Written to educate, inform and inspire those seeking more holistic and eco-friendly ways of staying healthy, wealthy and wise!
There’s a version of you that feels more grounded, more brave, more free. Not because life becomes perfect, but because you become clearer about what you’re available for… and what you’re not.

Stepping into your greatest self doesn’t require a dramatic reinvention. It usually begins with something quieter: an honest release and a meaningful reset.

This is an invitation to do both, gently, practically, and with real compassion.
 

You're juggling client calls, team meetings, and family dinner. You're building something meaningful while keeping everyone else's world spinning. You're strong, capable, and used to pushing through when things get tough. But here's a truth that might stop you in your tracks: while you're busy conquering your business goals, heart disease is quietly becoming the biggest threat to everything you're building. 

I'm not trying to scare you. I'm trying to wake you up to something that could save your life.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system that has been practiced for thousands of years. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, TCM views the body as an interconnected system of energy, structure, emotion, and environment. Its goal is balance and restoring harmony so the body can regulate and heal itself.

At its core, TCM is built on the understanding that health is not simply the absence of disease, but the smooth and balanced flow of vital energy, known as Qi (pronounced “chee”).

In the spirit of talking about foundations this month in my yoga and movement classes, I wanted to start with something practical: How you set up the foundation of your day. 

I know. There are approximately 47,000 articles about morning routines:

  • Wake up at 4:00 AM.
  • Take a cold shower.
  • Journal three pages.
  • Do a 45-minute yoga flow.
  • Make a gratitude list.
  • Meditate.
  • Visualize your future.
  • Drink lemon water while standing on one leg facing east. (I meannnn… if we’re not hydrating while spiritually triangulating with the sunrise, are we even optimizing?)
Close your eyes for a moment and imagine the scent of fresh-baked bread (or cookies), a pine forest after rain, or a familiar perfume from someone you love. Instantly, your body responds. Your shoulders soften. A memory appears. Your mood shifts.
 
This is the quiet, powerful magic of scent.
Stress is a natural physical and emotional response to the challenges of daily life. When you’re feeling pressured, your body releases hormones that trigger the classic “freeze, fight, or flight” reaction. Your heart rate rises, breathing quickens, blood pressure increases, and muscles tense. While this response can be helpful under certain circumstances, chronic stress can deeply impact overall health—contributing to digestive issues, headaches, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, and more.

How to stay grounded, nourished, and well through the busiest time of the year

The holiday season can be joyful and magical—but it can also bring stress, disrupted routines, and emotional overwhelm. A holistic approach to your health recognizes that well-being is not just physical; it includes the mind, emotions, environment, and social connections. By tending to all of these areas, you can move through the holidays feeling more balanced, energized, and present.

Here are six (6) key holistic strategies to support whole-person health throughout the season.

Massage therapy has long been valued across cultures as a powerful tool for promoting health, easing pain, and restoring balance to the body. Today, both scientific research and clinical practice affirm what ancient traditions have taught for centuries: regular massage is much more than a luxury—it’s an effective strategy for supporting overall well-being. From reducing stress to enhancing physical function, massage therapy offers a wide range of benefits for both body and mind.
Imagine discovering the user manual you were born with that explains to you how you actually work. What would you do with such a thing? Would it help you lead a better life of health and abundance, and find ways to build better boundaries? 
 
Western culture did not really understand the memo that such a tool exists. Luckily, thanks to the spiders crawling between computers, weaving the web that connects us all, it’s easier than ever to access what others have known for generations.

Every relationship you have  at home, at work, or in your community — reflects one core relationship: the one you have with yourself. How you talk to yourself becomes how you communicate with others.  How you listen to your own needs influences how you listen to others. And how you handle your emotions shapes how you navigate connection, conflict, and collaboration. 

When you strengthen your inner relationship  your self-awareness, emotional regulation, and communication with your own thoughts — you automatically upgrade how you relate to everyone around you.

Imagine self-care taking less effort and giving more back to you. Showing up to your practice with energy to spare becomes your new normal.

If you want better self-care — or simply more of it — set that intention before reading further. As practitioners, coaches, and healers, we pour ourselves into supporting others. Yet sustaining ourselves rarely adds up. We patch together routines, search for ways to recover, and still end up burned out, isolated, or running on empty.

Most people think burnout is about being tired. It shows up in long hours at the office, in the loss of drive on personal projects, and in waking up exhausted no matter how much rest has been taken. In businesses, burnout takes the shape of stalled creativity and tense teams. At home it might look like irritability, emotional distance, and health that slowly slips away.
 

The World Health Organization gives burnout a narrow definition; workplace exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy. The reality most people live with reaches further. People suffer from fatigue that sleep does not fix, dissociation and depression that creep into daily life, brain fog that erodes concentration, and loss of drive in both professional and personal spaces.

