Stillriver Whole Wellness

05/02/2026

May is Stroke Awareness Month. Know the signs.

This month I will be sharing information on Stroke symptoms, red flags and things that doctors miss, along with holistic alternatives for healing after the acute illness.

Also realize that just because someone looks “fine” doesn’t mean they’re not going through something you know nothing about. If you are lucky enough to live through a Stroke, survival is just the first part of the journey. The physical and emotional impact are long lasting.

Preventing another stroke is your superpower. Talk to your doctor about an exercise plan that can help keep you healthy.

Do all of the strategies for health: eat well, sleep well, exercise, reduce your stress. Learn more! There are options that are not talked about enough. Look into all pathways of lifestyle and good health.

Having a doctor on your health team is only part of the equation. They do not know everything. None of mine did……for years! Listen to your gut. Be your own advocate or that of a loved one who is not being heard by the medical community.

04/30/2026

About Michelle Mansur~

Michelle Mansur, owner of Stillriver Whole Wellness:

Beginning as a young adult I wore many hats: mother, caregiver of my own mom, college student, co-worker and manager of several businesses.

I changed my focus several times from retail assistant general manager, personal trainer, director of a fitness center and social service healthcare provider.

In 2014 my life changed forever when I had a stroke due to a ruptured arteriovenous malformation (AVM.)
I was born with a tangle of abnormal blood vessels in my brain and all that time, they weren’t carrying blood back and forth from my heart to my brain as they should, and they were ballooning under the pressure.
​
Arteriovenous malformation or AVM — a rare condition that happens in less than one percent of the general population. An AVM can develop in blood vessels throughout the body but is more apt to happen in the brain or spine.
After several emergency surgeries, I was able to go home from a Boston hospital and try to recover from the physical and severe emotional trauma.

I knew I was going to need more than the Western Medical Community had to offer. I had debilitating head pain, nerve damage, sight impairment, fatigue, depression and anxiety. I was also diagnosed with Aphasia which is a language disorder that affects your ability to communicate. It is most often caused by a stroke or brain injury in the left side of the brain that control speech. Stress and sleep deprivation can make aphasia flare up and I had both! I tried everything including pharmaceutical medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, speech pathology, counseling, etc. I had to try something to help me function and have a quality of life that I deserved.

My massage therapist suggested hypnotherapy. She had been certified and so I gave it a try. I had already trusted her as a professional and knew we had a good rapport. I also had been to a hypnotherapist years before to reduce sugar cravings and also a group relaxation session. I finally found some relief of chronic migraines, panic attacks and found that being able to calm my mind also helped improve my aphasia symptoms.

Why work with me?

Because I care about your well-being!
I had always wanted to help people. After seeing my own results, I decided to learn Hypnotherapy professionally. I was intrigued to see how I could use it with other holistic therapies that I offer, like Reiki, meditation, aromatherapy, Yoga and Ayurveda. I started with self-hypnosis, the history of hypnotherapy, the Egan model, the Milton model by studying with two accredited online institutions. I finally embarked on an in-person intensive program of Clinical Hypnotherapy that included the theory, philosophy, Spirituality, contact hours and internship of the profession.

My goal is to lead You on the track of healing and self-discovery that give you tools to be independent on your own health-Physically, Emotionally and Mentally. I have a list of Licensed Professionals to refer you to if you need more than I can offer. A lot of time, I work in tandem with MD's, LPC's, and even Physical Therapists.
At Stillriver Whole Wellness, my mission is to help my clients to balance the body & mind with the heart & soul. To empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being. I offer a range of services, including hypnotherapy, yoga, and more, to help you achieve optimal physical, emotional, and spiritual health. I am an experienced practitioner, dedicated to providing personalized care and support to help you achieve your wellness goals. Whether you are looking to manage stress, overcome anxiety, improve your sleep, or simply feel more relaxed and at peace, I am here to guide you every step of the way. Contact me today to learn more about how I can help you achieve a balanced and fulfilling life.
Certifications / Credentials:
Experienced/Advanced Yoga Teacher
Pilates Instructor
Children's Yoga and Mindfulness teacher
Reiki Master Teacher
Intergrated Energy Therapy® practitioner
Professional, Clinical Aromatherapy
Clinical Hypnotherapist
Relationship Assessment
Board Certified Mental Health Coach
Nutrition Coach
Ordained Interfaith Minister

04/30/2026

Here comes May!!💐🌼

Welcome to Stillriver Whole Wellness!

Hi everyone,

Our May–June session begins Monday, May 11, and this is where we shift into focused, effective work that supports your body—especially for women over 40 and post-menopause.

