Natural Awakenings Greater Boston/Rhode Island February 2023

Page 24

Heart-Healthy Living

Mindfulness

Tips to Deepen Relationships

Nourishing Foods That Heal the Heart

Lifestyle Metrics to Prevent Heart Disease

Accessing

Body Wisdom to Heal

HEALTHY LIVING | HEALTHY PLANET FREE
FEBRUARY 2023 GREATER BOSTON/PHODE ISLAND EDITION
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7 news briefs 11 kudos 12 health briefs 13 global briefs 14 eco tip 15 business spotlight 22 healing ways 24 conscious eating 28 healthy kids 30 natural pet 33 resource guide
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Heart
OF THE HEART
BRUCE CRYER on His Love Affair With the
MUSINGS
5 February 2023 Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in Natural Awakenings | Greater Boston/Rhode Island | February 2023 issue 16 28 24 20 THE CARDIOPROTECTIVE ROLE OF NITRIC OXIDE 22 LOVE IN THE PRESENT MOMENT Mindfulness for Couples 24 NOURISH THE HEART Foods that Promote Cardiac Healing 26 BODY WISDOM Giving Direction to Healing 28 HEART-HEALTHY KIDS Setting a Course for Cardiovascular Wellness 30 WHOLE FOODS FOR DOGS AND CATS Human-Grade Meals for Our Furry Best Friends 15 DENTISTRY BY DR. DAVID Microscopy, Mouth Bacteria and Heart Health 16 IMPROVING HEART HEALTH Lifestyle Metrics That Can Help Prevent Heart Disease

letter from the editor

One of my favorite things about publishing Natural Awakenings is how it helps me to feel optimistic about the future of health care. More and more people are waking up to the knowledge and ability we have to control and improve our own health using a multi-faceted approach to holistic and allopathic medicine.

Our mission has always been to be a bridge between modern medicine and more natural and holistic approaches to whole-person health. Understanding that there are times we may require pharmaceuticals or surgery to aid in the healing process, our objective is to provide resources that can help minimize such need through more natural solutions that address whole-person health; including mind, body and spirit.

One of the most significant hinderances to creating a massive shift toward more natural approaches I’ve seen over the years is the human addiction to instant gratification. We want it all, and we want it now. If taking a pill can allow a Type 2 diabetic to continue consuming sugary, chemical-laden food and drink, many will opt for the drug ultimately creating internal chemical warfare within the body.

It seems that since we can’t see it, we may tend to ignore it and let the chips fall where they may in the name of indulgent and temporary pleasure. With no less than a zillion rabbit holes we could go down with that observation, I’ve determined for myself anyway, that it comes down to personal choice and what I am willing to tolerate in return for the plethora of momentary pleasures available in this ever fast-paced world in which we live.

This month we’re focused on the hot topic of heart health and more natural approaches to fostering a healthy heart. In “Improving Heart Health: Lifestyle Metrics That Can Help Prevent Heart Disease,” writer Sheila Julson offers a variety of practical approaches to improving heart health that can have a significant impact on overall quality of life. Natural approaches are not often a quick fix. However, with patience and the right provider team to help guide the process, the rewards can be life affirming and long lasting.

To your journey for optimal health and well-being, whatever that looks like to you!

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KnoWEwell Leads Natural Awakenings into the Future

KnoWEwell, P.B.C., the Regenerative Whole Health benefits and services company, has acquired Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation. “This is a transformational moment for both companies. Readers and consumers looking for trusted knowledge and education related to whole health, sustainable green living and community connections, locally and globally, will surely benefit from this collaboration,” says Kimberly Whittle, CEO of both companies.

Whittle will continue the legacy of Natural Awakenings founder Sharon Bruckman, whose vision nearly 30 years ago developed into a franchise with scores of publishers in different markets across the country. Because publishers are local to their readership, they are well-equipped to connect readers with the best local natural health and sustainable living resources. Publishers also can offer their readers national articles that are produced by a team of professional journalists. “It’s the best of both worlds,” says Whittle. KnoWEwell operates the Regenerative Whole Health Hub, a digital ecosystem, community and marketplace that centralizes global health and wellbeing knowledge, resources and connections. With a mission to transform health care, it is connecting the dots between regenerative organic agriculture, lifestyle choices, social issues and environmental solutions to inspire and empower individuals to prevent harm, address the root causes of chronic disease and achieve “WELLthier Living.”

KnoWEwell’s acquisition will provide opportunities for the two companies to complement each other. Says Whittle, “We’re growing a movement as we share knowledge, celebrate healing success stories, provide access to evidence-based resources and create meaningful connections while helping today’s consumers, whole-health providers, mission-aligned nonprofits, businesses and advertisers thrive. Together, we’re addressing global, local and personal issues—the nexus for consumer consciousness, healing and hope.”

For more information, visit Corp.NaturalAwakenings.com. See ad back cover.

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Freshen Up Dry Winter Feet

The Ivy Drip Bar & Wellness Center now offers the award-winning product Baby Foot containing 16 types of natural extracts that exfoliate and moisturize the feet at the same time. This helps remove extra dead skin and minimize calluses that have built up over the years.

The foot peel contains fruit acid, which penetrates dead skin layers and breaks down the bonds that keep those layers attached to the foot, leaving behind a fresh, new layer of skin underneath. After the one-hour treatment, feet are fresh and clean, just like a baby's.

The Ivy Drip Bar provides a range of IV nutrient and vitamin infusions and injections as well as aesthetic treatments. Nutrient drips are a safe and effective method of replenishing the body’s fluids, vitamins, minerals and amino acids more readily, helping with a wide range of ailments and enhancing health. Combine with a Baby Foot treatment for a relaxing self-care session.

Cost: $25 Location: 7 Brighton St., Belmont, MA. For more information and a free consultation, call/text 617-221-5070 or visit TheIvyDripBar.net. See ad on page 20 and Resource Guide on page 37.

Free Subscription Offer Shows 'One Love' for Bob Marley

February 6 is Bob Marley’s birthday, and OneFirelight, a new inspirational wellness platform, is showing its love for the global icon with a onemonth free subscription to its fitness app. The subscription expires one month from any sign up date made in the month of February.

OneFirelight is the only streaming fitness platform with classes licensed to Marley's music. His music is uplifting and represents peace, love and unity. This is the ethos of OneFirelight and the reason his music is such an integral part of the platform.

OneFirelight promotes strength and a sense of balance through hundreds of one-of-a-kind streaming classes that are filmed in nature and taught by a diverse group of world-class instructors. The wide range of offerings include the restorative effects of yoga practice, strength building of cardio/kickboxing, healing of sound meditation and joyfulness of dance.

For more information, visit OneFireLight.com

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FLOAT Boston Celebrates Birthday

FLOAT Boston opened its doors on February 26, 2015, and since then, more than 50,000 floats have been experienced and enjoyed. “I’m most proud when I think about the ripple effect of floating,” says Sara Garvin, a co-founder of FLOAT. “When people are calmer and more relaxed, the world becomes a better place.”

The floatation therapy tank center was recently featured in the book 111 Places In Boston That You Must Not Miss. Floating aids the brain and body in relaxing and disconnecting from environmental stimulation which has been linked to increased cases of pain, anxiety, depression and other ailments exacerbated by stress.

Garvin notes that FLOAT has donated hundreds of gift cards to nonprofit fundraisers throughout the greater Boston area, continuing, “I love that we’re able to give back to our community.”

Location: 515 Medford St., Somerville, MA. For more information and to book a session, call 844-443-5628 or visit FLOATBoston.com. See ads on pages 8 and 31 and Resource Guide on page 34.

Breakthrough Holistic Beauty

Enhanced Beauty Ink (EBI), a woman-owned beauty boutique that offers permanent makeup solutions, is offering a 10 percent off, new client special. Permanent makeup is a type of cosmetic tattooing that is used to enhance or simulate the appearance of cosmetics. It is also sometimes used to restore the appearance of pigment in the skin, such as in the case of vitiligo.

Permanent makeup services are available for both men and women and can be used to improve the appearance of the face, eyebrows, eyelashes and lips. It can even be used to assist clients that suffer from genetic hair loss, alopecia and hair loss due to chemotherapy. EBI also specializes in over-plucking.

High-grade, holistic and vegan ink products are used, with organic options available. Clients can receive permanent, realistically shaped eyebrows, beautiful and crisp lash line enhancements (eyeliner), lip blushing and lining, and scalp micro-pigmentation.

“EBI is here to make you feel radiant, rejuvenated and confident,” says owner Jaeda Chabot.

Location: 966 E. Main Rd., Portsmouth, RI. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 401-366-2544 or visit EnhancedBeautyInk.com. See ad on page 10 and Resource Guide on page 33.

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Keyes Drug

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West Concord Pharmacy WestConcordPharmacy.com 978.369.3100 1212 Main St., Concord, MA 01742 OUR LOCATIONS
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Author

to Share Art of Coexistence During Live Event

Body & Brain instructor Steve Kim will share a new approach to living through these complicated and confusing times in a free, live event at 7 p.m., February 21, on the YouTube Channel @EarthManagementTV. Kim, co-author of the book Art of Coexistence (to be released in April), will guide and inform people on how they can live their lives more aligned with the flow and rhythms of nature to promote coexistence within themselves, with others and the planet as well.

“Coexistence is based on the understanding that all life on Earth is interconnected and that unless we take care of each other, ultimately, we cannot survive,” is a quote from the book. Central to the book is the idea that finding the light hidden within us and learning how to use it is a new art that should be pursued and developed. Kim will expand upon these concepts and more, while introducing viewers to the impact of their habitual “ways of thinking” and providing practical steps that can be taken in our dayto-day lives to move in that direction.

Body & Brain offers a unique blend of yoga, tai chi, meditation and breathwork instruction with locations in Brookline, Arlington, Cambridge and Riverwalk. Visit BodyNBrain.com to find class times at a nearby location.

