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D

ear Readers,

January offers a natural pause, a moment to reset with intention rather than pressure.

This issue invites readers to begin the year grounded in practical wellness, conscious living, and meaningful connection, reminding us that lasting change is built gently, one thoughtful step at a time.

Our Featured Article, The Power of Integrative Medicine, explores a wholeperson approach to healthcare that blends conventional treatments with evidencebased complementary therapies. As chronic conditions increasingly challenge traditional models of care, integrative medicine offers expanded options that address physical, mental, and spiritual well-being together.

Through collaboration and personalization, this model empowers individuals to take an active role in prevention and long-term health.

Read the full feature beginning on page 16.

Supporting the theme of everyday wellness, our Eco-Tips article, Simple Habits for the Greenest Year Yet, shows how small adjustments can create measurable environmental impact. From reducing energy use and plastic waste to embracing mindful consumption, these simple habits demonstrate how personal choices ripple outward to benefit the planet. Learn more about these easy, impactful practices on page 10.

In the Wise Words department, we take a deeper look at gut health through an article on addressing candida overgrowth at its root. See this informative read starting on page 20.

Our Conscious Eating feature revisits sourdough bread, celebrating its ancient origins and modern health benefits. With

improved digestibility, blood sugar balance, and gut support, sourdough reminds us that slower, traditional processes often nourish us best.

Discover this flavorful journey on page 12.

In Inspiration, Baby Steps to a Life Well Lived reframes resolutions into realistic, sustainable practices. By honoring consistency over perfection, this article encourages growth rooted in patience and self-compassion. Find it on page 11.

Rounding out the issue, Healing Ways explores the renewed rise of multigenerational households, highlighting the benefits of shared care, cultural continuity, and deeper connection across generations. This return to interdependence offers a meaningful counterbalance to modern isolation and reminds us that healing often happens within family and community.

Read more on page 24.

Throughout the magazine, readers will also find brief features and ads spotlighting local businesses, timely health briefs, a calendar of upcoming community events, and our go-to Community Resource Guide in the back of each issue, offering a trusted directory of local services and support.

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Contents 7 Reducing Anxiety With Virtual Sound Therapy 10 Simple Habits for the Greenest Year Yet 11 Baby Steps to a Life Well Lived 12 Soulful Sourdough

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16 The Power of Integrative Medicine 20 Dean Mitchell 22 Big Dreams, Little Hands

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24 Intergenerational Living

DEPARTMENTS

26 Holistic Health From Nose to Tail

6 6 8 10 11 12 16

Local Briefs Health Briefs Global Briefs Eco Tip Inspiration Conscious Eating Feature Story

24 20 22 24 26 28 28 29

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Wise Words Healthy Kids Healing Ways Natural Pet Calendar Classifieds Resource Guide

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Local Briefs

Cultivating Clarity and Coherence with Paz of Mind Paz of Mind, founded by Paz Nilo, offers a refined and intentional path for those seeking emotional clarity, elevated self-awareness, and environments that better support personal growth. With more than twenty years in the wellness field, Nilo brings a deep understanding of energy awareness, personal development, and the mind– body connection.

As a certified NeuroChangeSolutions Consultant trained directly

by Dr. Joe Dispenza, Nilo guides clients through neuroscience-based frameworks that illuminate how change happens and how to create meaningful, lasting shifts. Her private sessions are highly personalized, helping clients release emotional and energetic blocks, foster resilience, and reconnect with a grounded sense of inner strength.

Nilo also offers Bio-Well GDV assessments to provide insight into the energetic field and how patterns of stress or emotion may influence overall balance. In addition, her BioGeometry Environmental Home Solutions service elevates the energetic quality of homes and workplaces, creating spaces that feel restorative, balanced, and aligned with wellbeing.

To connect with Paz Nilo for consultations, sessions, or home evaluations, visit PazOfMind.com. See ad, page 30.

Deerfield Beach Welcomes the Holistic Health & Healing Expo on February 1st

The South Florida Holistic Health & Healing Expo returns this season, bringing its signature blend of community connection, cutting-edge wellness, and heart-centered living to Deerfield Beach. The event will be held on Saturday, February 1, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the DoubleTree

by Hilton, offering a full day designed to inspire, educate, and uplift.

Attendees can explore an expansive marketplace of holistic practitioners, natural products, and lifestyle services, ranging from functional medicine and energy healing to bodywork, crystals, nutrition, and eco-conscious goods. Whether you're seeking support for mind, body, or spirit, the expo offers a rare opportunity to meet dozens of trusted local experts in one welcoming space.

The expo also features a schedule of live workshops led by experienced practitioners. Many workshops are free, while others may have a small fee depending on the presenter.

Holistic Health & Healing Expo continues to evolve as a celebrated gathering for those seeking natural approaches to wellbeing. Mark your calendar and spend the day discovering new modalities, meeting inspiring leaders, and supporting small businesses dedicated to holistic health.

For exhibitor opportunities or workshop inquiries, visit SoFlo.HHHExpo.com. See ad page 21.

Health Briefs Hazardous Release of Microplastics From Baby Food Containers BananaStock from Photo Images/CanvaPro

A research team from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln studied the release of microplastics and nanoplastics from plastic baby food containers and pouches under various conditions. Their findings, published in 2023 in Environmental Science & Technology, revealed that refrigeration and room temperature can release millions to billions of microplastics and nanoplastics over six months.

Heating in a 1,000-watt microwave for just three minutes released more than 4 million microplastic and 2 billion nanoplastic particles per square centimeter of plastic. Polyethylene-based food pouches emitted more particles than polypropylene containers. A laboratory study showed that the extracted microplastics and nanoplastics killed three-quarters of cultured embryonic kidney cells after 48 hours of exposure.

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Health Briefs

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Bees create propolis, a glue-like substance, using tree resin, sap and their enzymes to seal and protect their hives. Traditional herbal remedies have long included propolis for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. In oral care, it has been shown to help reduce plaque, soothe gums and prevent infections naturally.

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A 2024 Malaysian clinical trial published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies compared the effectiveness of chlorhexidinebased mouthwash to propolis-based herbal mouthwash in reducing plaque and gingivitis. While chlorhexidine, a synthetic chemical, is effective at killing bacteria and reducing plaque and gum inflammation, it can stain teeth, alter taste or irritate the mouth.

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Antioxidant May Protect Heart During Chemotherapy

Reducing Anxiety With Virtual Sound Therapy

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Biofield tuning (BT) balances the body’s energy field using sound vibrations. A 2023 study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine involved 15 participants that received three weekly hourlong BT sessions over Zoom from certified practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participant surveys revealed significant reductions in anxiety, negative emotions and perceived stress after the treatments. They also reported feeling more positive and less overwhelmed. The practitioners observed a decrease in negative emotional language by the participants, indicating a shift to a more positive emotional state.

Although the study was small, the results suggest that sound-based energy healing could be an effective, low-risk option for managing anxiety.

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The study divided 45 adults with chronic gingivitis into three mouthwash groups: propolis, chlorhexidine or a placebo. Participants used each mouthwash for multiple 21-day phases, with a 15-day washout period in between. Dental plaque and gum inflammation were measured at the trial’s start and after each 21-day phase. Results showed that the propolis mouthwash achieved the greatest reductions in both plaque and gingival inflammation, outperforming chlorhexidine and the placebo.

