Natural Awakenings Greater Boston/Rhode Island March 2023

Strategies to Manage

Autoimmune

Disease

Plant-Based

Eating for Human and Planetary Health

FOOD & NUTRITION

Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

DEPARTMENTS

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS

HOW TO ADVERTISE: To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 617-906-0232 or email Sales@ NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS: Email articles, news items and ideas to: Editor@NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS: Visit NA-GBRI.com for guidelines and to submit entries. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

NATIONAL MARKETS: Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-206-2000. For franchising opportunities call 239-206-2000 or email Natural Awakenings@ KnoWEwell.com.

Being human is hard. At least that’s the story that sometimes circulates on a loop in my brain when I leave those thoughts to their own devices.

While reviewing this month’s content the realization hit me, once again, that it’s only me that complicates this life and it’s the choices made along the way that make it hard … or easy. Living in alignment with what is already known to be helpful, undoubtedly makes the path a bit lighter and less bumpy to navigate.

Eating clean, exercising, taking time to connect spiritually through visualization, contemplation, meditation, connecting with nature or just reading something that feeds my soul are some of the simple tools that help my days flow with a bit more ease and grace. These activities have the greatest impact when practiced regularly, I might add.

We’d love to hear what practices you enjoy that help you live in the flow; send us an email at ReaderFeedback@NA-GBRI.com and maybe we’ll share your tips for others in an upcoming issue.

This month we have compelling, evidence-based and encouraging content centering around the prevalent issue of autoimmune disease and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

In Wise Words, don’t miss the interview with Terry Wahls by Noelle Citarella. Hear the story of how Wahls went from a tilt-recline wheelchair to riding a bicycle and living vibrantly through a specific therapeutic diet and lifestyle protocol.

Dr. Wahls' upcoming clinical study is open to participants. Details on how to apply can be found in the article's endnotes. If you know someone who may be interested or qualifies, please share this info with them if you feel so moved.

I’m leaning into the path of least resistance ... the one where choosing my good greatly enhances my chances and ability to profoundly support those around me and beyond … I hope you’ll join me.

Peace,

Maisie

PUBLISHER Maisie Raftery

MANAGING EDITOR Nancy Somera

ADMINISTRATIVE ASST. Carolyn Coogan

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Courtney Ayers

Zina Cochran

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kirby Baldwin

Noelle Citarella

Marlaina Donato

Wendy Nadherny

Fachon

Alora Frederick

Kiki Powers

CONTACT US

P.O. Box 1149 • Brookline, MA 02446 Phone: 617-906-0232

NA-GBRI.com

Maisie@NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Subscriptions are available by sending $29 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

NATIONAL TEAM

CEO Kimberly B. Whittle

COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne

National Editor Sandra Yeyati

Editor Brooke Goode

Copy Editor/Proofreader Melanie Rankin

Design & Production Gabrielle W-Perillo

National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell

CONTACT US

P.O. Box 154 • Far Hills, NJ 07934 Ph: 239.206.2000

NaturalAwakenings@KnoWEwell.com

© 2023 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Spring Massage Specials and Reiki Healing

Starting March 1, It’s Your Body’s Symphony, in Cranston, Rhode Island, is offering massage specials that include a back scrub treatment to help exfoliate dry winter skin. Smooth away the rough skin and soothe away the stress with a one-hour deep tissue massage for $100 or a one-hour Swedish massage for $85.

Also offered is Shiatsu deep tissue massage to rebalance the body’s energy using the same pressure points as acupuncture. Palm and finger pressure and stretches restore balance between yin (feminine) energy, which radiates outward, and yang (masculine) energy, which flows inward. Yin meridians influence the heart, lungs and kidneys, while yang meridians influence the stomach, bladder and gallbladder. Shaitsu works to promote whole-body restoration.

Additionally, the wellness center provides reiki energy sessions to encourage physical and emotional healing. Reiki activates the body’s positive energies to heal more quickly and even be better prepared for surgery. It can even help to process undigested emotions and release self-limiting beliefs.

Location: 14 Hayward St., Cranston. For more information and to book an appointment, call or text 401-464-6100. For a full list of services, visit ItsYour BodysSymphony.com. See ad on page 9 and Resource Guide on page 37.

Naturopathy for Long-COVID Sufferers

While most people make a full recovery from a case of coronavirus, a segment of those infected have lingering symptoms. Naturopathic Doctor Abby Egginton, of Balance Natural Medicine, works with patients that are struggling with symptoms following a COVID-19 infection. By reviewing their full health history and ordering strategic labs, Egginton can create a personalized plan to help individuals heal from the long-term effects of long-COVID.

Symptoms include fatigue, chest pain or heart palpitations, dizziness, pins and needles, headaches and mood changes, among others. For some, these symptoms can improve over time, but for others their post-COVID symptoms can persist for months following their COVID-19 infection and can interfere with their ability to function.

The root cause of symptoms can be multi-faceted and is, therefore, best addressed in a holistic manner. For some long-COVID sufferers, vagus nerve dysregulation may be a component of their symptoms. For others, histamine intolerance or an underlying infection may be to blame. There is no single protocol that will cure long-COVID, but a naturopathic approach is well suited for chronic symptoms post-COVID.

Locations: 49 Waltham St., Lexington, MA; 393 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington, MA. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 914-919-9300 or visit BalanceNaturopathic.com. See ad on page 3 and Resource Guide on page 36.

Individualized Care. Exceptional Service.

DINNOHEALTH.COM

FOLLOW OUR LATEST NEWS & EVENTS

NEW Zoom Lectures

Check our website for upcoming lectures

PLEASE CLIP-N-SAVE 20% OFF

HIGHEST COST SUPPLEMENT ON YOUR NEXT VISIT. Prescriptions not included

OUR LOCATIONS

Acton Pharmacy

ActonPharmacy.com

978.263.3901

563 Mass, Ave., Acton, MA 01720

Keyes Drug

KeyesDrug.com

617.244.2794

2090 Comm. Ave., Newton, MA 02466

Theatre Pharmacy

TheatrePharmacy.DinnoHealth.com

781.862.4480

1784 Mass. Ave., Lexington, MA 02420

West Concord Pharmacy

WestConcordPharmacy.com

978.369.3100

1212 Main St., Concord, MA 01742

Dr. Abby Egginton

McArdle Chiropractic Has Moved

McArdle Chiropractic has relocated to 2013 Plainfield Pike, in Johnston, Rhode Island, just up the road and around the bend, about a quarter-mile from its original location. The practice provides holistic care for all ages, integrating chiropractic techniques with advice in preventative care, nutritional health, exercise and proper ergonomics. Various techniques are used during care, such as flexion-distraction, trigger point therapy, myofascial release and physiotherapy, including electric muscle stimulation, ultrasound therapy, hydrocollator heat therapy and cryotherapy with ice.

