Pura Vida Wellness Center

11/28/2025

Slade Powell (he/him) has practiced massage since graduating from the Cortiva Institute in Seattle in 2013. He has since become certified in Intraoral Massage for treating TMJD symptoms, CTM for period pain relief, and Master-Level Reiki for emotional wellness. Slade has experience working with people through pregnancy, pre- and post-surgery, and in oncology treatment. His specialties include migraines/headaches, TMJD, hip/low back pain, and emotional grounding.

Enjoy long, slow, thorough bodywork with a relaxing vibe and therapeutic intention for a whole-body tune-up and energetic cleanse. Slade intentionally creates a safe, open, supportive environment in the treatment room to allow the body to relax and deeply receive the hands-on work. Clients’ comfort and safety is the most important part of any session.

Outside of massage, Slade reads voraciously, hangs out with his dog Hartley, and runs a podcast. After 16 years on the West Coast, he’s enjoying getting to know the Pittsburgh area again.

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Pura Vida! 🦃🥧🌽

11/26/2025

Please welcome our newest doctor, Dr. Meg!

Dr. Meghan Curiale (Dr. Meg) is a proud local girl and Pine-Richland graduate—Go Rams! She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Gannon University before completing her Doctorate of Chiropractic at Life University just outside Atlanta, GA. Dr. Meg is certified in the Webster Technique through the ICPA and brings over 10 years of chiropractic experience to the practice.

Dr. Meg is deeply passionate about supporting women through preconception, prenatal, and postpartum care. Her focus is to empower patients with individualized care that supports optimal alignment, nervous system function, and overall well-being. Whether preparing the body for pregnancy, navigating the incredible journey of motherhood, or seeking to feel and function better day-to-day, Dr. Meg is honored to be part of each patient’s health story.

Outside the office, Dr. Meg enjoys spending time with her husband Tyler and their daughter Emerson, as well as spending quiet moments working on hand embroidery.

11/18/2025

Healthy Dinner Recipe- Korean Ground Beef (loaded with garlic and ginger.. great for the immune system!)
✅ Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)

1 tsp sesame oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp fresh grated ginger (or ~⅛ tsp dried)

¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce

2 Tbsp brown sugar

½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

2-3 cups cooked rice (white or brown) or cauliflower rice for lower carb/sugar

Optional toppings: sliced green onion, toasted sesame seeds, steamed or stir-fried veggies (broccoli, carrots, bok choy)

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

Cook your rice (or cauliflower rice) according to package directions and keep warm.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add sesame oil then the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up into crumbles, until mostly browned.

Add the garlic and ginger and cook another minute until fragrant.

In a small bowl whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar (or reduced sweetener combo), and red pepper flakes.

Pour the sauce into the skillet, stir to coat the beef, and let simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Serve the beef mixture over the rice (or cauliflower rice). Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds; add veggies on the side or mixed in.

11/14/2025

🦃🥧🍂🍁

11/13/2025

Get on Dr. Megan’s schedule before she goes on maternity leave! 💞

11/13/2025

Sugar and your immune system:
Did you know? Emerging research shows that excess added sugar doesn’t just affect weight — it also weakens your immune system’s ability to respond. Studies show that high sugar consumption can impair key immune cells, increase inflammation, and disrupt your gut-immune balance (see e.g., Zhang et al 2019; Weill Cornell 2021 review). Want to keep your immune system strong? Reducing added sugar + supporting spine health through chiropractic care = a great start!

Zhang D, Jin W, Wu R, Li J, Park SA, Tu E, Zanvit P, Xu J, Liu O, Cain A, Chen W. High glucose intake exacerbates autoimmunity through reactive-oxygen-species-mediated TGF-β cytokine activation. Immunity. 2019 Oct 15;51(4):671-681.e5. doi:10.1016/j.immuni.2019.08.001.

Weiss Cornell Medicine News. “Excess Blood Sugar Disrupts Immune System Proteins and Promotes Atherosclerosis.” Mar 16 2021.

11/10/2025

Citrus isn’t the only fruit in season at this time of year. Pomegranates are harvested now as well and have become a staple in our house. Loaded with fiber, antioxidants and vitamin C, they are the perfect treat this time of year to build and support the immune system.

What’s interesting about pomegranates and oranges is that the bulk of the vitamin C is located in the white portion of the peel (what most of us throw away!). So before throwing away the peel, take a few bites of it. It’s bitter because of the high vitamin C content! Not exactly tasty, but chalk full of vitamin C!

Another benefit to pomegranates, is that they are a great snack for kids! Unique in flavor and texture, these make an easy and healthy snack on the go!

11/04/2025

A Note from Dr. Deb 💛

After nearly two wonderful years at Pura Vida Wellness Center, I wanted to share that I will not be returning to practice following the birth of my second child. This has been a deeply rewarding season of my career, and I’m so grateful for the trust, care, and connection I’ve shared with each of you.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your wellness journey and for making my time at Pura Vida so special. Though this chapter is coming to a close, I’ll always cherish the memories, smiles, and stories from our time together. Wishing you continued health, alignment, and happiness in the years ahead!

With gratitude,

Dr. Deb

10/07/2025

Our essential oil of the month is 20% off in the office through October!

10/05/2025

10/03/2025

Our baby probiotic is now on sale to make room for a new product! Get yours while they last!