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AGING BEAUTIFULLY with CBD & THC
As people grow older, they often experience a range of physical and mental challenges, including joint pain, inflammation, sleep disturbances, and stress. Recently, many seniors have turned to CBD (cannabidiol) products as a natural way to alleviate these symptoms and enhance their quality of life. Derived from the hemp plant, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t produce the “high” associated with THC, making it a more accessible option for older adults seeking relief.
by Tammy Sinex
One of the most common benefits seniors find in using CBD is pain management. As the body ages, joint pain from arthritis or muscle discomfort from general wear and tear becomes more frequent. CBD's anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce pain and improve mobility without the side effects associated with traditional painkillers.
In addition to physical relief, CBD may also promote better sleep, an essential component of overall well-being that can become elusive with age. By addressing underlying issues like anxiety or pain, CBD helps improve sleep quality, leading to better mental and physical health.
Moreover, CBD has shown promise in helping with anxiety, depression, and overall mood regulation, which can be significant concerns as people age and face new life challenges.
Incorporating our CBD & THC products into your wellness routine can provide older adults with a natural, noninvasive way to manage the aging process, potentially leading to a more comfortable and fulfilling experience in their golden years.
SOUTH CENTRAL PA EDITION
Publisher Dave Korba
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Grateful Aging and the Role of Elders
None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm. Keep gratitude in your heart, and you stay young at any age.
~ Henry David Thoreau
There comes a point in our life when the realization occurs that we’re older now than the people we thought were elderly in years prior. You may be in that position now or will be soon, if you catch yourself at Thanksgiving asking, “Where did the years go… and how is it that I’m the elder now?”
Throughout history, elders have held esteemed positions as the wisdom keepers and guiding forces in the community. In traditional societies from Native American tribes to ancient African and Asian cultures, they were the central pillars of family and society; revered not only for their knowledge, but also for their life experience and ability to offer guidance, solve disputes and pass on cultural traditions. The wisdom of elders shaped the values and decisions of society through storytelling, ritual and mentorship of the young.
But our technologically driven world often overlooks the vital role of elders. As change accelerates, new generations tend to look outward for guidance from novel digital sources rather than inward to the lived experience of those that came before them. Still, the role of wise elders is more important than ever. Authors such as Darcia Narvaez and G.A. Bradshaw, in The Evolved Nest: Nature’s Way of Raising Children and Creating Connected Communities, emphasize the importance of connectedness and nurturing relationships in building resilient communities. They argue that elders, by means of their accumulated wisdom, are critical to nurturing these bonds.
Cheryl Richardson, in her book Self-Care for the Wisdom Years: Practical Ways to Celebrate the Mystery and Wonder of Aging, highlights ways the aging process offers unique opportunities for reflection, self-care and gratitude. Aging, she suggests, brings clarity and appreciation for life’s gifts, allowing elders to embrace their role as spiritual and emotional anchors within society.
In any context, elders have the potential to foster greater gratitude and connection. As we enter this season of giving thanks, it is worth considering how to reimagine the role of elders—not as passive onlookers, but essential participants in cultivating wisdom, resilience and gratitude across all generations.
Let’s do our best to exhibit or embrace the lessons and perspectives of elders to help each other navigate the complexities of modern life with deeper awareness and appreciation, as we all strive to feel good, live simply and laugh more.
Dave Korba, Publisher
When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.
—Willie Nelson
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ChangingSmile
Gracefull Heart Seeks New Owner
Sharon Askey, owner of Gracefull Heart, plans to close by spring or summer and move to a warmer climate. She says, “Gracefull Heart has been my healing place (both personally and professionally) for the past 13 years, and I will miss all the folks who make it so. Thank you for all your support and for traveling on this journey with me. I am filled with gratitude to have had this opportunity to learn and grow. I sincerely hope that Gracefull Heart will continue with a new owner, as this is so needed and important.”
Sharon Askey
Location: 1953 W. Trindle Rd., Carlisle, For more information, call 717-240-0400, email Info@Gracefull-Heart.com or visit Gracefull-Heart.com. See ad, page 10.
Skin Care Maintenance Begins at an Early Age
Happie Soul Wellness owner Cristina L. Dunbar provides skin care facials for age prevention and anti-aging. She explains, “Facials aren’t just a luxury—they’re an essential part of maintaining healthy, glowing skin at every stage of life. Regular facials, ideally every four to six weeks, help address a variety of skin concerns, including acne, dullness and signs of aging. One key benefit of facials is their ability to support cellular turnover, the process where the skin sheds old cells and generates new ones.”
Dunbar advises, “As we age, this process slows down, leading to clogged pores, uneven skin tone and fine lines. Facials use gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, stimulate collagen production and boost hydration, improving the skin’s overall radiance. These treatments not only promote a youthful appearance, but also enhance the skin’s ability to absorb nourishing products, making your at-home skincare routine more effective.”
Preventative care is especially important starting in the 20s to maintain the skin’s health and resilience. Incorporating regular facials into a self-care routine supports long-term skin vitality, ensuring the complexion remains vibrant, clear and youthful.
Location: 5000 Lenker Ste., Mechanicsburg. For more information, call 717-254-7250, email Admin@HappieSoul.me or visit HappieSoul. me. See ad, page 13.
Dr. Owen Allison Dr. David Lambert
Claudette Gbemudu-Jatto, M.D., F.A.C.P.
Jatto Internal Medicine & Wellness Providing Integrative Telehealth
Claudette Gbemudu-Jatto, M.D., F.A.C.P., is the first African American woman to own and operate an internal medicine and wellness practice in all of Harrisburg, including integrative telehealth services. She says, “The introduction of a convenient, personalized integrative healthcare option at a time when many patients are seeking flexible, remote solutions for managing their health is particularly relevant as more individuals prioritize holistic wellness, weight management, nutrition and anti-aging treatments—all of which can now be accessed virtually.”
Those that prioritize natural and integrative approaches to health will find value in the convenience of an integrative telehealth service, allowing them to access holistic care from the comfort of their home.
Gbemudu-Jatto is board certified by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and the American Board of Internal Medicine. She is also an active member of The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and received a “Simply the Best” Aesthetic Physician in Harrisburg award from Harrisburg magazine in 2019 and 2021, and a “Readers’ Choice” Best Place That Helps You Lose Weight in 2023 from Harrisburg magazine
Location: 2205 Forest Hills Dr., Ste. 12, Harrisburg. For more information, call 717553-2474, email CDWellness@JattoInternalMed.com or visit JattoInternalMed.com/ telehealth. See ad, page 12.
Holiday Spiritual & Holistic Bazaar
The annual Holiday Spiritual & Holistic Bazaar at the Leesport Farmers Market Banquet Hall will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., December 14 and 15, with more than 60 vendors offering crystals and gemstone jewelry, soaps, essential oils, handcrafted artwork, singing bowls, reiki, massage, holistic services pet products and more.
There will be a basket raffle auction to benefit the nonprofit Chopper Foundation, dedicated to helping families and local animal rescues with emergency veterinary care, and participants do not need to be present to win. Donations of money and pet items will be accepted at the door.
Admission is free, and the first 100 attendees each day that mention Natural Awakenings will receive a complimentary goodie bag. Location: 312 Gernants Church Rd., Leesport. For more information, call 570-573-1651, email Julie@LadyLynora.com or visit LadyLynora.com/ holiday-bazaar. See ad, page 13.
Unique End-Of-Life Conference
Beth Montgomery, owner of The Butterfly Beth, will present The Death, Dying & Grief event on April 26, 2025, at the Englewood, in Hershey. They are currently seeking additional sponsors, and several vendor spots are still available. Personal legacy sponsorships are available to the public, offering a unique way to honor loved ones through double-sided photo framed displays—one side featuring a picture, and the other sharing a memory, story or eulogy. This opportunity is both a tribute and a conversation-starter.
She says, “The event meets the increasing demand for open, honest conversations about these deeply important topics. It provides support, education and community, helping individuals navigate end-of-life planning and grief with greater understanding, as well as valuable resources for both the public and businesses, fostering meaningful connections and growth. It is a unique opportunity to explore death as a natural part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle.”
