Natural Nutmeg December 10Best 2018

December 2018

Natural Nutmeg Connecticut's Resource For Essential Living

10BEST awards

Top Ten “Must Haves” for Fighting Colds and Flu Katy Firisin, ND How Do We Learn From Emotional Hunger?

Marianela Medrano, PhD, LPC Create Your Orchestra Bernie Siegel, MD

Healthy Body, Healthy Mind: Considering Alzheimer’s Prevention Craig T. Fasullo, ND Realize Your Dreams Through Financial Planning Caroline Wetzel Spirituality in a Primary Care Setting Kate Zachau, DO

2019 Essential Living Guide & 10BEST Awards www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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FROM SURVIVING TO THRIVING ...AND LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT!

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Join Juliette for a specially formulated face-to-face 48-hour private intensive (travel not included) on the Palm Beaches of Florida. Each activation intensive is a unique experience, unpredictable and always transformational. This is your time to connect deeply with your higher self, tap into Juliette's innate gift of insight, journey to the unknown, and clear all that holds you down. This all-in experience has proven to have a very profound effect to: • Clear Obstacles Standing in Your Way • Shatter Illusions Holding You Back

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• Unveil Your Inner Truth, Purpose & Mission Clients report that they have shifted more in one day than in years of self-help and therapy. This is NOT for the faint of heart. You MUST be ready for this level of excavation, journeying, and re-integration. While powerful, it can be unnerving. You are shedding the old rapidly and rebuilding to emerge stronger, more powerful, and ready for the next level.

Includes: • 2 phone sessions, one before and one after • Car service: Juliette will personally meet you at the West Palm Beach Airport and drive you to your hotel.

Juliette's work is highly confidential, and as such, your privacy is protected with the utmost of seriousness.

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Juliette understands the nuances driving individuals to seek their peak performance.

To her clients she's known as a game-changer. She specializes in breaking through blocks: medical, emotional, business, and relationships. To many she is their personal go-to strategist, confidante, and modern-day Shaman. With keen insight and heightened intuition she sees: your highest potential, other realms, the energy snags pulling on you, and the tools that can change your life forever.

With Juliette, there's less woo woo and more butt kicking, less blue skying and more earthwork. Firmly grounded, Juliette shifts perceptions rapidly. She shatters illusions and in doing so, creates a heart-centered path for you to thrive in your daily life and in your business.

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Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide

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Information at: SouthWindsorSmiles.com/savings www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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In This Issue 12

Business Spotlights

17

10BEST Awards

38

Business Spotlights

44

The Rewards of WHY Power Yoga Teacher Training

46

Why We Need to Heal vs. Cure Dan Lupacchino, LMT, RMT, IET MI

49

The Cutting-Edge Science of Stem Cell Therapy Henry Sobo, MD

50

Spirituality in a Primary Care Setting Kate Zachau, DO

51

52

Realize Your Dreams Through Financial Planning Caroline Wetzel

54 56

8

THE BUZZ

Beware of Dental Tunnel Vision

68

RESOURCES

Mark A. Breiner, DDS

74

BERNIE

Top Ten “Must Haves” for Fighting Colds and Flu Katy Firisin, ND

59

Healthy Body, Healthy Mind: Considering Alzheimer’s Prevention Craig T. Fasullo, ND

63

How Do We Learn From Emotional Hunger?

Marianela Medrano, PhD, LPC

65

The Importance of Your Oral-Nasal Complex Kevin H. Norige, DMD

59 4

In Every Issue

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide

Natural Approaches to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Erika Dworkin, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®

Find more articles and search our web archive at naturalnutmeg.com

See What's Ahead for Natural Nutmeg in 2019!

January/February July/August • Effective Weight Loss Programs • Healthy Eating & Farm to Table Dining • Natural Treatments for Infertility • Natural Skincare • Special Focus: September Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas • Natural Therapies for Kids • Natural Treatments for Alleviating Pain March • How Genetics/Environment October Influence Your Gut • Natural Treatments for Cancer • Clinical Uses for Cannabis/CBD Oil • Ways to Practice Self-Care April November / December • Autoimmune Disease • Treating Type 2 Diabetes • Managing Mental Illness with Diet and Exercise with Nutrition • Inflammation and Brain Health • Special Focus: May/June • Natural Treatment for Natural Gift Giving Guide Menopause and Andropause • Lyme Disease Contact diane@naturalnutmeg.com • Special Focus: to feature your business CT Farms and Farmer’s Markets

in Natural Nutmeg!

why power yoga

200 hour teacher Training Learn to live a healthier, more conscious life through West Hartford yoga’s 6-month training. For anyone aspiring to teach or deepen their practice.

Begins January 2019... westhartfordyoga.com Veterans can use Post-911 GI Benefits to cover tuition & fees email diana@westhartfordyoga for additional information

westhartfordyoga 23 brook street, west hartford ct | 860.953.yoga | westhartfordyoga.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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PUBLISHER'SLETTER

I

hope you’re all as excited about this issue as I am!

This has been a dream project of mine since I started Natural Nutmeg almost 12 years ago and it is absolutely amazing to see it come to life. We are proud to be the first reader nominated awards exclusively for the holistic business community in Connecticut. While technically we started our 10BEST awards last year in celebration of our 10-year anniversary – this is the first year that we’ve published an issue solely dedicated to the awards – so I’m calling it our 1st annual reader-nominated 10Best Awards! It is also our first annual Essential Living Guide, as not only does this issue include twenty pages dedicated to our award winners, but we have over 100 practitioners and businesses listed in our Resources section! We hope that you use this issue as a resource for all of 2019.

We’re so proud of our 10BEST awards because it brought massive awareness throughout the state for Holistic Businesses & Practitioners and Natural Nutmeg and we received amazing feedback from the winners and readers. Many business owners in categories like Natural Product Companies, Spas, and Farm-to-Table restaurants said they just discovered the magazine and didn’t realize their customers were avid readers and fans. Because of this we were able to increase our advertiser demographic and distribution and holistic business owners increased their exposure! These awards are a fantastic way for business owners to increase their market share and expand their business. Our Connecticut holistic practitioners are extremely passionate about helping their local communities and all of our winners are overwhelmingly grateful to you - our reader – for helping to bring more awareness to all of the amazing natural and ecofriendly choices we have in this great state.

Of course, we couldn’t produce an issue without including our usual fantastic content, so this month don’t miss the great articles we have on mindfulness, stress reduction, fighting colds and flu and preventing Alzheimer’s. Hope you enjoy and let us know what you think of our new 10BEST/Essential Living Guide issue!

In Health and Happiness,

O

ur mission is to provide valuable insight, information and resources that will allow our readers to maintain a healthy, active, sustainable lifestyle. Natural Nutmeg contains timely information on natural health, complementary and alternative medicine, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

PUBLISHER Dr. Diane Hayden Diane@naturalnutmeg.com ADVERTISING advertising@naturalnutmeg.com DIR. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Christopher Urso Curso@naturalnutmeg.com FAIRFIELD COUNTY MARKETING DIRECTOR Frances Wall Higgins frances@naturalnutmeg.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashley Frament layout@naturalnutmeg.com SOCIAL MEDIA Erica Morawski & Alexa Morawski ADVISORY BOARD Ann Aresco, ND Adam Breiner, ND Mark Breiner, DDS Deanna M. Cherrone, MD Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. (Pend.)

Debra Gibson, ND Kenneth Hoffman, LAc, CCH Vicki Kobliner, MS, RD, CD-N Lauren Young, ND DISTRIBUTION Greater Hartford and surrounding counties, please contact Natural Nutmeg.

FFC - Tom Cossuto, Man In Motion, LLC

Natural Nutmeg Magazine

A big Thank You to our wonderful writers and advertisers who make this free resource possible!

Please support our advertisers and tell them you saw them in

naturalnutmeg.com

In keeping with our concern for the environment, Natural Nutmeg is proudly printed on recycled paper with soy based inks.

Natural Nutmeg is a free publication supported solely by our advertisers and distributed throughout Connecticut.

Please call for a location near you. (860) 508-0894 or email to publisher@naturalnutmeg.com. © 2007-18 by Natural Nutmeg, LLC. All rights reserved.

Parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that permission be obtained in writing. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the ar ticles and adver tisements, nor are we responsible for the products and ser vices adver tised. We welcome your feedback.

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Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide

Salt therapy is: •known to significantly improve respiratory issues in children and adults, asthma, allergies, countering the side effects of smoking and pollution, cystic fibrosis, acne •naturally anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal

Nutrition Specialists Trusted Since 1956 Thank You for Voting Us a 2018 10Best Health Food Store!

Erika Dworkin Owner Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®

Michael Dworkin, PD, CCN Founder / 1928 - 2017 Registered Pharmacist CT Certified Clinical Nutritionist

Kyle Ledonne Store Manager Culinary Nutritionist

Making Your Healthy Lifestyle Affordable Vitamins & Herbs • Sports Supplements • Organic Produce Allergen-Free Food • Natural Body Care • Aromatherapy

Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe 378 West Middle Tpke, Manchester, CT Mon - Sat 8am - 9pm / Sun 9am - 6pm 860.646.8178 • www.cthealthshop.com

Shop here. Feel better. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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THE BUZZ Get Ready to Experience a Powerful Nutrient Boost

T

THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE NON-PROFIT 501 (C) (3)

PSYCHIC INSPIRATIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR!

he addition of supplements to a healthy diet is an excellent way to enhance one’s well-being.

However not all supplements are readily absorbed due to the quality of the product and one’s own gastrointestinal health; therefore, you may only get a small percentage of what you are taking into your bloodstream and into the cells of your body.

Whole-Body IV Solutions, a division of Whole-Body Medicine in Fairfield, CT offers IV nutrient therapy which bypasses the digestive process and delivers 100% of pure quality nutrients to your cells.

Custom drips are available that are designed to support your immune system, recover from jetlag, long work hours or hangovers, restore athletic circulation, increase stamina, support muscle recovery and growth, aid in detoxification, provide anti-aging benefits for youthful skin and glow, help brain function, infuse fat-burning nutrients that promote weight loss, give an energy boost and more.

Osteopathic physician, Dr. David Johnston is the overseeing physician for Whole-Body IV Solutions. “You will find that intravenous therapy is a fast, safe, and potent way to administer the nutrients you need,” comments Dr. Johnston. “Our IV therapies are not only designed to rehydrate you, but also to replace depleted nutrients. These infusions provide a boost to your regular supplement regimen as well as provide specific nutrients that your body may require in times of stress, sickness, or promote health and wellness.”

203.438.5795 · RIDGEFIELDPLAYHOUSE.ORG

Whole-Body IV Solutions also offers specialized intravenous therapies for more advanced cases that include high dose Vitamin C, phosphatidyl choline lipid exchange, Chelation therapy, ozone and more.

To learn more, visit IV Solutions at wholebodymed.com or call 203-3718258 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Johnston also offers IV therapy at his Ridgefield location, visit osteopathicwellness.net. See ad on page 55.

Clinics

Know Your Soul Mission & Accomplish It

The UB Clinics are open to the public and provide comprehensive healthcare services to over 20,000 patients per year with an emphasis on wellness and prevention at Do you want the freedom to: the nation’s Center of Excellence for integrative healthcare.

• Love how you make a living Call today to discover how you can receive state-of-the-art, • Make a difference for your clients patient-centered care in the following fields: ROBIN CLARE, LIFE BUSINESS COACH

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• Work your own schedule

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Visit clare-ity.com and facebook.com/ClareityWithRobin/

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Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide

• Acupuncture • Chiropractic

• Dental Hygiene • Naturopathic Medicine

No insurance is needed.

Call to schedule an appointment: 203-576-4349 60 Lafayette Street - Bridgeport, CT 06606

bridgeport.edu/UBclinics

THE BUZZ Functional Medicine Targets the Root Cause of Disease

D

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Tues., Wed., Fri. 10-6, Thurs. 10-7, and Sat. 10-5

Wolfspirit Acupuncture Ancient Healing with a Modern Approach

Acupuncture can effectively:

JO-ANN CONNELLY, M.S., RN, LAC

Monthly Wellness treatment to improve immunity and restore balance available

• Relieve pain without the harmful side effects of medication.

• Assist with restoring balance and improved fertility.

• Relieve digestive disorders.

• Help manage anxiety & depression.

• Help quit smoking.

Come see our Acupuncture Community Clinic

Jo-Ann is certified in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

Call 860.430.9653

78 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury, Connecticut

www.wolfspiritacupuncture.com

eanna Cherrone, MD is an experienced Functional Medicine practitioner who believes every patient deserves to be treated as a whole and unique person. After conventional medicine failed her own health needs, Deanna sought a more complex approach. She began Functional Medicine training in 2004. Later, Deanna opened the Natural Health & Healing Center in 2006, where she continues practicing Functional Medicine today. Deanna is renowned for her medical knowledge and effective care. She holds a prestigious certification in Functional Medicine and stays updated via attending conferences.

Conventional medicine utilizes standardized practices.

However, since all patients are unique and 70-90% of chronic disease are caused by lifestyle choices, these methods often fail.

The Functional Medicine model addresses this through dynamic, personalized care. Unlike conventional healthcare, Functional Medicine targets root causes of disease, rather than simply managing symptoms. Disease manifests due to combined effects of imbalances within the body, including inflammation, genetic predispositions, nutritional deficiencies, and other factors. The complex intake process is used to diagnose imbalances and develop individualized care plans. Prescriptions include various behavioral approaches, called Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLCs). Counseling, along with personalized dietary, lifestyle, and environmental changes delivers long-lasting benefits. Therefore, Deanna’s methodology does not simply eliminate disease, but restores optimal health.

Submitted by Sarah O'Horo. Understanding what motivates a patient and the obstacles that impede progress enables Dr. Cherrone to recommend individualized strategies for success.

