Letter from the Publisher
Dear Friends,
As someone who has always been passionate about living a holistic lifestyle, it has been an incredible journey to bring that passion to life through Natural Awakenings Philadelphia. After several years of publishing the Natural Awakenings South Jersey edition, I expanded into the Philadelphia market, where my vision has continued to grow beyond just a magazine. It has blossomed into a platform for connection through the Holistic Health & Healing Expo—a space where our community can meet local practitioners, explore alternatives for spiritual and physical wellness, and deepen their understanding of holistic health. I invite you to join us from 11 am. to 5 p.m. on October 6 at the Holistic Health & Healing Expo, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
From this, my passion has expanded further to creating international retreats where women can prioritize their self-care in a meaningful way. I never imagined it would evolve to this point. Running a business, especially as a single mother of two, isn’t always easy—there are moments of doubt and challenges, but what keeps me going is my love for this community. I am truly honored to help people find resources that support their holistic journeys.
Speaking of helping people along their wellness path. In this issue, you’ll find our feature story, “The Rise of Bodywork Modalities: Integrating Innovative and Ancient Healing Arts.” Once, modalities like chiropractic care and acupuncture were little recognized in conventional medicine, but today, the wellness spectrum is beautifully diverse.
As we honor Breast Health Awareness Month, we’re providing the “Healthy Fats and Their Benefits for Breast Health” article. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, are vital for their anti-inflammatory properties and their role in hormone regulation—key factors in supporting healthy breast tissue and potentially lowering the risk of breast cancer.
Also, don’t miss “Ergonomic Solutions at Work and Play: How Good Posture and Mindful Habits Prevent Injury” and “Taking the Cold-Therapy Plunge: From Icy Showers to Cryotherapy Chambers.” Cold therapy, a popular practice among athletes and biohackers, teaches the body resilience through self-imposed stress, known as hormesis.
As Halloween approaches, we’ve included “Healthy Halloween: Navigating Candy Overload and Promoting Healthier Habits.” Halloween is a fun time, but the candy overload can pose challenges for parents seeking healthier options for their families. This article provides tips to keep the fun while staying mindful of your family’s health.
Wishing
you a happy, healthy and spook-tacular Halloween!
Stay well and
enjoy the treats (in moderation, of course)!
With gratitude,
Shae