Have you ever lost your car keys? Or arrived at the grocery store and realized you’ve left your wallet at home? I have and I’ll bet many of you have, too. You know how much stress and anxiety these situations create, and all because we were not present when we put our keys down (somewhere!) or were preparing to go to the store.

Cultivating a practice of deliberate presence can help us be more relaxed, productive and confident in our daily activities.  This practice is not about erasing our thoughts. It’s about becoming aware of the process of thinking so that we are not in a trance, lost inside our thoughts (which is when we lose our keys!). That’s the big difference. 

 
You can train yourself to become aware of your thoughts by either using the label “thinking, thinking”, or by identifying the kind of thought, such as “worrying, worrying” or “planning, planning”. That habit helps you to start noticing when the mind is actively thinking. Then you can change your focus to what is happening right here and now.
In our desire for optimal health and longevity, one of the most exciting modalities lies not in a research laboratory or expensive treatment center – it already exists within your own body. Every day, millions of unique cells called stem cells are quietly working to repair, renew, and rejuvenate our tissues and organs. These remarkable "master cells" represent your body's natural healing and anti-aging system, and the key to unlocking their full potential may be right in your kitchen.
When it comes to movement and fitness, most of us are taught to follow trends: Join the hot yoga studio. Try Pilates. Sign up for that new fusion body balance strength class everyone’s buzzing about.

And while there’s nothing wrong with trying new things, it’s important to recognize this simple truth: Your body and brain are unique—and your movement practice should reflect that.
Laughter can lead me to deep meditation?
 
I never imagined such a thing was possible. As a child I longed to laugh, giggle, and be funny but this was frowned upon in our household. Yet the giggles remained, albeit stuffed down deep in case inappropriate gales of laughter erupted at an inopportune moment.
 
As an adult embarking upon therapy to heal childhood wounds, I experienced a lot of sadness. Allowing those feelings was deeply healing, but unknown to me at the time, the laughter was waiting to bubble up to the surface and make its own powerful contribution to my physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.

In today’s ever-evolving health landscape, one powerful concept is gaining ground: the freedom to choose. Whether you're exploring preventive care, navigating chronic health concerns, or simply seeking a more balanced life, having the ability to decide how you care for your body, mind, and spirit is essential. For many, this means turning toward holistic wellness—an approach that honors the whole person and offers natural, integrative pathways to healing and vitality.

Do you ever wonder where to start on your path to a healthier lifestyle?  Start here, with natural ways to boost your immunity and avoid getting sick in the first place. 
 
These days, it is your responsibility to stay healthy. What can you do now? In other words, how do you stay healthy, even during stressful times when the world seems to be in a state of turmoil? 

In an age where many are seeking more natural and preventative approaches to health and wellness, essential oils offer a simple yet powerful addition to your self-care routine. Used for centuries in herbal traditions, these plant-based remedies can gently support the body in navigating common, everyday discomforts—from digestive upset to sleep challenges. Best of all, they offer ease of use and can be integrated into your wellness lifestyle with just a few basic tools.

Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to using essential oils for everyday ailments, with a focus on safe, effective, and holistic care.

Are you having trouble staying in a positive state of mind when challenging circumstances present themselves? The Universal Laws state: so without, so within. Everything is a mirror. We cannot change the reflection, but we can change the origin (ourselves), and then automatically, the reflection changes. 

Here are five steps that can help you cultivate not only a positive mindset, but also the feeling state necessary for the positive Law of Attraction. The more you focus on bringing awareness to accepting and loving yourself, the more your inner beauty and harmony is reflected in your outer circumstances. 

These days, simply existing can feel like running a marathon while juggling flaming swords. Between endless phone notifications, unpredictable world events, and, well, life in general, our nervous systems are pushed to the max. We spend more time in a stressed response, versus being relaxed and at rest.

The good news? You don’t need to escape to a silent retreat or go on an eat, pray, love journey to get a sense of calm and clarity. The body is wise. And it comes equipped with built-in tools to help you reset your nervous system—tools that are free, gentle, and surprisingly effective when practiced consistently.

Here are five of my favorite ways to soothe your nervous system, returning it to a parasympathetic state—no yoga mat, voyage to the Himalayas, or fancy device required. Just simple, practical actions.

The special knack of meditation is to develop the one who pays attention, the watcher. When we do a simple sitting meditation, we sit comfortably with our eyes closed and just begin to watch the energies that move within us all the time: thoughts, sensations, emotions. We develop the knack of simply watching these distractions go by with a feeling of friendly acceptance. 

How do we acquire this knack? We begin by being a witness to the mind, by becoming separate from the mind.

As winter settles in, it’s essential to prioritize your immune health. Seasonal changes, combined with the increased prevalence of colds and flu, can challenge the body’s defenses. While maintaining a balanced diet and staying active are foundational steps, supplements designed to improve the immune system can provide additional support to help you stay well throughout the season. Even better, with tools like ZYTO Balance software, you can identify which supplements may align best with your body’s unique needs for optimal wellness.