If you’ve been feeling like your body isn’t responding the way it used to, the solution isn’t doing more—it’s doing what actually works.

My method combines therapeutic yoga, strength training, and lymphatic-focused movement to help you feel tighter, stronger, and more balanced—without extremes.

This session, we’ll focus on:
• Sculpting glutes, hips, and core
• Supporting lymphatic flow to reduce swelling and puffiness
• Building strength, balance, and bone density
• Regulating the nervous system through therapeutic yoga

Yoga remains the foundation of everything I do—whether you’re in a sculpt class or a restorative session.

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CLASS SCHEDULE (Starting May 11)

Monday
8:30 AM – Senior Fitness (Strength, Balance & Bone Health)
6 weeks: $40

5:30 PM – Strength & Conditioning (Longevity-Focused Muscle Training)
$12 drop-in

Tuesday
6:30 AM – Core Connection (Pelvic Floor + Deep Core)
6 weeks: $35

4:00 PM – Therapeutic Yoga (Stress Reduction & Nervous System Support)
6 weeks: $65

Wednesday
8:30 AM – Cardio Fit (Zone 2 + Intervals)
6 weeks: $65

Thursday
7:30 AM – Power Sculpt (Yoga + Pilates + Barre)
6 weeks: $65

9:00 AM – Chair Yoga
6 weeks: $65

Friday
8:30 AM – Cardio Fit (Zone 2 + Intervals)
6 weeks: $65
(Discount when attending both Wednesday & Friday)

Saturday
8:30 AM – Strength & Conditioning
$12 drop-in

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PRIVATE SESSIONS AVAILABLE
Yoga Therapy • Women’s Health Coaching • Holistic Nutrition • Reiki • Hypnotherapy • Mindfulness • Family & Children’s Services

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COMING SOON: STILLRIVER WHOLE WELLNESS

I’m building something very special—Stillriver Whole Wellness—a space focused on strength, recovery, and healthy aging. This upcoming space reflects that vision.

Feeling like your body just isn’t responding the same anymore?

You’re not crazy—and you’re not alone.

After 40 (and especially post-menopause), doing more isn’t the answer.
Doing what actually works is.

✨ Classes begin May 11 ✨

• Senior Fitness
• Strength & conditioning
• Power sculpt (Yoga + Pilates + Barre)
• Cardio + fat-burning efficiency
• Deep core & pelvic floor work
• Or restorative therapeutic yoga

➡️ There is a place for you in this schedule.

04/23/2026

"After a traumatic experience, the human system of self-preservation seems to go onto permanent alert, as if the danger might return at any moment."
JUDITH LEWIS HERMAN (TRAUMA AND RECOVERY)

Sometimes talk therapy is not enough. When your body keeps the score on trauma or abuse, you need many tools for healing.

Why breathwork? 👇🏻

Breathwork, known in yoga as pranayama, is the practice of conscious and controlled breathing, aimed at manipulating the body's "prana" (life force energy) to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It moves breathing from an automatic, shallow process to an intentional act that can calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and strengthen the mind-body connection. In yoga, it is one of the eight foundational limbs and is used to prepare the body for movement.

Mind~ Body~ Breath~ 🧘🏻‍♀️🕉️🙏🧎🏻‍♀️‍➡️📿😮‍💨😮‍💨🫁🤯❤️‍🩹

04/20/2026

Parents are you looking for things to do with your kiddos this Summer? I am bringing back my Mindfulness Program for kids and parents. Movement, story time, breathwork and more!! I am going to use my experience in Mental and Behavioral Health along with my training in Yoga Therapy and Somatic Healing to improve your children’s and your family’s wellbeing.

04/18/2026

I’m still working in the trenches! Why is this one of the main issues women struggle with: weight, confidence, energy-especially in their second half of life?

Do you always think you’re going to work on your summer body or prep for bathing suit weather every year?

What do you do? Have you succeeded in your goal or have you been frustrated and dissapointed?

Why did you set the goal to begin with? For yourself or to be seen and thought of by others?

What work? 👇🏻

Consistency rather than perfection. Not following a gimmick or the new trend. Knowing where you are and setting goals for where you want to be. Being strategic but not rigid. Having self-compassion. It is hard work. Use tools that are proven to be effective.
Find your tribe: accountability partner, coach, group of like minded people.

