Natural Awakenings Lancaster/Berks October 2025

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Creativity Therapy • How Mindset Shapes Health Strong at Any Age• Rewiring the Stress Response

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of Avocado Mattresses in Lancaster County

SELLING Avocado Toppers & Kid Mattresses!

Sleep Healthy, Sleep Organic

Gardner’s Mattress & More is proud to carry certified organic mattresses and bedding accessories from Avocado Mattress to provide customers with healthier, eco-friendly sleep options. Avocado products are made from natural and organic materials like GOLS-certified latex, GOTS-certified organic cotton and wool, ensuring a sustainable, non-toxic sleep environment. Gardner’s matches all pricing and offers from Avocado, so customers get the best value locally as well as the 5-star service Gardner’s has worked hard to achieve over the past 35 years. Their commitment to quality and wellness aligns with Avocado’s mission to create responsibly made, comfortable products.

With Avocado Mattress Purchase

We honor all pricing and offers on the Avocado website. Expires 10/31/25.

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The intelligence that resides deep inside us is a limitless wonder, guiding our experiences while setting the timeline and pace for our greatest transformations. A dimension of this ingenuity is mapped out by the vast neural networks that continuously shape miracles of mind and matter, as well as the greatest possibilities of our lives.

This month’s issue offers intentional approaches for living into a more harmonious existence by caring for our magnificent nervous system and understanding its widespread influence. It serves as our primary interface with the world—an intricate coordination that provides countless avenues for communication, growth, expression and healing.

We breathe, we perceive, we pivot and balance. A host of synapses display the connective integrity between neurons, fibers and impulses, illuminating how they contribute to our wholeness. It is a system that introduces us to the depths of the psyche, asks questions of consciousness and what it means to be human and illuminates the mysteries of embodiment. A careful exploration of its scope can help us grow our edges wisely, stretch those parts that are ready and protect those that need to rest.

To live fully is to embody adaptability, and with certain care and maintenance our muscles, spine, cognition and perception all reflect this flow. Functional neurology and brain plasticity, along with diets for cognitive and overall brain health are a few of the focal points that contributors share as contexts for optimizing this amazing collaboration.

Environment, attitude and nourishment all set the stage for a regulated and resilient life; awareness allows this intricate coordination to evolve and flourish. Moving forward as one, we celebrate the beautiful potential our bodies, minds and spirits hold.

Executive Editors

LANCASTER/BERKS EDITION

Co-Publishers/ Kendra Campbell

Executive Editors Jacqueline Mast

Editor Sara Gurgen

Contributing Writer Trella Dubetz

Proofreader Randy Kambic

Design & Production Steffi K. Kern

Sales & Marketing Kendra Campbell

Social Media/Website Carolyn Coogan

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© 2025 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.

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Coming in November & December

Experience Fall Wellness With Embodied Wisdom Institute

This month, Lancaster’s Embodied Wisdom Institute LLC offers two special events: Qigong & Sound Immersion: Flowing Through the Senses from noon to 2 p.m. on October 11 and Introduction to Breathwork with guest practitioner Eric Schott from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on October 24.

Founder Vanessa Simmons, a certified therapeutic sound practitioner, also leads private and group sessions in sound therapy, including twice-monthly evening sound journeys designed to encourage relaxation, nervous system regulation and embodied presence.

In addition, the institute offers mat Pilates, yoga, qigong, reiki and integrative massage therapy with afternoon and evening availability on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Small group classes provide participants with a safe and nurturing environment to explore mindful movement and restorative practices.

Embodied Wisdom fosters holistic wellness, honoring diversity while cultivating a supportive community.

Location: 845 Silver Spring Plaza, Ste. B, Lancaster. For more information, call 717-219-7163 or visit EmbodiedWisdomInstitute.com. See ads, pages 24 and 58.

2025 HOLIDAY GIVING GUIDE

Unique and meaningful gifts that will be appreciated by everyone on your list!

Toparticipate,contact: 717-399-3187 Publisher@NALancaster.com

Embrace Autumn Balance at EveryBody Yoga & Wellness

EveryBody Yoga & Wellness, in Downingtown, is inviting the community to embrace the season with new offerings designed to restore balance, boost immunity and ease stress during autumn’s transition. Starting October 1, seasonal yoga classes, Ayurvedic therapies and holistic treatments will be highlighted to help support the body and mind.

According to Ayurveda, fall is vata season—dominated by air and space elements—which can leave people feeling scattered, restless, dry or depleted. Grounding yoga practices, warm nourishing therapies and Ayurvedic detox programs are recommended to counter these imbalances. To encourage wellness this season, EveryBody Yoga & Wellness is offering 15 percent off all Ayurveda detox programs throughout October (regularly $200 or more, now starting at $170).

The studio also provides classes for all levels, holistic treatments and customized skin care, with a special welcome for new students to enjoy their first yoga class free this fall.

Location: 1245 Horseshoe Pike, Downingtown. For more information, call 484-593-4075, email Tabathe@EveryBodyYogaAndWellness.com or visit EveryBodyYogaAndWellness.com. See ads, pages 27 and 50.

Fontana Candle Company Earns Spot on Inc. 5000 List

Fontana Candle Company, a Lancasterbased maker of clean, ingredient-transparent candles, has earned national recognition with its debut on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies. Ranked no. 1,138 overall, the company also placed 39th among the nation’s fastest-growing manufacturers, with a three-year revenue growth of 366 percent. The annual ranking was published on August 12.

Founded with a mission to provide health-conscious alternatives to conventional candles free of synthetic fragrances, Fontana has grown rapidly since 2020. Operating from its 6,500-square-foot facility on Olde Homestead Lane, the company employs 15 team members that handcraft each product in house. In just five years, Fontana has shipped more than 100,000 orders nationwide.

The recognition underscores both the company’s success and the growing consumer demand for safer, wellness-focused products. “This achievement shows that consumers who care about health and wellness are being heard,” says co-founder Katie Roering.

For more information, email Customer@ FontanaCandleCompany.com or visit Fontana CandleCompany.com. See ad, page 42.

Find More Room to Heal at Functional Therapy & Wellness

Functional Therapy & Wellness (FTW), in Gordonville, is expanding this month with the addition of more treatment rooms to meet growing demand for its integrative approach to healing.

Known for blending myofascial release, pelvic floor therapy, nervous system regulation and hormone optimization consulting, FTW has become a sanctuary where clients feel supported, empowered and at home in their bodies. Patients often describe the office as restorative and relational— more like a healing retreat than a clinic.

“Our belief is that bodies are temples for the soul,” says co-owner Justin Randsdorp. “When we help the body heal, we restore identity, God-given purpose and the fullness of life.”

The expansion allows the FTW team to offer greater availability while continuing to provide its unique “therapy-meets-spa” experience. Whether clients are navigating fertility challenges, chronic pain, hormonal imbalance or seeking a deeper connection with their health, the practice remains committed to care that addresses the whole person.

Location: 3413 Harvest Dr., Ste. 1, Gordonville. For more information, call 717-929-0950 or visit FunctionalTherapyAndWellness.com. See ads, pages 39 and 53.

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Celebrate the Opening of Holding Space Yoga in Lancaster

Holding Space Yoga, founded by local yoga teacher Sarah Shelton, will mark its debut at Urban Well Yoga Studio—inside St. James Episcopal Church, in downtown Lancaster— featuring a free class promotion in October. New students receive two complimentary classes, and those ready to dive deeper can take advantage of a 30-Day Unlimited Intro Package.

Classes include Awaken & Align on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and gentle Chair Yoga on Wednesdays. Holding Space Yoga was created as a safe, grounding environment where students of all levels can pause, breathe and reconnect. Each class emphasizes mindful movement, strength, balance and modifications so participants can move at their own pace.

Cost: $45 for intro package; drop-in classes are $12, with class packages available. Location: 119 N. Duke St., Lancaster. For more information, email Info@HoldingSpaceYoga.com or visit HoldingSpaceYoga.com. See ad, page 58.

Restore Your Body and Mind With CranioSacral Therapy

Dr. Super’s House of Health, in West Lawn, now offers CranioSacral Therapy (CST) during massage sessions with therapists Bre and Ann. This gentle, hands-on technique is intended to support relaxation and overall wellness by working with the body’s natural rhythms, including the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.

Clients often report that CST helps reduce stress, promotes relaxation and improves sleep. Many also say it provides relief from chronic headaches, migraines, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, neck and back pain, fibromyalgia and other long-term conditions. Its subtle touch makes CST suitable for sensitive patients—including infants, pregnant women and older adults—and may be especially supportive for those recovering from injuries, surgery or trauma.

Cost: $90 for 60 minutes, $130 for 90 minutes. Location: 2209 Quarry Dr., Ste. B21, West Lawn. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 610-601-9011 or visit DrSupersHouseOfHealth.com. See ad, page 50.

Fulfilling The Unspoken Promise

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest decisions a family can make. Dr. Mark and Stacey Huber are dedicated to providing compassionate support for you and your pet through this difficult time, ensuring comfort and care every step of the way.

Explore Wellness and Gems at the Inner Peace Expo

The Inner Peace Holistic Wellness & Gem Expo will return to Hamburg Field House on November 1 and 2 for its 23rd year of bringing together healing, inspiration and community. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Founder Nancy Hartman shares, “We’re excited to return to our roots in Hamburg and to expand the show to include a wide variety of healing modalities, such as hypnosis, massage, reiki and ionic foot detox. Guests will also find mediums, medical intuitives, gemstones, jewelry and handcrafted goods. Free lectures on holistic topics will be offered throughout the weekend to educate and inspire.”

Attendees can also enjoy daily giveaways, and the first 150 guests each day will receive complimentary swag bags.

Cost: $10 for the entire weekend, with free entry for veterans and children 12 and under. Location: 123-127 S. 4th St., Hamburg, PA. For more information, visit InnerPeaceHolisticExpo.com or follow the expo on Facebook (@iphexpo) and Instagram (@innerpeace holisticexpo). See ad, page 33.

October 14-18 at Lancaster Mennonite School

Embark on a 5-day journey of healing with Naturopath Barbara O’Neill, a worldrenowned teacher who combines foundational knowledge about the body’s systems and a deep affinity for the wonders of nature to advance the way we think about health.

For more info and to purchase tickets, scan the QR code!

www.twinvalleyhealthandwellness.com/ self-heal-with-barbara-oneill-2025

Shop Blue Door Merc & Perc online and in-person during the event for O’Neill-endorsed books, tools and natural remedies!

www.TwinValleyHealthAndWellness.com/shopbluedoor

Understand Mood, Sleep and Energy With Neurotransmitter Testing

Lancaster’s Dr. Ann Lee of Health For Life Clinic is now offering a new urine test to evaluate levels of key brain neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, histamine, glycine, glutamate and more.

This new option is especially relevant for individuals experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, mood fluctuations, cravings, pain or signs of microbiome imbalance. The goal is to provide deeper insight into brain-body chemistry in order to support targeted wellness strategies.

The test can be completed at home with a urine-testing kit, with results helping guide potential interventions in lifestyle, nutritional support or clinical therapies.

Cost for test: $191.50. Location: 112 N. Cornell Ave., Lancaster. For more information or to schedule an appointment, text 717-669-1050 or email Lee@DoctorNaturalMedicine.com. Or visit DoctorNaturalMedicine.com. See ad, page 56.

educate, encourage, support, and advise our clients to achieve health and wellness holistically!

Tara Wages

Transform Your Life with Holistic Support

Life transitions, emotional exhaustion and a longing for deeper meaning can leave many feeling adrift. Certified Master Life and Wellness Coach Tara Wages, founder of TSW Life Coach and Consultant LLC, offers compassionate, holistic support to help clients navigate these challenges and uncover lasting transformation.

With a unique blend of therapeutic training and energy healing, Wages creates a safe and personalized path toward clarity, confidence and well-being. Her integrative approach draws on her experience as a life coach, experiential therapist and certified reiki practitioner, supporting growth at every level—mind, body and spirit.

“Transformation isn’t one-size-fits-all,” says Wages. “My goal is to meet clients where they are and walk alongside them as they grow, evolve and thrive.” By blending practical tools with intuitive guidance, she helps clients break through inner obstacles and reconnect with what truly matters.

Wages is accepting new clients for individual, couples and reiki sessions.

Cost: Individual sessions $120; couples sessions $175; reiki sessions $75. Location: 313 W. Liberty St., Ste. 226A, Lancaster. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 717-808-4575, email TaraWagesLife Coach@gmail.com or visit TSWLifeCoach.com. See ad, page 51.

Treat Your Pets to Holiday Cheer at Basset & Lab

This Thanksgiving and holiday season, Lancaster-based Basset & Lab is serving up festive cheer for furry friends with fresh-baked, holiday-themed meals and cookies for dogs. From hearty dinners to handdecorated treats, each creation is nutritious and delicious, making them a perfect way to include pups in holiday celebrations. The shop also features curated holiday gift buckets filled with treats, toys and other goodies to delight pets and their families.

Beyond seasonal favorites, Basset & Lab offers a wide selection of premium pet essentials, including kibble, canned food, fresh toppers, and raw or gently cooked fresh and frozen foods for dogs and cats. Shoppers will also find supplements, breed-specific toys, leashes, collars, antlers, dried treats and popular bakery cakes—an extra-special touch for any celebration.

Basset & Lab provides delivery throughout Lancaster County, with free delivery on orders of more than $75, making it easier than ever to treat pets to something special this holiday season.

Location: 1352 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster. For more information, call 717-288-1200, email Info@BassetAndLab.com or visit Basset AndLab.com. See ad, page 14.

Experience Renewal With

Ashi-Thai at Circle of Life

Jenny Smith

Ephrata’s Circle of Life Massage & Wellness Center now offers AshiThai, a distinctive blend of ashiatsu and Thai massage techniques. Licensed massage therapist Jenny Smith provides this innovative modality. It combines the deep pressure of ashiatsu—applied with the therapist’s feet using overhead bars for balance—with the assisted stretching of traditional Thai massage. The result is a restorative session that releases tension, enhances flexibility, improves mobility and supports overall body alignment.

Ashi-Thai’s approach uses the therapist’s body weight to create a broader, more even distribution of pressure, easing muscle knots without the discomfort that can sometimes accompany deeper manual work. The client is fully clothed. It is ideal for those recovering from intense physical activity, managing chronic tension or seeking to expand their range of motion.

For a limited time, first-time clients can receive $10 off their first Ashi-Thai session by mentioning Natural Awakenings.

Cost: $115-$140. Location: 918 N. Reading Rd., Ephrata. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 717-335-2338, email Help@CircleOfLifeWellness.com or visit CircleOfLifeWellness.com. See ads, pages 9, 50 and 54.

Join the Celebration of Wellness at MiddleWay

Co-founders Mary Ellen Francescani and Jane Snyder

This month, MiddleWay Wellness celebrates its first anniversary of bringing heart-centered health care to the community. Founded with the vision of combining the accessibility of direct primary care with the thoughtful approach of integrative and functional medicine, the Lancasterbased practice has spent the past year walking alongside patients—listening, supporting and celebrating their steps toward better health.

To mark the occasion, MiddleWay is waiving the enrollment fee for new members that sign up between October 13 and 19. As part of the celebration, an Anniversary Open House is scheduled for 5:30 to 7 p.m. on October 15, where guests can meet the team, tour the facility and learn about the practice’s unique approach to primary care.

“We are grateful for the warm support of our community and look forward to many more years of connection, health and healing,” says co-founder and integrative medicine nurse practitioner Jane Snyder.

Location: 101 Good Dr., Lancaster. For more information, call 717744-0532 or visit MiddleWayWellness.net. See ads, pages 31 and 54.

Discover Wellness for Any Age

TARGETED MASSAGE

Relieve tension right where you need it most. Focused on the neck, shoulders, or upper back, this massage helps ease stiffness, release stress, and restore comfort with precise, therapeutic care. $39 for 30 minutes

MICRO DERMA FACIAL

A highly effective treatment designed to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, refine large pores, soften rough textures, and diminish age spots and scars. By gently removing dead cells and damaged skin, regular treatments reveal a fresh, radiant complexion. Now just $115 (reg. $135)

COUPLES RETREAT MASSAGE

Indulge in a deeply relaxing aromatherapy massage with soothing hot towels, enjoyed side by side in our luxurious couple’s suite. Complete your experience with a glass of champagne and decadent sweets for the perfect escape together. $225

1352 Harrisburg Pike · Lancaster (next to Brimmer’s) BassetAndLab.com · 717-288-1200

Celebrate Local Food This Fall at

Good Food Fest

Good Food Fest (GFF), Southeastern Pennsylvania’s popular celebration of local food and agriculture, returns this fall to the Kimberton Fairgrounds, in Chester County. Hosted by Growing Roots Partners, the community event takes place rain or shine from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 2, with VIP early entry at 10 a.m.

Guests are invited to come for the cause and stay for the full marketplace experience, featuring more than 100 local growers, producers and makers. The day will include culinary demonstrations; the popular Pouring Room with local beer, cider and wine; food trucks; kids’ activities; live farm animals; and live music from the Frog Holler Band.

“We’re passionate about local food and supporting our growers and makers. GFF is a way to celebrate, support and build awareness around the importance of local agriculture,” shares Christy Campli, owner of Growing Roots Partners.

Kimberton Whole Foods, the lead sponsor, is proud to continue its support. “This event is an opportunity to educate the community on the wide range of products available in our region while also helping families learn where their food comes from,” says Terry Brett, founder and CEO.

