Tuning forks are one of those wellness tools that look deceptively simple, yet deliver surprisingly deep benefits when used intentionally. At their core, tuning forks use sound vibration to interact with the body. When struck, they produce a consistent frequency that travels through the air and, more importantly, through tissue, fascia, and the nervous system. Unlike music you hear passively, tuning forks are felt. Key Benefits of Tuning Forks • Nervous system regulation – The most immediate effect many people notice is a calming response. Specific frequencies can help shift the body out of fight-or-flight and into rest-and-digest. • Stress and anxiety reduction – The vibration provides a grounding sensation that can quiet mental chatter and release stored tension. • Improved body awareness – Because the vibration is localized, tuning forks help people reconnect with areas that feel “shut down,” tight, or disconnected. • Support for energy flow – In energy-based practices, tuning forks are often used along meridians, acupuncture points, or chakras to encourage balance and coherence. • Complement to other modalities – They pair extremely well with breathwork, meditation, massage, Reiki, yoga, and even journaling. Common Ways We Use Tuning Forks • On or near acupuncture points for relaxation and balance • Along the spine or joints to bring awareness and ease • Around the ears to support vagus nerve stimulation • During meditation or intention-setting to anchor focus • At the beginning or end of a session to help the body transition states Why I Like Them So Much In my opinion, tuning forks hit a sweet spot in wellness: They’re non-invasive, inexpensive, easy to learn, and deeply experiential. You don’t need to “believe” in anything for your nervous system to respond to vibration. The body does the work on its own. For people who struggle to relax, who feel disconnected from their bodies, or who are overwhelmed by constant stimulation, tuning forks can be an excellent entry point into deeper regulation and self-awareness.

Here’s a wellness truth that surprises almost everyone the first time they hear it: Most conventional toilet paper, paper towels, and napkins are bleached with chlorine or chlorine dioxide. That whitening process may make products look “cleaner,” but it comes with trade-offs that are rarely discussed. Why Bleach in Paper Products Matters When paper products are bleached, they can contain trace amounts of dioxins and chlorinated byproducts. These compounds are not added intentionally—but they are a known result of the bleaching process. Over time, repeated exposure may contribute to: - Skin and mucosal irritation (especially in sensitive areas) - Disruption of the body’s natural microbiome - Added toxic burden on the liver and immune system - Environmental contamination of water systems Toilet paper is particularly concerning because it’s used on one of the most absorbent areas of the body, daily, for years. Small exposures add up. Paper towels and napkins also matter because: - They come into contact with food - They are often used with heat or moisture, increasing chemical transfer - They create indoor air exposure when broken down or composted “But It’s FDA Approved…” So were cigarettes at one time. Regulatory approval usually looks at short-term safety, not long-term cumulative exposure across dozens of products used every day. Wellness is not about panic—it’s about reducing unnecessary inputs where better options exist. Better, Safer Alternatives The good news: switching is simple. Paper Products - Unbleached or chlorine-free toilet paper - 100% recycled, unbleached paper towels - Bamboo-based paper products - “PCF” (Processed Chlorine Free) labels Cleaning Options Many conventional cleaners contain bleach, ammonia, or synthetic fragrances that add to the same toxic load. Better options include: - Plant-based, enzyme-driven cleaners - Hydrogen peroxide–based disinfectants - Essential oil–based cleaners (properly formulated) - Simple DIY blends (vinegar, baking soda, castile soap)

Please welcome @Tracy Penley to the Wellness Collective family!

Please welcome @Tamara Flier to the Wellness Collective!