“We are so excited for our readers to check out our new location,” says Dr. Catie McArdle. “It is bigger, brighter and more peaceful.” Doctors are in the office daily, early mornings and late evenings, as well as every other Saturday, to accommodate people's schedules.

For more information, call 401-383-3400 or visit McArdleChiropractic.com. See ad on page 16 and Resource Guide on page 33.

Free Online Introduction to Agrohomeopathy

The Story Walking Radio Hour will host a free, online discussion of its newly released podcast, Agrohomeopathy for Healthier Farms and Gardens, from 7 to 8 p.m., March 22.

Agrohomeopathy is an inexpensive, chemical-free, non-toxic method for healing and protecting plants and agricultural resources from pests and disease. Kristina White, homeopathic educator and co-founder at Your Life and Land, in Rochester, Massachusetts, will lead the conversation, answer questions about the podcast content and explain how classic homeopathic remedies and protocols can improve the health and vitality of pets, livestock, wildlife and plants.

Cost: Free. For registration information, email StoryWalkerWendy@gmail.com. See ad on page 3.

Experience A Day of Health

Events by Walter Perlman will present the 2023 Health and Wellness Spring Show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., April 2, at the Waltham Westin Hotel. Attendees can get free health screenings, enjoy mini health treatments, sample and buy healthy lifestyle products and connect with local health and wellness experts in one location. Visit the website for a list of vendors and event topics.

Cost: $5 in person; free with advance online registration. Location: 70 Third Ave., Waltham, MA. For more information, call 508-460-6656 or visit HealthAndWellnessShow.net. See ad on page 12.

Rhode Island Pet Palooza

The Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce is hosting Pet Palooza from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 11, at the West Warwick Civic Center. This fun-filled day is loaded with ideas for pampering all pets, whether furry or ones with scales. The event will include fun activities, demonstrations, shopping, food trucks and local animals waiting to be adopted. A portion of the proceeds will benefit local rescues and animal nonprofit organizations. Pet-related industries or retail businesses interested in a vendor space and/or sponsorship opportunity should contact Jennifer Wheelehon at Jennifer@CentralRIChamber.com.

Cost: $2 donation; kids under 2 are free. Location: 100 Factory St., West Warwick, RI. For more information, call 401-732-1100 or visit CentralRIChamber.com.

Get a Complimentary Digital Foot Scan

Cumberland Family Chiropractic is offering free digital foot scans to adults as well as children 6 years of age and older. Many people experience back pain or knee pain when they stand or walk, and often it’s the result of fallen arches in the feet. A digital foot scan is a great way to see the connection between the feet and the rest of the body.

Dr. Natalya Yakirevich’s mission is to serve the community as a chiropractor, to educate the public about its benefits and to help people enjoy their life to the fullest by achieving maximum health. She offers treatments in her office and makes house calls to the town of Sharon, Massachusetts on Thursdays, 9 a.m. to noon, and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. All appointments include ergonomic, postural and nutritional advice.

Location: 2333 Diamond Hill Rd., Cumberland, RI. For more information and to schedule a foot scan, call 401-334-0535 or visit CumberlandFamily Chiropractic.com

Walnuts to Relieve Exam Stress

Stressed college students might benefit by adding walnuts to their diet before their next exam. A randomized clinical trial published in the journal Nutrients sought to investigate the effects of academic stress and daily walnut consumption on mental health, general well-being and gut microbiota in a group of 80 college students. Walnuts are full of nutrients that support brain and gut health, including omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, melatonin (sleep-inducing hormone), polyphenols, folate and vitamin E.

The University of South Australia researchers concluded that daily consumption of one half cup of walnuts improved self-reported mood and mental health status, metabolic biomarkers and sleep quality. The data also suggested that walnuts might counteract the negative effects of academic stress on the gut microbiota in women. The scientists noted that more research was needed with respect to males, as far fewer men participated in this study. They also cautioned that the placebo effect could have influenced results, as this was not a blind study.

Gut Microbiome May Influence Obesity

A new study may shed light on why some people gain more weight than others regardless of diet and activity levels. Led by researchers at the University of Copenhagen and published in the journal Microbiome, the study found that being overweight may also be related to the makeup of a person’s gut microbiome. The researchers studied 85 overweight adults and found that 40 percent of the participants had more Bacteroides in their gut microbiome, which are more effective at extracting nutrients from food, possibly causing leftover food to be stored as fat. Before they began their study, the researchers had hypothesized that a long digestive travel time would allow people to extract more energy from their food, but they found instead that people with shorter digestive travel times were actually the ones that extracted the most nutrition. Those with Bacteroides had shorter intestinal transit times and higher body weight.

Supplements That Help the Heart

A new study conducted by researchers at Brown University has identified certain supplements that may be beneficial for heart health. The metaanalysis published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reviewed more than 884 studies on 27 types of micronutrient supplements among 883,627 participants and found strong evidence that omega-3 fatty acid, folic acid and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) are micronutrients that reduce cardiovascular risk. Omega-3 fatty acid was found to decrease mortality from cardiovascular disease; folic acid lowered stroke risk; and CoQ10 decreased all-cause mortality. Omega-6 fatty acid, L-arginine, L-citrulline, melatonin, magnesium, vitamin D, zinc, alpha-lipoic acid, catechin, flavanol, curcumin, genistein and quercetin also showed evidence of reducing cardiovascular risk.

Human-Grade Dog Foods Lead to Less Poop

Although human-grade foods for pets are commercially available, little research has been done on their health impacts. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Animal Science compared the fecal output of 12 dogs that ate one of three types of dog food: fresh, human-grade or extruded (kibble). The researchers found that the dogs that were fed fresh and human-grade food excreted about half as much as those that were fed classic, processed dog food. The human-grade foods were also found to be extremely digestible, and the dogs that ate them had to eat less food to maintain the same weight. There were many differences in fecal microbiota among the three diets, and the scientists stated that this was likely because of differences in ingredient source, nutrient concentrations and processing methods.

Crackdown on Musical Bows Made from Rare Wood

For centuries, brazilwood (Paubrasilia echinata) has been used to make the finest bows for classical stringed instruments due to its unmatched ability to project sound. The wood comes from Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, one of the most threatened biomes in the world. This once abundant wood is now endangered, and its trade is regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Since 2018, Brazilian authorities have been cracking down on brazilwood smuggling. They’ve confiscated almost 150,000 bows (and sticks) and last year raided 37 properties connected to their manufacture. In November 2022, signatories to the CITES treaty voted to expand restrictions and require permits to export newly made brazilwood bows. The classical music industry and several of its stars have voiced their opposition to such restrictions, but ecologists assert it is the only way to save the species.

Nations Agree to Protect Biodiversity

Scientists have warned for years that as forests and grasslands are disappearing at unprecedented rates and oceans are pressured by pollution, humans are pushing Earth beyond tenable limits. In December 2022, nearly 200 countries agreed on a Global Biodiversity Framework at the United Nations 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. The historic agreement represents hope for real progress to halt the loss of biodiversity. Among its numerous provisions, the framework commits nations to protect 30 percent of the world’s lands, inland waters, coastal areas and oceans by 2030; increase financing for nature restoration and protection; halt human-induced extinction; and protect the rights of indigenous people. The protections will emphasize areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem functioning and services.

