Natural Awakenings Magazine - Naples and Fort Myers Area

01/08/2026

Lycopene anyone?

Blender Salsa - This easy-to-prepare salsa is bursting with flavor and health benefits. Tomatoes are an excellent source of the antioxidant lycopene, while garlic and onion are prebiotics. The recipe also calls for a probiotic culture to support gut health with live probiotics. It is a perfect way to introduce cultured foods to hesitant eaters.



Yield: 1 quart



6 large ripe tomatoes

2 small onions

2 small, red or green peppers

2 4-oz cans chopped green chilies, with juice

2 cloves garlic

2 tsp paprika

2 tsp ground cinnamon

4 tsp chipotle powder

1 Tbsp raw sugar or Sucanat

⅛ tsp veggie starter culture (or 2 Tbsp kefir whey)

1 tsp Celtic sea salt



Combine all ingredients, except the starter culture, in a blender or food processor until chunky or smooth, depending on preference.

Stir in the veggie starter culture or kefir whey, making sure it is well incorporated.

Transfer the salsa to jars, seal with a secure lid and ferment at room temperature. After two days, store in the refrigerator and enjoy.

01/08/2026

D-Signed Nutrition: A Focus on Telehealth and Functional Medicine and Nutrition

Kaitlyn Franken began searching for a private practice where she could complete the internship required for her Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Behavior from the University of Florida. That search—an essential step toward becoming a health specialist—turned out to be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow when she interviewed with Dee Harris, owner of D-Signed Nutrition in Bonita Springs.

“I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do with my degree, but when I took a nutrition course, I felt genuinely passionate about it,” Franken recalls. “I decided my internship should be in the private practice of dietitians as opposed to a clinical registered dietitian training in a hospital setting. When I interviewed with Dee, she said, ‘We’re actually functional medicine dietitians.’ I was perplexed because I had no idea what that meant.”

That conversation changed everything. “Dee completely shifted my perspective on health. I was captivated by her explanation of functional medicine—reviewing bloodwork, stool testing, hormones, lifestyle, food quality, and even what people put into and onto their bodies. I remember leaving her office feeling so excited about what I would learn from someone so knowledgeable,” says Franken.

After four months as an intern, Harris hired her. “Those months affirmed that I wanted to specialize in functional medicine and nutrition. I went on to earn my Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States. I completed the fully remote program while working virtually in Dee’s office for two years. After graduation, I became a Certified Nutrition Specialist through the American Nutrition Association and a Florida Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist.”

A natural fit for the D-Signed Nutrition team, Franken channels her passion and expertise into supporting gastric health, detoxification, and the impacts of post-bacterial and viral gut infections. She is committed to helping clients achieve optimal well-being through personalized nutrition and lifestyle plans, including guidance on creating low-toxicity living and working environments to reduce inflammation and overall toxic burden. Through comprehensive functional and conventional testing and in-depth assessments, she develops individualized meal, supplement, and lifestyle strategies for those seeking vibrant health or relief from persistent medical challenges.

Franken’s work centers on telehealth—an approach that provides convenience, accessibility, and flexibility. “Clients can complete their bloodwork wherever they live using LabCorp, which is practically everywhere in Florida. I send a requisition, they schedule the appointment, and LabCorp sends the results directly to us,” she explains. “Some people really appreciate not having to come into the office, especially if they travel a lot to their homes in other states as this does not interrupt our care. For functional medicine stool tests to further assess gut health by looking at pathogen load, digestion markers and more, along with urine hormone metabolite testing, I place an order, and our different specialized lab companies ship the kits to the client’s home. Once the tests are completed, we receive their reports by email. Everything we do is designed for the convenience of our clients—they don’t have to leave the comfort of their home.”

D-Signed Nutrition is located at 3531 Bonita Bay Blvd. in Bonita Springs. For more information call 239-676-5249. Visit D-SignedNutrition.com.

01/07/2026

YES! EESystem/Quantum Scalar Wave Wellness Center of Cape Coral

01/07/2026

01/06/2026

Start Strong: Morning Rituals for Energized Kids

Mornings set the tone for a child’s entire day. When rushed or chaotic, they can cause stress, fatigue and difficulty focusing in school. By using simple, intentional routines, mornings can become a source of grounding, positivity and energy, helping kids feel calm, nourished and mentally prepared for the day ahead.