Admission is free with lunch included. Business location: 1219 West End Ave., Hummelstown. Tickets available at the end of 2024. For more information, call 717-580-2863, email Beth@ TheButterflyBeth.com or visit TheButterflyBeth.com/DeathDyingAndGriefEvent.
Talk to the Animals
Mella Luna Healing will host discounted animal communication mini-sessions to benefit the Castaway Critters Rescue group from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., November 15, where participants can talk with their animal friends virtually via Zoom or telephone at a discounted price while contributing to the nonprofit organization.
Owner Dawn Tule says, “Do you have a question for your animal friend? In these 20-minute mini-animal communication readings, you can connect with your pet to find out what they’re thinking and how they’re feeling. As a professional animal communicator, I connect with your animal friend and translate messages they’d like to share with you. We can connect with an animal in spirit or in the physical. Once you purchase a ticket, I will reach out to schedule your time. You’ll then email a picture of the animal you’d like to connect with and receive an invitation.”
Cost is $40 (regularly $53) at MellaLunaHealing.simpletix.com. For more information, call 717486-7823, email dtulemassage@yahoo.com or visit MellaLunaHealing.com. See ad, page 11.
Iyengar Yoga Studio Opens in Gettysburg
Hidden Wisdom Yoga, a holistic yoga experience, has opened at 18 Carlisle Street, Suite 213, in historic downtown Gettysburg. Owner Alison Lintal says, “We focus on classical yoga classes in the Iyengar tradition.” They offer five weekly classes.
She explains, “We are one of the few studios in the central Pennsylvania area that offer classes from certified Iyengar yoga teachers. We also have a rope wall in the studio.”
Cost is $20 for a drop-in. Class packages are available. For more information, call 717818-1794, email HiddenWisdomYoga@gmail.com or visit HiddenWisdomYoga.com. See POBL, page 23.
Dreamer’s Circle Holistic Health Expo
The inaugural Dreamer’s Circle Holistic Health Expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., November 9, as an opportunity for entrepreneurs to expand their network, folks in the community to experience the future of holistic health, and for everyone to be a part of an environment electrified with conversations and live music. All of the vendors and service providers agreed to this free model as a way of giving to one another and to the community. Live music will be provided by DJ Gains Bond. There will be food truck grub and craft cacao drinks provided by Chef Eldon Price.
Free services and vendors include co-facilitators Be Here Now Personal Training and Dream of the Shaman; mobile sauna and cold plunges provided by ncampd; supplement samples provided by Turnpaugh Health and Wellness; live canvas painting by Stephen Haas; chair massage provided by Diamond Ray Healing Arts; Electrons Plus PEMF Therapy provided by Free Flow Training; free Mastermind vouchers provided by The Bridge Men’s Society; sound meditation provided by New Path Holistics; and spinal assessment provided by Performance Chiropractic.
Admission is free. Location: 701 N. Mountain Rd., Harrisburg. For more information, call 717-514-5630 or visit BeHereNowHBG.com and DreamOfTheShaman.com. See listing, page 32.
New Classes at Your Yoga
Your Yoga is offering two new classes—Prenatal Yoga, a six-class series from 1 to 2:15 p.m. Mondays—and Beginner Yoga, at 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Owner Cynthia Johannes-Beecher says, “Prenatal classes provide benefits for each stage of your journey.”
Pregnancy – Meditation and restorative yoga allow you time to connect deeply with your baby and help minimize or alleviate the common discomforts of pregnancy.
Labor and delivery – Pranayama (breathing techniques), dynamic asanas (postures linked to breath), intense sensation exercises, pelvic floor and vocal toning exercises prepare for labor and delivery.
Postnatal – Pelvic floor toning supports postnatal recovery; strengthening poses will prepare the body for carrying and caring for a newborn baby.
Beginner Yoga offers a space for those that have never done yoga to feel safe and confident in beginning their journey. Students will learn how to use props, yoga terminology, foundational poses and breathwork.
Cost is $300 for six, 75-minute prenatal classes with their instructor. Beginner Yoga is $14 for 60 minutes. Location: 1900 Orange St., York. For more information, call 717-5866494, email Cynthia@YorkYourYoga.com or visit YorkYourYoga.com. See listing, page 35.
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Submit news items via the “Submissions” link at NaturalCentralPA.com
Growth to Move Forward on Your Path
You'll find a great selection of quality energetic products:
• crystals • books
• singing bowls
• salt lamps
• gemstone jewelry
• cards & more
Enjoy a variety of "energy-body" services:
• Reiki Sessions & Classes
• Sacred Spirals Healing
• Stargate* Sessions
• Aura Photography
• CranioSacral Sessions
• Readings
¥ Increase Relaxation ¥ Reduce Stress & Anxiety
¥ Enhance Mood ¥ Improve Sleep ¥ Stimulate Energy
*We are the only Dominus Cervix Stargate location in Central PA.
Stop by and ask to see the Stargate & how it works.
717-240-0400
Gracefull-Heart.com
1953-C W. Trindle Rd, Carlisle, PA 17013
Animal Angels Wanted
ReWeaving Balance will provide some self-care for people and their pets while supporting the Angels Among Us Animal Sanctuary, a safe haven for senior dogs, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., November 2. Owner Elizabeth Baublitz says, “It is a chance to sample services they may be curious about while supporting a good cause.”
Services include mini-sessions of canine massage with Dawn Tule, chair massage with Tracy Leonard, reflexology with Baublitz, reiki with Heather Auxt-Snelson, Henna Art with Jennifer Rabenstein and Oracle Card readings with Melissa Colucci.
Scheduling will proceed in 30-minute increments from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and walk-ins are also welcome. Payment is due at the time of scheduling. Patrons may text their own appointment preferences to 717-798-5405.
Cost is $20 for 20 minutes. Location: 5A Harrisburg Pike, Dillsburg. For more information, email ReWeavingBalance@gmail.com or visit ReWeavingBalance.earth. See listing, page 34.
Kudos
Organic Remedies donated $80,000 to support the nonprofit Pennsylvania Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for children on September 6 at the Carlisle Country Club.
The donation from Organic Remedies, a medical marijuana cultivation and research organization based in south central Pennsylvania, helps support PA-CASA’s statewide mission to grow, strengthen and unite local CASA programs so they can ensure the overall safety, well-being and forever home of every child that has been impacted by abuse and neglect in Pennsylvania.
For more information, call 717-819-3895, email Info@OrganicRemediesPA.com or visit OrganicRemediesPA.com. See ad, page 15.
Zen & Now Wellness
Apothecary is celebrating their first anniversary in business. Owner Rhonda Giddings says, “Because it is the one-year anniversary of our soft opening last November, we are showing off our new retail, wellness programs, Invest-InYou packages, and monthly unlimited memberships.”
Zen & Now Wellness Apothecary provides herbal supplements, acupuncture, massage, personalized holistic care, salt halotherapy, infrared sauna, chromotherapy and package programs.
Location: 6009 Allentown Blvd., Harrisburg. For appointments and more information, call 717- 657-6281, email ZenAndNowWellness@outlook.com or visit ZenNowWellness.com. See listing, page 35.
The Weston A. Price Foundation teaches about healthy foods of the past and how to incorporate them in the present. We explain the science of why certain foods are healthy, where to get them and how to prepare them.
a free copy of our 28-page booklet about Dr. Weston A. Price’s research:
Heal & Restore
with Integrative Telehealth Services
Homeopathy for Arm Fracture
Fractures of the upper end of the humerus, or upper arm bone, that connects to the shoulder joint are the third-most common fractures among the elderly. In a case report published in Integrative Medicine Reports, a 53-year-old patient with multiple fractures of the humerus selected homeopathy rather than surgery to repair the fractures, which consisted of keeping the arm and shoulder immobilized and daily doses of a homeopathic anti-inflammatory made from the roots and leaves of Symphytum officinale, commonly referred to as the comfrey plant.
After two weeks, a follow-up X-ray showed the first signs of healing, and the patient reported a reduction of pain. After three weeks, the fracture had consolidated, and the patient was advised to start gentle movement of the arm. The final X-ray after six weeks of homeopathic treatment showed the fracture had healed.