Applying biochemistry to each patient and seeing the positive results is extremely gratifying. Dr. Cherrone truly believes that Functional Medicine provides the necessary framework for how medicine is meant to be practiced. Natural Health and Healing, West Hartford, CT, 860.677.4600 naturalhealthandhealing.net.

See ad on back cover and spotlight on page 42.

Find more articles and search our web archive at naturalnutmeg.com

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Business Spotlight Dr. Suzanne Chester, DC

H

olistic medicine considers all aspects of a patient’s life: social, emotional, behavioral, as well as physical – which of course includes the relationships and dynamics within the family.

1. Why are you passionate about your specialty?

Natural health care has always resonated with me. We weren’t a family that took medicines excessively or ran to the doctor frequently.

My mother just helped support our bodies nutritionally and let our bodies heal naturally. I appreciate every opportunity to assist people in understanding that their bodies have the amazing capability to heal, but that it might need a little “help” via nutritional, structural or emotional therapies.

C

Collaborative Natural Health Partners

ollaborative Natural Health Partners offers a new model of primary care- truly integrative with a team of family medicine osteopathic physicians, naturopathic physicians and acupuncturists offering functional medicine, advanced diagnostic testing, homeopathy, acupuncture, Bowen therapy, craniosacral therapy, nutrigenomics, bioidentical hormones, ozone therapy, nutritional consults, intravenous vitamin therapy, botanical medicine, group lifestyle classes and more to tailor a customized treatment plan for each patient, treating the underlying causes of disease. Patients feel empowered and supported in a way that helps them make lasting change.

1. What sets you apart from other holistic practices?

The collaboration between physicians is unique in our practice.

On a daily basis, there is a grand rounds between board certified family medicine physicians, acupuncturists and naturopathic physicians. We are committed to education and the community in a unique way with classroom space for nutrition, mind-body medicine and kitchen medicine including things like tincture and soap making.

2. What can patients expect from working with you?

We develop a relationship and understand the goals and health of individuals. We coordinate with other practitioners in and outside of the office to a unified team supporting the patient. Patients receive a plan of care that is comprehensive and very individualized.

3. What plans do you have for the future for your practice?

We have joined ECHN/Manchester hospital where we will be offering inpatient services, a very unique relationship for naturopathic physicians, one of very few in the state. We also welcome another primary care physician, Dr. Brad Brooks to our team in 2019.

We anticipate a larger facility for our West Hartford satellite.

4. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner.

I was pregnant with my daughter, who is now five years old when I started working with the local hospital. It wasn’t until Spring 2018 when a meeting of all the local physicians came together to change the bylaws of the hospital to allow us to join as medical staff. What a proud and cool moment when my colleagues—ob/gyns, surgeons, family medicine doctors and the likes, gave testimony about the value of naturopathic medicine. They all talked about the patients we’ve helped and how much we care. The medical model is changing, and partly because of what we are doing here in Manchester.

5. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg?

Community and education. Two of our core values. We can help educate people about their bodies and their health and help nurture a healthier community.

Collaborative Natural Health Partners 860.533.0179 • ctnaturalhealth.com 10

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide

2. What sets you apart from other practitioners?

I provide individualized care for the whole family. I work well with other physicians or specialty therapists to co-treat when needed or to make appropriate referrals that would be in the best interest of the patient’s healthcare needs.

3. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner.

I periodically utilize the Webster Technique during pregnancy when babies are breech. The maneuver balances the pelvic muscles and ligaments to reduce tension and twisting of the uterus which offers greater opportunity for the baby to move into the proper position for delivery. It brings me great joy to hear from the mothers that the baby has turned and aligned properly, usually after the first treatment, so those babies can be delivered naturally.

Dr. Suzanne Chester Family Health Chiropractic Care, Simsbury 860.468.1110 • docsuzannechester.com

Paula Scopino/Sacred Rivers Yoga

S

acred Rivers Yoga offers yoga-therapy, nutritional consultations, massages, skin care, day spa, and workshops throughout the year. We have programs for family and kids so everyone can experience yoga, and specialized yoga for people who suffer from MS. 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty?

I started to experience the benefits of yoga when I was 18, and started learning yoga from a book. I shared my results with family and friends, and I became passionate in sharing the physical and mental health benefits yoga provides.

2. What sets you apart from other businesses in the holistic field?

Sacred Rivers is a place where we encourage people to listen to their bodies and offer many accommodating moves. We are not competitive on the yoga mat, we encourage people to move the way they feel best.

3. What plans do you have for the future?

We celebrated our 15th anniversary May 2018. We are looking to expand our yoga therapy school, an accredited program for people who want to teach yoga. 10% off class cards and memberships during the month of December.

4. What is the best memory you have about being a holistic business owner?

We had one client who thanked me for how much we helped her, because she had just gone through a divorce, a death in the family and other personal issues. I noticed this client began coming 3-4 times a week and she shared with us that she felt that yoga saved her life because it helped her cope and put her stresses aside. Those moments are gratifying because as a business owner holding the space can be difficult sometimes, and then when you hear something like that it reminds you why you are in the holistic practice.

Sacred Rivers Yoga sacredriversyoga.com/class-schedule

Jim Murquette, Valley Fitness Center

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T

University of Bridgeport

he University of Bridgeport, UB Clinics are home to the teaching clinics for the Acupuncture Institute, School of Chiropractic, Fones School of Dental Hygiene, and the School of Naturopathic Medicine. Each clinic offers comprehensive services, are open to the public, and provide numerous opportunities for patients to experience medical and wellness care in one convenient location.

1. Why would one choose the UB Clinics for healthcare?

We provide comprehensive care focused on prevention, wellness, and healthy lifestyles that allow people to attain their individual health and wellness goals. Patients are educated about the root cause of their illness, rather than just treated symptomatically. They learn about the body’s innate ability to heal using safe and natural remedies, where appropriate, instead of taking medications. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine is used to treat many diseases, disorders, and pain conditions. Involving the patient as a partner provides a better patient experience.

Through preventive diagnostics (blood typing and other blood testing) we identify certain allergy titers, cholesterol levels, diabetes, hormone levels, and genetic disorders. This enables us to treat conditions with natural remedies instead of toxic and harmful prescription medications. Health assessments take into account the physical, mental, emotional, social, dietary and environmental dimensions of your health.

2. What sets you apart from other clinics in the holistic field?

An individualized approach allows clinicians and student interns to treat the patient, not the disease, and further enhance the patient’s overall well-being. One of the best features we have is the ability to offer same or next day appointments. In addition, we provide radiology services and have a dispensary where patients, and the general public, may purchase over-the-counter vitamins, supplements, herbal medicines, homeopathics and other health products.

We also have an Integrative Shift Clinic where all four disciplines (acupuncture, chiropractic, dental hygiene and naturopathic medicine) come together to manage patient cases. The patient has an appointment in each clinic and a complete health assessment is conducted by a team of supervised student interns and their respective clinicians.

The full team then meets and discusses the individual case and creates a specific plan of care that may include treatment in one or more of the specialty clinics. The initial assessment is completely free!

3. What are some of the most memorable testimonials you’ve received about the clinic?

We recently received this testimonial, which is a fitting tribute to our Clinic: “I feel it’s especially necessary to support your clinic as the practitioners were instrumental in finding a cure with a chronic illness I’ve dealt with for 17 years. At one point I had stopped eating to avoid the pain in my gut and I was struggling to live through the trauma. Your students and physicians have made the difference in finding the answer to return to a healthy state of body and mind. Thank you for everything I’ve learned and the solution to pain management besides medication – all the services are a blessing to me.”

UB Clinics • Bridgeport, CT 203.576.4349 • bridgeport.edu/UBClinics

e offer cardio equipment exercise in front of a breathtaking river view, free weights, aerobics, Zumba, Pilates, yoga, personal training, virtual personal training, weight loss seminars, youth athletics support and training, and special purpose fundraising and awareness activities.

1. Why are you passionate about fitness?

It’s all about being active and vital. When someone makes fitness a part of their lifestyle, they participate in their life and their health.

It impacts all aspects of the quality of life, and in total, makes for an excellent community.

2. What sets you apart from other fitness centers?

We have a relaxed warm environment with many experts on diet, health and fitness. We focus on form and style to maximize the effectiveness of effort, combined with diet and programming to relieve stress and improve creativity.

3. What plans do you have for the future?

To provide community building events and activities. Recently, a film company used the gym to film a full-length motion picture. Everyone in the crew, and most people in the cast are cancer survivors. All proceeds from the film go to help people with cancer take care of their families.

4. What is the best memory you have about being a holistic business owner?

A woman attributed our yoga classes and instructors as being a major part of her being cancer free for 17 years.

5. What do you like about being a part of Natural Nutmeg?

Being recognized by readers. We didn’t set out to win awards, but we dedicate ourselves to be worthy of earning them

Valley Fitness Center, Unionville ,CT • valleyfitnessct.com

Dr. Katy Firisin, ND

D

r. Firisin offers Naturopathic Nutritional Counseling, Acupuncture/Chinese Medicine, Advanced Diagnostic Testing, Homeopathy, Herbal/Botanical Medicine 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty?

Many patients find naturopathic medicine after years of illness and dead ends. Educating patients to take an active and life changing role in their health leads to small miracles everyday.

2. What can patients expect from working with you?

Most of my patients know that they are an extension of my family.

I am extremely dedicated and spend a lot of time working with each person individually. That said, I have high expectations of my patients in return. Commitment, communication, and consistency.

3. What plans do you have for the future?

Expanding my practice to make natural healing modalities more accessible to people and educating more individuals to take control of their health.

4. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner.

Hearing people say things like, “I can’t believe I am off that medication after 20 years” are moments that you never forget. They are a mere reminder of how powerful it is to work in concert with nature and how lucky I am to witness what the body is capable of when given the right tools.

5. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg?

Being a part of a sophisticated publication with outstanding contributors and staff is a privilege. I love a platform to provide resources for people without cost to them.

Dr. Katy Firisin, ND • 475-999-2032 coastalnaturalmedicine.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Business Spotlight John Pittari, New Morning Market 1. How did New Morning get started?

Actually, a charter of 20 people started the store, founded as New Morning Trading Co. in 1971. It came out of the Back to the Earth movement, it was as much a philosophy as it was a lifestyle aligned with the natural world and the way we were meant to live and eat. I wanted to lead a rightful livelihood, to make a difference, that’s why New Morning became my career – my life. At first most everything was in barrels along with many local products like raw milk, fresh yogurt and cottage cheese - handmade on the farm, honey and maple syrup.

2. Why are you passionate about your industry?

Believe it or not, Connecticut was going to get rid of the Dept. of Agriculture! Our grass roots efforts kept it in place. Now our state has had the largest increase in the number of farms and farmland in production. My passion is supporting local farms by introducing their products to our customers to create a demand. For example, working with Paul Bucciaglia, from Fort Hill Farm, what started as offering for sale a dozen flats of organic vegetable seedlings has bloomed to selling tens of thousands of plants each Spring.

3. What sets you apart from other health food stores?

Our product vetting standards are extremely high. We have a mission to rebuild a local, healthy and sustainable food community that is the main differentiator and what influences all major decisions and every day operational decisions. Our produce department really takes care of our producers and we often deal with small local farmers who may only have a small crop to sell. The best part is you’ll find things on our shelves you won’t find anywhere. Hyper local and hyper innovative products.

4. What can customers expect from working with you?

The value we place on educating the community. Food is how we nourish our body, relationships, sense of community, and soul. We need to educate the public that food isn’t a commodity, that it really does cost $8 to bring organic heirloom tomatoes to market and they are worth every penny. That farmers need a living wage to stay on the farm. We spend the least amount of our income on our food than ever before– and much of the disease and sickness we see is a result of that.

5. What plans do you have for the future for your business?

In early 2019 we’re opening the Vitality Center on our 2nd floor and will be offering nutritional consulting, Naturopathic medicine, massage, yoga, personal counseling, skincare, infrared sauna treatments and a community center for educational events.

6. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic business owner.

We started Our Earth Day event in our parking lot which grew to 5,000 people attending each year. Then we relocated to our new store and didn’t have the space for an event that size. It was amazing how the Town agreed to support the event so we could hold it at the Hollow Park. Now, Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition operates it as a fundraiser and it’s grown to 7,000 people which is the largest Earth Day event in CT.

New Morning Market, Woodbury, CT 203.263.4868 • newmorn.com

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Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide

Dr. Kurt Beil, ND

D

r. Kurt Beil uses a comprehensive holistic and integrative approach to increase health and address illness.

1. Why are you passionate about your specialty?

Knowing how effective it is helping people achieve better quality of life and wellbeing. Helping reduce their symptoms and suffering, and seeing it work. It’s a whole way of being and understanding how life works and working with that to help certain individuals.

2. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field?

I have a unique set of skills combining Chinese and holistic medicine, taking every person I work with and looking at the broad view of their personal care. Not just symptoms but who they are as a person... each person has custom solutions.

3. What can patients expect from working with you?

Ninety minutes to discuss symptoms, health history, and lifestyle (habits, stress reduction techniques) and come up with ways to address that through custom care.

4. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner.

A patient I am working with now has 23 different complex diagnoses, has been to over 20 practitioners over the space of 10 years all with no benefit. We have been able to work with her over the year and she has had substantial improvement. I was told we not only changed her life but saved her life.

Dr.Kurt Beil, ND, LAc, MPH, Hudson Valley Natural Health hudsonvalleynaturalhealth.com • drkurt@earthlink.net

Fuller Yoga

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roup classes in yoga, Pilates and barre, private instruction on Pilates equipment and yoga wall, specialize in yoga for scoliosis and various spinal issues.

1. Why are you passionate about your specialty?

I love teaching yoga and Pilates because the techniques and attention to detail help people have better posture, alignment and reduces pain. I have been teaching for 20 years and have helped people feel better in their bodies, get stronger and increase their flexibility.

