sara English

Embarking on a journey toward healthier eating often begins with a quest for a better understanding of food-labeling and food-sourcing options. For those taking their first steps into the world of healthy eating and sustainable agriculture, terms like grass-fed, organic and regenerative can be both intriguing and perplexing. Understanding these distinctions empowers consumers to make choices aligned with their values and priorities when selecting food products.

Conventional Farming

“Conventional farming practices involve very heavy equipment, heavy tillage and a lot of inputs—chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides,” says Elizabeth Whitlow, the executive director of the Regenerative Organic Alliance. “Despite its high outputs, conventional farming does not necessarily guarantee nutritious, healthy crops.”

A majority of our meat originates from animal feeding operations (AFOs), where animals are commonly raised in confinement and fed genetically modified grains, as opposed to grazing or foraging in pastures or rangelands. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency, “Manure and wastewater from [AFOs] have the potential to contribute pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus, organic matter, sediments, pathogens, hormones and antibiotics to the environment.”

Grass-Fed Beef

Grass-fed farming focuses on feeding livestock grass rather than grains and, in some cases, allowing them to forage for their food, which is considered more humane than AFOs. Rotational grazing, common in grass-fed farming, contributes to environmental sustainability by promoting soil fertility and biodiversity.

According to a 2019 review published in Nutrition Journal that compared the nutritional profiles of grass-fed and grain-fed beef, scientists from the California State University College of Agriculture noted that grass-fed beef tends to be lower in overall fat and higher in several heart-healthy fatty acids and antioxidants, including omega-3s, conjugated linoleic acid, precursors for vitamins A and E, and glutathione. The authors also note, “To maximize the favorable lipid profile and to guarantee the elevated antioxidant content, animals should be finished [fed before slaughter] in 100 percent grass or pasture-based diets.”

While there is no federal standard for a grass-fed label, third-party certifiers that may lend a level of reliability include the American Grassfed Association and A Greener World. Look for 100 percent grassfed and grass-finished certification, and remember that a grass-fed label doesn’t automatically mean that the product is organic or regenerative organic.

USDA Organic Certification

Established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1990, the USDA Organic certification and farming practices focus on soil health, biodiversity and natural methods of pest and weed control, rather than using synthetic inputs like chemical fertilizers, pesticides and

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herbicides, or genetically modified organisms. According to the USDA, 17,445 certified organic farms operated a total of 4.9 million acres in 2021, amounting to less than 1 percent of U.S. farmland. From 2019 to 2021, sales of organic crops increased 5 percent to $6.1 billion.

A 2019 study published in the journal Environmental Research reported that an organic diet may reduce exposure to a range of pesticides in children and adults. A 2024 review of studies published in the journal Food noted that certain health benefits have been associated with a higher consumption of organic foods, including a reduction in obesity, improvements in blood nutrient composition and a reduction in the development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and colorectal cancers. Rodale Institute’s Vegetable Systems Trial, a long-term, side-by-side comparison of conventional and organic methods, is designed to analyze nutrient density and explore the links between soil health and human health.

Regenerative Farming

In addition to adhering to the core principles of organic farming, regenerative agriculture sets out to actively rejuvenate and improve ecosystems, nurture soil health, foster biodiversity and promote water retention, with the added benefit of sequestering environmental carbon by returning it to the soil. According to Kegan Hilaire, a small-farms consultant for Rodale Institute, this type of farming prioritizes human health, farmworker conditions, animal welfare and animal integration into farming methods. Farms and products that bear the Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC) label “meet the highest standards in soil health, animal welfare and social fairness,” Whitlow explains. As of 2023, 156 farms and about 1.1 million acres have received this certification, which is overseen by the Regenerative Organic Alliance, a nonprofit group of experts in farming, ranching, soil health, animal welfare, and farmer and worker fairness.

Voting With Our Pocketbooks

Hilaire points out that only about 1 percent of the U.S. population are farmers, fewer are certified organic or regenerative, and many small farms employ these methods without getting the official paperwork. “The best certification is meeting your farmer and deciding if you trust where your food is coming from,” he suggests.

Grass-fed, organic and regenerative organic foods each offer unique benefits, from improved nutrition to environmental sustainability. Every purchase becomes a vote for the kind of world we want to live in. By selecting products aligned with our values, we can collectively drive positive change in the food system and shape a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Sara English is the owner of Wild Roots Farm Marketing, a digital marketing firm for regenerative farmers and ranchers. Connect at WildRootsFarmMarketing.com.

Organic Chicken Bone Broth

This easy, slow-cooker recipe fills the home with delightful aromas while providing a nutrient-dense broth. Using organic chicken supports farming practices that prioritize animal welfare and environmental sustainability.

YIELD: 8 SERVINGS

1-2 lbs organic whole chicken bones (leftovers from a whole chicken roast is perfect)

1 onion, roughly chopped

3 carrots, roughly chopped

3 celery stalks, roughly chopped

6 cloves garlic, smashed

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

2 tsp black peppercorns

1 tsp salt

Optional: fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for extra flavor

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Place the chicken bones in a large six-quart slow cooker. Add the vegetables, herbs (if using), garlic, apple cider vinegar, black peppercorns and salt on top of the bones

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and mix to combine. Fill the slow cooker with filtered water until the ingredients are submerged. Cover with the lid and set to low heat for 12 hours.

Once done cooking, let it cool for about 45 minutes before straining through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl. Discard the solids. The liquid should be thick and gelatinous. Once cooled, transfer to jars or other containers, labeled with the date and contents, and store in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat before serving.

Recipe courtesy of Sara English.

Exploring Beyond the Classroom

Nurturing Healthy Minds Through Travel

by Megy Karydes

When Desiree Miller and her daughter visited Rome, they met a couple from Ukraine celebrating their honeymoon. There was talk of a possible war, so they chatted about what that might mean for the newlyweds. Later that day, her daughter asked their Italian driver his thoughts about the impending conflict in Ukraine with Russia, and he said he didn’t like it because it was going to raise gas prices.

“Traveling feels like it shrinks the world,” says Miller, an Atlanta-based travel writer, vlogger, digital streaming producer, co-host of the “Time to Talk Travel” podcast and mother of four. “So many children these days only know what’s in their backyard or their general neighborhood or community, the school they go to, and that’s the extent of their communication with other people. But when I take my daughter to other countries, she gets to experience people from those countries and beyond.”

According to the 2023 U.S. Family Travel Survey released by the Family Travel Association, 80 percent of the respondents indicated that travel helps children see the world from a broader perspective, and 67 percent said their children have become more interested in other cultures because of their travel experiences.