Throughout the talks there was division over the strength of the measures and how to finance them. In a statement released by the Wildlife Conservation Society, vice president of international policy Susan Lieberman said, “The [framework] is a compromise, and although it has several very good and hard-fought elements, it could have gone further to truly transform our destructive relationship with nature.” During negotiations, some countries called for a new fund to be set up to help preserve biodiversity, but this recommendation was not included in the final pact.

First Honeybee Vaccine Approved

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), more than 100 U.S. crops depend on pollination by honeybees and other insects. Safeguarding commercial honeybee colonies is critical to food production as there has been an alarming population decline in wild species due to habitat loss, pesticide use and the climate crisis. Recently, the USDA granted a two-year conditional license for a vaccine that protects honeybees from American foulbrood disease (AFB), a widespread, destructive ailment. The non-GMO inoculation will initially be available to commercial beekeepers and can be used in organic agriculture.

Prior to this booster, the only treatment method for AFB required beekeepers to burn the infected hives and equipment. According to vaccine manufacturer Dalan Animal Health, their vaccination is incorporated into the royal jelly, which worker bees feed to the queen. Once ingested, fragments of the treatment are deposited in the queen’s ovaries, providing developing larvae AFB immunity as they hatch.

Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in

MARCH IS national nutrition month

Eco-Friendly Water Heating

When it comes time to replace the water heater, homeowners have an opportunity to save money and significantly lower their carbon footprint by choosing more efficient appliances. In the U.S., most homes are equipped with water heaters that require a large storage tank. The water has to be heated continually, leading to $400 to $600 water heating bills every year.

A tankless model requires less space, lasts longer and costs less to operate. Because it does not hold water, cold water flows into the unit and is heated only when needed. This can save energy because the unit does not need to heat gallons of water that aren’t being used.

One drawback is that tankless devices may require a gas line and may be a challenge for older homes because of the necessary permits

and electrical upgrades. Whether it has a tank or not, choose an Energy Star-certified model, which is deemed to be more efficient and often comes with a rebate or tax credit. Visit EnergyStar.gov for more information.

Some people may opt for a solar water heating system, which can cut annual hot water costs in half. Homes that generate their own power with solar panels may eliminate the annual cost altogether.

Another option is a heat pump water heater that uses 70 percent less en-

ergy than standard water heaters and is currently eligible for a $300 federal tax credit. According to Energy Saver, a U.S. Department of Energy consumer resource (Energy.gov), heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly.

After installing a new unit, be sure to recycle the old water heater. Ask the retailer of the new appliance if they participate in a take-back program, or coordinate with the installer to arrange for proper recycling.

If the water heater doesn’t need re-

placement yet, consider that for every 10-degree decrease in the temperature setting on a conventional tank there is a corresponding 3 to 5 percent energy savings. Lower temperatures also reduce mineral buildup and corrosion in the tank and pipes.

Keep in mind that the easiest way to lower a household’s water heating is simply to use less hot water. Look for ways to decrease the family’s use of hot water by taking baths or shorter showers, washing laundry with cold water and running the dishwater on the energy-efficient setting.

Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in

The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.

~ Ann Wigmore.

Arrow Behavioral Health

by Wendy Nadherny Fachon

The social isolation and unease of the COVID-19 pandemic created a greater need for holistic mental health services. Every mental health situation differs in its challenges, every client wants to be seen as a whole and unique person, and Arrow Behavioral Health offers many alternative approaches to help people of all ages identify, release and heal their specific physical, emotional and mental suffering.

The members of the Arrow Behavioral Health team represent more than 20 years of experience in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, therapeutic schools and private practices. They have come together, with their specialized skills, to create a holistic practice with three Rhode Island locations. Licensed therapists offer multiple methodologies—cognitive behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, applied behavior analysis and trauma work. Advanced practice registered nurses provide medication management.

Licensed substance-use counselor, Brittany Carr, integrates her expertise as a reiki practitioner and expressive arts facilitator. Specialties like this set Arrow apart from other behavioral health treatment centers.

Acceptance and commitment therapy is a mindful process that helps the client focus on the present moment, accept thoughts and feelings without judgment

and then commit to a positive approach. This means moving forward through the difficult emotions and directing energy into healing instead of dwelling on the negative.

Reiki is an energy healing practice that works by channeling “universal energy” to patients for facilitating physical, mental and emotional healing. Carr explains, “Just as energy allows a flower to bloom or a baby to develop inside of a mother’s womb, energy has the potential to transform a patient’s internal dialogue and feelings toward themselves or a difficult life event.” Opening up about situations that are emotionally heavy, embarrassing or complicated can be painfully difficult. Reiki healing dissolves these difficulties and allows for an internal resourcing of courage to be accessed, effortlessly, as the reiki practitioner assists in a gentle, comforting, meaningful way. Carr offers reiki healing sessions to help patients release what has been

holding them back, so they can reach their higher potential.

Creative and expressive arts is a process of self-discovery that relies on artistic self-expression as a way to achieve emotional release. It may involve writing, music, visual arts, drama and/or dance. Carr has personally experienced the profound effects of creative and expressive arts practices. “What excites me about this modality,” says Carr, “is that it is so rich, accessible and transformational. An exercise, that seems so seamless and simple, allows you to gain a great insight into yourself that may otherwise have

taken months to access in traditional talk therapy.”

Counseling, reiki and expressive arts practices can complement one another or may combine well with other behavioral therapies to help individuals transform their personal struggles into lasting healing. Holistic-minded practitioners might also counsel clients to adjust lifestyle choices, such as nutrition or sleep patterns, which provide personal control.

Locations: 1329 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, RI; 200 Tollgate Rd., Unit 103, Warwick, RI; 117 Bellevue Ave., Unit 200B, Newport, RI. For more information and to meet the team, call 401-477-9446 or visit ArrowBehavioralHealth.com. See ad on page 14 and Resource Guide on page 34.

Wendy Nadherny Fachon is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings and host of the environmental and sustainable living podcast The Story Walking Radio Hour on the Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network website, under the Sustainable Living tab. 117 Bellevue Ave., Unit 200B, Newport, RI 02840. See ad on page 3.

Expert Guidance

Dietitians are Key Players on Wellness Teams

by Alora Frederick, RDN, LDN

Nutrition is our daily fuel and one of our best tools for disease prevention, management of chronic illness, weight loss and more. Though most people understand the significance that nutrition plays in overall health, balanced nutrition frequently gets overlooked. There are nutrition fundamentals that, despite being simple, still pose a challenge for people to apply daily. Working with a registered dietitian bridges the gap between suboptimal nutrition and prioritized, optimal nutrition habits.