Cost: Free. Location: YouTube @EarthManagementTV. To watch, visit YouTube.com/watch?v=OMhj1J2W6y4. See ad on page 11.

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Become Certified in a Breakthrough Stress-Reduction Program

Brett Cotter, founder of Stress Is Gone, is conducting a live, interactive 30-hour program for Stress Is Gone Certification from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays, from February 15 through May 10, via Zoom. The certification program guides participants step-by-step in mastering the Stress Is Gone method. This innovative relaxation program empowers one to stop stress in seconds, release anxiety in minutes, heal trauma naturally and stop negative thinking quickly.

An additional 18 hours of training includes attendance at live, Stress Is Gone meditation classes and other trainings. Certification includes lifetime access to the Stress Is Gone masterclass and three weekly meditation classes that meet via Zoom. Those certified can pursue further training and certification to become a Stress Is Gone coach, meditation teacher and/or workshop facilitator.

Cotter has 20 years’ experience and is certified by the American Academy of Experts in traumatic stress. He shares, “This certification is perfect for people who are ready to break free from stress and anxiety, reconnect to source, embody self-love and better their own life and the lives of those around them.” The core modality is certified by the American Institute of Stress and the company is accredited by the International Mindfulness and Meditation Alliance.

Cost is $977. Scholarships are available for veterans, first responders, frontline healthcare workers and inner-city teachers. For more information, call 833-867-3529, email Brett@StressIsGone.com or visit StressIsGone.com. see ad on page 21.

Students at Ferri Middle Johnston School, in Johnston, Rhode Island, are on a mission to improve their community and create a positive school culture through intentional acts of kindness. Known as the Kindness Crew, club members meet weekly to plan and carry out kindness activities, such as “Kindness Waves” where they blanket parking lot cars at schools or community businesses with positive affirmation Post-It notes to greet people at the end of their workday. Teachers are also “hit with kindness” with surprise visits and small tokens of appreciation.

Included in its mission is to provide environments for belonging and safety and coaching others in leading in kindness. They created a kindness pledge, and students were encouraged to sign it on World Kindness Day.

The Crew also spreads kindness and models for younger students by visiting the Early Childhood Center and reading kindness-themed books to the children. These simple acts are infectious, and the club plans to collaborate with students from the high school as well as observe Mental Health Awareness Month in May.

Source: RI Healthy Schools Coalition. For more information, visit RIHSC.org.

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The one thing we can never get enough of is love. And the one thing we never give enough is love.
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Mental Health Benefits of Breastfeeding

Add maternal mental health benefits to the well-documented physical advantages that breastfeeding offers to moms and their infants. A systematic review published in the Journal of Women’s Health found that breastfeeding was associated with overall improved maternal mental health outcomes. A majority of the studies concluded that breastfeeding was connected to fewer mental health symptoms. Thirty-six of the 55 articles reported significant relationships between breastfeeding and reduced symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety. Notably, when breastfeeding challenges arose or when the actual experience of breastfeeding didn’t meet expectations, five studies reported negative mental health symptoms.

The researchers suggest that breastfeeding may have protective effects on mental health due to the release of oxytocin—also known as the love hormone—which is associated with decreased maternal stress levels and anxiety. This suggests that breastfeeding may have immediate, short-term effects on maternal mood. Further research is needed to help provide better personalized breastfeeding and mental health counseling to moms.

Zinc for Colds and Flu

A study published in BMJ Open evaluated the use of zinc for the prevention or treatment of acute viral respiratory tract infections (RTI) in adults. As a treatment for colds and flu, zinc reduced symptoms by two days, compared to the placebo. The researchers surmised that of 100 people with upper respiratory infections, 19 of them recovered by day seven as a result of the zinc treatment. Symptom severity appeared to be lower for those treated with zinc—with improvements seen by day three. Those taking zinc experienced an 87 percent lower risk of developing severe symptoms. In terms of the prevention of colds and flu-like illness, taking zinc was found to have a modest effect compared to the placebo, with one out of 20 infections prevented. Preventive effects were most significant in reducing severe symptoms. Overall, there was evidence suggesting zinc might prevent RTI symptoms and shorten its duration. Researchers were unable to clearly ascertain the efficacy of different dosages and delivery (oral or nasal spray).

Herbal Toothpaste Deemed Safe and Effective

Toothpaste containing certain plant-derived extracts was found to be effective in the prevention or treatment of gingivitis and early-stage periodontitis, according to a study published in Dentistry Journal The authors noted that people should still get regular, in-depth cleanings and treatments to maintain oral hygiene, and that antibacterial herbal extracts have safer toxicity profiles for human use.

In the double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients with a previous diagnosis of gingivitis or initial stages of periodontitis were given an experimental toothpaste or the control toothpaste for a 60-day trial period, during which time they brushed twice daily. The experimental toothpaste contained chemical components and extracts of German chamomile, sage, arnica and echinacea. The control toothpaste contained only chemical active ingredients.

The herbs used in the study showed positive anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic and antibacterial actions. Patients in the experimental group experienced diminished bleeding of the gums and teeth whitening. The indices of gingivitis, general oral hygiene, plaque, tartar buildup and mild periodontitis decreased in both groups over the trial period. While both toothpastes eliminated several bacterial periodontal pathogens, the experimental one was more efficient against several of them.

Put On a Happy Face

According to a new study led by Stanford University and published in Nature Human Behaviour, positioning our facial muscles into a smile can actually cause us to feel happier. Researchers collected data from 3,878 participants across 19 countries, using three techniques:

 Mimicking facial expressions of actors seen in photos

 Moving the corners of their mouths to their cheeks using only their facial muscles

 Using the “pen-in-mouth” technique, which moves facial muscles in a simulated smile shape

The study found a noticeable increase in feelings of happiness from people that mimicked smiling photographs or pulled their mouth toward their ears.

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Turning Vegetable Waste into Plastic

The World Economic Forum estimates that about 400 million tons of plastic waste are produced globally each year and that 98 percent of single-use plastic products are made from fossil fuels. So, the prospect of replacing the petroleum in plastic with a plant material is exciting news for the planet and humanity.

Toresyoku, a Japanese firm, has developed technology that efficiently removes cellulose (dietary fiber) from plant material for use in plastic production. Using vegetable waste, such as cabbage cores, rice husks, coffee grounds and the leaves and stems of tomatoes and broccoli from local farms, the company extracts the cellulose through hydrolysis (heating under pressure in water) and component decomposition (using enzymes).

Not only does the cellulose reduce the use of petroleum-based materials, but it may also increase the strength of the plastic being made for products such as plastic bottles, appliances and car bumpers. The company expects to start operating their factory soon and be able to process up to a ton of plant waste a day. While other companies have been able to extract cellulose from wood chips, Toresyoku’s technology is more efficient and can be done for a fraction of the cost of competing technologies.

Finding Hydrogen in Oil Wells

Climate change has spurred researchers and companies to develop fuels with zero carbon emissions. A simple solution is hydrogen because it burns without carbon emissions and is seemingly everywhere—under our feet and in every glass of water. The challenge is obtaining a reliable, safe and sustainable volume of hydrogen at a reasonable cost. There are several methods used today to produce pure hydrogen in large quantities. Most hydrogen is a byproduct of natural gas or coal gasification.

Cemvita Factory, a Texas biotech firm, field-tested a new method of hydrogen production in July, 2022, by injecting a propriety combination of bacteria and nutrients into a depleted oil well. Once inside, the microbes broke down the oil dregs to generate hydrogen and CO2. Cemvita Factory estimates there are more than 1,000 depleted oil wells in the United States that are suitable for their microbial treatment. While hydrogen production using depleted oil wells is getting some interest and attention, it still appears to be at a relatively early stage of development. One challenge faced by Cemvita Factory and other innovators in this area is how to prevent the CO2 from leaking into the atmosphere and contributing to climate change. Methods to capture, store or neutralize the CO2 byproduct will need to be developed.

Sharks Win!

In a groundbreaking decision, world governments have awarded increased protections to 54 species of sharks at the 19th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). “This decision is the most significant step toward improving global shark management that countries have taken,” says Mark Bond, a biologist at Florida International University and an advocate for the CITES protections. “It will ensure international shark trade is regulated and traceable.”

Sharks and rays, which are fished for their fins and meat, are the second most threatened vertebrate group in the world, with a third of them threatened with extinction. The inclusion of these sharks on the CITES list helps ensure only legal and sustainable trade in fins and meat is taking place. Almost every shipment of shark products will now require a permit to prove that trade meets legal and sustainability requirements. Before the decision, there were few restrictions in place around the globe.

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Deciphering Egg Carton Labels

There are many egg choices in the grocery store with different labels—cage-free, free-range, pasture-raised, organic. Here is what these terms mean.

CAGE-FREE

Cage-free eggs are defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as eggs laid by hens that are able to roam vertically and horizontally in indoor spaces while having access to fresh food and water. Although this method of egg production is considered to be more humane than the longtime standard of battery cages, some cage-free farms may restrict outdoor grazing, and their hens’ nutrition may not be as good as that of hens allowed outside.

FREE-RANGE

Free-range hens follow the same rules as cage-free, with the added requirement of having access to the outdoors during their laying cycle. How much time the hens are permitted to spend outside is open to interpretation, although some animal welfare groups define it as at least six hours per day of outdoor access with at least two square feet of outdoor space per bird.

PASTURE-RAISED

This term isn’t defined by the USDA, but if eggs come with a third-party animal welfare certification seal, more robust standards of care have been applied. Certified Humane and American Humane Certified both expect pasture-raised, egg-laying hens to have at least 108 square feet of pasture with live vegetation, and for those fields to be rotated so that fresh vegetation is always available. Having access to the outdoors year-round means they must also have access to a barn for protection from predators. Pasture-raised (and organic eggs described below) often have darker, yellower yolks and contain less cholesterol, which may be due to the continuous access to live vegetation and because they have more omega-3 fatty acids.