Nasreen Stump agrees that travel expands a child’s worldview. “I want my kids to be curious, because curiosity leads to lifelong learning,” says the mother of four, a content creator and co-host of the “Time to Talk Travel” podcast. “When you’re in different places, and you see something that’s different, you think, ‘Oh, what’s that?’ and want to learn more about it. It’s the same with similarities.”

Managing Expenses

Families need not break the bank to enjoy meaningful experiences away from home. Here are a few money-saving travel ideas suggested by Stump and Miller.

• Take shorter trips. As they’ve grown older, each of Stump’s children have developed different interests, so instead of traveling as a family all the time, she takes each of them on one-on-one trips based on their interests. When the family does come together for an excursion, a day trip or weekend getaway is a more affordable option.

• Hop on the internet. Miller’s youngest daughter, now 18 years old, loves using TikTok as a jumping-off point to research travel destinations, local restaurants, activities and events. Other kids rely on YouTube to get ideas or travel virtually.

• Enjoy a staycation. For families that can’t afford multiple plane tickets, closer-tohome experiences offer fun learning opportunities such as attending a multicultural fair to watch live performances or trying a new cuisine at a nearby restaurant or in a cooking class.

• Take advantage of free or discounted deals. Some libraries offer free passes to museums for library card holders. National parks have free entrance days throughout the year. Check nps.gov for upcoming dates. Flights and hotels are often discounted during the shoulder season—the period between a region’s peak

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season and offseason. Some credit cards allow members to use their reward points for travel-related discounts.

Preparing for Travel

• Research destinations. Bookmark areas of interest on a Google map or add them to a Pinterest board. Read books, magazine articles and travel blogs about different locales.

• Sample the cuisine. Much can be learned about a culture through food. Experiment with new ingredients by visiting specialized grocery stores that cater to different cultures, or join a snack subscription with selections from around the world.

• Learn a new language. Check out apps like Duolingo, Babbel and Rosetta Stone.

Traveling Is Empowering

Life is full of challenges, and traveling, especially to foreign ports, can test anyone’s patience. Some of Miller’s children don’t love to travel because of flight delays or other unexpected mishaps. Her youngest is more adaptable. According to Miller, dealing with adversity is part of life, and travel is a great teacher.

Traveling allows kids to get out of their comfort zones, and for many, that sense of adventure is powerful. Whether exploring historical

landmarks, taking part in hiking excursions, trying new foods, hearing different languages and dialects, or meeting new people, family travel can help children feel more comfortable, less isolated and see the world in a new light.

Making Memories

Children love to collect souvenirs on their travels as a way to remember their experiences. Miller and her daughter usually buy a piece of jewelry because it is small and doesn’t take up any suitcase space. Stump’s family likes to take lots of photographs and bring home candy from the culture. Rocks or shells, if permitted, also make wonderful keepsakes.

Memories go beyond objects. Multi-generational travel allows children to see their grandparents from a fresh perspective. Kids will remember travel experiences long after they return home. “Travel gives you a real appreciation of the world beyond what you see every day,” Miller says, adding that her daughter has befriended other travelers with whom she still stays in contact.

Megy Karydes is a Chicago-based writer and author of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress: Scientifically Proven Ways to Relieve Anxiety and Boost Your Mental Health Using Your Five Senses.

Relief for Parkinson’s Patients

How Traditional and Complementary Interventions Can Help

by Madiha Saeed, M.D.

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, more than 10 million people worldwide and nearly 1 million Americans are living with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Every year, nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with this ailment, which causes the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Symptoms that develop slowly over years include tremors; stiff muscles; a slow, shuffling gait; and difficulties with movement and speech.

There is no cure for PD, and by the time a patient is diagnosed, they may have already lost 60 to 80 percent of their dopamine-producing cells. According to Kenneth Sharlin, a board-certified neurologist and certified functional medicine doctor, the first line of defense for PD is levodopa (L-Dopa), a pharmaceutical that is converted to dopamine in the body. “Unfortunately, natural strategies don’t get a lot of research, so no supplement has been shown to effectively treat the disease,” he asserts. “Mucuna pruriens, a tropical legume that grows in Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands, naturally contains levodopa, but studies have shown it to be unreliable.”

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in controlling memory, mood, sleep, learning, concentration and movement. “If the car doesn’t have gas, then you can’t drive it,” explains Sharlin. Once a patient is taking levodopa to bring dopamine levels up, complementary strategies can be employed to help manage PD symptoms by as much as 73 percent, according to a panel of doctors

participating in The Parkinson’s Solutions Summit. Exercise, sleep and even intimacy with a partner can all be managed well once the car has “gas” to drive it.

Exercise

According to Sharlin, the number one strategy for PD patients to maintain their motor function is exercise such as bicycling, chair yoga, movement classes in warm water pools, Pilates and dance. A meta-analysis published in Gerontology and Geriatrics analyzed 15 randomized controlled trials involving 498 participants in several countries to investigate the health impacts of self-directed physical activity (SDPA) on patients with early and mid-stage PD. The

study examined the effects of moderate-intensity exercises, including aerobics, dance, strength training, flexibility exercises and Nordic walking. The researchers found that the SDPA significantly enhanced gait function, balance, mobility, function and postural control.

Gut Health

Monitoring gut function is very important for patients with PD, as constipation is very common,” states Trupti Gokani, a board-certified neurologist, health and mindset coach, and Ayurvedic expert. Improving gut function with the help of key nutrients from vegetables, fruits, clean protein, nuts and seeds, olive oil, herbs and spices has been shown to

slow the progression of the disease. It is best to choose organic when possible, as that will decrease the exposure to brain-toxic chemicals. A gluten-free diet has also been found to improve PD symptoms.

Sharlin recommends an antioxidant-rich diet packed with polyphenols, along with green tea that contains catechins called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a natural antioxidant with neuroprotective properties.

Stress Reduction

Anxiety linked to PD can worsen the symptoms,” Gokani points out. Chronic stress is a risk factor for PD, because it elevates the hormone cortisol, which can interfere with neuronal plasticity and damage dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.

Incorporating deep breathing, meditation and other relaxation techniques is integral to improving the patient’s quality of life. According to Sharlin, “Mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques to self-regulate have a positive impact in regulating Parkinsonism.”

New Test to Confirm Diagnosis

When a patient comes to his office exhibiting PD symptoms, Sharlin now has a new way to confirm a PD diagnosis by taking a small tissue sample and sending it to the lab to look for a neural protein called alpha synuclein, which is associated with PD. In a 2023 National Institutes of Health study involving 428 people with PD and 120 control volunteers, this skin biopsy was found to be very accurate, with 92.7 percent sensitivity.