Microplastics Found in Part of the Brain
According to a study published in JAMA Network Open, Brazilian scientists discovered microplastics in the olfactory bulb, a rounded structure of the brain above each nasal cavity that receives information from the nose and relays it to the brain. Upon analyzing samples of olfactory bulb tissue from 15 deceased individuals, the researchers found tiny microplastics in eight of them, including polypropylene, polyamide, nylon and polyethylene vinyl acetate. Whether these plastics can reach the brain through the olfactory bulb is not clear, but the potential is worrying. While microplastics have been found in the bloodstream and other tissue, their presence in the human brain has not yet been documented.
Rewilding the Soul A Path To
Healing From Trauma
by Gary Lougher
Our bodies and brains are wired to live in harmony with nature’s rhythms, and we are currently facing an evolutionary mismatch because the rapid pace of technological and cultural change has outstripped the much slower rate of biological evolution. Now finding ourselves in a world vastly different from the one we evolved to thrive in, this discord can generate new forms of trauma or exacerbates aftereffects of existing traumas, leaving us feeling perpetually out of sync and disconnected.
Inundated with stimuli, confined to artificial spaces and deprived of meaningful connections with nature and each other, we spend our days indoors, communicating through screens, consuming processed foods and rarely moving in ways our bodies were intended. As a result, nervous systems fine-tuned over millennia to respond to natural environments are overwhelmed by the pace and structure of contemporary life, leading to chronic stress, anxiety and a sense of alienation. Trauma in this context is not just a response to extreme events, but also an expression of our inability to reconcile who we are biologically with the demands of the world we have built.
By embracing habits that align with our evolutionary blueprint such as spending time in nature, eating whole foods, prioritizing restorative sleep and fostering genuine connections, we can begin to repair the fractures trauma creates. Rewilding helps us reconnect with ourselves, others and the Earth, nurturing a sense of wholeness and grounding us in the world we are meant to inhabit. In doing so, we heal not only our minds, but our sense of being, as well.
Gary Lougher is a certified trauma recovery coach and owner of 2nd Ascent Coaching, located at 550 N. 12th St., in Lemoyne. He is the creator of the Rewilding Your Soul coaching program. This is the first of a four-part series of articles on this topic. For more information, call 717-2871102, email Gary@2ndascent.com or visit 2ndAscent.com. See ad, page 19.
Holiday Spiritual & Holistic Bazaar
with Benefit Raffle Auction for The Chopper Foundation Leesport Farmers Market Banquet Hall 312 Gernants Church Rd • Leesport, PA Sat. + Sun. December 14 + 15 10am to 5pm
Blissful Bowls
Celebrating With Soup
by Marlaina Donato
Whether we showcase winter’s root vegetables or come home to comfort food simmering on the stove, soup is a language of love with many dialects: from under-the-weather broths and velvety bisques to slow-cooked stews and stick-to-the-ribs chowders. A bowl of soup can bridge the mundane and the magical, inviting us to slow our fast-paced lives, share the bounty with loved ones and honor recipes of generations past.
“Every time I make soup, even if it’s one I’ve made over and over, it fills me with a sense of wonder that a bunch of disparate ingredients—legumes, grains, raw vegetables, onions, garlic, seasonings—always meld in a way that seems almost miraculous,” marvels Nava Atlas, the Hudson Valley, New Yorkbased author of more than 10 cookbooks, including Vegan Soups and Stews for all Seasons.
Making Vegetables Shine
Eating seasonally can help our bodies transition into winter, and soups that incorporate cold-weather crops offer delicious versatility. “Thanksgiving is traditionally a time to be thankful for the harvest. Soups in the fall are typically a hearty mix of what you may have grown in your garden. These could be rich and creamy tomato, pumpkin or pea soups,” says Sharon Hapton, founder and CEO of nonprofit Soup Sisters, a food-assistance program in 27 cities across Canada. The author of The Soup Sisters and Broth Brothers Cookbook attests that taking a little time to make soup “is a great way to nourish our spirits and reconnect with the food.”
In any combination, rainbow carrots, rutabaga, parsnips, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, leeks and winter squashes pack
a punch in flavor, color and texture. Specialoccasion soups can be simple childhood favorites dressed up with the pungent tastes of sage, rosemary, ginger, chiles or coriander seeds. Creamy soups, whether traditional or vegan, pair beautifully with wild rice, roasted pumpkin seeds or toasted pecans. Atlas suggests combining vegetables in surprising ways to take advantage of contrasting flavors, such as adding sweet potatoes and bell peppers to a black bean stew.
Broth Versus Stock
Although broths and stocks can be made using vegetables and/or bones and seasoned with salt and pepper, a broth is thinner in consistency and requires a shorter simmering time, whereas a stock can be simmered for four to six hours, resulting in a heavier texture. Nutritional bone broth is usually simmered for 12 to 36 hours to create a collagen-rich stock. All of these can be sipped for a soothing repast or incorporated into other recipes.
Bringing Out Flavor With Salt
Atlas notes, “Most soups benefit from judicious salting to bring out the flavors, but I suggest waiting until the end to add salt, giving the soup time to develop flavor first. And it’s surprising how much
of a lift lemon and lime juice can give to soup broth.” For those monitoring their sodium, she recommends salt-free seasoning blends, like Dash, or Spike, a zesty low-sodium option found at health food stores.
The Legacy of a Treasured Recipe
Holiday time can be bittersweet, especially when lost family members are not at the table, but taking out an old, handed-down recipe is a wonderful way to preserve culinary customs and commemorate the family’s heritage. “Creating delicious food like soup from a loved one’s recipe is more than the ingredient list on a card,” says Hapton. “Use the silver spoon handed down from family to stir the love and rekindle the memories of loved ones. A natural flow of storytelling happens when we cook together, and the ‘dash of this and that’ can make its own lively conversation.”
According to Atlas, “Food traditions are a way to embrace each person’s unique history—where their ancestors were from, what was available to them, what they felt comforted by. Yet, despite all the different traditions, food is a great uniter, a fantastic way to connect us as humans.”
Presenting soup in an elegant tureen and putting out toppings such as chopped fragrant herbs or crushed pink peppercorns at each place setting gives soup a festive, gourmet touch. “Don’t wait for a special occasion to bring out the good dinnerware,” Hapton suggests. “Enjoy it every day, even in some small way.”
Ultimately, gratitude is the most important ingredient. This Thanksgiving, invite each guest at the table to ladle a bowl of soup for the person next to them, offering a single word of appreciation as a form of grace.
Marlaina Donato is an author, composer and painter. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.
In-Person
Herbal Studies Certificate Program
With 6th generation local folk herbalist Susanna Reppert Brill.
One full day per month for 10 months in Mechanicsburg, PA.
Brazilian Black Bean Stew
This vegan version of Brazil’s famous national dish, feijoada, is an abundantly nourishing stew. Optional embellishments include steamed fresh greens and slices of mango and/or papaya.
YIELD: 6 TO 8 SERVINGS
FOR THE RICE
1 cup tomato juice or tomato sauce
3 cups water
1½ cups raw brown rice, rinsed
FOR THE STEW
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1½ cups water
3 to 3½ cups black beans, cooked, or 2 15-oz cans, drained and rinsed
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into short, narrow strips
1 medium green or yellow bell pepper, cut into short, narrow strips
1 cup diced tomatoes
2 small fresh hot green chili peppers, seeded and thinly sliced, divided
1½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp dried thyme
½ cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
For the rice, combine the tomato juice with the water in a large saucepan and bring to a slow boil. Add the rice, then lower the heat and simmer gently with the cover ajar until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 30 minutes. Cover and set the cooked rice aside.
For the stew, heat the oil in a large soup pot. Add the onion and sauté over medium-low heat until translucent. Add the garlic and continue to sauté until both are golden. Stir in the sweet potatoes and water. Bring stew to a slow boil, then lower the heat. Simmer gently over low heat with the cover ajar until the sweet potatoes are just tender but still firm, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Add the beans, bell peppers, tomatoes, one of the chili peppers, cumin and thyme. Simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes longer, uncovered. The stew should have the consistency of a thick chili. Add a bit more water if it is too thick.