ORGANIC

Organic egg-laying hens must be provided with 100 percent organic feed without the use of pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. They must also be able to graze outside for at least 120 days per year and are given antibiotics only in the event of an infection.

ADDITIONAL TERMS

Local or locally produced eggs must originate less than 400 miles from the processing facility or within the state the eggs originated from and were processed in.

Vegetarian fed ensures that no animal byproducts were used to feed the hens. Grass fed is not defined by the USDA.

No hormones is a misleading term, as the USDA has banned the use of hormones, and all eggs are hormone-free.

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Dentistry by Dr. David

Microscopy, Mouth Bacteria and Heart Health

Microscopy—the use of a microscope in dentistry—is a valuable diagnostic tool that can help prevent serious illness. At Dentistry by Dr. David, samples of plaque from a patient’s mouth are collected and the bacteria contained in it analyzed, as this can explain why many people suffer from bleeding gums. While a high bacteria count found in a plaque sample can be a risk factor for periodontal disease, it can also be a risk factor for heart disease. People can acquire a bacterial infection in their gums at any time from various sources. This dental screening is imperative to diagnose and treat a bacterial infection as early as possible and prevent further damage that may be caused by infection.

Although a proper dental cleaning cannot get rid of all the bacteria in the mouth, it can keep the amount to a minimum, especially unfavorable species. A person suffering from active gum disease will present with many bacteria that move very quickly. The bacteria shaped like cork screws are known as spirochetes, and they are a clear indicator of too many bacteria in the mouth that have traveled deep under the gums. Floss, an electric toothbrush or even a Waterpik are unable to reach down far enough to disrupt the colony of this type of bacteria. The situation requires a professional scaling and root planning procedure, which involves the dental hygienist performing a “full detail” cleaning under the gum line to remove the bacteria. In doing this, the intent is to reverse the body’s inflammatory response to recognizing a bacterial infection. If an infection remains for too long, the inflammatory response will remain and cause additional problems.

An ongoing inflammatory response is directly linked to systemic illness. This means a person with untreated gum disease is more likely to acquire heart disease, dementia, gastrointestinal disease, dia-

betes and many more preventable illnesses. When a high number of bacteria continue to colonize under the gum line, they will cross into the bloodstream. The same bacteria invading the gums will travel through the blood stream to all areas of the body, including the heart. Over time, bacteria will start to colonize in the heart and its valves. When the body senses the bacteria in the blood vessels, the inflammatory response will start. If the high level of bacteria continues to linger and grow in the heart and vessels, the inflammatory response will continue. An ongoing inflammatory response is what slowly destroys the vessels and tissue in the heart, leading to impairment.

Having dental cleanings every six months is insufficient for maintaining the gum health of the population that have active infection in the gums. If someone has been treated for gum disease, it is imperative that they visit the dental hygienist every three months to remove bacteria. This will keep bacteria to a minimum and discourage the inflammatory response from causing further damage of healthy tissues in the mouth and throughout the body. Microscopy and deep cleanings are important components of Dentistry by Dr. David’s holistic approach to preventive care.

Dentistry by Dr. David is located at 563 Main St., Bolton, MA. For more information, call 978-634-6580 or visit BoltonDental.com. See ad on page 3 and Resource Guide on page 34.

Wendy Nadherny Fachon is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings She hosts the environmental and sustainable living podcast The Story Walking Radio Hour on the Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network website, under the Sustainable Living tab. See ad on page 27.

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The same bacteria invading the gums will travel through the bloodstream to all areas of the body, including the heart.

Improving Heart Health

Lifestyle Metrics That Can Help Prevent Heart Disease

Diet and exercise are often cited for preventing cardiovascular disease, but a deeper dive shows that other factors such as sleep, stress management and proper screenings are just as important.

Get Enough Sleep

Dr. Randi Foraker is a professor of medicine at the Division of General Medical Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL), and the deputy director of their Institute for Informatics. She co-authored the American Heart Association (AHA) Life’s Essential 8, a prescription of eight

lifestyle metrics for cardiovascular health. They include modifiable risk factors such as diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep duration, body mass index, blood lipids, blood glucose and blood pressure.

Last June, the AHA added sleep to their lifestyle recommendations.

“Poor sleep has been something we have suspected as a contributor to cardiovascular health for some time,” Foraker says. “Sleep has been identified recently as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases. Interrupted sleep is a problem because our body isn’t able to rebuild and recharge if we don’t have adequate sleep. That’s a recent finding, and the evidence around that is building.”

Research into how sleep patterns affect heart health is ongoing. Experts are looking at when people are sleeping, and if it’s broken into three-or-four-hour increments. The demands of each occupation may lead to sleeping during the day instead of at night, or broken sleep that does not always lead to a total of eight hours of sleep.

Stress Management

“Not managing stress well can be linked to insulin resistance, gut issues, high blood pressure and inflammation, which directly contribute to heart disease,” says Charlotte Nussbaum, M.D., a functional medicine practitioner in Medford, New Jersey. “That’s a lifestyle factor that people need to address, and it can be the hardest one to address. Even if you’re dialed in to a healthy diet and exercise routines, you’re not going to keep yourself healthy if you have unresolved stress issues.”

Nussbaum notes that unaddressed childhood traumas can lead to unhealthy stress management techniques and encourages people to consult with a therapist or other practitioner to work through childhood traumas to identify and eliminate the stressor. If a job is causing stress, we can’t always change jobs, but using techniques such as yoga, meditation and mindfulness can help. She also recommends bodywork and movement, breathing techniques, biofeedback and going into nature as effective stress-relieving techniques.

Foraker notes that the Life’s Essential 8 framework has specifically called out mental and social determinants of health because these underlying factors can be barriers to achieving ideal cardiovascular wellness. “Mental health can impact depression and be a proxy for nicotine addiction and poor diet,” she says.

16 Greater Boston/Rhode Island Edition | NA-GBRI.com

Social determinants may include living in a food desert without access to healthy foods. Some people may not be able to achieve physical fitness because they live in a high-crime area, preventing them from being active outdoors. “Social determinants of health are often cost-prohibitive to achieving health goals,” Foraker advises.

Nationwide, nonprofits such as The Food Trust are helping to bring nutritious food to low-income communities. The National Youth Sports Strategy, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, strives to expand children’s participation in youth sports and encourage regular physical activity.

Looking Beyond Cholesterol

Nussbaum observes that while much attention is placed on lowering fat and cholesterol for a healthier heart, what is more important is choosing fats that don’t oxidize easily. When low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is oxidized, it can lead to atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque on the artery walls.

“Seed oils like canola oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil or corn oil have been promoted as heart healthy, but those are very easily oxidized because they contain linoleic acid, an inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid that can contribute to heart disease,” Nussbaum says. “While omega-6 is an essential fatty acid, we only need a small amount in our diets. Our modern diet has become very high in omega-6.”

Nussbaum advises increasing omega-3 intake to balance the omega-3s/

17 February 2023
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The American Heart Association confirms that practicing mindfulness and meditation may help manage stress and high blood pressure, improve sleep and help us feel more balanced and connected, which can help lower the risk of heart disease.

Meditation can be as simple as sitting quietly in a calm place and focusing on breath. Other types include relaxation and Zen, transcendental, mantra and mindfulness-based stress reduction.

omega-6 ratio. Cold water and fatty fish that is low in mercury such as salmon and shellfish are good sources of omega-3s. For those that don’t eat seafood, marine algae provide omega-3s.

Polyphenols are plant-based foods that boost heart health and immunity. Polyphenol-rich examples include green tea, citrus fruits, hibiscus tea and turmeric. Nussbaum adds that organ meats like liver are high in antioxidants retinol and vitamin A.

Red meat has gotten a bad reputation, but Nussbaum notes how meat is sourced makes a difference. The nutritional quality of a fast-food burger is much different than a cut of beef from grass-fed cows that are sustainably raised; the latter has a very different nutrition profile, along with omega-3s.

Nussbaum cautions that consuming a low-fat diet alone may not lower risk of heart disease, because many lowfat diets substitute fat with carbohydrates, which can lead to obesity and insulin resistance—both risk factors for heart disease.

Less Exercise Can Be More

It can be intimidating to start a workout regimen, especially if time is limited.

“What’s more important is not being sedentary and finding ways to keep moving,” Nussbaum says. “Even if you have desk job, there are ways to incorporate short bursts of movement into your day. Walking can be helpful.”

She notes that high-intensity interval training—short bursts of intense exercise alternated with low-intensity recovery periods—can be effective for those with limited time. “Some of those workouts

are only five to 10 minutes long, but can have just as much benefit as a 90-minute cardiovascular workout.”

Screenings and Advanced Testing Detect Underlying Issues

Dr. Yale R. Smith, a Florida physician who is triple board-certified and an advanced fellow in anti-aging metabolic and functional medicine, says, “There are millions of people walking around with severe cardiac disease that do not even know it, because heart attacks and death from an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) can kill someone without warning, Thus, preventing such an event with specialized testing can allow people to live long lives with loved ones.”

Smith emphasizes the importance of a complete lipid profile. “I see many patients that come to me with incomplete lipid profiles,” he notes. They do not include sensitive biomarkers that go beyond just total cholesterol, LDL, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides. There’s a misconception that if one’s cholesterol is within normal range, they need not worry about heart disease.

“But someone could have unstable plaque just waiting to burst in a coronary artery that kills the patient,” Smith explains.

“When an unstable plaque ruptures in a major vessel, the body senses it as bleeding and sends clotting factors to stop the bleeding, thus creating the heart attack and death. We can look for this with cutting-edge testing.”

Such testing includes Cleerly, which uses artificial intelligence to look within the coronary arteries. It provides actual visualization of the patient’s vessels and pinpoints locations of stenotic lesions, total plaque volume and unstable plaque loca-

18 Greater Boston/Rhode Island Edition | NA-GBRI.com

tions. “This is revolutionary and allows me to provide vital information to the patient and the interventional cardiologist before catheterization,” Smith says.