Deep Brain Stimulation

According to Sharlin, deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a well-researched and well-developed treatment for PD. The surgical therapy involves implanting electrodes within areas of the brain to interrupt irregular signals that cause movement-related symptoms. A 2019 retrospective study of 400 patients that

underwent DBS implantation found that 75 percent of the participants felt the procedure provided symptom control.

Focused ultrasound is another PD tool, using ultrasound beams to destroy areas in the brain cells that are causing movement problems. This procedure is permanent and can be done on only one side of the brain, so it helps symptoms on only one side of the body. Treatment to both sides could cause

speech, swallowing or memory problems. Sharlin notes that the results from focused ultrasound are no better than DBS and involve more intense intervention. Also, not all Parkinson’s patients are good candidates for this procedure.

Madiha Saeed is a holistic, functional and integrative doctor in Naperville, IL, and director of education for Documenting Hope and KnoWEwell.

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Taking Pets on Family Trips

Holistic Tips for Stress-Free Traveling

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

Pets are part of our family, and ensuring their comfort during travel speaks volumes about our bond with them. Travel, whether by car, train or plane, can significantly affect pets, leading to symptoms of anxiety such as excessive barking, whining, pacing and, in some cases, aggression or withdrawal. To address a pet’s anxiety, it is critical to understand their perspective. Travel disrupts their feeling of safety. Mitigating this disturbance with natural and comforting interventions ensures that such journeys can evolve into harmonious and enriching adventures.

Holistic Remedies and Techniques

Holistic veterinary medicine offers a range of solutions that address travel-induced anxiety in pets. By focusing on natural remedies that promote calmness, we can avoid the side effects often associated with pharmaceuticals.

• Hemp Oil: Anecdotal reports from dog owners suggest that cannabidiol (CBD), which is abundantly found in hemp oil, can significantly aid in managing anxiety. These observations are supported by a study conducted at the Cornell University College of

Veterinary Medicine in which 83 percent of participating dogs demonstrated a decrease in stress or anxiety-related behaviors after consuming CBD chews prior to a stressful event.

• Herbal Supplements: Herbs like chamomile, valerian root and passionflower have been used for centuries to relieve anxiety in humans, and are equally as effective in pets. They can be administered in the form of treats or capsules. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) have been reported to enhance relaxation behaviors such as resting and sleeping, and to diminish dog barking in rescue shelters.

• Aromatherapy: When diffused in a pet’s travel space, essential oils such as lavender and frankincense can create a serene environment and significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Choose therapeutic-grade oils and verify with a veterinarian that they are safe for pets, as certain essential oils can be harmful to our furry friends.

• Acupressure: By applying pressure to specific points on a pet’s body, we can

help release tension and encourage a calm state. It is especially useful for pets that are less amenable to oral supplements, offering a noninvasive path to relaxation. Pet owners can be trained in this modality by a veterinarian or acupressure therapist that specializes in treating pets.

Managing Travel Anxiety

Dr. Mary Burch, a certified applied animal behaviorist, emphasizes the value of taking preparatory steps as early as possible before the family embarks on a journey. Introducing a dog to the car well before a trip, for example, can significantly help make them more comfortable. This method involves gradually acclimating the pooch to the vehicle in a series of steps—from simply spending time in a parked car to taking short drives. Such preparatory measures allow pets to become familiar with the environment of a vehicle, associating it with positive experiences and rewards, thereby easing their anxiety and making travel a more enjoyable experience for all.

Practical Tips for Pet Owners

• Start early. Gradually acclimate a pet to both their travel carrier and intended mode of transportation.

• Maintain a routine. As much as possible, stick to the pet’s regular feeding and exercise schedule to provide a sense of normalcy.

• Stay calm. Pets often pick up on their owner’s emotions; maintaining a calm demeanor can help reassure them.

• Consult a holistic veterinarian: Before introducing any new supplement or remedy, consult with a professional to ensure it is appropriate for a pet’s health status and needs.

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

Calendar of Events

Friday, April 5

Energetic Resilience: Empowering Healers with Medical Qigong – 6:30-8:30pm. Workshop empowers energy workers to balance their energy systems guided by the principles of Medical Qigong. Learn purging techniques, identify imbalances, and personalize a daily self-care practice using breathwork, color and sound. $47. Firefly Hollow Wellness Center, 200 Farm Ln, York. 717-814-9136. FireflyHollowWellness.com.

Saturday, April 6

Save The Date

Saturday,

April 6

Foot Reflexology Basic Certification – 9am. Foot Reflexology will teach you the basics of the body and how to assist the healing process of any aliment through this ancient art of working the feet. NCBTMB provider #155. 10 CEUs. Call or check website more details. $325/course; $50/certification. Health Quest Holistics, 1517 N 7th St, Lebanon. 717-228-0612. Healthquest4life.com.

Sunday, April 7

Magical Adventure with Gaia, Morgan La Fey and Bridget – 2-5pm. With Joy Regina Melchezidek. Wisdoms, mysteries, stories… plus answer your questions. Learn ways to invite magic into your life and how to use it and much more. $50. Gracefull Heart, 1953 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle. Pre-register: 717-240-0400 or Info@Gracefull-Heart.com. Gracefull-Heart.com.

Thursday, April 11

Alcohol Inks – 5-6pm. Learn the basics of working with Alcohol Inks and create something unique. $20. The Center of Balance

LLC, 25 N Jefferson St, Greencastle. 717-6431404. TheCenterOfBalanceLLC.com.

Sunday, April 14

Reiki III Master Training – 10am-5pm. With Sharon Askey. Fully commit to working with reiki energy and to working on yourself. Learn to teach all levels and pass attunements. Prerequisites: Reiki I and Reiki II Training. $333. Gracefull Heart, 1953 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle. Pre-register: 717240-0400 or Info@Gracefull-Heart.com. Gracefull-Heart.com.

Aura Photos – 1-6pm. Get your aura photo taken and an explanation of your energy from Tammy. $40. Crystal Cove Collective, 2208 Gettysburg Rd, Camp Hill. 717-7312830. CrystalCovePA.com.

Thursday, April 18

Shamanic Journey and Sound Healing

Around the Stargate – 7-9pm. With Linda Gareh-Applegate, Holly Blyler, Sharon Askey. Relax, rejuvenate and rebalance with potent sound healing. Sound can provide an opportunity to breakdown patterns no longer serving you. $20. Gracefull Heart, 1953 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle. Pre-register: 717-240-0400 or Info@Gracefull-Heart.com. Gracefull-Heart.com.