2. What sets you apart from other practitioners?

We are here to support you and your body from where you begin.

Not too flexible - we modify until you are. Not too strong - we scale it down until you are. All of our instructors want you to be successful in decreasing stress and increasing feeling good in your body in a way that will actually work with you.

3. What plans do you have for the future of your practice?

I am growing the Fuller Yoga brand to be synonymous with strong quality classes and attention to detail. Our 200hr Yoga Teacher Training is where I teach others how to be diligent, caring and effective as yoga instructors and building that into our community is a great achievement. I am excited about a new program I am developing with a golf instructor to help people perfect their golf game.

4.Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic business owner.

The best part about being in business with a yoga and Pilates studio is watching our students improve physically, mentally, and spiritually over the years.

Fuller Yoga Pilates and Massage, Glastonbury, CT 860.430.9642 •fulleryoga.com

Valley Spirit Wellness Center

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Dr. Katherine Layman, ND

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r. Katherine Layman, ND offers optimized lifestyle programs designed for each individual patient that encompasses nutrition, hormone balance, metabolic enhancement, mindset, botanical medicine, homeopathy, and hydrotherapy.

1. Why are you passionate about your specialty?

Growing up I watched members of my family struggle with chronic health concerns for which the conventional medical model seemed to have no good answers. I know how it can be, feeling lost within the medical system, feeling dismissed by doctors and health care providers. I want those people to know that there are reasons they feel unwell. I absolutely love coming to work every day knowing that we are helping people to feel better in their bodies, have the physical and mental energy to really be present with their families, and to live their best lives!

2. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field?

I learned early on that in order for patients to truly regain their health or secure their future wellness, they have to learn how to create the internal conditions for health. We begin with education at Valley Wellness Center. All of our patients learn about our unique model so that they can decide if we really are the best fit for their health journey. Our ability to help rests in our ability to help our patients understand the underlying causes of their health concern and learn how to build a lifestyle that supports health from the inside out.

3. What can patients expect from working with you?

They can expect to be listened to. We always begin by sitting down with patients to thoroughly explore their history, challenges, and most importantly their health goals. Then we design an individualized plan to address their specific concerns and take them to those goals.

4. What plans do you have for the future for your practice?

We just recently expanded to include a second location in Canton! We added an infra-red sauna, which is a great expansion on our current detox system and hydrotherapy programs.

5. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner.

The first time that I got to tell a patient that they no longer needed their diabetic medications and that all of their diabetes markers were now within the healthy, non-diabetic range with no medications!

This time was particularly impactful, because this patient’s husband (who was not undergoing treatment, but had been improving his lifestyle right alongside her) was able to reduce his pain medications for his multiple sclerosis AND was no longer walking with a walker.

6. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg?

I love being a part of Natural Nutmeg because there are so many health-minded individuals providing quality education in the magazine. It is so important to have trusted sources like this to use as a resource, because knowing how to find quality health information is one of the biggest challenges people face in protecting their health.

Dr. Katherine Layman, Valley Wellness Center, Canton & Woodbury • 860.393.0478 valleywellnessct.com

ringing together healing, movement and visual arts, VSWC houses three treatment rooms, a movement studio, art gallery, Chinese herbal apothecary, and shop. Twenty-one practitioners offer acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, and more.

1. How did Valley Spirit get started and what is your mission?

Lee, Jampa and I opted to house our three businesses in a single space in my hometown of Washington, bringing together healing and movement arts, with visual and performance art and design. Opening up the space to other practitioners and teachers was an extension of our cooperative approach.

2. What sets you apart from other holistic centers?

We offer a variety of classes and treatments that are not readily found locally (Medical Qi Gong, Taoist Healing practices, Tibetan meditation, Tui Na). Valley Spirit is a “go to” center to support healing from the inside out.

3. What plans do you have for the future?

Insurance for acupuncture treatments; CEU classes for practitioners starting in 2019; Tibetan teachings with Kundrol Rinpoche and Latri Nyima Rinpoche are on the schedule for 2019; Destination retreats to Peru, Iceland and Nepal.

4. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic business owner.

When people walk into Valley Spirit and take a moment to just be right there - at the doorway. They feel the intention this center was built with: to serve with love and compassion. Folks say Valley Spirit has changed their lives for the better and we benefit as practitioners and facilitators as we offer service to our community.

Valley Spirit Wellness Center, Washington Depot, CT 860.619.2788 •valleyspiritcoop.com

David Chandler, MA

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avid Chandler, MA, is a Certified Hypnotist, Hypnosis Instructor, Mindfulness Meditation Facilitator and Tai Chi Master. David offers therapeutic hypnosis for all ages, as well as Hypnosis Certification Training.

1. Why are you passionate about your specialty?

I love assisting people in transforming their lives by focusing one’s attention, altering their consciousness and relaxing their body to the degree they can respond. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis – you are led through an induction to a state of incredible awareness where the mind is concentrated to allow suggestions by the hypnotist to activate your motivation to a heightened degree.

2. What sets you apart from other practitioners?

Probably the most unique thing about my background is that I’m a trained actor and I learned how to create a script to become a person who is different from my past self…to create a new body if you will.

I also have a Master’s in Integrative Health and Healing and I’m a practitioner of Tai Chi Chuan and meditation for over 44 years.

3. What can clients expect from working with you?

One of the first things I do is instill trust and explain the process of how I assist them in overcoming challenges so they can have a higher level of success. After we assess the problem, then we go into the past through a regression process and see where the difficult behavior began and where the imprint was created. We re-experience that, and change the experience in the present so it can be dealt with here and now.

Chandler Hypnosis Institute Waterford, CT 860.442.9462 • chandlerhypnosis.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Business Spotlight Alina Schneider, APRN

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P

Robert Kipp, DC

ro-Heath Chiropractic has been serving Fairfield County since 2007. Dr. Kipp is a highly sought after Chiropractor, Author, and International Speaker. He is often asked to speak to corporations and civic groups on current health topics and natural approaches to living a vitalistic lifestyle. Our facility at 2600 Post Road in Southport has digital x-ray onsite, along with computerized neurological scanning equipment.

1. Why are you passionate about your specialty?

I absolutely love helping people get back to living their life pain-free and doing the things they want, without drugs or surgery. Helping someone avoid surgery, or an expectant mother enjoying her pregnancy without discomfort, or a teen performing their best at school sports, are just some of the little daily miracles that chiropractic has been able to provide our patients.

2. What sets you apart from other practitioners?

We pride ourselves on using the most advanced methods to detect issues that could interfere with someone’s health. Instant test results allow us to determine if we can help along with what course of action to take. When you take that level of testing and combine it with nearly 20 years of clinical experiences, I’d say that’s why we’re able to help people get results.

3. What can patients expect from working with you?

In simplest terms, they get a caring doctor who actually listens and provides direction to a better healthier lifestyle.

4. What plans do you have for the future?

We are always striving to improve our patients experience.

We’ve collaborated with another Chiropractor and award-winning Naturopathic Doctor to be able to meet the needs of more people.

5. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner.

The best memory is when my practice turned 10 years old. It was simply amazing how far the practice and I had come, along with the number of lives we had been able to change. A truly humbling experience.

6. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg?

Being part of a community of like-minded people is just wonderful. There are so many great articles and resources from terrific people and businesses. I’m honored to be part of that.

7. What is your favorite place to travel, your favorite food, and your favorite hobby?

I have so many places yet to visit in the world, but so far, I’d have to say the Caribbean is my favorite. As for favorite food, definitely Italian! Which is probably why my favorite hobbies are rock climbing and hiking...to burn off the calories!!!

Dr. Robert Kipp, DC, Southport 204.333.2700 •yourprohealth.com

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Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide

olistically-minded integrative medicine APRN working with newborn through adult patients offering primary care and chronic disease management to include IV vitamin/ nutrient therapy, bio-identical hormone therapy, nutrition, supplements and lifestyle change counseling and DNA swabbing to drive best medication options particularly in patients with mental health concerns.

1. Why are you passionate about your specialty?

I strive to teach lifestyle changes and encourage healthy habits. However, supplements, and at times, medications, also play a part. I am enrolled in the Integrative Medicine Fellowship (for MDs, DOs and APRNs) at the University of Arizona. I will be starting my second certification in Psychiatric/ Mental Health in the Spring as integrative mental health is becoming another passion of mine.

2. What can patients expect from working with you?

I see myself as a partner and coach to my patients and practice relationship-based medicine. Patients can expect a collaborative approach to their medical and health concerns.

3. What plans do you have for the future?

I recently moved my practice and am now seeing patients within the Connecticut Center for Health in Middletown. Working with a team of highly experienced Naturopaths has been a fantastic experience. We are looking to expand our IV vitamin/nutrient therapy program and anticipate growing my patient panel significantly.

4. What is your favorite place to travel?

I recently traveled to Cuba to learn from their (very holistically-minded) medical doctors. In Cuba, MDs practice much more like Naturopaths in the US because there is very limited access to medications there. The primary care system is heavily focused on preventive medication and early detection of illness.

Alina Schneider MSN, APRN, FNP-BC Middletown, CT • 860.347.8600 • yournaturalhealth.com

Donne Bunte, Whole Health

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treat the whole person with Chinese medicine including acupuncture, herbal medicine, qigong energy work and teaching exercises, guided meditation, and health coaching.

I hope to help each person restore balance in their lives and heal themselves.

1. Why are you passionate about your specialty?

I love the study of Chinese medicine because it is a complete system of medicine which takes the whole person into account, not just the disease.

Working with people to help them improve their lives is very rewarding and I learn from each patient as well.

2. What sets you apart from other practitioners?

I have 24 years of experience helping people using the tools of Chinese medicine, acupuncture, herbal medicine, health coaching, qigong and guided meditation.

3. What plans do you have for the future of your practice?

I am now teaching qigong exercises and meditation locally and am bringing individuals to wellness retreats in various places worldwide.

In addition, I hope to develop a line of products and write a book on my wholistic view of health.

4. What is the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner?

A patient of mine had trouble getting pregnant for years and was able to conceive after a series of acupuncture and herbal medicine.

5. What do you like most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg?

Having a magazine where natural health is the focus is a wonderful resource. The people I have worked with at the magazine really care about us as contributors. It feels like a family!

Donna Bunte, MSOM, L.Ac., Whole Health 203.698.0793 • donnabunte.com

Dr. Mark Breiner, DDS

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Amanda Swan, APRN

provide integrative/functional medicine primary care with expertise in thyroid health, hormones, nutrition, body composition testing, bioidentical hormone restoration therapy and women’s health.

I love being a beacon of light, guiding people to the discovery of their own ability to heal and shine.

1. Why are you passionate about your specialty?

There’s nothing more powerful than seeing someone transform their life by discovering their own healing potential. That’s what functional and integrative medicine are all about. We all have innate healing ability, but we sometimes need a guide.

I love being that guide.

2. What sets you apart from other practitioners?

My practice has a very personal touch. I have frequent, direct contact with my patients and strive to develop a therapeutic relationship with everyone who walks into my office. I am committed to taking health insurance. Functional medicine should be available to everyone, not just folks who can afford it.

3. What can patients expect from working with you?

A balanced and personalized approach to health. I have a s trong background in conventional medicine and think it’s important to wear this “hat” to rule out serious illnesses when appropriate. I synthesize this information with my knowledge of functional medicine, nutraceuticals, and nutrition to really look at the whole person and find the root causes of illness. I want you to leave the office feeling like you have a partner in health.

3. What plans do you have for the future of your practice?

I’ve just implemented virtual visits to make appointments more convenient for my patients. I’m going to be offering some aesthetic services, and hope to run some group programs to bring people together on their health journeys!

5. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic business owner.

The process of designing my current office space was really fun, and I’m proud of how cozy and beautiful it is (and grateful to those who helped!). My son, who is almost 7, was a big part of the process, and it brings me joy seeing little pieces of him in the office. I share my space with two amazing clinicians – an LCSW and a functional medicine registered dietician. I love knowing that I am helping them to build their businesses and see their dreams come true.

6. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg?

Natural Nutmeg is a fantastic resource for the community, and provides a terrific venue for sharing and collaborating. The content is always high quality. I learn something new with every issue!

7. What is your favorite place to travel, your favorite food, and your favorite hobby?

I love spending time on Block Island, and I have aspirations to do more international travel in the future. I’m a chocoholic – cover anything in dark chocolate and I’ll eat it! In my “free time”, I spend time at my CrossFit gym, knit, and go on adventures with my son.

Amanda Swan, APRN, Swan Integrative Health and Wellness Glastonbury, CT • 860.325.2679 amandaswanaprn.com

r. Breiner treats patients for a myriad of dental concerns including Aesthetics, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, Sleep Breathing Disorders, Mercury Toxicity, hidden infections from Cavitations, dead teeth and root canals.

1. Why are you passionate about your specialty?

I am passionate about what I do because of the considerable improvement in my patient’s health that I see when using a whole-body paradigm approach to patient care.

2. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic dental field?

Recognizing the physical and energetic relationship of the mouth to the rest of the body and how to incorporate this into patient care.

Addressing problems in the mouth and all its related structures are central to achieving optimal health and it should be part of every holistic practitioner’s treatment plan.

3. What can patients expect from working with you?

Using a combination of conventional and nonconventional dentistry, along with an energetic paradigm, testing and treatment, patients can expect to see an improvement in overall wellbeing.

4. What plans do you have for the future of your practice?

I recently purchased a head CT Scanner to help screen for Sleep Breathing Disorder (SBD). One of the advantages of a CT SCAN is that it allows me to evaluate the size of one’s airway. A decrease in oxygen while sleeping is associated with numerous health problems such as ADD/ADHD, diabetes, hypertension, chronic fatigue, and cancer.

Utilizing the CT SCAN, along with other diagnostic clues, helps to evaluate if a person indeed has SBD. If they do, dentistry can usually significantly improve the situation.