The protein unstable lesion signature test looks for cellular markers for high-risk patients and determines risk for plaque rupture. The vibrant health CardiaX test allows doctors to look at 22 different genes that can contribute to heart disease issues.

“Family history is a look into the future of your chance of developing heart diseases,” Smith shares. “The genetics of a patient’s family is quite important, and genes can jump a generation. Thus, the patient could have their grandfather’s or grandmother’s genes that can put them at risk and lead to an early death.”

There are natural ways to control and reverse heart disease, Smith points out, but he cautions against over-the-counter, unregulated supplements marketed for improving heart health. A comprehensive workup and cardiovascular health plan should be monitored by a qualified medical doctor.

“Meditation and massage are beneficial to lower stress,” Smith recommends. “Stress and high cortisol levels create a pathway to heart disease, elevated blood pressure and other issues. Thus, anything that can lower stress and create a happy lifestyle will help with heart health.”

19 February 2023
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Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.

The Cardioprotective Role of Nitric Oxide

Thousands of studies have shown the essential role of nitric oxide in multiple body systems, including the cardiovascular system. Composed of the heart and blood vessels, the cardiovascular system transports oxygen and nutrients to the organs and tissues throughout the body. The heart pumps about five liters of blood per minute, working tirelessly throughout our lifetime. In a 70-year period, the heart beats more than 2.5 billion times. Making sure our heart has enough energy available and supporting the health of the cardiovascular vessels and tissues is extremely important.

Nitric Oxide’s Role

Nitric Oxide (NO) is a gas made up of one atom of nitrogen bonded to one atom of oxygen. It is a signaling molecule and one of the most important molecules produced in the human body. It has a major impact on the energy production in the cells. NO has several cardioprotective roles including the regulation of blood pressure and vascular tone, inhibition of platelet aggregation and leukocyte adhesion and prevention of smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Produced in the lining of the blood vessels called endothelium cells, NO serves as a critical signaling molecule in the cardiovascular and circulatory system. It helps expand the blood vessels, increasing blood flow and decreasing plaque growth and blood clotting. Our bodies cannot function as intended without proper circulation of the blood. Reduced bioavailability of NO is thought to be one of the central factors common to cardiovascular disease and has an important role in blood pressure regulation.

20 Greater Boston/Rhode Island Edition | NA-GBRI.com

Nitric Oxide Production Declines with Age

Starting in our 30s, nitric oxide production begins to decline by 20 percent every 10 years. Most people over the age of 65 have lost 85 percent of their ability to make NO. Factors influencing the decline in natural production of NO include aging, oxidative stress, lack of exercise, poor nutrition, diabetes and smoking.

Some signs of low nitric oxide include poor vision due to dysregulation of interocular pressure, stress and anxiety, increased body heat, fatigue, loss of memory, longer recovery time after work-out, cold ex-

tremities and erectile dysfunction. The healthy bacteria in our mouth takes the nitrites in food we eat, and then combined with the acid in the stomach, converts nitrite to nitrates which are a building block for nitric oxide in the body. Foods that boost nitric oxide levels are meat, poultry, garlic, dark chocolate, leafy greens, nuts and seeds and beets. However, using mouthwashes, antacids or acid blockers can decrease the body’s ability to make NO from the food we eat, so many people unknowingly decrease their nitric oxide level daily.

To determine one’s NO level, a simple saliva test strip can be used.

If the test determines low levels, supplements containing beet root, grape seed, olive leaf, malic acid, theobromine and hawthorn berry can provide the body with the building blocks for NO.

Dr. Gary Kracoff is a registered pharmacist with a doctorate in naturopathic medicine at Johnson Compounding and Wellness Center, located at 577 Main St., Waltham. For more information about testing and supplementation, call 781-893-3870 ext. 111 or visit NaturalCompounder.com. See ad on page 17 and Resource Guide on pages 34 and 36.

21 February 2023
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Love in the Present Moment

Mindfulness for Couples

Jam-packed schedules and answering the demands of everyday life can trip us up and break the spell of even the most solid intimate partnership. With dulled senses, it is easy and all too common to go on autopilot. Like abandoned gardens, heart-unions can become casualties of neglect and the absence of joy. Mindfulness—awareness and cultivation of the present moment—has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and depression and deepen our appreciation of what we have. Relationships can expand and strengthen when couples practice the art of being in the “now”. A 2021 study involving 1,360 heterosexual couples published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy indicates that gratitude and forgiveness also contribute to satisfaction, both relational and sexual.

Conscious Hearts

“Mindfulness practice comes in many forms: journaling, meditation, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, tai chi or breathwork, to name just a few. By routinely practicing mindfulness, we are able to deepen our own awareness of what we are feeling and how we want to respond to someone we care about,” explains Moraya Seeger DeGeare, in-house relationship expert for Paired, an app for couples.

Maci Daye, the author of Passion and Presence: A Couple’s Guide to Awakened Intimacy and Mindful Sex says, “Even a few minutes a day of mindfulness practice can rewire the brain, build new habits and help us dis-identify from our limiting beliefs, stories and intense emotions.” This is a critical factor in transcending personal triggers and promoting conflict resolution. She emphasizes that couples often go into fightor-flight mode because they feel threatened by their partner’s non-verbal behavior or are triggered by old, painful wounds.

22 Greater Boston/Rhode Island Edition | NA-GBRI.com
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Daye, a licensed professional counselor and certified sex therapist, notes, “Mindful couples are less attached to being ‘right’ and explore their own sensitivities instead of blaming their partners.” Once “awakened intimacy” is put into practice, couples become interested in each other’s perspectives and team up to heal and grow. In addition to formal training, she suggests bringing presence to all aspects of life. “Couples can engage their senses when they hug, touch or hold hands,” Daye explains. “They can pause to look at each other when they say hello and goodbye. They can slow down and taste their food, savoring every bite. These behaviors also make sexual experiences more sensual, intimate and connecting.”

Taking a few moments for eye contact, the brush of a hand or compassionate interaction can strengthen bonds. DeGeare, who is also a couple’s therapist at BFF Therapy, in Beacon, New York, recommends slowing down together to get in sync. “This could be going for a walk, cooking or listening to the same podcast and talking about it later. It helps the body tune into your partner a bit and connect. The time you spend doing this outside of the bedroom will deepen your connection in the bedroom.” She suggests bringing movement like a shared dance or yoga class into the mix to foster connection, as well as setting “dedicated times to check in through the week or month, uninterrupted.”

A Deeper Dive

Daily verbal exchanges beyond the mundane can amplify resonance between two people. “Asking questions is vitally important, as it cultivates curiosity—but not the day-to-day questions, such as, ‘What are you doing today’ or ‘What do you want for dinner?’” says Debbie Lambert, co-author of The Mindful Couple. The Del Mar, California, couples counselor and life coach encourages people to ask, “What scares you today? What is the most important thing that you would like to create today? What was one thing that made you grateful today, and what is one thing that disappointed or frustrated you today? What is one thing I can do for you today? These types of questions scrape the surface of knowing and create intimacy and connection.”

Lambert compares the practice of mindfulness to a beautiful dance—flowing, loving and creative—that can change future generations. “The energy from such a dance extends far beyond the couple,” she says. “It can be felt intimately by anyone in its presence. When parents dance this dance, their children are bathed in a high-vibrating energy. They feel safe and loved. Most importantly, they learn a model for how to be in a loving relationship.”

Marlaina Donato is an author, visionary painter and recording artist. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

The Best Tip For More Intimacy: Be Intimately Embodied

True intimacy starts within. Before seeking more intimacy externally, we must cultivate it within ourselves, our body, the environment, nature, this planet and the entire cosmos. It starts with knowing, caring for and appreciating the innate wisdom, beauty and grandeur of having a human body. Commune deeply with this body. Ask it what it desires; discover what contributes most to it. It becomes easier to have intimacy with others once we have truly recognized intimacy as a fundamental core instinct and the nature of being embodied.

Intimacy is not only the sense of being fully known and completely loved by another person; it requires rare honesty and allowing oneself to be vulnerable—with oneself first, then with others. When we experience deeper internal intimacy, the sense of being “home” in our body becomes more easily expressed with others externally. As a result, more connection and relaxed pleasure become possible and highly likely.

There are many pathways to create, expand and increase our intimate relationships, beginning foremost with our own intimate internal expansion. To discover one’s intimacy languages (aka Erotic Blueprints), take the quiz at Sacred TempleArts.com/the-quiz.

Sacha Fossa, MA, provides custom-designed holistic sex, intimacy, relationship and wellness coaching, education and healing arts programs, in-person and/or virtual. For more information, visit SacredTempleArts.com. See ad on page 7 and Resource Guide on page 37.

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23 February 2023

The right food choices don’t just prevent heart disease and help shrink artery plaque, they also nourish and heal the heart. For a healthy ticker, enjoy these five food groups every day.

Fabulous Fiber

Fiber is the roughage in vegetables, fruits, beans and nuts, and it is loaded with age-busting nutrients. Eating fiber suppresses appetite, promotes weight loss, improves blood sugar and cholesterol levels, decreases inflammation and feeds a healthy gut microbiome.

The challenge is to get more fiber every day. Too often, people consume fiber from processed grains and flour, and the sugar load that comes with grain fiber has many adverse impacts on heart health. The best option is to enjoy daily fiber from the following sources: three cups of colorful vegetables; two pieces of fruit, such as one cup of berries and one apple; two handfuls of nuts and seeds; and onehalf to one cup of beans.

Smart Fat

Clinical studies show that enjoying fats from seafood, extra-virgin olive oil and nuts decreases the risk of a heart attack and stroke without causing weight gain. Healthy fats improve

Nourish the Heart

Foods that Promote Cardiac Healing

cholesterol levels, assist with blood sugar control, are critical for the brain, improve hormone balance and reduce inflammation.

