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Tis the Season
Dear Readers,
Our December issue explores ways to make the season more meaningful, balanced, and connected to what matters most.
From Melancholy to Sweet Remembrance (turn to page 15), Marlaina Donato acknowledges the complex emotions many experience during the holidays. Her insights offer practical guidance for those seeking to navigate this season with greater ease while honoring their authentic experiences.
For those looking to infuse more mindfulness into their holiday preparations, check out Soulful Holiday Gifts on page 16. This feature story reveals how thoughtful giving can create moments of peace and connection, offering creative ideas for presents that nurture both the giver and receiver.
Looking to maintain wellness traditions during the festivities? Skip to page 10 for Healthier Holiday Cookies, where you’ll discover tips from experts for creating beloved seasonal treats with wholesome alternatives that don’t sacrifice flavor.
As many of us travel during this season, we recognize that our furry family members need special attention too. In Caring for Anxious Pets While We’re Away (page 24), Ruth Roberts shares valuable insights on supporting our pets’ emotional well-being during separations. Holistic pet health coach Beth Hrnciar, provides readers with gentle, natural approaches to ease their companions’ stress and ensure their comfort.
Speaking of community impact, the
article Click Local, page 20, reflects a growing trend, revealing how online shopping can actually strengthen our neighborhood businesses. This piece feels especially relevant as we consider how our holiday purchases can better support local communities. We are particularly grateful to our advertisers—from dedicated healthcare professionals and wellness practitioners to service providers, and other specialized professionals—who make it possible to bring these stories to you each month. Equal gratitude goes to the hundreds of local businesses that freely distribute Natural Awakenings, ensuring our publication reaches readers throughout the community. This network of support truly exemplifies the power of local connection and community cooperation.
Reinforce the community connection— whether through giving, supporting local businesses, or simply sharing moments of joy with loved ones—be they family or friends. We hope these stories inspire you to find your own meaningful ways to contribute to the fabric of our shared community.
Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.
~ Desmond Tutu
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Revolution Dating Offers the Gift of Love This Holiday Season
Stem-Cell Treatment To Reverse Type 1 Diabetes
Revolution Dating highlights the importance of self-love and connection during the holiday season. Founder Kelly Leary, M.S., a matchmaking professional with 33 years of experience, describes the power of taking steps toward meaningful relationships by sharing the story of Sara, a client inspired by Revolution Dating’s success in helping others find love. “Sara, longing to share life’s special moments with a partner, often found herself reflecting on the holidays and how she could make them more meaningful. She recalled hearing about a couple who met through Revolution Dating. Inspired by their story, Sara decided it was time to open her heart and take the first step toward finding her soulmate,” Leary shares.
The service is renowned for its careful approach, matching individuals based on compatibility and shared values. “This holiday season, give yourself the gift of love,” Leary adds. “We’re here to help you connect with your soulmate and find your own happily-ever-after.”
For additional information, call 561-630-XOXO (9696) or visit RevolutionDating.com.
Reports from an early phase 1 clinical trial are encouraging for the reversal of Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the pancreas’s insulin-producing cells. Without insulin, blood sugar builds up in the bloodstream and causes damage to the body. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1.7 million Americans have the disease, for which there currently is no cure.
The study, published in the journal Cell, reported on the progress of a 25-year-old woman with Type 1 diabetes who underwent stemcell therapy made from her own cells. She began producing her own insulin less than three months after the treatment and continued to be free from insulin injections after one year. More research and development of cost-effective manufacturing processes are needed before a stem cell-derived therapy will be available to patients.
It’s always something, to know you’ve done the most you could. But, don’t leave off hoping, or it’s of no use doing anything. Hope, hope to the last! ~ Charles Dickens
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Mindfulness App Helps Intensive Care Patients
Individuals recovering from critical illnesses that spend time in an intensive care unit (ICU) frequently experience depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Existing interventions in and out of the hospital have not been effective in relieving the psychological distress symptoms of these patients. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine tested various ways of delivering a mobile app-based mindfulness intervention to ICU survivors.
The study included 247 ICU patients that had been in the hospital for an average of more than 15 days and in the ICU for an average of almost seven days. The patients were randomly assigned to one of eight intervention groups that evaluated different combinations of treatment elements, including an introductory session via mobile app or therapist call, a once- or twicedaily guided mindfulness meditation regimen, and management of increasing symptoms via mobile app or therapist call. While all eight groups showed significant improvements in their psychological distress symptoms after three months, the optimal intervention included an appbased introduction, twice-daily guided meditations and an app-based response when a participant had increasing symptoms of depression.
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Acupuncture for Shingles
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral disease that causes a red rash on the face or one side of the body, accompanied by fluid-filled blisters, pain, burning and tingling. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 million Americans suffer from this condition every year. In a systematic review of studies, researchers evaluated 59 randomized controlled trials involving almost 4,000 shingles patients that had been treated with acupuncture. They concluded that acupuncture therapies were effective and safe for the treatment of this viral disease, reducing pain and skin lesions with few adverse effects.
Funny but Serious Science
Organized by the scientific humor magazine Annals of Improbable Research, the Ig Nobel Prize is a satirical award honoring achievements that make people laugh, then think. This year’s winners were announced at a lively ceremony at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Winning in the category of physiology, a Japanese research team led by Ryo Okabe and Takanori Takebe discovered that mammals could breathe through their anuses, as reported in the research journal Med. Working with mice and pigs, the scientists tested an enema-like procedure called enteral ventilation via anus, which delivers oxygen-carrying liquid to the body through the distal gut. This innovation could eventually be an effective alternative for getting oxygen to critically ill patients when ventilators are in short supply, as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Linking Biodiversity to Human Health
In a study published in the journal Science, Eyal Frank, an environmental economist and assistant professor at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, sought to quantify the human health impacts of biodiversity loss. He analyzed the effects of a significant decline in insect-eating bat populations across North America that started in 2006 due to a deadly disease known as white-nose syndrome.
By analyzing annual data after 2006 in numerous U.S. counties, Frank noted that chemical insecticide use by farmers had increased by about 30 percent, on average. During that same time period in the same counties, infant mortality rates due to internal causes (i.e., neither accidents nor homicides) rose by nearly 8 percent.
Jacob White and Felipe Yamashita won the prize for botany, having found that a flowering plant native to central and southern Chile and Argentina (Boquila trifoliolata) could imitate the shapes of artificial, plastic plants that were placed nearby. In their paper published in Plant Signaling and Behavior, the scientists observed that the real leaves were altered in area, perimeter, length and width, and that the vein pattern of the leaves also changed to be closer to the look of the artificial leaves. The mechanism behind this ability of the plant to “see” the neighboring plant is not yet understood.