Mark A. Breiner, DDS, FAGD, FIAOMT • Fairfield, CT 203.371.0300 • WholeBodyDentistry.com

Dr. Antonio Reale, ND

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r. Antonio Reale offers Naturopathic medicine, herbal medicine, nutrition, lab testing, botanical tinctures, nutrition evaluation, personalized meal planning, weight loss counseling, general counseling for anxiety and mood disorder, stress reduction, and massage therapy.

1. Why are you passionate about your specialty?

I love having the time (60-90 minutes) to talk to my patients and explain physiology, biochemical processes and how organ systems work together. When the patient takes the driver’s seat and understands the treatment it’s therapeutic in a sense and they have a more active role in their healthcare.

2. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field?

The kind of medicine I practice is extremely personalized and allows me to make minute changes in a treatment plan from visit to visit. I have a large dispensary of 40 different herbs to create tinctures and hone in on different organ systems to match a person’s symptoms. I also create personalized meal planning tailored for weight loss, or other chronic conditions. I also have a Master’s in nutrition which gives me additional training beyond my ND degree.

3. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner.

So many amazing memories but one that stands out is an infertility patient I had. She was in her mid 40s and had just lost her 18-month-old son to cancer. She was given a 1% chance of becoming pregnant due to the quality and amount of eggs she had. We worked together over the course of 9 months with herbs, nutrition, and acupuncture and she not only got pregnant but had twins!

Antonio Reale, ND, Wethersfield, CT 860.257.7210 • theherbal-room.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Business Spotlight

BALANCE your mind, body & soul

with Ayurvedic treatments and consultations.

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Renee Cifarelli, LCSW

enee obtained her Master of Science degree in Social Work from New York University. With experience in inpatient, outpatient, and in-home settings, she provides a wide range of counseling for a broad range of mental health challenges. Renee believes in the transformative power of neurofeedback and utilizes LENS Neurofeedback.

1. Why are you passionate about your specialty?

I am passionate about self-discovery, exploration, and healing which is what I am fortunate enough to support patients with every day.

There are not enough places where individuals can come to breathe, receive unconditional acceptance, positive reflection, and simply just be. It is the most fulfilling and rewarding career to be able to support individuals throughout their journey in creating new and alternative narratives, goals, and visions for themselves and their lives.

2. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field?

I, along with my colleagues at Holistic Health & Healing Center, are unique in that we utilize a holistic approach in our treatment of patients.

Rather than just addressing the presenting symptom(s), we explore the underlying causes by considering and assessing physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of health and well-being. Throughout the use of many alternative and holistic practices, including psychotherapy, mindfulness and meditation, mind-body practices, art therapy, biofeedback and many others, we work on restoring our patients’ bodies back to natural balance to encourage and support the body’s own self-healing. This creates long-term success and sustainability.

3. What can patients expect from working with you?

Patients can expect to be empowered to explore and discover experiences, emotions, and patterns in thought and/or behavior that interfere or undermine their functioning and well-being. This will facilitate in creating self-awareness and exploration which will further enhance the ability to manage life stressors, utilize and explore coping skills, and build resiliency.

4. What plans do you have for the future?

As the Clinical Director of Holistic Health & Healing Center, I work closely with the owner and founder, Tara Paine, LCSW. We have plans to continue expanding, with a new office in West Harford, CT opening in the new year. We also are in the midst of adding additional holistic services to further offer a wrap-around approach to meeting our patients’ needs.

5. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg?

My favorite aspect about being part of Natural Nutmeg is being able to learn, explore, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who maintain the same mindset of wanting to make a difference while utilizing natural health and wellness strategies.

6. What is your favorite place to travel, your favorite food, and your favorite hobby?

My favorite place to travel is well, everywhere! But if I had to pick one place, it would be California. My favorite food is absolutely anything chocolate and my favorite hobby would have to be party planning/decorating!

Renee Cifarelli, LCSW, East Haven, Old Saybrook, Fairfield and a new location opening in West Harford 203.691.1685 • hhhcenter.com

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Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide

Phone 860.678.7880 • Text 860.712.1762 Book online: www.omsoma.com 15 Executive Drive, Farmington, CT 06032

Personalized home care, so that you can live your best life possible!

1700 Post Road, Suite E5 Fairfield, CT 06824 (203) 612-8966

ComForCare.com/FairfieldCT

10BEST WINNERS

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elcome to the first annual Natural Nutmeg 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards issue – our celebration of all things holistic we love about Connecticut. These awards brought massive awareness throughout the state for Holistic Businesses & Practitioners and Natural Nutmeg and we received amazing feedback from the winners and readers. Many business owners in categories like Natural Product Companies, Spas, and Farm-to-Table restaurants said they just discovered the magazine and didn’t realize their customers were avid readers and fans.

We are proud to be the first reader nominated awards exclusively for the holistic business community in Connecticut. Enjoy all the selections and let us know what you think about the winners and any businesses that are still best kept secrets!

By Dr. Diane Hayden, Publisher of Natural Nutmeg Magazine

Congratulations to our 10BEST Winners!

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Jo-Ann Connelly, MS, RN, L.Ac., Wolfspirit Acupuncture Glastonbury, CT • 860.430.9653 wolfspiritacupuncture.com Private and community clinic appointments. Safe treatment for all ages.

Certified in facial cosmetic acupuncture.

Effective pain relief without medication.

Individualized treatment for the best possible outcome. Satellite office opening in Hebron.

Kristine DeMarco Fairfield, CT 203.333.6544 demarcochiropractic.com As the owner and founder of the Black Rock Holistic Health Center, my goal and mission is to integrate the treatment of Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Nutrition, Physical Therapy, and Homeopathy in order to provide the patient with the highest degree of success in treating their acute and chronic pain.

Traver Garrity, ProNatural Physicians Group Berlin, CT • 860.829.0707 ProNaturalPhysicians.com An integrated medical center. Integrated medicine is based on a holistic approach to healing. Your complete set of symptoms, lifestyle, emotional or mental components as well as environment are taken into consideration. We use traditional natural therapies along with advances of modern medicine to design an individualized program for you.

HART Acupuncture & Nutrition Farmington, CT 860.284.4406 hartacu.com A team of naturopaths, acupuncturists, and a nutritionist listen carefully to patient concerns and provide personalized holistic healthcare. Dedicated to finding and treating the cause of chronic conditions, we assist in creating health changes that last.

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10BEST Acupuncture/ Traditional Chinese Medicine Dr. Kenneth Hoffman, DACM, L.Ac., SOPHIA Natural Health Center Brookfield, CT 203.740.9300 inm.center SOPHIA Natural Health Center is the largest natural health and wellness clinic in Connecticut, combining traditional healing arts of Chinese and Naturopathic Medicine with modern science. SOPHIA specializes in women’s health issues: hormone balancing, breast cancer prevention, Thermography, allergies, toxicity, chronic inflammation, pain and Lyme disease.

Elena Sokolova, ND Fairfield, CT 203.371.8258 WholeBodyMed.com Dr. Sokolova was a primary care physician in the former Soviet Union. She combines Eastern and Western medical knowledge to offer a range of healing modalities including Chinese medicine, acupuncture, botanical medicine, homeopathy, as well as hands-on visceral manual therapy. Her natural approaches to health include restoring female health and sexuality.

Valley Spirit Wellness Center

David McCallum Canton, CT 860.352.8902 chihealingcenter.com David McCallum is an acupuncturist, healer and medical massage therapist who loves to teach his patients the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He has been practicing holistic healing methods in the Connecticut area for more than 25 years.

Washington Depot, CT 860.619.2788 valleyspiritcoop.com Valley Spirit offers services, teachings and products that support self-care, wellness and personal growth.

Bringing together healing, movement and visual arts, VSWC houses three treatment rooms, a movement studio, art gallery, Chinese herbal apothecary, and shop. Twenty-one practitioners offer acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, and more.

Ming Wu Artemis Morris Milford, CT • 203.783.9802 drartemis.com Dr. Artemis helps people understand how their bodies work so that they can achieve lasting, sustainable health. This approach can save you thousands of dollars each year by limiting unnecessary medical spending and focusing on treating the cause — not just the symptoms — for optimal results and the best in preventative healthcare.

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide

West Hartford, CT 978.790.8888 wuhealing.com Ming Wu, Ph.D is a doctor of Chinese Medicine and a 20th generation practitioner of Fengyeng Taoist Chinese Medicine – the only one teaching in the United States.

He is also a Master Qi Gong and Tai Chi practitioner.

10BEST Chiropractic Physician Loving Hands Chiropractic

Back to Health Chiropractic and Acupuncture Woodbury, CT • 203.263.0411 backtohealthwoodbury.com Back to Health Chiropractic & Acupuncture is a state of the art multidisciplinary wellness center offering chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, naturopathic medicine and massage therapy, specializing in the treatment of soft tissue, led by Dr. Erik G. LeMoullec, D.C.,FCAMI in Woodbury CT.

Dr. Steve Judson Newington, CT 860.667.3636 judsonchiropractic.com Dr. Steve Judson has been practicing in Newington since 2002 and has been helping others reach their fullest potential through Chiropractic. He is a 1998 Life University graduate and has traveled around the world educating doctors and patients about the power of the human body and its ability to heal itself.

Dr. Robert Kipp, Pro-Health Chiropractic Southport, CT 203.333.2700 yourprohealth.com

Back to Motion Sports Rehab and Fitness Newington, CT • 860.665.0826 Btmrehabfitness.com Back to Motion provides the best care possible for conditions that can range from musculoskeletal complaints, sports injuries, disc herniation, postsurgical recovery and even improvement of speed and agility on the field.

Our goal is to integrate new methods of sports medicine and fitness that helps prevent and treat injuries.

Dr. Suzanne Chester, Family Health Chiropractic Care Simsbury, CT 860.468.1110 docsuzannechester.com Dr. Suzanne Chester's life's purpose is to help people feel and function better to improve their quality of life. She utilizes her 23 years of chiropractic experience, internal diagnostic education and therapeutic energy work in her practice. Dr. Chester accepts patients of all ages, including pregnant women and children.

Dr. Robert Kipp specializes in structural correction with an emphasis on the body’s neurology. He has been voted national chiropractor of the year and most recently one of Connecticut’s Best Chiropractors.

You can expect a custom program to help combat pain, correct poor posture, or gain a performance edge.

Dr. Kimberly Layman, Layman Sport and Family Chiropractic Litchfield, CT 860.552.7792 laymanchiropractic.com Layman Sport and Family Chiropractic is a chiropractic practice unlike any other. Dr. Layman is devoted to high quality, patient centered care using evidence-based chiropractic techniques, advanced myofascial release and specific therapeutic exercise tailored to your needs. Call for your appointment to experience a level of healing like never before!

Storrs, West Hartford, New Britain, CT 860.487.9543 lovinghandschiro.com Dr. Jenn & Dr. Matt provide familybased chiropractic care, focusing on pregnancy and pediatrics. Our office is a welcoming environment for you and your family where you will be treated as an individual with unique needs.

Dr. Laura Nunno Cromwell, CT 860.635.6913 drlauranunno.com In 1987, Dr. Nunno founded Holistic Health Center of Cromwell and has been serving the Cromwell community for the last 31 years. Her alternative approach to health has been successful in treating a wide variety of ailments in an otherwise conventional world.

Dr. Cheryl Vincent Simsbury, CT 860.651.3355 simsburychiro.com Dr. Vincent believes that education about natural health will help people to see that chiropractic care “makes sense” especially when compared with the pharmaceutical driven Western medical model.

Dr. Robert Zembroski, Darien Center for Functional Medicine Darien, CT 203.655.4494 drzembroski.com Dr. Robert Zembroski is a specialist in functional medicine, chiropractic neurologist, clinical nutritionist, and transformational speaker. Twenty-four years in private practice, including his own journey through disease, has enabled Dr. Z to become an expert in health topics from heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disease, obesity, cancer, hormone issues, nutrition, and fitness.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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10BEST Energy Healer Priscilla Bengtson, The Healing in Harmony Center Glastonbury, CT 860.430.9801 healinginharmonycenter.com Owner, Priscilla Bengtson, invites you to explore Spiritual Counseling, Mediumship and Medical Intuitive readings, as well as Reiki, Sound Healing, IET® and Trance Healing. In-person, and remote readings are available. Monthly Gallery-style readings and an extensive list of classes offered to help you explore your spiritual development. Gift Certificates available.

Robin H. Clare West Hartford, CT 860.232.3331 clare-ity.com Robin H. Clare, MBA is a Divine Emissary who brings Clare-ity, Alignment and TRUE Success to her client’s lives by merging her extensive business expertise with access to universal wisdom. It’s time to live your unique Soul Mission! Please go to www.clare-ity.com to sign up for a FREE Discovery Call.

Rebecca Anne LoCicero, The Beyond Center Vernon, CT 860.573.5652 RebeccaAnne.org Rebecca Anne LoCicero has been working in the metaphysical field for 24 years as a psychic, medium and energy healer. She is divinely connected to her intuitive gifts to bring through God’s healing energy.

Educated and certified in a variety of modalities she shares through her Laying of the Hands.

Daniel Lupacchino, LMT, RMT, IET MI, Integrative Massage Works Glastonbury, CT 860.716.2740 integrativemassage works.com Dan Lupacchino has over 10 years experience in the field of holistic healing and wellness. As a Massage Therapist, Healer and Teacher, his goal is to help you live and feel the best you can be. He is also IET ® Master Instructor Trainer, Medicinal Aromatherapist, and Intuitive Coach.

Anna Pizzoferrato, Reiki With Trust, LLC Journeys: Holistic Wellness & Anxiety Relief Center Simsbury, CT • 860.580.9736 journeyssoulschool.com Our mission is to help you heal and find empowerment through focus on the mind, body and spirit. We are an award-winning center of 7 women, offering coaching, nutrition counseling, readings, energy healing, groups, workshops and classes. LGBTQAI+ friendly and an all-inclusive establishment.