Friday, April 19

Shamanic Journey for Healing and Clarity – 6-7:15pm. Connect with your Animal Guides and Spirit Helpers in this guided meditative journey to receive healing and gain clarity. No previous experience needed. Must preregister. $20. Reweaving Balance, 5A Harrisburg Pk, Dillsburg. 717-4867823. MellaLunaHealing.simpletix.com.

Saturday, April 20

Save the Date

Saturday, April 20

Mechanicsburg Earth Day Festival

– 9am-3pm. Family- and pet-friendly event to promote healthy, organic and sustainable living in Central PA. Vendors, farm fresh foods, live music and community organizations all in one locale. Free. Main and Market St, Downtown Mechanicsburg. 717-697-5111. MechEarthDayFest.com.

Awareness Sketching – 9:30-10:30am. Learn some basic sketching techniques and gain awareness of yourself. $10. The Center of Balance LLC, 25 N Jefferson St, Greencastle. 717-643-1404. TheCenterOfBalanceLLC.com.

Refillism’s 2nd Birthday Celebration – Apr 20-21. 10am-7pm, Sat; 10am-4pm, Sun. Come see new eco-products. Enjoy in-store discounts. Get free product samples with purchase. Enter to win free eco-prizes and enjoy snacks while you shop. Come refill and celebrate with us. Refillism, 38 S Beaver St, York. 717-5802682. Refillism.com.

Hippie Festival – 10:30am-6:30pm. Sales in store plus Tiny’s Tie Dye Class, 1-2:30pm, $40. Glassblowing Class with Alex, 12:302:30, 3-5pm, $50. Please call to pre-register for classes. Free. Crystal Cove Collective, 2208 Gettysburg Rd, Camp Hill. 717-7312830. CrystalCovePA.com.

How to Energetically Clear a Space –1-3pm. Learn how to clear negative energy from a space using smoke, sound, crystals and more. This is a great way to improve the energy of your home, workplace or play space. $36. Firefly Hollow Wellness Center, 200 Farm Ln, York. 717-814-9136. FireflyHollowWellness.com.

Sunday, April 21

Developing Your Personal Intuition: Level 1 – 10am-5pm. Curious about your hunches, vivid dreams and intuition? This all-day class by William Stillman helps you explore your psychic potential through meditation and guided practice, aiming to awaken your innate abilities. $200. Firefly Hollow Wellness Center, 200 Farm Ln, York. 717814-9136. FireflyHollowWellness.com.

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Find additional articles and videos online at NaturalCentralPA.com Go to the Home page and click on the “In This Issue” image in the top carousel or in the right column.

Talk With the Animals

Earth Day Festival in Mechanicsburg

The Downtown Mechanicsburg Partnership presents the Mechanicsburg Earth Day Festival on April 20 in the historic downtown district, with a focus on natural, organic, healthy living for all ages.

Wellness Travel

Farm Vacations

Farm stays offer a variety of activities that connect agriculture with tourism, allowing guests to immerse themselves in farm life.

Fit Body

Local animal

Dawn Tule, owner of Mella Luna

, believes that everyone can connect and communicate with all animals. Discover the key principle she uses to prepare for each animal connection and learn how to develop your skill.

Health Brief

Treating Anxiety With Mindfulness

Results of a randomized clinical trial find that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can be as effective as common anxiety medication, with less adverse effects.

Change Makers

Ashley Walsh

The founder of Pocono Organics in Blakeslee, PA shares her journey from a personal health crisis to organic foods and responsible farming practices. Here is her remarkable story of triumph over adversity, an inspiration to others for lifelong well-being.

Conditioning for Hikes and Backpacking

Hiking is a great way to stay in shape and enjoy the beauties of nature. Find out how to prepare your body the right way and how to effectively plan ahead for your hiking adventures.

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE!

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR OWN HEALTH WITH AN AT-HOME TEST.

Convenient, confidential and accurate health testing for women and men with online results in a matter of days. Catered with you in mind, LetsGetChecked wellness tests include fertility & hormone, thyroid, cancer screening, general wellness, sexual health and more.

Making Connections: A Special Psychic Gallery Event – 1-3pm. Psychometrist, Melissa Colucci, will be offering readings to participants, connecting to Loved Ones in Spirit, and relaying sentiments and messages. $40. ReWeaving Balance, 5A Harrisburg Pk, Dillsburg. 717-943-4833. ReWeavingBalance.Earth.

Free Akashic Records Meditation –4-6pm. Terry speaks through Spirit while retrieving information that can guide and open awareness to your personal journey ahead. A meditation to the Library of Akashic Records where one can access their past, present and future information. Bring your questions. Carlisle Creative Vibes, 152 N Hanover St, Carlisle. 223-2690519. CarlisleCreativeVibes.com.

Monday, April 22

Earth Day at Refillism – 10am-7pm. Get a free Litter Clean Up Kit (while supplies last). Enjoy in-store and online discounts while shopping sustainably. Join us in preserving our planet. Refillism, 38 S Beaver St, York. 717-580-2682. Refillism.com.

Wednesday, April 24

Come and Play with the Love Dragons – 7-9pm. With Linda Gareh-Applegate. Experience the power and wisdom of the Seven Sacred Dragons of Creation. Meet your personal Guardian Dragon in meditation. Fun, empowering and healing evening. $20. Gracefull Heart, 1953 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle. Pre-register: 717-2400400 or Info@Gracefull-Heart.com. Gracefull-Heart.com.

Saturday, April 27

Morel Fest at Conscious Acre Farm –12pm, Apr 27-5pm, Apr 28. A weekend of family-friendly mushroom and environmental education, live music, wellness classes, workshops and more. Overnight camping included with ticket purchase. VIP tickets include an exquisite morel mushroom dinner and brunch. Day tickets available; children 15 and under free. $75-$250. Conscious Acre Farm, 575 Hilltown Rd, Gettysburg. 717-990-1274. ConsciousAcreFarm.com/morelfest.

Sunday, April 28

April Showers Bring Queer Flowers Drag & Variety Show – 2-4pm. Join us as we start our monthly Drag & Variety Shows from Apr-Oct at CCV. Our shows will feature all kinds of different performers. $35/ VIP, $20/day of, $15/advance. Carlisle Creative Vibes, Rainbow Garden, 152 N Hanover St, Carlisle. 223-269-0519. CarlisleCreativeVibes.com.