Fats enhance the texture of food, adding that smooth, creamy mouth feel to a meal that makes eating a pleasure. Enjoy healthy fats from avocados, seeds and dark chocolate daily.

Clean (Not Mean) Protein

Raising animals in large-scale conventional operations with cruel living conditions is not just mean, it also produces less nutritious meat that can be loaded with hormones, antibiotics and pesticides. Choose clean protein instead, which does not contain added hormones, pesticides and other toxins. Good sources of protein are organic dairy products and eggs, wild seafood and animal protein that has been grass-fed or organically fed while living on open pasture. Beans are also a great protein-packed choice that improves blood sugar and cholesterol profiles. They are the most powerful anti-aging food ever tested.

Beneficial Beverages

Start with at least four cups of water per day. It doesn’t matter whether it’s flat or sparkling, so long as it’s pure. Pure water can be purchased or made at home or at work with a reverse osmosis filter system.

Except for people that are caffeine sensitive, one to two servings of caffeinated beverages can be enjoyed daily. In moderation, those tea and coffee pigments are good for us.

Don’t forget a fiber- and protein -rich smoothie to stay satisfied and

revved up all morning. A balanced and delicious recipe includes one serving of protein powder, frozen organic cherries or blueberries, almond milk and chia seeds.

Take advantage of the option to enjoy wine with dinner—just be sure to limit wine intake to no more than two servings daily.

Avoid any beverage with added sugar or commercial sweeteners. Don’t be fooled into drinking juice; without the fiber, fruit juice is much closer to drinking soda than to eating fruit.

Powerful Probiotics

Not only do probiotics help gut function—a healthy gut microbiome decreases inflammation and supports weight control. The latest research reveals that the microbes in the gut have a dramatic impact on the risk for heart disease, as well. Because healthy microbes feed on fiber, eating fiber is good for the gut microbiome, too.

The right gut microbes offer numerous benefits. They lower harmful cholesterol levels, improve blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure to normal levels, assist with weight loss, decrease inflammation and decrease production of trimethylamine N-oxide (also known as TMAO), a marker for heart disease. Support the gut microbiome by eating probiotic food sources daily, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, pickled veggies and miso.

Dr. Steven Masley is a physician, nutritionist, trained chef, clinical professor at the University of South Florida and creator of health programs for public television. He is the author of The 30-Day Heart Tune-Up. Learn more at DrMasley.com.

24 Greater Boston/Rhode Island Edition | NA-GBRI.com udra11/Shutterstock.com conscious eating

Frittata with Spinach, Mushrooms and Cheese

YIELD: 4 TO 6 SERVINGS

½ lb fresh spinach, washed and drained, stems removed, chopped

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

½ medium sweet onion, finely chopped

2 cups mushrooms, sliced

½ tsp sea salt

1 tsp Italian herb seasoning

2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped

8 large cage-free, organically fed eggs

2 Tbsp organic, whole fat milk (or sour cream)

½ cup organic Comté (or Gruyère) cheese, grated

¼ cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 375° F.

Place spinach in a saucepan with ½ cup of water. Cover with a lid and allow to steam on high heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat

and drain; squeeze out excess water. Set aside.

Heat a sauté pan to medium heat; add olive oil, then onion; stir occasionally. After 1 minute, add mushrooms and continue heating for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the mushrooms have softened. Add garlic and Italian herbs and heat 1 minute, then remove from heat.

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. Stir in the Comté or Gruyère cheese, steamed spinach and sautéed onions with mushrooms.

Grease a pie dish with extra virgin olive oil, then pour the egg and vegetable mixture into the pie dish. Sprinkle Parmigiano Reggiano cheese over the top.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it has the texture of custard—trembling and barely set. For a golden crust, turn on the broiler for the last couple minutes of bak-

1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp fresh rosemary, diced

1 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped

⅛ tsp paprika or cayenne powder (or to taste)

1 lb firm tofu, cubed, or 15 oz cooked cannellini beans (optional) Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, basil, and/or thyme)

Ratatouille

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

1 medium eggplant (remove ends and any damaged skin), cut into 1-inch cubes

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium sweet onion, diced

½ tsp sea salt

¼ tsp ground black pepper

½ tsp oregano, dried

½ tsp fines herbes (or Italian herb seasoning), dried

3 small zucchini, chopped into ½-inch cubes (about 2½ cups)

2 small yellow squash, chopped into ½-inch cubes (about 2 cups)

2 Tbsp white wine

3 medium tomatoes, chopped (about 2½ cups)

4 medium garlic cloves, minced

This fragrant side dish from southern France is packed with nutrients. It goes well with chicken or fish, and especially a soufflé. To convert this from a side dish to a complete meal, add 1 pound of cubed tofu or 15 ounces of cooked cannellini beans. Can be served hot or cold and usually tastes better when served the next day. Steam eggplant on the stove top for 6 minutes or microwave in a glass container for 4 minutes. Cook until tender.

Heat a pan on medium heat and add olive oil; add the onion, salt, black pepper, oregano and fines herbes. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes or until onions are soft and translucent. Add zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant and wine; stir. Cover and heat for 3 to 4 minutes, until the vegetables soften, stirring occasionally. Add the tomatoes, garlic and fresh herbs; cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 4 to 10 minutes, until squash softens and the flavors blend.

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ing, but don’t over-bake, or it will get tough. Check it 5 minutes before it’s supposed to be done.

This recipe and photo were excerpted from The Mediterranean Method. ©2019 Steven Masley, M.D. Used with permission of Harmony Books. All rights reserved.

For a touch of heat, add paprika or cayenne pepper. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Excerpted from The 30-Day Heart Tune-Up. Copyright

© 2021 Dr. Steven Masley, Used with permission from Little, Brown Spark, New York, NY. All rights reserved.

25 February 2023
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Body Wisdom

Giving Direction to Healing

There is an energy shift taking place after these past two unsettling years. We again are filled with hope and our minds are revived, our bodies are rebalancing, and communities are coming together to rebirth a whole new paradigm for living. This new paradigm will shift the focus to creating a healthy environment and lifestyle that is energizing and sustainable; one that focuses on longevity and a reprogramming of aging, disease and death.

To make this shift, a new healthcare approach is needed—one that takes a holistic view and brings power of choice back to the people. Health is coherence of mind, body and spirit. Coherence within our cells and alignment with Source leads to vitality and feelings of well-being, joy and love.

Health can be examined through different aspects: inner, outer and quantum. Outer health involves a healthy lifestyle combined with a rise in consciousness. It requires we

eat, sleep, relate to others, move the body and commune with nature—all in a conscious manner. Inner health is about awareness, reprograming beliefs and healing toxic emotions and thoughts related to trauma. Quantum health includes light-work, breath work, going into silence and connecting to our higher self.

With higher consciousness, health naturally expands. When we consciously communicate with our intelligent body, body wisdom and body consciousness, we give direction and ask for what we want. Healing is about awareness and a rise in the level of consciousness. It requires taking responsibility for one’s own health and well-being and considering lifestyle changes supported by holistic practices that bridge traditional practices with evidence based established care.

As our light within is expanded and awakened, we beam the consciousness of love to bring light to the dark. One flickering flame can be enough

to conquer the darkness with thousands of flames coming together. We can achieve that, one flame at a time, one person at a time.

Linda Boutilier is a licensed independent clinical social worker trained in alternative/integrative treatment modalities. Her office is located at 75 Sockanosset Cross Rd., Cranston, RI. She is certified in energy psychology and currently uses an integrated approach with clients that combines energy psychology and Internal Family Systems methodologies. For more information, call 401-944-3725.

Vandana Pitke is a certified homeopath with a medical degree in homeopathy, holistic healer and managing director of Rhode Island Holistic Healing Association. She is the owner of OmHomeopathy, located at 1099 Mendon Rd., Cumberland, RI. For more information, call 401-573-3757 or visit OmHomeopathy.com. See Resource Guide on page 35.

26 Greater Boston/Rhode Island Edition | NA-GBRI.com

Unify and Connect at the Rhode Island Holistic Healing Association

Established in 2004, the Rhode Island Holistic Healing Association (RIHHA) has grown into an astonishing community of healers of all kinds that network and share their modalities as well as business ideas. Managing Director Vanda Pitke has brought many changes to RIHHA, motivated by her desire to “take holistic modalities to the root level in the community, to the people who really need it, connecting them with different practitioners and experts.”

To that end, she has opened membership to the general public so they can take advantage of the various benefits that come along with it. Membership

provides discounts at participating stores and discounts on RIHHA’s special events, consultations with participating practitioners and on workshops with participating practitioners.

RIHHA practitioner member Linda Boutilier, a licensed independent clinical social worker trained in alternative/integrative treatment modalities, has joined a people-led movement that is working to create a new global health care paradigm. This movement encourages communities to set up local hubs filled with knowledgeable practitioners that offer a range of individualized health services, both allopathic and holistic, that are affordable to all.

“We see the need to unify and connect with like-minded people and organizations who understand the importance of a people-led approach; one that puts the people first and whose practitioners have a genuine desire to help,” she says.

As practitioners who bridge holistic and traditional practices with evidence-based established care, Pitke and Boutlier consider themselves responsible for uplifting the broken—those that suffer the most, the hopeless, the misinformed and the ones caught in fear. “We are working to bring them rays of light, hope, health and happiness,” they say.

For more information, visit RIHHA.org.