Nutrition professionals go by various titles, however, not all are created equal. All registered dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. Only dietitians can practice medical nutrition therapy (MNT), whereas nutritionists, bloggers and influencers provide lifestyle recommendations and coaching which is not synonymous with MNT. Medical nutrition therapy is an evidence-based medical approach to treating chronic conditions using an individually tailored

nutrition plan, which is implemented by a registered dietitian.

When seeking out a dietitian, remember to look for the registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) title. Registered dietitians using either title have been accredited with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). If working with someone other than an RD or RDN, be sure to inquire about their credentials and training. Nutrition advice from influencers can be dangerous as it is not evidence-based, nor is it personalized to the individual. Registered dietitians provide ethical and sound nutrition guidance by treating the whole person and considering their medical history, current lifestyle, preferences and willingness to implement behavior change.

Working with a Dietitian

There are many reasons to work with an RD beyond personalized and tailored nutrition advice. Registered dietitians provide guidance on navi-

gating food allergies, food sensitivities, weight management, self-image and people’s relationship to food. A registered dietitian is a vital resource when it comes to managing confusion about nutrition-related information. They can debunk nutrition-related trends as well as help a client navigate ongoing fluctuations in nutrition-related headlines. Working with a registered dietitian is imperative when managing a chronic disease or health condition. Oftentimes the improvements to health and well-being can lead to the reversal of a chronic disease state and possibly the lowering of certain pharmaceuticals.

Another distinctive benefit to working with a registered dietitian is the ongoing support and accessibility they can provide. Dietitian counseling can be billed to insurance as a preventative service which, depending on the insurance plan, may allow for a waived copay and unlimited session visits. Initial consultations are commonly an hour long with follow-ups being 50 minutes to an hour. Unlike other rushed health professional sessions, it is refreshing to have the luxury of time with a nutrition health professional as longer client-facing time leads to more personalized and tailored care.

Registered dietitians may specialize in areas of health such as prenatal care, diabetes, eating disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, mental health, weight loss, kidney disease and others which enables an individual to find an RD that can support their unique health goals. Having a registered dietitian on one’s wellness team is a no-brainer given the benefits and accessibility.

Alora Frederick, RDN, LDN, is an integrative and functional dietitian in Waltham, MA. She is currently accepting new patients at Johnson Compounding and Wellness for virtual nutrition appointments. Schedule a free,15-minute introductory call at NaturalCompounder.com/Alora. See ad on this page and Resource Guide on page 34.

Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in

Veggies for the Win

Five Reasons to Choose a Plant-Based Lifestyle

by Kiki Powers, MS, CNC

Many of us have come across the term “plant-based eating”. Perhaps the regimen was recommended to us by a medical or nutritional professional. We may have read about it in a magazine or seen a documentary on the subject. Scientists around the globe have studied this lifestyle choice, and persuasive evidence is mounting that eating a preponderance of foods from plant sources has health merits.

The concept is attributed to T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D., the Jacob Gould Schurman professor emeritus of nutritional biochemistry at Cornell University. Based on his extensive research, he has advocated a low-fat, whole food, plant-based diet since the 1980s, and his commentary appears in Forks Over Knives, an influential 2011 documentary on the subject that is still worth viewing.

Americans love their cheeseburgers and french fries, and breaking a habit that we thoroughly enjoy might be challenging at first. But we need not completely ban such delights from our menu, so long as our plates are brimming with vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, beans, healthy oils, nuts and seeds most of the time. Gradually transitioning to a whole food, plant-based, low-fat diet is the winning formula for positive change and long-term compliance.

Here are five compelling reasons to make this promising dietary shift.

Cost-Effective Disease Prevention

As so many Americans struggle with chronic health issues, including obesity, diabetes and heart disease, physicians are hard-pressed to find the right combination of treatments to help their patients lead healthier lives. At the same time, healthcare costs continue to skyrocket. In 2020, health spending rose to $4.1 trillion, or $12,530 per capita, according to the American Medical Association.

In a 2013 article published in The Permanente Journal, California physi-

cians surveyed leading research and case studies and found that plant-based diets offer patients a low-risk, cost-effective intervention to regulate weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. They also asserted that such eating regimens could reduce the number of medications patients would have to take for chronic disease, and that physicians should recommend such diets to all of their patients, especially those suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease or obesity.

Besides saving money on drugs and medical procedures, a plantbased menu has never been easier or more affordable. According to recent data conducted by the UK nonprofit Veganuary, plant-based meals eaten at home cost 40 percent less than meat- or fish-based meals and take one-third less time to prepare.

“The most powerful tool I discovered while in practice for both preventing and treating chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure

and arthritis was the implementation of a plant-based nutritional plan to a patient’s life,” says Ted Crawford, a board-certified family physician featured in two inspiring documentaries about the life-changing benefits of a plant-based diet: Eating You Alive and PlantWise

Flavor, Freshness and Flavonoids

The latest food trend is a “burger” made entirely of plants. The race is on to see which one looks and tastes closest to a juicy, all-beef patty. Whether it’s mushrooms posing as “steak” or wheat-based seitan kneaded into “chicken”, recipes catering to carnivores have their audience. For some, these tasty alternatives may offer a path toward becoming a vegetarian or vegan.

Oven-roasted on a sheet pan, splashed with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice, sprinkled with fresh herbs and spices, served with a creamy dip, slow-cooked in a crockpot, baked into a pie, frothed into a sweet smoothie or freshly pulled from the vine, consider the fact that whole, plant-based foods taste delicious on their own and deserve the spotlight.

They are good and good for us, packed with nutrition while low in fat and calories. The vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables—as varied as the rainbow—are evidence of the many healthful attributes they offer. Ditching animal fats, white flour and sugar in favor of fresh, whole plant foods found at a local farmers market ensures a rich intake of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, phytonutrients, fiber, antioxidants, flavonoids, protein, fiber and more—the building blocks of a robust, disease-fighting body.

Those that believe a plant-based diet is too limiting might be surprised to learn that there is a wealth of meat-free culinary possibilities. Garth Davis, M.D., author of Proteinaholic: How Our Obsession With Meat Is Killing Us and What We Can Do About It, notes, “Just 12 plants and five animals com-

PLANT-BASED RESOURCES

Documentary Films championing plant-based diets

◆ PlantPure Nation

◆ Forks Over Knives

◆ Eating You Alive

◆ What the Health

Websites offering tips, recipes and advice for plantprominent menus

◆ HappyHerbivore.com

◆ ForksOverKnives.com

◆ NoraCooks.com

◆ CleanFoodDirtyGirl.com

Cookbooks that make whole, plant-based foods shine

◆ Oh She Glows Every Day, by Angela Lindon

◆ The Happy Herbivore Cookbook, by Lindsay S. Nixon

◆ The PlantPure Nation Cookbook, by Kim Campbell

◆ The China Study Cookbook, by LeAnne Campbell

pose about 75 percent of the world’s food, and yet there are approximately 300,000 known edible plant species, only about 150 of which are used commonly around the world.”