The Science Behind Structured Mornings
Research confirms what many parents intuitively know: Consistent routines significantly impact a child’s development. “Morning routines create rhythm and predictability, which lower stress and help kids feel safe,” says Dr. Joel Warsh, an integrative pediatrician in Los Angeles. “A calm start sets the tone for better focus, mood and energy throughout the school day.”

A 2024 systematic review published in the Journal of Family Theory & Review found that childhood routines are linked to improved cognitive ability, self-regulatory and executive function skills, enhanced social and emotional skills, and better academic outcomes.


Building a Nutritional Foundation
The morning meal is vital for sustaining vitality and focus throughout the school day. To stabilize blood sugar and support steady energy, Warsh recommends combining protein, healthy fats and fiber, such as eggs with avocado, chia pudding with berries or a smoothie with spinach and nut butter. This nutritional approach aligns with research showing that proper breakfast consumption directly impacts classroom behavior and academic performance, with students demonstrating improved attention and participation when well-nourished.


The Movement Connection
Incorporating gentle movement into morning routines achieves more than physical activity. “Short bursts of movement like stretching, yoga or dancing help release nervous energy and signal to the body that it’s time to focus. They also regulate mood and attention,” notes Warsh.

But too much too quickly may not have the desired effect. “Movement will get the blood moving and support in transitioning. But I wouldn’t go from no movement to awake to ‘let’s hustle’. The shift cognitively can become overwhelming,” advises Dr. Isaura González , a clinical psychologist and educator. She suggests a gradual approach, using an alarm with lighting options that slowly transition from dark to bright, and soothing music that supports the nervous system, rather than overstimulating it.



The Sleep-to-Wake Connection
Successful mornings begin the night before. “Good sleep hygiene is the foundation for calm mornings,” emphasizes Warsh. “When kids sleep enough, their mood, focus and cooperation improve dramatically. Set out clothes, prep breakfast, pack lunches and keep backpacks by the door. These small steps prevent chaos and free up space for connection in the morning.”

Organizing a child’s activities takes this preparation further. “Getting a calendar with the month’s school activities is crucial. You don’t want to miss the green T-shirt day, and then we have a meltdown,” says González. She suggests placing a calendar in a common area such as on the refrigerator so children can independently reference upcoming events.


Fostering Teamwork and Joy
Sustainable morning routines thrive on cooperation, rather than forced compliance. “Add playfulness and use music, countdowns or games to get tasks done,” recommends Warsh. “Kids are more engaged when mornings feel fun, rather than rushed.”

Involve children in routine creation. “Empowerment is the long game. By doing this, you are scaffolding the behavior, letting them do with your support,” adds González. “Children will often surprise even the most involved parent when you include them in asking for their ideas. As they grow, they will need less and less support, and that’s okay because they will always need you.”


Age-Appropriate Implementation
When developing a routine, ensure that it adapts to the child’s age and developmental stage. Warsh offers a simple template: “Wake up, open blinds for morning sun, make the bed, brush teeth, get dressed and eat a nourishing breakfast. End with a hug as you head out the door.”


Creating Connection, Not Conflict
Both experts agree that successful morning routines require patience and creativity, but the investment pays off in a child’s daily energy, mood and school readiness. With a little effort, families can transform their mornings from sources of stress into launching pads for successful, joyful days.

01/06/2026

Big Dreams, Little Hands: Vision Boards and Focus Wheels That Nurture Childhood Development

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

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



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

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



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

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

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

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

Seasonal boards highlight fun activities like building a snowman in winter, picking apples in the fall or swimming at the lake in the summertime, fostering anticipation and family bonding.

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

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

For younger children, vision boards are playful ways to explore emotions like joy and love. Murphy suggests starting around age 6 or 7, when kids can think abstractly and handle fine motor skills. Even children as young as 4 benefit from sensory-based boards, while older kids can use them to visualize personal goals, travel adventures or friendships they want to nurture.


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

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

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



Tips for Success

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

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

Use age-appropriate materials. Younger children thrive with large images and simple concepts, while older kids can explore complex ideas.