Cancer patients treated with doxorubicin, a common chemotherapy drug, may suffer heart damage, including reduced heart function, irregular heart rhythms and heart failure. A 2025 study published in Nature investigated whether astaxanthin, a natural antioxidant found in certain seafood and algae, could help reduce the damage.

The researchers divided study rats into a group that received only doxorubicin, two groups that received doxorubicin along with different doses of astaxanthin, and a control group. They used ultrasound scans to check blood markers for heart injury, examined heart tissue, measured cellular energy levels and analyzed proteins related to mitochondrial health.

Rats given doxorubicin alone experienced heart damage, mitochondrial disruptions and lower energy levels in the heart. By contrast, rats treated with astaxanthin showed improved heart function compared to the doxorubicin group, fewer signs of injury, healthier heart tissue and higher cellular energy levels. Astaxanthin also protected the structure and function of mitochondria.

Further research in humans is needed to confirm whether astaxanthin could safely and effectively be used alongside chemotherapy.

January 2026

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Global Briefs

Since 1935, researchers have observed and tracked monarch butterflies’ transcontinental journey to their winter home in Mexico. New technology from New Jersey-based Cellular Tracking Technologies now allows scientists to tag and track individual butterflies in real time. Monarch enthusiasts can follow these tagged insects on the free Project Monarch Science app.

The solar-powered tags weigh only 60 milligrams, which is 10 to 12 percent of a butterfly’s weight. Their signals are automatically detected within 300 feet of any of the billions of Bluetooth-enabled devices along the route. In 2025, more than 400 were deployed across the eastern United States and southern Canada.

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Understanding monarchs’ habits and hazards is crucial for preserving these beautiful creatures, whose populations have declined by 22 percent over the past 20 years, according to a 2025 study published in Science.

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Fast-Growing Microforests Boost Climate Resilience

Elizabeth, New Jersey, is a bustling industrial center with a major East Coast container port and Newark International Airport. The area faces a high risk of flooding due in part to limited tree cover. In 2021, the New Jersey Conservation Foundation helped plant more than 260 native species in a 40-by-45-foot plot behind one of Elizabeth’s public libraries.

Since then, they have added four additional tiny forests.

Native species densely planted in a small, contained area grow twice as fast as standalone plants because they have to compete for resources. In just five years, these microforests have achieved levels of carbon sequestration and oxygen production comparable to older forests.

A 2025 study of three Elizabeth microforests revealed they were four degrees cooler than mature, standalone trees and 50 degrees cooler than nearby asphalt parking lots. Additionally, their soil is now up to 50 times more permeable, providing essential habitats for local wildlife.

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New Tech Tracks Monarch Butterflies in Real Time

Researchers from the University of Vermont studied four species of baleen whales—gray, humpback, North Atlantic and North Pacific right—to assess their role in oceanic ecosystems. These whales feed in subpolar waters for most of the year, fattening up before migrating thousands of miles to warm-water breeding grounds in winter.

The Agaw people of Ethiopia have a longstanding tradition of sustainable farming that includes rotational grazing of animals, terracing to conserve water, and soil restoration with native plants. An article from Dialogue Earth reports that the Agaw are experiencing rising temperatures and drier conditions, threatening their ecological stability. In response, they have incorporated modern technology to supplement Indigenous knowledge.

Solar-powered water pumps are now being used to irrigate their terraced farms with ground and river water, boosting crop productivity. The terraces slow water flow, prevent erosion, enhance water absorption and ensure long-term sustainability. Water use is managed by community traditions to promote equity and conservation.

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At their breeding and birthing sites, they release significant nutrients through urine, feces, skin and dead whale bodies. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that the whales annually transport more than 4,000 tons of nitrogen and 45,000 tons of biomass to nutrient-poor coastal areas in the tropics and subtropics.

Indigenous Farming Meets Modern Technology

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How Whales Contribute to Coastal Ecosystems

January 2026

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Eco Tip

Simple Habits for the Greenest Year Yet

by Natural Awakenings staff

552 million shampoo bottles, which take an average of 450 years to decompose.

Adjust the thermostat by two degrees—down in winter and up in summer—to lower utility costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve local air quality. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates about 6 percent in energy savings for each degree of adjustment.

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Replace plastic produce and grocery bags with reusables. Plastic bags are non-biodegradable and can take up to 1,000 years to decompose. Microplastics from these bags are ingested by small organisms, entering the food chain and affecting human diets.

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Switch to bar soap or refillable body wash. Millions of plastic soap containers end up in landfills each year, including

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Commit to one plant-based meal each week. Animal agriculture is responsible for 18 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, so eating one less burger a week is equivalent to removing a vehicle off the road for 320 miles. A plant-based diet can also lower the risk of heart disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and certain cancers, while boosting mental health.

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Use what you have before buying more, especially toiletries and cleaning products. The bathroom accounts for 64 percent of a home’s single-use items.

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Unplug devices like phone chargers, gaming consoles and kitchen appliances with digital displays when not in use, as they can still draw small amounts of power and account for up to 10 percent of electricity use.

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Carry a reusable water bottle to combat plastic bottle pollution in ocean waters, which is projected to reach two garbage trucks-full per minute by 2030.

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Choose standard shipping when shopping online, combine orders and select the fewest packages per delivery to minimize environmental impacts, such as higher emissions and fuel costs.

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Take shorter showers and install more efficient showerheads to significantly reduce water and energy consumption. Using less hot water also decreases the energy needed for fossil fuel-based heating.

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Compost to reduce food waste.

Transform food scraps and yard trimmings into nutrient-rich soil for the garden, reducing the need for fertilizer and pesticides. Countertop composting decreases food scraps in landfills, cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

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Opt for gently used clothing instead of buying new. Thrifting or having clothing swaps with friends or family extends the life of clothes and reduces the volume sent to landfills annually.

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Drive less by biking, walking, carpooling or using public transportation to cut air pollution and save money.

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iving sustainably is about prioritizing the planet and future generations by minimizing our environmental impact. Every small action we take can lead to significant change. From adjusting the thermostat to opting for better shopping bags, becoming an everyday eco-hero is surprisingly easy. Here are 12 impactful actions anyone can take.

Inspiration

Baby Steps to a Life Well Lived

by Marlaina Donato

B

reathing in the fresh air of a new year can be both invigorating and a little intimidating. We are encouraged to set resolutions, dive headfirst into greater and better lives, and release outdated beliefs. What can begin as a promising path of good intentions may quickly become overwhelming. By spring, some of us may not even remember our January aspirations. But if we silence the wellmeaning shoulds and have-tos, it is possible to confidently step into a new chapter at our own pace, increasing our chances of success.

This year, instead of lofty resolutions, let’s choose baby steps toward better health or a more peaceful life, basing our hopes on realistic simplicity and modifying our goals into small dedications— sacred vows we uphold and share only with those we trust. Just as a tiny seed lies dormant in the frozen earth waiting for the right moment to transform, we can rise at the perfect time and reveal our vibrant potential. Allotting a little time each day to baby steps can become something to eagerly await—writing another paragraph of that novel-in-progress, cooking something delicious that nourishes the body, learning a few words in a language course or simply saying no to anything that distracts us from nurturing our growth or bliss.

Twelve months is not long to transform, build a business or heal on the cellular level. Reaching the end of another year without crossing our personal finish line does not mean we have failed. It simply offers us another opportunity, another 12 months, to continue investing in our baby steps. New year’s resolutions can be a way of living without deadlines.