Sound Healing – 3-4pm. Mike Piaskowski and Linda Gareh-Applegate will use their voices, incorporating toning and light language, to bring about transformation and healing. Join us as we harness the power of sound to uplift you to a new octave of consciousness and to break down patterns that no longer serve. $40. ReWeaving Balance, 5A Harrisburg Pk, Dillsburg. 717-943-4833. ReWeavingBalance.Earth.

Autism and the God Connection – 7-9pm. William Stillman explores a link between autism and spirituality, suggesting hidden spiritual gifts in autistic individuals. He shares research anecdotes and offers steps to connect with them on a deeper level, emphasizing the power of intuition. $36. Firefly Hollow Wellness Center, 200 Farm Ln, York. 717-814-9136. FireflyHollowWellness.com.

Plan Ahead

Saturday, May 4

Save the Date

Saturday, May 4

York County Women’s Expo – 9am2pm. The Women’s Expo brings together women of all ages to shop, learn about products and services, and be entertained. Exhibitors will represent beauty, home, health and wellness, fashion, finance, technology and more. Free. York Expo Center, Memorial Hall East, 334 Carlisle Ave, York. 717-2851350. aGreatWayToSpendMyDay.com.

Community Resource Guide

This print guide connects you to local leaders in our community. The u symbol at the end of a listing indicates the practitioner also has a Premium Online Business Listing in the Directory at NaturalCentralPA.com, where they share more information, offers, coupons, reviews, events, articles, videos and photos. For a compilation of all premium online business listings in the Online Directory & Local Guides, see page 29.

Acupuncture

CENTRAL PENN ACUPUNCTURE AND WELLNESS

Carolyn Romako

940 Century Dr, Ste D, Mechanicsburg 717-610-4911 • CentralPennAcupuncture.com

We’ve been Central Pennsylvania’s center for compassionate, thorough and evidence-based acupuncture for 10 years. Our location is easily accessible with evening and weekend hours. Specialties include pain management and women’s health.

GIDDINGS ACUPUNCTURE PRACTICE, LLC AND ZEN & NOW APOTHECARY

Rhonda Giddings

6009 Allentown Blvd, Harrisburg 717-657-1951 • ZenNowWellness.com

A practice of healing art techniques from acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, massage, herbs and energy work to help patients and clients reach their individualized optimal health and vitalized longevity.

Animal Communication

MELLA LUNA HEALING

Dawn R. Tule

717-486-7823 • MellaLunaStudios.abmp.com

Dawn provides compassionate service to deepen the under-standing between you and your pet, whether in physical form or in spirit. Gain insight into what your animal friend is thinking and feeling. u

Bodywork

ARVIGO MAYA ABDOMINAL THERAPY®

309 Third St, New Cumberland

Jaque Hanson • 717-448-1281

Jaque@BeePresentWellness.com

The Arvigo® session is a non-invasive treatment that repositions internal organs that have shifted by opening the flow of blood, lymph, nerve and Chi. Infertility, digestive and other benefits. Visit BeePresentWellness.com for details. See ad, page 10. u

CARLISLE BOWENWORK

Nancy Bittinger

616 W Main St, Mechanicsburg 717-386-8279 • CarlisleBowenworkPA.com

Bowenwork is renowned for its effectiveness in stimulating true healing from within. Through gentle yet powerful moves, even chronic problems “unwind” and balance is restored. u

CARLISLE BOWENWORK

Betsy Payne

616 W Main St, Mechanicsburg 717-386-8279 • CarlisleBowenworkPA.com

Betsy a Bowenwork practitioner, LMT, CranioSacral Therapist and certified personal trainer, offers a variety of services, using Scar Tissue Release technique to increase mobility, flexibility and create pain relief; plus, the Voila Method, which brings balance to joints and offers a unique way to achieve emotional release under stress. u

THE CENTER OF BALANCE, LLC

Louise Kemper, RMI, Reflexologist, EOP, Artist Leslie Kemper Punt, Holistic Health Practitioner 25 N Jefferson St, Greencastle 717-643-1404

TheCenterOfBalanceLLC.com

Experience the healing benefits of halotherapy with a 20-minute session in our salt booth or the detoxifying benefits of an ionic foot bath.  We also offer reiki, foot/body reflexology, auriculotherapy, essential oil treatments, coaching and hypnosis for wellness and soul nourishment. Our unique retail shop features holistic, vegan and natural products, artisan jewelry, clothing, accessories and more. u

CBD

CBD AMERICAN SHAMAN OF PA

Harrisburg • Mechanicsburg

Carlisle • Lancaster 717-620-8532 • HempIsHealth.com

We use proprietary nanotechnology and ultra-concentrated terpene rich CBD oil derived from all natural, high-quality, 100% organic, gluten-free, non-GMO industrial hemp. Helps relieve stress, maintain focus, manage pain, calm digestion and more. See ad, page 3. u

Coaching

COACH DAN GORMLEY

Innervida LLC

DGormley23@outlook.com

904-377-5789 • PositiveIntelligence.com

Learn to recognize and balance your 10 inner saboteurs. Join a 7-week Transformational Coaching Pod and discover how to empathize, explore, innovate, navigate and activate your right-brain sage powers. See ad, page 32.

Craniosacral Therapy

LOVING HEART BLISSFUL SOUL

Carrie Tetkoskie, RN

1953 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle • 717-603-1732

LovingHeartBlissfulSoul@gmail.com

A Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST) practice. CST promotes the body’s ability to heal and bring itself back to balance. Carrie incorporates her critical care experience as a RN, psychology degree and training to optimize treatments and help to relax the nervous system, better regulate emotions and reduce tension within the body. u

THE ROOTS OF HEALTH

Rachel Benbow, LMT, BA, MLIS

3540 N Progress Ave, Ste 106, Harrisburg 717-831-6936 • TheRootsOfHealth.com

I firmly believe nature brings solace in all troubles.

—Anne Frank

Rachel relieves pain and frees blockages using CranioSacral Therapy or massage. From stress reduction, to illness/injury/surgery recovery, to management of autism/ADHD, your therapeutic experience is individualized. MSG009527.