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

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


Why It Matters
Vision boards spark imagination, while focus wheels channel that energy into emotional alignment. Together, they promote whole-child wellness and personal growth, helping children navigate challenges, boost their confidence and foster self-expression. Visual tools make emotions easier to identify and understand. Affirmations and positive imagery reinforce self-worth and resilience. Focus wheels lead kids through emotional shifts with clarity and purpose. By adopting these tools, parents and caregivers can equip children with lifelong emotional resources.

01/05/2026

Soulful Sourdough: Why This Bread Still Heals

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

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

With knowledge, a good starter and patience, sourdough can become a lifelong friend, offering more than just the iconic crusty loaf. “The same living starter that makes a loaf rise can become the morning’s pancakes, the evening’s pizza or even a tray of chocolate chip cookies,” says Robitaille. “Once you understand how the culture behaves, you can shape it into nearly anything: soft rolls, bagels, waffles, muffins, even pastry.”



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

According to Emily Harryman, owner of Plain Jane Bakes, in Keller, Texas, and author of the upcoming cookbook Plain Jane Sourdough, her customers with irritable bowel syndrome and gluten intolerance attest to sourdough’s superiority. “I had one customer in particular who relayed to me that my bread was the only bread she could eat,” Harryman boasts. “She took my sourdough class before she moved out of state so she could replicate it in her new home. It was such a blessing to her.”



Tips for Beginners
A sourdough starter is a live, active, fermented culture made from flour and water that acts as a leavening agent for baked goods, replacing commercial yeast and providing a signature tangy flavor. Sourdough starters vary greatly depending on water-to-flour ratios (from liquid to stiff), flavor profiles (from tangy to sour to slightly sweet) and flour types (from whole grain rye to whole wheat to unbleached all-purpose). The secret to sourdough success is letting nature take its course.

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

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

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

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

01/05/2026

The Future of Medicine – Energy and Frequency Medicine

“Future medicine will be the medicine of frequencies.” ~ Albert Einstein

As recently as 40 years ago, there was little interest in energy and frequency (vibrations) medicine within academic medicine. Skepticism was palpable. Aside from pioneers like Barbara Brennan—who researched the human energy field for more than 35 years and founded the Barbara Brennan School of Healing in 1982—few professionals were engaged in this emerging field. Yet in 1996, James L. Oschman, PhD, a prominent researcher in energy and frequency medicine, published articles about it in ScienceDirect, including “Healing Energy, Part 1: Historical Background.”

The author of Energy Medicine: The Scientific Basis and Energy Medicine in Therapeutics and Human Performance, Oschman has been exploring the scientific foundations of complementary and alternative medicine for nearly 30 years. His work provides even the most skeptical scientists with a theoretical basis for studying the physiology and biophysics underlying energy-based therapies.

In 2012, Oschman predicted that future medicine would fully recognize and integrate energy medicine as a major advancement over conventional procedures that primarily treat symptoms instead of root causes. He also foresaw it becoming a significant component of anti-aging medicine, which has happened in many med spas.

The Branches of Energy & Frequency Medicine

The two main branches of energy and frequency medicine have two secondary branches. One represents the world of devices and technologies that utilize various forms of energy such as light, sound, magnetism, electricity, electromagnetism, heat, and vibrations. The second, represents manual therapies from a natural source, such as the hands. Both branches further divide into two categories, local and distant healing.

Local Businesses Featuring Energy and Frequency Medicine
Practitioners in Collier and Lee Counties haven’t been waiting for conventional medicine to catch up. Many have been using energy and frequency therapies for more than 30 years. Local businesses include Root Causes and BlueStar Biofeedback in Fort Myers; Quantum Scalar Wave Wellness Center in Cape Coral; Lambert Wellness in Estero; and in Naples, Heal Thy Self Institute, TAE Healthy Aging, Acupuncture Center of Naples, Tree of Light, OsteoStrong, and Love Yoga.

Acupuncture Center of Naples

5683 Naples Boulevard, Naples

239-513-9232. AcupunctureCenterOfNaples.com

Dr. Xiu Qiong Cen, a Licensed Acupuncture Physician with 30 years of experience, practices both acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine. TCM—a complete medical system practiced for over 2,500 years—views the body, mind, spirit, and emotions as interconnected aspects of a unified whole. See ad, page 12.