The study highlights the direct benefits biodiversity provides to agriculture and human well-being, “where interactions between natural enemies—insect-eating bats and crop pests—allow farmers to use lower amounts of toxic substitutes,” says Frank, who further noted that by improving our understanding of how changes in biodiversity affect human well-being, we can better design and implement conservation policies.
Sweat Monitor Measures Overexertion
An elastic band developed by Northwestern University, in Illinois, can show how strenuously muscles are working by measuring the acidity of perspiration on the skin. The band can be placed around the user’s working muscle, such as the ankle of a cyclist or the wrist of a tennis player.
A series of tiny reservoirs collect sweat at different intervals, while a sensor measures the acidity, and a smart phone or electronic monitor reports the results. A low pH may indicate the need to stop exercising to avoid sore muscles, whereas a high pH suggests the user has not worked out enough.
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Healthier Holiday Cookies
Easy Switches That Don’t Compromise on Taste
by Maya Whitman
Whether it’s chunky chocolate chip, classic sugar, jammy rugelach, spicy gingerbread, Russian teacakes or cinnamon-dusted snickerdoodles, the holidays would not be complete without a festive array of cookies. Seasonal favorites usually pack on the sugar, but with a little know-how, whipping up healthier versions can be both easy and fun.
“The most important thing to remember is that the techniques are the same; only the ingredients have changed,” says Christina Pirello, Emmy Award-winning host of the national public television cooking show Christina Cooks! and author of 13 plant-based cookbooks. “Even healthy versions of cookies can feel indulgent while being better for you. Use the best quality ingredients you can, and you’ll never go wrong.”
Sugar Savvy
Most conventional cookie recipes require up to two cups of sugar, not-so-good news for any health-conscious sweet tooth, but alternatives are plentiful. “With the caveat that most sweetener substitutions require some adjustments to make sure the final texture still works, there are some fabulous options that up the nutrients, add more flavor and depth and pack much less of a glycemic punch,” says Katie Wells, founder of Wellness Mama, an online resource for women and moms that want to live a healthier life.
The glycemic index (GI) is a value used
to measure how much specific foods increase blood sugar levels on a scale of zero to 100, where sugar is 100. Numerous studies have found that following a low GI diet may reduce blood sugar levels and improve blood sugar management in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Monk fruit and unprocessed forms of stevia, a plant-based sweetener, are bloodsugar friendly and nutritious when used alone, but are controversial when combined
with erythritol, a sugar alcohol that, based on recent studies, is suspected of increasing the risk for blood clotting, stroke and cardiovascular events.
For Pirello, baking without pseudo sweeteners or processed sugar does a body good while imbuing festive favorites with even deeper flavor. “For me the best options for cookies are coconut sugar and beet sugar as both are granular and can be substituted 1-to-1 in recipes. Both are the color of brown sugar so your
cookies may take on a darker color, but the flavor will be amazing. I also use brown rice syrup, but often mixed with coconut or beet sugar.” For the best flavor, Pirello praises 100 percent pure monk. In addition to coconut sugar, Wells also favors maple syrup and honey, which require an increase in dry ingredients to balance the liquid but add amazing flavor and other beneficial properties, such as naturally occurring minerals and antioxidants.
Common dates, larger and plumper Medjool dates and other dried fruits can replace conventional sugar with rich sweetness, especially for no-bake holiday cookies and bars. Wells likes the versatility of dried fruits when chopped or blended. She recommends soaking them before using in recipes to help improve their texture.
For cookie dough recipes that do not require much liquid, powdered date sugar can be used in place of sugar 1-for-1 while reducing dry ingredients by 25 percent. Mashed bananas can rock an oatmeal cookie recipe, taking it to another level in terms of flavor without any other added sweeteners.
Common Substitutions
• ¾ cup honey or maple syrup for 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of blended dates for any amount of sugar in a recipe
• 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce for 1 cup of sugar
• ¾ cup of mashed ripe bananas for 1 cup of sugar
• For vegan cookies that won’t crumble, mix 1 tablespoon of finely ground flax seeds with 3 tablespoons warm water to replace 1 egg.
Gluten-Free Delicious
Gluten-free (GF) baking has come a long way with plenty of GF flour options, but knowing which ones to use can make or break a holiday baking spree. “It has never been easier to make gluten-free cookies that taste almost identical to their gluten-based inspirations,” says Wells. “There are even organic, measure-for-measure flours that let you bake the original recipes as written.”
Pirello sees more of a learning curve. “It’s such a challenge to make a good gluten-free cookie, but with products like almond flour out there, you can do it,” she says. “Use a gluten-free flour mix—not a cake or cookie mix—and mix it with 75 percent almond flour to create a moist yummy cookie. They will always be fragile unless you use eggs, but it works for me without them.”
The Secret Ingredients
In the end, baking is all about having fun. “They’re cookies, not world peace, although I think more cookies could bring about world peace,” Pirello quips, suggesting what we all know: love is the secret ingredient in any holiday cookie recipe.
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.
Chewy Chocolate Chip
Almond Cookies
YIELD: 28 TO 30 COOKIES
5 Tbsp vegan butter substitute
¼ cup Suzanne’s Specialties Maple Rice Nectar
6 Tbsp coconut sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
Pinch of ground cinnamon
1 cup almond flour
½ cup whole wheat pastry flour or sprouted whole wheat flour
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
⅔ cup non-dairy, dark chocolate chips
Preheat a conventional oven to 350° F or convection oven to 325° F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Whip together vegan butter, rice nectar, coconut sugar, vanilla, sea salt and cinnamon until smooth. Mix in almond flour, wheat flour and oats to form a soft, sticky dough. Fold in nuts and chocolate chips until wellincorporated through the dough.
Scoop tablespoons of dough and arrange on the baking sheets, leaving room for them to grow—approximately 18 cookies on a sheet, three across and six down. Do not press the cookies down.
Bake for 13 minutes. Remove the trays from the oven. Using a small spoon or spatula, slightly and gently flatten the cookies.
Recipe courtesy of Christina Pirello.
Thumbprint Cookies With Jam
YIELD: 36 TO 48 COOKIES
5 Tbsp vegan butter substitute
¼ cup coconut sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ cup sprouted whole wheat flour or whole wheat
pastry flour
1 cup fine almond flour
2 Tbsp arrowroot
½ tsp baking soda
Pinch of sea salt
Strawberry or other fruit-sweetened preserves
Preheat oven to 350° F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Place all the ingredients, except the preserves, in a stand mixer and mix until a stiff dough forms.
Form the dough into walnut-size balls and arrange on the baking sheet, allowing about an inch between each cookie for rising. With a wet thumb, make an indentation in each cookie. Using a small spoon, fill the indentation in each cookie with preserves. Bake for 13 to 14 minutes. Remove cookies from the oven and allow to cool completely before transferring to a container.
Recipe courtesy of Christina Pirello.