Dentistry – Holistic

HERSHEY

DENTAL ASSOCIATES, LLC

Ryan Buehner, DMD, FAGD, AIAOMT 273 Hershey Rd, Hummelstown 717-220-1792 • HersheyDental.com

Provides full service family dental care, mercury-/metal-free options, fluoride-free, safe mercury removal, biocompatibility testing for dental material sensitivities, in-office ozone treatments, clear aligner orthodontics, Bruxism/tooth grinding guards. See ad, page 8. u

HERSHEY DENTAL ASSOCIATES, LLC

Carol Layton, DMD, MAGD, AIAOMT, NMD 273 Hershey Rd, Hummelstown 717-220-1792 • HersheyDental.com

Provides full service dental care, mercury/metal free, including safe removal of mercury. Biocompatibility testing for individual choice of materials; use of ozone for protection. See ad, page 8. u

SUSQUEHANNA DENTAL ARTS

Dr Owen Allison, DMD

100 S 18th St, Columbia, PA 17512 717-684-3943

SusquehannaDentalArts.com

A full-service family dental practice providing 100% mercury-free restorations, quality non-surgical periodontal care, INVISALIGN, implant retained dentures and partials. See ad, page 2. u

Holistic Personal Training

BE HERE NOW

Andrew Acklin, CPT, CES, HLC 701 N Mountain Rd, Harrisburg  717-514-5630 • BeHereNowHBG.com

Be Here Now is a holistic training center with multiple offerings in one location. They offer a holistic approach to weight loss, strength training and pain and posture.  Within each process, the individual’s wellness is deeply addressed with tools such as: personal training, lifestyle coaching, reiki, nutrition, meditation and business and life coaching. u

Hormone Balance Weight Loss

BEBALANCED OF CAMP HILL

Anne Portelles, Manager 3812 Market St, Camp Hill 717-673-7046

• BeBalancedCenters.com

Natural approach to hormone balance that aids with many symptoms from weight gain to low energy, difficult sleeping, thyroid issues, menstrual and menopausal concerns, depression and anxiety and more. See ad, page 12. u

BEBALANCED OF HARRISBURG

Lisa Frankfort, Wellness Coach 5201 Jonestown Rd, Harrisburg 717-673-7046

• BeBalancedCenters.com

Natural approach to hormone balance that aids with many symptoms from weight gain to low energy, difficult sleeping, thyroid issues, menstrual and menopausal concerns, depression and anxiety and more. See ad, page 12. u

BEBALANCED OF YORK

Jennifer Robinson, Manager 2331 E Market St, York 717-673-7046

• BeBalancedCenters.com

Natural approach to hormone balance that aids with many symptoms from weight gain to low energy, difficult sleeping, thyroid issues, menstrual and menopausal concerns, depression and anxiety and more. See ad, page 12. u

Massage

ELEMENTS MASSAGE

Kacie Jenkins

6416 Carlisle Pike #3200, Mechanicsburg 717-766-2280

ElementsMassage.com/Mechanicsburg

Not all massage is created equal. Experience the difference Elements can make. Our skilled massage therapists listen to your needs and employ the proper techniques to deliver a truly therapeutic experience. Elements Massage in Mechanicsburg invites you to experience the rejuvenating benefits of therapeutic massage today and discover the positive effect it can have on your body and your well-being.

HAPPIE SOUL WELLNESS

Cristina L Dunbar, LMT

5000 Lenker St, Ste 103, Mechanicsburg 717-254-7250 • HappieSoul.me

Our focus is on integrative healing of body, mind and soul. We identify the root cause of discomfort and assist with physical and emotional healing. Also, massage with reiki, reiki for emotional support, couples’ reiki, light therapy/full spectrum sauna, body sculpting and more. Ask about our referral program. We all deserve to be Happie Souls. See ad, page 15. u

Metaphysical

CARLISLE CREATIVE VIBES

Pat Banzhoff, M.S.

152 N Hanover St, Carlisle 223-269-0519 • CarlisleCreativeVibes.com

Shaman with an M.S. in Counseling, Pat is a Reiki Master, psychotherapist and wedding officiant, and offers intuitive readings, individual shamanic healing sessions, home cleansing and clearings, fire ceremonies and a variety of workshops teaching different ceremonies and intuitive practices. u

CARLISLE CREATIVE VIBES

Mary Cooney

152 N Hanover St, Carlisle 223-269-0519 • CarlisleCreativeVibes.com

Mary is a certified life coach and tarot reader who includes runes in her intuitive practice. She loves introducing the tarot and runes to those not familiar with divination tools and gives guidance in career goals, purpose and relationships. u

CARLISLE CREATIVE VIBES

Natty Jewett

152 N Hanover St, Carlisle 223-269-0519 • CarlisleCreativeVibes.com

Natty offers intuitive readings through the ancient art of Cryatallomancy and Tarot. She is passionate about helping others to become the most authentic versions of themselves.

Flowers are restful to look at. They have neither emotions nor conflicts.

—Sigmund Freud

CARLISLE CREATIVE VIBES

Mattie Miller

152 N Hanover St, Carlisle 223-269-0519 • CarlisleCreativeVibes.com

Usui Reiki Practitioner, offering traditional & intuitive healing for all beings. Using energetic and metaphysical methods, Mattie’s passion is to create a comfortable space for others to feel and then heal. u

CARLISLE CREATIVE VIBES

Julia Rillo

152 N Hanover St, Carlisle 223-269-0519 • CarlisleCreativeVibes.com

Usui Reiki Master, shamanic reiki master, shamanic life coach, recovery specialist and an IPHM certified crystal healer. Julia’s passion is guiding and teaching others as they navigate their own healing journey. u

CARLISLE CREATIVE VIBES

Matthew Scott

152 N Hanover St, Carlisle 223-269-0519 • CarlisleCreativeVibes.com

A community of diverse artists and practitioners creating an inclusive space for everyone. Includes 35+ vendors offering unique items such as crystals, holistic products, upcycled items, candles, clothing, jewelry, plants, and more. For intuitive readings or healing sessions, visit the website for availability. We are a wonderful community that truly welcomes all. Pay us a visit and say hello. u

CARLISLE CREATIVE VIBES

Dawn Tule

152 N Hanover St, Carlisle 223-269-0519 • CarlisleCreativeVibes.com

Animal communication, canine energy plus bodywork, face reflexology, custom intuitive energy healing. Dawn has more than 20 years of experience as a healing practitioner. u

CRYSTAL COVE COLLECTIVE

Krista Prinkey

2208 Gettysburg Rd, Camp Hill 717-731-2830 • CrystalCovePA.com

A unique and diverse retail store offering gems, crystals, stones, fossils and jewelry, plus wood art and tables, natural art, soaps, body scrubs and much more. A wellness center offering a variety of classes, healing sessions with multiple practitioners, card and psychic readings and community events. YouTube: Crystal Cove Channel. u

GRACEFULL HEART

Sharon Askey

1953 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle 717-240-0400

• GraceFull-Heart.com

Gracefull Heart provides a peaceful, loving and supportive space to assist in your journey toward wholeness/healing. Crystals, books, gemstones, jewelry, statues, incense, oracle cards (plus sample decks), crystal and metal singing bowls, pendulums and much more. See ad, page 31. u

Naturopathic Healthcare

NATURAL PATHS TO WELLNESS

Leia Anderson, BA, MS, ND

1524 Cedar Cliff Dr, Camp Hill 717-494-4500

NaturalPathsToWellness.com

Leia is part of a unique, collabo rative naturopathic practice in central PA. Her passion is pro viding safe, effective and indi vidualized care for the whole family. See ad, page 14.