Where will your journey take you?

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Aurora Mistica Distance Healing AuroraMisticaDistance Healing.com I am Anna Rosa, aka Anna Pizzoferrato and have been offering remote distance healing services since 2001. I am a Usui, Shamballa, Kundalini and Karuna® Reiki Master.

I have a registered modality called Aurora Mistica®. I am a Biologist and enjoy designing energy charged products. https://www.zazzle.com/annarosaenergyartist

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide

Karen Elizabeth Rowan, LMT, CST Simsbury, CT 860.830.0877 karenerowan.com Karen specializes in advanced CranioSacral Therapy and Somato Emotional Release®.

She is an Advanced Certified Samvahan Vibrational Healer, Life Coach and Feng Shui Consultant, with over thirty years of experience and education. My most sincere thanks for being selected, it is my honor and privilege to serve you.

Joyce St. Germaine, M.Ed., CHt., RYT-200, The Sacred Journey Burlington, CT 860.675.9706 thesacredjourney.biz Joyce is highly trained and experienced in CrossCultural Shamanism and Energy Healing Modalities. Sound, color, journeying, ceremony, direct energy channeling, and gemstone/crystal therapies. Advanced training in Soul Retrieval, Spirit Detachment and Extraction invites healing of body, mind and spirit. A variety of Energy Healing Modalities may be combined as each situation requires.

Jeanne Street Woodbury, CT 203.788.9338 jeannestreet.com I’m known as the Angel Whisperer, and I work with the Spiritual realm every day. I connect people to their loved ones in heaven, and I’m honored to share the work I have been divinely guided to do with you.

Valley Spirit Wellness Center Washington Depot, CT 860.619.2788 valleyspiritcoop.com Valley Spirit offers services, teachings and products that support self-care, wellness and personal growth. Bringing together healing, movement and visual arts, VSWC houses three treatment rooms, a movement studio, art gallery, Chinese herbal apothecary, and shop. Twenty-one practitioners offer acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, and more.

10BEST Esthetician/Holistic & Organic Spa Body and Sole SPA West Hartford, CT • 860.233.7226 bodysolespa.com At Body + Sole our unrivaled expertise, results-driven approach, and attention to detail is what distinguishes us and ensures the ultimate spa experience. Through our integrated approach to skincare and body therapies, based on advanced products and expert treatments, we guarantee to visibly improve our clients' skin, bodies and minds.

GBS Threading

Organachs Farm-to-Skin

The Spa at Norwich Inn

Westport, CT • 203.221.0435 organachsfarmtoskin.com

Norwich, CT • 860.425.3500 thespaatnorwichinn.com

We have curated non-toxic, luxurious, high-performing skincare, cosmetics, bath & body products. Our knowledgeable staff will advise you on the ingredients and formulations that best suit your skincare needs. We will help you switch from conventional to natural with the added benefit of it being effective and results driven.

The Spa at Norwich Inn combines the best aspects of a boutique hotel and an historic Inn, with a day spa for treatments and fitness, along with a venue for vacations, celebrations or doing business…a place that defines health and wellness. A completely customizable CT spa and resort experience.

West Hartford, Newington, Storrs, CT 860.523.6232 • gbsbrowz.com GBS Brows uses the natural art of hair removal technique, "Threading."

This is an amazing technique passed down from generation to generation, is centuries old and gaining wide popularity the in modern world.

Kure Spa Norwalk, CT • 203.857.1500 kure-spa.com At Kure Spa, we wanted to create a special place where people could afford to take care of themselves on a regular basis using proven therapies that empower the body’s natural healing capabilities…all in a beautiful, peaceful and caring environment.

Nature's Pure Skin Care Ridgefield, CT • 845.270.9694 naturespureskincare.com We provide a higher level of skin care to our clients. Our main focus is regenerative, which is the renewal, regrowth and restoration of tissue at a cellular level. This approach addresses skin issues from aging to acne. Safe, non-toxic, oncology approved treatments with real results.

SOMA Farmington, CT • 860.678.7880 omsoma.com Danielle Dampf, LMT, owner and director of Soma, assists clients on their path to finding peace & pain relief, deep healing and the very best skincare. Our goal is to help you attain a deep connection, to plug in to your body & mind.

Tranquility Mind & Body Milford, CT • 203.877.7115 tranquilwellnessspa.com Tranquility is a premier spa that integrates centuries old modalities with the latest scientific breakthroughs. Our state of the art skin care lines provide immediate, discernible results. Our massage therapies beautify you from the inside out and our yoga programs provide union of mind and body.

Melissa Martin Wallace, Anew You Skincare Avon, CT • 860.284.9730 anewyouskincare.net

The Spa at Litchfield Hills Litchfield, CT • 860.567.8575 litchfield-spa.com The Spa at Litchfield Hills has provided world-class service to southern New England for over 10 years. Tucked away in the Litchfield Hills, the stylishly appointed facilities at the Spa include: facial and massage treatment rooms, a nail room featuring whirlpool shiatsu massage pedicure chairs, a full-service hair salon.

My love for skincare and cosmeceutical treatments makes it truly rewarding for me to help you look and feel your best self! Providing specialized noninvasive services for visible results in my peaceful new space has always been my goal.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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G-Zen Branford, CT 203.208.0443 g-zen.com

10BEST Farm-to-Table/ Organic/Vegan Restaurant Community Table Restaurant & Bar

Artisan Restaurant, Tavern and Garden West Hartford: 860.937.2525 Southport: 203.307.4222 ArtisanSouthport.com & ArtisanWestHartford.com Artisan is a unique and innovative casual/fine dining restaurant serving New England inspired American cuisine with an emphasis on farm fresh fare from its onsite garden and local and regional farms. As a Chef managed establishment, Artisan offers a one of a kind experience that celebrates the theme of craftsmanship and sustainability.

Bailey’s Backyard Restaurant & Catering Co. Eco Jenny Bag live area: 7in x 7in

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Ridgefield, CT 203.431.0796 baileysbackyard.com

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Award Winning American Farm to Table Restaurant and Catering Co. located in the heart of Downtown RIdgefield.

RESTAURANT & CATERING COMPANY

PRODUCT: Bailey‘s Backyard Bag Art FILE NAME: Baileys Bag ECOjenny2014_1.ai STARTED: 10.6.13 COMPLETED: 12.6.14 MRKT CONTACT: Lisa Cardinal PRINTER: Positive Impressions PROOF SIZE: 100% Live Area: 7 in x 7 in

COLORS: Black

FONTS: US Declaration Bodoni

PRINTER NOTES: Dieline does not print Printer does final traps Software: AICS6

Washington, CT 860.868.9354 communitytablect.com Community Table aims to express its passion for the region through food, wine and hospitality. A place to meet with friends, celebrate or dine solo. Developing quickly into a fixture for the local community, CT, as it is commonly referred to, is acclaimed for its food, cocktails, and chic relaxed environment.

G-Zen represents the vision of Chef Mark Shadle and Chef Ami Beach Shadle.

Together they take the concept of “Farm to Table” to a whole other level, by growing the organic ingredients, serving them fresh at the restaurant and then composting everything at their sustainable farm.

Hidden Valley Eatery Washington, CT 860.619.0660 hiddenvalleyeatery.com Hidden Valley Eatery, a cozy favorite amongst the locals of Litchfield County. Dual James Beard Award winning Chef/Owner, Drew Stichter proudly and thoughtfully sources his menu using seasonal local organic ingredients. Specializing in a menu full of gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and nonvegetarian options that has something for everyone!

Popover Bistro & Bakery Simsbury, CT 860.413.2392 Popoversimsbury.com

Farmhouse Restaurant Newtown, CT • 203.491.2840 farmhouserestaurantct.com Our seasonal menus are designed with ingredients sourced from the farmlands, fields and oceans of the Northeast.

JOB HISTORY: 10.6.13 Create concepts (v1) 10.23.13 Final art to vendor 12.6.14 Edits for 2014 (v1)

studio

Our mission is to source local, healthy, organic products whenever possible while using the highest quality ingredients we can find. We are creating delicious healthy food choices for everyone. We have many gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options on our menu. Try our amazing baked goods and signature drinks too!

Chef KC Ward, Rooster Co. Good News Restaurant & Bar Bistro on Main Manchester, CT • 860.432.5267 bistro-on-main.com A French-inspired, locally sourced Bistro featuring fresh, local & sustainable ingredients. Owned and operated

by MACC Charities.

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Woodbury, CT • 203.266.4663 goodnewsrestaurantandbar.com Good News Restaurant and Bar was one of the trailblazers in the Farm-toTable movement long before the movement began to make a statement in the food industry. Handcrafted, seasonal, local, & most organic as possible. Natural, love-inspired, pure & truthful, genuine & sophisticated, and prepared by owner and renown chef, Carole Peck.

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide

Newington, CT 860.757.3969 roostercompany.net Farm-to-table casual dining with focus on rotisserie style chicken.

Seasonally inspired menu serving the area's best brunch, lunch, dinner and happy hour with friendly staff and in a family-friendly setting.

10BEST Fitness/Personal Trainer Anita Barbero 203.233.6114 anitabarbero.com Anita Barbero, founder of Renew Your Health LLC, is an inspirational speaker, workshop leader, mindful retreat facilitator and yoga teacher offering presentations, workshops, classes and retreats designed to empower individuals to discover their true selves.

Body Roc

Caroline Kinsolving carolinekinsolving.com I teach private and group classes to all ages, beginners to advanced in NYC, CT, and the Berkshires. Certified on both coasts with an extensive dance background, I have been practicing and teaching Yoga, Meditation, Pilates, and Movement for the last 22 years around the world, from the UK to China.

Avon, West Hartford, CT 860.206.1914 bodyrocfitlab.com Intense circuit-style interval workout combining weight training, treadmills, and heavy bag boxing. The signature workout paired with the high-intensity playlists and live entertainment provide the motivation needed to build lean muscle, melt away fat, and transform your body’s composition.

Tyler English Fitness Canton, CT 860.693.1175 tylerenglishfitness.com Tyler English Fitness is "The Best Independent Gym" in America by Men's Health and Connecticut's Leading Fat Loss and Performance Training Facility.

Fearless Fitness West Hartford, Unionville, CT 860.216.6171 fearlessfitnessct.com Brandon Rocco knows how to show clients amazing results focusing on hypertrophy, fat loss, strength/power, and cardio conditioning. He is passionate about sharing all of his knowledge with his clients to improve their everyday lives.

Lunge Fitness Woodbury, CT • 203.802.1516 lungefitness.com Lunge Fitness represents a lifestyle and an attitude. Our goal is to give you the push you need to thrive in all aspects of your life through preventive exercise, nutrition and wellness. We want to see you achieve your desired fitness level, body image, and well-being.

PHYtness4U Fairfield, CT • 203.292.9765 phytness4u.com PHYtness 4U is owned and managed by health care professionals with personal training options and established professional practices for Physical Therapy in Fairfield County. If you want to make sure that you’re getting the best treatment, then you really only have one choice – us.

Jim Murkette Valley Fitness Center Unionville CT 860.675.8181 valleyfitnessct.com A fully equipped fitness center overlooking the Farmington River. Locally owned independent facility known for its community oriented programming and variety of options for men and women of all ages. It's the kind of gym where people come to get fit or stay fit and have a reasonable amount of fun.

THE MAX Challenge of South Windsor South Windsor, CT • 860.327.8340 themaxchallenge.com/locations/ south-windsor-ct/

WIP Fitness

THE MAX Challenge is a 10-week body transformation system designed to make fast and lasting changes to your appearance and overall well-being. We do this by combining nutritional counseling, fitness classes and motivation.

Being part of THE MAX is like having a personal trainer, nutritional counselor and success coach.

WIP Fitness is a boutique fitness studio offering functional high intensity boot camp classes. Our experienced and passionate coaches will lead you through a 50 minute, body changing workout suitable for all fitness levels.

The community at WIP will inspire and help you reach your personal victories.

West Hartford, Hartford, Canton, CT 860.231.8044 • wipfitness.com

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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10BEST Gluten-Free/Natural/Organic Products Ada Rios Body Mind & Nutrition 860.751.4114 • adarios.net We make organic products to feed the largest organ in your body, your skin. Unique therapeutic secrets of the Mayan culture, where vegetables, fruits and herbs are combined to create a powerful infusion to heal and nurture your skin using essential oils to augment the therapeutic parts of our products.

Bakery on Main East Hartford, CT 860.895.6622 bakeryonmain.com Our mission is to create delicious and FEARLESSLY UNIQUE gluten-free products that are good for you and great tasting, while still being safe for our celiac customers!

Dee’s One Smart Cookie Allergen Free Bakery Glastonbury • 860.633.8000 deesonesmartcookie.com Dee’s is celebrating over 10 years in business as the first gluten-free/allergen free retail bakery on the East Coast.

Offering a wide variety of baked goods, our dee-licious treats are gluten, dairy, soy, nut and GMO free. Most items are also available egg free/vegan. Made with organic and natural ingredients.

Divine Treasures Chocolates Manchester, CT 860.643.2552 dtchocolates.com Chocolate tradition meets modern health at Divine Treasures, where owner Diane Wagemann crafts delectable chocolates with vegan, gluten-free, organic European dark chocolate, and also offers homemade desserts, non-dairy soft-serve and artisan "cheezes", meals, and pizzas-entirely gluten-free and vegan! Browse our Manchester shop, or order chocolates online through our website!

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Hartford Flavor Company Wild Moon Liqueurs Hartford, CT 860.338.1642 HartfordFlavor.com Wild Moon Liqueurs are uniquely flavored, allnatural, botanically infused liqueurs designed for the professional mixologist and home enthusiast alike. The line of liqueurs are great on their own or in varied cocktail creations, adding extraordinary flavor profiles such as Cucumber, Rose, Lime, Cranberry, Lavender, Birch and Chai Spice.