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Ideas for a brand-new year:

• Allot 10 minutes twice a day for true self-care, which might include meditation, stillness, listening to music or a few invigorating stretches.

• Allocate three hours a week for a cherished project.

• View goals as sacred.

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.

January 2026

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Conscious Eating

Soulful Sourdough Why This Bread Still Heals

by Maya Whitman

S

ourdough, made from flour, water, salt and starter, is the oldest form of leavened bread, originating with the ancient Egyptians. Unlike most yeast breads, sourdough has a low glycemic index and does not spike blood sugar levels. A 2024 study in Foods highlights its benefits compared to other types of bread, including improved digestibility, high mineral and antioxidant content, better blood sugar control and improved dietary fiber composition, including prebiotics to feed healthy gut bacteria.

With knowledge, a good starter and patience, sourdough can become a lifelong friend, offering more than just the iconic crusty loaf. “The same living starter that makes a loaf rise can become the morning’s pancakes, the evening’s pizza or even a tray

A Belly-Friendly Treat

While many yeast breads cause bloating and other gut discomforts, sourdough is gentler.

According to the Mayo Clinic, regular consumption of sourdough can improve the intestinal microbiome. “During a long fermentation, the yeast and bacteria produce enzymes that help break down gluten and some carbohydrates and reduce phytic acid, a grain compound that can block mineral absorption. The result is a sourdough bread many people find easier to digest,” explains Katya Nikolov, a cancer research scientist and owner of Dubuque Bakery, in Snohomish, Washington. “My view is simple and science-first: When it is slowly fermented and made with high-quality flour, sourdough can be a delicious, gut-friendly ally within a varied, balanced diet.”

According to Emily Harryman, owner of Plain Jane Bakes, in Keller, Texas, and author of the upcoming cookbook Plain Jane Sourdough, her customers with irritable bowel syndrome and gluten intolerance attest to

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Artisans that master its versatility also find

sourdough to be a source of emotional nourishment. “You hear the crust crackle as it cools, smell the warmth of grain and time, and know that something very old and very human has happened in your own kitchen,” says Lisa Robitaille, founder of Great Lakes Sourdough, in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

of chocolate chip cookies,” says Robitaille.

“Once you understand how the culture behaves, you can shape it into nearly anything: soft rolls, bagels, waffles, muffins, even pastry.”

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sourdough’s superiority. “I had one customer in particular who relayed to me that my bread was the only bread she could eat,” Harryman boasts. “She took my sourdough class before she moved out of state so she could replicate it in her new home. It was such a blessing to her.”

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Tips for Beginners

A sourdough starter is a live, active, fermented culture made from flour and water that acts as a leavening agent for baked goods, replacing commercial yeast and providing a signature tangy flavor.

Sourdough starters vary greatly depending on water-to-flour ratios (from liquid to stiff), flavor profiles (from tangy to sour to slightly sweet) and flour types (from whole grain rye to whole wheat to unbleached all-purpose). The secret to sourdough success is letting nature take its course.

Fresh herbs, fruit, cheese, seeds or chocolate can be folded into the dough for a delicious taste experience, but behind every fresh-from-the-oven masterpiece is a good starter. Each one is unique, thanks to a mélange of elements. As Harryman explains, “When the wild yeasts from the starter mingle and consume the sugars in the flour, carbon dioxide gas is released. The dough’s gluten network traps the gas, causing the dough to rise, yielding sourdough’s renowned, airy crumb.”

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“Sourdough bread baking isn’t just following a recipe; it’s understanding the living system in your bowl and a constant response to a changing environment like temperature, season, humidity and flour,” says Nikolov, who recommends using a scale, keeping notes and aiming for steady, comfortable temperatures between 72° and 78° F for both the starter and dough. She generally prefers clean, non-processed, organic whole-grain flours milled directly from the grain, as well as ancient wheats like einkorn and spelt.

Robitaille underscores the importance of time, grain and imagination for flavor. “Red Fife [a North American heirloom wheat variety] brings a quiet sweetness; rye adds depth and spice; and whole wheat speaks of the harvest field,” she explains. In a busy world, baking bread can be a grounding, meditative act that also nourishes family and friends. “There is a kind of stillness in the act of baking that feels sacred. You watch a living culture transform simple ingredients into sustenance,” she muses. “That, to me, is magic.”

Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings. See recipes for French Onion Sourdough and Sourdough Cinnamon Cardamom Buns at NABroward.com/article_tags/recipes.

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For reliability and depth of flavor, Harryman suggests acquiring a mature starter fed with organic flour, ideally dark rye. This can be accomplished by connecting with a local sourdough baker or ordering a well-reviewed, dehydrated sourdough starter. “They are fairly easy to revive, and some are nearly 100 years old in maturity,” she explains. For a gluten-free option, she recommends building a starter from scratch to be sure of its purity.

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vary. Watch the dough, not the clock, looking for a noticeable rise of about 60 to 75 percent, a slightly domed surface, bubbles on the surface and an airy feel with a gentle jiggle.

EVERYDAY SOURDOUGH LOAF WITH HONEY YIELD: 1 LOAF

Once the dough has proofed, lightly dust the counter with rice flour. Turn out the dough onto a clean work surface and shape it into a ball by hand—this is called a pre-shape.

Let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes on the counter uncovered.

Combine all ingredients except the rice flour in a bowl or stand mixer. Mix just until no dry flour remains and the dough is cohesive. The bulk fermentation process begins as soon as the starter is mixed with the other ingredients, which means that the dough will rise and grow in size while it ferments. Cover the dough with a damp linen kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes to an hour at 73° to 75° F room temperature.

Stretch and fold the dough as follows: With lightly wet fingertips, grab a portion of the dough and stretch it upward.

Fold the dough over toward the center of the bowl. Give the bowl a quarter turn and repeat the stretch and fold.

Continue to turn, stretch and fold until the circle is complete. Cover the dough and let it sit for 30 minutes. Repeat this stretch-and-fold process three more times, letting the dough rest for 30 minutes in between.

After the fourth set of stretch-and-folds, cover the dough with a linen cloth or towel and allow it to ferment at room temperature. Let the dough proof (rise until the needed bulk is complete) approximately 5 hours, but the time may

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Shape the dough and place it seam-side up in a rice-flour dusted banneton (or extra-large bowl lined with a linen cloth). Let the shaped dough rest at room temperature for 1 hour to start fermentation before the cold proof.

To cold proof the dough, cover the loaf with a damp linen kitchen towel and refrigerate 12 to 16 hours.

Place an oven-safe cast iron Dutch oven with the lid onto the center rack of the oven. Preheat the oven to 480° F for 1 hour.

Invert the cold dough onto parchment paper, score the loaf, load it into the hot Dutch oven and cover it with the lid. Bake covered for 20 minutes to trap steam and drive dough expansion.

After 20 minutes, remove the lid, reduce the oven to 450° F and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the loaf is deep golden. It is ready when the internal temperature is 205° to 210° F. Let the loaf cool for 1 to 2 hours before slicing, so that the crumb can set.

Recipe courtesy of Katya Nikolov of Dubuque Bakery.

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3 cups white-bread or all-purpose flour 1 cup whole-wheat flour 1½ cup water ½ cup active sourdough starter ¾ Tbsp honey 1¾ tsp salt Rice flour for dusting

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Feature Story

The Power of Integrative Medicine A Guide to Whole-Person Care

by Hannah Tytus

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Defining Integrative Medicine

The Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health defines integrative medicine as a philosophy that emphasizes the practitioner-patient relationship, focuses on the whole person, is evidence based and draws on all appropriate therapies and lifestyle approaches that promote optimal health and healing.