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Chocolate Coffee Cookies
YIELD: 16 COOKIES
⅔ cup sprouted whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour
½ tsp baking powder
2 Tbsp arrowroot
Pinch of sea salt
Generous pinch of cinnamon
18 oz dark, non-dairy chocolate, coarsely chopped
4½ oz extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp spring or filtered water
3 Tbsp of store-bought egg replacer with 6 Tbsp of water (or mixture of 3 Tbsp finely ground flax seeds with 9 Tbsp warm water) and let sit for one minute to thicken
1 cup coconut sugar
2 Tbsp brewed espresso
5 oz pecans, coarsely chopped
5 oz hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Place 12 ounces of chocolate and oil in a heat-resistant bowl over simmering water. Cook, stirring occasionally until the chocolate has melted and is creamy and smooth. Set aside.
In a stand mixer, whip the egg replacer, sugar and espresso to combine well. Add the melted chocolate mixture and mix well. By hand, fold in the nuts, the remaining 6 ounces of chocolate and the other dry ingredients to form a soft cookie dough.
Use a spoon to drop 16 (or so) ½-ounce mounds onto the baking sheet, leaving at least two inches between cookies, as they will spread. Bake for 15 minutes or until the tops crackle. Allow to cool completely before transferring to a container.
Recipe courtesy of Christina Pirello.
Molasses Cookies With Dates
YIELD: 36 COOKIES
3½ cups almond flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated
(or 1 tsp powdered ginger)
4 tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of ground cloves
Pinch of ground nutmeg
½ tsp salt
¼ cup coconut flour
2 large eggs
¼ cup butter or coconut oil, melted
12 pitted dates
¼ cup almond or coconut milk
⅓ cup organic blackstrap molasses or unsulphured molasses
¼ cup coconut sugar (optional)
Preheat oven to 350° F. Line baking sheets with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl or stand mixer, mix the almond flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt and coconut flour.
In a blender, blend the eggs, melted butter or coconut oil, dates, almond or coconut milk, and molasses.
Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients with a hand mixer or stand mixer. The dough should be thick enough to form balls, but not quite as thick as Play-Doh.
Refrigerate dough for at least 15 minutes to let harden slightly. This will make it easier to form for baking.
Carefully roll the dough into 1-inch balls. A cookie scoop can help with portioning. If using sugar, roll the dough in a light coating of sugar for texture and to help prevent sticking.
Place dough on a baking sheet. Flatten the cookies with the bottom of a glass or measuring cup.
Bake cookies for 15 minutes. Halfway through baking, remove from oven and make marks with a fork, if desired. This step is completely optional but creates the look of traditional molasses cookies.
Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before carefully removing from baking sheet onto a cooling rack or wire rack. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Recipe courtesy of Katie Wells.
From Melancholy to Sweet Remembrance
by Marlaina Donato
“No loss is felt more keenly than the loss of what might have been. No nostalgia hurts as much as nostalgia for things that never existed,” says Rabih Alameddine in one of his poignant novels, and his words strike a chord, especially during the holidays. As another year takes a bow at the stroke of midnight, it is easy for many of us to succumb to grief for what we have never tasted. Those of us that lost what is cherished can feel homesick for times that might never come again.
Much of our society—as well as our inner emotional landscape—is molded by unrealistic family ideals. The holidays can serve
up dark times and memories for those that have struggled through a dysfunctional dynamic, and can trigger trauma. Isolating ourselves and turning down invitations might seem like the only way of coping, but there is a fine line between being a prisoner of the past and living joyously in the present.
The willingness to create fresh memories or start new traditions with loved ones can be a soul-soothing balm. For those traversing a solitary path, novel activities and social gatherings can provide something to look forward to during the festive season. Feeding
pigeons in the park, gifting a delicious dessert to a mail carrier, attending a religious service or having a winter picnic can help us find a sweet spot that tempers the holiday blues.
Although the world is decked with festive reminders, some people mourn a rapidly changing society, but we can maintain surer footing when we remind ourselves to tap into beauty within reach, change monotonous customs and move forward while looking back with nostalgia.
Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.
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Soulful Holiday Gifts
Restorative Presents for Loved Ones
by Marlaina Donato
Winter urges us to schedule more downtime, but the festive season can sweep us into a whirlwind of time-sensitive preparations, social gatherings and the nurturing of our loved ones. Between the office party and taking the family feast out of the oven, self-care can easily be forgotten, and we may wind up feeling overwhelmed.
Many of us are stressed out. According to a 2023 survey by the American Association of Retired Persons, 50 percent of caregivers are burdened emotionally from maintaining the role, and four in 10 caregivers rarely, if ever, feel relaxed. A national survey conducted by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that 62 percent of parents
feel the weight of burnout. Earlier this year, the American Psychological Association revealed in a survey that 57 percent of workers are enduring work-related stress in the form of burnout, anger and emotional exhaustion.
This giving season, remembering family members near and far, as well as service providers, teachers, emergency personnel, nurses and tradespeople, can provide relief (and even a sprinkle of magic) to those that make a meaningful difference in our lives. While sharing holiday joy with others, it is important to also gift ourselves with soothing activities and helpful items to temper holiday stress.
The Gift of Self-Care
“Self-care needs to happen daily—whether meditation, journaling, taking yourself out
for a cup of coffee with a book, cooking yourself nourishing food or even dancing to your favorite song in the kitchen,” says Caitlin Ball, a health and lifestyle coach in Zurich, Switzerland. “Sometimes, planning to have no plans is a special treat, especially for those of us that have packed calendars. Even if you’re spending the holidays with family, you don’t have to spend every waking minute together, and everyone will be happier if you are happy.”
Whether we go online to create a curated box of comfort for ourselves or surprise someone with a gift certificate from their favorite yoga studio or nail salon, acknowledging body, mind and spirit can be the ultimate gesture of generosity. “Gifting self-care to someone else is like saying, ‘I see you fully.’ It acknowledges
that a person is more than just their dayto-day roles or responsibilities—they have emotional, physical and mental needs,” says Chrissa J. Santoro, senior director of communications at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, in Rhinebeck, New York.
Investing in someone’s peace or transformation outlasts and outshines less thoughtful presents. “Gifting a retreat experience, workshop or wellness service to a loved one is like giving them permission to prioritize themselves—a gift many people hesitate to give themselves, especially after hardship, long work weeks or grief,” Santoro asserts. “These experiences create a space for someone to step away from the stress, noise and demands of daily life, giving them a chance to reset. This kind of thoughtful gift offers not only physical rest, but also emotional renewal, reminding them of their own worth and helping them rebuild strength from the inside out.”
A self-care gift can be as simple as a basket of locally made artisan bread or as lifechanging as a personalized therapeutic intervention. “Maybe that holiday gift is a gift certificate to see a coach, a counselor or a therapist,” suggests Paula Forte, an integrative health and wellness coach in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, who specializes in helping caregivers that too often care for others more than themselves.