Perricone Hydrogen Water https://www.perricone hydrogenwater.com You may know Dr. Nicholas Perricone for his amazing skincare line – but now he has launched Dr. Perricone Hydrogen Water, which has quickly been adopted by celebs and trainers across the country. Studies suggest that molecular hydrogen may improve athletic performance and help promote the production of natural cellular energy.

Izzi B’s Allergen Free Bakery

Pure Alchemy Juice Bar Cafe

Norwalk, CT • 203.810.4378 ibcakes.com • ordering@ibcakes.com

Wallingford, CT • 203.265.5000 purealchemyjuice.com

Bakery serving sweet & savory goods dedicated FREE of gluten, wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, all nuts, casein, and synthetic dye. Vegan & kosher certified as well as celiac safe. Ingredients are either all-natural, organic or Non GMO. We bake to order, pickup by appointment, nationwide shipping. EVERYONE deserves a treat!

We are a local vegetarian café, offering many healthy and gluten-free options. From fresh pressed juices and refreshing smoothies to warm organic rice bowls, we make a healthy lifestyle easy for you! It’s never too late to join the Health Revolution!

Kettlepot Soap

Pure Love Bakery

Ledyard, CT • 860.381.0081 kettlepotsoap.com

Avon, CT • 860.409.0302 purelovebakery.com

At Kettlepot Soap, we create small batch, natural skin care products. Get clean with our plant-based artisan bar soaps and sugar scrubs. Get moisturized with our lip balms, body butters, and lotions. Get pampered with our bath bombs and perfumes. Most products are vegan friendly! We specialize in custom scenting.

Pure Love Bakery is a dedicated glutenfree bakery that specializes in breads, english muffins, pizza crust, rolls, granola, baked goods and much more. We have tons of vegan offerings, delicious coffee and local products. Make sure to follow us on FB/Instagram where we post our special each morning.

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide

10BEST Health Food Store Nature’s Way Stratford, CT • 203.377.3652 natureswayhealthfoods.com

Chamomille Natural Foods

Garden of Light

Danbury, CT • 203.792.8952 https://chamomillenaturalfoods. wordpress.com

Avon, CT • 860.409.2196 gardenoflight.net

Our purpose is to provide our customers with the most nourishing natural and organic foods; the best quality supplements, and knowledge, to support health and well-being; and create an environment conducive to relaxed shopping.

All this with the aim of creating healthy bodies and a heathy planet.

Essential Health West Hartford, CT • 860.269.3228 essentialhealthct.com Essential Health offers a collection of services to support a natural lifestyle, promote healing, optimize health and provide relief from chronic health problems. Anchored by Dr. Allie Mendelson's chiropractic practice, Essential Health features a Natural Foods Market, Therapeutic Massage, Yoga, FIR Sauna and our Signature Grass Fed Meat Program.

Food Works Natural Market Old Saybrook, Guilford, CT 860.395.0770 https://www.food-works.org At all of our locations you'll find an outstanding selection of organic produce, grocery, frozen, and bulk items, as well as vitamins & supplements, natural health & beauty care products, pet food & treats, kitchen gadgets, glassware, books, gifts, and more.

Garden of Light Natural Foods Market is a full-service health food store dedicated to bringing nutritious whole and local foods to the Farmington Valley.

Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe Manchester, CT 860.646.8178 cthealthshop.com Nutrition specialists trusted since 1956. Making your healthy lifestyle affordable. Shop here. Feel better.

Founded by Michael Dworkin, PD, CCN (Connecticut-Certified Clinical Nutritionist/Registered Pharmacist), we carry on his mission to educate our customers about nutrition & healthy lifestyle options. We offer almost 7000 affordable healthy product choices, including organic produce.

Nature’s Grocer Vernon, CT 860.870.0020 naturesgrocers.com Nature's Grocer is your Gluten-Free Market, Cafe and Bakery carrying natural and organic foods, fresh produce, dairy from premium local suppliers, and a great variety of freshly baked gluten-free goods.

Nature’s Temptations Ridgefield, CT 203.438.5443 naturestemptations.com Nature’s Temptations is a Natural Food Market • Juice Bar • Café & Deli that promotes health and wellness in our local community and is committed to providing you the highest-quality organic foods and natural products available. We support local causes that contribute to the betterment of the environment and community.

Over the years, Nature’s Way has grown from a single barrel to a fullfledged store offering natural health products such as vitamin/herbal supplements, body care items and specialty foods.

New Morning Market Woodbury, CT • 203.263.4868 www.newmorn.com New Morning Market, an independently owned natural and organic marketplace in Woodbury, CT, offers healthy prepared foods and catering, local and organic produce, grocery items for special diets, artisanal cheeses, pastured meats, milk and eggs, and high-quality supplements and healthcare items. Also enjoy indulgent spa treatments in their Vitality Center.

Thyme & Season Natural Market Hamden, CT • 203.407.8128 ThymeAndSeason.net Thyme & Season offers a variety of natural, organic, gluten-free & vegan groceries, supplements, produce, nutrition counseling, wellness lectures, and fresh prepared entrees, soups, salads, and sandwiches daily. Our dedicated staff is always ready to help in any way to ensure our customers find exactly what they’re looking for.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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10BEST Holistic Center/School The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition West Granby • 860.764.9070 www.tiosn.com

Bridge Healing Arts Center (BHAC) Farmington, CT • 860.404.2578 bridgeHAC.com A diverse holistic wellness center, offering the community many choices of complementary and holistic healing modalities, workshops, events, and classes on their journey to wellness. With over 42 practitioners we offer a variety of ways for everyone to care for themselves naturally, and take charge of their health and wellness, all in one location.

Hunt Hill Farm New Milford, CT 860.355.0300 hunthillfarm.org Northwest Connecticut experiential learning center of art. Hunt Hill Farm has been a center of learning for over 45 years, offering public programs for children, youths and adults to nurture a deeper understanding of food, art, music, cooking and land use.

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Palabra Counseling & Training Center, LLC Stamford & New Haven, CT 203.491.1652 • palabracounseling.org Holistic psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, disordered eating, etc. Our goal is to help individuals uncover their true potential to lead a life that is worth celebrating. Complementary therapy and techniques unearth long-standing behavior patterns and negative perceptions that may be holding individuals back from experiencing a fulfilling and meaningful life.

The Graduate Institute Bethany, CT 203.874.4252 learn.edu The Graduate Institute is a state-accredited graduate school with an integrative and holistic orientation, offering Master's Degrees, Graduate Certificates, and Certification programs. Our educational culture provides graduate education that nourishes the growth of individuals’ intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual lives.

Located in Bethany, CT, with locations throughout CT.

Journeys: Holistic Wellness & Anxiety Relief Center

The Healing in Harmony Center

Simsbury, CT • 860.580.9736 journeyssoulschool.com

Glastonbury, CT • 860.430.9801 healinginharmonycenter.com

Our mission is to help you heal and find empowerment through focus on the mind, body and spirit. We are an award-winning center of 7 women, offering coaching, nutrition counseling, readings, energy healing, groups, workshops and classes. LGBTQAI+ friendly and an all-inclusive establishment.

Where will your journey take you?

Owner, Priscilla Bengtson, invites you to explore Spiritual Counseling, Mediumship and Medical Intuitive readings, as well as Reiki, Sound Healing, IET® and Trance Healing. In-person, and remote readings are available.

Monthly Gallery-style readings and an extensive list of classes offered to help you explore your spiritual development. Gift Certificates available.

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide

The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition is an innovative model for nutrition education. In this one-year hands-on program, you’ll explore the science of the human body and its relationship to food, herbs, and the natural world, along with the seasonal changes that shape our health and well-being.

The Raw Food Institute Simsbury, CT 888.799.9147 therawfoodinstitute.com The Raw Food Institute is award winning, and internationally renowned.

Online programs include: 1.) Living the Raw Food Lifestyle. 2.) Become a Certified Raw Food Educator. LIVE retreats locally and abroad. Students fly in from all over the world. We invite you to experience one of our life changing events.

University of Bridgeport Clinics Bridgeport CT • 203.576.4349 bridgeport.edu/UBClinics UB Clinics represent the clinical teaching facilities for UB's Acupuncture Institute, School of Chiropractic, Fones School of Dental Hygiene and the School of Naturopathic Medicine. Each of these specialty clinics are open to the public and offer affordable treatment options at a fraction of the cost of comparable treatments with private practitioners.

Valley Spirit Wellness Center Washington Depot, CT 860.619.2788 valleyspiritcoop.com Valley Spirit offers services, teachings and products that support self-care, wellness and personal growth. Bringing together healing, movement and visual arts, VSWC houses three treatment rooms, a movement studio, art gallery, Chinese herbal apothecary, and shop. Twenty-one practitioners offer acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, and more.

10BEST Holistic Psychotherapy/LCSW/Counseling Renee Cifarelli, LCSW East Haven, Old Saybrook, & Fairfield, CT 203.691.1685 hhhcenter.com Renee obtained her Master of Science degree in Social Work from New York University. With experience in inpatient, outpatient, and in-home settings, she provides a wide range of counseling for a broad range of mental health challenges. Renee believes in the transformative power of neurofeedback and utilizes LENS Neurofeedback.

Dory Dzinski, MA, LPC, NCC Collinsville, CT 860.693.2840 dorydzinski.com Nationally boardcertified Licensed Professional Counselor, Professional Life Coach, CISM trauma debriefer, Certified Spiritual Healer/trainer (Institute of Healing Arts & Sciences). Dory focuses on grief and loss, clinical psychotherapy, psychospiritual and spiritual emergence issues, pattern recognition and shift, self-awareness and self-acceptance, goal attainment, and codependence. EAP provider. Most insurances accepted.

Dr. Dori Gatter of West Hartford Holistic Counseling Center, LLC West Hartford, CT 860.258.4171 westhartfordholistic counseling.com With warmth and deep understanding, West Hartford Holistic Counseling fosters an environment encouraging growth and healing.

Providing compassionate support for over 20 years with expertise in helping individuals, couples and families.

Kate Gorman New Hartford, CT 860.484.0516 Supporting individuals, families, couples and adolescents/children in changing their thinking, emotions and environment with dedicated evidencedbased approaches, lifestyle wellness and tools. Client centered and directed care in health, nutrition, spirituality, relationships, life goal setting and steps toward optimal life experience.

Lana LaChance Woodbury, CT 203.509.6254 lanalachance.com I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Intuitive Energy Healer, and HypnoBirthing Certified Educator. I am committed to offering emotional and spiritual support to individuals who are open to growing and expanding, for the purpose of living their best life.

David London, MD Waterford, Westport, CT 860.443.5822 davidlondonmd.com Private practice of officebased, integrative, holistic psychiatry in Waterford & Westport.

I work with all types of neuropsychiatric issues and related health problems, perform consultations for school, work or legal purposes, and offer executive coaching and peak performance training.

Matthew Love, Psy.D

James Osborne, ProNatural Physicians Group LLC Berlin, CT • 860.829.0707 pronaturalphysicians.com James Osborne, MS, LPC, BCPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Board Certified Professional Counselor, Board Certified PTSD Clinician and a Fellow in the American Psychotherapy Association with over 40 years of clinical experience.

Ann C. Reeves, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist Wilton, CT 203.909.6391 annreevespsychology.com I love working with people who wish to look beyond ‘what’s wrong,’ beyond the stresses of daily living into a search for deeper meaning in their lives. With advanced training in Positive Psychology and EMDR, I blend traditional psychotherapy with integrative techniques including mindfulness stress management, breathing, and visualization.

Ellen Robbins, LMFT Canton, CT 860.693.6344 My expertise is in working with adults with ADHD, trauma, mood disorders, relationship issues and family conflict. I am an intuitive therapist who offers a compassionate presence and am adept at bringing clarity and perspective to your issues.

Fairfield, CT 203.293.6081 matthewlovepsyd.com My approach to therapy focuses on how interpersonal relationships impact daily functioning. We work together to improve your overall wellbeing through interpersonal and humanistic approaches and focus on the underlying causes that brought you to therapy to enhance your wellbeing.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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10BEST Hypnotherapy Diane Bahr-Groth, Mind-Body Transformation Hypnosis Center Stamford, CT 203.595.0110 mindbodytransformation.com Diane Bahr-Groth, CH, TFT-Adv, a Registered Consulting Hypnotist with 28 years of experience has developed a unique, relaxing, effective system of therapeutic techniques for complementary healthcare that can elicit immediate results easily. Experience natural methods for weight loss, stress, trauma, pain management, insomnia, smoking, sports, fears, children’s issues and caregivers.

Jan Bartrop-Babbitt, REAL Change Therapy Avon, CT 860.387.4450 realchangetherapy.com Past Life Regressionist, Certified Hypnotherapist, Addictions Counselor, Cognitive Behavioral Counselor individual counseling, relationship counseling (family, work, friends) couples counseling, and clearing issues related to trauma, abuse and past lives. I am very experienced in numerous healing arts. I also have numerous intuitive skills that we can utilize for your life-guidance.

Chandler Hypnosis Institute Waterford, CT 860.442.9462 chandlerhypnosis.com David Chandler, MA; Certified Hypnotist, Hypnosis Instructor, Mindfulness Meditation Facilitator and Tai Chi Master, offers therapeutic hypnosis for all ages, as well as Hypnosis Certification Training.

David draws upon multi-modalities to create a comprehensive and unique healing hypnosis experience. Call or email to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.

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Joann Dunsing Hypnosis Milford, CT 203.907.7710 joanndunsing.com I am passionate about enabling you to get the changes you want! This is accomplished by empowering you through the skillful use of NLP Neuro-linguistic programming, EFT Emotional Freedom Techniques also known as Meridian Tapping and the relaxed focused state of Hypnosis.