Brent Bauer, M.D., a professor of medicine and the research chair for Mayo Clinic Integrative Medicine and Health, describes it as

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s interest in health and wellness grows, more people are seeking medical models that go beyond symptom treatment and disease management. Integrative medicine has emerged as one such approach, blending conventional and complementary methods to address the health of the whole person. An integrative health approach offers a practical, evidenceinformed framework for personalized care.

Its focus is shifting the conversation to prevention by cultivating holistic health that goes beyond the absence of disease.

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“bringing the best of both conventional and evidence-based complementary therapies together to optimally meet the needs of the patient. We simply ask, what is the best therapy for the individual patient? That gets us back to what I would think of as plain old good medicine.”

On an integrative health team, medical doctors may work alongside acupuncturists, naturopaths, herbalists, chiropractors, massage therapists or any number of specialized practitioners. “Integrative medicine is

https://CSLFtLauderdale.org/the-arts-at-csl/

taking the best of what we call Western medicine and integrating it into what is practiced in other parts of the world to create a health

plan where the patient is the focus,” says Hakima Amri, Ph.D., codirector of the integrative medicine and health sciences program at Georgetown University. These other medicine systems include Traditional Chinese Medicine, Indian Ayurveda, Unani-Tibb medicine, homeopathy and others.

The Whole-Person Mindset

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Integrative medicine is about viewing patients holistically, considering all parts of their humanity. Rather than examining organs or systems in isolation, practitioners evaluate the multitude of factors that influence illness or well-being. It emphasizes disease prevention, resilience building and health restoration throughout the lifespan. “We bring a whole team of practitioners to work with the patient, to look at the patient as a whole and not only treat symptoms, but to truly heal the patient,” explains Amri.

Whole-person health rests on five key principles: patient-centered, relationship-based care; personalized health plans; attention to physical, mental and spiritual well-being; prevention and self-responsibility; and collaboration across modalities and providers. It acknowledges the patient as being embedded in environmental, relational, emotional and spiritual contexts that each play a part.

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Feature Story

Methods-of-Care Glossary

by Hannah Tytus

Conventional medicine (also Western, biomedicine or allopathic medicine) is mainstream medicine that relies on the scientific method and considers the body as divisible into discrete and measurable parts. From primary care physicians to pediatricians and dentists, most medical doctors provide this type of care. In emergency rooms and urgent care facilities, conventional practitioners offer critical, lifesaving measures every day.

Integrative Medicine in Practice

Bauer explains how an integrative approach might work for a surgery patient. “If they have pain, a conventional approach might include medications, physical therapy or perhaps an injection. As an integrative physician, I have an even larger toolkit with things such as acupuncture, tuina (a Chinese bodywork technique), massage, mind-body practices like yoga and meditation, herbs and supplements, and low-level laser therapy.”

Complementary medicine involves medical techniques used alongside conventional standard of care. For example, acupuncture can be used as a way to ease the side effects of chemotherapy. Under this model, the various practitioners do not work together as a team to coordinate care plans.

As the medical doctor leading the team, Bauer confers with other in-house practitioners to build a customized care plan. This expanded toolkit gives him a better chance of finding a therapy that not only works for the patient but also fits their personal preferences to optimize their quality of life.

Alternative medicine includes medical modalities used in place of conventional care, often lacking evidence and not recommended by science professionals. For example, forgoing chemotherapy in favor of herbal remedies is considered alternative and is not recommended by most health professionals.

Why Whole-Person Health Matters

“Chronic conditions are the biggest plight to humanity today. People are living with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, allergies, irritable bowel disorders and more, often with multiple conditions at once,” says Amri. Chronic disease is now a leading health challenge in the United States, heavily impacting quality of life for many. One in four American adults lives with chronic pain. At the same time, the use of complementary and integrative approaches has risen sharply from 19.2 percent in 2002 to 36.7 percent in 2022, with increases in yoga and meditation leading the growth. paulynn from Getty Images Pro/CanvaPro

Integrative medicine is a coordinated, multimodal approach combining both conventional and non-conventional therapies that have been supported by evidence. For example, integrating chemotherapy, medical massage and acupuncture under one roof allows practitioners to collaborate on a patient’s progress and share treatment strategies.

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“I think integrative medicine is an excellent approach for any patient,” says Bauer. “But I think it really shines when it comes to patients with chronic disease. By definition, most chronic illnesses are ones that conventional medicine cannot cure.” At the Mayo Clinic, he sees firsthand how integrative approaches can transform lives.

He often introduces mindfulness and biofeedback-based meditation to help patients manage stress.

Beyond symptom relief, Bauer emphasizes a comprehensive lifestyle framework rooted in integrative principles that include balanced nutrition, regular exercise, daily mind-body practice, restorative sleep, strong social and spiritual connections, and time in nature, finding these evidence-based habits to be not only restorative, but profoundly transformative.

When it comes to innovative healing philosophies, myths abound.

Here are some common misconceptions about integrative medicine.

• Myth: Integrative medicine is exotic. People often think it is coming from elsewhere—other people’s traditions—and not our culture, yet many of the modalities were founded in the West, including naturopathy, chiropractic, osteopathy and homeopathy, notes Amri.

• Myth: Integrative is the same as alternative. Integrative medicine is not alternative medicine. Alternative therapies replace conventional care, often without scientific evidence, while integrative medicine combines evidence-based approaches for positive outcomes.

• Myth: There is little scientific evidence. According to Amri, the assumption that there is no scientific evidence to support the use of integrative medicine is 30 years out of date. Today, almost every major healing modality has been studied. Bauer highlights the scale of research, pointing to the Mayo Clinic Integrative Medicine program, which has published more than 600 peerreviewed manuscripts covering hundreds of clinical trials over three decades showing the benefits of massage, acupuncture and mind-body practices.

Communicating With Healthcare Providers

Although one-third of adults report using complementary and integrative medicine modalities, at least 42 percent of users do not disclose their integrative therapy usage to their doctor.

This nondisclosure can be dangerous, as many integrative modalities can potentially interact with medications or chronic conditions.

Amri offers an example: “Ginkgo biloba is good for improving memory, but it is also a blood thinner. If someone is on prescription blood thinners, it could cause serious complications.” Many herbs and supplements can interact with prescription medications and preexisting conditions, so it is very important to establish an open and honest dialogue with healthcare providers.

“Physicians can do their part by listening carefully and by honestly acknowledging where their knowledge base might be limited,” says Bauer. “This is a great time for them to reach out to their integrative medicine colleagues and have them provide guidance to help meet the patient’s needs with evidence-based approaches.”

Looking Ahead

Despite the growth in integrative medicine, key barriers remain.

Bauer points to insurance as the biggest gap, explaining, “Very few of these evidence-based, helpful, cost-avoiding therapies are covered by payers. My hope is that we see that change significantly in the immediate future. In a five-to-ten-year time frame, I think we’ll simply drop all the labels and call it good medicine.”

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Misconceptions and Skepticism

To facilitate good conversations, Amri advises patients to be open and well-prepared. She encourages patients to bring their research materials with them to their appointments: “Do your research ahead of time,” she says. “If there are papers or studies you find interesting, take them with you and share them with your doctor. Be prepared and explain why you want to try certain therapies.”