Cost: Presale pricing is $5 until October 2. General admission is $10, with kids under 12 free. VIP tickets ($25) include early entry and exclusive vendor perks, while the Local Lover Pass ($50) adds a custom tote plus contributions to the festival and Chester County Food Bank. Location: 762 Pike Springs Rd., Phoenixville. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit GoodFarmsGoodFood.com. Follow GFF on Facebook and Instagram for updates. See ad, page 7.

Curcumin’s Potential To Revolutionize Cataract Care

Cataracts, a leading cause of blindness, occur when the eye’s clear lens becomes cloudy due to free radical damage. Curcumin, the main compound in turmeric, is a natural antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals and reduce their harm. A systematic review published in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine evaluated whether curcumin could prevent or treat cataracts.

The researchers analyzed 17 animal and/or lab-grown cell studies, demonstrating that curcumin prevented or slowed cataract formation by reducing damage to fats in cells and boosting antioxidant enzymes that protect the eye.

Despite these findings, the researchers noted that human clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits before curcumin can be recommended as a treatment. Additionally, improving curcumin’s absorption, or bioavailability, is crucial to make it effective as medicine.

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Infant Health

A study in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology highlights the powerful role breastfeeding plays in building a healthy gut microbiome in infants. Although infants cannot digest human milk oligosaccharides, these components nourish beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium infantis, a species that reduces inflammation and supports immune development.

Breast milk also contains secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), an antibody that blocks harmful bacteria and viruses from attaching to the gut lining, and reduces inflammation in infants. Higher SIgA intake in infancy leads to healthier immune patterns and may provide better protection against allergies and infections. Breast milk also includes living bacteria and other bioactive molecules that contribute to the early seeding of the gut, helping to set the stage for the infant’s future microbiome.

utilized by the body.

The Changing Course of Whale Migration

Great whales such as the humpback capture 33 tons of carbon annually each, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Their nutrientrich waste supports other ocean species, making their protection essential for biodiversity and the planet.

McGill University, in Quebec, Canada, conducted research on humpback whales, published in Scientific Reports, noting that rising ocean temperatures are disrupting their migration patterns. After analyzing eight years of satellite tracking data of 42 humpback whales in the southeastern Pacific, the researchers discovered that the whales depend on local environmental cues and long-term memories to decide when to migrate.

Each year, they travel thousands of miles from Central American waters to Antarctica, aligning with the annual sea ice melt that triggers the krill bloom. The researchers are uncertain if humpback whales will continue this timely journey in a rapidly changing climate. Professor Virginie Millien, the study’s lead author, states, “We don't know how long they’ll be able to keep up. … At some point, their memory-based strategy may no longer work.”

Gene Technology Against Malaria

Each year, 263 million people contract malaria and 600,000 die from it worldwide. Malaria spreads when an infected mosquito bites a person. Researchers have discovered a method to alter an amino acid in the mosquitoes, preventing the disease from reaching their salivary glands, the site of transmission. Their report in Nature details the use of CRISPR gene editing to modify the mosquito’s genome, changing the amino acid.

This genome change can then be disseminated through the mosquito population using a gene drive, which ensures that a specific mutation or gene is inherited by all offspring. Gene drive technology is controversial due to potential unforeseen negative impacts. A minor genomic change could lead to mutations in other parts of the genome, causing unintended changes that might disrupt the ecosystem’s balance.

The researchers hope to release these engineered mosquitoes into the wild and eventually eliminate the transmission of malaria. However, it will take several years before this technique is ready for field testing, which requires community and government approval.

Shade Investments for a Cooler Future

A shade map produced by the University of California, Los Angeles, and American Forests reveals a critical shade shortage in the United States. This map, covering more than 360 cities and towns, highlights where shade from buildings and vegetation is present. City planners can use the interactive tool to strategically place shade trees to mitigate rising temperatures. A 2020 study published in GeoHealth found that extreme heat contributes to 12,000 premature deaths annually in the U.S., a number that could rise to 50,000 under moderate warming scenarios.

The map illustrates how investments in shade may impact temperatures at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. in specific locations. Trees deliver 25 times more shade than buildings at noon, demonstrating their effectiveness in reducing extreme heat. The map’s creators also offer real-world examples of the benefits of shade coverage, such as on school routes in Austin, Texas, public transit stops in Detroit, Michigan, and public parks in Phoenix, Arizona.

Innovative Office Lights Lure Remote Workers

Companies are enhancing office lighting to attract remote workers back. Circadian lighting aligns with our biological clocks, regulating melatonin and serotonin levels by mimicking the sun’s pattern—increasing intensity until midday, then dimming in the afternoon, with color temperature shifts from cooler to warmer to cooler.

Artificial windows and skylights, preprogrammed to replicate outdoor conditions, provide virtual sunlight and moonlight to offices obstructed by other buildings or the floor above. Some companies offer cordless rechargeable lamps to bring a home-like vibe to individual workspaces. Others allow employees to use a remote control to adjust lighting intensity, color and aspects of phototherapy, a treatment designed to boost mood and wellbeing. Lighting options also enable employees to optimize their appearance on video conferences by dimming overhead lights and darkening room edges.

Cultivating Community

Homefields and Community Action Partnership Launch Rolling Roots with Union Community

by Sara Gurgen

A Legacy of Care and Community

For more than 25 years, Homefields Care Farm has cultivated more than just organic produce in Millersville. What began in the early ‘90s as a collaborative effort by five families and concerned professionals seeking safe, long-term homes for adults with disabilities has grown into an award-winning nonprofit where adults with disabilities live in an agriculture setting, high school students with disabilities and other support needs receive vocational training, community members volunteer, college students and businesses complete service learning projects and adults with disabilities find employment.

Spanning 19 acres, Homefields operates Lancaster County’s longest-continually running, organic, community-supported agriculture (CSA) program. Thanks to the dedication of people of all

Care

abilities, the farm has delivered organically grown fruits and vegetables to hundreds of community members over the years. Last year alone, 145 households received more than 20,000 pounds of produce, while 1,584 pounds were donated to local food banks.

More Than Just Food

Homefields is about much more than produce. Its mission—to nurture meaningful experiences that connect people of all abilities to each other and to the land— guides every aspect of the farm’s work. From vocational training to volunteer opportunities to habitat conservation and community events, Homefields helps participants grow skills, confidence and meaningful relationships.

Rolling Roots Mobile Market

This summer, Homefields expanded its reach through the Rolling

Roots Mobile Market, a collaboration with Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County (CAP). The mobile market brings farm-fresh produce directly to individuals across Lancaster County—specifically to Union Community Care centers in downtown Lancaster and New Holland—making healthy, locally grown food more accessible, convenient and affordable.

The market sources its produce from Homefields, ensuring customers receive high-quality, locally grown food imbued with the same care and purpose as every harvest. CAP operates Rolling Roots, while the familiar Union Community Care locations provide a welcoming, comfortable setting. Operating on alternating Thursdays through October 23, the market visits downtown Lancaster on the first and third Thursdays and New Holland on the second and fourth Thursdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The partnership is looking to expand Rolling Roots in 2026 to include additional Lancaster County locations.

Safety, Accessibility and Inclusion

Rolling Roots emphasizes both food safety and inclusivity. Staff follows ServSafe certification standards, maintain sanitizing stations on site and ensure the setup accommodates walkers and wheelchair users. While SNAP, WIC EBT cards and farmers market nutrition checks are not yet accepted, CAP is exploring ways to make those payment methods available in the future.

Bridging the Gap

While Homefields has long served its CSA members and local partners, Rolling Roots represents a significant step in broadening its impact. By bringing produce to trusted

local centers, the mobile market addresses barriers such as transportation, cost or convenience; promotes food equity; and reinforces Homefields’ commitment to serving the broader Lancaster community.

Continuing the Mission

Homefields Care Farm continues its mission of providing inclusive care, meaningful employment and organically grown produce while preserving farmland and fostering community connections. With

the launch of the Rolling Roots Mobile Market in partnership with CAP, Homefields is bringing fresh, locally grown produce directly to neighborhoods, combining accessibility, safety and community ties. These efforts reflect the farm’s ongoing dedication to nourishing both people and the land.

Homefields is located in Millersville. For more information, visit Homefields.org and CapLanc.org. See ad, page 53.

Plan Your Fall Getaway

Guests are greeted with homemade bread, local organic eggs, coffee, teas, butter, jam, and classic whoopie pies. Two friendly potbelly pigs on-site love a good pet and snack from visitors! Sleeps up to six guests.

...in the Lancaster Amish Country

Close to all attractions! HHHHH Rating!

Visit airbnb.com/ rooms/27126677 for availability and rates. Fall Workshop! Soap & Candle Making Held in Southern Lancaster County Check schedule and register at: GSLOrganics.org/classes

Specialized Pelvic Therapy

personalized

We bring expert, in-home pelvic therapy to women in Berks and Lancaster counties.

Our all-female team provides personalized, hands-on care— focused on your whole body, from head to pelvis and beyond. We empower you with education and resources for lasting wellness.

our monthly health tip

Reflection on PREGNANCY LOSS

Pregnancy loss touches body, heart, and spirit. Grief may feel like tension or heaviness in your pelvic space. Pelvic therapy can gently support your healing.

Try Puppy Dog Pose: Rest on hands and knees, chest lowers, arms reach forward, cushions for comfort. Inhale to invite space, exhale to release.

Activating Neuroplasticity

The Brain’s Ultimate Rewind Button

by Hannah Tytus

The brain has an amazing ability to rewire itself by strengthening, rerouting or growing new connections in response to learning, experience or injury. This continuous reshaping is known as neuroplasticity. The changes can be positive, such as regaining movement or speech after a stroke or learning a new skill. Sometimes they are neutral, and other times they can be harmful when maladaptive patterns reinforce chronic pain or anxiety. Fortunately, the brain can grow and adapt at any age, and there are many ways to help it thrive. Nourishing foods, mindful movement, meditation, social connection, clean air and restful sleep are everyday choices that can nurture the brain in powerful ways.

Neuroplasticity

Across the Lifespan

It has long been believed that children’s brains are more malleable as they grow, and that once they reach adulthood, the brain stops evolving. But new research suggests that this may not be the full story. While the brains of developing children are certainly very adaptable, the adult brain is far from fixed.

A variety of influences, including stress, hormones, neurotransmitters, growth factors, medications, environmental stimulation, learning and aging, can reshape how brain cells are built and function. These factors may trigger changes in the size or

structure of brain regions, shift the brain’s chemical makeup, alter the shape of individual neurons and even rewire networks of connections, sparking the growth of new neurons in a process called neurogenesis.

Scientists have long known that injuries, chronic stress and the natural process of aging can take a toll on the brain. Yet, new discoveries in neuroscience and integrative medicine point to the remarkable potential for repair and renewal at every phase of life.

Healthy Fats

“Nutrition is the foundation of everything in health. You can’t build anything in the body without good food,” says Dr. Kat Toups, a functional medicine psychiatrist, researcher and author of Dementia Demystified: The Definitive Guide to Resurrecting Your Brain, Reversing Cognitive Decline and Regaining Your Memory. Contrary to decades of marketing campaigns for low-fat and fat-free diets, Toups explains, healthy fats are essential for brain health. The spongy white and grey matter of the brain, where all the thinking and messaging happens, is made primarily of fat.

Found in fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel, as well as in walnuts and fish oil supplements, omega-3 fatty acids are some of the healthiest fats, increasing blood flow in the brain and nourishing its physical structures to help improve learning, memory and cognitive well-being.

Mindful Movement

“The most validated ways to support neuroplasticity are exercise and meditation— and both are free,” says Toups. Exercise is well-known to protect the brain and boost thinking skills. One way it may do this is by supporting the growth of new neurons and strengthening connections within the hippocampus, an area in the brain involved in the formation of fresh memories and the recall of past experiences. A 2017 study published in Experimental Gerontology found that regular exercise significantly RDNE Stock project from Pexels/CanvaPro

increased hippocampus volume, while nonactive participants showed a shrinking hippocampus.

In addition to strength and cardio training, exercise that incorporates mindful and creative components may enrich the benefits. Engaging the body and mind at the same time can strengthen neural networks and support long-term cognitive function. Long walks, yoga classes or playful sessions with the kids or grandchildren are excellent ways to support the link between body and brain. Studies show that tai chi, a mindful movement practice, may be even more effective than regular exercise in protecting cognitive function because it increases brain activation in regions associated with motor function and focus, and is accessible to those with mobility limitations.

Daily Meditation

A regular mindfulness practice supports neuroplasticity, making it easier to regulate emotions and handle stress. A 2024 review found that regular meditation can

physically reshape the brain, strengthening areas tied to focus, emotional control and self-awareness. One reason for this is meditation’s effect on a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This molecule acts like fertilizer for brain cells, helping them grow, form new connections and remain healthy. Meditation increases BDNF, and higher levels of BDNF are linked not only to sharper learning and memory, but also to longer lasting brain health.

Additional research has demonstrated that even a short daily meditation session can

increase gray matter density in regions tied to learning, memory and emotional regulation. Over time, these changes help reduce stress reactivity and support long-term resilience. Even if formal seated meditation is not feasible, simple mindful presence can help. “I try to tell people to find small moments to come into their body, come into the moment and be present,” Toups advises. “You can do that by washing the dishes. You don’t need to sit in lotus position and chant for an hour.”

Creative Activities

“Every time you learn something new or do a novel task, you are promoting neuroplasticity,” explains Toups. Learning new skills, from juggling to speaking a new language, produces measurable changes in brain structure, particularly in brain matter volume. These changes can occur in both early-learning phases and long-term practice, underscoring the brain’s capacity for adaptation throughout life.

Making music and dancing can strengthen connections in the brain; even the act

Three Ways To Boost Neuroplasticity Naturally

by Hannah Tytus

Meditate for 10 minutes. Sit down with eyes closed. Notice the breath and observe thoughts without judgment as they travel through the mind. Allow feelings of discomfort, frustration or impatience to come and go, knowing that they are part of the process that leads to increased self-awareness, enhanced emotional regulation and improved focus.

Get involved in the community. Join a crafting meet-up, group hiking excursion, dance class or volunteering event. Activities that allow us to socialize, move our bodies and learn new things are excellent for the brain.

Learn something new. Play a game, learn a new art form or read something challenging. Engaging the mind and body, such as moving our fingers while crafting, can help the brain forge new connections.

of listening to music has been shown to enhance neural plasticity and cognitive flexibility. Toups recommends rocking out to a favorite song in the kitchen and choreographing a few dance moves.

Restorative Sleep

Rapid eye movement (REM), a stage of sleep marked by increased brain activity and vivid dreaming, plays an important role in neuroplasticity. During REM, the brain actively prunes unhelpful neural connections and reinforces others, supporting brain development, the learning of new skills and memory improvement.

To support consistent REM sleep, aim for seven to nine hours of shuteye and try to maintain a consistent bedtime and wake time. A good night’s rest after learning a new skill or information can help that lesson integrate into the brain, supporting behavioral change.

Clean Air

Keeping the air in the home clean is important for overall brain health. Research suggests that mold toxicity may be a risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease, after researchers discovered traces of fungi inside the central nervous system of many Alzheimer’s patients—an infection that was absent in healthy individuals. Mold toxicity in the home can elicit an immune response and harm the brain. For example, a 2020 study found that black mold inhalation can cause inflammation in the hippocampus and reduce neurogenesis, the growth of new brain cells.

Practicing clean air habits can help assuage the risks of mold exposure at home. These include investing in an air purifier, ventilating regularly by opening windows, using exhaust fans and maintaining household ducts. Mold concerns can be investigated with a simple at-home testing kit, followed by professional testing and remediation, if needed.

Light Therapy

“Photobiomodulation is a powerful way to create neuroplasticity, both quickly and over the long term,” says Dr. Lew Lim, founder of the Vielight photobiomodulation (PBM) device, which has been studied in collaboration with universities and medical institutions, including the University of Toronto, Harvard Medical School and Mount Sinai Hospital.

PBM, also called light therapy, uses gentle red or near-infrared light to stimulate brain cells, boost the energy-producing parts of cells known as mitochondria, improve blood flow and calm inflammation. “When we activate the mitochondria with PBM, the mitochondria actually release growth factors, which support growth of new cells in the brain,” Lim explains.

According to Lim, PBM may help the brain protect and repair its neurons, encourage the growth of new connections and support the clearing of harmful waste proteins linked to cognitive decline. He asserts that certain light pulse frequencies, such as 40 hertz, may also help tune brainwave patterns that are important for memory and learning. While most research so far has been in small human studies or animal models, the results suggest that regular PBM could strengthen the brain’s natural ability to adapt and rewire itself. Some people use PBM as part of a daily routine to keep their minds sharp, while others use it to heal from more serious brain injuries.

Finding Community

Research shows that staying connected to others offers powerful protection for the brain. Older adults that feel lonely or spend long stretches without social contact face about a 50 percent higher risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, even when other health factors are taken

into account. One long-term study found that memory and thinking skills declined 20 percent faster in those that reported feeling lonely.

Being socially active can help guard the brain against decline. For 25 years, the Northwestern University SuperAging Program has studied people in their 80s and beyond with nimble minds that work as well as people decades younger. Brain scans show that these study participants called SuperAgers do not exhibit the usual thinning of the brain’s outer layer normally seen with age, and one key area involved in attention and decision-making is thicker than even in middle-aged adults.

Under the microscope, SuperAger brain cells are larger, better connected and show fewer signs of Alzheimer’s damage or inflammation. These resilient individuals tend to be very social, valuing close relationships and staying engaged with others—habits that may work hand-in-hand with their unusually healthy brain structures to help protect thinking skills late in life.