NATURAL PATHS TO WELLNESS

Heather DeLuca, BS, ND

1524 Cedar Cliff Dr, Camp Hill 717-494-4500 • NaturalPathsToWellness.com

Heather is part of a unique, col laborative naturopathic prac tice in central PA. She provides a safe, effective and affordable alternative to conventional health care. See ad, page 14. u

NATURAL PATHS TO WELLNESS

Jessica Shoemaker, BS, ND

1524 Cedar Cliff Dr, Camp Hill

717-494-4500

• NaturalPathsToWellness.com

Jessica is the owner of Natural Paths to Wellness where nutritional therapies, alternative modalities and functional medicine testing are combined to create an in-dividualized holistic approach to health. See ad, page 14. u

NATURAL PATHS TO WELLNESS

Ashlyn Zikmund, BS, ND

1524 Cedar Cliff Dr, Camp Hill

717-494-4500

• NaturalPathsToWellness.com

Ashlyn's enthusiasm for wellness and nutrition makes her a tremendous addition to NP to W. As a Naturopathic Doctor, she partners with patients to solve difficult acute and chronic health issues. See ad, page 14. u

SONNEWALD NATURAL FOODS

Good health comes from the farm... Not the Pharmacy! Sonnewald Natural Foods has 300+ bulk foods, organic produce, supplements, books and more, and has been in business for more than 60 years, serving Central PA and beyond. Follow us on Facebook for daily, weekly and monthly offers and special events See ad, back cover. u In-store Nature’s Marketplace features natural foods, supplements, herbal remedies and foods for special dietary needs. See ad, page 2 u

We still do not know one thousandth of one percent of what nature has revealed to us.

—Albert Einstein

Nutritionist

NATURAL PATHS TO WELLNESS

Shannon Hillsinger, ND

1524 Cedar Cliff Dr, Camp Hill

717-494-4500 • NaturalPathsToWellness.com

Dr. Shannon is passionate about using holistic nutrition to promote a speedier and more complete return to optimal health. This includes preparing custom meal plans, implementing dietary restrictions, optimizing nutrient/caloric goals and finding recipes to ensure treatment plan success.  Shannon’s nutrition and naturopathic medical background positions her as an ideal asset in her patients’ health journeys. See ad, page 14. u

Real Estate

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

Noel Kelley

3915 Market St, Camp Hill

717-761-4800 (office) • 917-602-2672 (cell) NoelKelleyHomes.com

Noel is a Usui Reiki Master Practitioner and Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty dedicated to helping you find home. More than just finding a house, it’s about finding a space that impacts your overall well-being. Connect and learn about her unique and harmonious approach to the home-buying experience. See ad, page 13. u

Reflexology

REWEAVING BALANCE

Beth Baublitz

5A Harrisburg Pike, Dillsburg 717-943-4833 • ReWeavingBalance.earth

Beth offers a variety of reflexology options ranging from pure relaxation to assisting in pain relief with a reiki touch; plus ReConnection Sessions, a client-led journey of body, mind and spirit unique for each individual. Check their online business listing for a variety of creative and connecting workshops offered at various times throughout the year. u

Reiki

REIKI BY RICKIE

Rickie Freedman, ReikiSpace & Learning Place

2793 Old Post Rd, Ste 10, Harrisburg 717-599-2299 • ReikiByRickie.com

Rickie Freedman, Reiki Master/ Teacher, P.T., offers the Gentle Touch, Deep Healing and Balancing of “Reiki by Rickie” sessions, as well as unique Therapeutic Massage including Indian Head Massage and Chakra Foot Massage. She teaches Reiki classes and workshops on stress management, positive attitude and more. See ad, page 8. u

Salons – Spas – Medspas

POLISHED SALON SPA & WELLNESS

Stacie Sheely

1200 Market St, Lemoyne (West Shore Plaza) 717-975-9036 • PolishedSpa.com

We provide you with the best salon, spa, medical spa and wellness experience so that you look great and feel your best. Wellness is fast becoming the most important goal for our clients at Polished Salon, Spa & Wellness. After all, beauty starts from within. u

YOUVEAU AESTHETICS MEDSPA & WELLNESS

Alicia Stidfole

2417 North Front St, Harrisburg 717-417-4470 • Youveau.org

Experience Youveau luxury Medspa on the riverfront. Create a tailored plan with our expert providers, offering I.V. therapy, massage, reiki, facials, muscle relaxer (tox) and filler injections, Microneedling, platelet rich plasma/fibrin (PRP and PRF) treatments, counseling, neurofeedback, henna, facial rejuvenation, youthful restoration, hair loss treatment and more. Schedule a free consultation. See ad, page 10. u

Specialty Foods

KWEE JACK FISH CO

Wild Alaskan Salmon & Halibut Shares 717-842-0180 • EatWildSalmon.com

Sustainable Landscaping

CAMPISI PROPERTY SERVICE, LLC

Tony Campisi

Serving York & surrounding counties

717-586-5522

FB/Campisi Property Service LLC

Our mission is to make sustainable landscaping the new normal. We help you make the connection between your property and the health of the environment. Our services include full-service landscaping, tree service, native plants, ecological restoration, pollinator gardens, wildlife habitat, rain gardens, stormwater management, invasive species removal and management. u

Thermography

ADVANCED THERMAL IMAGING

Pamela Howard, DC, CCT

550 Coventry Dr, Mechanicsburg

866-522-3484 • AThermalImage.com

Thermal Imaging offers a safe, non-invasive way to visualize potential health concerns; providing early warning signs for a proactive approach to health, including breast health. Visit website for more information.