Amri also sees the field evolving quickly. “We’ve been training a whole generation of researchers that look at things differently,” she remarks, adding that policy reform and adequate reimbursements are essential to making integrative care more accessible.

Integrative medicine brings together evidence, empathy and empowerment, uniting the best of conventional, traditional and complementary approaches. It emphasizes collaboration between patients and providers, shared responsibility for wellness and a comprehensive focus on the whole person. By bridging therapies, fostering dialogue and addressing chronic disease with both science and compassion, integrative care offers a hopeful path to redefining modern health.

Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, researcher and content creator at KnoWEwell, P.B.C., and former writer at the National Institutes of Health.

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Wise Words

Dean Mitchell on Conquering Candida

by Sandra Yeyati

D

ean Mitchell, M.D., is a boardcertified immunologist and a pioneer in holistic immunology. As a founder of the Mitchell Medical Group with his wife, Dr. Ricki Mitchell, in New York City, he specializes in diagnosing and treating candida overgrowth, mast cell activation syndrome and toxic mold exposure.

With more than 30 years of practical experience, he combines conventional and integrative care to address the root causes of disease and educate patients on sustainable wellness solutions.

Mitchell, an adjunct assistant professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine,

is also a published author of several books and host of a popular podcast, The Smartest Doctor in the Room, where he interviews renowned medical specialists. His latest book is Conquering Candida: The New 30-Day Protocol for Restoring Your Microbiome and Health, co-authored with his daughter-inlaw, Joelle Mitchell, a registered dietitian.

Candida is a type of yeast that can live on the skin and in the body without causing problems, but an overgrowth can lead to an infection called candidiasis, also known as a yeast infection, which can range from mild to severe and affect various parts of the body.

What is a candida overgrowth?

A healthy microbiome is diverse, with all kinds of different bacteria, viruses and yeast, whereas an unhealthy microbiome is distorted because the good bacteria have been wiped out, leaving candida, a highly resistant organism, as the dominant species. A candida overgrowth occurs when candida yeast microorganisms predominate, affecting the microbiome and resulting in a range of unpleasant symptoms.

What are the most prevalent symptoms of a candida overgrowth?

Courtesy Dean Mitchell

After treating thousands of patients, I have categorized symptoms into four distinct levels. The initial stage manifests as gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, constipation or diarrhea. The next stage involves leaky gut syndrome, where the yeast moves out of the intestine. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in women who develop chronic vaginal yeast infections. The third stage of candida overgrowth occurs when the candida penetrates deeper into the body, leading to symptoms like brain fog. This occurs because excessive yeast

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Courtesy Dean Mitchell

production generates acetaldehyde, a substance that can cause cognitive impairment. The fourth stage is when the candida becomes deeply ingrained, resulting in chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and widespread muscle pain.

What causes an overgrowth of candida?

Long-term use of antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors or acid blockers, birth control pills and even steroids—including the ones you inhale or take orally—can disrupt the natural balance of the gut microbiome, leading to candida overgrowth. The other big culprit is excessive glucose intake.

Disruptions in the endocrine system can also lead to candida problems. That includes people with diabetes, metabolic syndrome or polycystic ovarian syndrome who tend to have high insulin and high blood sugar levels. And when you’re under a lot of stress, your cortisol levels go up as a defense reaction, which can also increase blood sugar levels and precipitate a candida imbalance.

In your 30-day candida protocol, what dietary changes do you recommend?

Initially, avoid processed sugar, dairy (including cheese and yogurt), grains (especially wheat-based), fermented foods and alcohol. You can consume fiber-rich foods, which benefit your microbiome. Apples and berries are good, but avoid very sweet fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe or pineapple. Include a variety of vegetables, especially cruciferous ones and greens, but avoid corn (too sugary) and mushrooms (too yeasty). Skip potatoes and rice, which spike your sugar. Quinoa is a better alternative. Ensure you have quality protein sources like chicken, fish, turkey and meats.

Drink water and teas, but avoid soda or diet soda. Gradually, we reintroduce certain foods.

What about the next prong of your treatment—the antifungal medications?

There is a big misunderstanding about the dangers of antifungals, even among some doctors. From my experience, they tend to be very safe medications. Several FDA-approved options work very well. Patients typically require a minimum of three to four weeks of treatment, with some needing more, potentially extending to several months, to eradicate candida when it has deeply infiltrated the tissue.

What type of supplementation do you recommend?

I have patients come in, especially when I’m prescribing the antifungals, for intravenous vitamin therapy known as the Myers’ cocktail, comprised of B-complex vitamins, magnesium, vitamins C and D3, plus the antioxidant glutathione. People who are having medical issues like candida need extra support. Intravenous vitamins also mitigate the Herxheimer reaction, a flu-like response that occurs when candida begins to die off and releases toxins, triggering an immune response.

Could you explain the sublingual immunotherapy drops included in your protocol?

Following my treatment with strong antifungals, the idea is to administer a little bit of candida in the form of sublingual drops to stimulate the body’s own immunity and build up a tolerance.

This approach aims to empower the body to effectively manage candida without the reliance on future antifungal interventions.

Essentially, it involves stimulating protective antibodies to keep the candida in check.

Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings.

To read a longer version of this conversation, visit TinyURL.com/MitchellWW or scan the QR code.

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Healthy Kids

Big Dreams, Little Hands Vision Boards and Focus Wheels

That Nurture Childhood Development

by Christina Connors

V

ision boards have long been a popular tool for goal setting and manifestation. For kids, creating a collage of pictures and words glued onto a poster board to represent their wishes or goals is a fun activity. Once completed, it serves as a source of inspiration or motivation. This creative project gains deeper meaning when combined with a focus wheel, often with the guidance and encouragement of a parent or caregiver.

Brooklyn, New York, states, “Vision boards can help children express themselves, explore emotions, practice mindfulness and build skills.” She recommends using them creatively to promote present-moment awareness and emotional growth. Here are a few of her suggestions.

• Sensory boards use textured materials such as fabric, sandpaper or soft cotton to strengthen mind-body connections. This method is particularly effective for tactile learners.

• Feeling boards use pictures, colors or words to represent emotions. This makes abstract feelings like frustration or sadness more tangible and manageable.

• “I Am” boards focus on affirmations such as “I am brave” or “I am creative.” This builds self-esteem rooted in intrinsic qualities, rather than external achievements.

• Calming boards for anxious or overwhelmed kids include visual reminders of soothing strategies like deep breathing, comforting music, tranquil natural settings or cherished items like a stuffed teddy bear. Such images can provide grounding during difficult moments.

• Seasonal boards highlight fun activities

Vision boards show what children want, while focus wheels help them emotionally align with their desires. This is how they work: Write a core desire in the center of a circle, then add positive, believable affirmations related to that goal around it. Together, vision boards and focus wheels are engaging and motivating tools for developing selfawareness, emotional regulation and inner confidence in young people.

Beyond Pictures and Goals

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A 2024 study in Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry shows that creative-arts interventions improve mental health and emotional well-being, especially in elementary school children with speech, language or communication challenges. Art-making provides a safe, non-verbal way for kids to process complex feelings they cannot yet articulate.

Chanie Messinger, a doctor of occupational therapy, educator, speaker and author in 22

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The real magic happens when these tools are combined. Begin with a focus wheel to help kids identify genuine desires, confront limiting beliefs and align emotionally with their goals, paving the way for a more meaningful vision boarding experience. Now the images and words they select reflect their authentic desires, not superficial wants or external pressures.