Even a weekly coffee with a friend or joining a class can be powerful brain fuel. People with rich social lives, including those that regularly share time with friends, family and communities, tend to keep their minds sharper for longer.

An Evolving Brain

The brain is never truly fixed. It is a living, adapting system that can grow stronger, sharper and more resilient at any age, and we can guide those changes. Whether through movement, nutrition, light therapy, meditation or meaningful connection, every choice we make can help shape and rewire the mind for the better. The science is clear: it is never too late to nurture the brain’s potential. Embrace neuroplasticity as a lifelong journey and let each new day be an opportunity to learn, adapt and thrive.

Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, researcher and former writer at the National Institutes of Health. She also hosts “Root Shock”, a podcast exploring how cultural and systemic forces shape our understanding of health.

Massage Therapy

We provide a sanctuary for those seeking nervous system support, stress relief, and trauma-informed care. Our integrative, heart-centered approach blends ancient practices and modern insights to nurture whole-person healing and lasting well-being.

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How Mindset Shapes Health

Exploring NLP as a Pathway to Resilience, Balance and Lasting Change

by Elizabeth Kelly

Every moment, the brain processes a flood of information through the senses. Before reaching awareness, this input passes through filters such as memories, beliefs, experiences, language and attitudes. To manage the volume, the brain deletes certain details, generalizes others and distorts what remains—constructing an internal representation of the external world, the story the mind creates about what just happened.

That internal narrative directly shapes a person’s state—whether calm, anxious, motivated or discouraged. State then drives both behavior and physiology. For example, when a situation is interpreted as threatening, stress often follows. Breathing becomes shallow, muscles tense and the urge to reach for comfort foods arises.

While those foods may provide a temporary dopamine boost and momentary relief, regret often follows, intensifying the original stress. At the same time, the body responds by releasing cortisol, raising blood pressure and increasing inflammation. These physiological signals—a racing heartbeat, digestive upset, muscle tension—feed back into the mind and reinforce the stressed state, strengthening the story that began it. Over time, this cycle contributes to fatigue, headaches and a weakened immune system.

The same mind-body loop that can create stress can also work in a positive way. Someone that views a new exercise routine as energizing feels motivated, breathes deeply and strengthens the body—reinforcing a positive state. Another person

that interprets the same activity as exhausting may avoid it, feel guilty and strengthen the belief that exercise is “too hard”.

How NLP Techniques Support Change

Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) offers practical methods for interrupting unhelpful cycles and creating supportive ones. A trained practitioner helps individuals recognize how they filter experiences and guides them in shifting those filters. By changing the way experiences are represented internally, clients can generate calmer states, healthier behaviors and more resilient physiology.

Common Barriers to Lifestyle Changes

Many adults face similar struggles when trying to care for their health. NLP works at the level of the mind, addressing the root causes of these challenges and making new habits easier to create and sustain:

Negative self-talk: Thoughts such as “I always fail at this” can be reframed into supportive messages that build confidence and motivation.

Health anxiety: Worry spirals about symptoms or test results can be interrupted and replaced with calmer, more resourceful responses.

Food aversions and cravings: Adjusting the brain’s sensory associations reduces resistance to healthy foods and uncovers the deeper needs driving cravings.

Consistency with habits: Linking positive feelings to small daily actions makes routines such as exercise or meditation easier to maintain.

Relationships: Unhelpful communication patterns can fuel stress or disconnection. NLP offers tools to shift perspective, build empathy and foster healthier interactions.

Tools for Everyday Life

NLP techniques use visualization, anchoring and reframing to make change tangible.

Visualization helps the mind imagine successful outcomes so the body can follow. Anchoring links positive states to simple cues like a breath or gesture, creating calm in stressful moments. Reframing changes the way a situation is viewed, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth.

These tools can be woven into daily life to quiet the inner critic, interrupt unhelpful patterns and approach challenges with curiosity instead of fear.

Lasting Benefits

When filters shift, health shifts, too. Clients often report reduced stress, steadier energy, improved relationships and greater confidence in making lifestyle changes. What once felt like resistance transforms into motivation, and new habits begin to feel natural rather than forced.

By addressing the root causes of barriers in the mind, NLP helps create the conditions for lasting change. The result is not only improved health, but also a deeper sense of resilience, balance and well-being.

Elizabeth Kelly is triple certified in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), NLP coaching and Timeline Therapy from the Advanced Mind Academy. In addition, she is a functional medicine certified health coach at Functional Health of Lancaster. She earned her certification from the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy. Additionally, Kelly holds a Bachelor of Music from Susquehanna University and a Master of Arts from Edinboro University. To contact her, email CoachElizabeth@FH-Lancaster.com.  See ads, pages 5 and 51.

Strong at Any Age

Embracing Resistance Training During Menopause

by Jordan Peschek, RN-BSN

Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life, bringing with it numerous physiological changes that can affect health, mobility and quality of life. Among these changes, declines in muscle mass, bone density and balance present particular challenges. Research suggests that resistance training is a safe and effective strategy to counteract these effects.

For women navigating perimenopause and menopause, it is not just a savvy fitness choice, but a crucial intervention to improve strength, balance, lean muscle mass and bone health, thereby reducing the risk of falls and injuries while supporting healthy aging.

Physiological Challenges of Menopause

Perimenopause can last for two to 10 years leading up to menopause, which is officially

marked by 12 months without a menstrual period. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and involves a natural decline in estrogen production. This hormonal shift accelerates loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) and bone density (osteopenia or osteoporosis), both of which are critical factors for maintaining physical function and preventing injury.

“Once in menopause, we lose muscle and bone mass at a faster rate, so strength training helps counteract that loss,” explains Dr. Brenda Heinecke, physical therapist and pelvic floor specialist based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Muscle weakness and decreased balance increase the risk of falls, a leading cause of injury in older adults, while reductions in lean body mass slow metabolism and contribute to weight gain.

Benefits of Resistance Training

Resistance training, also known as strength

training, involves exercises that cause muscles to contract against an external force such as weights, resistance bands or body weight. Unlike aerobic exercise, which primarily benefits cardiovascular health, resistance training specifically targets muscle and bone strength.

A 2023 systematic review of 12 randomized controlled trials involving more than 800 women, published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, reported that resistance training improved musculoskeletal health in menopausal women, highlighting its positive effects on muscle mass, bone density and functional outcomes like balance and mobility.

The authors noted that resistance training could effectively combat the muscle and bone loss accelerated by menopause, contributing to better overall health and reduced risk of fractures. They also found strength training to be positively associated with hormonal and metabolic improvements in menopausal women, including stabilized blood pressure and a reduction of hot flashes compared to inactive women in the studies.

Hip Strength and Fall Prevention

The hips play a vital role in balance and mobility, but hip strength diminishes significantly during menopause, affecting gait stability and increasing the likelihood of falls. A 2023 article in the Iranian Journal of Public Health reported on a Korean study of postmenopausal women that performed a variety of resistance exercises to target the large muscle groups of the lower body, including a band lateral walk, one-leg

deadlift, side-lying hip abduction and squat deceleration, over the span of four weeks. The group that performed these resistance exercises significantly improved their gluteal muscle strength.

Lean Body Mass and Metabolic Health

Menopause-related declines in estrogen also contribute to reductions in lean body mass and increases in fat mass, which can negatively impact metabolism, insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular health. “Strength training not only helps increase muscle and bone mass, but it helps with other common issues of menopause such as cardiovascular disease; insulin resistance; and impairments to mood, cognitive function and sexual health,” Heinecke remarks. Resistance training helps to preserve and increase lean muscle mass, which in turn supports a healthy metabolic rate and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.

A 2023 BMC Women’s Health study of premenopausal women highlights that maintaining lean body mass through resistance exercise helps mitigate common menopausal symptoms such as weight gain and fat redistribution.

Balance and Functional Independence

Balance naturally deteriorates with age due to changes in the nervous system and muscle function. The 2023 review in Journal of Clinical Medicine reinforces that resistance training not only strengthens muscles, but also improves neuromuscular coordination, which is critical for maintaining balance and preventing falls. Exercises such as squats, lunges and step-ups challenge

both strength and balance systems, making them ideal components of a menopausal fitness program.

Starting a Resistance Training Program

Given its benefits, resistance training should be a cornerstone of menopausal health routines. However, many women may feel uncertain about how to begin or fear injury. “My personal recommendation would be to join a fitness class or hire a personal trainer for a few sessions,” shares Victoria Morse, a certified fitness instructor in Kona, Hawaii. “For most people, lasting change can be hard to achieve alone—they need accountability. Once we accept this truth, our chance of success increases dramatically.”

For those that are ready to add strength training to their routine, begin with light resistance and focus on proper technique, gradually increasing weight or resistance as strength improves. Aim for two to three sessions per week, targeting major muscle groups with these exercises:

• Squats, lunges and step-ups for lower body and hip strength

• Push-ups or chest presses for upper body

• Rows and shoulder presses for back and shoulders

• Core stabilization exercises such as planks or medicine ball rotations

Menopause introduces complex challenges, but resistance training offers a scientifically supported solution to some of the most significant concerns: loss of hip strength, balance and lean body mass. For women facing menopause, lifting weights or using resistance bands is more than just a fitness trend; it is an essential strategy to maintain mobility, independence and vitality for years to come.

Jordan Peschek has a background in personal training, yoga instruction and mental health nursing. She publishes the Milwaukee and Twin Cities editions of Natural Awakenings.

POTS

Navigating Life with a Complex Autonomic Disorder

by Shayne N. Bushong, DC, DCBCN, FABBIR

PInner Alchemy

ostural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, commonly known as POTS, is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, digestion and sweating. It falls under the broader category of dysautonomia, a group of conditions that also impact this system.

Symptoms and Challenges

Symptoms of POTS vary among patients but commonly include lightheadedness; rapid heart rate, also called tachycardia, upon standing; brain fog; excessive sweating; cold and pale hands and feet; fatigue; exercise intolerance; and fainting. Other symptoms may include chest tightness, shortness of breath and leg weakness. Many patients also experience gastrointestinal issues such as constipation and nausea. Symptom severity ranges from mild discomfort to life-altering, debilitating effects.

70 degrees while their blood pressure and heart rate are monitored for 10 minutes. An orthostatic blood pressure test can also be performed, measuring blood pressure and heart rate as the patient moves from lying down to standing over several minutes.

Adults 19 or older meet the diagnostic criteria for POTS if their heart rate increases by at least 30 beats per minute upon standing or tilting without a significant drop in blood pressure. They must also experience POTS symptoms. Adolescents 18 or younger require a heart rate increase of at least 40 beats per minute without a drop in blood pressure along with POTS symptoms.

Patients with POTS often feel anxious due to their symptoms and rapid heart rate. This can lead to misdiagnosis as an anxiety disorder, leaving the underlying condition untreated for years. On average, it takes two or more years for a patient to receive a POTS diagnosis. Although anxiety may accompany POTS, it is not a cause of the condition.

Diagnosis

The primary diagnostic tool for POTS is the head-up tilt table test, during which a patient is strapped to a table and tilted to

Doctors may also use electrocardiograms or echocardiograms to rule out underlying heart conditions that could cause tachycardia. Blood tests can help exclude metabolic conditions such as anemia or thyroid disorders that may mimic POTS symptoms.

Types of POTS

POTS can manifest in different forms:

• Neuropathic POTS is associated with damage to small nerve fibers that regulate blood vessel diameter.

• Hypovolemic POTS is linked to decreased blood volume.

• Hyperadrenergic POTS is characterized by elevated levels of the stress hormone norepinephrine.

• Secondary POTS is caused by other conditions known to trigger POTS, such as concussions, infections like Lyme disease or COVID-19, or autoimmune disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Managing Life With POTS

Living with POTS can be physically and emotionally challenging as it may interfere with school, work or social activities. Although there is no cure, proper management can help many patients improve function and regain quality of life. Treatment is highly individualized and focuses on addressing the root cause of the condition. It often includes a combination of rehabilitation, lifestyle changes and in some cases medications.

Low-intensity exercises that build core strength and endurance, such as supine or recumbent biking and swimming, have been shown to be beneficial. Compression stockings to prevent blood pooling in the legs, along with increased fluid and electrolyte intake, can also help patients.

Finding Help

POTS is complex but manageable. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as lightheadedness or rapid heart rate upon standing should consult a healthcare professional specializing in POTS and dysautonomia for evaluation and guidance.

Dr. Shayne N. Bushong is the founder of Lancaster Brain & Spine Rehabilitation Center. He specializes in dysautonomia treatment, brain injury, concussion care, balance disorders and migraines, and is dedicated to helping patients heal and thrive. Connect with him at LancasterBrain AndSpine.com.

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Services Offered:

• Our primary care providers deliver healthcare services for patients across all age groups! They are experts in advanced conjunctive testing and therapies from RGCC. Our provides also specialize in treating Lyme disease and other infectious diseases.

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Also Offering:

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Rewiring the Stress Response

Therapies To Restore Balance and Calm

by Marlaina Donato

White-knuckling our way through life can be exhausting, but more than that, chronic strain can negatively impact brain function and even alter its physical structure. Continually recurring stressors can lead to impaired memory, emotional dysregulation, anxiety disorders and depression. When the nervous system gets stuck on overdrive, the body delays a variety of critical functions, including immune response and tissue repair, in order to deal with perceived emergencies.

Over time, the amygdala, an area within our brain that is responsible for processing fear and alerting us to danger, can become enlarged and hyperreactive, hardwiring us to be in a constant fight-or-flight mode. Prolonged stress of this nature can lead to excessive accumulation of cortisol in the brain, setting the stage for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.

Gently reprogramming an overstimulated nervous system can initiate and improve cellular repair, nutrient absorption, sounder sleep and more tranquil moods. Restoration of the body’s natural capacity for calm is possible through noninvasive, painless approaches such as sound healing, craniosacral therapy and certain forms of acupressure.

Sound-Enabled Relaxation

“When we are under stress all the time, the autonomic nervous system gets out of balance, and the body cannot heal itself as it is intended to do,” explains Gail Lynn, the author of Unlocking the Ancient Secrets to Healing and inventor of the Harmonic Egg, which uses light, color and sound to provide an immersive relaxation experience.

In 2007, she faced a cardiovascular health crisis at age 37, which she attributes to three successive challenging careers and a stressful personal life over the span of many years. Lynn explored a number of alternative solutions, and with full-body sound-andlight sessions experienced a profound shift in her health and wellbeing. She attests that resetting her nervous system enabled her body to heal itself, making her life “100 percent better”.

Modern sound therapy has ancient roots in cultures worldwide. The use of tuning forks, therapeutic gongs, singing bowls, mantras, percussive hand instruments and binaural beats has been shown to synchronize brainwaves in a process called brainwave entrainment, resulting in a lowered stress response. Harvard Health notes that soothing tones can lower elevated blood pressure and promote healthier heart and respiratory rates, alleviating burden on the autonomic nervous system.

Restoring Internal Rhythms

Another way to switch off a state of perpetual survival mode is to restore balance to the vagus nerve, which connects the brain to the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and most of the digestive tract. “Seventy percent of the traffic on the vagus nerve goes from the organs to the brain. Only 30 percent of the traffic goes from the brain to the organs, so it is much more a situation of the gut controlling the brain,” explains Tim Hutton, a craniosacral therapist and Upledger Institute instructor in Bellingham, Washington. Hutton underscores that the body can recuperate once it is able to shift out of fight-flight-orfreeze mode and into the ventral vagal state of rest-and-digest.

Developed by John E. Upledger in the 1970s, craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle bodywork modality that seeks to restore the

natural functioning of the membranes and fluids surrounding the spinal cord and brain. “There is a subtle, rhythmic motion of the tissue that we call the craniosacral rhythm that is easily disrupted. Any tension or compromise in the body’s ability to function will adversely affect the craniosacral rhythm,” says Hutton. “As a therapist, I support the client’s healing process and let their body lead.” CST releases tension in the craniosacral system, shifting the body to the rest-and-digest mode and enhancing vagus nerve function.

A 2020 study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine of patients with complex traumas, including post-traumatic stress disorder, reported improvements in quality of life after receiving a combination of CST and psychotherapy. A 2023 randomized clinical trial published in Behavioral Sciences involving 57 healthy firefighting cadets showed a reduction of the stress hormone cortisol in participants that received CST sessions for five consecutive weeks.

Auricular Acupuncture

Stress and anxiety contribute to insomnia, which can cause even more stress. With roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine, auricular therapy involves the stimulation of 120 acupoints in the ear that correspond to the nervous system and certain other parts of the body. The therapy is believed to positively influence neurotransmitter activity, which facilitates the communication between brain cells, while also enhancing neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt by forming new neural pathways.

A 2023 systematic meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Sleep reported that auricular acupressure can be beneficial for insomnia. Ear seeds, a type of ear acupressure without needles, have also shown promise for anxiety and insomnia.

Persistence Is Key

By applying any one or a combination of these therapies, it is possible to experience more balance and calm. If a particular modality does not bring about the desired stress relief, persist with another. “There is always hope,” says Hutton. “Most often, miracles are incremental.”

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Celebrating 40 Years of Holistic Healing

at Heath Chiropractic & Wellness Center

by Sara Gurgen

Heath Chiropractic & Wellness Center, in Landisville, is marking 40 years of providing chiropractic and natural health care to patients from across the globe. What began as a small local practice has grown into a wellness hub, welcoming people that seek whole-person care in a supportive, nurturing setting.