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27 February 2023

Heart-Healthy Kids

Setting a Course for Cardiovascular Wellness

When a middle-aged, thin adult comes to the hospital with heart attack symptoms, the doctors will ask about family health history; alcohol, drug and cigarette use; current medications; and cholesterol levels. But because the person is thin, they may not question their diet. In reality, the food choices we’ve made since childhood may determine our likelihood of developing heart disease as adults. Hearthealthy diets for kids can establish a healthful baseline and set them on a path to lifelong wellness and longevity. Studies have demonstrated that the development of coronary atherosclerosis begins in childhood. These findings have been replicated in studies of children of different ethnic backgrounds across the globe. Characterized by the deposition of fatty material (plaques) on the inner walls of arteries, atherosclerosis contributes to heart disease and heart attacks.

The immediate reaction may be to blame genetics for heart disease in young children and assume it is outside of our control, but this assumption would be wrong. Genetics are only a blueprint. What we eat, how we sleep, our stress level and our exposure to environmental toxins determine how our house is built. “Genetics load the gun, but the environment pulls the trigger,” wrote Judith Stern, professor of nutrition and internal medicine at the University of California, Davis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, epigenetics is the study of how our behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way our genes work. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center demonstrated the effects of genetic malleability in a study involving agouti mice that have genetically mutated to produce obese offspring that develop heart disease, diabetes and cancers. The scientists fed two groups of these unhealthy mice different diets. One group ate standard mouse food. The other consumed standard mouse food plus vitamin supplements, including choline, folic acid, B12 and betaine.

The agouti mice mothers that were given a vitamin-supplemented diet produced offspring that were healthy, without evidence of heart disease or other problems, while the mice that ate a regular diet without nutritional supplementation continued to produce terribly unhealthy mice. What humans can surmise from this study is that par-

28 Greater Boston/Rhode Island Edition | NA-GBRI.com healthy kids

ents have the power to alter their children’s gene expression and subsequent heart disease risk.

To raise healthy adults, a child’s nutrition is where to start. As Mark Hyman, M.D., an internationally recognized leader in the field of functional medicine, says, “Chronic disease is a food-borne illness,” and one of the biggest dietary culprits is sugar. It leads to the development of plaque in the arteries and wreaks havoc on the health of Americans. In the 1980s, the low-fat craze prompted food companies to remove fat from foods and replace it with sugar to preserve taste. A whopping 240 sugar alternatives followed, including corn syrup, rice syrup and dextrose.

The liver can process only 24 grams of added sugar per day. Any extra sugar gets turned into fat, which contributes to the development of atherosclerotic plaques. In the U.S., adults consume an average of 77 grams of sugar per day, according to the American Heart Association. That’s more than three times the amount the liver can handle.

Parents can begin to shield their children from this dangerous ingredient by steering them away from sugary drinks. We all know that sodas are full of sugar, but even organic juice boxes, sports drinks, flavored waters and coconut waters contain loads of the stuff. Choose water or coconut water without added sugar, and wean kids off of juice by gradually diluting it. Also consider fruit-infused waters or bubbly, carbonated water with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Start reading food labels and encourage kids to become sugar detectives. It is not about categorizing food as evil or bad. It’s about learning together which foods and drinks help their little hearts become stronger and more resilient. When they grow up to be heart-healthy, middle-aged adults, they will be thankful.

29 February 2023 Be
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The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched— they must be felt with the heart.
~Helen Keller
Dr. Ana-Maria Temple is an integrative pediatrician and wellness educator in Charlotte, North Carolina. Learn more at DrAnaMaria.com.

Whole Foods for Dogs and Cats

Human-Grade Meals for Our Furry Best Friends

As guardians of our beloved pets, choosing the best food for them can be a daunting task, with so many options online and in grocery stores, as well as conflicting advice about what is healthiest. For thousands of years, pets were fed human food scraps, and in the last 50 years, as dogs were elevated from being pets to valued members of the family, handing them treats directly from the dinner table became a common practice. Nevertheless, commercial pet food has become an enormous industry in a relatively short period of time—it has only been around for just over 150 years, according to the Pet Food

Institute. Globally, the pet food market was valued at almost $95 billion in 2021 and is expected to continue growing, according to Grand View Research. North America dominated the market, accounting for a 49.9 percent share of worldwide revenue that year. The immense popularity of commercial pet food can be attributed to numerous reasons. Socioeconomic factors make buying processed pet food affordable; nutritional science makes it look sophisticated; veterinarians endorse it and marketing agencies persuade guardians that it is the best option. Many pet guardians may be concerned that table

scraps are not as healthy for their pet as kibble. As a result, most dogs and cats consume commercial diets, many of which include byproducts from the human food industry.

Kelly Swanson, a University of Illinois professor and the author of a 2018 nutrition study published in the Journal of Animal Science, told Science Daily, “A lot of companies test for complete and balanced nutrition but don’t go beyond that.” She further noted that her study evaluated certain diets by looking at additional factors: “Would dogs like them? Were they digestible? Would they increase activity?”

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natural pet

Leveling Up a Pet’s Diet

Because they are unprocessed and unrefined, pet diets made of whole foods contain more intact nutrients and provide more fiber for digestive health, which can help with constipation, diarrhea or both. According to a 2021 study published in the Journal of Animal Science, some types of fresh, “human-grade” food may be simpler for pets to digest than dry, commercial kibble.

A recent study examined the gut microbiome of pet and stray dogs from South Africa, India and Loas and compared their gut microbiomes to those of dogs that lived 1,000 years ago. The researchers found that the varied diet of the stray dogs of Loas had the most robust microbiome and that it was comparable to the diet consumed by ancient dogs. Like in humans, a healthy and balanced gut microbiome is important for digestion and to fight inflammation. While there are some foods that pets should avoid, such as alcohol, dairy, chocolate and grapes, many types of meat and vegetables that humans eat can be served to their pets. Because whole-food ingredients like chicken, pork, lamb, beef and chicken eggs are readily available at local grocery stores, it’s easy to get started. The key is ensuring that a pet gets a balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates. There are plenty of homemade pet food recipes available online that consider this balance. The needs of a pet will vary based on species, age, weight and overall health, so consulting with a veterinarian is recommended to keep the pet’s health on track.

Tips for Homemade Pet Food Success

n If it is in the budget, choose grass-fed or pasture-raised meats, which have a healthy omega-3 to omega-6 ratio and are anti-inflammatory.

n The diet should include calcium, iron, zinc and other essen-

31 February 2023
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tial nutrients based on species and individual needs. Consult a veterinarian for guidance.

n Although dogs do not require carbohydrates in their diet, they can digest them. Dogs use dietary carbohydrates to maintain and replace glycogen levels.

n Introducing vegetable fiber— kale, collard greens and fruit such as apples—to a dog’s

digestive system helps prevent gas pain.

n Obtain ingredients from organic sources whenever possible, because they contain no pesticides or chemicals that could harm a pet’s health.

n Avoid processed foods and artificial ingredients.

n Look for pet foods without preservatives, byproducts, fillers or food dyes.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (aafco.org/consumers) offers a wealth of information and guidance regarding commercial pet foods and ingredients. While they do not have a whole foods classification, they do provide information about natural and organic pet foods.

Feeding pets whole food is a great way to help them stay healthy and happy. Make their food at home using fresh ingredients, or look for commercial brands that incorporate whole foods in their products. A pet’s best health starts in the bowl.

Dr. 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.

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COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Sales@NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com to request our media kit.

Akashic Consulting

INTO THE AKASH WITH ASTRID!

401-617-8074

AstridMeijeruic@gmail.com

rihha.org

Curious to learn how your other lifetimes are impacting your life? Ready to clear trauma, negative belief patterns, relationship dynamics, vows and soul contracts? Through consulting your Akashic Records, I facilitate the clearing of energies blocking your True Self, and coach you through conscious meaning-making to create the life you want.

Beauty

ENHANCED BEAUTY INK

966 E Main Rd Portsmouth, RI

401-366-2544

EnhancedBeautyInk@gmail.com

EnhancedBeautyInk.com

We specialize in creating realistic looking eyebrows, eyeliner, lip blushing and scalp pigmentation. We work with clients who just want to enhance their look to clients who have lost all hair due to genetic disorders, alopecia and cancer. See ad, page 10.

Brain Training

RI NEUROFEEDBACK | ZEN BRAIN TRAINING

401-282-0230

RINeurofeedback.com

Most of us don’t realize how much we can benefit from training our brains. Like our bodies, our brains benefit from healthy exertion and positive attention. Many of us suffer from symptoms of brain dysregulation that vary from lethargy to mania, ADD to OCD, depression to anxiety. Training the brain can strengthen its response to these symptoms and provide a clarity, ease and peacefulness that is hard to describe until you experience it. Call today for a free discovery conversation.

Chiropractic

MALCHAR CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS CENTER

33 College Hill Rd, Bldg 30C Warwick, RI 02886 401-826-7600

MalcharWellness.com

I support healing in the modality, the Internal Family Systems or Parts Work. Together, we will explore your parts and how they support your system employing the leadership of your Self, or your inner resource.

MCARDLE CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS CENTER

Catherine McArdle, DC Robert Sedlor, DC 2220 Plainfield Pike, Cranston, RI 02921 401-383-3400

McArdleChiropractic.com

Family chiropractic practice offering holistic care to patients of all ages. Based on the initial evaluation, patients will be given a treatment plan which addresses ergonomics, exercise, stretching and nutrition in addition to their spinal alignment. See ad, page 10.

Coaching

A CREATIVE HEALING PLACE

Benjamin B. Blackett 401-855-2008

BBB3pips@gmail.com

Facebook.com/BenjaminBBlackett ACreativeHealingPlace.com

Benjamin Blackett is a multi-certified, International Life Mastery Consultant and motivational speaker. He helps people pull their dreams into their lives. His clients experience better health, deeper and more meaningful relationships, more satisfying careers, and expanded time and money freedom. You are invited to get to know him through his livestream “Morning Mindset Book Studies” on his Facebook page, A Creative Healing Place, Mon-Fri, 9:05-9:25am. See ad, page 29.