Tips for Success

• Make it a family activity. Working together fosters connection and strengthens bonds. Share, celebrate and discuss each person’s vision.

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• Create a judgment-free environment. Clearly state that there is no right way to create; each board is unique.

• Use age-appropriate materials. Younger children thrive with large images and simple concepts, while older kids can explore complex ideas. like building a snowman in winter, picking apples in the fall or swimming at the lake in the summertime, fostering anticipation and family bonding.

• Mindfulness boards incorporate peaceful imagery such as forests, water and breathing exercises to encourage present-moment awareness.

A Heart-Centered Approach

“Through images, colors and words, kids begin to develop selfawareness and a connection to their heart’s desires, which is the foundation of intentional creation,” says Tanya Murphy, founder of The Heart’s Desire Method. Vision boards teach children that their feelings are important. By focusing on what makes them happy, they reinforce positive emotions and purposeful living.

For younger children, vision boards are playful ways to explore emotions like joy and love. Murphy suggests starting around age 6 or 7, when kids can think abstractly and handle fine motor skills.

Even children as young as 4 benefit from sensory-based boards, while older kids can use them to visualize personal goals, travel adventures or friendships they want to nurture.

• Display the boards. Place them where they are seen daily, serving as gentle reminders.

• Revisit them regularly. Use boards and focus wheels to initiate conversations about feelings, goals and personal growth.

Why It Matters

Vision boards spark imagination, while focus wheels channel that energy into emotional alignment. Together, they promote wholechild wellness and personal growth, helping children navigate challenges, boost their confidence and foster self-expression. Visual tools make emotions easier to identify and understand. Affirmations and positive imagery reinforce self-worth and resilience.

Focus wheels lead kids through emotional shifts with clarity and purpose. By adopting these tools, parents and caregivers can equip children with lifelong emotional resources.

Christina Connors is a writer, keynote singer and head of music and SEL integration for the Kind Mind Education Program. Learn more at ChristinaConnors.com.

“A focus wheel helps a child take a heart-centered desire, like making new friends, feeling confident at school or improving at a sport, and gently guides them into emotional alignment with it, one believable thought at a time,” Murphy explains. “This builds resilience, self-awareness and emotional regulation skills a vision board alone cannot provide.”

Unlike vision boards, which may unintentionally cause comparison or frustration if results don’t come quickly, focus wheels build emotional momentum gradually, enabling children to acknowledge how they feel in the moment, while progressing toward hope, clarity and confidence.

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Delving Deeper for Transformative Awareness

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Healing Ways

Intergenerational Living A Healing Model for Families and Communities

by Hannah Tytus

D

octor of Natural Medicine Sofia Chavez, a curandera, or traditional healer, reflects on her vibrant upbringing in New Mexico. “I grew up with Native American, Latinx, Mexica, Navajo, and Apache family—the blended people and traditions of New Mexico,” she recalls. “I spent a lot of time with my great-grandparents.

The tradition was to let your hair grow long, and I remember how my great-grandfather would sit on the front porch with me and braid my hair.” This early immersion in family, ceremony and the rhythms of the land shaped Chavez’s lifelong path of healing.

After moving across the country and starting her own family, Chavez returned to

visit her mother’s New Mexico ranch with a 5-year-old daughter. The visit was joyful, but Chavez was struck by the fact that her daughter barely knew her grandmother, seeing her as a kind stranger rather than a close relation. “My children didn’t experience grandparents the way I did, didn’t know them as I did, and this is how language, culture and ceremony become lost,” she laments. The daily sharing of customs and storytelling that Chavez valued so highly growing up with her grandparents was possible only because of their proximity.

Today, her daughter is all grown up and has children of her own. To preserve the family heritage, Chavez once again lives in

Adapting to Shifting Trends

Ginger Raya, Ed.D., a healthcare executive, educator, speaker and executive coach in El Paso, Texas, views intergenerational living as a response to systemic strain and a necessity for mutual care. “The benefit is that you have more support—someone who can help you out,” she explains. “If your child is sick, someone can call and advocate for you.

Someone can take your parent to an appointment. In this economy, living together is going to make more and more sense.”

Chavez points out, “During the 1950s through the 1990s, there was such an emphasis on doing things on your own, driven by prosperity. In that independence, we forgot that we need each other. Now the cycle continues, and our world is flowing into different times. We’re remembering that we need one another.” Within her cultural beliefs, which view the world as inherently cyclical and relational, this shift is part of a larger pattern. “We’re living in these cycles of life,” Chavez says. “If we’re going to reclaim our joy and optimism, we have to move forward with it together.”

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a mixed-generation home, allowing her to share important values and traditions with her grandchildren. This is reflective of a larger trend as multigenerational households are on the rise again after having declined in the mid-20th century.

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are also confronting long-held cultural stigmas. “We carry unnecessary shame about aging and dependence,” Raya says, adding that increasing dependence with age is a natural part of life. “Why not embrace intergenerational living?”

Leading a Richer Life

Chavez passes down her way of life through small moments, as her great-grandparents did. “I take my grandchild outside so she can hear me as I do my sun salutations,” she says. “We go to the trees so she can touch the leaves and the bark. My hope is that by being present with me—hearing our prayers and gratitude for food, for nature, for connection—she’ll absorb it. By watching me simply being myself, talking to the earth and the plants, I hope her life will be richer, more vibrant.”

Shared living isn’t all harmony. “Sometimes we need our personal, private cave time,” says Chavez, noting that sacred moments of stillness and connection to both nature and spirit are essential for maintaining our equanimity. By honoring this recharge time in ourselves and others, we create the conditions for greater harmony within the household.

At the same time, balance and flexibility are also important; Chavez may miss a morning ritual or two if her grandchild is sick or her daughter needs her. It is a reminder that honoring both structure and spontaneity allows intergenerational life to flow more naturally.

song. In other communities, therapy together can help ease tensions and build bridges.

Intergenerational living presents challenges but also offers connection, learning and wisdom across generations. For Chavez, “Traditions are a beautiful way to share our love.”

Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, researcher and content creator at KnoWEwell, P.B.C., and former writer at the National Institutes of Health.

“When we live together, there are simply more possibilities to talk, to listen, to grow and to connect. By being in environments of togetherness more often, you have more chances to really learn how to listen—far more than when you see each other only a few times a year,” says Chavez.

Interpersonal disagreements or “growing pains” can be navigated with a facilitator. In her culture, pláticas—heartfelt, empathetic conversations—are treasured and integral to ceremonies, including the sacred sweat lodge, where a medicine person facilitates emotional and relational healing through an environment of warmth and

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Listening Deeply

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Natural Pet

Holistic Health From Nose to Tail Whole-Pet Strategies for Optimized Well-Being

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

O

verall pet wellness transcends the mere absence of illness, encompassing body, mind and spirit. From digestion to mood, every system is interconnected in subtle ways that influence how animals feel and behave. Understanding and supporting these connections allows pets to experience more ease, energy and joy in everyday life. An integrative, energy-based approach views animal companions as complete physical, emotional and energetic beings, combining modern veterinary science with natural healing strategies to restore balance and connection.

“Holism means that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Our pets are more than their bodies made up of tissues and cells, so a holistic approach looks at the bigger picture,” says Dennis W. Thomas, a holistic veterinarian and author of Whole-Pet Healing, adding that conventional veterinary medicine often focuses on individual parts of a pet’s body, whereas a holistic approach includes balanced nutrition, daily movement, emotional connection and a healthy home environment to build lasting vitality.