Veterinarian – Integrative HEALING CREATURES HOSPITAL

(Formerly Avian And Feline Hospital)

3300 Hartzdale Dr, Camp Hill 717-730-3755 • HealingCreatures.com

Our passion is pets. Holistic and traditional services tailored to meet pets’ needs (homeopathic, herbal, nutritional and behavioral). Unique services offered include acupuncture, cold laser therapy and veterinary orthopedic manipulation (VOM). See ad, page 31. u

Wellness

5TH ELEMENT ENERGY SPA

Bonnie Mirecki & Denise Nickey

Wellsville, PA • 717-432-3577

5thElementEnergySpa.com

Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty.

—John Ruskin

Sustainably harvested wild Alaskan salmon and halibut available, fisherman-direct. Pre-order online annually (spring) for local pick-up (fall) of sushi-grade delicious nutrition, deep-frozen at the peak of freshness to enjoy throughout the year. See ad, page 31. u

Offering non-invasive and highly relaxing mind-body healing techniques, processes and energy spa services. Support your body’s natural ability to heal by increasing core cellular energy, releasing body tension and undoing programs of limiting beliefs that keep you stuck in unhealthy patterns.  Modalities include, Access Bars, energetic facelifts, BodyTalk, wellness coaching and the new Energy Enhancement System, Quantum Healing Chamber. See ad, page 14. u

1881 SALT SANCTUARY

Nikki McClane

1881 Loucks Rd, York, PA 17408 717-894-1881 • 1881sanctuary.com

Features two salt therapy rooms –a community salt room and private salt chamber. We also offer individual and couples’ massages; an herbal apothecary, stocked with herbal tinctures, extracts, salves, balms and lotions from local and national providers; gemstones, jewelry, books, organic chocolates and upcycled items; plus, nature-themed crafts and artwork from local artists. See ad, page 9. u

FIREFLY HOLLOW HOLISTIC WELLNESS CENTER

Kara Lovehart

200 Farm Ln, York • 717-814-9136

FireflyHollowWellness.com

We are a full-service holistic wellness center offering an array of professional services that address clients’ individual needs. A holistic approach strives to integrate Mind, Body & Spirit, allowing wellness to occur. Services include medical massage, energy medicine, intuitive coaching, wellness education, nutritional coaching and much more. u

GRACEFULL HEART

Sharon Askey

1953 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle 717-240-0400 • GraceFull-Heart.com

Gracefull Heart offers many services to assist in maintaining wellness: Sacred Spirals Healing, Dominus Cervix™ Stargate sessions, reiki sessions, aura photography and AmpCoil™ sessions. We offer reiki classes and a diverse schedule of workshops. See ad, page 31. u

LIFEWAVE

Ann M Heintzelman

2802 W Rosegarden Blvd 717-480-3357 • Lifewave.com/AnnMh

Working as a hygienist for 37 years, Ann listened to her patient’s struggles with health issues. Now she’s an advocate for X-39; offering an affordable, non-invasive way to restore health and vitality using phototherapy to activate stem cells. Not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure any diseases. For informational purposes only. If pregnant or nursing, consult your physician. Learn more at StartX39now.com

REITZ NATURAL REMEDIES

Nicole Reitz

18 E Penn Ave, Cleona 717-641-3290

• ReitzNaturalRemedies.com

We provide nutritional testing and offer balancing techniques to assist your body in healing itself, as well as PEMF Therapy for pain relief and healing acceleration. Testing services can be provided in person or via mail. See ad, page 10.

SPIRITUAL HEARTS, LLC

Jennifer Rabenstein

239 Gettysburg St, Dillsburg 717-756-7079 • SpiritualHeArtsLLC.com

Experience how the art of spiritual healing occurs in creative and YOU-nique ways. A variety of healing modalities can be blended from Reiki, reflexology, shamanic work, sound healing, crystals, henna, artistic outlets, priestess work and more. Services can be experienced through private sessions, private groups, workshops, retreats, public events and more. u

THE CENTER OF BALANCE, LLC

Louise Kemper, RMI, Reflexologist, EOP, Artist

Leslie Kemper Punt, Holistic Health Practitioner

25 N Jefferson St, Greencastle 717-643-1404 • TheCenterOfBalanceLLC.com

Offering holistic services that help maintain proper balance of mind, body and soul, including free “Knowledge is Power” classes.  Certified Therapeutic Art Practitioner provides art as therapy. Certified Stress Management Consultants design personalized programs for companies and groups. Private events, retreats and specialty parties available. Check website for current and upcoming class information. u

WHOLISTICALLY SIMPLE RX

Dr. Tia McLaughlin

717-885-6638 • DrTiaMcLaughlin.com

Individual and family in-person, one-on-one health consults, virtual appointments, group sessions/events and energy sessions – Dr. Tia is a functional medicine practitioner and lifestyle educator who helps manage and reverse symptoms of autoimmune or chronic diseases specializing in stomach/gut health/weight issues, Celiac and blood sugar concerns through a unique, wholebody approach. Education regarding labs and medications is also available. u

Yoga

YOUR YOGA

Cynthia Johannes-Beecher

1900 Orange St, West York 717-586-6494 • YorkYourYoga.com

Your journey is our passion at Your Yoga. We welcome everyone to learn in a safe, inviting, no judgment studio located near the fairgrounds. All body types welcome. Easy access with lots of free on-street parking. Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, Restorative, Chair and Gentle Yoga. See ad, page 2. u

Classifieds

NOTE: For guidelines and to submit a classified listing, email Publisher@ NaturalCentralPA.com. Listings are $25 for up to 25 words, or $1 per word over 25 words. Deadline is the 1st, for the next month.

Energy Work

ENERGY CONSCIOUSNESS TRANSFORMATIONAL HEALING – Brennan Healing Science Practitioner, 30 years’ experience. Forgotten life experiences and traumas are stored in the body’s cellular memory and continue to affect adult experiences. Healing these distortions allows the body to self-heal. Healing on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. Distant healings available via Zoom. Energybodyworks.com. Tinyurl.com/ Asha-HER-Summit. 717-843-5672.

Help Wanted

SALESPERSON/COMMUNITY LIAISON –Natural Awakenings is looking for the right person with a passion for building relationships and selling print and digital advertising in the healthy, holistic and sustainable niches in South Central PA, as an independent contractor, part- or full-time. Email your resume to Publisher@NaturalCentralPA.com.

Wellness Product

HAVE PAIN? CAN’T SLEEP? – Lifewave X-39 patches activate your stem cells to a younger, healthier state. Wear the non-transdermal patches for 12 hours during the day and stay hydrated. Not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure any diseases. For informational purposes only. If pregnant or nursing, consult your physician. Learn more: StartX39now.com. Enroll: Tinyurl.com/EnrollX39Ann. Email: Annmh80@gmail.com. See listing, this page.