Forte spent 45 years working as a registered nurse before becoming her husband’s caregiver when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She knows firsthand the downward spiral of self-neglect. Her suggestions for mindful gift-giving include a week of meal delivery service, especially if eating healthy has been a challenge; simple pleasures, such as a canister of fragrant tea or a bouquet of flowers; or a ticket to a botanical garden, inviting the recipient to spend healthful time out in nature. Slipping a gift certificate into a holiday card for prepaid healthy lunches, a pickleball membership or the services of a home organizer might usher in a positive new chapter.
The Pampered Path
Since ancient times, people have sought
luxurious and therapeutic respite in baths and the use of precious oils and scents. From hot stone massage to aromatherapy spa treatments, today’s bodywork modalities offer something for everyone. Pampering might be seen as a vanity-driven practice, but heading to the nearest spa or salon is a surefire way to boost endorphins that not only improve mood but lower stress hormones such as cortisol, promoting the body’s natural state of homeostasis. A 2020 study published in the journal Scientific Reports found that 10 minutes of massage, as well as simple rest, significantly reduces systemic stress by prompting the nervous system to switch into parasympathetic mode.
Giving someone a pampering experience can be a wonderful way to bring them fully back to all their senses. “A great option is a gift certificate to your favorite spa for a facial or a skincare basket to create that selfcare routine at home,” says Diana DePaoli, holistic esthetician, herbalist and owner of Aura+Bloom, in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. “Men need self-care, too. According to my husband, Danny, it is sleep and a good shave, followed up with some extra love for his beard with my chamomile serum.”
DePaoli’s energy facials include tuning-fork sound healing, as well as reiki, an energyhealing modality, combining physical and spiritual restoration in one session. Even à la carte spa treatments like Himalayansalt massage or foot reflexology does a body and soul good.
Gifting Kindness, Time and Presence
Making someone’s world light up this holiday season doesn’t need to involve expensive presents. Creating a special music playlist,
serving breakfast in bed or inviting a neighbor out for coffee are simple, but lovely, gestures that make a person feel special. “I think coupons for experiences you can do together are very meaningful, and you get to spend quality time together. Maybe a coupon for a day hike and picnic, or a movie night with lots of fun snacks,” recommends Ball, adding, “The older people in our lives just want to hear from us or spend time with us. Give them a coupon saying you will call them once a week.”
Forte’s low-cost suggestions include “a book of coupons to run errands they simply don’t have time to complete, like taking their kids to a museum or park, returning the purchase that was the wrong size or detailing their car.” For DePaoli, inexpensive but thoughtful gifts can also fill someone’s belly with love. “You can’t go wrong with making someone a homemade meal or dessert,” she suggests.
Adopting a Self-Care Mindset
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Self-care is vital during the holidays and beyond. DePaoli says, “Being able to rest and reboot is very important to being able to have the energy and mindset to move forward in anything.” And according to Forte, “Self-care isn’t selfish. It is self-preservation.”
Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and recording artist. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.
Something To Smile About
A Look at Non-Toxic Dental Products
by Zak Logan
With a plethora of products on the shelves promising snow-white smiles and stronger teeth, it is tricky deciding which ones are reliable and the least toxic. For example, antimicrobial mouthwashes, especially those with chlorhexidine, have prompted scientific investigation into possible correlations between their use and cardiovascular disease, oral cancer and other conditions. While there is no conclusive evidence that popular mouth rinses are helpful or harmful, it is something to consider when it comes to dental hygiene regimens.
“It’s an exciting time for natural dental care, and these trends are paving the way for healthier, more conscious oral care routines,” says Trina Felber, a cleanbeauty coach and founder of Primal Life Organics. With cutting-edge alternatives like nano-hydroxyapatite replacing controversial fluoride, cleansing agents designed to promote beneficial bacteria, and LED light therapy for gum health and tooth whitening, mouth-care has a bright future.
Remineralizing Teeth Without Risks
Pharmaceutical-grade fluoride, an ionized form of fluorine, has long been touted as a cavity preventative, counteracting acidic conditions in the mouth and remineralizing the teeth. Concerns, including cognitive deficits in children due to exposure to high levels of fluoride, may be enough to rethink its presence in oral care products and dental
applications, especially in areas where sodium fluoride, a chemical byproduct of aluminum, steel and cement manufacturing, is added to drinking water.
“Hydroxyapatite toothpastes are gaining a
lot of attention these days as people search for effective alternatives to fluoride to help strengthen and remineralize their teeth,” says naturopathic physician Shawn Manske, assistant director of clinical education at Biocidin Botanicals. “What makes
hydroxyapatite so promising is that it is naturally nontoxic and bioactive. Your teeth are made of the same minerals that comprise hydroxyapatite, which your body readily recognizes and uses to repair thinning or damaged tooth enamel. Nano-hydroxyapatite [in toothpaste], because of its much smaller particle size, can penetrate deep within the tooth, helping to remineralize from within.”
Felber highlights the gaining popularity of nano-hydroxyapatite, as well as other enamel-supportive ingredients such as bentonite, kaolin and French green clays, “which naturally protect enamel without the potential downsides of fluoride,” although no studies have confirmed the clays’ ability to remineralize teeth.
Manske points out that nano-hydroxyapatite products on the market today, including toothpastes, are made using a synthetically produced ingredient “because there is currently no natural nano-hydroxyapatite on Earth. However, the synthetic nanohydroxyapatite is considered biocompatible with the hydroxyapatite naturally found in teeth—meaning not harmful to living tissue—and research demonstrates its effectiveness.”
Natural Whiteners and the Oral Ecosystem
We all want whiter teeth, but popular over-the-counter whiteners are gaining attention as enamel compromisers. A 2019 assessment conducted by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency and research published in British Dental Journal show that the common ingredients sodium chlorite and citric acid in whitening trays, pens and strips might lead to the destruction of enamel and hardness in the teeth. The Danish assessment also warned against the use of whitening products containing more than 0.1 percent hydrogen peroxide.
“LED light teeth-whitening systems are gaining traction, including toothbrushes with built-in LED light technology. These systems use blue LED light combined with a natural whitening gel to break down stains without the harsh chemicals that can weaken enamel or cause sensitivity,” explains Felber, adding that LED light therapy is a powerful tool for healthier gums, too. “Red light therapy helps to reduce inflammation, promote tissue healing and stimulate collagen production in the gums, while blue light targets harmful bacteria that cause gum disease, all without disrupting the oral microbiome.”
A healthy oral microbiome plays a vital role in producing nitric oxide, a molecule essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, improving blood flow and supporting immune function. Felber underscores the importance of using natural dental-care products to support this delicate microbiome.