BlueStar Biofeedback – L.I.F.E. System

239-851-4729. BlueStarBioFeedback.com

Lisa Doyle-Mitchell, owner of BlueStar Biofeedback, is a certified biofeedback specialist with the Natural Therapies Certification Board. “Biofeedback—a mind–body technique that teaches individuals to modify their physiology to improve physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being—is rooted in foundational discoveries by Tesla, Einstein, and others. “We know the universe is 98% energy, and everything within it has its own dynamic energetic signature,” she adds.

Doyle-Mitchell is licensed, insured, and trained on the L.I.F.E. System, a non-invasive biofeedback device that scans nearly 7,000 energetic patterns. By identifying which vibrations are out of balance, the system helps restore harmonic coherence, allowing the body to return to a state of rest and healing.



Quantum Scalar Wave Wellness Center of Cape Coral

1126 Country Club Blvd., Cape Coral

239-200-7810. https://tinyurl.com/mvtykwc8

Owner Rosie Neal opened the center in October 2023, bringing the Energy Enhancement System (also known as “Med-Bed Technology”) to the community.

“I brought it here because it was essential to my own healing after a serious automobile accident,” Neal says.

She emphasizes that health begins at the cellular level. “If your cells aren’t properly charged, disease develops. I was trained by Sandra Rose Michael, creator of the system, who explained that through scalar wave technology and biophotonic light, the EEsystem boosts the body’s cellular charge to its optimal 70–90 millivolts.”

Michael’s research with NASA conducted in Houston, with the system showed DNA breaks being repaired, genetic damage reversing, and telomeres lengthening—results Neal describes as “the future of technology.”

Time spent in the system is recharging the body’s internal battery. Individuals report benefits including mood elevation, reduced stress, pain relief, increased energy, emotional stability, and improved immune function. Clinical trials suggest the EEsystem supports cell regeneration, neurotransmitter function, and immune health.



Root Causes Holistic Health & Medicine – Firefly Light Therapy

12734 Kenwood Lane, Ste. 84, Fort Myers

239-425-2900. RtCausesMD.com

“What drew me to Firefly Light Therapy wasn’t theory—it was outcomes,” says Doreen DeStefano, APRN, who holds a doctorate in natural health. “Patients living with pain for years often feel relief within their first few sessions.”

The technology regularly reduces inflammation-driven pain, speeds recovery from injuries and surgeries, and improves tissue healing—all without medication or injections. One of its most notable effects is immune support. “We’ve seen measurable improvements in white blood cell recovery in patients with chronic illness, post-viral syndromes, or suppressed immunity,” she notes.

Cognitive benefits are also common: improved clarity, focus, and mental stamina. Near-infrared light penetrates deeply into neural tissue, boosts mitochondrial ATP, enhances circulation, and supports nerve regeneration. “Patients tell me they feel like themselves again,” she says.



Heal Thy Self Institute – ExoMind

2590 Northbrooke Plaza Dr., Ste. 107, Naples

239-955-1355. HealthySelfSWFL.com

ExoMind is the latest biohacking tool for mental wellness. It uses targeted magnetic pulses directed at the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a key region for mood regulation and decision-making.

“These pulses stimulate nerve cells and promote neuroplasticity, retraining the brain toward healthier thought patterns and emotional responses,” explains Dr. Waldo Amadeo, owner of Heal Thy Self Institute. “It restores balance in brain function naturally, without pharmaceuticals.”

FDA-cleared for depression, ExoMind’s ExoTMS technology uses comfortable, non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation. Sessions require no preparation, last 25 minutes, and are done twice weekly, helping to optimize neural activity and connectivity.



Tree of Light Whole Body Rejuvenation Center– ARRC LED Chambers & Infrared Saunas

806 Neapolitan Way, Naples

239-692-9367. TreeofLightCenter.com

“The ARRC LED Chamber uses photobiomodulation (PBM), or light therapy, which applies non-ionizing visible and near-infrared light to activate beneficial biological processes,” says Dona Parker, owner of Tree of Light (TOL). PBM supports the health of the body’s 70 trillion cells by reducing inflammation, clearing waste and free radicals, and offering analgesic and neuroprotective effects.