There are so many plant-derived flavors and recipes yet to explore. Try a new plant-based recipe weekly. Let the kids select their favorite fruits and veggies to prepare. Enjoy reimagining old favorites like lasagna, enchiladas, chili and tacos. Simply swap out the meat in favor of beans, tofu, tempeh or faux meat products, which have become quite sophisticated in recent years.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

While acute inflammation is a protective bodily response to heal infections and repair tissues, metabolic inflammation—or metaflammation— refers to chronic, systemic inflammation. According to a 2020 study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, metabolic inflammation is associated with increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease.

Numerous studies have explored the inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects of foods. According to a 2021 article in Harvard Health Publishing, the following foods cause inflammation: refined carbohydrates like white bread; fried foods

like french fries; sodas and other sugary drinks; red meat; processed meat, including hot dogs, sausage and cold cuts; and margarine, shortening and lard. Conversely, the best anti-inflammatory foods are tomatoes; olive oil; leafy, green vegetables such as spinach, kale and collards; nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios and pecans; and fruit such as apples, strawberries, blueberries, cherries and oranges. Omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines are also recommended for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Environmental Sustainability

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, total greenhouse gas emissions from global livestock represents 14.5 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Cattle raised for both beef and milk are the animal species responsible for the most emissions, which include methane and represent about 65 percent of the livestock sector’s emissions. Industrially produced meat is also a leading contributor of global deforestation and habitat loss as large swaths of the Amazon and other land masses are cleared for cattle ranching and to produce animal feed.

According to a new model devel-

oped by California scientists and published in the journal PLOS Climate, a global phase-out of animal agriculture and a shift to plantbased diets over the next 15 years would have the same effect as a 68 percent reduction of carbon dioxide emissions through the end of 2100, thereby boosting humanity’s chances of avoiding the projected devastation of climate change. Such benefits would result from a decline in the methane and nitrous oxide emissions associated with industrialized meat production, coupled with a recovery of natural ecosystems as fewer forests and land masses are cleared for animal feed production.

Improved Mental and Emotional Health

Sarah Thomsen Ferreira, an integrative registered dietician and manager of clinical nutrition at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine (CCCFM), notes, “Certain foods and nutrients help your brain to make chemicals that can impact your mood, attention and focus, while other foods can zap your energy.” The CCCFM recommends a diet that combines complex carbohydrates with lean proteins and colorful produce. While lean proteins may include white-fleshed fish and white-meat poultry, healthy, plant-based, lean

proteins are also found in beans, peas, lentils and tofu.

Diet c an support emotional well-being and perhaps even help ward off depression and anxiety. A 2017 clinical trial explored how a plant-based diet, daily exercise and mindfulness techniques would

affect 500 adult men and women diagnosed with moderate to severe depression and anxiety. After 12 weeks, participants reported improvements in depression and anxiety, according to the study abstract published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice

Eating a plant-based diet makes sense on many levels. Make the switch.

Kiki Powers is a health writer, blogger and national speaker specializing in plant-based nutrition and healthy green living. Learn more at RawKiki.com.

Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in

Food Forest Gardening Grows in Rhode Island

by Wendy Nadherny Fachon

Fresh figs, kiwi and persimmons are among the wonders of Rhode Island’s local food forest movement, which might suggest the creation of multiple gardens of Eden. Imitating a natural forest ecosystem, food forest permaculture is a rapidly growing trend in home and community gardening. The term “permaculture” is a word coined from the words “permanent” and “agriculture.”

Traditional agriculture centers around annual plants and reseeding year after year, in a two-dimensional plane of rows. In contrast, permaculture focuses on collecting perennials and planting them in layers, to create a more productive yield in a three-dimensional space. These layers create the food forest and include fruit and nut trees, berry shrubs, fruit bearing vines, herbaceous perennials, self-seeding plants and edible ground cover. The plants work together through biological processes to enrich the soil, use excess carbon to advantage, lower climate temperature, improve water retention and self-propagate.

While a lot of work is required for the initial planning and planting of a food forest garden, each year the labor need decreases, as the yield increases. The rising yield brings numerous ecological and home economic benefits. Conventional agriculture is carbon-intensive and relies on toxic herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers that contaminate the food, soil and groundwater. Permaculture food forest works with nature to manage weed and pest control and to provide multiple sources of natural fertilizer. Comfrey, for example, is a medicinal herb, which attracts parasitic wasps and spiders that eat cabbage worms and other garden pests; then it dies back in late fall to create mulch and fertilizer for the surrounding plants, and grows back the following spring.

Organically home-grown food is purer, fresher and more nutritious. In general, it allows people to become less vul-

nerable to the supply chain issues and inflationary prices. A well-established food forest brings ease to home growing. Rather than engaging in the annual tasks of tilling, seeding, watering and weeding, the food forest gardener focuses more on pruning branches, training growth and propagation.

Food forests do need careful planning and lots of patience. Berry plants typically bear fruit within one to two years after planting. Young fruit trees are more affordable than mature ones, however, they take a few years to establish themselves and bear fruit. The planning process begins with envisioning lawn areas and ornamental plants being replaced with desirable fruit and vegetable plants. Once the plan is made, one proceeds forward, step by step, one sequential task at a time. The project can be a small freedom garden, a quarter-acre family food forest or a one-plus acre community garden.

Community Food Forest Gardens

Community food forest gardens provide opportunities to look, taste, learn and grow. Various Rhode Island organizations have already established community permaculture spaces.

Roger Williams Park’s Edible Food Forest, in Providence, is an urban ecosystem designed around permaculture ethics and principles. It serves as a model for ecological urban landscape management that produces market viable fruits, nuts, veggies, fodder, fuel and fiber. The garden features several unusual plants such as hardy kiwi, hazelnut and the American chestnut, which has been bred for resistance to blight. Native plants create a habitat for wildlife and a managed honeybee hive. The garden also demonstrates permaculture

techniques, such as herb spirals, mushroom cultivation and hügelkultur gardening, a horticultural technique where a mound constructed from decaying wood debris and other compostable biomass plant materials is later planted as a raised bed.

Crossman Park Food Forest, in Central Falls, is a healthful green space created in partnership with Largess Forestry and Voice of the Forest Alliance. The students from Calcutt Middle School and Central Falls High School planted 22 fruit trees and 12 blueberry bushes in the park for anyone in the city to enjoy. This was part of a larger effort initiated by Mayor Diossa to reforest Central Falls and build a healthier community.

Revive the Roots is a nonprofit organization in Smithfield dedicated to creating ecologically regenerative and dynamic social spaces through the education and practice of permaculture. In addition to managing its community garden spaces, Revive the Roots’ cooperatively owned Nuts & Bolts Nursery Co-Op specializes in

growing nut trees, fruit trees and other edible perennial plants, which are sold online.