A Whole-Person Approach

Founded by Thomas Heath, DC, PAK, the center focuses on addressing root causes of imbalance, not just symptoms. Heath emphasizes that health is about vitality and resilience, not just the absence of pain.

Services include chiropractic care, applied kinesiology and Quantum Neurology, a technique that may help rebalance communication between the brain and body. The center also offers nutritional testing and supplements; Neuro Emotional Technique; bioenergetic testing with the QEST4

system; and tools such as BrainTap, pulsed electromagnetic frequencies, frequencyspecific microcurrent, cold laser therapy, hormone testing and thermography. These approaches provide noninvasive options for wellness and prevention.

Leadership and Learning

Heath continues to pursue lifelong learning. He recently became a certified Quantum Neurology practitioner and attended the International Conference of Applied Kinesiology, connecting with other practitioners to learn new approaches.

This ongoing engagement helps the center stay current with developments in integrative health. Patients return not only for therapies, but also for reassurance that their practitioner keeps up with emerging techniques and resources.

Women’s Wellness With Thermography

Shalom Thermography, a department within the center directed by Heath’s wife, Dr. Darlene Heath, is a cornerstone of the clinic’s holistic services. Thermography is a radiation-free, noninvasive imaging technology that uses infrared cameras to detect patterns of heat and blood flow. Unlike conventional imaging, it involves no compression or radiation exposure. It can provide additional information about breast health and may be used alongside other wellness approaches.

Patients visiting Shalom Thermography experience a supportive, private environment where they can discuss overall health and wellness goals and feel comfortable throughout the process.

Anniversary Breast Health Package

To celebrate its anniversary, the center is offering a Breast Health Package that combines non-invasive imaging with energetic support. The package includes a thermography breast scan valued at $250; a bioenergetic breast health support scan which addresses hormonal, lymphatic, upper body and immune system support, valued at $150; and a bioenergetic custom remedy valued at $30.

The total $430 package is available for $400 through this December. It allows patients

to explore several approaches to wellness in a single visit.

A Legacy of Care

From the welcoming presence of the Heaths’ daughter, Alena Heath, at the front desk to the calm atmosphere through out, the center has built a reputation on professionalism and supportive care. Families have come through its doors for generations, finding assistance for injuries, chronic issues and general wellness.

After four decades, its vision remains the same: helping people pursue healthy, bal anced lives. With a range of therapies, a dedicated team and a focus on community, Heath Chiropractic & Wellness Center continues as a resource for wellness in Lancaster County—and beyond.

Heath Chiropractic & Wellness Center is located at 14 W. Main St., in Landisville. For more info or to make an appointment, call 717-5305555 or visit HeathChiropracticAndWellness Center.com. See ads, pages 25, 50 and 58.

Feeding Our Brain Power

What To Eat for Mental Acuity

by Maya Whitman

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about one in 10 adults aged 45 and older experience worsening memory loss or cognitive decline, a precursor to dementia. A 2022 study in JAMA Neurology indicates that 22 percent of adults over age 65 experience mild cognitive impairment. Our dietary choices significantly impact brain longevity, and what we avoid is equally important.

The late pioneering researcher Dr. Martha Clare Morris developed the MIND Diet, which merges the Mediterranean and DASH (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) diets to enhance cognitive

function with plenty of delicious versatility. A 2015 study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia found that strict adherence to the MIND Diet can reduce Alzheimer’s risk by 53 percent, while moderate adherence can lower it by 35 percent.

The MIND Diet is a stress-free, lifelong plan with bountiful menu options, including fish, lean poultry, vegetables, nuts, berries, whole grains, legumes and high-quality olive oil. It accommodates gluten-free and plant-based preferences. With satiating breakfast options like Greek yogurt or scrambled eggs, spicy chili for lunch and fun dinner burrito bowls, this diet is flexible and beginner-friendly, allowing for

moderate consumption of pasta, potatoes and bread, with a focus on whole-grain, complex carbohydrates over refined ones. It also recommends oven roasting instead of high-heat frying.

A Lifelong Investment

“You can never be too young to embrace brain-healthy dietary strategies in support of longevity. Early adoption of brainhealthy eating habits may also enhance cognitive reserve, strengthening the brain’s resilience to neuropathological damage over time,” says neuroscientist Kristen Willeumier, founder and CEO of the Willeumier Center for Advanced Research in Neurotrauma & Brain Rehabilitation, in California.

Embracing variety is important. “I like to have people think of brain-healthy food groups, not superfoods,” states Annie Fenn, M.D., founder of the Brain Health Kitchen and author of The Brain Health Kitchen: Preventing Alzheimer’s Through Food. Fenn notes that women are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than men “for reasons that have nothing to do with living longer. Alzheimer’s can start in the brain up to 30 years before the first symptoms. It’s never too early or too late. Data shows that switching to a brain-healthy diet can have benefits even in one’s 70s.”

The Link Neuroscience Institute, in California, recommends eating more colorful berries, fatty fish such as sardines, dark leafy greens, nuts and seeds, and a moderate amount of high-quality dark chocolate to protect the brain from oxidative stress, which can lead to conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, as well as mood disorders, including long-term depression. They also advise against consuming processed and fried foods, sugar, alcohol and sodium.

Cutting Out the Culprits

According to Willeumier, even a modest reduction in the intake of processed foods, including packaged products, sweetened cereals, deli meats and sugary beverages, can have a positive impact on brain health. She

recommends the complete elimination of alcoholic beverages. “Neuroimaging studies, including the Whitehall II Study, which followed 550 participants over a 30-year period tracking alcohol intake and cognitive performance, suggest that there is no protective effect of alcohol on the brain, even from light drinking. Eliminate alcohol for the preservation of your long-term brain health.”

Certain foods accelerate brain aging, and Fenn recommends limiting or eliminating fast and fried foods, sugar, artificially sweetened drinks, ultra-processed products and foods that are excessively high in saturated fat like butter and some cheeses. Certain cooking techniques are also problematic. “Frying, searing and grilling directly over high heat creates inflammatory particles called advanced glycation end products, or AGEs,” explains Fenn. “Think low-and-slow when you cook—low heat, slow cooking, braising, poaching, steaming and indirect grilling.”

Willeumier notes that these healthy eating habits can have an immediate effect on brain function by influencing neurotransmitter production, stabilizing blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation and improving cerebral blood flow, all of which can also help us to live longer, maintain our focus and thinking skills, and feel happier.

Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.

Lunch and Dinner combo meals include a R&K Sub or Pretzel Sandwich and Milkshake or Float. Open Daily 12 - 9PM (Closed Tues)

Recipes for the Brain

SARDINIAN LENTIL SOUP WITH HERBS

Fresh herbs are the stars of this fragrant soup. When shopping for celery, look for a bunch that has plenty of tender leaves, which add flavor and aroma to the dish.

YIELD: 2 QUARTS

3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

5 celery stalks, finely chopped (about 2 cups), leaves reserved

1 large fennel bulb, cored and finely diced (about 1½ cups), fronds finely chopped and reserved

1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp kosher salt

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

½ tsp red pepper flakes, plus more for serving

2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced

½ cup dry white wine or water

8 cups vegetable, chicken or beef stock

¾ cup green lentils

¾ cup fregola sarda whole-wheat orzo, or other small, whole-grain pasta

1 large bunch Italian parsley, stems finely chopped, leaves coarsely chopped (about 1 cup each)

⅓ cup fresh tarragon, finely chopped

2 Tbsp chives, finely chopped

Pecorino cheese to taste, optional Lemon wedges

Warm the oil in a medium pot over medium-low heat. Add the celery stalks, fennel bulb, onion, oregano, salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring often, for 8 to 12 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant for about 1 minute. Add the wine and cook for 2 to 4 minutes until the liquid is almost completely reduced.

Add the broth and bring soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the lentils, fregola sarda and parsley stems. Cook uncovered at a low simmer until the lentils are tender and the pasta is al dente (soft but with a chewy bite), about 20 to 30 minutes. Stir often to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.

Just before serving, stir in the parsley and celery leaves, fennel fronds, tarragon and chives. Grate or shave Pecorino atop and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Store leftover soup in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. The soup will thicken as it rests; add water or broth when reheating and an additional handful of fresh herbs before serving.

Recipe courtesy of Annie Fenn.

GREEN JUICE: MORNING HYDRATION

BRAIN BOOST

YIELD: 1 SERVING

4 to 5 stalks of celery

½ to 1 whole cucumber, peeled

½ cup Italian parsley

½ cup baby spinach

2 to 3 stalks of red kale or Pacific kale

½ to 1 whole green apple, peeled and cored

Mix all ingredients together in a juicer or blender and enjoy.

Recipe courtesy of Dr. Kristen Willeumier.

Find this and more delicious recipes at NALancaster.com or NABerks.com.

YIELD: 3

1 cup old-fashioned, rolled oats

1 medium ripe banana

2 large eggs

½ cup cottage cheese (nonfat or whole), plus more for serving, optional

¼ cup water

½ cup almond, buckwheat, hazelnut or quinoa flour

¼ cup protein powder, optional

¼ cup hemp seeds, plus more for sprinkling

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp kosher salt

¾ cup frozen wild blueberries (about 1 Tbsp per pancake)

Yogurt to taste, optional

Fresh berries or mashed frozen berries for toppings, optional

Pure maple syrup, warmed, optional

Extra-virgin olive oil, drizzled

Place the oats in a blender until ground into a coarse flour with a texture like almond meal. Add the banana, eggs, cottage cheese and ¼ cup water and blend on high until smooth and no pieces of banana remain. Add the flour, protein powder, hemp seeds, baking powder, cinnamon and salt, in that order. Blend just until combined. Set aside while toppings are prepared.

Check the batter. If it is too thick to pour, add water 1 teaspoon at a time until it has a pourable consistency but not too thin—these should be thick, hearty pancakes.

Warm a large, nonstick skillet over mediumhigh heat with a drizzle of olive oil, swirling to distribute evenly. Measure ¼ cup of batter for each pancake, about three per large skillet. Scatter 1 heaping tablespoon of blueberries over each pancake, pressing slightly so they adhere. Cook until the underside is crispy and brown and the center is set, about 3 to 4 minutes. Using a rigid spatula, carefully flip the pancake and cook until golden brown on the other side and the center is dry, another 3 to 4 minutes.

Serve right away or transfer to a plate and place in the oven to keep warm. Repeat, using the remaining batter and berries. Serve hot, dollop with yogurt, a sprinkle of hemp seeds and more berries on top. Drizzle with maple syrup.

Store leftover pancake batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The batter will thicken as it sits, so thin with 1 teaspoon of water at a time.

Recipe courtesy of Annie Fenn.

Start Early

How Pediatric Dental Checks Shape Airway Health for Life

by Trella Dubetz

Routine pediatric dental visits are typically thought of as cavity checkups or lessons in brushing and flossing. Increasingly, however, dental professionals are raising awareness about a deeper issue: compromised airway development that begins in infancy and can affect breathing, sleep and overall health for life.

Early Red Flags

David A. Schwartz, DDS, founder of David A. Schwartz, DDS, PC, a family dental practice in Berks County, says dentists are often the first to identify red flags in a child’s oral and facial development that could signal airway dysfunction—problems that, if caught early, can be corrected before they cause long-term damage.

“You only go through growth and development once; there are no do-overs,” says Schwartz. “Like most issues, the earlier they are detected and corrected, the better.”

According to Schwartz, issues like tongue-tie, improper oral posture and habitual mouth breathing in children can restrict normal airway development. If left untreated, these can lead to a cascade of health issues, including poor sleep quality, speech problems, behavioral challenges and even facial deformities.

Schwartz finds that not every healthcare provider has the same level of training or understanding. “This can lead to conflicting opinions,” Schwartz says, emphasizing that not all pediatricians or general dentists may screen for airway or tongue-related issues with the same level of scrutiny.

Understanding Tongue-Tie

One commonly overlooked factor is ankyloglossia, more commonly known as tongue-tie. The condition restricts the tongue’s range of motion and can interfere with everything from breastfeeding to breathing and speech development.

Tongue-ties are classified by severity, and treatment options depend on how the restriction affects the patient. Some cases can be managed with oro-myofunctional therapy (OMT), a type of physical therapy for the muscles of the face and mouth that retrains how the tongue rests and functions. Others may require surgical intervention, often using laser technology.

“There are OMT therapists as well as dentists, like myself, who are trained,” Schwartz explains. “Some [patients] need surgical revision. While it is infinitely best to treat a tie while a person is still an infant, for some, there can be the need for further revision later on due to a multitude of factors.”

The Importance of Nasal Breathing

Beyond infant tongue-tie, which can be diagnosed with a skilled lactation evaluation, Schwartz employs a straightforward diagnostic tool in his practice to assess nasal breathing capability—something he believes should be a part of pediatric assessments when indicated.

“I give what is called a three-minute nasal breathing test to anyone I suspect has an upper airway breathing issue to know if an ENT referral is required or just some OMT to retrain habits,” says Schwartz. “The person sits for three minutes with their lips gently closed and gently breathes through their nose. If they need to take a deeper inhale or open their mouth to inhale prior to the three minutes, or at the conclusion of the test, they cannot get enough air through their nose to live [and they fail the test]. The only way to pass the test is to be able to continue gently breathing through their nose past the three minutes.”

Nasal breathing, as opposed to mouth breathing, is critical to optimal health. It filters and humidifies air, facilitates proper jaw development and supports restful sleep. Chronic mouth breathing, especially during formative years, can lead to underdeveloped

jaws, crowded teeth and obstructed airways—all of which can contribute to obstructive sleep apnea and other serious health conditions later in life.

What Parents Should Know

Schwartz offers that not all pacifiers are created equal. “Some designs can be very damaging because they encourage poor tongue posture, increase cheek pressure against the bones that hold the teeth and contribute to many oral developmental issues.” He adds, “The NUK pacifier has the best design,” emphasizing that “all pacifier use should be discontinued by age 2. Around this age, sucking strength increases dramatically, and even with the NUK design, there can be damaging effects on the jawbones.” Schwartz states that finger sucking, although less common, is just as damaging as thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use.

When evaluating children, Schwartz also recommends observing the area under their eyes. Dark circles—sometimes called allergic shiners—often indicate nasal breathing difficulties. Says Schwartz, “If present, an ENT consult is definitely required. That being said, as with all healthcare providers, there are differences in ENTs’ training, too. Some will give an opinion without testing, scoping or imaging. In other words, just guessing and saying give it a few years [to] see what happens. Others will take the issue[s] more seriously and try to find out why they are present and offer solutions.”

For parents, this evolving understanding means that choosing the right dental provider—one trained to evaluate airway health—can be a critical decision in a child’s developmental journey. Schwartz advises parents to look for providers that understand oro-myofunctional therapy, airway anatomy and growth patterns, rather than relying solely on visual cavity checks or orthodontic alignment.

Many of these issues are not just dental problems; they’re wholebody health problems. Airway health, Schwartz says, should be part of every child’s routine exam from the beginning.

As more dentists like Schwartz adopt a holistic, airway-focused approach to pediatric care, the hope is that fewer children will grow into adults with lifelong breathing issues that could have been prevented.

David A. Schwartz, DDS, PC, is located at 701 Jefferson Blvd., in West Lawn. For more information or to make an appointment, call 610-670-6910 or visit SchwartzFamilyDental.com.

Trella Dubetz is a trauma-informed bodyworker, holistic and human design practitioner, graphic designer and writer based in Lancaster and Huntingdon counties. She blends creativity with healing practices to support personal transformation. Connect with her at TrellaDubetz.com.

“Celebrating childhood, community, and the inherent value and dignity of every person, students develop strong academic and social skills, mindful self-awareness, and intense personal interests, learning to build inclusive, just and peaceful communities.”

Frederick “Ted” Carrick

on The Transformative Power of Functional Neurology

by Sandra Yeyati

Dr. Frederick (Ted) Carrick is recognized as the founder of functional neurology, with nearly five decades of research and clinical practice. He established the Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies, offering more than 100 courses and a master’s degree in clinical neuroscience, with a global presence in 13 countries.

With about 100 peer-reviewed, published studies to his credit, Carrick is a senior research fellow at the Centre for Mental Health Research in association with the University of Cambridge, in the UK. He is a full professor of neurology at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine and an adjunct professor at the MGH Institute of Health Professions, in Boston.

His work has been featured in print and television, including PBS and ABC News Nightline documentaries. Carrick holds a doctor of chiropractic degree from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, a Ph.D. in education from Walden University and a master of science in health professions education from both the Harvard Macy Institute and MGH Institute of Health Professions. He remains dedicated to patient care, offering in-person and virtual consultations worldwide.

What is functional neurology?

It is an evidence-based, multi-disciplinary approach that enhances human function through the nervous system, regardless of diseases or disorders. My rehabilitation protocols focus on movement of the head, neck, trunk, extremities and eyes to activate different areas of the nervous system and restore function. These protocols are applied only after a comprehensive neurological examination and testing.

How does this treatment work?

Intentionally moving your right arm is a consequence of the interaction of your brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, muscles and joints. When you move your arm, muscle and joint receptors provide feedback to the brain, while the brain sends motor commands in a feedforward mechanism. The brain also sends out what we call efferent copies of that motor command to other areas of the body, such as the core muscles or the back, to steady yourself so that the lever forces of the arm don’t hurt your back.

Functional neurologists work to increase muscle activity when there is weakness and to reduce muscle activation when it is excessive, as in seizures, epilepsy, dystonia and movement disorders. They also treat neurodegenerative syndromes, memory problems, concussions and neurological issues related to digestion.