Clean Nutrition and Proper Hydration

Nutrition is the foundation for vitality, and a pet’s food should nourish, not burden, the

Dr. Chris Bessent, a holistic veterinarian and founder of Herbsmith and Medicus Veterinary Diets, stresses the importance of feeding pets whole foods, defined as “real, unprocessed ingredients, not byproducts or powders, but complete, natural foods that retain their original nutrients.” Whole-food meals combine fresh meats, organs, fruits and vegetables—for example, chicken, liver, blueberries and sweet potatoes—to create balanced nutrition.

Hydration is equally important for overall wellness. Pets thrive with constant access to clean, filtered water and moisture-rich foods. Adequate hydration supports digestion, circulation and temperature regulation; flushes toxins; and maintains healthy skin and joints.

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body. Whole-pet wellness begins with clean, fresh ingredients and balanced hydration.

“We must always look for the best guidance as to how to keep the physical body healthy with proper nutrition,” says Thomas, noting that food is more than just ingredients; it also carries energy and intention. “People were always looking for the right ingredients, hoping to get the same results, without realizing it was the love Grandma had for the child that made the soup healing,” he says, encouraging pet parents to use the same “energy of gratitude” when preparing their food.

Daily Movement and Play

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emotionally balanced. Movement promotes flexibility and joint health, as well as behavioral stability. “Exercise is a form of self-care for dogs. It keeps their bodies strong, minds sharp and emotions balanced,” says Denise Bozenski, a holistic pet health coach, professional dog trainer and certified canine fitness coach based in Phoenix, Arizona. “It’s not about intensity; it’s about consistency, connection and engaging both body and mind.”

Bozenski explains that gentle, consistent activity such as walks, swimming and play reduce anxiety and prevent stiffness. Regular movement supports joint health, cardiovascular strength and a healthy weight, as well as providing essential mental stimulation.

Dogs are natural explorers that find purpose through activity and engagement with their environment. Regular movement improves behavior. For senior dogs, staying active preserves mobility, comfort and confidence.

Supporting Pets’ Emotional and Energetic Health

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Pets feel deeply, and their emotions directly affect their health and

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behavior. A 2024 review in the journal Animals reports that various stressors and emotional imbalance can trigger abnormal levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which in turn influences a dog’s behavior and physical state. Emotional balance centers on trust, calm connection and stability. To support this connection, pet parents should focus on creating calm, loving routines, speaking gently and spending unhurried time together. Equally important, creating a safe, toxin-free environment helps pets feel secure.

The bond between humans and pets operates on an energetic level, too. Thomas advises, “Where two energetic beings spend a lot of time together, the energy seeks harmony and the two energies become one.” He calls this “quantum entanglement”, noting that pets often share their higher energy with humans, lifting us up, but sometimes absorbing our stress in return. Because pets mirror the energy around them, calm, gratitude and presence at home are essential.

Supporting whole-pet wellness involves more than keeping animals healthy; it’s about nurturing balance in every part of their lives.

When pet parents meet their pets’ physical, emotional and energetic needs, they build a foundation for lasting vitality and trust.

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

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Calendar of Events

Mark Your Calendar

Master the Art of Accessing the Akashic Records 10-week, live, interactive practitioner training Live Zoom classes

Upcoming Events

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Holistic Health & Healing Expo – Deerfield Beach — 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Explore holistic practitioners, natural products, and wellness workshops. DoubleTree by Hilton in Deerfield Beach. Tickets are free with code GUEST at checkout. Visit SoFlo.HHHExpo. com.

Thursdays 1–3:30pm EST

Starting Thurs. January 22, 2026 Whether for personal empowerment or professional practice, gain accuracy and effectiveness.

Transform your connection to wisdom & guidance.

To register, call 561-203-9714

or visit JulieGenereux.com/akashic-records/

TUESDAY, JANUARY 13 Mind-Body-Mouth Connection Meet & Greet with Dr Cintron — 4pm, free.

Enlightening talk — discover how your oral health is deeply connected to your overall wellbeing. Complimentary Meridian Tooth Chart with RSVP. Limited space. International Center For Dental Excellence, 2021 E Commercial Blvd, Ste. 208, Ft Lauderdale. 954-938-4599.

FortLauderdaleDentistry.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 Master the Art of Accessing the Akashic Records in this 10-week, live practitioner training with Julie Genereux. — Live Zoom classes every Thursday, 1–3:30pm EST. Whether for personal empowerment or professional practice, gain accuracy and effectiveness. Transform your connection to wisdom & guidance. To register contact Julie at 561-203-9714 or visit https://juliegenereux.com/akashic-records/

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30 UPSIDE DOWN, A MUSICAL COMEDY, A New Off-Broadway Production making its Florida Premiere — Nine performances over three weekends: Friday 8pm, Saturday 2pm, & 8pm. A Love Story with a Twist!

Center for Spiritual Living Fort Lauderdale, 4849 N Dixie Hwy, Oakland Park 33334.

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Ongoing Events

Sunday

IANDS - International Association for Near Death Studies — 1st Sunday monthly, 3-5pm. Safe, judgment-free space to share and discuss Near Death Experiences and Spiritual Transformative Experiences.

Compassionate, supportive community.

Not for networking, selling, or debates, just meaningful listening and sharing together. Locations vary, call for details. Reverend Gail Fein, 305-798-8974.

Monday

ATOM Intern Clinic Open to public — Appointments Monday thru Saturday.

Experience the benefits of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine. Low cost acupuncture and herbal treatments. Students supervised by Licensed Acupuncturist. 954-7639840 ext. 201, Ft. Lauderdale. ATOM.edu

Monday & Wednesday

Community Acupuncture Project—10am, Sliding scale $30-50. Acupuncture for the People! Acupuncture can treat chronic pain, stress, anxiety, insomnia, fertility, women’s health, IBS/IBD, and much more!

Experience this ancient system of medicine in a cozy group setting. Nine Flowers Acupuncture, 1650 NE 26th Street Ste 101, Wilton Manors. 954-288-9450. nineflowershealing.com.

Tuesday

Pines Iyengar Yoga — Enjoy yoga classes with Asha! Tuesday/Thursday, 5:15-6:15pm.

Specializing in small group and individual sessions. Enjoy personalized classes that cater to your needs. Call 954-866-3209 for directions or visit PinesIyengarYoga.com.

Wednesday

Midweek Reset: Vibrational Bliss — 8–9pm, $25. A healing sound meditation to soothe the nervous system, clear energetic blocks, & reconnect you with your inner peace & purpose. Guided by Michelle Morris.

Limited space—reserve today. Bombay Room Yoga, 3354 NE 33rd St, Ft Lauderdale, 954-567-1110, BombayRoomYoga@yahoo. com, BombayRoomYoga.com.

Saturday

Paddle With A Purpose, Waterway and Shoreline Cleanup — 9–11am, help remove trash (third Saturday monthly). Kayaks, and canoes available on a first come, first serve basis; bringing your own. Location varies.

Owen Gaither, Kool2care2@gmail.com Talk@Ten Saturday with Jon Albee — 1011am, free. Regenerative backyard gardening protocols with an occasional seed exchange. Diversity for richness and balance.

Urban Farming Institute (UFI), 1101 NE 40th Ct, Oakland Park, 954.696.9577.