LIFE COACH DAVID

David Scott Bartky, Law of Attraction Life Coach 973-444-7301

LifeCoachDavid.com

Find out how to attract what you want, feel happier, and become the best version of yourself with Law of Attraction coaching. You have the ability; you just have to know how to use it.

INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS PRACTITIONER

We Breathe Wellness

Pavlina Gatikova Walpole MA 508-375-8465

GatikovaP@gmail.com

I support healing in the modality, the Internal Family Systems or Parts Work. Together, we will explore your parts and how they support your system employing the leadership of your Self, or your inner resource. See ad, page 31.

TAKE THE LEAP COACHING

Kim Childs

1025 Mass Ave, Arlington, MA 02476 617-640-3813

Kim@KimChilds.com

KimChilds.com

Need help clarifying and realizing your desires? Asking

“What’s next?” or “How do I get started?” Kim is a certified life and career coach specializing in Positive Psychology, creativity, and midlife transitions, to help clients create more personally fulfilling, meaningful and empowered lives. Initial consultations are free.

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33 February 2023

Colon Hydrotherapy

INTERNAL WELLNESS CENTER

Liz Marcano-Pucillo

150 Wood Rd, Ste 403, Braintree, MA 02184

781-228-6915

Liz@InternalWellnessCtr.com

InternalWellnessCtr.com

Receive professional colon hydrotherapy by a national board-certified therapist using the Angel of Water system. The most comfortable and private system in the industry. See ad, page 19.

Compounding & Wellness Pharmacy

BIRD’S HILL COMPOUNDING PHARMACY

401 Great Plain Ave, Needham, MA 02492

781-449-0550

Pharmacist@BirdsHillPharmacy.com

BirdsHillPharmacy.com

Familyowned and -operated since 1960, we have evolved from a traditional pharmacy to a worldwide compounding and nutritional resource. Our unique one-on-one patient consultations produce a full understanding of your health needs. You, your physician, and one of our compounding pharmacists work as partners to ensure that you will receive the best care possible.

DINNO HEALTH

Acton Pharmacy

563 Massachusetts Ave, Acton, MA 01721

978-263-3901

Keyes Drug

2090 Commonwealth Ave

Newton, MA 02466

617-244-2794

Theatre Pharmacy

1784 Massachusetts Ave Lexington, MA

781.862.4480

West Concord Pharmacy

1212 Main St, Concord, MA 01742 978-369-3100

DinnoHealth.com

For more than a quarter of a century, Dinno Health has been a trusted provider of pharmacy services and is committed to providing the highest quality of individualized care for each customer. At our four independent pharmacies, we offer prescriptions, compounded medications, medical supplies, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and vaccines. See ad, page 9.

JOHNSON COMPOUNDING AND WELLNESS

577 Main St, Waltham, MA 02452 781-893-3870 • Fax: 781-899-1172

John@NaturalCompounder.com NaturalCompounder.com

JCW is the only sterile and non-sterile PCABaccredited pharmacy in Massachusetts. In addition to our compounding service, we offer a full range of nutritional supplements, natural products, homeopathic remedies and home health care equipment. See ad on page 17.

Counseling

ARROW BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

1329 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, RI 200 Tollgate Rd. Unit 103, Warwick, RI 117 Bellevue Ave. Unit 200B, Newport, RI 401-477-9446

Intake@ArrowBehavioralHealth.com ArrowBehavioralHealth.com

We are dedicated to helping you on your journey to better mental health. Whether it is a recent concern or a long-standing need, we are happy to assist you with finding the best solution. See ad, page 19.

Dentist

DENTISTRY BY DR. DAVID

Amparo M. David, DMD 563 Main St, Bolton, MA 978-779-2888

BoltonDental.com

We look beyond our patients’ teeth in order to improve both their smiles and their quality of life. Our practice offers full preventive services: biological, holistic, functional dentistry, ozone therapy, reconstructive dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, dental sleep medicine, implant dentistry, in addition to TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders) therapy. See ad, page 3.

Flotation

FLOAT BOSTON

515 Medford St, Somerville, MA

844-443-5628

FloatBoston.com

A float tank is a small shallow pool filled with water nearly saturated with Epsom salt. You float completely effortlessly. It’s completely dark and quiet: your own private world. It’s utterly relaxing. See ads, pages 8 and 31.

Frenectomy (Tongue/Lip Tie Release)

DENTISTRY BY DR. DAVID

Martin Kaplan, DDS

563 Main St, Bolton, MA

978-779-2888

BoltonDental.com

Specializing in pediatric dentistry, Dr. Kaplan uses the latest technology available to diagnose and treat infants as well as children and adults. In 2015, he was instrumental in developing the first-in-the-country “Infant Laser Frenectomy” training class through the continuing education department at Tufts Dental School and is an international leader in the field of dental laser surgery. See ad, page 3.

Functional Dietitian

ALORA FREDERICK, RDN

Johnson Compounding & Wellness

781-893-3870 x 149

Alora@NaturalCompounder.com

NaturalCompounder.com

Integrative and Functional Registered Dietitian who strives to motivate individuals on their health journey. Alora loves to help people feel their best and has a special interest in GI health and mental health (depression & anxiety). See ad on page 17.

34 Greater Boston/Rhode Island Edition | NA-GBRI.com
Special thanks to Dole & Bailey DoleAndBailey.com for supporting us with home delivery in their customer orders. We appreciate you very much!

Handmade Soaps & Skin Care

NEW BEDFORD SOAP COMPANY

NewBedfordSoapCompany.com

We have been making soap for over 10 yrs and have over 60 blends. We have scrubs, face, hand and foot creams, fragrance stones, along with perfume sticks, lip and cuticle balms. We also have dog shampoo and balms. Open M-F, 11am-4pm and Saturdays, 10am-2pm.

Health Food Store

NATURE’S GOODNESS

510 East Main Rd, Middletown, RI 401-847-7480

Facebook.com/NaturesGoodness

NaturesGoodnessRI.com

Since 1984 we have been providing the finest quality Natural & Organic Whole Foods including many gluten-free products, natural body care, athletic supplements & protein powders, incense, smudging supplies and candles made with essential oils. Natural pet care food & supplements. Open Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm. Visit website for more information.

Herbs & Teas

SANCTUARY HERBS OF PROVIDENCE

560 Mineral Spring Ave, 2-164, Pawtucket, RI 781-603-4894

SanctuaryHerbs.com

We offer an extraordinary line of herbal and medicinal teas, culinary herbs, tinctures and seasonal herb plants. Our herbs are grown chemical free by RI and MA farmers who we know and trust. See ad, page 27.

Homeopathy

VANDANA PITKE

Om Homeopathy, It’s My Health

Cumberland, RI 401-573-3757

OmHomeopathy.com

With 16+ yrs experience in classical homeopathy, Vandana Pitke has helped many clients restore and achieve health. A certified classical homeopath, she looks at the clients from a holistic perspective focusing on mind, body and spirit. She also incorporates many other holistic modalities in her practice, which makes healing faster, better and from within when combined with homeopathy.

Integrative Veterinary Medical Care

MASH MAIN ST ANIMAL SERVICES OF HOPKINTON

Margo Roman, DVM

72 W Main St, Hopkinton, MA 01748 508-435-4077

MASHVet.com

A full-service integrative veterinary clinic offering caring and healthful options and modalities like acupuncture, functional nutrition, homeopathy, chiropractic, herbs, ozone therapy, surgery and dentistry. See ad, page 31.

Integrative Wellness Center

IT’S MY HEALTH

Marie Bouvier-Newman

1099 Mendon Road, Cumberland, RI 401-305-3585

Its-My-Health.com

We provide much more than products, services and education. We provide the tools you need to optimize your health in a comfortable environment. We care. See ad on page 19.

QUANTUM HEALING UNIVERSE

Cileimmar Oliveira, MEd, CAGS, Founder 999 Broadway, Ste 303, Saugus, MA 781-558-1561

QuantumHealingUniverse@gmail.com

QuantumHealingUniverse.com

An integrative wellness center (on-site and virtual) for self-care and health practitioners. Biocommunication scanning and treatments, energy work and reiki, chromotherapy, aromatherapy, therapeutic counseling, coaching, Access Bars and Access Energetic Facelift, feng shui and more. See ad on page 14.

Intuitive Arts

NJP TAROT

Nicole Pirani

NJPTarot.com

Instagram.com/njptarot

Tiktok.com/@njptarot

Nicole uses the tarot cards to help clients intuit their own life paths, clarify life situations, make difficult decisions or simply let go of fears. Think of the reading as a mini-brainstorming session with a trusted mentor/friend. Sessions are positive and heartfelt with a touch of humor.

Light Therapy

HEALING LIGHT JOURNEY

By appointment only 401-282-0230

Raff@RINeurofeedback.com

HealingLightJourney.com

The healing powers of light & sound are well documented. It is now possible to travel through amazing lightscapes and absorb beautiful sound energies to facilitate beneficial states of trance, healing and even psychedelic experiences. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience something truly out of this world (or your body!) Call today for a free discovery session to determine if this technology is for you.

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35 February 2023

Massage

IT’S YOUR BODY’S SYMPHONY

14 Hayward St, Cranston, RI 02910

401-464-6100

ItsYourBodysSymphony.com

Massage helps with anxiety, stress, injuries and improves circulation, while relaxing the heart rate and soothing the nervous system. Offering deep tissue/ sports massage, Swedish massage, heated stone therapy, CBD oil massage, cupping and reflexology. One-hour and 90-minute individualized sessions available. You owe it to yourself! Text 401-464-6100 for appointment. See ad, page 18.

WEST SHORE WELLNESS

Massage Therapy

& Transformational Breath

Jane McGinn, LCMT, CTBF

459 Sandy Ln, Warwick, RI 02889 401-450-4172

WestShoreWellness.com

Massage therapy relieves muscle tension, improves sleep, supports feelings of well-being. Transformational Breath helps to eliminate restrictive breathing patterns, clear the subconscious and access higher levels of awareness. Live more joyfully. Call today.