Island Community Farm, in Middletown, is starting to host tours of its food forest this year, where after 10 years, the pawpaw trees and persimmon trees are finally bearing fruit. Supported by Aquidneck Community Table, Island Community Farm demonstrates the viability and joy of small-scale sustainable agriculture.

Where to Learn

While these organizations may host occasional tours and workshops, the Rhode Island Tree Council offers a Backyard Fruit Tree Growing course, with seven sessions of experiential learning. Aspiring gardeners can also learn how to grow a surprising variety of fruit in the Rhode Island climate by reading permaculture books, watching YouTube videos and researching specific plants online.

Food Forest Abundance (FFA) is an organization that provides consultations to assist with garden planning. An open format virtual consultation

leads to the development of a landscape plan suitable to the client’s environmental conditions—growing zone, soil type, hours of sun exposure and critter challenges. The plan includes plant selection and placement, guild layerings and groupings, structural suggestions, supplier recommendations and step-by-step installation instructions. FFA can also match clients with local installers.

People can also download food forest-related podcasts from the Story Walking Radio Hour archives. The mission of this program is to lead listeners back to goodness, wholeness, climate restoration, environmental health, universal abundance and, perhaps, closer to the Garden of Eden.

Wendy Nadherny Fachon hosts the Story Walking Radio Hour , which presents sustainable living solutions, including food forest gardening, soil health and agrohomeopathy. Learn more at Storywalking.com or contact Story WalkerWendy@gmail.com . See ad on page 3.

Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in

Sweet Lullaby

Better Sleep for Children

by Marlaina Donato and Kirby Baldwin

Sleep is essential for both survival and the ability to thrive, yet as children’s schedules get busier and they spend more time in front of screens, their average sleep time often decreases. While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids between the ages of 6 and 12 get nine to 12 hours of sleep per night for optimal health, they’re regularly getting less, and about 15 to 25 percent of youngsters and adolescents have trouble falling and staying asleep.

In a recent study published in The Lancet, researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that children that get less than nine hours of sleep per night have notable differences in areas of the brain that influence memory, intelligence and well-being compared to those that sleep more than nine hours. According to researchers, such insufficiencies in early adolescence can lead to long-lasting neurocognitive consequences.

Why Kids Aren’t Sleeping

Anna Esparham, M.D., FAAP, an integrative medical expert with the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommends that parents look for clues as to why their children can’t sleep, including stress, increased screen time and less physical activity. However, there may be other underlying issues.

A lesser-known culprit that may contribute to a child’s compromised sleep is impaired mouth syndrome (IMS), a term coined by dentist Felix Liao, a certified airway-centered mouth doctor and past-president of the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine. “Most people, including many dentists, don’t realize the influence that the mouth has on the

body,” he says. “The mouth is the portal to the inside. With impaired mouth syndrome, the child can still chew, smile and talk, but the body’s health can be compromised.”

While birth trauma, concussion and viruses can precipitate mouth breathing, and chronic allergies often exacerbate matters, immature swallowing can set off a cascade of problems. The mouth is a critical infrastructure for proper breathing, circulation, digestion, energy and sleep. IMS occurs when jaw development is insufficient, thereby giving rise to numerous difficulties, such as a narrower airway, which can cause hypoxia, or low levels of oxygen. Liao notes that poor sleep quality can also lead to learning and behavioral problems.

“Breastfeeding stimulates bone growth and jaw development through

the tongue’s instinctive action and ideally enables a child to have a mature swallow by age 2,” says Amy Dayries-Ling, DMD, FAIHM, a national spokesperson for the American Dental Association. In her book Solve Your Sleep: Get to the Core of Your Snore for Better Health, Dayries-Ling connects the dots between the vital role of the tongue during breastfeeding, balanced stimulation from the vagus nerve and beneficial spaces between milk teeth for a well-developed dental arch.

Correcting Structural Problems

From a holistic perspective, improperly working muscles of the tongue, throat and face or a compromised jawbone can foster a predisposition to a number of seemingly unrelated conditions, including dental problems, teeth grinding, asthma, bedwetting, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, poor growth, swollen tonsils and pediatric ob-

structive sleep apnea. Dayries-Ling recommends that parents seek out a myofunctional therapist that can help retrain muscles and free up the airway. Building an integrative team is vital, including a dentist trained to address structural issues.

As a certified, airway-centered mouth doctor, New Jersey-based holistic dentist Nemie Sirilan understands the link between sleep deprivation and airway obstructions. She uses 3D scans and thorough examinations to identify craniofacial abnormalities and customize treatments that correct structural anomalies.

“When I examine young patients, I want to see how baby teeth are forming, whether they have a tongue-tie and how their upper and lower jaws are positioned, to see if they have some kind of bad bite. These are all telltale signs of airway obstruction,” Sirilan explains, adding that another common indicator of breathing difficulties is the wearing down of tooth enamel that results from persistent teeth grinding.

Sirilan recommends that parents consult an airway-centered mouth doctor as soon as possible before other complications arise, noting that these problems are often easily corrected with customized corrective appliances, as well as collaborative consultations with other practitioners, including functional doctors, nutritionists, chiropractors and physical therapists to treat the whole person.

Life seems to be a much brighter place after a good night’s sleep, and kids are our future. Digging deeper for their optimum, long-term well-being is a vital investment.

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and host of multimedia art exhibits intended for healing the community. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

Kirby Baldwin is an editor and writer for KnoWEwell, the Regenerative Whole Health Hub and parent company of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp.

Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in

Loving Our Kidneys

Edible Allies, Integrative Treatments and Lifestyle Tips

by Marlaina Donato

Our kidneys are prodigious multitaskers. Through the production of urine, they filter toxins, excrete waste and balance bodily fluids. They also produce certain hormones that regulate blood pressure and aid in other vital functions. While the kidneys don’t usually fail all at once, their effectiveness can deteriorate slowly over years, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is most often the result of uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure.

Simple blood and urine tests help physicians evaluate kidney function and diagnose CKD, which is divid-

ed into five stages. The first three stages are mild or moderate, and can respond well to lifestyle modifications and alternative interventions, while the more severe, later stages become increasingly more complex to treat and may require dialysis to mechanically perform the kidneys’ functions. In end-stage CKD, many patients are relegated to dialysis treatments several times a month to prevent the accumulation of deadly toxins, while many wait and hope for a life-saving transplant.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates

that one in seven adults are diagnosed annually. Most of these 37 million Americans do not feel ill or notice symptoms until they are in advanced stages of the disease, which is why people with diabetes and high blood pressure should be tested regularly and take steps to protect their kidneys. Managing CKD requires a multilevel approach, including lifestyle and diet changes, use of prescribed medications, avoidance of kidney-harming toxins like alcohol and cigarettes, and close supervision by a doctor that specializes in kidney disease (nephrologist) to ensure that other prescribed medications and over-the-counter or herbal treatments are safe. Integrative and holistic approaches may be of help for those in earlier stages of kidney disease or for those striving to prevent it. “I have been really blessed to be connected with a global team of people who, like myself and everyone I work with, understand that kidney disease is treatable, and the recovery of kidney function is actually possible,” says Fiona Chin, an Australia-based naturopath and co-founder of Kidney Coach.com. Chin adds that she and her colleagues have witnessed significant patient improvement from

tailored diet and lifestyle regimens during and after diagnosis, especially when root causes are addressed.