What tactics do you employ to improve function?

The Carrick Institute is renowned for therapies that enhance the performance of professional athletes and Olympians, not just in injury recovery, but also in functional improvement. For elite runners, we boost race speed with tailored eye exercises developed over four decades, including fast and slow eye movements in different directions, focusing on individual nervous system needs. Using this technology, we can increase the speed of

swimmers, improve the agility of skiers, increase the number of baskets a person can make and the list goes on.

Beyond athletes, our methods can help the average person walk better and safer by addressing falls, a leading cause of accidental death. We’ve developed movement strategies to enhance balance and stance using advanced tools to measure various factors. For instance, in Parkinson’s patients, we address postural misalignment by improving visual feedback. Our expertise in balance, gait and running parameters is well-established, with extensive published research.

What other treatments do you employ besides eye exercises?

Eye and head movements are central to what we do, but they are usually not done in isolation of other things. For a balance exercise, we might use a pole like a tightrope walker’s. We adjust arm swing ratios, foot placement and hip rotation. Additionally, we employ electrical stimulation and physical therapy, which are beneficial for stroke survivors.

Are positive results long-lasting?

Our goal is to make patients autonomous so they don’t have to come back to see us. We give patients lifestyle changes, exercises and regimens that they can do on their own. Those who adhere to these strategies generally do well long-term. However, many

people stop exercising and start getting symptoms again, so they have to come back in.

Who should consult with a specialist in functional neurology?

Conditions that have symptoms typically bring a patient to the functional neurologist. If severe migraines disrupt your daily tasks, if you struggle with basic activities like using a knife and fork to cut your food, or if your head injury affects your vision or memory, consult a functional neurologist. However, many neurological conditions do not have recognizable symptoms but still need to be addressed. I think everyone should visit a functional neurologist annually to ensure optimal functioning. Many discover imbalances, such as uneven hand movement or poor memory.

We treat all ages. Many younger patients are suffering from accidents like motorcycle falls or sports injuries, while older patients face neurodegenerative issues. We also assist kids with learning and developmental challenges.

Sandra Yeyati is the national editor of Natural Awakenings.

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

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Not Only a Writing Workshop...

️Write from the Heart is a retreat where creative souls can laugh, share, learn, and relax without life’s distractions. In an atmosphere of kindness and trust, Melissa’s gentle, non-intimidating classes welcome all levels, including those who have always longed to write, but felt they couldn’t. An antidote to perfectionism and self-doubt, there are no grades, rules, competition or judgment. Sharing is optional. Learn how writing, without fear, grounds us in humanity, connects us with others, and brings joy into our lives.

Nurturing writers... since 2001 www.writefromtheheart.us 717-393-4713 | melissa@writefromtheheart.us

Creativity Therapy

Discovering the Healing Power of Crafting

by Megy Karydes

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n living rooms, coffee shops and community centers across the country, a quiet revolution is unfolding. The arts and crafts of previous generations—from quilting, basketweaving and jewelry-making to painting, pottery and bookbinding—are experiencing an unprecedented renaissance that extends beyond

“This trend is a natural reaction to how much of people’s lives are spent on screens,” remarks Ivana Labuckas, clinical director at Build Bright Care Group, in Granada Hills, California. “People are constantly dealing with abstract tasks like emails or social media that never give them that satisfying feeling of being truly done. Crafting brings them back to something real.”

Digital Detox

Recent research published in Frontiers in Public Health found that engaging in arts and crafts activities increased people’s sense that life was worthwhile. Of the nearly 7,200 adult participants, those that engaged in creative activities self-reported higher levels of happiness, life satisfaction and overall well-being, even after accounting for employment status and socioeconomic conditions.

Making things with our hands may be just the digital detox we need. Crafting provides what Labuckas calls “a process people can control and a finished product they can actually hold in their hands, which provides a powerful sense of accomplishment and calm in a world that often feels out of their control.”

Anxiety Relief

The mental health benefits of hands-on crafting are also profound. “Craft-based activities tend to activate various regions of the brain linked with memory, attention and motor coordination,” explains Jessica Plonchak, clinical director at ChoicePoint, a mental health and addiction treatment center in Fairlawn, New Jersey. “Being engaged in slow-paced handwork works as a meditation for many people, as it keeps their minds in good coordination with rhythm and repetition.”

According to Plonchak, the rhythmic nature of crafting “ultimately increases dopamine levels, while reducing stress and anxiety levels.” Unlike the short-lived boosts from social media notifications, craft-induced dopamine provides sustained satisfaction and genuine mood elevation.

The focused attention required for counting stitches or following intricate patterns creates what psychologists call flow states—periods of deep engagement where stress and time seem to fade away. “Making something by hand is one of the best forms of practical mindfulness people can do,” says Labuckas. “The focused, rhythmic nature of these activities gives busy minds one thing to focus on, quieting the part of the brain that tends to replay worries.”

Kim Rippy, a licensed counselor and owner of Keystone Therapy Group, in Burke, Virginia, is also an avid crocheter. “Crafting slows down the brain to shift into a more mindful state of focusing on the present,” she says. “One can’t count crochet stitches correctly if they’re worried about something else from the past or future.”

For Rippy, who manages patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, crafting serves as a powerful regulation tool. “Something in one’s hands that is productive helps the brain stop from drifting or becoming overwhelmed with anxious or intrusive thoughts,” she notes. This tactile engagement pulls attention away from worry and grounds it in present-moment awareness, a principle that underlies many therapeutic interventions.

Antidote to Overconsumption

The crafting renaissance also allows us to reuse and repurpose materials destined for the landfill. This shift from consumption to creation represents a reorientation of values. “Instead of just buying and discarding things, people realize the utmost importance of creating something of their own and preserving it,” Plonchak says. “It allows people to believe that, apart from being consumers, they are also the creators of something inventive and useful. This acknowledgment boosts self-esteem, improves emotional regulation and keeps the negative forces at bay.”

Consider upcycling fabric scraps into patchwork blankets, turning old CDs into mosaic art, transforming glass jars into lanterns or vases and wine corks into a trivet.

To ensure the sustainability of a crafting project, use minimally toxic materials,

avoiding new plastics, and be mindful to reduce waste at every step.

Igniting the Imagination

In her clinical work, Plonchak has witnessed firsthand that “crafting serves as a bridge to better mental health by offering moments of stillness and creativity.” It is a sophisticated form of therapy that engages multiple brain systems while providing sustainable, meaningful alternatives to digital entertainment.

As society navigates an increasingly complex and accelerated world, the wisdom needed is not found in the latest technology, but in time-tested practices. In every stitch and woven strand, we are not just creating treasured objects. We are choosing to craft calm, build community and rediscover what it means to be truly present in our own lives.

Megy Karydes is a Chicago-based writer and author of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress.

Herbal Products for Wellness & Bodycare F

Sustainable Halloween Costumes

Dressing up for Halloween is a fun way for kids and adults to express themselves, try on new personalities or celebrate their favorite movie characters, but the merriment may come with a hefty environmental price tag. Too many of us buy ready-made, fast-fashion costumes, wear them once and throw them away. Store-bought costumes tend to be made with unsustainable materials such as plastic and polyester, which can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills, causing harmful microplastics to enter our waterways.

The eco-friendly alternative is to create a costume from items we already have or will use again. That means ditching the plastic, glitter and chemical-laden makeup. It is an opportunity to dial up our creativity and do-it-yourself spirit.

• Check the closet, thrift stores and online marketplaces. Outgrown clothes can be

repurposed for a unique boho or witchy look. Layer items in unexpected combinations to make everyday garments take on new personalities. Mix colors. Add a vest. Tie a scarf around the head. Wear multiple hats and mismatched belts.

• Go natural for makeup or effects. Choose eco-friendly paints or natural dyes, including black tea, coffee, turmeric and paprika to color fabrics or decorate handmade, creative costumes. For witchy green skin, slather on a face mask. For rosy cheeks and lips, use a slice of beet to stain the skin. Blend vibrant, shimmery mineral powders for eyes, face or lips. Use eco-friendly face paint kits, such as those available at NaturalEarthPaint.com.

• Use household items. Cardboard boxes embellished with foil scraps and reused lids make great robots, astronauts or knights in armor. A white sheet with

cut-out eyes is the quintessential ghost. Blankets and shower curtains can be fashioned into superhero capes.

• Swap or borrow. Get together with family and friends and choose from a pile of costumes from years gone by. Have fun tweaking them and making them new again.

• Handcraft a mask. Gather leaves, flowers, pinecones, feathers, acorns and other natural specimens, as well as paper bags, recycled paper, felt fabric and cardboard. Make a sturdy shape for the base of the mask and cut out an oval for the eyes, then glue the decorative elements. This is a great craft project for kids.

Eco-Friendly Costume Ideas

• Garden or Forest Fairy: Wear practice clothing from dance class and layer it with colorful scarves, fake plants, leaves and flowers. Cut wings out of poster board.

• Mother Nature: Wear something green and make a crown from pinecones, sticks or leaves.

• Bat or Owl: Make wings from an old umbrella and use fabric scraps for feathers.

NOTE: To share your events and classes in our calendar, please visit our websites NABerks.com or NALancaster.com for guidelines and a submission link. Deadline: 5th of the month prior.

Visit our online calendar where you can find updated event and class information and share your events for free.

Saturday, October 4

Fall on the Farm – 10am-3pm. Rodale Institute offers favorite autumn activities; farm-wide wagon tours, harvesting pumpkins, drinking fresh apple cider, and organic snacks around the bonfire. Free. Rodale Institute, 611 Siegfriedale Rd, Kutztown. 610683-6009. RodaleInstitute.org.

Kids and Teens Cooking Class: Fall Baking – 10am-12pm. Ages 9-15. Celebrate the season with a cozy afternoon of hands-on baking of fall-inspired recipes, learning essential skills like mixing, shaping and decorating. $75pp. Registration required. Zest Cooking School, 1180 Erbs Quarry Rd, Lititz. 717-435-8890. ZestChef.com.

Guts & Glory Digestive & Wellness Expo – 11am-3pm. All-ages, pet-friendly event featuring nutrition, fitness & healthy living professionals, healthy food & drink for sale, live active demos, kid activities, holistic experts, massage tent, farmers market, local music, free health screenings and more. Free. Jim Dietrich Park, 4899 Stoudts Ferry Bridge Rd, Reading. MyGutInstinct.org.

Soap and Candle Making Class – 11am12:30pm or 1:30-3pm. Ages 10+. Learn to make a 100% domestic soy candle with a cotton wick, soap you can roll into a scroll and a face spritzer that contains organic aloe vera. $58pp. GSL Organics, 216 S Church St, Quarryville. Candy@Green StreetLux.com. GSLOrganics.org.

Sunday, October 5

Becoming the Creator – 10-11:30am. Danielle Stewart of The Happy Human Being provides a bi-weekly class that supports you in building self-awareness, reclaiming your personal power, and creating the life of your dreams. $40. Registration requested. The Nest Collaborative, 629 Court St, West Reading. TheNestCollaborative.com.

Hot Stone Restorative Yoga – 1-2:30pm. While in these fully supported restorative poses, the instructor will perform hands-on assists using hot stones to add warmth and weight. No yoga experience necessary. $30. Online registration required. Bldg7 Yoga, 220 N Park Rd #7, Reading. 484-755-5705 Bldg7Yoga.com.

Tuesday, October 7

Sound Bowl Healing – 6-7pm. Full moon sound bowl healing session. $30. Elemental

Wellness, 60A Werner St, Wernersville. 610750-9447. ElementalWellnessLLC.com.

Friday, October 10

Farm-to-Table Mocktail Mixology – 4-6pm. Includes a hike through the farm to learn about the herbs and produce commonly used in farm-to-table restaurants and other agri-tourism businesses and the fundamental steps in designing, processing and storing mocktails. $35pp or $60 for 2. Registration required. Rodale Institute, 611 Siegfriedale Rd, Kutztown. 610-683-6009. RodaleInstitute.org.

Cooking Class: Autumn Comfort Foods –6-8pm. Ages 16+. A delightful cooking class focused on vegetarian comfort foods. Create hearty and satisfying dishes using the best seasonal vegetables. Hands on. BYOB. $90pp. Registration required. Zest Cooking School, 1180 Erbs Quarry Rd, Lititz. 717-4358890. ZestChef.com.

Sound Bath – 6-7:30pm. Settle into stillness and let waves of sound carry you into deep restoration with a full-length sound bath of crystal bowls, gongs, chimes, and other resonant instruments to create a cocoon of vibration. $35. Registration requested. The Nest Collaborative, 629 Court St, West Reading. 610-763-1755. SaritaLindaRocco. com/service-page/sound-bath.

Saturday, October 11

Flex & Release: Self Myofascial Release for Mobility – 10-11:30am. Relax tense muscles and improve mobility. Learn techniques to stretch and loosen fascia, enhancing flexibility, circulation, recovery, and stress relief. Please bring a yoga mat; props provided. $30. Online registration required. Bldg7 Yoga, 220 N Park Rd #7, Reading. 484-7555705 Bldg7Yoga.com.

Qigong and Sound Immersion: Flowing Through the Senses – 12-2pm. Experience Qigong and sound journey, moving with live gongs and other instruments, then resting in immersive sound, promoting relaxation, presence, and wonder in a sacred, playful space. $40pp. Embodied Wisdom Institute LLC, 845 Silver Spring Plz, Ste B, Lancaster. 717-219-7163.

Sunday, October 12

Aquarian Sadhana for Gura Ram Das –4-7am. A transformative early morning

practice of kundalini yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan tradition, a space for self-reflection, connection, and deep spiritual awakening through chanting, meditation, and movement. Free. EveryBody Yoga & Wellness, 1245 Horseshoe Pike, Downingtown. 610470-7614. EverybodyYogaAndWellness.com.

Sound Bath: Two Gongs Talking –6-7:30pm. Doors at 5:30pm. Ken Ebert and Lana Ryder offer sound immersion featuring the language of large artisan gongs with gentle gong voice and other curated sounds. Not your usual sound bath. $40. 20% of proceeds go to Soundwise School scholarship fund for local students. Soundwise Theater of Sound, 313 W Liberty St, Ste 273, Lancaster. Registration required. SoundwiseHealth.com.

Tuesday, October 14

Healing Pathways Series w/Brenda – 5:306:30pm. Tuesdays thru 10/28. Certified yoga teacher and health coach Brenda Hoffa provides a heartfelt 3-class series designed for anyone seeking to restore balance and vitality after a health challenge. $30/series. Registration required. The Nest Collaborative, 629 Court St, West Reading. 484-5291201. TheNestCollaborative.com/servicepage/healing-pathways-w-brenda.

Sound and Crystal Reiki Group Healing Circle – 5:30-7:30pm. Feeling stuck, scattered, or heavy? This powerful group session blends sound healing and crystal reiki to help you release emotional blocks, restore nervous system balance, and gain the clarity your soul’s been craving. $50. BeU Complete at Shivaya Healing Arts, 206 N Broad St, Lititz. 717-723-9528. TansyRodgers.com.

Self-Heal with Barbara O’Neill – thru 10/18. 5-8:30pm weeknights, Saturday 8am-2pm. Known worldwide for her holistic approach to health, blending science, nature, and scripture to help individuals understand the body’s innate capacity to heal. Lancaster Mennonite School, 2176 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster. For details and reservations, call 484-262-9020 or visit TwinValley HealthAndWellness.com/events.

Wednesday, October 15

Self-Care 101 – 11:30am-1pm. Wednesdays thru 11/12. A mind-body-spirit program combining sustainable lifestyle shifts with an adaptable anti-inflammatory cleanse, helping you boost energy, reduce inflammation, and build lasting habits for wholebeing vitality. $145. The Nest Collaborative, 629 Court St, West Reading. 610-763-1755. TheNestCollaborative.com/Service-page/ Self-care-101-w-Freya.

MiddleWay Wellness Anniversary Open House – 5:30-6:30pm. Learn about primary

care and integrative medicine with a brief talk about the practice and health benefits, followed by a tour and time to ask questions. Free. MiddleWay Wellness, 101 Good Dr, Lancaster. 717-744-0532. MiddleWay Wellness.net.

Cooking Class: Asian Dumplings – 6-8pm. Ages 16+. Learn the art of making delicious, handmade dumplings from scratch, including a variety of fillings and dipping sauces, along with techniques for perfect folding, steaming and frying. Hands on. BYOB. $90pp. Registration required. Zest Cooking School, 1180 Erbs Quarry Rd, Lititz. 717-435-8890. ZestChef.com.

Friday, October 17

Sound Meditation with Abby – 6-7pm. Every third Friday. Relax and let the week melt away with the support of healing frequencies. $25. Register online. Willow Yoga Studio, 25 Nolt Ave, Willow Street. WillowYoga Studio.com.

Saturday, October 18

Farm to Table Dinner with Fields Edge Farm – Ages 16+. At this veggie showcase, you will see and taste several varieties that thrive for organic farmers in the Mid-Atlantic. Experience dishes showcasing collaborations with chefs, featuring tips on using all parts of garden plants to maximize harvest and explore diverse flavors and textures. BYOB. $95pp. Registration required. Zest Cooking School, 1180 Erbs Quarry Rd, Lititz. 717-435-8890. ZestChef.com.