Healthy cells—and the mitochondria that power them—are essential for energy, immunity, repair, and longevity. Because mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to aging and disease, PBM’s ability to boost ATP production, release nitric oxide, and improve intracellular signaling is especially significant.

Research shows that infrared PBM enhances nutrient transfer, cognitive enhancement, pain management, improvement of energy and recovery of athletic performance and stimulation of collagen production. It also enhances mitochondrial function by increasing the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), releasing nitric oxide, and altering intracellular activity. These cellular changes can promote cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation—leading to numerous therapeutic benefits.

TOL now offers The Elysium, the latest technology in light therapy and the most futuristic bed available in Florida. In addition to PBM it includes PEMF, Scalar, Tens, and frequency up to 1,000,000 Hz. It offers 599 different protocols.

OsteoStrong Studio – Red Light Therapy, BioCharger, PEMF

2343 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste. 618, Naples

239-350-4550. OsteoStrongNaplesFL.com

“In addition to helping clients reverse aspects of aging and improve health through our 10-minute osteogenic loading sessions—which improve bone density, strength, posture, balance, and joint pain—we offer complementary modalities,” says owner Mackenzie McMahon.

Red Light Therapy supports skin health, collagen production, and inflammation reduction.
PureWave PEMF Mat Therapy boosts cellular repair, circulation, and stress reduction.
The BioCharger NG uses electromagnetic wave stimulation to restore cellular function, enhance energy, and improve recovery.

TAE Healthy Aging – Acupuncture

11983 Tamiami Trail. N., Ste. 100A, Naples

239-430-6800. TaeHealthyAging.com

With nearly 35 years of experience, Terri Evans, Doctor of Oriental Medicine (DOM) and owner of TAE Healthy Aging, works with chi, the vital energy flowing through the body’s 12 meridians. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) holds that balanced energy flow is the foundation of health, and acupuncture remains one of its most effective healing methods.

“With all the stress in our lives today, self-care is a necessity. Stress in the body can be compared to a woven thread in a knitted fabric. Constantly pulled tight, it frays and unravels. On a monthly basis, it’s wise to choose something to unravel it with before it breaks, whether it’s massage or acupuncture,” says Evans.

Lambert Wellness Center – Acupuncture

9990 Coconut Rd., Estero

239-776-4055. LambertWellnessCenter.com

“We help individuals live their best lives through acupuncture and complementary tools,” says owner Mary Lambert, DOM. For example, Lambert may combine cold laser therapy with electro-acupuncture to reduce pain and inflammation. In electro-acupuncture, a light electric current passes through the body via a pair of acupuncture needles, while the cold laser applies low-intensity light to stimulate healing.

Lambert also offers scalp acupuncture to activate malfunctioning neurons in the brain, Japanese acupuncture (using thinner needles), and auricular acupuncture, which stimulates ear points corresponding to different body systems.



Love Yoga – Sound Baths

4949 Tamiami Trail N., Naples

239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com

For centuries, cultures around the world have used sound to relieve pain, calm the mind, and facilitate healing. A sound bath immerses the body in waves of vibration while participants rest in a reclining position.

Sound baths use vibrational instruments such as crystal or metal singing bowls, gongs, tuning forks, chimes, or didgeridoos. By engaging the parasympathetic nervous system and shifting brainwaves into meditative states, sound therapy has been linked to lower cortisol and improved resilience.

Spreading the Word about Self-Care and Well-being

Progress in both conventional medicine and complementary therapies depends on the continual development of new ideas and techniques. Yet the well-documented 17-year gap between scientific breakthroughs and their adoption in clinical practice makes it challenging for individuals seeking research-backed guidance to make informed choices about treatments.

Those who have taken responsibility for their own well-being—and explored these emerging energy and frequency-based modalities with good results—are helping to expand awareness of energy medicine. As self-care becomes an increasingly vital part of healthcare, these modalities offer accessible, user-friendly, and far more affordable options compared with conventional treatments.

Consult a physician before using any new modality, though be aware that it’s not unusual for practitioners to be unfamiliar with these approaches.