A new store in Fall River wants to help people 'live a less toxic life.' Here's how.

FALL RIVER — Fall River’s newest store is focused on helping people heal ailments holistically, through calming scents and practices like reiki.

“We really just want to help people live a less toxic lifestyle,” said Josh Medeiros, owner of Etéreo Scents & Wellness.

The store, on Second Street in Fall River’s Corky Row neighborhood, had its grand opening on March 1.

They sell mostly toxin-free aromatherapy tools like essential oil roll-ons and room and linen sprays, using essential oil blends that Medeiros creates himself. They also carry products like body scrubs and candles from local crafters who have a similar emphasis on organic and all-natural materials.

“Customers can still be enjoying scents while avoiding harsh chemicals,” Medeiros said.

What does etéreo mean?

“Etéreo” translated from Portuguese means “ethereal.” Medeiros said he strives to create a calm, blissful atmosphere inside his store and through his products.

“It’s very warming and peaceful in here,” he said. "Some people come in and say they just never want to leave."

Along with what’s on the shelves, the store offers experiences like reiki, a traditional healing method based on the idea that a practitioner can channel healing energy into a patient. They plan to start offering other holistic health services like lymphatic massage and cupping.

“Everything that we do is to pour back into humanity, to pour back into the community and just to help people,” Medeiros said.

A place for healing in downtown Fall River

Medeiros, a Fall River native, credits the sort of healing practices his store offers with helping him manage serious chronic illnesses when modern medicine failed. Now, he wants to bring that same healing to the community.

Fall River might not seem like the most obvious place for an aromatherapy store, but Medeiros said the city deserves access to healthy options and compassionate treatment as much as anywhere else.

“We want people to know that whatever they’re struggling with, there’s hope,” he said. “We want them to know that there’s hope for Fall River and we’re here to make that happen as well.”

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: New Fall River store focuses on holistic healing