Rooted in Wellness Mini-Expo – 2-6pm. Visit holistic vendors, take part in mini-services and a yoga class, enjoy a b12 shot, protein balls and healthy foods, and register for our candle-making workshop or IV vitamin therapy. $50 includes most. Call to reserve your spot. Some tickets available at the door. Blossom Med Spa, 101 N Queen St, Ste 93, Lancaster. 717-299-9000. BlossomMed-Spa.com.

Sunday, October 19

Becoming the Creator – 10-11:30am. See 10/5 listing for details.

Thursday, October 23

Parent and Child Cooking Class: October Harvest – 5:30-7:30pm. Ages 5+. Parents and kids will team up to create a comforting fall meal full of cozy flavors. Young chefs will gain kitchen confidence while making delicious memories with their favorite grownup. Hands on. $75pp. Registration required. Zest Cooking School, 1180 Erbs Quarry Rd, Lititz. 717-435-8890. ZestChef.com.

Friday, October 24

Introduction to Breathwork – 6-7:30pm. A breathwork session exploring functional breathing techniques to enhance energy, focus, emotional well-being, and nervous system regulation in a supportive group setting. $35pp. Embodied Wisdom Institute LLC, 845 Silver Spring Plz, Ste B, Lancaster. 717-2197163. EmbodiedWisdomInstitute.com.

Tuesday, October 28

Intro Workshop “Writing Without Fear”–6:30-8:30pm. Tuesdays thru 11/25. A wonderfully unconventional workshop where we share ourselves and our ideas without stress, learn to dodge perfectionism, and delight in the moment. Beginners welcome. Sharing optional. Registration required. Write From the Heart, Lancaster. 717-383-4713. WriteFromTheHeart.us.

Plan Ahead

Save The Date

Inner Peace Holistic Wellness & Gem Expo

Enjoy vendors of crystals and gems, wellness products, handcrafted soaps, jewelry, holistic pet care, plus foot detox, reiki, massage, mediums, acupuncture, sound therapy and so much more! Free lectures and giveaways all weekend. $10/ weekend. Veterans always free.

Saturday, November 1 · 10am – 6pm

Sunday, November 2 · 10am – 5pm

Hamburg Field House, Pine St, Hamburg InnerPeaceHolisticExpo.com

Save The Date

Good Food Fest 2025

An epic farmers market and celebration of local agriculture with 100+ producers, culinary demonstrations, a pouring room with local drinks, food trucks, live music, kid’s activities, live farm animals and more. $5-$10.

Sunday, November 2 · 11am-4pm (10am VIP hour)

Growing Roots Partners at Kimberton Fairgrounds, 762 Pike Springs Rd, Phoenixville. 484-753-6363. GoodFarmsGoodFood.com.

Sunday, November 2

Memoir Writing Workshop – 6:30-8:30pm. (Mondays thru 12/1.) “Exploring Our Life Stories.” A safe haven for capturing the memories that matter most. Taught with humor and warmth, we learn how writing about our past enables us to better understand our present. No grades, grammar, or judgment. Registration required. Write From the Heart, Lancaster. 717-383-4713. WriteFromTheHeart.us.

Wednesday, November 5-9

Mount Shasta Retreat – “Awakened on the Mountain.” An intimate retreat filled with yoga, grounding vortex hikes, intentional meals and time to reconnect with your truest self. $1,800 includes transportation while in CA, lodging, meals, yoga and all group activities. Flights to SMA not included. Space limited to six. Register: EverybodyYogaAndWellness.com.

Saturday, November 22

Connections in Women’s Health – 9am3pm. For both public and professionals, an all day event focused on women’s health. Education and collaboration on PCOS, irregular cycles, perimenopause, pelvic health, endometriosis and mental health. Registration required. $89. Luz Medicine PC at Eden Resort and Suites, 22 Eden Rd, Lancaster. 717-8449003. LuzMedicine. TicketSpice.com.

In-Person

Herbal Studies Certificate Program

With 6th generation local folk herbalist Susanna Reppert Brill.

One full day per month for 10 months in Mechanicsburg, PA.

OCTOBER

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES >>

Find additional articles and videos at NALancaster.com or NABerks.com Go to the home page and click on the “In This Issue” image in the top carousel or in the right column.

Fit Body

WHY YOGA WORKS

Ongoing Events

Sundays

Fascial Integration Flow – 8-9am. A flow yoga class focuses on releasing stuck tissue, emotions, trauma and beliefs that have stagnated into the fascia tissue that weaves and covers the entire body. A multifaceted practice. $18 or membership option. West End Yoga, 221 West Walnut St, Lancaster. 717-406-9681. WestEnd YogaStudio.com.

Sunday Morning Flow – 9-10am. A gentle, breath-centered yoga flow to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body, ending in peaceful stillness. Open to all levels. $15. Willow Yoga Studio, 25 Nolt Ave, Willow Street. 717-617-2128. WillowYogaStudio.com.

Mat Pilates – 10-11am. A core-focused, low-impact workout that builds strength, stability, and flexibility using controlled movements on the mat. $20. Embodied Wisdom Institute, 845 Silver Spring Plaza, Suite B, Lancaster. 717-219-7163. Embodied WisdomInstitute.com.

Restorative Yoga – 5-6pm. A gentle, calming practice that uses props and long-held poses to relax the body, quiet the mind, and restore balance. $20. Embodied Wisdom Institute, 845 Silver Spring Plaza, Suite B, Lancaster. 717-219-7163. Embodied WisdomInstitute.com.

Mondays

Chair Yoga – 10:30-11:30am. Accessible for everyone. Traditional poses are converted to using a chair as a foundation or prop. The addition of a long scarf/yoga belt, books/yoga block, and beach towel/yoga blanket helps expand the options. $18. West End Yoga Studio, 221 W Walnut St, Lancaster. 717-406-9681. WestEndYoga Studio.com.

Chair Yoga at Willow Yoga Studio – 1111:45am. Gentle, accessible yoga using a chair for support—perfect for those with limited mobility, recovering from injury, or seeking a safer practice. $15 drop-in. Willow Yoga Studio, 25 Nolt Ave., Willow Street. 717617-2128. WillowYogaStudio.com.

Cosmic Breath Kundalini – 6-7pm. Online. Reconnect with your inner light through breath, movement and stillness and awaken the energy within. Beginners welcome. $25. Registration required. CosmicBreath Kundalini.com.

Tuesdays

Awake and Align Yoga – 8:30-9:30am. All levels are welcome in this supportive, mindful space. New students can also enjoy an unlimited 30-day introductory package. $12. Holding Space Yoga at Urban Well Studio, 119 N Duke St, Lancaster. 717-940-9338. HoldingSpaceYoga.com.

RDG Fresh Market – 11am-2pm. Fresh produce at affordable prices. Listen to a 5-minute nutrition lesson and receive $2.

SNAP, cash, card and Food Bucks accepted. Offering bulk orders, CSA and farmstand requests. Farm Traveler at 145 N 6th St, Reading. ReadingCentralMarket@ gmail.com.

Community Acupuncture – 2:15pm and 3pm. Group acupuncture to treat anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, insomnia, vertigo, smoking cessation and drug addiction/recovery. $40 per session. Register at Omella.com/67hg1. Walnut Grove Family Medicine, 3100 Willow St Pk, Willow Street, PA. WalnutGrove FamilyMed.com.

Nervous System Regulation Lab – 4:305:30pm. Gentle class weaves polyvagal theory, somatic release techniques, vagal toning, fascia work, limbic retraining, and embodiment practices to help shift from survival mode into safety. $18. West End Yoga Studio, 221 W Walnut St, Lancaster. 717-406-9681. WestEndYogaStudio.com.

Chair Yoga at Willow Yoga Studio – 5:306:15pm. See Monday listing for details. Cosmic Breath Kundalini – 6-7pm. See Monday listing for details.

Qigong – 6-7pm – Onsite and via Zoom. Slow, rhythmic movements and focused breathing promote stress reduction, improved flexibility, and balance. $20. Embodied Wisdom Institute, 845 Silver Spring Plaza, Suite B, Lancaster. 717-2197163. EmbodiedWisdomInstitute.com.

The Art of Meditation – 7-8pm. A creative, trauma-informed meditation class that nourishes the nervous system through music, poetry and drumming. $20. Embodied Wisdom Institute, 845 Silver Spring Plaza, Ste B, Lancaster. 717-219-7163. EmbodiedWisdomInstitute.com.

Wednesdays

Svaroopa Yoga with Sarita – 9:30-11am. Immerse yourself in a soothing yoga practice designed to release tension and boost vitality. The clear instructions given in each post make this class reliably easy to follow. Small class size allows for personalized attention. $25. The Nest Collaborative, 629 Court St, West Reading. 610-763-1755. SaritaLindaRocco.com.

Chair Yoga – 10:30-11:30am. A gentle, accessible yoga practice using a chair for support and stability. Perfect for beginners. $12. Holding Space Yoga at Urban Well Studio, 119 N Duke St, Lancaster. 717940-9338. HoldingSpaceYoga.com.

Chair Yoga at Willow Yoga Studio – 1111:45am. See Monday listing for details.

Chair Yoga – 3:30-4:30pm. Yoga poses in the comfort of a chair under twinkling lights and wooden beams of a cozy barn. Come and take seat with your Zen. $5. Dunn Community Center, 4565 Prestwick Dr, Exeter. 610-781-4254. OTherapYoga.com.

Hatha Yoga w/Elise – 6-7pm. A gentle, eclectic, hatha yoga practice cued for friends of all ages, all bodies and all abilities. Breathwork, asana, chanted mantra. No registration required. Bring a mat or borrow one at the studio. $10. Bumbling Circus Workshop, 40 N Third St, 2nd Fl, Columbia. BumblingCircusWorkshop.com.

Ultimate Health Workshop – 7pm. Learn how you can achieve optimal health. Topics vary by week. Free. Call to reserve your spot. Heath Wellness Center, 14 W. Main St, Landisville. 717-530-5555. Heath ChiropracticAndWellnessCenter.com.

Thursdays

Awake and Align Yoga – 9:30-10:30am. See Tuesday’s listing for details.

Chair YoChi – 11-11:30am. Chair YoChi is the perfect blend of gentle Chair Yoga and flowing tai chi—all done seated at your pace. $2 with membership. Berks Encore Mifflin Wellness and Activity Center, 30 Liberty St, Shillington. 610-781-4254. OTherapYoga.com.

Svaroopa Yoga with Sarita – 4-5:30pm. A soothing yoga practice designed to release tension and boost vitality. Small class size allows for personalized attention. $25. The Nest Collaborative, 629 Court St, West Reading. 610-763-1755. SaritaLindaRocco. com.

Creative Power Vinyasa – 5-6pm. Intermediate-advanced standing flows that build flexibility, balance, strength and coordination with deep seated stretches, core work, arm balances or inversions, pranayama or meditation, guided relaxation. All levels welcome; previous experience helpful. $10 cash or $12 PayPal. 323 W James St, Lancaster. CampusYogaPA.com.

Cosmic Breath Kundalini – 6-7pm. See Monday listing for details.

Fridays

Qigong – 9-10am. Onsite and via Zoom. See Tuesday listing for info. Embodied Wisdom Institute, 845 Silver Spring Plaza, Suite B, Lancaster. 717-219-7163. Embodied WisdomInstitute.com.

Embodied Liberation: A Somatic Integration Circle – 10:15-11:15am. A weekly, trauma-informed somatic practice circle that offers gentle movement, breathwork, and nervous system support, centered on presence, not performance. $20. Embodied Wisdom Institute, 845 Silver Spring Plz,

Ste B, Lancaster. 717-219-7163. Embodied WisdomInstitute.com.

Cosmic Breath Kundalini – 6-7pm. Online. See Monday listing for details.

Level 1 Yoga – 6-7:15pm. Features basic postures, including alignment and refinement techniques. A slower mindful approach to practice that has both moderate and gentle energetic tones. Registration required. Suggested donation $10. Kula Kamala Foundation, 17 Basket Rd, Reading. KulaKamalaFoundation.org/calendar.

Saturdays

Gentle Hatha Yoga w/Stormy – 9-10am. A gentle, eclectic, hatha yoga practice cued for friends of all ages, all bodies and all abilities. Breathwork, asana, chanted mantra. No registration required. Bring a mat or borrow one at the studio. $10. Bumbling Circus Workshop, 40 N Third St, 2nd Fl, Columbia. BumblingCircusWorkshop.com.

Qigong – 9-10am – See Tuesday listing for details.

Puppy Start Right Program – 10-11am. Includes four classes, a book, videos and a training treat pouch. Taught by Nicole Weersing, Karen Pryor-Certified Instructor. Rotating start, registration required. $175. Godfrey’s Welcome to Dogdom, 4267 New Holland Rd, Mohnton. 610-777-5755. GodfreysDogdom.com.

Tarot – 10am-3:30pm. Nancy Warble offers 4-6-card readings during 20-30-minute session. Drop in or make an appointment. Call for details. $19. Radiance, 13 W Grant St, Lancaster. 717-290-1517. HerbsFromTheLabyrinth.com.

Hatha Yoga: Ground, Breathe, Restore – 10:15-11:15am. A gentle class that invites moving with intention and reconnecting with breath. No performance, just presence. $20. Embodied Wisdom Institute, 845 Silver Spring Plz, Ste B, Lancaster. 717219-7163. EmbodiedWisdomInstitute.com.

Astrology Readings by Leo – 11am. Call ahead to schedule and provide birth date, place, and if available, specific time. $100 for a 2-3-hour private session. Radiance, 13 W Grant St, Lancaster. 717-290-1517. HerbsFromTheLabyrinth.com.

Strength Training – 11am-12pm. Build strength and mobility with dumbbells and resistance bands in this fun, supportive class. All levels welcome—no experience needed. Equipment provided. $15. Willow Yoga Studio, 25 Nolt Ave., Willow Street. 717-617-2128.

3 Easy-to-use,

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Classifieds

Fee for classifieds is $1 per word per month. To place listing, email content to Advertising@NALancaster.com. Deadline is the 10th of the month.

For Rent

ROOM FOR LEASE – Kulp Chiropractic Clinic & Nutrition & Wellness Center has a room available for lease for healthcare providers, massage therapists, counselors, acupuncturists, etc. For info: 610-2080404.

For Sale

HYDRO-SAN PLUS colon therapy system for sale in Berks County area. $1,000. Like new and works great. Comes ready to go with numerous supplies included. Call 610208-0404.

Opportunity

SEEKING LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST & ESTHETICIAN – Busy day spa is in need of a licensed massage therapist for individuals, couples and occasions. Also seeking a licensed esthetician. Send inquiry and resume to: GLSwans1@aol.com.

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 Advertising@NALancaster.com or visit NALancaster.com or NABerks.com. Community Resource Guide

Acupuncture

LANCASTER ACUPUNCTURE

Beverly Fornoff

Eden Natural Care Center

600F Eden Rd • Lancaster 717-381-7334

LancasterAcupuncture.com

Discover your body’s natural ability to heal with the supports of acupuncture and herbal medicine. Acupuncture is a way to relieve acute or chronic pain, stress, allergies, colds, digestive problems, and insomnia and support your overall well-being. See ad, page 22.

Ayurveda

EVERYBODY YOGA & WELLNESS

1245 Horseshoe Pike • Downingtown 484-593-4075

EveryBodyYogaAndWellness.com

We are known for our transformative Ayurvedic bodywork and treatments using herbal-infused oils, customized to restore balance and vitality. Also offering detox, reflexology, reiki and yoga—holistic services designed to support your physical, emotional and energetic wellbeing. See ad, page 27.

Bodywork

CIRCLE OF LIFE MASSAGE & WELLNESS

918 N Reading Rd • Ephrata 717-335-2338

CircleOfLifeWellness.com

Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, reduced stress or enhanced overall wellness, our experienced therapists tailor each session to meet your individual needs, blending therapeutic bodywork techniques for optimal results. We specialize in Ashiatsu, Thai yoga massage, lymphatic drainage, craniosacral therapy, Japanese facial massage, and more. See ad, page 9.

THE SPA AT WILLOW POND

1487 Old Lancaster Pike Sinking Spring 610-406-5733

TheSpaAtWillowPond.com

Escape to Berks County’s top spa and experience total renewal. From stressrelieving massage to skinbrightening facials and detoxifying wraps, every service is designed to help you feel relaxed, refreshed, and more deeply restored—inside and out. See ad, page 13.

Chiropractic

A THERAPEUTIC EFFECT

Dr. Andrew Ashton 313D Primrose Ln • Mountville 717-285-9955 • ATherapeuticEffect.com

Providing an array of therapeutic treatments and services that promote relaxation and detoxification. Our doctor specializes in low-impact Torque Release Technique which provides immediate results for people of all ages. See ad, page 2.

BLUE SKIES CHIROPRACTIC

Dr. Leah Reiff

2727 Old Philadelphia Pike • Bird-in-Hand 717-390-9998

BlueSkiesChiroHealth.com

Chiropractic is used for natural relief from conditions such as chronic pain, injuries, pregnancy complications, complications from aging & more. Dr. Reiff carefully considers every individual's comfort level & provides specific adjustments to support the body for benefits that will last.

DR. SUPER’S HOUSE OF HEALTH

2209 Quarry Dr, Ste B-21 • West Lawn 610-601-9011

DrSupersHouseOfHealth.com

At Dr. Super’s House of Health, we believe in a personalized approach to health care. We do things the right way, all the time, every time. Discover the healing power that lives within you and take control of your health again. Also offering massage and lymphatic drainage.