The Kidney-Friendly Kitchen

Promising research published last year in Frontiers of Pharmacology shows that combining Western treatments and Traditional Chinese Medicine can have a positive impact on even late-stage renal failure. Isaac Eliaz, M.D., an integrative medical doctor and founder of Amitabha Medical Clinic, in Santa Rosa, California, says, “Preventing and reducing chronic inflammation is a critical aspect of minimizing CKD risk. An anti-inflammatory diet, moderate exercise program and attention to stress reduction all work to decrease the pro-inflammatory milieu.” He also highlights the importance of protecting and boosting beneficial gut bacteria, which can be addressed with supplements or prebiotic foods like garlic, leeks, onions and jicama.

Piling whole, plant-plentful goodness onto our plates and embracing an alkaline diet are key measures in the prevention of CKD by lowering the risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Mayo Clinic offers renal-supportive recipes with fruits, vegetables and grains like quinoa. It also recommends avoiding many packaged and processed foods that have phosphorus added to prolong shelf life and enhance taste, such as convenience foods, sodas and sports drinks, flavor-enhanced meats and processed cheeses.

Jarrod Cooper, ND, founder of Advanced Functional Medicine, underscores the importance of nixing pro-inflammatory foods such as sugars, refined carbohydrates, excessive red meat, trans and saturated fats, caffeine and alcohol. Alcohol negatively impacts liver function, and over time reduces blood flow to the kidneys, leading to CKD, he says. That extra glass of wine can also crank up blood pressure, a surefire path to renal compromise.

Kidney-loving fruits, according to Cleveland Urology Associates, include pineapple, cranberries, red

grapes and apples, all of which pack an anti-inflammatory punch.

Sodium: Friend or Foe?

Chin notes that although salt is essential for nerve and muscle function, a balancing of fluids in the blood and healthy blood pressure, not all salt is beneficial. “Salt is a healthy thing to have in your diet in moderation and in the right form,” she asserts. “Table salt is manufactured salt that is stripped of its natural minerals. During salt processing, the balance of sodium to other valuable minerals is lost. Most salt companies also add anti-caking agents that contain aluminum.” Chin recommends good-quality Hima-

layan salt or sea salt that also contains traces of other natural minerals. Various types of seaweeds, like dulce, nori and kombu, are natural sources of sodium that are safe for people that do not have kidney disease. They offer significant benefits for inflammation reduction, blood sugar balance and heart health, including lower blood pressure. Sea vegetables have also been shown to help reduce the risk of kidney stones by inhibiting the formation of calcium oxalate.

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and host of multimedia art exhibits intended for healing the community. Connect at Wildflower Lady.com.

1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

3 Tbsp mayonnaise

2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped

2 small jalapeños, seeds removed and chopped

1 Tbsp lime juice

In a small bowl, combine and mix the paprika, cumin, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, chili powder and black pepper. Sprinkle over the flesh side of the fish, reserving about 1 teaspoon for the slaw.

Blackened Salmon Tacos

YIELD: 8 SERVINGS

4 salmon fillets, 4 oz each

2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil

8 small corn tortillas

THE BLACKENING RUB:

1½ tsp paprika

1½ tsp cumin

1½ tsp dark brown sugar

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp kosher salt

½ tsp chili powder

¼ tsp black pepper

THE SLAW:

2 cups broccoli slaw

2 cups shredded purple cabbage

Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in

Preheat a medium skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and coat the pan evenly. Place the salmon in the preheated pan, flesh side down, and allow it to sizzle for 4 minutes to allow it to brown. Flip it to the skin side and cover the pan for the last 4 minutes or until it reaches the desired temperature.

Meanwhile, combine the slaw ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Heat the corn tortillas. Fill each with about 2 ounces of salmon and about ¼ cup of slaw.

Excerpted from Multiple Sclerosis Diet Plan and Cookbook. Copyright

© 2019 Noelle Citarella. Used with permission from Rockridge Press, Emeryville, CA. All rights reserved.

Scan this QR code with your camera app to visit our website for more recipes.

Terry Wahls

on Managing Autoimmune Disease With Lifestyle Interventions

by Noelle Citarella, RDN, CDN, IFNCP

Terry Wahls, M.D., is a certified practitioner at the Institute for Functional Medicine, as well as clinical professor of medicine at the University of Iowa, where she conducts clinical trials testing the effect of therapeutic diet and lifestyle to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms. She is the author of The Wahls Protocol: A Radical New Way to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions Using Paleo Principles, as well as an accompanying cookbook, The Wahls Protocol Cooking for Life. When Wahls was diagnosed with MS and later relegated to a tilt-recline wheelchair in the early 2000s, she decided to fight back. Drawing upon her medical background, she identified certain nutrients that were critical for brain health and started taking supplements. The disease’s progression slowed as a result, spurring her to dig deeper. Since then, through rigorous scientific study and numerous clinical trials, Wahls has developed groundbreaking dietary and lifestyle recommendations that alleviate autoim-

mune disease symptoms. No longer bound to a wheelchair, she bikes to work every day and stands as a living testament to the power of tenacity and strenuous scientific inquiry.

What are the key components of the Wahls Protocol?

The protocol is a lifestyle that supports the steadily improving health of everyone, not just MS patients. It focuses on eating more vegetables and fruits, and ensuring sufficient protein. It reduces or eliminates added sugars, ultra-processed foods, dairy and gluten-containing grains. While the diet may get more complex, a great place for anyone to start is including more nonstarchy vegetables, less processed food and more meals cooked at home. The protocol also includes lifestyle interventions, such as time in nature, meditation, mindfulness and physical activity. Even for patients who are wheelchair-bound, going from chair to bed, exercise will improve their quality of life. It is a way of approaching living that creates a more healthy, nurturing environment.

What excites you most about your current MS study?

Seeing what happens with brain volume and quality of life. We hypothesize that lifestyle chang-

Jonathan

D. Sabin/TerryWahls.com

es will get the rate of brain volume loss to match that of healthy aging. MS patients have brains that are shrinking three times faster than in healthy aging. This increases the risk for anxiety, depression and early cognitive decline. Our study will be the largest and longest dietary intervention study done in the setting of relapsing-remitting MS. We are recruiting people ages 18 to 70 diagnosed with MS. During the participants’ three visits, they will complete surveys, conduct functional tests, provide blood and saliva samples, and get an MRI. The participants will be divided into three groups. One will follow a modified paleo diet; the second an olive oil ketogenic, time-restricted diet; and the third will be the control group. We are optimistic that the first two groups will get to healthy aging, and the control arm will likely improve, as well.