Stir in half of the parsley and season with salt and pepper. Serve over the hot cooked rice in shallow bowls and garnish each serving with a little extra parsley and a few slices of the reserved chili pepper.
Recipe and image courtesy of Nava Atlas.
Courtesy of Nava Atlas
Mellow Sweet Potato Soup
Subtly spiced with a colorful garnish, this warming soup tempts the eye with an appealing golden color and pleases the palate with the delectable flavor of sweet potatoes.
YIELD: 6 SERVINGS
SOUP
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
1 large celery stalk, diced
A handful of celery leaves
3 to 4 medium-large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 6 cups)
1 tsp ground cumin
TOPPING
1 Tbsp olive oil
6 kale leaves, preferably lacinato, stemmed and thinly sliced
1½ cups fresh or frozen (thawed) corn kernels
2 scallions, thinly sliced
¼ cup cilantro leaves
½ tsp dried thyme
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1½ cups unsweetened plant-based milk, or as needed
½ lime, juiced
½ lime, sliced thinly for garnish
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Heat the oil in a soup pot. Add the onions, carrots and celery, and sauté over medium-low heat until all are golden.
Add the celery leaves and diced sweet potato. Add just enough water to cover all but about an inch of the vegetables. Bring to a slow boil. Stir in the cumin, thyme and nutmeg, then lower the heat. Simmer gently over low heat with the cover ajar until the sweet potatoes and vegetables are tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Transfer the solid ingredients from the soup pot to a food processor or blender with about 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Process until smoothly pureed (or leave a bit chunky), then stir back into the soup pot. Alternatively, skip the food processor and insert an immersion blender into the pot and blend the soup until pureed to preferred consistency.
Add enough plant-based milk to give the soup a slightly thick consistency. Stir in the lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes longer.
For the topping, heat the oil in a medium skillet. Add the kale and sauté until wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the corn and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes longer. Add the scallions and sauté for another minute. Stir in the cilantro and remove from the heat. Mound a little of this topping mixture on each serving of soup, along with a thin slice or two of fresh lime.
With knowledge that extends beyond any classroom and humility that provokes a familiar kinship, wise elders have been the pillars of communities for millennia. Their nurturing energy, loving warmth and eternal wisdom provide a foundation for learning and growth. By harnessing a connection to nature, reframing cultural roles and cultivating grace and selfcare, we all have the capacity to embody the role of a wise elder in our own way.
Nature’s Lessons
“Wise elders are repositories of how to live a good life within nature, and not against it. They are able to perceive and act according to the bigger picture and see the impact of actions now on future generations,” says Dr. Darcia Narvaez, professor of psychology emerita at the University of Notre Dame, president
of the nonprofit Kindred World and founder of its initiative, The Evolved Nest.
In her book, The Evolved Nest: Nature’s Way of Raising Children and Creating Connected Communities, Narvaez and co-author G.A. Bradshaw, Ph.D., examine how we can restore natural wellness in our families and communities by living in harmony with nature. She points to the idea of “nestedness” as an inspiration for reexamining our own systems of nurturing, understanding and caring for our young and one another.
“A wise elder is one who is deeply nested. They display horizontal nestedness in that they attend to honoring ancestral wisdom and to living for the well-being of future generations. They display vertical nestedness in that they honor and live with Earth’s cycles and nature’s laws, but also feel connected to and confident in the cosmos,” Narvaez explains.
Instead of teaching, wise elders act as guides and model behavior for others. “Wise elders know everyone’s path is unique, and everyone has a gift to uncover, develop and share with the community,” advises Narvaez. “They encourage us toward love and openness, instead of bracing against change. They inspire us to work through our fears and know that words matter. It is easy to discourage the spiritual development of others with words. Stories provide an invitation, instead of persuasion or coercion.”
This wisdom often comes from lessons they have embraced when facing challenges. “It’s not that wise elders are naive livers of life.
They are scarred. To become self-actualized, one must accept suffering and learn from it,” she says.
At the same time, they acknowledge that every moment is a gift and live life to the fullest. “Wise elders know enjoyment and want others to experience it, too, whether it’s ice cream, cookies or a sunset. After all, if you are not experiencing foundational joy in your life, something is quite wrong,” asserts Narvaez.
Seeds of Wisdom
A wise elder’s connection with nature is deeply rooted—grounded by the land and inspired by the promise of cultivation. “Seeds are our 400 million-year-old ancestors and elders. Gardens grow us more than we grow them. They nod and bow to seeds; and gardens as teachers are gardens as elders,” says Petra Page-Mann, co-owner of Fruition Seeds, a farm in Naples, New York, that grows and shares regionally adapted seeds.
Founded in 2012, Fruition Seeds is rooted in the idea that each seed, like each of us, is meant to change the world. In August 2024, they shifted from seed sales to sharing seeds as an embodied gift practice, honoring the co-owners’ desire to respect the seeds and practice reciprocity. “This move deliberately mirrors and honors what the seeds are teaching us,” Page-Mann explains. “They are gifts to the Earth, as we all are, and not ours to buy and sell. It’s a way to practice remembering and reimagining a culture of care and belonging. We are rehydrating our relationship with seeds and the land and moving away from a transactional being to an open place of giving and receiving.”
Page-Mann says, “I think of an elder as someone who inspires, challenges, uplifts and comforts. They are people who can accompany us into our challenges and through them, and not just try to fix
problems. I see our relationship to wise elders in the way a river flows and changes on a whim. Sometimes it flows quickly, and at other times it moves smoothly and slowly. There might be rocks under the surface or waterfalls and dams along the way. At any moment in our lives, we experience different elements of that river. The river holds us as elders do: always present, offering diverse forms of medicine. There might be a lightning bolt of wisdom or awareness, followed by a cascade of insight. Other times, it’s just sweet meandering; but we don’t need to paddle or swim because we are held by their flow.”
Rising From Adversity
Wise elders teach us that by leaning into challenges, we can reframe the risks associated with growth. “If we are in our comfort zone, we are safe, and if we are in our panic zone, we are not safe. There’s a discomfort in between. Wise elders are constantly extending their comfort zones and window of tolerance a little wider, so they can move and breathe more freely in that space,” says Page-Mann.
Although anyone can step into elderhood, Page-Mann believes that society needs to reframe its priorities in order to nurture the process. “We don’t have a cohesive cultural fabric for the role of a wise elder,” she points out. “It’s a capitalist and supremacy culture not grounded in love and belonging. Elders have been eroded from our lives. We’re all really shrunken, disconnected versions of ourselves.”
By challenging current priorities and shifting back to the organic flow of the Earth, we can embrace and embody the traits we seek and become role models and guides for others. “There is a natural progression of maturation where we play different roles in the community and can accompany each other with those roles. If we are held in a cohesive cultural fabric of love and belonging, we can step into whatever role is calling us,” Page-Mann asserts.
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While wise elders are generous with their time and attention, they value staying grounded. Cheryl Richardson, the Massachusetts-based author of Self-Care for the Wisdom Years: Practical Ways to Celebrate the Mystery and Wonder of Aging , says that doing inner work allows elders to become more available for others. “Wise elders are full of life, steeped in gratitude, eager and excited for new adventures, and able to respond to anything placed before them with wisdom and grace,” she says. “They face aging and mortality with open eyes and a curious heart. They are self-reflective, committed to personal growth and anxious to invest time and energy into their inner lives. They are also happy to share what they’ve learned about life and aging with others. They make their greatest contribution to society by being a powerful example of what it means to embrace aging and the wisdom it provides.”
According to Richardson, “Wise elders see aging as a gift and an opportunity to learn about themselves in new and different ways. They are able to step back, take a deep breath and check their reactions before responding to life’s challenges. They consciously cultivate patience and self-reflection when faced with adversity. The wisdom years are an excellent time to challenge the voices that cling to old ways of life. It’s an opportunity to focus less on where you should be and more on where you are and what your soul wants. That’s when the magic of the moment sweeps you off your feet.”
Time Is Essential
At a time when we are living longer than ever, Richardson sees an opportunity to maximize our later years. “Now that longevity affords us a second adult life, we have time to evolve
even more before we die. When people age consciously and prioritize their emotional and physical health, inner life, intimate connections with others and managing their minds, they age with far less fear and much more aliveness, peace and emotional freedom,” she explains.