Here are some of the best supplements to boost your immune system and keep you feeling your best during winter:

  • Vitamin C: Acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage and enhancing the production of white blood cells. Sources: Found in citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli. For added support, consider a high-quality vitamin C supplement.
  • Zinc: Plays a crucial role in immune cell development and function. It’s particularly effective in reducing the severity and duration of colds. Sources: Available in nuts, seeds, and whole grains, or as lozenges and capsules.
Do you feel trapped by self-doubt, fear, or past experiences?

This can prevent you from reaching your full potential.  

I have found that my clients need to identify and break through their mental and emotional barriers, so they can create a life that aligns with their goals and values. I have a belief that you must make the inner work, to make the outer work, and that change is possible and achievable with the right tools, resources, and mindset.

Energy is a hot topic these days. Not like it was in the 70’s when we had to line up for gasoline, but much closer to home, so to speak.

Today, we are more focused on our own internal energy, the subtle energies around us, and also how much physical energy we have to get us through our day! Unfortunately, western medicine is ill-equipped to help us with any of these. And yet, our energy matters. It is of vital importance in our lives. 

So what steps can we take to properly assess and then enhance our energy?

The skin itself is a multi-functioning, living, breathing organ. It has its own immune system, its own hormones, its own microbiome. It's intelligent and it's vast. The skin is the largest organ on the outside of the body, literally protecting all of our internal organs, systems and bones. It is truly our first line of defense, and  works so hard for us, every single day. There are many factors that can drastically affect how the skin is functioning. As a holistic esthetician and someone who has overcome chronic psoriasis naturally, understanding my own daily habits was a major factor in my own healing journey. 

To grasp the depth of the statement "Love is life and life is love," we must first explore our individual truth about love. Love is a concept that has been defined in various ways — ranging from biblical interpretations to modern-day perspectives. For instance, Wikipedia describes love as "a range of strong and positive emotional and mental states, from the most sublime virtue or good habit, the deepest interpersonal affection, to the simplest pleasure." The dictionary also defines love as both a noun — an intense feeling of deep affection or a great interest or pleasure,  and a verb— to feel deep affection for someone or to greatly enjoy something.

For me, love is more than just an emotion or feeling; it is the energy, force, or frequency that created all that is. I call it Intelligent Love, a concept I learned from Dr. Joe Dispenza, a researcher, lecturer, and New York Times best-selling author known for his work on the mind-body connection and the impact of meditation on health and well-being. In my eyes, love is the Creator or what many call God.

We are living in a fast-paced environment. Our lives are going fast, our internet is high-speed and even our cars are faster. We are programmed to want fast results or instant gratification and so many individuals find themselves juggling multiple responsibilities, often at the cost of their mental wellness. They put everyone and everything before themselves. 

Empowerment coaching can be a transformative resource to help people build confidence, resilience, and a sense of control. With a customized approach, empowerment coaching provides a supportive framework for creating healthy habits, healthy behaviors and developing skills that enhance your overall emotional well-being. 

 

The holiday season is often depicted as a time of togetherness, joy, and family closeness. For many, however, this narrative intensifies feelings of loss and grief, especially for those who are estranged from family members. 

Estrangement from family can be complex, painful, and multifaceted, especially when the disconnect is permanent or indefinitely unresolved. When a person feels disconnected from their family, they might wrestle with deep feelings of sadness, anger, or betrayal — emotions that often surge during the holiday season. 

Examining this topic from a therapeutic lens can provide insight into understanding, validating, and ultimately supporting individuals as they navigate these challenges.


 

If you’re thinking of taking up a personal yoga practice, it can seem intimidating at first. Any research into yoga studios in your area probably brought up classes for Vinyasa, Hatha, Ashtanga, Bikram, Iyengar, Gentle, Restorative, Yin, Kundalini, Power, etc. 

You then ask yourself, which one should I choose? Will any even work for me? What if I’m a beginner? What if I’m not thin or “flexible”? What if I had rotator cuff surgery? 

In this article, I’ll give you three key factors to think about so that you can make an educated decision as to where to start and not put yourself in a position that could lead to injury.

Energy healing is a holistic health therapy that works with your body’s energy system to remove blocks causing disruptions. Your energy system is a hidden force within you that influences your health; your doctor regularly orders tests that check this system. This increasingly popular way to improve your health helps address the root cause of symptoms in a noninvasive and gentle way. 
 
In this article we’ll cover the basics of energy healing, how this powerful therapy works, how it pairs with other health care to help you achieve lifelong health, and how to use this holistic therapy in your own life.
The holiday season can be any way you want it: full of stress, or full of joy. It can
be a time to dread or anticipated with excitement. It’s your choice — yes, it really is.
I’ve experienced both of these scenarios, and, believe me, full-of-joy is the way to
go. 
 