Train Your Posture: Eliminate Knots, Gain Full Body Strength — Monthly, First Saturday, 11am-Noon, $15, Transform your posture from the inside out using targeted myofascial release and functional training techniques that eliminate tightness and build true stability. SoFlo Biomechanics, 222 N Federal Hwy, Unit 107, Dania Beach.

954-861-0606, SoFloBiomechanics@ gmail.com, SoFloBiomechanics.co.

Seated Reiki Circle — 11–to approximately 11:45am, $Love Donations appreciated. Offered by Larry Stuart, Reiki MasterTeacher since 2008 and Eric Needleman, Reiki Master and Registered Nurse, using Dr. Usui’s Eastern Reiki Method. Held at the Center for Spiritual Living Fort Lauderdale, 4849 N Dixie Hwy, Oakland Park, 33334.

954-736-7589.

Monday—Saturday

Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine (ATOM) Intern Clinic is Open to the public!

— Experience the benefits of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine. Low-cost acupuncture and herbal treatments. Students supervised by Licensed Acupuncturists.

Open Mon-Sat. Appointments: 954-7639840 ext. 201, 100 E Broward Blvd, Suite 100, Ft. Lauderdale. ATOM.edu

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Classified Ads

Use Our Online Form Easy ordering online – NABroward.com/pages/classified. Due date — 10th of the month.

Community Resource Guide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide; email NaturalAwakeningsFLA@gmail.com for details.

Beauty & Health ONENESS PERFUME

OnenessPerfume.com Scents of Unity: Perfumes That Onenessly Embrace Our Shared Humanity.

Discover a fragrance that harmonizes with your values. Join the Movement.

Think Noble • Feel Noble • Be Noble Scan the display ad’s QR code.

See ad page 2.

INTEGRATED DENTAL CENTER Aurel Chebanu, DMD, PhD 333 NW 70th Ave., Ste. 207 Plantation FL 33317 954-792-6266 Chebanudmd@comcast.net

Dr. Chebanu recognizes the importance of natural therapies and health solutions. His office specializes in Biocompatible and Holistic Dentistry, Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry, Ceramic Dental Implants, Oral Surgery, and TMJ Disorders. See ad page 9.

Holistic Healing NEW START NUTRI CENTER

23257 State Rd 7, Ste 104, Boca Raton 561-566-0019 Instagram: @NewStartNutriCenter Holistic Therapist specializing in Live Blood Analysis. Minerals and vitamins testing, and heavy toxins assessment. Schedule your appointment today.

Prevention—a pillar of natural medicine.

Homeopathy

Day Spa THE WELLNESS STUDIO

276 S University Dr, Plantation, 33324 786-371-5710 SpaTWS.com An oasis of serenity in uncertain times—our spa offers Chakra Balancing and Reiki to relieve stress, restore energy flow, and support inner healing.

Education ATLANTIC INSTITUTE OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE (ATOM) 100 E Broward Blvd., Ste. 100 Fort Lauderdale FL 33301 954-763-9840 ATOM.edu

ATOM offers a Master’s degree and a Doctoral degree in Oriental Medicine.

ATOM has an Intern Clinic that is open to the public.

See ad back page.

HOMEOPATHY CURE

Dr. Iqbal Nazir, M.S.D.Pharm, D.H.S. Licensed Lab Medicine Practitioner 954-226-3652 HomeopathTreatment.com 35+ years experience treating anxiety, depression, chronic pain, allergies, digestive issues and many more naturally.

Non-toxic remedies with no side effects.

Call today — free consultation available!

Dental Health INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR DENTAL EXCELLENCE

Yolanda Cintron, DMD 2021 E Commercial Blvd., Ste. 208 Fort Lauderdale FL 33308 954-938-4599 FortLauderdaleDentistry.com All phases of dentistry for optimum health, holistic, bio-compatible dentistry.

• Sedation dentistry • Removing of toxic metals • Replacing them with biocompatible materials • Laser dentistry for painless surgeries & extractions • Zirconia/ceramic implants • Natural bone augmentation / Plasma Rich Growth Factor • Oral DNA Testing • Add gums to receding gums.

Self-discipline is doing what’s right instead of doing what you feel like doing.

—Eliud Kipchoge

If you don’t program yourself, life will program you.

— Les Brown

MORE about these Businesses online!

Promote your business, events, and offers, online: NABroward.com/businesses

CALENDAR January 2026

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Community Resource Guide

Ketamine-Assisted Coaching LUCIDELIX, LLC

954-501-0671 Info@Lucidelix.net Lucidelix.net Psychospiritual coaching with a ketamine catalyst. Online and concierge IV treatment available.

Optimize your mental and emotional health through our individualized programs.

Physical Therapist INTENTIONAL CONNECTIONS

Dr. Luan Menda, DPT, PT 1451 W Cypress Creek Rd, Suite 337 Fort Lauderdale FL 33309 954-300-5155 Luan@ICMFR.com ICMFR.com An MFR Specialist — Whole-body physical therapy specializing in myofascial release, visceral manipulation, and wellness/happiness coaching for comprehensive patient healing.

Natural Awakenings

magazines are freely available at doctor offices, fitness centers, book stores, health care facilities, public libraries, & more. Following are Featured Locations that also carry our free publication:

SuperFoods

Wellness Events

LOVING MY GREENS

SHIFT WELLNESS CLUB

954-282-9898 Thrive@LovingMyGreens.com LovingMyGreens.com Microgreens — locally and organically grown — packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, fueling your health naturally and supporting a vibrant, nutritious lifestyle. Delivery available.

See ad page 13.

99 FARMERS MARKET

Broward County, Florida Edition

DR. AMADI’S WHOLISTIC HEALTH CENTER

PAZ OF MIND

Paz Nilo Hollywood Fl, 33020 PazOfMind.com Paz of Mind offers belief clearing, Bio-Well energy insights, and BioGeometry® Home Solutions to support emotional clarity, balanced energy, and a more harmonious living environment.

Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I fail, but every day is a clean slate and a fresh opportunity.

— Gretchen Rubin

Hepsharat Amadi, M.D., L.Ac. 10211 W. Sample Rd, Ste 201 Coral Springs FL 33065 954-757-0064 DrAmadi@DrAmadi.com GreatNaturalDoctor.com Primary Health Care with a Natural Approach including Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, Quantum Biofeedback, Weight Loss, Detoxification, Natural Allergy Treatment, Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies, Supplements, Nutrition, Lifestyle Counseling, Circulation enhancement/BEMER therapy, BrainTap and NeuralChek.

See ad page 8.

MORE Local Events online!

NABroward.com/calendar

CALENDAR

150 N Powerline Rd Pompano Beach FL 33069 30

SHIFT: Where vitality is wellness! Upgrade your mind, body & vibe with Breathwork, Biohacking, Sauna, Cold Plunge, Events, Classes & Retreats.

Start your SHIFT today! See ad page 8.

Wholistic Physician

Wellness

NUTRITION SMART

10980 Pines Blvd Pembroke Pines FL 33026

Stephanie OBrien 1041 NE 45th St, Oakland Pk, 33334 ShiftWellnessClub.com

NABroward.com

Promote events, view online: NABroward.com/calendar Options to place a no-cost calendar event.

Proudly Announces — A Mini Documentary by

Coming 2026 — On National & Local Public Television

A Mini Documentary on The Regenerative Whole Health Movement Real People. Real Insights. Real Practitioners. Real Healing.

hosted by critically acclaimed actress Be Inspired.

Be Empowered.

Be Well.

KnoWEwell.com

MEG RYAN Join the Movement