Wise elders are in tune with their own capacity and availability, and they understand the importance of setting limits. “The gift of mortality is that it makes it easier to say no to those things that are no longer important. Therefore, boundary-setting becomes easier,” Rchardson says. “When you know you have limited time left, you are passionate about spending it wisely. Wise elders have a unique ability to let go of responsibilities that are no longer theirs, and to make space and sit with it. They know when enough is enough and can set firm, loving boundaries. Cultivating these capabilities will not only help us make the most out of our remaining years, but they’ll also mold us into the kind of wise elders so many of us wish we had growing up.”
Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings . Connect at CarrieJackson Writes.com.
Part Two of Special Series on
Whole Health Approaches to Women’s Infertility
by Dr. Susan Fox, DACM, LAc., FABORM
For many couples, starting a family marks a beautiful chapter of life. However, the path is not always straightforward for everyone. Tackling infertility can be an emotional rollercoaster, with emotions ranging from hope to heartache.
For women, the causes of infertility may range from health conditions like hormonal imbalances, ovarian dysfunction and endometriosis; and lifestyle causes such as poor diet, exposure to environmental toxins and weight management; to emotional and mental causes including anxiety, depression, stress and trauma.
Understanding the root causes of infertility is crucial; it’s about unraveling the complex web of underlying issues. In addition to standard blood tests, there are new functional medicine tests for finding the root causes of infertility challenges, including a comprehensive assessment of hormonal imbalances, a test to assess microbiome and detect gastrointestinal pathogens, and a test that provides both insights into nutritional deficiencies and guidance on diet and supplementation.
Research indicates that obesity makes it harder to conceive and leads to more miscarriages. Being underweight increases the risk of ovulatory disorder. A functional medicine or integrative health approach includes managing diet and improving nutrition that also works to balance hormones and microbiomes.
Lifestyle habits like smoking and alcohol and caffeine consumption are also addressed.
A mother’s toxic load can be passed to an unborn child through the umbilical cord. Detoxification prior to trying to conceive can improve not only the mother’s whole health, but her fertile health and the health of her baby.
While not fully understood, research has indicated a correlation between increased stress and decreased likelihood of egg fertilization. Incorporating exercise and mindfulness practices such as meditation and yoga is part of a comprehensive approach to creating the ideal environment for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
Susan Fox is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in Marin County, California, and has specialized in working with women and couples navigating fertility challenge for more than 20 years. Connect at HealthYouniversity.co and DrSusanFox.com.
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Benefits of Compression Therapy Improving Lymphatic Circulation for Better Health and Fitness
by Maya Whitman
Adequate cardiovascular and lymphatic circulation is key for all matters of well-being, including heart health, wound healing, fluid balance and muscle recovery after a workout. To address circulation issues, the advent of compression therapy began as early as 1950 with the invention of compression socks by German engineer and varicose vein sufferer Conrad Jobst. Today, the use of compression gear in the form of boots, leggings, sleeves, bandages, wraps and suits is surging in athletics, as well as physical therapy. In medical settings, the Cleveland Clinic recommends the use of compression bandages, stockings and inflatable wraps to treat swelling and pain in patients experiencing the poor circulation that is often associated with conditions ranging from pregnancy to diabetes and congestive heart failure.
According to market research company SNS Insider, the global compression therapy market—driven not only by athletic demand but also by the rising occurrence of diabetes, lymphedema, varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis in an aging population—is predicted to expand to $7.86 billion by 2032.
Lymphedema and Diabetic Swelling
The lymphatic system is a network of organs, vessels and tissues that work in conjunction with the circulatory system to maintain healthy fluid levels, filter out waste products and abnormal cells, help the body absorb fats and support the immune system. “It is like the body’s waste-water
treatment system,” explains Brittany Curwen, a certified lymphedema therapist and registered occupational therapist at Therapy Achievements, in Decatur, Alabama. “Compression helps keep the right amount of pressure on the blood vessels to make sure the valves inside the veins work in one direction, so blood and lymphatic fluid gets where it needs to go.”
Inflammatory response is normal during the healing process, but when the lymph vessels are unable to drain, lymph fluid in an arm, leg or other body part may cause painful swelling called lymphedema. This condition is commonly caused by cancer, radiation treatments, surgery and, in developing countries, parasites. “After surgery, a light elastic compression garment worn during the daytime hours can help [treat lymphedema]. For someone without a history of lymphedema, a garment that applies 10 to 15 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) of pressure can help. These are often found at drugstores or online,” says Curwen,
noting that such garments can be worn for several weeks during waking hours until the swelling subsides and normal activity is resumed. “For someone with more severe swelling, a medical-grade garment is essential to prevent the lymphedema from progressing and causing changes in the skin texture. A medical-grade garment should be prescribed by a physician.”
Swelling is a common occurrence when diabetes is accompanied by other diseases that impact circulation, such as cardiovascular disease or kidney disease, which can promote pooling of fluid in the legs and feet. A 2023 meta-review published in International Wound Journal found sustained graduated compression to be useful in healing diabetic-related leg sores from pooled blood.
Active Lifestyles
While hitting the gym or going for a long hike does a body good, most people want to avoid post-workout discomfort, and that
is where compression clothing can help. By applying pressure to specific body parts, this clothing improves circulation and ultimately supports muscle recovery. “After intense physical activity, lactic acid is produced as a byproduct of anaerobic respiration, which occurs when your muscles need more energy than your body can supply through oxygen alone,” explains Tabitha Eaves, owner of Rise Up Wellness, in Bloomfield, Michigan. “Lactic acid buildup can lead to muscle fatigue and soreness during and after exercise. The recovery process involves the body clearing out this lactic acid and other metabolic waste products, which helps to reduce muscle soreness, inflammation and swelling, speeding up the overall recovery time.”
A 2021 study published in BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation involving mostly endurance athletes—predominately runners—reported that compression garments were worn on their lower extremities to prevent injury or reduce symptoms of a current injury, and users perceived a faster post-exercise recovery (more than 80 percent), as well as improved sports performance (more than 70 percent).
Eaves specializes in Normatec compression therapy, which uses air to apply pressure to a body part, thereby mimicking a natural muscle-pump action. She suggests that this type of pneumatic compression typically can be used three to four times a week. Some athletes employ it daily, especially during periods of intense training. She adds, “Post-therapy, most users report feeling relaxed, with some experiencing a slight tingling sensation as circulation increases.”
While compression therapy is generally safe for most people, Curwen cautions anyone with peripheral artery disease, congestive heart failure, advanced kidney disease or unmanaged high blood pressure to obtain a physician’s approval before using compression therapy or compression garments.
Maya Whitman is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.
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Raising Children To Be Thankful
Benefits of Feeling and Expressing Appreciation
by Christina Connors
American adults are feeling increasingly troubled. According to a 2024 American Psychiatric Association poll, approximately 43 percent of respondents say they are more anxious now than in previous years (up from 32 percent in 2022), with current events like the economy, elections and gun violence driving 70 percent of worries.
As is often the case, children can be affected by the emotional state of adults in their lives. A 2022 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders reported that children of anxious parents are at higher risk of developing anxiety disorders and twice as likely to have anxiety problems than children of non-anxious parents.
To mitigate this trend, parents, guardians and teachers have a powerful tool at their disposal: gratitude. By championing, modeling and encouraging a grateful heart, they can teach kids to temper episodes of anxiety and regain a sense of safety.
Benefits of Gratitude
“Gratitude is one of these micro-behaviors that creates macro-change,” says Roseann Capanna-Hodge, a Connecticut-based certified school psychologist, neurofeedback provider, author, speaker and podcast host specializing in childhood mental health. “When we have gratitude, there are a lot of overall benefits to our health. Research has shown that gratitude can trigger the brain to release hormones and neurotransmitters that are associated with happiness, such as dopamine and serotonin. Having a gratitude practice as a family can even break negative patterns in the family ecosystem, moving toward generational mental wealth.”