HEATH CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS CENTER LLC

Thomas Heath, DC 14 W Main St • Landisville 717-530-5555

HeathWellnessCenter.com

For 33 years, Dr. Heath has been helping people recover their health and reduce stress in their lives through Functional Integrative Brain / Body Balance. He uses Professional Applied Kinesiology, Neuro Emotional Technique, Quantum Neurology, Nutritional counseling, traditional Chiropractic and other cutting-edge techniques. See ad, page 25.

LINK CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

Dr. Thomas B. Wachtmann, DC 3130 Pricetown Rd • Fleetwood 610-944-5000

DrWachtmann.com

High-quality, patientfocused Chiropractic Care and Functional Diagnostic Medicine evaluation and treatment. We focus on correcting the underlying causes of many disorders, diseases and conditions. Call for a complimentary consultation and benefits check. See ad, page 4.

Clinical Aromatherapist INSHANTI

Debra Stoltzfus 48 Slaymaker Hill Rd • Kinzers 717-587-3990 • Inshanti.com

Trust a nationally certified aromatherapist specializing in clinical consultations. Deb can work directly with your physician to create a plan that supports mind and body health. In addition to retail and wholesale accounts of proprietary blends and pure essential oils sourced directly from the farmers, half- and full-day education courses with certification are offered. See ad, page 25.

Coaching (Health)

FUNCTIONAL HEALTH

OF LANCASTER

Elizabeth Kelly, MA, FMCHC, NLP, TLT 2207 Oregon Pike, Suite 301A • Lancaster info@fh-lancaster.com 717-490-6227 (call or text)

FH-Lancaster.com

Elizabeth is a triple-certified neuro-linguistic programming practitioner, timeline therapist and functional medicine health coach. Her expertise helps to reduce stress and anxiety, support digestion, hormone balance, relationship improvements, academics, job performance, addiction recovery and general well-being. See ad, page 5.

Coaching (Life)

CREATE A LIFE WORTH LIVING

Stephane Poncelet 570-449-2219

Create-A-LifeWorthLiving.com

I help individuals heal from abuse by transforming survival strategies into tools for connection. Through coaching, clients explore inner conflicts, embrace selfawareness, grieve the past, and build self-respect—creating a life rooted in love, truth and accountability.

TSW LIFE COACH & CONSULTANT, LLC

Tara Wages, MS, CET1, MCLC 313 W Liberty St, Ste 226A • Lancaster 717-808-4575

TSWLifeCoach.com

Tara is a Trauma-informed Life Coach, Recovery Coach, Experiential Therapist, and Reiki Practitioner with experience in healing, personal growth and transformation. She guides clients with compassion, integrating mind-body approaches to foster resilience, clarity and lasting change.

Counseling

CHELSEA HARRIS COUNSELING LLC

122 W Lancaster Ave, Ste 207 • Shillington 484-898-5063 By Appointment Only Chelsea@ChelseaHarrisCounseling.com Chelsea-Harris6746.clientsecure.me

Specializing in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma for children (8+), teens, and adults. Using a traumafocused approach, CBT, DBT and AnimalAssisted Therapy, Chelsea provides a safe, supportive space to explore emotions, develop healthier coping strategies, and navigate life’s challenges.

ELEMENTAL WELLNESS

60A Werner St • Wernersville 610-750-9447 • ElementalWellnessLlc.com

Elemental Wellness offers trauma-informed counseling rooted in EMDR, IFS, DBT and somatic practices. Focused on nervous system regulation and emotional healing, sessions guide clients toward balance, selfdiscovery, and lasting well-being through a compassionate, integrative approach. See ad, page 28.

M. HARNISH COUNSELING

& SPIRITUAL

DIRECTION

Malinda Harnish Clatterbuck, MA (she/her) 228 E Orange St • Lancaster 717-875-5066

MHarnishTherapy.com

The work of healing and formation begins as we listen to what is going on in our inner life, what is happening in our heart and in our head. Using compassion and deep listening, I will be present with you and help you along your way.

TAKE HEART COUNSELING & EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY

699 Wooltown Rd • Wernersville 717-917-7137

TakeHeartCounseling.com

—Maya Angelou

Providing traumainformed services to address anxiety, depression, self-worth, ADHD, autismspectrum, trauma, behavioral issues, spirituality, family issues and overall mental health and well-being. We empower families and individuals from children through adulthood to find hope, healing and wholeness through therapy sessions with trained clinicians and the intuitive partnership of horses. See ad, page 28.

Dentistry

DAVID A. SCHWARTZ, DDS, PC

701 Jefferson Blvd • West Lawn 610-670-6910

SchwartzFamilyDental.com

We provide general and cosmetic mercury-free dental care to the entire family with attention to “whole person health.” We have advanced training in the safe removal of mercury fillings, non-surgical gum treatments, orthodontics, sleep apnea, solutions for TMJ, facial pain and headaches. Visit our website to learn more. See ad, page 16.

SUSQUEHANNA DENTAL ARTS

100 S 18th St • Columbia 717-684-3943 • 717-285-7033

SusquehannaDentalArts.com

We are a fullservice family dental practice providing 100% mercury-free restorations, quality non-surgical periodontal care, INVISALIGN, implant-retained dentures and partials. See ad, page 5.

DNA Testing

ANY LAB TEST NOW

235 Bloomfield Dr, 110 Bldg B • Lititz 717-207-7604

AnyLabTestNow.com/Lititz

Any Lab Test Now makes it easy for consumers and businesses to manage their health! We provide direct access to clinical lab tests, DNA tests, and drug- and alcohol-

Eco-Friendly Cleaning

HUGHES HOME SERVICES

Green Cleaning & Laundry Service

Samantha Hughes

SamanthAnneHughes@yahoo.com 717-538-6383

We offer weekly, bi-weekly or monthly services, as well as deep cleaning, organizing and next-day laundry services using organic, safe environmentally kind products. We’d love to help make your home healthy and happy! Schedule your free consultation today. See ad, page 16.

Energy Enhancement System

TWIN VALLEY HOLISTIC HEALTH

Britt Stratton, Traditional Naturopath 2403 Main Street, Suite B • Narvon 484-262-9020

TwinValleyHealthAndWellness.com

This revolutionary technology uses custominstalled units that generate a bio-active energy field of “scalar waves”, facilitating a healing environment to allow for higher cellular millivoltage and regeneration, improved immune function, pain relief, detoxification, and elevated energy, mood and consciousness. See ad, page 33.

End-Of-Life Care

KUHN FUNERAL HOMES

Laura Adamo, LFD Specializing in Green Burial

SIMPLE FUNERALS

40 N Charlotte St • Manheim 717-664-1500

SimpleFuneralsPA.com

At Simple Funerals, we pride ourselves on serving families with dignity, respect and compassion, offering affordable funeral services that focus on simplicity and value. Planning, pre-planning, cremation, traditional and green burial services are available. See ad, page 14.

Energy Healing

beU COMPLETE

Tansy Rodgers

Lancaster • Virtual 717-281-1102 • TansyRodgers.com

Tansy understands the impact that energy healing has on your health, happiness, and self-confidence. Using a variety of holistic modalities, she specializes in burnout, gut health, ADHD, chakra work, energy balancing, emotion release, mobility work and self-confidence.

QHHT LANCASTER

Keysha Koy Whitsel 45 Brandt Blvd • Landisville 717-201-2350

QHHTLancaster.com

THURSDAY

JUNE 20TH

Activate deep transformation through Quantum Healing, Breathwork and the Gene Keys. Explore the hidden patterns of your DNA, release old wounds, and awaken your highest potential—through gentle guidance towards greater clarity, purpose, and emotional freedom.

RESTORE YOUR ENERGY

Certified by the Green Burial Council, Kuhn Funeral Homes provide the highest level of service for natural funerals and green burial. We are committed to supporting those seeking familycentered and sustainable alternatives at end-of-life –whether traditional, cremation or home funerals. See ad, page 7.

PRESENTED BY PRESENTED BY

Laura Adamo

Licensed Funeral Director and Green Burial expert in Berks County.

Deb Gallagher, RN, AP Lancaster 717-203-9666

RestoreEnergy12@gmail.com

RestoreYourEnergy.org

Experience Eden Energy Medicine, a practice created by Donna Eden, healer, author and teacher. This method assists with balancing our nine energy systems which can become blocked by stress, pain and illnesses. When the energy is balanced, sleep, joy, concentration and immunity improve, and our body’s natural ability to heal can begin.

See which cemeteries offer this option locally. option locally.

See which cemeteries offer this

Family Medicine

LUZ MEDICINE

Danielle Miller, MD, Amber Leed, CRNP, Stephanie, Wile CRNP 29 Cloister Ave • Ephrata 717-844-9003

LuzMedicine.com

Dr. Miller and her team empower patients to take charge of their health through transparent communication, compassionate care and convenient access. Specializing in family medicine and hormone-related concerns, Luz fosters growth, trust, and patient-centered solutions. See ad, page 28.

Farm/Farmers Markets

HOMEFIELDS

150 Letort Rd • Millersville 717-572-2719

Homefields Care Farm, Lancaster County’s longest-

running CSA, is Pennsylvania Certified Organic, offering 300+ vegetable, fruit, and herb varieties May–Nov. Celebrating 30+ years, Homefields provides vocational training, volunteering, and employment for people of all abilities. Homefields is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization.

LIVENGOOD FAMILY FARM

Pastured-Raised Meats, Eggs & Produce 1648 Morningside Dr • Lancaster 717-327-6817

LivengoodFamilyFarm.com

Our regenerative farm offers organically grown produce and pasturedraised meat & eggs and feature intensively rotated grazing. Our ruminants are 100% grassfed and our pork and poultry are free of GMO, soy and corn. Shop online. Convenient farm pickup. Consider hosting a delivery point in your area.

RODALE INSTITUTE

611 Siegfriedale Rd • Kutztown 610-683-1400

RodaleInstitute.org

Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to growing the regenerative organic agriculture movement through rigorous research, farmer training, and education. Over our 75-year history, we have proven that organic farming is not only viable, but essential to humanity’s survival. Our visitors’ center includes a wide selection of gifts and goods for the farm and plant enthusiast. See ad, page 18.

Fertility

FUNCTIONAL THERAPY & WELLNESS

3413 Harvest Dr., Ste 1 • Gordonville 717-929-0950

FunctionalTherapyAndWellness.com

We specialize in holistic fertility support through Mercier Therapy, as well as pelvic floor therapy and myofascial release therapy. Our multidisciplinary approach empowers our patients to experience fertility, enhance wellbeing, and achieve optimal quality of life with consistent, compassionate care. See ad, page 39.

Fibromyalgia

RESTORED BALANCE CENTER

Tracey Ramirez, DC

2227 Dutch Gold Dr • Lancaster 717-363-0045

RestoredBalanceCenter.com

We provide exceptional, personalized care for fibromyalgia, chronic pain, ehlersdanlos syndrome, and chronic fatigue in a warm and welcoming environment. Dr. Tracey focuses on helping you achieve optimal health and overall wellness through customized treatment plans designed to meet your individual needs. Begin your journey to better health today. See ad, page 23.

Functional Medicine

FUNCTIONAL HEALTH OF LANCASTER

Dr. Mary Regan, DNP, CRNP, IFMCP 2207 Oregon Pk, Ste 301A • Lancaster Info@FH-Lancaster.com 717-490-6227 (call or text) FH-Lancaster.com

Are you seeking a deeper, more meaningful evaluation of your overall health? Dr. Regan is a certified functional medicine and adult primary care practitioner providing in-person and remote care to Pennsylvania and Maryland residents. Our services involve comprehensive assessment and treatment of various health issues through mind-body therapy, nutritional medicine, IV supplement therapy, health coaching, thermography and personalized medicine. See ad, page 5.

KULP NUTRITION & WELLNESS

Dr. Donna Kulp, DC, DACBN, IFMCP

52 Morgantown Road • Reading 610-208-0404

KulpChiropractic.com

Dr. Donna Kulp helps patients achieve health and wellness goals through finding the root cause of illness by considering individual biochemistry, health history, genetics, lifestyle, exercise, and stress to create customized wellness programs for all body systems, including the immune, endocrine and gastrointestinal systems. See ad, page 23.

Functional Neurology

LANCASTER BRAIN & SPINE

221 Granite Run Dr • Lancaster 717-299-9600

LancasterBrainAndSpine.com

Our mission is to improve the lives of people suffering from complicated neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, by utilizing cutting-edge diagnostic testing and customized brain-based treatment plans. See ads, pages 12 and 21.

Ever wonder how

ORGANIC FIELD DAY

PA

Join Rodale Institute’s researchers and expert staff at our annual Organic Field Day to learn the latest results of our farming trials and visit nearly 20 demonstration stations on our 386-acre experimental farm.

You’ll have the opportunity to interact one-on-one with Rodale Institute experts and learn about a wide variety of research and demonstration projects, all focused on organic agriculture!

Herbalism/ Herbal Medicine

GREEN ENCHANTMENTS, LLC

Cara Marino OTR/L and Holistic Herbalist 860-604-5125

Cara@GreenEnchantments.com

GreenEnchantments.com

Green Enchantments offers Holistic Herbal Medicine from an Occupational Therapist mindset in order to provide 100% handmade organic and/ or ethically sourced remedies to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual quality of life utilizing internal and external approaches. We additionally offer individualized consultation services using a complementary perspective of allopathic and holistic education.

HERBS FROM THE LABYRINTH

Master Herbalist Sarah Preston Radiance, 13 W Grant St • Lancaster 717-290-1517

HerbsFromTheLabyrinth.com

Longtime Herbalist

Sarah Preston crafts small-batch herbal body-care and wellness products, teas, tinctures, syrups, salves and creams using organically grown and ethically sourced wildcrafted herbs. Consultations and custom blends available. Products found at Radiance and Lemon Street Market, both in Lancaster. See ad, page 43.

Holistic Wellness

BE WELL LIVING

Molly Kauffman AYS, C-IAYT, CPT 610-462-9994

BeWellLiving.net

An experienced ayurvedic practitioner, certified yoga therapist, herbalist, certified personal trainer and 3Wisdom Traditions wellness coach, Molly will support you in developing your personalized healthy routine, yoga practice or meditation journey, building an herbal connection and integrating natural remedies through seasonal living.

CIRCLE OF LIFE MASSAGE & WELLNESS

918 N Reading Rd • Ephrata 717-335-2338

CircleOfLifeWellness.com

Experience holistic wellness with our diverse range of services designed to support mind, body and spirit. Unwind in our floatation room, infrared sauna or vibroacoustic space to reduce stress, soothe your nervous system, and alleviate chronic pain. We offer a full menu of bodywork therapies, expertly delivered by skilled practitioners. See ad, page 9.

ELEMENTAL WELLNESS

60A Werner St • Wernersville 610-750-9447

ElementalWellnessLlc.com

Blending ancient wisdom with modern practices, the practitioners at Elemental Wellness offer reiki, Ayurveda, sound bowl healing, trauma-informed yoga and Akashic Records readings. Individual and group sessions support energetic alignment, inner peace, and deep mind-body-spirit healing for sustainable wellness and personal transformation. See ad, page 28.

Homeopathy

RUTA HOMEOPATHIC & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Toll House Shoppes • 4453 Penn Ave, Ste 8 • Sinking Spring 646-204-9199 • RutaComprehensive.org ChildrensDestinies.org

Dr. Serguei Krissiouk is an experienced practitioner of homeopathic and other complementary medicines with a background in pediatrics. He provides children and adults effective and harmonizing management for acute and chronic health conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, sleep disturbances, eating disorders and more. Tele-health appointments available.

Human Design

TRELLA DUBETZ, HUMAN

DESIGN PRACTITIONER

TrellaDubetz.com IG: @akashicreflector

Integrative Medicine

AQUA BLUE WELLNESS

Dr. Peter Hurtubise, DO 2435 Old Philadelphia Pk Smoketown • 717-656-8615

AquaBlueWellnessCenter.com

Dr. Hurtubise offers integrative family medicine in Lancaster County, blending over 23 years of medical expertise with holistic care. He provides tailored IV therapy plans, acupuncture and lifestyle management, emphasizing personalized, non-pharmacological, and modern medical approaches to wellness. See ads, pages 29 and 41.

INTEGRATIVE HEALTH & WELLNESS

Nicole Lundy, CRNP, FNP-C, IHP, NRCME 1656 W Main St, Ste 5 • Ephrata 717-998-0078

IntegrativeWellPath.com

We offer full-service primary care with an integrative approach. From women’s health, pap smears, blood work, hormone & gut testing to nutrition, bioidentical hormones and whole-family wellness—our boardcertified nurse practitioner brings 25+ years of experience to personalized, root-cause care.

MIDDLEWAY WELLNESS

Comprehensive Holistic Primary Care

Mary Ellen Francescani, CRNP, IFMT Jane Snyder, CRNP, IFMT 101 Good Dr • Lancaster 717-744-0532

MiddleWayWellness.net

At MiddleWay Wellness, we combine conventional, integrative, and functional medicine to deliver a holistic, patient-centered approach to primary care. We provide compassionate, thorough care tailored to your needs, whether you're seeking treatment for illness, preventive care, or strategies for optimal health and longevity. All-in-one care! See ad, page 31.

in our community resource guide! Email Advertising@NALancaster.com or visit NALancaster.com or NABerks.com

Human Design melds ancient and modern sciences, providing data, guidance and context to HOW we are built genetically to cosmological levels. It deepens our awareness and relationship to ourselves, so we can move through life with greater ease and satisfaction.