Mind-Body Integration

CÉCILE’S WISE WAYS

857-245-9488

Contact@CecileRaynor.com

CecileRaynor.com

Chronic tension or pain? Joint issues or headaches? Coping with poor posture? Tendency to live in your mind? Using the Alexander Technique, reclaim ease of movement, natural good posture and well-being with Cécile’s Wise Ways.

Naturopathic Medicine

ANASA PERSONALIZED MEDICINE

Chrysanthi Kazantzis, ND, MS

245 Waterman St., Suite 308 Providence, RI 02906

401-484-1882

AnasaMedicine.com

Owner and founder of Anasa Personalized Medicine, Licensed Naturopathic Physician, Clinical Nutritionist and Reiki Master. Specializing in digestive disorders, thyroid disorders, diabetes, Lyme disease and chronic pain. Addressing these conditions by treating the underlying cause through herbal medicine, supplements, homeopathy, clinical nutrition and lifestyle counseling. Book an appointment to start your journey to optimal health. See ad on page 8.

BALANCE NATURAL MEDICINE

Dr. Abby Egginton

Arlington, Lexington & online appts BalanceNaturopathic.com

Dr. Abby partners with her patients to find personalized health solutions for lasting wellness. She specializes in women’s and LGBTQ health, oncology, mental health and pediatrics. Call or text to schedule an appointment. See ad on page 17.

DELONNAY HOLISTICS

Martine Delonnay, ND

182 Gano St, Providence, RI 774-425-9519

DelonnayHolistics.com

An integrative medical practice combining naturopathic medicine with an allopathic medical background. Special interest in skin issues, nutrition and supplements, detox and cleanse cures, men’s and women’s health, and mental and emotional challenges. Currently seeing patients on Zoom and in-office for bodywork.

GARY KRACOFF, RPH & NMD

Johnson Compounding and Wellness

781-893-3870

Gary@NaturalCompounder.com

Dr. Gary Kracoff provides guidance and in-depth consultative services to find the “why” to what is happening physically and mentally, working with individuals to restore balance in the body. Specializes in customizing medications to meet individualized needs of patients, and he suggests nutritional supplements, natural products and homeopathic remedies to aid in faster healing and recovery. See ad on page 17.

Organic Hair Care

ELAYNE HEWITT

Master Colorist/Stylist

Riverside, RI

401-273-7005

ElayneOrganic@gmail.com

A full-service green salon that’s Certified Organic for hair color, straightening/relaxing and permanent wave. No ammonia, parabens, plastics or thioglycolates. Call today for an appointment.

FLIPP SALON APOTHECARY

38 Transit St

Providence, RI 02903

401-274-1981

FlippSalon.com

A small boutique salon promoting a holistic approach to beauty, herbalism, art and music. Offering a full range of hair services using organic, plantbased products, full apothecary of loose herbs, blends and organic self-care items and accessories. Herbalist on staff. Gallery walls featuring local artisans; all mediums welcome. Live music in semi-acoustic for Music Nights. We believe that all these mediums are symbiotic in promoting joy and wellness in the individual and the community.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

36 Greater Boston/Rhode Island Edition | NA-GBRI.com
Please visit our website, NA-GBRI.com/calendar, for calendar listings and special events. Be sure to confirm events with the event host prior to the scheduled date of the event. Submit events at: NA-GBRI.com/events/new
GREATER BOSTON AND RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITIES

Past Life Regression

HEAVENLY HUGS

Gladys Ellen, PLRT, RMT

Gladys Ellen, PLRT, RMT 410 N Broadway, E. Providence, RI 02914 GladysEllen.com

Retrieve and release memories from childhood and prior lives in order to find more peace, joy and health in the present. A Spiritual Intuitive for over 15 years, Gladys was certified in Past Life Regression Therapy in 2016 by Dr. Brian and Carole Weiss, to further support clients who wish to understand their unique Spiritual Journey.

Reiki

ARROW BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Brittany Carr, Reiki Practitioner 200 Tollgate Rd, Unit 103, Warwick, RI 401-477-9446

I am an advocate for utilizing energy healing and holistic alternatives to help individuals access undiscovered emotions and reconnect with their authentic self. I have personally experienced the profound transformations that can be fostered by utilizing Creative & Expressive Arts practices. See ad on page 19.

BOSTON REIKI MASTER

34 Lincoln St, Newton Highlands 617-633-3654

BostonReikiMaster.com

Are you stressed from the pressure of your job, home life, kids or an illness? Do you want to feel calm and relaxed?

Experience reiki. Certified Reiki Master/Teacher with over 20 years’ experience in energy medicine providing pure Usui Reiki healing/relaxation sessions.

Sleep Therapy

TMJ & SLEEP THERAPY CENTRE OF NEW ENGLAND

563 Main St, Bolton, MA 978-779-0865

Info@TMJSleepMa.com; TMJSleepMa.com

Our facility addresses the root problem of most people’s sleep issues. Symptoms like facial pain, jaw pain, headaches, ringing in the ears, clenching, grinding and sleep disturbance must be examined thoroughly in order to treat a patient with individualized care. This usually involves the fabrication of a custom oral appliance. See ad on page 3.

Spiritual Centers

CENTERS FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING GREATER BOSTON

340 Salem St, Medford, MA 02155 617-947-2743

Info@CSLBoston.org; CSLBoston.org

We are a spiritual family that honors all paths to the Spirit of your understanding and can help you experience a personal relationship with the Inner Divine. All are welcome here. See ad, page 29.

CENTERS FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING SOUTH COASTAL, MA TEACHING CHAPTER

Barbara M. Fuyat 401-793-1753

Barbara@CSLSouthcoast.org

CSLSouthcoast.org

We are a warm, welcoming community studying the Science of Mind, a philosophy and a way of life that embraces all spiritual paths, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds and ages. We believe we are all connected. It is in this oneness that we come together in nature, celebration, services, classes, workshops to understand our own spiritual magnificence and choose to live in love, peace and equality. Our vision is a world that embraces and empowers each and everyone. Everyone includes you. See ad, page 29.

Spiritual Gifts

SPIRITUAL CARE PACKAGE

Angela Craig 401-413-9462

Angel3Craig@gmail.com

SpiritualCarePackage.net

The Spiritual Care Package offers tools to assist yourself or a loved one through the process of grieving. The healing energy of these carefully chosen items will help you move from “grief to grace.” See ad, page 7.

Tantra/Sacred Sexuality

SACRED TEMPLE ARTS

Sacha L. Fossa, Masters Health Arts & Sciences, Certified Sex & Tantric Educator, Licensed Erotic Blueprint Coach, Healing Arts Practitioner 978-309-9399

SacredTempleArts.com

Ready to have better sex and love your life more, partnered or not? Holistic, cutting-edge sex, intimacy and relationship coaching, energy and bodywork, for your sexual healing and empowerment. In-person and/or virtual sessions and programs. See ad, page 7.

Wellness Centers

IT’S YOUR BODY’S SYMPHONY 14 Hayward St, Cranston, RI 02910 401-464-6100

ItsYourBodysSymphony.com

Each talented unique therapist at It’s Your Body's Symphony brings varied tools and techniques to help you relax, relieve pain and leave feeling balanced and refreshed. Our clients report feelings of euphoria from their massage sessions. Also offering; reflexology, facials, hot stone treatments, hypnosis, ear coning, lymphatic drainage and counseling. See ad, page 18.

THE IVY DRIP BAR AND WELLNESS CENTER

7 Brighton St, Belmont, MA 02478 617-221-5070

TheIvyDripBar@gmail.com

The Ivy Drip Bar offers IV nutrient infusions and aesthetic treatments. Infusions include “Meyer’s Cocktail,” immunity, inner beauty, hangover, recover and performance. IV therapy helps with dehydration, athletic recovery, immune booster, hangovers and malabsorption ailments. See ad, page 20.

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37 February 2023

Wellness Resources

BETH GARDNER

Acton Pharmacy

Keyes Drug

West Concord Pharmacy

BGardner@DinnoHealth.com

508-259-7851

Certified lifestyle educator and the director of health and wellness at Acton Pharmacy, Keyes Drug and West Concord Pharmacy. Beth Gardner works one-on-one with patients to help create ways to improve diet and overall health as a means for disease and illness prevention. See ad, page 9.

Yoga & Tai Chi

BODY & BRAIN YOGA TAI CHI

Arlington, Brookline, Cambridge & Riverwalk 781-648-9642

BodyNBrain.com

Body & Brain provides a unique blend of yoga, tai chi, breathwork and meditation exercises for people of all ages and abilities to reestablish the body’s natural energy flow. See ad, page 11.

TIME FOR YOU YOGA

Maria Sichel, RYT, CSYT

2155 Diamond Hill Rd Cumberland, RI  02864 401-305-5319

Maria@TimeForYouYoga.com

TimeForYouYoga.com

Private Svaroopa® yoga therapy sessions are tailored to meet your needs. Specially trained in treating pain, including back pain and neck and shoulder issues. Yoga therapy is more powerful than weekly yoga classes and moves you more quickly toward health and well-being. Experience pain relief, greater mobility, improved sleep, easier breathing, deep relaxation, increased flexibility and a deep sense of peace.

PRODUCTS

EMPOWERED GIFTS FROM THE QUANTUM HEALING UNIVERSE – Give or keep: empowered, high-vibe gifts come ready for intentions. Essential oils, supplements, crystals, jewelry, candles, incense and more. Cileimmar: 617-501-8008. 781-558-1561. QuantumHealingUniverse.com.

HIGH-VIBE EMPOWERMENT

CRYSTALS & HEALING JEWELRY

– The crystals in our QHU Crystal Collection are high-quality, ethically sourced, cleansed and ready for your programming with intention. Cileimmar: 617-501-8008. 781-5581561. QuantumHealingUniverse.com.

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