“Humans are hardwired to notice and acknowledge negative experiences due to our natural instinct for survival, but we can overcome our negative biases by incorporating gratitude into our daily routines,” says Andrea Trank, an integrative medicine health coach, HeartMath trainer and trauma-sensitive practitioner in Norfolk, Virginia. “We can shift from feelings of sadness, anxiety and anger to feelings of hope and calm simply by focusing on what we are grateful for. Gratitude also supports immune health, helps us respond, rather than react, to life’s stressors, and shifts the rhythm of the heart into physiological coherence, resulting in the release of oxytocin and DHEA [dehydroepiandrosterone], which promote positive feelings.”
Modeling Gratitude
One of the most effective ways to teach children to be grateful is to express our own gratitude with actions and words. “Forcing our children to be grateful doesn’t work. Model gratitude in a natural and authentic way,” Trank advises. “Notice the little things, and when you are out as a family, slow down and verbally point out the moments of beauty and generosity you see around you. Showing gratitude through action is the
way your child will naturally be inspired to do the same.”
Practicing gratitude as a family can be fun, and it’s a great way to connect deeply with one another. Invite everyone around the dinner table to identify the things for which they are grateful or reflect on moments of gratitude that they witnessed throughout the day. Such positive conversations help develop optimistic outlooks for the whole family. Make it a routine for each family member to simply say “Thank you” upon waking, and to jot down thoughts of gratitude in a journal before the lights go off at the end of the day.
The Thank-You Note
Handwritten thank-you notes are being replaced by texts, emails and emojis as a means of expressing gratitude, but if parents encourage their daughters and sons to see the value of a written note at a young age, this worthwhile activity can become second nature for a child. While it takes a little more time than composing a text, scribing a thoughtful and meaningful written message that expresses gratitude can be read over and over again and reminds the recipient that they matter. When we receive gratitude from others, we are accepting a gift that strengthens the bonds of connection.
Research in 2018 published in Psychological Science points out that people underestimate the power of expressing gratitude and overestimate how awkward it will be, which may keep them from engaging in this impactful practice. This Thanksgiving, embrace the power of gratitude and share it with the next generation to make a positive impact on everyone’s mental health.
Christina Connors is a writer, singer and creator of a YouTube series for children. Learn more at ChristinasCottage444.com.
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Electromagnetic Therapy for Dogs
Non-Invasive
Relief for Pain and Wound Healing
by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN
Originally developed for human medicine, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is becoming increasingly popular in pet care. A 2018 study published in Research in Veterinary Science found it to be a safe, non-invasive veterinary treatment for bone and wound healing, osteoarthritis, inflammation and post-operative pain.
How PEMF Therapy Works
“Everybody needs electric fields and magnetic fields to function properly,” explains Lori Schmidt, a holistic pet-health coach and certified PEMF practitioner for people, pets and livestock in Newtonville, New
Jersey. “PEMF provides these in a concentrated form, helping to recharge cells and restore energy balance.” The therapy stimulates the mitochondria, which are membrane-bound cell structures that generate most of the chemical energy needed to power the cell’s biochemical reactions, and boosts the production of adenosine triphosphate, the primary source of energy for all living organisms at the cellular level and an essential element for healing.
The frequencies used in PEMF therapy typically range from five to 30 Hertz, which aligns with the body’s natural electromagnetic range. These pulses penetrate tissues,
bones and organs, helping to alleviate pain, reduce swelling and promote tissue regeneration. “The energy from PEMF can go up to 16 inches into the body, making it effective even through casts or thick tissues,” Schmidt explains.
Benefits for Dogs
PEMF therapy offers a wide range of benefits for dogs.
• Pain Relief: PEMF therapy has been shown to reduce pain and discomfort in dogs with chronic conditions like arthritis. In a 2012 Italian study of dogs with osteoarthritis, 25 dogs were given a session of PEMF every day for 20 days, and 15 dogs in the control group were treated with a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug every day for 20 days. While both groups showed significant improvement in pain relief and mobility during the treatment period, only the PEMF group sustained the improvements for 12 months.
• Improved Mobility: By reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair, PEMF therapy helps improve mobility in dogs with joint issues or injuries. “I’ve worked on dogs with tendon and ligament problems, and the results have been impressive, including reduced pain, increased mobility and overall better quality of life,” Schmidt attests.
• Wound Healing: PEMF therapy accelerates the healing of wounds by enhancing
While PEMF therapy offers numerous benefits, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian before starting any new treatment, particularly for dogs with specific health conditions like cancer or heart issues.
blood flow and cellular repair processes. In a 1998 study published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research involving 12 beagles with sutured wounds, six dogs that were treated with PEMF twice a day beginning on the day before surgery and ending 21 days after surgery showed faster wound closure compared
to the other six dogs that received no such treatments.
• Stress and Anxiety Reduction: PEMF therapy has a calming effect on the nervous system, making it beneficial for dogs with anxiety or stress-related behaviors. “PEMF promotes the release
of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood enhancers,” says Schmidt.
While PEMF therapy offers numerous benefits, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian before starting any new treatment, particularly for dogs with specific health conditions like cancer or heart issues. “PEMF can be a powerful tool for improving quality of life, but it should always be used under the guidance of a qualified professional,” notes Schmidt. “It’s crucial to tailor the treatment to each dog’s condition and to monitor their response carefully.” With the right approach, PEMF therapy may be the key to unlocking better health and well-being for dogs.
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.
Make An Impact in your community
Finding Grace in Hardship
by Marlaina Donato
With the season of gratitude comes an annual flurry of festivities. Many of us feel obligated to show up at the table when we might prefer retreating into a corner of solitude. Finding a shred of gratitude may feel like an obligatory or even impossible feat if we are buckling beneath the weight of personal problems. Well-meaning loved ones might point out the blessings in our lives, and it is easy to be snared into feeling guilty if we cannot appreciate the good.
Being thankful for crumbs when we have been denied a feast might seem a task reserved for saints, but simply having faith in an hour of plenty that is yet to come can soften the sharp edge of our hunger. Feeling gratitude for bounty that has not yet arrived, and for all that is on its way to us in its rightful season, provides us with an opportunity to see the light beyond the shadow. According to the Buddhist proverb, “Enough is a feast.”
Seeing “enough” on the table, in the mirror, in each other and in each day is a spiritual practice worth cultivating. Reaching beyond our comfort zone by loving others when we do not feel loved or supporting someone else when we feel less-than can bring us closer to all that is slightly out of reach. Taking time to
observe nature’s complex patterns—fractals within flowers, textures of trees or the edible geometry of a cauliflower—reminds us that we, too, are part of the universal order.
Finding fragments of beauty along the wayside—a child’s pure laugh, the drop of sweet honey left on the spoon or a bird’s wing reflecting the morning light—invites us to look beyond the chaotic, current chapter to see the bigger story. Choosing to remember that all chapters come to a close can help us decide what we want to write in the next one.
Marlaina Donato is an author, composer and painter. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.
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Calendar of Events
Saturday, November 2
Sound Healing & Reiki in the Salt Cave –10-11am. With Molly Rae Randall. Experience sound healing with Tibetan singing bowls and reiki, all while surrounded in the healing Himalayan salt cave atmosphere. $15 deposit required. $35. Zen & Now Wellness Apothecary, LLC, 6009 Allentown Blvd, Harrisburg. 717-608-2271. ZenNowWellness.com.
Knowledge Is Power: Is Halotherapy Right for You? – 1-2pm. Learn what Halotherapy, also known as Dry Salt Therapy, is and what benefits it can provide to you for cleansing and healing for your respiratory system and for a multitude of skin issues. Free. The Center of Balance LLC, 25 N Jefferson St, Greencastle. 717-643-1404. TheCenterOfBalanceLLC.net.
Thursday, November 7
Knowledge Is Power: What is Ionic Detoxing and Is It Right for You? – 5-6pm. Learn about Ionic Detoxing and how it can help your body to detox from heavy metals, cellular debris, joint debris and much more. Free. The Center of Balance LLC, 25 N Jefferson St, Greencastle. 717-643-1404. TheCenterOfBalanceLLC.net.
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.
Saturday, November 9
Save the Date
Saturday, November 9
Cumberland County Women’s Expo –9am-2pm. 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, nutrition, finance, technology and more. Free. Carlisle Expo Center, 100 K St, Carlisle. 717-2851350. AGreatWayToSpendMyDay.com.