Manske notes, “Many commonly used mouthwashes can harm your oral microbiome, upsetting the balance of beneficial bacteria in your mouth. Essentially, what these mouthwashes do is wipe out the good bugs with the bad. This creates a state of dysbiosis, which can lead to oral health concerns later.”
Some toothpaste (including the toothpaste tube) and toothbrushes may contain ingredients that disrupt human hormones, such as triclosan (an antibacterial), parabens (a group of preservatives), phthalates (chemicals that make plastic flexible), sodium lauryl sulfate (chemicals that produce a foaming action) and artificial sweeteners. As a result, more companies are going green by producing toothpaste tablets that come in glass or paper packaging and bamboo toothbrushes. “These biodegradable toothbrushes reduce plastic waste and are a great option for anyone looking to make their oral care routine more sustainable,” says Felber.
Zak Logan is a freelance health writer dedicated to holistic living and getting back to basics.
Click Local
How Online Shopping Boosts Neighborhood Businesses
by Megy Karydes
When Chicago resident Debbie Carlson wants to buy a book, she goes online. Instead of Amazon, she places her orders through Bookshop.org because her local bookstore benefits from the purchase while she enjoys the extra convenience. Carlson is not alone, as consumers increasingly look for ways to bolster their neighborhood economy.
“I want to have a thriving retail and local community, and I want to support businesses here,” she says. “If I can’t get to the physical store, I want to be able to go to their website and see what they have.” Although she lives within walking distance of independent shops, food markets and hardware stores, as a full-time professional, she appreciates the convenience of online shopping. Once Carlson finds a store she likes, she’ll sign up to receive updates via email. When something catches her eye,
she has no problem picking up the phone and speaking with the proprietor to clarify any questions. “I know they’ll get back to me right away and give me the information I want,” she explains.
Building a Retail Community
“We have become friends with so many of our customers,” says Bonnie Schulz, owner of Bonnie’s Chic Boutique, in Grayslake, Illinois, which features apparel, accessories and home goods, and celebrated 10 years in business this fall. While an active customer base shops in person, she understands that it isn’t easy for everyone to regularly come in to see what’s new. To stay connected with her clientele, she greets them on Facebook Live every Wednesday, walking around the shop and pointing out the latest arrivals.
“Every single time I do a What’s New Wednesday, we have people calling to set
Companies like Locally.com are making it easier for customers to find items close by, even if they want to shop online. Their omnichannel business strategy provides a seamless shopping experience across all channels, including in-store, mobile and online.
aside an outfit or coming in to buy something,” Schulz says, noting that her customers are not always local to the area. Some of her regulars keep tuning in even though they have moved away. It’s easy for them to place an order on the phone or have a neighbor or family member pick it up to ship to them.
Schulz has spent years nurturing her relationship with her customers, and they trust her opinion as they would a friend’s. She has become a trusted personal shopper, and once she gets to know them, she can steer them in the right direction even if they’re not in the store.
High Tech Meets High Touch
Part of the reason online shopping has become so popular is it can be done with a click of a button, and there is hardly anything that cannot be found online. According to a Pew Research Center survey, whether ordering household items or the latest fashions, the internet has reshaped how, when and where we make purchases. Smartphones have made it so convenient that about one in three Americans shop online with their phone at least weekly.
Companies like Locally.com are making it easier for customers to find items close by, even if they want to shop online. Their omnichannel business strategy provides a seamless shopping experience across all channels, including in-store, mobile and online. If a shopper is looking for a local retailer to buy their next pair of running shoes, for example, they can input their location and the product on Locally’s website or app, which will identify which nearby retailers have that item in stock. The shopper
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can then choose to order it online or go to the store to make their purchase.
While Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok dominate online sales, 87 percent of brands report that their email marketing campaigns are just as critical to their business success, according to Litmus, an email marketing platform. It takes time for independent retailers to keep websites updated, and sending emails is time-consuming,
but independent retailers understand that shoppers appreciate the convenience of shopping online while supporting the local community. “You have only so much money to spend,” Carlson says. “I want to make sure that I’m spending it in a way that I think my dollar will have an impact, not just financially, but socially, as well.”
Megy Karydes is a Chicago-based writer and author of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress.
Practicing Sensory Skills at Home
How To Help Kids Explore the Senses
by Christina Connors
From birth, children are naturally curious, letting their senses lead the way as they discover the world around them. Through sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch, they learn to navigate their environment and recognize their place in it. Although the five senses are innate skills, kids need to practice, understand and integrate these sensations as they mature, so that they can anticipate the dangers, enjoy the thrills, develop their thinking and cope with new emotions.
Sensory skill-building teaches children how to explore their surroundings with confidence. Exercises and games that develop the senses can make the learning experience fun for kids, while also allowing parents and instructors to guide the process and marvel at their children’s discoveries.
Sight
Eye Spy: This game involves one player that chooses a secret object and provides a clue
so that the other players can guess what it is. The clue is introduced with the phrase, “I spy with my little eye.” Players take turns guessing until the object is identified. Through laughs and giggles, participating children are invited to notice individual items around the room or at the park, sparking curiosity and developing cognitive skills.
Color of the Week: Each week, the family agrees to look for items that are a certain
color. The game may inspire discussions about the different shades and tones of the chosen color, as well as how this hue makes them feel. It supports communication skills at home, which helps kids feel safe, seen and valued.
Smell
Scent Search: Using a diffuser with children is a great way to help them distinguish unique scents such as sweet, floral or spicy. The conversation can then expand to explore how different aromas make them feel, and to help children identify their likes and dislikes.
Grow a Garden: A family garden filled with flowers and herbs provides unique sensory experiences for children, including new scents, sights and textures. For those living in cities, potted flowers and herbs around the home will have a similar effect.
Taste
Fabulous Fruit: Encourage children to try different fruits. From tangy grapefruit to sweet-smelling strawberries or mushy bananas—there are so many flavors, aromas and textures to explore as kids learn to appreciate the present moment. This can also become a wonderful opportunity to talk about how a fruit develops from a tiny seed.
Dinnertime Delights: Have a pizza or pasta buffet where everyone gets to choose their topping. This encourages children to try new ingredients and talk about the different flavors they encounter.
Hearing
Walk and Listen: While strolling in nature or in town, stop every five minutes and ask everyone to listen quietly to the different sounds. After 30 seconds, start walking again and take turns describing in detail what each person heard and guessing what could have made the sound. Walking, especially in nature, soothes the nervous system and fosters deep family connections.
Bedtime Singalong: “I always tell my parents to sing to their kids at bedtime,” says Crae Akerson, a Connecticut-based occupational therapist specializing in sensory strategies. “It is one of the most powerful ways to use sound for deep connection and feelings of safety.”