Betty Hamilton RN, BSN, MA, CCH, CYT, Reiki Master Guilford, Essex and Westbrook CT 203.804.8897 hypnosisforhealthllc.com As a guide and teacher, I will assist you in accessing your own self-healing to empower you to allow the change that you want to happen in your life. Through Reiki, Yoga Nidra or Hypnosis you can change!

Deborah Maccarone deborahmaccarone.com Deborah pursued training and attained certification as a Consulting Hypnotist. She’s had the privilege of working with a wide variety of wonderful people, united in their resolve to utilize their minds to improve their lives.

Mind Matters Hypnosis Centers Avon, Glastonbury, and Guilford & West Hartford 860.693.6448 MindMattersHypnosis.com The Center has been helping adults & children trance-form their health and their lives since 2002. The highlyreputed hypnotists are known for their expertise, dedication and passion.

Every client is treated with the utmost care. The focus is always on the cause of dis-ease vs. just treating or suppressing symptoms.

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide

Eaglemoon Raes, LLC 860.402.8116 eaglemoon-raes.com Eaglemoon Raes is a licensed Avatar Master and Wizard. She is passionate about the evolution of humanity and appreciates the growth of each client as it adds to the well-being of the whole world. Eaglemoon is a Certified Hypnotist with the National Guild of Hypnotist and a journey-woman.

Michele P. Rousseau, MA, CH Middletown, CT 860.704.9054 micheleprousseau.com Live your dreams!

Restore your passion, confidence, and motivation; transform habits; achieve goals. Wake up each day to a life you are eager to live!

Joyce St. Germaine, M.Ed., CHt., RYT-200, The Sacred Journey Burlington, CT 860.675.9706 thesacredjourney.biz Joyce is a Certified Hypnotherapist in private practice for over 25 years. She offers individualized private and group hypnotherapy sessions for adults and age appropriate sessions for children.

Session includes client self-hypnosis instruction for continued self-empowerment and wellbeing. Joyce guides others in unlocking their inner wisdom, creating the life they desire.

10BEST Integrative APRN/Nursing Kendra Becker-Musante, MS, ND, FNP, BC, Family Wellness Centre of Connecticut Waterford, CT 860.572.7711 drkendrabecker.com Disciplines of Chiropractic and Integrative Medicine are combined, to elicit the best possible therapeutic outcomes for our patients. Families from all walks of life are welcomed from infancy through adulthood. Our mission is to serve families to maximize their current health status and to keep them that way for a lifetime.

Miriam Haynes, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN West Hartford, CT 860.300.2185 I aim to foster a positive therapeutic relationship with clients while providing a balanced approach to treatment that includes psychotherapy, use of medications as necessary, genomic testing if applicable, and evidencedbased treatment options. My approach to treatment is that it should be a collaborative process guided by holistic & therapeutic interventions.

Joy Herbst, Holistic Nurse Practitioner and Sober Living Guide Fairfield, CT JoyHerbst.com Joy Herbst is a holistic nurse practitioner, sober living guide, Ayurveda counselor, certified yoga teacher, and mother of 2 young boys. She specializes in coaching holistic mental health, empowered recovery and sober living, and offers Yoga of Recovery classes and Women for Sobriety meetings.

Mary Leahy, APRN Avon, CT • 860.675.6595 Mary Leahy, APRN is a nurse practitioner in Avon, CT. She specializes in nursing (nurse practitioner), adolescent medicine, and more.

Sheryl Marinone, APRN East Windsor, CT 860.623.4100 awakeningtooptimalwellness.com I take the time to truly listen to your health concerns. By giving personalized care and developing a treatment plan that's all encompassing and conducive to your lifestyle, needs and belief systems, you, the patient, become a partner in your own health care.

Lara O'Neil, APRN Glastonbury, CT 860.200.8268 thrivecenterforhealth.com Lara O’Neil, APRN specializes in pediatric primary care and combines traditional with integrative health care. It is her passion to treat children and adolescents with a holistic approach to healing, as she believes that the ideal model of good health addresses each family's physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Alina Schneider, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC Middletown, CT 860.347.8600 yournaturalhealth.com Alina offers intravenous vitamin and nutrient therapy, bio-identical hormone treatment and DNA swabbing for optimal medication administration and personalized wellness profiles. Practicing with a group of naturopaths, she uses supplements, medications and lifestyle changes to assist her patients in achieving their wellness goals.

Miriam Schwartz, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, Revolution Integrative Health Farmington, CT 860.952.2811 revolutionintegrativehealth.com Miriam offers comprehensive wellness care and specializes in hormonal imbalances, adrenal fatigue, thyroid dysfunction, autoimmune disorders, weight loss management and gut health, and offers cutting edge therapies like PRF microneedling and hair injections, ozone insufflation, and IV vitamin therapy. Free 10 min consultation.

Amy Smith-Bassett, APRN, Collaborative Natural Health Partners Manchester, West Hartford, and Stonington 860.533.0179 ctnaturalhealth.com A team of primary care & naturopathic physicians offering functional & lifestyle medicine at its best. IV nutrition, bowen therapy, craniosacral therapy, osteopathic manipulation, acupuncture, group & individual nutrition, tailored treatment plans & customized medications such as bioidentical hormones, LDN and thyroid support. In network providers for most insurances.

Amanda Swan, APRN, Swan Integrative Health and Wellness Glastonbury, CT 860.325.2679 amandaswanaprn.com I provide integrative/ functional primary care with special interest and expertise in thyroid health, hormones, nutrition, and women’s health. I love being a beacon of light, guiding people to the discovery of their own ability to heal and shine. I take all major-medical insurances and am accepting new patients.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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10BEST Integrative MD/Dentist/Functional Medicine Dr. Tamara Sachs, MD, Functional Medicine & Integrative Care, LLC

Dr. Mark A. Breiner, DDS, FAGD, FIAOMT Fairfield, CT 203.371.0300 WholeBodyDentistry.com A recognized authority in the field of holistic dentistry, Dr. Breiner treats patients for a myriad of dental concerns including Sleep Breathing Disorders, TMD, Mercury Toxicity, hidden infections from Cavitations and Root Canals.

“If you have unexplained symptoms that won’t go away, the answer could be in your mouth.”

Dr. Deanna Cherrone, MD, Natural Health and Healing West Hartford, CT 860.677.4600 naturalhealth andhealing.net Understanding what motivates a patient and the obstacles that impede progress enables me to recommend individualized strategies for success. Applying biochemistry to each patient and seeing the positive results is extremely gratifying. I truly believe that Functional Medicine provides the necessary framework for how medicine is meant to be practiced.

Dr. Joel Evans, MD Stamford, CT drjoelevans.com Joel M. Evans, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN and international lecturer, is the Founder and Director of The Center for Women’s Health, where he practices Integrative Gynecology.

Dr. Steven F Hinchey, DMD South Glastonbury, CT dochincheydmd.com Thank you to our wonderful patients who trusted our team to care for their improved oral health.

Please let your family and friends know that a healthy disease-free mouth will help your overall health – it is all connected – the mouth and the body.

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Dr. Yuriy May, DMD, ND, IBDM, AIAOMT, Natural Dentistry Center Farmington, CT 860.554.1130 naturaldentistrycenter.com Dr. Yuriy May, awarded Best Dentist in CT, known as USA's top biological dentist, most notably for his exceptional metal free implant specialty and surgical specialization in Zirconia Dental Implants and Platelet Rich Fibrin Bone & Tissue Graft Regeneration Therapy.

Minimally invasive laser therapy, root canal alternatives, ozone therapy, full mouth reconstruction.

Dr. Kevin Norige, DMD South Windsor, CT 860.640.4447 SouthWindsorSmiles.com At South Windsor Smiles we are ready to help you live a healthier, happier life. Come experience top quality dental treatment using cutting edge tools and old-world customer service. Let us help make dental care as comfortable for you as we can.

Dr. Jen Phelps, MD, Phelps MD Integrative Medicine Georgetown, CT 203.587.1414 phelpsmd.com Jen Phelps, MD is a medical doctor, dually boarded in both Family Practice and Integrative Medicine. She applies integrative and functional medicine with a focus on nutrition, lifestyle, herbal medicine and specializing in mind-body physiology; all grounded in western medicine science.

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New Milford, CT 860.354.3304 tsachsmd.com Dr. Sachs prevents and treats chronic illness by uncovering and correcting the underlying root causes of your health concerns, while remaining respectful of the uniqueness and complexity that make us human. She comprehensively and thoughtfully creates personalized plans explaining why and how each area of your healing will be addressed.

Dr. Henry C. Sobo, MD Stamford, CT 203.348.8805 drsobo.com Member American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Board Certified in Obesity Medicine. Dr. Sobo believes that the best of both medical and nutritional approaches to medical care is more effective than either approach alone. Weight Loss programs, IV Vitamins, Allergy evaluation and desensitization, Stem Cell treatments, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement, PRP.

Dr. Jessica Wei, MD Women's Holistic Health, LLC West Hartford, CT jessicaweimd.com Dr. Jessica Wei is a board-certified Ob/Gyn, fully trained in the practice of functional medicine. If you want to feel your best, so that you can be your best, come to see Dr. Wei! Her manner is warm, embracing, wise, and cooperative. The experience of working with her is unmatched!

Leighanne Champion Coaching, LLC New Canaan, CT 203.505.5571 leighannechampion coaching.com Leighanne Champion is a certified Life Coach, as well as a Health & Wellness coach. She earned her third certification in Energy Leadership as a Master Practitioner. She enjoys taking her clients on a journey of discovery so that they are living the best version of themselves.

Robin H. Clare West Hartford, CT 860.232.3331 clare-ity.com Robin H. Clare, MBA is a Divine Emissary who brings Clare-ity, Alignment and TRUE Success to her client’s lives by merging her extensive business expertise with access to universal wisdom. It’s time to live your unique Soul Mission!

Please go to www.clare-ity.com to sign up for a FREE Discovery Call.

Tal Fagin, Valley Spirit Wellness Center Washington Depot, CT 860.619.2788 valleyspiritcoop.com Valley Spirit offers services, teachings and products that support self-care, wellness and personal growth.

Bringing together healing, movement and visual arts, VSWC houses three treatment rooms, a movement studio, art gallery, Chinese herbal apothecary, and shop.

Twenty-one practitioners offer acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, and more.

Vivian Hardison 203.590.3998 vivianhardison.com Entrepreneur, certified professional coach, speaker, teacher, mentor, author and lover of life, Vivian’s background includes over 25 years of work in pharmaceutical research and medical device development and medical/legal consulting.

10BEST Life/Business Coach Sonia Manganello Manchester, CT 860.966.8747 soniamanganello.com Sonia is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Life, and Spiritual Coach, as well as a 4th generation clairvoyant/medium/healer. She is the author of the Amazon Best Seller, The Perseverance Diet: 12 Steps to Mind Body Nutrition, and is a teacher, successful entrepreneur, and motivational speaker.

Dana R. McLaughlin, CFP®, RLP®, AAMS®, C(k)P®, TrinityPoint Wealth Milford, CT 203.693.8525 trinitypointwealth.com A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner and Registered Life Planner®, Dana’s unique passion for holistic financial planning attracts individuals, business owners, and executives near and far. With a visionary lens, Dana advises on retirement, investments and wealth management - striving to make a positive difference one inspired vision at a time.

Brittany Quagan, Journeys: Holistic Wellness & Anxiety Relief Center Simsbury, CT journeyssoulschool.com I’m a clinical therapist, as well as an Intuitive Life Coach. My work is to help anyone who needs it to overcome whatever obstacles are in their life with empowerment and resiliency. I specialize in anxiety, depression, relationships, women’s empowerment, mastering Manifesting and spiritual/intuitive development.

Guthrie Sayen 860.461.1253 bridgetothedivine.com I bring people who are at or past the midpoint of their lives to the bridge that carries them over the chasm of doubt, fear, and suffering and into the presence of what they have been longing for, even when they thought they had stopped longing.

Yota Schneider theartofpausing.com After a ten-year stint in corporate, the birth of my twin daughters and numerous twists and turns along the way, I’m still learning and growing.

I’ve come to love and appreciate this crazy journey, called life. I’m learning to recognize and accept what is.

Caroline Wetzel, CFP® Procyon Private Wealth Partners, L.L.C. Shelton, CT 475.232.2713 procyonpartners.net Caroline offers feebased financial planning and investment advisory services as a Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP®) and Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor with Procyon Private Wealth Partners, LLC. “Procyon Partners” is a registered investment advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Procyon Partners does not provide tax or legal advice.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Sharon Sklar Rolfing® West Hartford, CT 860.561.4337 sharonsklarrolfing.com

10BEST Massage Therapy/Body Work Christine Cartwright, LMT, Blue Heron Healing Massage Glastonbury CT 860.716.2248 BlueHeronHealingMassage.com I am a nationally certified licensed Massage Therapist and Energy Healer with over 20 years experience. I am a Medium, Medical Intuitive, Angel Reader, Spiritual Counselor, Medicinal Aromatherapist, Master-Instructor Trainer of Integrated Energy Therapy and a Reiki Master Teacher. Each session is tailored to your specific needs.

Daniel Lupacchino, LMT, RMT, IET, MI

Guilford, CT 203.710.0454 staecker-physiomassage.com

Dan Lupacchino has over 10 years experience in the field of holistic healing and wellness.

As a Massage Therapist, Healer and Teacher, his goal is to help you live and feel the best you can be. He is also an IETMaster Instructor trainer, Medicinal Aroma Therapist and Intuitive Coach. facebook.com/IntegrativeMassageWorks/

In my professional career I have studied and learned a large variety of different techniques and bodywork approaches. In my tailored massage and bodywork sessions I try to address the individual needs of each client.