“Reiki by Rickie” ReikiVoice Certification – 9:30am-5:30pm. Experience the healing power of your voice. Use voices for singing, toning, chanting, speaking and humming for our personal well-being and with clients. No voice experience necessary. $200. Reiki by Rickie, ReikiSpace & Learning Place, 2793 Old Post Rd, Ste 10, Harrisburg. 717-599-2299. ReikiByRickie.com.
Embodiment Yoga – 10-11am. Practice helps students to drop into their bodies before making big decisions, feeling how their body reacts to situations where we’re normally “numb,” and experience what our desires feel like in our senses. $23. Firefly Hollow Wellness Center, 200 Farm Ln, York. 717-814-9136. FireflyHollowWellness.com.
Archangel Michael, Mother Mary, Padre Pio Channeling – 10am-4pm. With Pat Cassel. Messages from Archangel Michael and the Angels, and potent healing energies from Mother Mary and Padre Pio are awaiting you. $100/hr, $60/30 mins. Gracefull Heart, 1953 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle. Pre-register: 717-240-0400 or Info@ Gracefull-Heart.com. Gracefull-Heart.com.
Reiki II – 10am-5pm. With Reiki Master, Heather Auxt-Snelson. Learn 3 reiki symbols and their mantras, how to empower your reiki, heal on the mental/emotional level, and send reiki long distance. Prerequisite: Reiki I. $220. ReWeaving Balance, 5A Harrisburg Pk, Dillsburg. Register: 717943-3765 or HeatherAuxt@gmail.com. ReWeavingBalance.Earth.
Sunday, November 10
Experience the Benefits of Breathwork – 1-3:30pm. Expect a transformational life experience and release of emotions by engaging in guided breathwork and meditation exercises. Learn the importance of “breath” and truly connect with their heart and soul. $78. Firefly Hollow Wellness Center, 200 Farm Ln, York. 717-814-9136. FireflyHollowWellness.com.
Wednesday, November 13
Private Afterlife Communication Readings – 9am-6pm. During an Afterlife Communication session the practitioner may communicate with loved ones using the language of spirit. This “language” consists of mental imagery, symbols, words, sounds and feelings. $235. Firefly Hollow Wellness Center, 200 Farm Ln, York. Registration required: 717814-9136. FireflyHollowWellness.com.
Gratitude Workshop and Candlelight Ceremony – 6-8:30pm. With Rickie Freedman. Learn about the reiki healing principle of gratitude, understand the energetic law of attraction, and participate in a beautiful, powerful and deeply healing candle-lit gratitude ceremony to celebrate our blessings. $40. Reiki by Rickie, ReikiSpace & Learning Place, 2793 Old Post Rd, Ste 10, Harrisburg. 717-599-2299. ReikiByRickie.com.
Friday, November 15
Animal Connections: A Benefit for Castaway Critters Rescue – 8am-9pm. In these mini-animal communication readings, you can connect with your pet to find out what they’re thinking and how they’re feeling. $40. Zoom or phone. Pre-register: 717-4867823. MellaLunaHealing.simpletix.com.
Richard LaRocco Gallery – 6:30-9pm. A powerful group event that demonstrates the continuity of life and provides healing through connection to Spirit and receiving messages from our loved ones on the other side. $44. Reiki by Rickie, ReikiSpace & Learning Place, 2793 Old Post Rd, Ste 10, Harrisburg. 717-599-2299. ReikiByRickie.com.
Psychic Gallery – 7-9:30pm. Expect the unexpected as acclaimed psychic William
Stillman connects with the realm beyond as well as offering predictions and intuitive insights. He’ll communicate the intuitive information he receives, then will open the floor for questions. $35. New Visions Books and Gifts, 2594 Eastern Blvd, York. 717-8149136. FireflyHollowWellness.com.
Saturday, November 16
Reiki I – 9:30am-5:30pm. With Rickie Freedman, Reiki Master/Teacher. Learn all about your energy, self-healing, and the skills to utilize reiki energy to begin sharing healing with others, including pets. Attunement, manual, certificate. $185. Reiki by Rickie, ReikiSpace & Learning Place, 2793 Old Post Rd, Ste 10, Harrisburg. 717599-2299. ReikiByRickie.com.
Intuitive Tarot Readings – 10am-4:30pm. With Judy Winfrey. Receive messages that offer clarity and guidance which can help you with everyday life as well as help open you to your own potential. $90/hr. Gracefull Heart, 1953 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle. Pre-register: 717-240-0400 or Info@Gracefull-Heart. com. Gracefull-Heart.com.
Merry Mechanicsburg Mercantile – 11am4pm. A creative craft fair with unique handmade items. Many merchants in downtown including Creative Grounds and The Rosemary House; over 50 curated vendors participating. The Rosemary House, 120 S Market St, Mechanicsburg. 717-697-5111. TheRosemaryHouse.com.
Sunday, November 17
Usui Reiki III Master Training – 10am5pm. With Sharon Askey. Fully commit to working with the reiki energy and on yourself. Learn to pass attunements and teach all 2 levels of reiki. Prerequisites: Reiki I & Reiki II. $333. Gracefull Heart, 1953 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle. Pre-register: 717240-0400 or Info@Gracefull-Heart.com. Gracefull-Heart.com.
Monday, November 18
Yoga, Salt & Sound – 6:30-7:30pm. With Sharin Owens Kabetek. Sound healing is a powerful way to reduce stress and calm the mind, allowing practitioners to sink into deep states of relaxation, which is an amazing addition to the yoga class. $35. Zen & Now Wellness Apothecary, LLC, 6009 Allentown Blvd, Harrisburg. 717-608-2271. ZenNowWellness.com.
Tuesday, November 19
Fire Cider & Winter Health – 6:30-8:30pm. Explore the many herbs, remedies and tonics used to keep you and your family healthy this winter. Everyone will make some fire cider to take home. With
Susanna Reppert Brill. $25. The Rosemary House, 120 S Market St, Mechanicsburg. 717-697-5111. TheRosemaryHouse.com.
Wednesday, November 20
Group Sound Meditation – 6-8pm. With Matthew Kramer. Allow your mind, body and soul to relax and deepen into your true essence, as the powerful healing vibrations of sound interweave in a beautiful dance with Spirit. $35. ReWeaving Balance, 5A Harrisburg Pk, Dillsburg. 717-943-4833. ReWeavingBalance.Earth.
Happiness is a Choice – 7-9pm. With Linda Gareh-Applegate. Learn more about how you can choose happiness and how to take your next step on this path to happiness. Discover tools that can help you move along this path. $20. Gracefull Heart, 1953 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle. Pre-register: 717240-0400 or Info@Gracefull-Heart.com. Gracefull-Heart.com.
Thursday, November 21
Knowledge Is Power: What is Auriculotherapy and Is It Right for You? – 5-6pm. Learn about Auriculotherapy and how it can put you in control of your health and help you to help yourself in your quest for healing. Free. The Center of Balance LLC, 25 N Jefferson St, Greencastle. 717-6431404. TheCenterOfBalanceLLC.net.
Friday, November 22
Shamanic Journey for Healing and Clarity – 6-7:15pm. Meet with your Animal guides and Spirit helpers who will take you on a journey to receive healing and clarity. No previous journeying experience needed. $20. Blue Morpho Wellness, 9 N Baltimore Ave, Mt Holly Springs. 717-486-7823. MellaLunaHealing.simpletix.com.
Friday, November 29
Black Friday No Sales Tax Event – 10am6pm. The Center of Balance, LLC will be open on Nov 29. Stop by for a warm drink and some great deals. The Center of Balance LLC, 25 N Jefferson St, Greencastle. 717-643-1404. TheCenterOfBalanceLLC.net.
Plan Ahead
Saturday, December 14
Save the Date
Saturday, December 14
Holiday Holistic & Spiritual Bazaar –Dec 14-15. 10am-5pm. A festive array of vendors of gemstone trees, crystals, soaps, essential oils, artwork, photography, incense, books, plus healers, readers, reiki, tarot and much more. Food, baked goods, gourmet coffee available for purchase. Free admission. Leesport Farmers Market, 312 Garnets Church Rd, Leesport. 570-573-1561. LadyLynora. com/Holiday-Bazaar.
