Winter asks a lot of us. The days are short and dark, the cold settles into our joints, germs travel from house to house, and the holiday season brings both joy and stress. Taking care of yourself in winter means more than avoiding colds. It means finding ways to rest, release tension, and stay steady through the darkest months of the year.
This week we’re looking at two services designed for exactly that, PEMF therapy and our Release and Reconnect EFT group, along with seven favorites for the season.
PEMF Therapy: Winter Support for Body and Mind
Why winter is hard on the body: Cold weather can leave joints and muscles feeling stiff and achy, and many people with arthritis notice more discomfort in the winter. Shorter days mean less sunlight, which can drag down energy and mood. And the busy holiday season often means less sleep and less time to slow down.
What PEMF is:
PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy uses a mat that creates gentle, low-level electromagnetic fields that pulse on and off. These fields pass easily through clothing and tissue and interact with the electrical activity of your cells. You lie down, fully clothed, and rest for 60 minutes. There are no needles, no medication, and no downtime.
What the research shows:
PEMF has been studied for more than 40 years, and some PEMF medical devices have held FDA clearance since 1979 for helping slow-healing fractures. Researchers believe PEMF works in part by influencing how cells communicate, and by calming inflammatory signaling through adenosine receptors, the body’s natural “brakes” on inflammation.Joint pain is one of the best-studied uses, and that makes PEMF especially relevant in winter. A 2022 review in Pain Research and Management combined 11 randomized controlled trials with 614 patients, mostly with knee osteoarthritis. It found that PEMF reduced pain and improved stiffness and physical function compared with a sham treatment. A 2016 review of six trials also found a clear tendency toward less pain and better function in people with low back pain.The research is promising, but it’s still growing. Many studies are small, and devices and settings vary. PEMF is a gentle, complementary option, not a replacement for medical care.
Why clients love it in winter:
Beyond the research, our clients tell us PEMF gives them something winter rarely does: a full hour of stillness. Many describe a deep, settling relaxation that builds through the session, and some even fall asleep on the mat. A calmer body often means a calmer night’s sleep, and that matters during a season when rest is easy to lose.
PEMF isn’t right for everyone. If you’re pregnant, have epilepsy, use a pacemaker, defibrillator, insulin pump, or other implanted electronic device, or take medication through a skin patch, please talk to your doctor first.
Release and Reconnect: Our EFT Group
The holidays can bring up more than we expect: old family dynamics, grief for people who aren’t at the table, financial stress, and the pressure to make everything perfect. Release and Reconnect is our EFT group session, a supportive space to slow down, let some of that go, and reset together.
What EFT is:
EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Techniques, and it’s often called tapping. You gently tap with your fingertips on specific points on the face and upper body, many of them points used in acupressure, while you focus on a feeling, a memory, or a stressful situation. It’s simple to learn and doesn’t require any special equipment.What the research shows: Research on EFT has grown a lot over the past two decades. A 2016 meta-analysis in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease reviewed 14 studies and found that EFT led to significant reductions in anxiety. Other studies have looked at its effects on stress, depression, and post-traumatic stress, and some have found lower levels of cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, after tapping sessions. Researchers are still studying exactly how it works, and like any approach, it works best as part of a broader self-care routine.
Why a group? Tapping alongside others can feel surprisingly powerful. It’s a reminder that you’re not the only one carrying stress this season. You’ll learn the technique step by step, practice it together, and leave with a tool you can use anytime: in holiday traffic, before a family gathering, or when you’re lying awake at night.
Next session: December 2, 2026. Call or message us to save your spot.EFT is not a substitute for mental health care. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or grief this season, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional.
If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Seven Winter Favorites on Our Shelf
Echinacea
Mullein Leaf
Green Salve
Anxiety Away Essential Oi
Calming Body Spray
Luscious Locks
Nourishing Hand Sanitize
Stop By This Week
Winter doesn’t have to wear you down. Whether you need an hour of rest, a new tool for stress, or a few herbal favorites for the cold months, we’re here to help.
Visit simplywildholistichealth.com, call 712-210-3865, or stop by 308 North Main Street in Carroll, Iowa.
We’re open Monday through Friday, and Saturday by appointment.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products and services are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new herbal remedy or therapy, particularly if pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.