Touch
Sensory Bins: “Fill different bins with kidney beans, split peas or rice. Hide little objects or toys in them and have your kids reach in the bins to find them,” recommends Akerson. Without removing the item from the bin, ask the child to describe the object with as many details as possible.
Testing Textiles: At bedtime, bring patches of different fabrics like cotton, wool, flannel, sheep skin, burlap or silk, and entice a child to touch and describe the feel of each textile. In addition to learning about the sense of touch, they may also pick up a few vocabulary words.
Interoception
According to Brad Chapin, a child psychologist, author and director of clinical services at Stormont-Vail Health, in Topeka, Kansas, there is a sixth sense. “Interoception is the ability to sense and interpret internal signals from the body such as heart rate, hunger and internal warning signs when feeling dysregulated,” he explains. “This is important, especially now, because there is so much noise and overstimulation in our world. It can be easy to lose our ability to tap into the internal world of ourselves, which is necessary in helping us regulate our emotions throughout the day.”
Labeling Body Cues: To help children make the connection between their bodies and their emotions, it is helpful for adults to model the relationship. For example, Chapin suggests saying to a child, “My face feels warm when the sun shines on it,” or “I can tell I am feeling nervous because I feel my heart beating faster, and I feel cold.” Encourage children to share their emotions and how their body feels at that time.
Exploring Facial Expressions: “While watching TV, ask your kids, ‘What do you think that character is feeling like right now? Sad? Happy?’” Chapin recommends. By learning how to see the emotional world inside others, kids begin to develop empathy.
Christina Connors is a writer, singer and creator of a YouTube series for children. Learn more at ChristinasCottage444.com.
Caring for Anxious Pets While We’re Away
How To Choose the Right Kennel or Pet Sitter
by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN
Aa kennel or with an unfamiliar pet sitter can cause feelings of insecurity and stress, which can negatively impact their mental health.
Their anxiety may manifest through destructive behaviors, excessive barking or meowing, or aggression. Changes in appetite, pacing and excessive grooming are also common indicators of tension. Pets that are particularly attached to their owners may experience heightened levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their absence, making them more susceptible to anxiety in new environments.
Repeated exposure to stressful separations can result in chronic anxiety, which may damage the bond between pets and their owners, creating lasting behavioral issues that make it difficult for pets to reconnect when their owners return.
Priorities for Anxious Pets
ll pets, including cats and dogs, can feel distress when their routine or environment changes. Long-term stress can weaken their immune system, leading to behavioral problems or illness. It is essential to find ways to reduce anxiety when leaving a pet with a kennel or sitter.
Stress During Owner Absence
A report by the animal health company Zoetis, the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute shows that the bond between pets and their owners provides both physical and mental benefits. When this bond is interrupted, even temporarily, pets may become anxious. Staying in Kerkez from Getty Images/CanvaPro
Beth Hrnciar, a holistic pet health coach and trainer in Connecticut, emphasizes the importance of considering a pet’s anxiety level when setting care priorities. For pets with mild anxiety, she recommends ensuring the pet sitter is able to provide over-the-counter anxiety relief supplements. “It is also crucial that the kennel or sitter knows how to use calming products, such as a Thundershirt or a calming collar,” Hrnciar advises. For more severe anxiety, she recommends trial runs to help the pet acclimate and become familiar with the staff.
Hrnciar also recommends choosing facilities that offer a safe space for pets that are anxious about fireworks or storms, opting for kennels or sitters with secure enclosures and amenities like white noise machines or calming soundtracks.
Experience, Cleanliness and Routine
“Anxious pets need experienced caregivers,” Hrnciar asserts. “While some anxiety is normal and may decrease as a pet adjusts to a new environment or routine, it is crucial to have someone who can provide a quiet space for them to relax.” Someone without the right experience may not fully understand how frightened an animal is and how they might injure themselves while trying to escape from a stressful situation.
Cleanliness is critical, Hrnciar notes, particularly for pets that self-soothe by chewing. A clean environment prevents infections from unsanitary conditions.
“Dogs thrive on structure,” she says. “Regular feeding and walking schedules help reduce stress in nervous dogs.” Caregivers should maintain the routine established during trial visits, allowing pets to feel more secure by knowing what to expect.
“Cats are creatures of habit,” Hrnciar explains. It is important to keep anxious cats in familiar environments—maintaining their regular routine is key. Pet sitters should avoid introducing new scents or sounds, and, if possible, visit beforehand to build trust with the pet.
Questions for Potential Pet Sitters
“Knowing who will be handling your pet and their qualifications is essential for ensuring the pet’s safety and comfort,” says Hrnciar. To find the right sitter for an anxious pet, ask about their experience with similar animals. For pets that are wary of strangers, it is important to ensure the sitter understands how to give them space to adjust. Ask kennels about group play, temperament testing, dietary accommodations and emergency protocols.
Holistic Strategies
“Socialization should be tailored to each
HERBAL HOLIDAY GIFTS
pet. Introduce anxious animals to new settings at their own pace,” Hrnciar advises. For pets that are accustomed to being around other animals, group play can offer comfort and help ease their nerves.
Hrnciar highlights the benefits of calming scents, such as essential oils and pheromone sprays, for reducing stress. Pairing these with calming music or therapeutic tools like pulsed electromagnetic field pads or light therapy can create a soothing environment for anxious pets.
For severe anxiety, Hrnciar recommends
natural remedies over pharmaceuticals. “Properly sourced CBD [cannabidiol], calming mushrooms and essential oils can offer significant relief with minimal side effects,” she advises. She also encourages exploring zoopharmacognosy—a method where animals self-select herbs, flowers and other natural remedies to restore balance to their systems. This approach allows pets to tap into their natural instincts, potentially finding relief in a more intuitive way.
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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Calendar of Events
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3
Flower Essence Guided Meditation with Sound — 9:30-11am. Experience transformative guided meditation inspired by vibrational flower essences and harmonizing crystal sound bowls. $55. Herbs & Owls, 725 N. Highway A1A, D-103, Jupiter. 561-7689005. HerbsAndOwls.com/classes.
Falling Awake with Yoga Nidra — 6-7pm, $40. One hour class = 3 hours of sleep. Be prompt. Limitless Potentials, 351 S US Hwy One, Ste 100, Jupiter. Register online for in-person or Zoom class: LimitlessPotentials.com/yogafun-calendar
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4
Free Demystifying Herbalism — 11amnoon. Discover what herbal medicine is, and make this ancient practice accessible and easy to understand. Free. Herbs & Owls, 725 N. Highway A1A, D-103, Jupiter. 561-768-9005. HerbsAndOwls.com/classes
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12
Falling Awake with Yoga Nidra — 6-7pm, $40. One hour class = 3 hours of sleep. Be prompt. Limitless Potentials, 351 S US Hwy One, Ste 100, Jupiter. Register online for in-person or Zoom class: LimitlessPotentials.com/yogafun-calendar.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
Free Intro to Herbal Medicine — noon1pm. Selecting medicinal herbs and how vibrational flower essences and earth-based practices fit into a holistic health model. Herbs & Owls, 725 N. Highway A1A, D-103, Jupiter. 561-768-9005. HerbsAndOwls.com/classes.