You can lose weight by a calorie deficit. You also lose muscle. You can burn fat with cardio but if you don’t lift weights you will not change your body composition. Calories in and calories out make sense to a point but if you have a Tw***ie and a pound of strawberries the calories might be the same but is the quality of nutrients going into your body?
Protein, Fiber, SPECIFIC fat, carbohydrates, knowing your micronutrient and your macronutrients matter.

This is a lot of work, science and psychology to do on your own. I have dedicated 21 years to helping people get healthy. I plan to continue doing this. If you need help please feel free to reach out!🧘🏻‍♀️💃🏻🥩💪🏋🏻‍♀️🍓🥑🥦

04/18/2026

Why is this one of the main issues women struggle with: weight, confidence, energy-especially in their second half of life?

Do you always think you’re going to work on your summer body or prep for bathing suit weather every year?

What do you do? Have you succeeded in your goal or have you been frustrated and dissapointed?

Why did you set the goal to begin with? For yourself or to be seen and thought of by others?

What work? 👇🏻

Consistency rather than perfection. Not following a gimmick or the new trend. Knowing where you are and setting goals for where you want to be. Being strategic but not rigid. Having self-compassion. It is hard work. Use tools that are proven to be effective.
Find your tribe: accountability partner, coach, group of like minded people.

You can lose weight by a calorie deficit. You also lose muscle. You can burn fat with cardio but if you don’t lift weights you will not change your body composition. Calories in and calories out make sense to a point but if you have a Tw***ie and a pound of strawberries the calories might be the same but is the quality of nutrients going into your body?
Protein, Fiber, SPECIFIC fat, carbohydrates, knowing your micronutrient and your macronutrients matter.

This is a lot of work, science and psychology to do on your own. I have dedicated 21 years to helping people get healthy. I plan to continue doing this. If you need help please feel free to reach out!🧘🏻‍♀️💃🏻🥩💪🏋🏻‍♀️🍓🥑🥦

04/17/2026

Nighttime Golden Milk for nervous system regulation, relaxation, anti-inflammatory properties and decreased insulin resistance that encourages metabolism utilization.

Women and some men in mid-life struggle with good sleep. You may be able to go to sleep but you wake up at 2 or 3 AM with anxious thoughts, hot flashes or night sweats. This evening drink can help you enjoy your days and your nights.

A nightly routine combining golden milk (turmeric, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and coconut oil) with chamomile and ashwagandha tea can significantly support your nervous system, reduce inflammation, and help manage insulin and fat loss. The combination is a potent mix of antioxidants and Ayurvedic herbs designed to support metabolic health and stress management.

1. Nervous System Support (Stress Management)
Ashwagandha & Chamomile: These are key in your nighttime tea. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and calms the central nervous system.
Chamomile: Contains apigenin, a compound that reduces anxiety and helps improve sleep quality.
Golden Milk: Curcumin in turmeric supports a healthy hippocampus, assisting in the repair of the nervous system from the impact of stress and poor sleep.

2. Anti-inflammatory Qualities
Turmeric + Black Pepper + Coconut Oil: This is the most potent anti-inflammatory combination. Curcumin in turmeric inhibits inflammatory pathways, while black pepper (piperine) increases turmeric absorption by up to 2,000%.
Ginger: Contains gingerols, which work with turmeric to reduce joint pain and overall inflammation.
Cinnamon & Cardamom: These provide additional antioxidants to combat cellular damage.

3. Insulin Sensitivity and Blood Sugar Management
Cinnamon: Known to assist in improving insulin resistance and lowering blood glucose levels.
Ginger: Studies show ginger can help lower fasting blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Turmeric: Helps reduce inflammation in adipose tissue, which is directly linked to insulin resistance.

4. Fat Loss and Metabolism
Healthy Fats: Coconut Oil-Using healthy fats in golden milk aids the absorption of turmeric and can promote mild ketosis, which is beneficial for fat metabolism.
Lowering Cortisol: Ashwagandha’s role in lowering cortisol is crucial for weight management, as high cortisol is linked to stubborn belly fat.
Improved Digestion: Ginger and turmeric aid digestion and gut health, which is essential for effective weight loss.

04/13/2026

Reminder: Women’s Strength and Conditioning Class is tonight on Zoom at 5:30 PM! Message me if you want to try a drop in class! And Core Connection is 6:30 AM tomorrow morning-wear your jammies and meet me on the mat!

04/13/2026

04/13/2026

Happy Monday! Find something today that helps you shines despite the rain! 🌧️ ☔️

08/19/2025

When typical talk therapy is not working:👇🏻

Yoga therapy offers effective relief for nervous stomach and stress-related stomach pain by supporting the gut-brain axis.