What is metabolic flexibility, and how do you improve it?

Fasting improves metabolic flexibility—the ability to switch between protein, fat and glucose for fuel. Fasting for two days increases stem cells. While periodic fasting is beneficial for metabolism and regenerative processes, it is hard to sustain because of our strong biologic drive to eat and dislike for being hungry. An easier dietary pattern to sustain long term is time-restricted eating in a window of six to eight hours. Our current clinical trial incorporates this eating pattern.

Is there anything you know now that you wish you knew when you were getting started?

How important managing stress is. When I was diagnosed with MS, I could tell that stress made my symptoms worse. I feel I would have done much better had I maintained my meditation. I am fond of hormetic stress, that “sweet spot” where stress could be beneficial. Without stress, our bones and muscles disappear. Without the stress of having to learn, our brain disappears. We

just need an equal measure of relaxation and recovery.

What is your takeaway on lifestyle modifications and multiple sclerosis?

You can reverse symptoms of MS and restore function. You can have a great and meaningful life at your level of function. It is important to find joy, gratitude and purpose in life as it’s unfolding now, and doing so will help with the energy and

commitment needed to do the work that can change the direction of your healing journey.

To learn more about Wahls’ studies, visit Wahls.Lab.uiowa.edu. To participate, visit Wahls.Lab.uiowa.edu/ join-study or contact the study team at MSDietStudy@healthcare.uiowa.edu.

Noelle Citarella is a registered dietitian specializing in neurological nutrition and autoimmune disease in the Buffalo, N.Y., area.

Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in

Thriving With Multiple Sclerosis

How to Reduce Inflammation and Promote Neuroregeneration

by Noelle Citarella, RDN, CDN, IFNCP

For people with multiple sclerosis (MS), the concept of “thriving” is becoming increasingly attainable thanks to advances in lifestyle-related research. While MS is not yet curable, life choices that reduce inflammation and promote neuroregeneration can slow or reverse disease progression. This is great news for nearly 1 million Americans living with MS, as estimated by a 2019 National Multiple Sclerosis Association study.

Tony Ferro, the founder of Change MS, credits diet modifications for improving his own symptoms of numbness, tingling, blurred vision, extreme fatigue, brain fog and depression. “It was hard work, but the more I learned and understood, the more I applied and the better I felt,” he says. Recognizing the transformative power of behav-

ioral and attitudinal choices, his nonprofit helps people with MS adopt a wellness mindset and learn strategies to achieve their fullest potential.

According to a 2018 review article published in Current Nutrition Reports, a number of recent studies provide strong preliminary evidence that diet can influence the rise and progression of MS and its symptoms. Largescale clinical trials are needed to be certain, but the emerging research suggests that the right foods not only provide essential nutrients for cellular function and repair, but also offer anti-inflammatory effects that slow MS activity, protect the nervous system from further damage and allow for nervous-system repair.

A study spearheaded by Terry Wahls, M.D., at the

University of Iowa, found a significant improvement in fatigue, quality of life and mental health in MS patients following a modified paleo diet that was rich in certain vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes that have been found to support energy production and nerve repair.

Eating to Reduce Inflammation

Vegetables should make up the bulk of each meal, followed by a smaller portion of fruits. Eat many different-colored varietals to benefit from a full gamut of bioactive compounds. Consume sulfur-rich foods like broccoli, cabbage, asparagus and leafy greens daily.

Quality protein is essential, including omega-3-rich fish, like salmon, twice weekly. Saturated fats found in butter, cheese and red meat are associated with inflammation and should be limited. Use olive oil, which contains more than 30 neuroprotective antioxidants and has been shown to reduce inflammation and promote immune tolerance.

An elimination diet may identify food triggers that exacerbate MS symptoms.

Maintaining a Healthy Microbiome

Most people need 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily. Consume fermented foods, such as pickled vegeta-

bles and kefir, as well as prebiotic ingredients like onions, garlic, oats, bananas, apples, cocoa and flax seeds. The microbial fermentation of prebiotic fiber and phytonutrients produces beneficial byproducts including vitamin K, biotin, neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, and short-chain fatty acids, which help promote gut integrity, mood, immune balance and overall health.

Fasting Regularly

Studies have found that fasting for 12 to 16 hours increases cell repair and positively impacts hormone balance, metabolism and weight. Start with an overnight fast of 12 hours and slowly extend the fasting period one hour at a time to lengthen the body repair window.

Improving Sleep

The body does most of its restorative work while we sleep. Adequate, quality slumber is crucial for healthy immune function, balanced hormones and tissue repair. Ensure that the bedroom is quiet, dark and cool. To keep circadian cycles on track, get a daily dose of sunlight. Consider taking melatonin, L-theanine, lemon balm, holy basil, reishi mushrooms or other natural supplements recommended by a healthcare provider, as needed.

Remaining Active

For people with MS, regular physical activity can improve their quality of life. According to Dr. Lacey Bromley, a physical therapist who specializes in neurological rehabilitation, “Study after study examining the influence of exercise and physical rehabilitation on persons with MS continue to provide positive outcomes. With the correct rehabilitation program, there is ample opportunity for the central nervous system to recover lost function by enhancing previous motor programs or developing new neural pathways.”

Staying Hydrated

Fluids are essential for important bodily functions, including digestion, nutrient absorption, temperature regulation and toxin excretion. They also help prevent constipation.

Bladder dysfunction, a common MS symptom, leads many patients to restrict fluid intake. This is inadvisable because even mild dehydration can promote fatigue, cause urinary tract infections and impair cognitive function and exercise performance. A better approach is to decrease caffeine and alcohol consumption while slowly increasing fluid intake to build up a tolerance for additional fluids.

A Life Worth Living

By focusing more attention on the delights that can be added rather than what is taken away, people with MS can move forward on a much brighter path.

“We want to support our cells, brain and body with the nutrients we need to thrive, not just survive,” Ferro says. “Make small, obtainable goals, stay consistent and keep a journal to track your food, symptoms and journey along the way.”

Noelle Citarella is a registered dietitian specializing in neurological nutrition and autoimmune disease in the Buffalo, N.Y., area.

Perhaps the biggest mistake I made in the past was that I believed love was about finding the right person. In reality, love is about becoming the right person.

~Neil Strauss

1099 Mendon Rd.|Cumberland, RI|401-305-3585|its-my-health.com

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 3.

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 2013 Plainfield Pk, Johnston, RI 02919, 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 16.

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 8.

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 20.

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.

Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in

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 32.

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 7.

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 14.

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 21.

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 ad, page 20.

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 21.

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.

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 21.

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 13.

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 32.

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

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.

Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in

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 9.

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 3.

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

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 14.

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 21.

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 15.

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 15.

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.”

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 31.

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 9.

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 31.

Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in

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 7.

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 13.

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.

The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition. ~ Thomas Edison.

NAMA 10221

Receive 50% off your first year. Individuals apply: Practitioners apply:

NAMA 10221P