Here are nine tips to make your holiday season the best one ever! 

Gratitude is the foundation of abundance. It is the cornerstone of living a purposeful, rewarding, joy-filled life. Gratitude activates the positive Law of Attraction vibrations. 

Why Practice Gratitude for People You Don’t Like?

If there are people in your life that you don’t like, the negative energy vibrations you transmit towards them drag down your positive vibes and you end up lower down on the “vibes scale” than you want to be.

Shared with permission from Karen Sachs of Paint Your Essence. Curated by HCC Founder Camille Leon.
 
"We live in a fantasy world, a world of illusion. The great task in life is to find reality," says novelist and philosopher Iris Murdoch. It's a thought-provoking statement, especially considering how often the world around us challenges our perception. Optical illusions are a perfect example of this—they play tricks on our vision, making us question what we see and how we interpret it.
Who do we turn to when we feel unheard or overlooked? Are there other options available to us? When should we consider seeking a second opinion, and how do we go about it? These are just a few questions that patients grapple with as they seek medical care.  It can be daunting to entrust our well-being to healthcare professionals, especially when their recommendations may not align with our health philosophies or instincts.

Young woman looks at a smartphoneHave you considered all the ways that the world has changed since March of 2020 and some of the good that has resulted from those early, crazy days?

Now, on the other side, it is easier to see the benefits of change. More is available from the comfort of home -- No parking hassles! No traffic! The ability to meet with people from all over the world!

Even better, one of the changes to come out of these past few years is that MORE people are looking for holistic approaches to health and wellness, MORE people are open and looking for members like you, who offer products and services for overall wellness and with no negative side effects.

 

 
When you are ready to start actively exploring and experiencing holistic health and wellness, you will want someone to help you find the best therapy for your needs; especially if you are currently under the care of a medical doctor for a specific health condition or chronic illness. Holistic health care, generally speaking, falls into two (2) primary areas, psychological or physical complementary health approaches. Often referred to as mind and body practices (or mind-body medicine), these can include a wide range of specialties
 
When choosing who to work with -  whether you are seeking an Acupuncturist or a Yoga Instructor or anything in between -  for your particular needs, it is important to:

What does the IRS say?

Section 213 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) medical expenses to be paid or reimbursed under a Health Savings Account (HSA), Health Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Archer Medical Savings Account (Archer MSA), or Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HAS). The Code generally allows a deduction for expenses paid during the taxable year for medical care if certain requirements are met. Expenses for medical care under section 213 of the Code also are eligible to be paid or reimbursed under an HSA, FSA, Archer MSA, or HRA. However, if any amount is paid or reimbursed under an HSA, FSA, Archer MSA, or HRA, a taxpayer cannot also deduct the amount as a medical expense on the taxpayer's federal income tax return.

*The original version of this recipe is from my oh-so-charming ex. Some of his notes are included for your entertainment (and mine).
 
Important notes:
  1. For me, this is a full week’s worth of breakfasts. Make it once and you’ll have happy, healthy breakfasts all week long!
  2. This is NOT a set-it-and-forget-it recipe. If you don’t want your oatmeal to stick to the bottom of the pan, keep stirring.
 
You will need:
  • Organic fresh or frozen blueberries (about 1 cup, drained & rinsed)
  • Organic fresh Granny Smith apple(s) (1 apple, cubed). Really, why bother with any other type of apple?
  • Lots of ground cinnamon (about 1 TABLEspoon). This is NOT a typo.
  • Add later: Organic fresh strawberries (sliced), raspberries +/or banana (sliced)
 
Integrative health involves bringing conventional and complementary health approaches together in a coordinated way. For example, cancer treatment centers with integrative health care programs may offer services such as acupuncture and meditation to help manage symptoms and side effects for patients who are receiving conventional cancer treatment. 
 
An integrative approach also emphasizes treating the whole person rather than, for example, focusing on a single organ system. Integrative health aims for well-coordinated care among different providers and institutions. 
 
From the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) > Click here to read the fact sheet 
 
Looking for complementary and integrative health products or services? Find options at https://holisticchamberofcommerce.com/directory 
Answers to questions you might have about Acupuncture, from cost to training to efficacy.
 
Even if you’ve been curious for a while, actually making the move to visit an acupuncturist for
the first time can take some courage. If you are unfamiliar with acupuncture, the time and
financial commitment to experiment with such a different approach from what you are used to
can be daunting. Here are points to consider as you make your decision. 
 
We hear a lot about natural remedies these days, though sources legit and not-so-much. At the Holistic Chamber of Commerce, we always appreciate finding research that highlights the efficacy of holistic, complementary and integrative approaches to medicine.