Community
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 23.
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.
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. u
Animal Communication
MELLA LUNA HEALING
Dawn R. Tule
717-486-7823 • MellaLunaHealing.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. See ad, page 11. 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
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.net
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
A Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) bridges the gap between care providers who traditionally treat one individual (adult or infant) by treating mother and baby as an interconnected team. Care and feeding plans are given that consider the needs and preferences of each person as they work toward their goals. 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
2ND ASCENT COACHING
Gary Lougher
550 N 12th St, Ste 130, Lemoyne 717-287-1102 • 2ndAscent.com
Gary offers Certified Trauma Recovery coaching, Optimal Leadership facilitation and Heroics Kids Coaching to anyone who is open to the possibility of a new story about themselves. In person in Lemoyne, or via Zoom. Schedule a no charge discovery call. See ad, page 19. u
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.
Culinary Arts
THE ART OF CEREMONIAL COOKING
Hilary Mace
Mount Gretna • 717-371-8999 TheArtOfCeremonialCooking.com
Offerings include unique customized dinner celebrations, thoughtful menu planning, culinary rituals, interactive demonstrations, creative presentation and culinary exploration at special occasions; group retreats, plus in-depth classes that include symbolism of food, artful storytelling and celebration of the rich diversity of human experience through the universal language of food. u
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 9. u
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 9. 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 6. u
Holistic Counseling
MARY ROTHWELL
INTEGRATIVE WELLNESS
Mary Rothwell, LPC, CIMHP 2133 Market St, Ste 227, Camp Hill 717-219-4105 • MaryRothwell.com
I support women in transition, specifically mid-life, managing anxious or low mood, impacts of trauma, conflicted relationships, hormonal changes, or other challenges that interfere with a life of balance and fulfillment. I combine modalities tailored to specific client needs with research-based science of integrative nutrition, brain health and lifestyle choices. See ad, page 19. 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
Holistic Weight/Fat Loss
MINDFULLY FIT BY DR. ROX
Roxane E. Hearn, PhD, CFNC, NBC-HWC 717-480-9680 • DrRoxHealth.com
Board-certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Dr. Rox provides root-cause based solutions to address complex weight/fat loss struggles. Understand & correct imbalances in your body’s basic systems thru a customized program with 1:1 health coaching, targeted nutrition & plantbased medicine. Honor your bio individuality & cultivate the mindset needed to attain & sustain a healthy body, so you can be “happy n@ked” in it. See ad, page 6. u
Jatto Internal Medicine & Wellness offers integrative telehealth services, providing personalized, root-cause-focused healthcare. Through virtual consultations, patients receive customized treatment plans for weight management, nutrition coaching, anti-aging, hormone imbalances, and more, combining modern medicine with holistic therapies—all from the comfort of their home. See ad, page 12. u
True forgiveness is when you can say, “Thank you for the experience.”
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, CMLDT, LRMT, VFRT, MoM, Esti 5000 Lenker St, Ste 103, Mechanicsburg 717-254-7250 • HappieSoul.me
Cristina is an internationally acclaimed massage therapist, non-invasive weight loss specialist and certified manual lymphatic drainage therapist, offering massage, reiki, bioacoustic mat therapy, full-spectrum infrared sauna, weightloss treatments and more. You receive a transformative experience with personalized solutions in real time that address your wellness goals. Happie Soul Wellness. Wellness. Redefined. See ad, page 13. u
THE BALANCE
Brenda Baxter
2201 Forest Hill Dr, Harrisburg 717-877-7533 • BalanceIsYours.com
We offer massage, reflexology and reiki to reduce stress, avoid chronic disease and increase relaxation for better emotional health; Detoxification to alleviate stressors and toxins and to strengthen your immune system, gut and overall health; plus, a mix of body work programs to increase vitality and help you live a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. See ad, page 8. u
Organic Remedies cultivates, manufactures, and dispenses safe, effective medical marijuana products for certified PA patients. OR is advancing medical marijuana therapies through genetics, collaborative research and superior patient care. Specially trained pharmacists and patient care consultants deliver a clinical approach for the utilization of medical marijuana that is patient-focused, collaborative and outcomes based. See ad, page 15. u
Metaphysical
GRACEFULL HEART
Sharon Askey 1953 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle 717-240-0400 • GraceFull-Heart.com
Gracefull Heart offers many tools to support you on your spiritual journey. Crystals, books, oracle cards, crystal singing bowls, gemstone jewelry, statues, pendulums, incense and much more. We invite you to visit our peaceful and supportive space. See ad, page 10. 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, collaborative naturopathic practice in central PA. Her passion is providing safe, effective and individualized care for the whole family. See ad, page 11. u
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, collaborative naturopathic practice in central PA. She provides a safe, effective and affordable alternative to conventional health care. See ad, page 11. 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 11. u
NATURAL PATHS TO WELLNESS
Ashlyn Zikmund, BS, ND 1524 Cedar Cliff Dr, Camp Hill 717-494-4500 • NaturalPathsToWellness.com
Nutrition
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 11. u
SONNEWALD NATURAL FOODS
4796 Lehman Rd, Spring Grove 717-225-3825 • Sonnewald.org
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 throughout the year. See ad, back cover. u
The table is a meeting place, a gathering ground, the source of sustenance and nourishment, festivity, safety and satisfaction. A person cooking is a person giving: Even the simplest food is a gift.
—Laurie Colwin
In-store Nature’s Marketplace features natural foods, supplements, herbal remedies and foods for special dietary needs. See ad, page 2 u
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 11. u
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. u
Reflexology
MIND BODY SOLE REFLEXOLOGY
Marisa Straub
Camp Hill • 717-497-6077
MindBodySoleReflexology.com
Marisa is a certified reflexologist serving babies to adults! Reflexology can help reduce arthritis and sciatic pain, insomnia, anxiety, stress and headaches. Reflexology helps relieve common ailments in babies and can alleviate stress, anxiety and ADHD symptoms in children. Marisa offers foot / hand reflexology, Japanese Cosmo Lift TM , and ear candling.
REFLEXOLOGY BY JUNE
June T. Minaya
Mechanicsburg • 717-599-0313
Tinyurl.com/ReflexologyByJune
June offers natural ways to relieve pain and anxiety, improve sleep, boost circulation and induce relaxation by applying pressure to certain areas of the feet which helps the body return to a state of balance. Traveling reflexology sessions and group events are available upon request. Call 717-599-0313 to book a session. u
Beth offers reflexology of both the hands and feet, utilizing specific pressure points and techniques to help assist in whole body relaxation and balance, with a Reiki touch. Great for improving circulation, calming the nervous system, supporting the immune system, as well as assisting with aches and pains. ARCB Certified. u
Reiki
THE GIVER OF LIGHT LLC
Cresha Drayden
1224 S Queen St, York 717-802-2141 • GiverOfLight1111@gmail.com
FB: The Giver of Light • IG: TheGiverOfLight365 Cresha Drayden is a Reiki Master Teacher, Certified Mindset Coach, Herbalist and Reflexologist offering reiki and other holistic services including yoni steaming, foot detox, infrared sauna, ionic foot bath therapy, reflexology, chakra balancing and more. Call or email to schedule appointment.
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 9. u
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 u
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 27. u
Wellness
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 7. 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. Reiki healing and classes, Sacred Spirals Healing, Dominus Cervix™ Stargate sessions, aura photography, CranioSacral sessions, readings and sound healing. Be sure to check our website for the latest schedule of events. See ad, page 10. u
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. 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.net
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
Zen & Now Wellness is your one-stop shop for herbal and dietary supplements, acupuncture, massage therapy and more in the Harrisburg, PA region. By combining traditional Eastern medicine and other avenues of healing, the goal is an individualized holistic wellness treatment to fit your specific needs. 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. 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.
Band & Event Venue Services
SOUND, LIGHTING, MUSIC & MORE – Professional sound & lighting for concerts, bands, disc jockeys, clubs & other events. We provide sound systems, mixing for bands, video projection, lighting & special effects for venues & events, plus DJ & Karaoke services. Visit BillMartin.name. 717-697-6067.
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.