Upcoming Events
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2025
StaarCon 5 — 9am–9pm, first of threeday tarot, divination, and metaphysics conference. 40 presentations daily with creators from around the world. Marketplace and psychic fair open to the public. Purchase tickets through: StaarCon.com, or 561-655-1160.
Rolling Into 2025; Burn Away 2024 — Fri: 6-8:30pm and Sat: 9am-12noon. Yoga Nidra, set intentions, and create a vision board. Event includes roller, refreshments, and preparations. $100 registration deposit required to hold spot. Call 561-799-6789.
NOTE: Visit NAPalmBeach.com/calendar to Add Your Event by the 10th of the month for print; certain restrictions apply. Email NaturalAwakeningsFLA@gmail. com for details on using Natural Awakenings to promote events online and in print!
FRIDAY, MARCH 8
Holistic Holiday At Sea — March 8-15. Luxurious and nourishing vegan cruise! Sail through the Caribbean while learning from physicians, health experts and plantbased chefs. Book by Nov 15 and Save $100 per person. HolisticHolidayAtSea.com
Room For Rent
Room Available for Rent – in a beautiful healing center in Delray Beach. Call 561-498-1414.
Room Available for Rent – in beautiful historic home in WPB. Looking for conscientious person. 323-640-9710.
Ways to Advertise...
Place your ad here – Natural Awakenings Magazine gets real results. Reach our readers (for the print issue and the online digital issue). Call 561-626-5584 for more information or order online: NAPalmBeach.com/ pages/classified
Use our Online Form
Ongoing Events
Today
Highlight Your Ongoing Event Here! — Our readers attend published health and wellness events. Order using our online system at NAPalmBeach.com. Due date for ordering is the 10th of the month for the following month’s publication.
Monday
Gentle Yoga at Arcana Yoga — & Fridays 10:30am, $25. Gentle Yoga is unhurried and mindful, allowing students to move slowly and deliberately while focusing on proper alignment and breath awareness. 561-7878036. Register at ArcanaYogaStudio.com/ schedule/
Friday
Holistic Health Expert Consultation — Noon-5pm. 1st Friday, Explore insights for health and spiritual well-being. Experience mind, body, spirit healing. Enhance your life with nutritional support and spiritual guidance. Michelle Cohen, Foundation for Divine Love, 505-501-0501.
Saturday
Create Powerful Crystal Grids — 9-11am. $40 deposit for Crystal Grid materials. Manifest your intentions. Selection/arrangement of crystals guided by Rena Joy. Soothe Your Soul, 827 Donald Ross Rd, Juno Beach. Limited registrations 561-650-2226. facebook.com/sootheyoursouljunobeach.
Easy ordering online – NAPalmBeach. com/pages/classified. Due date — 10th of the month for the following month’s issue.
Acupuncture
GARDENS WHOLISTIC HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Bill Rice, DC, LAc, DCBCN 4360 Northlake Blvd., 2nd Floor Palm Beach Gardens, 33410 561-439-6644
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Experience Feeling Great!
Dr. Rice – a wholistic physician serving patients since 1977 using Acupuncture, Kinesiology, Gentle Chiropractic care and Nutritional Counseling. We Listen • We Care • We Get Results.
Alternative Medicine
THE HEALING CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
16244 S. Military Trail, Suite 120 Delray Beach FL 33484 561-498-1414
DoctorEsther49@gmail.com Elishea.com
Dr. Esther Elisha, AP is a Hadassah Medical School graduate MD practicing alternative medicine.
• Acupuncture • Homeopathy • Holistic Therapy • Tailored Wellness Programs • Pain Management • General Health Enhancement
We accept all major insurance companies. Call to see if yours covers acupuncture!
Art
CHERIE BENDER, FINE & COMMISSIONED ART STUDIO
561-789-1648
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Bring joy to your office and home through positive and inspirational art.
Please call to make your vision a reality and speak with artist Cherie.
Ayurvedic Practitioner
AYURVEDA SARAH
954-829-8910, Delray Beach
AyurvedaSarah@gmail.com
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Schedule a free call with Sarah to learn how her Ayurvedic approach addresses digestive issues, autoimmune conditions, and more through tailored nutrition, herbs, and lifestyle guidance.
Beauty & Health
ONENESS PERFUME
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Breathwork
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Chiropractic Physician
INNER HEALTH CHIROPRACTIC, LLC
Dr. Kristina Jensen, DC, Reiki Master 1000 Linton Blvd., Suite A7 Delray Beach, FL 33444
561-272-0388
InnerHealthChiropractic@hotmail.com IHCChiro.com
Serving South Palm Beach County since 1992.
We are committed to providing our patients with healthcare that is effective and affordable in a friendly and family oriented environment.
Chronic Pain
HOLISTIC WELL-BEING 1200 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton 561-922-7070
Holistic approach targets the root of your problem. Relieve Pain — Restore Mobility — Promote Healing.
Compression Socks
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All-day wear, breathable compression socks made of durable fabric, mesh design, seamless woven construction. Leg protection and support. Promotes blood circulation and muscle recovery. See ad page 21.
Conscious Tree Trimming
WOODY’S CREW TREE AND LANDSCAPE
561-325-8917
WoodysTreeCrew@gmail.com
Experienced, Licensed and Insured. ISA Certified Arborist Techniques Used. Trees Big or Small We Do Them All!
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Community Resource Guide
Craniosacral Therapy
EILEEN YOCHEVED HANDE, BS, MA, LMT
Back in Balance
7025 Beracasa Way, Ste 202C Boca Raton, FL 33433
561-715-6185
BodyMassageAndBeyond.com
Upledger Certified CranioSacral Therapy for All Ages and Alternative Pain Management/Advanced Manual Therapies.
I have developed innovative approaches to Pain Relief through the integration of these Advanced Healing Therapies for the treatment of: Trauma/Anxiety, Stress, Migraines, TMJ, Car Accident Injuries, Sciatica, Neck/ Back Pain, etc. Since 1993. MA14975, MM10999
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Dental Health
GO NATURAL DENTISTRY
Yolanda Cintron, DMD
2021 E Commercial Blvd., Ste. 208 Fort Lauderdale FL 33308
855-381-6001
954-945-7355 (new patients) GoNaturalDentistry.com
All phases of dentistry for optimum health, holistic, bio-compatible dentistry.
• Sedation dentistry • Removing of toxic metals • Replacing them with biocompatible materials • Laser dentistry for painless surgeries & extractions • Zirconia/ceramic implants • Natural bone augmentation / Plasma Rich Growth Factor • Oral DNA Testing • Add gums to receding gums.
