Integrative Health Group Welcomes Two Practitioners

SPRINGFIELD — The Integrative Health Group of Springfield welcomes two new practitioners to its team: Carleen Eve Fischer Hoffman, owner of Hand to Paw Reiki, and chiropractor Darlene Orvieto.

The Integrative Health Group is a whole-health facility offering acupuncture, naturopathic medicine, yoga, therapeutic touch, and, most recently, Reiki and chiropractic. Located at 1502 Allen St., the group is adjacent to Better Life Whole Foods in the Bicentennial Plaza in Springfield.

“I believe in their mission. The group is comprised of wonderful holistic practitioners who all do amazing work, so it is a good match,” Hoffman said. “I hope to help people feel better holistically and introduce them to a different type of practice.”

Hoffman practices Reiki, which is the use of an ancient form of Japanese healing that combines ‘rei’ (spirit) and ‘ki’ (energy) to help people or their pets. She started her business, Hand to Paw Reiki, in 2014, focusing on pets originally. At the Integrative Health Group, her practice will focus on her clients with two legs. She also offers Reiki at SkinCatering, a full-service spa in Springfield.

Orvieto brings more than 17 years of experience in chiropractic. She operated a solo practice in Easthampton for many years, and decided to join the Integrative Health Group when she realized it would be an ideal fit for the new model of practice she was looking to adopt.

“I’ve taken a few months to get set up and acclimated, and I have to say I am very impressed with the professionals here,” she said. “The intention of every practitioner is pure, and their experience invaluable. I am excited to become a part of such well-put-together group of people.”

Joe Bonavita founded the Integrative Health Group 13 years ago, inspired by his love for holistic health and as an addition to his health-food store, Better Life Whole Foods. For nearly 30 years, Better Life Whole Foods has provided the community with organic, all-natural foods, products, and education. Bonavita found a need for holistic-health options in Springfield and outlying areas for people struggling with health issues and who are looking to adopt an improved way of living.

“All the services provided at the Integrative Health Group go hand-in-hand with each other,” said Hoffman. “Reiki and chiropractic are completely complementary.”

The goal of Better Life Whole Foods and the Integrated Health Group is to educate while providing methods and products by which people can improve their health.

“In the same manner that the health-food store operates, this health group is small and personal. We are community-based and locally owned,” said Bonavita. “We don’t have shareholders to satisfy. Financials are not the driving force for us, which is what we see in ‘big medicine’ so often. We can focus more on the care we give.”

To make an appointment with Hoffman, call the Integrative Health Group at (413) 525-7345 or SkinCatering at (413) 282-8772. To schedule an appointment with Orvieto, call (413) 883-6869.