—James Baldwin

STRASBURG HEALTH ASSOCIATES

Brenna Osmolinski, F-NP

181 Hartman Bridget Rd • Ronks 717-687-7541

BrennaOsmolinski@gmail.com

A dedicated family nurse practitioner, Brenna blends traditional medicine with integrative therapies to support the overall wellbeing of her patients. Her services include family medicine, nutritional counseling, emotional wellness strategies and personalized care plans for all ages. Her hands-on, wholeperson approach ensures patients feel supported and empowered in their journey to optimal health.

STRASBURG HEALTH ASSOCIATES

Nick D’Orazio, MD

181 Hartman Bridge Rd • Ronks 717-687-7541

DrNickDorazio@gmail.com

Physician board certified in integrative and holistic medicine employs a wide variety of treatment modalities including Ayurveda, IV treatments including chelation, homeopathic, herbal, and nutritional medicine, natural injections, physical rehabilitation, and bodywork. Dr. D’Orazio is a physician who lives what he teaches.

WALNUT GROVE FAMILY MEDICINE & WELLNESS CLINIC

Mary Tierney, MD 3100 Willow Street Pk • Willow Street 717-723-9104

WalnutGroveFamilyMed.com

With a patient-first approach using science-based research to guide treatment plans along with supplementary modalities, we help our patients achieve and maintain optimal health and wellbeing. Providing family and sports medicine, acupuncture, infrared therapy, hyrdomassage, discounted labs, medications and supplements and more. See ad, page 12.

IV Therapies

AQUA BLUE

WELLNESS CENTER

2435 Old Philadelphia Pk Smoketown • 717-656-8615

AquaBlueWellnessCenter.com

We offer a range of IV hydration vitamin and mineral therapies to support your well-being. IV therapies can support hydration, weight loss, increased energy, improved immunity, address nutrient deficiencies and more. See ads, pages 29 and 41.

FUNCTIONAL HEALTH OF LANCASTER

2207 Oregon Pike, Suite 301A • Lancaster

Info@FH-Lancaster.com 717-490-6227 (call or text) FH-Lancaster.com

Our intravenous (IV) supplement therapy provides bioavailable nutrients to help you recover, rejuvenate, repair and rebuild. IV therapy delivers vitamins, minerals and nutrients to the body quickly, efficiently and effectively by bypassing the gastrointestinal tract, allowing for direct cellular uptake. Membership plans available. See ad, page 5.

Lab Testing

ANY LAB TEST NOW

235 Bloomfield Dr, 110 Bldg B • Lititz 717-207-7604

AnyLabTestNow.com/Lititz

Any Lab Test Now makes it easy for consumers and businesses to manage their health! We provide direct access to clinical lab tests, DNA tests, and drug- and alcoholtesting services, vitamin B12 injections and more. See ad, page 15.

Markets

KIMBERTON WHOLE FOODS

Wyomissing, Douglasville, Kimberton, Downingtown, Ottsville, Collegeville, Malvern KimbertonWholeFoods.com

A family-owned and operated community market with a commitment to integrity, sustainable agriculture, and fair trade. We carry organic produce, raw dairy, humanely raised meats, specialty and gourmet foods, baked goods, supplements, natural body care, and household items, cards and books, many from our over 150 local producers, as well as healthy take out, eat-in and to-go items. See ad, back cover.

LEMON STREET MARKET

241 W Lemon St • Lancaster 717-826-0843

LemonStreetMarket.com

We are an independent & woman-owned grocery store with a focus on sustainable and healthy living, with many local, organic, vegan and gluten-free options. We’re open 7 days a week, including our kitchen, serving coffee, tea, espresso, fresh juices, smoothies, and grab-and-go takeout items. See ad, page 35.

Mattresses Natural/Organic

GARDNER’S MATTRESS & MORE

830 Plaza Blvd • Lancaster 717-299-6228

GardnersMattressAndMore.com

Gardner’s is a locally owned mattress store offering a wide selection of quality natural and organic mattresses ranging from the luxurious to economical. Educating our customers on getting a good night’s sleep and the benefits of sleeping naturally and organically is our mission. To learn more and schedule sleep consultation, visit GardnersMattressAndMore.com/Natural. See ad, page 3.

Med Spa

BLOSSOM

MED SPA

101 N Queen St, Ste 93 Lancaster 717-299-9000

Blossom-MedSpa.com

Blossom Med Spa offers luxury beauty and body care from the inside out, with wellness services such as acupuncture (new!), infrared sauna and halotherapy, reiki and more, and expert aesthetic services including medi facials, laser treatments, chemical peels, microneedling, and cosmetic enhancements. See ad, page 31.

Mind-Body-Spirit

SACRED ALIGNMENT

Heather Hanko Online and in-person 717-693-0224

HeatherAlignment@gmail.com

HHSacredAlignment.com

Connect with loved ones in spirit, find balance and receive gentle guidance through life’s challenges. Heather creates a sacred alignment, helping you access the guidance you need to live a more peaceful life. Invite healing through readings, reiki and supportive coaching.

Mind-Body Therapy

FUNCTIONAL HEALTH OF LANCASTER

Angelique Canonico, CMC, PVT, C-IAYT 2207 Oregon Pike, Suite 301A • Lancaster

Info@FH-Lancaster.com

717-490-6227 (call or text)

FH-Lancaster.com

Angelique is a certified yoga therapist, polyvagal therapy practitioner, reiki practitioner and menopause coach. Her unique modalities focus on regulating the nervous system, repairing painful pathways and reestablishing a healthy balance between the body and mind. See ad, page 5.

Native/Ecological Gardening

COLORGARDEN LLC

Marcella Hostetler

717-413-7054

ColorgardenLlc@gmail.com

ColorgardenLancaster.com

We design, install and provide ongoing care for native habitats, transforming your property into a haven for birds, butterflies and native bees. Join the movement to restore balance in our ecosystems by creating a beautiful, lowmaintenance oasis in your backyard!

MAYAPPLE NATIVE LANDSCAPING

717-390-5832

Hello@MayappleNative.com MayappleNative.com

We can help you turn your property into an inviting, sustainable, low-maintenance haven for you and the wildlife you love. Mayapple provides design and installation of pollinator-loving gardens, rain gardens, native meadows, natural stonework and more. Visit the website to book a consultation.

WAXWING ECOWORKS CO.

Elyse Jurgen, MEd, CBLP

717-676-1045

WaxwingEcoWorks.com

Waxwing EcoWorks Co. offers native/ecological gardening consultation, design, build, stewarding and educational services to enhance human well-being and support dwindling wildlife populations. We work alongside you to make your vision come to fruition! Explore our website and online listing for more details.

WILDCRAFT LANDSCAPES

Nate Tietbohl, Owner, Designer

484-772-8012

Info@WildcraftLandscapes.com

WildcraftLandscapes.com

We design, install and steward vibrant native landscapes that support healthy ecosystems and expand our clients’ connection to the natural world. We offer a wide array of services for projects of all sizes. HIC#:PA179637. See ad, page 17.

Naturopathic Doctor

HEALTH FOR LIFE

Ann Lee, ND, L.Ac 112 Cornell Ave • Lancaster 717-669-1050

DoctorNaturalMedicine.com

Learn how your symptoms are connected, get answers and achieve improved health and well-being as we facilitate your body’s ability to heal itself through acupuncture and naturopathic medicine. Special focus on hormone balancing and fertility (now offering DUTCH hormone testing).

TWIN VALLEY HOLISTIC HEALTH

Britt Stratton, Traditional Naturopath 2403 Main Street, Suite B • Narvon 484-262-9020

TwinValleyHealthAndWellness.com

With years of experience, and using a variety of modalities to help your body heal itself, Britt focuses on root cause corrections rather than treating or diagnosing any disease. She and her team work with the body’s systems, believing that each is significant, but not separate from the others. See ad, page 33.

Nutrition

FUNCTIONAL HEALTH OF LANCASTER

Rileigh Smith, MS, CNS, LDN, CHHC 2207 Oregon Pk, Ste 301A • Lancaster Info@FH-Lancaster.com 717-490-6227 (call or text) FH-Lancaster.com

Rileigh is a trained integrative nutritionist with expertise in hormonal optimization, renal disorders, endocrine dysfunction, weight struggles, cardiometabolic disease and osteoporosis. She is also skilled in treating gastrointestinal complaints such as SIBO, H.Pylori, GERD, and candida overgrowth. Virtual and in-person appointments available. See ad, page 5.

NUTRITION FOR LIFE

Lori Borja, RN, MS, CNS 3933 Perkiomen Ave • Reading 610-779-4588 • SpineAndWellness.org

Clinical nutrition service based on a comprehensive assessment, each client receives a personalized treatment plan to help them re-balance and restore the body. Lori will provide specific recommendations for the client’s individual needs. One-on-one support is given to help clients reach their goals and live healthier lives. See ad, page 4.

Pelvic Health Therapy

PELVIC FOUNDATIONS

Home-Based care in Berks and Lancaster Counties 717-723-9270

PelvicFoundations.com

We provide expert pelvic floor therapy, restoring wholebody health with skilled treatment, education and lifelong tools. Specialties include chronic pain (pelvic, back, hip and tailbone), bowel and bladder disorders, pregnancy/ postpartum care, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual health issues—all delivered conveniently and comfortably in your own home. See ad, page 19.

Pet Care

TILL WE MEET AGAIN

In-home Pet Euthanasia

717-808-4654

TillWeMeetAgain.com

For some, euthanasia of their pet at the veterinary hospital is simply not an option. Dr. Mark Huber and his wife Stacey provide home euthanasia for dogs and cats in the most comfortable environment possible-your home-with the intention of bringing peace and comfort to ease the pain of losing a beloved pet. See ad, page 10.

Pilates

CMB PILATES

484-214-2987 (Text) Info@cmbpilates.com CMBPilates.com

Experience inclusive, lowimpact virtual Pilates designed for every body and mind. Whether you're new or experienced, neurodivergent or not, these supportive online classes help you feel calm, confident and connected—right from the comfort of home.

GSL ORGANICS

216 S Church St • Quarryville Candy@GreenStreetLux.com GSLOrganics.org

With over 25 years of experience, owner Candy St. MartinePack, a certified aroma-therapist, formulates all skincare products using natural and organic ingredients to treat a variety of skin issues including, eczema, psoriasis and the effects of aging. See ad, page 19.

Sound Healing/Music

RESONATE YOU

Jen Lobo Rose Lititz/Lancaster ResonateYou@gmail.com ResonateYou.com

Jen Lobo Rose, a voice teacher for over 20 years, will help guide you to release your singing or sounding voice to help in your own personal well-being and healing. Offering private lessons, group classes and sound meditations.

SOUNDWISE SCHOOL OF HARMONIC THERAPY

SOUNDWISE HEALTH ASSOCIATES, LLC

Lana Ryder, Director and Senior Instructor, Sound School 313 W Liberty St, Suite 263 • Lancaster 610-301-4356 SoundwiseHealth.com

Our trained and experienced professional practitioners offer individual intuitive sound therapy sessions, group immersions, sonic massage, ReikiSound, ReikiVoice, and hospice CareSound. Also offering six-month sound school and individual classes for fundamental education in the art and science of sound healing. Sharing the healing power of sound, voice and music for 50 years.

Specialty Foods

KWEE-JACK FISH CO

Wild Alaskan Salmon, Halibut & Cod 717-842-0180

EatWildSalmon.com

Sustainably harvested wild Alaskan seafood available, fisherman-direct. Preorder online seasonally for local pick-up of sushigrade delicious nutrition, deep-frozen at the peak of freshness to enjoy throughout the year.

LINDEN DALE FARM

LindenDaleFarm@gmail.com

LindenDaleFarm.com

Linden Dale Farm produces various fresh and aged cheeses, goat milk yogurt, bottled milk, as well as pasture-raised goat meat. Find their excellent products at Lancaster Central Market, Lemon Street Market and Swarthmore, Riverwards and Headhouse farmers markets and distinguished farm-to-table restaurants in Lancaster County, Harrisburg and Greater Philadelphia.

MISTY CREEK GOAT DAIRY

43 W Eby Rd • Leola 717-656-4628

The Miller Family Farm offers milk, caramel, 15 varieties of quality cheeses and liquid, and bar soaps made from nourishing goat’s milk, known to be easier to digest and gentle on the skin. See ad, page 15.

Therapeutic Writing

WRITE FROM THE HEART Creative Writing Workshops

Melissa Greene • Lancaster 717-393-4713 • WriteFromTheHeart.us

Our uplifting, be-who-you-are workshops awaken the creative spirit, gently, without intimidation. Taught in an atmosphere of warmth, whimsy and trust, they are a safe haven for all ages. Especially those who long to overcome perfectionism and self-doubt. No grades or red pen. Sharing optional. Mischief a must. See ad, page 42.

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Paid subscriptions available along with delivery of free-to-the-reader print magazines at hundreds of locations. Sign up on our website to receive our digital magazine delivered free to your inbox.

To promote your HEALTHY, NATURAL or GREEN business, service or event, please call 717-399-3187.

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Thermal Imaging

AQUA BLUE WELLNESS CENTER

Lori Martin, BCNP 2435 Old Philadelphia Pike • Smoketown 717-656-8615

AquaBlueWellnessCenter.com

A family wellness center offering thermal imaging for breast and body, detox therapies, therapeutic and oncology massage, lymphatic drainage, a fullspectrum infrared sauna, nutritional education and more. Thermal imaging is a safe, non-invasive procedure for early detection of sources of pain, injury and disease. See ads, pages 29 and 41.

SHALOM THERMOGRAPHY

Darlene Heath, DC, CTT 14 W Main St • Landisville 717-530-5555

HeathWellnessCenter.com

Thermography provides a noninvasive view of potential health concerns in the breast and body. Used as a risk assessment tool, thermography is able to detect inflammation and metabolic changes, and offers a proactive, prevention-focused approach to health care. See ad, page 25.

Yoga

BLDG. 7 YOGA

220 North Park Road, #7 Wyomissing • 484-755-5705

Bldg7Yoga.com

A community-based yoga studio that offers something for everyone! With 3 different practice rooms, a wide variety of daily classes, unique monthly workshops, plus free weekly meditation. We strive to create a safe space for our community to connect and live healthier together.

BUMBLING CIRCUS WORKSHOP at Switchboard Studios & Gallery 40 North Third St • Columbia BumblingCircusWorkshop.com

The Bumbling Circus Workshop offers a weekly one-hour hatha yoga class on Saturday mornings at 9am. Taught by Albert Storm, a fitness trainer, volunteer firefighter and retired soldier, accommodations make this class accessible to anyone looking to add yoga to their wellness routine. Private instruction also available.

COSMIC BREATH KUNDALINI

Elizabeth Pierce

Info@CosmicBreathKundalini.com 334-788-7519

CosmicBreathKundalini.com

Awaken your energy and elevate your spirit with the transformative practice of kundalini yoga. Offered online, kundalini harmonizes mind, body and spirit–guiding you toward greater awareness, balance and vitality from the inside out. Visit the website to register. See ad, page 27.

EMBODIED WISDOM INSTITUTE

845 Silver Spring Pl, Ste B • Lancaster 717-219-7163

EmbodiedWisdomInstitute.com

Our personal holistic wellness sessions and small group classes will help you foster balance, relaxation, and a renewed sense of well-being. Whether you seek the flow of yoga, the energy of qigong, or the healing touch of massage therapy, our dedicated practitioners will guide you every step of the way. See ad, page 24.

HOLDING SPACE YOGA

Urban Well Studio

119 N Duke St • Lancaster HoldingSpaceYoga.com

A welcoming space where Vinyasa and chair yoga become a path of presence and growth, and each class invites balance of body and spirit. Rooted in compassion, the practice nurtures connection, authenticity and a deep sense of belonging.

KULA KAMALA FOUNDATION &

YOGA ASHRAM

17 Basket Rd • Reading 484-509-5073

KulaKamalaFoundation.org

Kula Kamala Foundation is a nonprofit, non-sectarian spiritual center dedicated to mindfulness, non-violence, unity, and healing. Our public and professional programs serve people from all walks of life. No matter who you are, we have something special for you. OM. Peace. See ad, page 11.

OTHERAPYOGA, LLC

Elizabeth Bentz, OTD, OTR/L, SIPT, RYT-200

610-781-4254

OTherapYoga.com

OTherapYoga offers personalized care through occupational therapy, therapeutic yoga, and tai chi for rehabilitation. Beginning with a professional evaluation, services aim to restore balance and well-being by integrating physical rehabilitation with holistic, spiritually grounded practices.

THE NEST COLLABORATIVE

629 Court St • West Reading

610-763-1755

TheNestCollaborative.com

Your place for movement, healing and connection. Yoga, sound baths, wellness circles and fitness classes that support body, mind, and spirit. Your people; your growth. Feel your best— right here in our cozy space. Come as you are, leave more you. See ad, page 27.

WEST END YOGA STUDIO

221 W Walnut St • Lancaster

WestEndYogaStudio@gmail.com

WestEndYogaStudio.com

A diverse yoga studio offering a full range of yoga, meditation and movement classes, in studio, outdoors and virtual. We are community-oriented, creating a welcoming learning environment dedicated to healing and compassion. All ages and levels welcome. Offering new student unlimited monthly passes and other discounts. See ad, page 24.

WILLOW YOGA STUDIO

25 Nolt Ave • Willow Street

717-617-2128

WillowYogaStudio.com

Offering accessible yoga for all levels, this welcoming studio features

Slow Flow, Restorative, Chair, Yin and Basics classes, plus on-demand options, private sessions and group events. Yoga teacher training is offered one weekend a month from September through May.

October is a symphony of permanence and change.

—Bonara W. Overstreet

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