Experience the benefits of Crystal Light Reiki Therapy. Unlock inner peace with the Ultimate Mind, Body, and Soul treatment.
Virtual and in-office Sessions are available.
Functional Medicine
MERNA MATILSKY, M.D., FAARM, AND ABAARM
Boca Center for Healthy Living 2900 N. Military Trail, Suite 245 Boca Raton, FL 33431
561-994-2007
BocaMed.com Facebook.com/bocaimaginewellness
Services Provided by Dr. Matilsky include Integrative Medicine, Age Management Medicine, BioIdentical Hormone Therapy, Healthy Lifestyle Management, and Weight Loss Programs.
Herbal Medicine
HERBS & OWLS
Gina Kearney, RH (AHG), Clinical Herbalist
725 N Hwy A1A, D-10, Jupiter, 33477
561-768-9005
HerbsAndOwls.com
Offering Private Herbal Consults, Flower Essence Therapy and Herbal & Shamanism classes. Visit our Herb Shop with 200+ herbs, barks, flowers and roots plus, tinctures, oils, crystals and more! See ad page 25.
Holistic Hair Salon
GLISTEN ORGANIC SALON
14545 S. Military Trail
Phenix Salon Suites, Suite 102 Delray Beach, FL 33484
561-767-0371
GlistenOrganic@gmail.com
GlistenSalon.com
“Where nature and beauty meet.” A hidden jewel in the heart of Central Delray. Come and relax in the serene, private environment while receiving the finest in organic and conventional services and products. Let our experience and professionalism guide you to Delray’s First and Best Organic Salon. Celebrating 13 years! See ad page 20
Hair services & products with a truly holistic approach like scalp-hair detox, and jet rejuvenation. Hair coloring with Henna or eco-friendly dyes, and formaldehydefree keratine. The world will ask you who you are. If you don’t know, the world will tell you.
Holistic Veterinarian
HEALING HEART
Nancy A. Keller, DVM, CVH, CVA, CVC
222 W. Boynton Beach Blvd. Boynton Beach, FL 33435
561-740-1313
561-740-0819, fax
Integration of Ancient Wisdom and Modern Medicine. Holistic Veterinary Care for our animal friends. See ads on page 6 and 19. By appointment only.
Homeopathy
HOMEOPATHY CURE
Dr. Iqbal Nazir, M.S.D.Pharm, D.H.S. Licensed Lab Medicine Practitioner 954-226-3652
HomeopathTreatment.com
Natural Cure in Homeopathy of most diseases and symptoms. No side effects. Call Doctor Iqbal Nazir, Functional Homeopathic Specialist for an appointment today.
Integrative Medicine
DEBORAH A. DEMARTA, MD, FACS, FAARFM
Institute of Health & Wellness 218 SW Atlanta Ave, Stuart, 34994 772-539-9556
InstituteHealthWellness.com
Anti-Aging, Functional and Regenerative Medicine. Colorectal Surgery and Functional GI, hormone replacement, food allergy and nutritional testing, IV vitamin therapy, heavy metals testing, medical aesthetics, THERMIva vaginal rejuvenation, ThermiSmooth skin tightening, HALO skin resurfacing, BBL BroadBand Light skin therapy, laser hair removal, botox and fillers, skin care, weight loss. See ad page 21.
Intuitive Consultant
DR. DEBORAH ARMENTI
561-285-1479, Fort Lauderdale
AMysticalAge@yahoo.com
AMysticalAge.com
Clairvoyant/Psychic/Medium/ Medical Astrologer
Guidance that helps you with when, what, and why of past and present experiences. Be empowered to a higher level of mind. Expertise includes guidance on paving the way for a more fulfilling future, in relationships, family, finance, spiritual/ health, path fulfillment and life purpose.
Massage
PREMIER MEDICAL MASSAGE
Michell Robinson
1025 N L St, Lake Worth Beach, 33469 561-900-6743
MarPerkins561@gmail.com
PremierMedicalMassage.com
Expert medical massage therapist specializing in pain relief and improved mobility. Helping those who’ve struggled to find effective solutions reclaim comfort and freedom of movement.
Mental Health
LIMITLESS POTENTIALS
Dr. Kathryn Shafer
351 S US Hwy 1, Ste 100 Jupiter FL 33477
561-799-6789
LimitlessPotentials.com
Transform your life through holistic mental health counseling. Experience powerful mind-body therapies including Brainspotting, CBT, EMDR, and Yoga Nidra. Whether in Jupiter or via Zoom, find support to overcome challenges and unlock your limitless potential. Individual, couples, and group sessions available. Begin your healing journey today. See ad page 13.
Psychic
TARA KARRON
561-444-8102, West Palm Beach
TaraKarron@live.com
TaraKarron.com
Tara channels Archangel Michael and your spirit guides to offer clarity and closure using third eye visions and cards.
Video chat or in-person sessions available.
Spiritual Life Coach
ORACLE OASIS
561-316-9535
Info@OracleOasis.com OracleOasis.com
Unlock clarity and perspective through mystical guidance. Our intuitive readings using Tarot, Oracle cards, and pendulum dowsing equip your inner-knowing and empower your decisions.
Supplements
THE HERBAN SHAMAN
561-254-8692
Contact@TheHerbanShaman.com TheHerbanShaman.com
Retail and wholesale supplements.
Certified Organic, All Natural Ingredients. Offering you the cleanest products fueled with extraordinary benefits to target your health needs. See ad page 17.
Monitor your body for inflammatory changes and get to the root cause. Clinical Thermography offers NonInvasive Full Body & Breast Imaging for Men & Women.
Want better health? Try going raw vegan! Amy’s 3-step transformational course will improve your life, with support and inspiration every step of the way.
Wellness
TRANSITIONS WELLNESS & PERFORMANCE CENTER 14141 US Hwy 1, Juno Beach 33408 561-402-6132
Info@StayCalmAndFloat.com StayCalmAndFloat.com
Relax • Recover • Restore Yourself with our Amazing services such as: Infrared Sauna • Cold Plunge • Hyperbaric Chamber • Red Light Therapy Bed • Salt (Halotherapy) Chamber • Sensory Deprivation (Float) Room • Vibroacoustic Bed. You’ll be glad you did!
Yoga
EVOLVE YOGA & WELLNESS
Neil Berger 1009 N. Dixie Hwy West Palm Beach, Fl 33461 561-890-5880
Info@EvolveYogaWPB.com
Discover a soothing oasis for mind and body. Experience rejuvenating yoga classes, invigorating cold plunges, and relaxing infrared saunas. Nourish yourself with healthy foods in our tranquil studio.
The miracle is this: the more we share, the more we have. ~ Leonard Nimoy