New Hartford 860.693.8316 Natural Nutmeg Readers, Ask about Our KarmaMassageLLC.com KARMA Massage LLC

New Client Special

$70/ 1 Hour Massage Karma Massage is a hidden gem in The Hurley 37 Greenwoods Road New Hartford CT 06057 Us on Facebook: facebook.com/karmamassagellc/ 860.693.8316 Business Park.FindOwned by two LMT’s, and on Instagram: @Karmamassagenewhartford karmamassagellc.com Jennifer Davenport and Kirby Poirier both have over a decade of experience.

They’re Registered Yoga Teachers who have been steadily adding Ayurvedic treatments to a well-rounded menu of services. Online booking available.

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The Healing Trail Harwinton, CT • 860.485.0405 massage4ct.com At A Healing Trail Wellness Center, we've been providing quality Massage Therapy services since 1997. Our CT and NY Licensed Massage Therapists offer their advanced special skills at our Harwinton office.

Berlin, CT 860.357.4315 ctnaturalbalance.com

Karma Massage LLC

Ingrid Staecker

Glastonbury, CT 860.716.2740 integrativemassageworks.com

Lynne Gavrilis, LMT, Natural Balance Massage

We believe in the power of massage and want to share its many benefits with you. Massage and other forms of body work are often viewed as a luxury, however we believe that it is a necessary part of maintaining the body, mind and spirit.

Rolfing®- The Art and Science of Body Change.

A dynamic 10 session bodywork series that eases pain, improves movement and restructures your body when you feel "out of whack". A hands-on and educational approach which establishes order and balance after life's injuries, stress and accidents.

Since 1981.

ProNatural Physicians Group Berlin, CT • 860.829.0707 ProNaturalPhysicians.com An integrated medical center.

Integrated medicine is based on a holistic approach to healing. Your complete set of symptoms, lifestyle, emotional or mental components as well as environment are taken into consideration. We use traditional natural therapies along with advances of modern medicine to design an individualized program for you.

Simsbury Therapeutic Massage

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Simsbury, CT 860.651.2998 stmwellness.com Simsbury’s choice for massage and associated healing modalities, located on Hopmeadow Street since 1993.

Valley Spirit Wellness Center Washington Depot, CT 860.619.2788 valleyspiritcoop.com Valley Spirit offers services, teachings and products that support selfcare, wellness and personal growth.

Bringing together healing, movement and visual arts, VSWC houses three treatment rooms, a movement studio, art gallery, Chinese herbal apothecary, and shop. Twenty-one practitioners offer acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, and more.

Dr. Frank Aieta, ND 301 N. Main St. West Hartford, CT 860.232.9662 draieta.com Dr. Aieta is a board certified and licensed Naturopathic physician and has been in private practice for close to two decades. He specializes in clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture and natural hormone balancing. He also co-authored the extremely popular ebook: weightlosspuzzlesolved.com

Dr. Kurt Beil, ND, LAc, MPH, Hudson Valley Natural Health Danbury, CT 914.362.8315 hudsonvalley naturalhealth.com Dr. Kurt Beil uses a combination of Naturopathic and Chinese Medicine services to provide high quality natural health care for chronic difficult conditions. He utilizes the best of modern functional medical science and ancient holistic healing arts to address your health issues and facilitate gentle rebalancing of mind and body.

Dr. Adam Breiner, ND Fairfield, CT 203.371.8258 WholeBodyMed.com Focusing on brain health and Lyme Disease, Dr. Adam Breiner offers cutting-edge therapies that include Hyperbaric Oxygen, Neurocognitive Therapies including sophisticated brain-imaging equipment to evaluate brain injuries and brainwave patterns associated with Metabolic Imbalances, Infections, and Allergies.

Conditions treated include Concussions, TBI’s, Stroke, PTSD, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression and more.

Collaborative Natural Health Partners Manchester, West Hartford, Stonington 860.533.0179 • ctnaturalhealth.com A team of primary care & naturopathic physicians offering functional & lifestyle medicine at its best. IV nutrition, Bowen therapy, craniosacral therapy, osteopathic manipulation, acupuncture, group & individual nutrition, tailored treatment plans & customized medications such as bioidentical hormones, LDN and thyroid support.

In network providers for most insurances.

10BEST Naturopathic Physician Eclectic Naturopathic Medical Center, LLC Newington, CT 860.665.1254 kathleenrileynd.com We specialize in providing gentle, effective treatments for acute and chronic illnesses for pediatrics through geriatrics.

Therapeutically the doctors utilize nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydro-therapy, acupuncture, Bowen, and Frequency Specific Microcurrent. Our therapies are effective in treating allergies, digestive issues, muscle aches, tick borne illnesses, diabetes, hypertension, and other conditions.

Dr. Kathryn Firisin, ND, MSPT Southport, CT 475.999.2032 coastalnaturalmedicine.com Dr. Kathryn Firisin, ND is the medical director at Coastal Natural Medicine. Her practice emphasizes primary care, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular health, autoimmune and thyroid disorders, adrenal fatigue and detoxification. Dr. Firisin combines advanced diagnostics, nutrition, homeopathy, acupuncture, and botanical medicine to assess abnormal health composition, eliminate toxicity and improve vitality.

Dr. Katherine Layman, ND Valley Wellness Center

Canton, CT 860.352.8126 valleywellnessct.com

We understand your frustration with the traditional healthcare model and want to help you do more than simply manage your symptoms. We focus on safe and effective treatment for chronic diseases and teach you how to take control of your health to regain your youth and your life!

ProNatural Physicians Group Berlin, CT 860.829.0707 ProNaturalPhysicians.com An integrated medical center. Integrated medicine is based on a holistic approach to healing. Your complete set of symptoms, lifestyle, emotional or mental components as well as environment are taken into consideration.

We use traditional natural therapies along with advances of modern medicine to design an individualized program for you.

Dr. Antonio Reale, The Herbal Room Wethersfield, CT 860.257.7210 theherbal-room.com Dr. Antonio Reale, ND, MS is a naturopathic physician, nutritionist, and founder of The Herbal Room, a naturopathic wellness center in Wethersfield, CT, specializing in botanical tinctures and personalized herbal medicine. With a full in-house dispensary, Dr. Reale prescribes herbal formulas uniquely tailored to each patient's condition.

Dr. Yarilis Vazquez, ND SOPHIA Natural Health Center Brookfield, CT 203.740.9300 inm.center Dr. Vazquez is a Naturopathic Doctor who started as a resident at SOPHIA Natural Health Center in October 2016. She runs our laboratory and performs functional testing. She works with our team of practitioners integrating Naturopathic and Functional Medicine with Eastern Chinese Medicine to achieve and restore our patient’s health.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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10BEST Nutrition/RD Kathy Beach, MS, NBC-HWC West Hartford, CT 860.677.4600 naturalhealthandhealing.net Kathy is a national board certified health & wellness coach with 30 years experience in the field. She will support and guide you in implementing therapeutic lifestyle interventions on your journey to optimal health. She specializes in cancer wellness support and HeartMath for stress management & balancing the autonomic nervous system.

Donna Bunte, MSOM, L.Ac., Whole Health 203.698.0793 donnabunte.com At Donna Bunte Whole Health I treat the whole person using Chinese medicine including acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, qigong energy work and qigong exercises, guided meditation, and health coaching. I hope to help each person restore balance in their lives and helping them heal themselves.

Renée J. Bordeaux, RD, CD-N, Bordeaux Nutrition®, LLC Newington, CT 860.978.9449 bordeauxnutrition.com It is my passion to actively guide you to achieve optimal wellness utilizing integrative, functional medical nutrition therapy.

Reduce disease-causing inflammation and restore your systemic balance with targeted functional nutrition therapy.

Take back your zest for life! Don't just survive, THRIVE with my passionate guidance at Bordeaux Nutrition, LLC!

David Brady, ND, CCN Fairfield, CT 203.371.8258 WholeBodyMed.com An internationally sought-after speaker on nutritional, functional and integrative medicine, Dr. David Brady is a foremost authority on properly diagnosing and treating fibromyalgia. His latest book, The FibroFix, helps readers reverse chronic pain and fatigue. Patients seek Dr. Brady’s care for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Autoimmune Disorders and Gastrointestinal Problems.

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Collaborative Natural Health Partners Manchester, West Hartford, Stonington 860.533.0179 • ctnaturalhealth.com A team of primary care & naturopathic physicians offering functional & lifestyle medicine at its best. IV nutrition, Bowen therapy, craniosacral therapy, osteopathic manipulation, acupuncture, group & individual nutrition, tailored treatment plans & customized medications such as bioidentical hormones, LDN and thyroid support. In network providers for most insurances.

Jessica Dorner, MS, RD, Journeys Holistic Wellness and Anxiety Relief Center Simsbury, CT journeyssoulschool.com Jessica is a Registered Dietitian (RD) with a Masters Degree from Eastern Michigan University. In addition, she is a Medical Intuitive, Reiki practitioner, psychic medium and Tarot Card reader.

Her focus is on empowering clients to achieve their health, wellness and spiritual goals through education, respect and understanding client needs.

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide

Loryn Galardi loryngalardi.com My focus is on helping my clients achieve optimal health and wellness through individual and group sessions, behavior modification, and continuous personalized support.

Practice and progress—not perfection— builds a strong mind-body connection.

Patti Garland healthymethods bypatti.com Patti specializes in cognitive behavior fitness and nutrition coaching and fascia therapy for pain management. She helps women learn to eat healthfully so they can lose weight, keep it off, make fitness part of their life and change the way they think about themselves.

Abby Greenspun 203.522.3288 abbygnutrition.com Abby is a Registered Dietitian with over 20 years experience helping adults and children prevent disease, improve their health and lose weight through good nutrition. She received a Bachelor’s degree from Clark University and a Master’s degree in Nutrition from Hunter College.

Joy Pacitto, MS, CCH Rocky Hill, CT 860.529.8313 nutritionwithjoy.com Practicing clinical nutritionist since 1986.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Chemistry and Education from Rhode Island College. She earned a Master's of Science in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport, CT.

Balance Within You Torrington CT 203.525.5269 balancewithinyou.net Melissa Pressmar Howard, owner of Balance Within You has been practicing Usui Reiki for 10 years. She is certified in Herbal Medicine, Celtic Shamanism, Craniosacral, Yoga, Reflexology, Bach Flower Remedies, Essential oils and the Chakra and meditation. Melissa works one on one and in group settings.

Cheryl Case, Sharing The Light Wholistic Center, LLC Avon, CT 860.936.0012 sharingthelightwc.com Cheryl Case, Traditional Usui Reiki Master Teacher since 2000. Most High Reiki Sessions include working with Archangels, Saints and Ascended Masters for your highest and greatest good. Cheryl is a certified Lightarian AngelLinks Facilitator, Peace Attunement Practitioner/Teacher, and author of Reiki Reflections: Sharing The Light, Changing Hearts!

Ed Cleveland Reiki & Sound Therapy Training Center Manchester CT 860.681.3981 edcleveland.net Ed Cleveland is a Reiki and Sound Master Teacher, Neuroacoustical Sound Therapist, & Gong Teacher, Combining Indigenous Sound Instruments with Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuromusicology, and Psychophysiology. Ed teaches what is considered to be the oldest form of Reiki, the Long Life teachings, in this 18,000 year sojourn.

Tara Cornish, Holistic Hands Torrington, Farmington, CT 860.921.8307 HolisticHandsCT.com Reflexology, Reiki, Aromatouch, and Energyfield Measurement are all non-invasive therapies that are safe for all ages.

These therapies, although different, are ancient forms of natural healing used to relax, restore, and assist the body to return to balance.

10BEST Reiki/Reflexology Lynne Gavrilis, Natural Balance Massage Berlin, CT 860.357.4315 ctnaturalbalance.com Massage and other forms of body work are often viewed as a luxury, however we believe that it is a necessary part of maintaining the body, mind and spirit.

Betty Hamilton RN, BSN, MA, CCH, CYT, Reiki Master Guilford, Essex and Westbrook CT 203.804.8897 hypnosisforhealthllc.com Reiki is an ancient healing technique that works on many levels, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Reiki is a way for empowerment and self-healing. It is not a replacement for traditional medicine, it can be an effective complement to it.

Call for information.

Jo Homar, Bountiful Blessings Healing & Guidance Rocky Hill, CT 860.202.8269 johomar.com Jo Homar at Bountiful Blessings Healing & Guidance is a well-regarded intuitive wellness facilitator who offers intuitive healings, readings, guidance and education from her Rocky Hill, CT and Sedona, AZ offices. Jo customizes each session through intuitive insights while working as a clairvoyant spirit messenger and healer.

Journeys: Holistic Wellness & Anxiety Relief Center Simsbury, CT • 860.580.9736 journeyssoulschool.com Our mission is to help you heal and find empowerment through focus on the mind, body and spirit. We are an award-winning center of 7 women, offering coaching, nutrition counseling, readings, energy healing, groups, workshops and classes. LGBTQAI+ friendly and an all-inclusive establishment.

Where will your journey take you?

Anna Pizzoferrato, Reiki With Trust, LLC Aurora Mistica Distance Healing AuroraMistica DistanceHealing.com I am Anna Rosa, aka Anna Pizzoferrato and have been offering remote distance healing services since 2001. I am a Usui, Shamballa, Kundalini and Karuna® Reiki Master. I have a registered modality called Aurora Mistica.® I am a Biologist and enjoy designing energy charged products. https:// www.zazzle.com/annarosaenergyartist

Valley Spirit Wellness Center Washington Depot, CT 860.619.2788 valleyspiritcoop.com Valley Spirit offers services, teachings and products that support self-care, wellness and personal growth. Bringing together healing, movement and visual arts, VSWC houses three treatment rooms, a movement studio, art gallery, Chinese herbal apothecary, and shop.

Twenty-one practitioners offer acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, and more. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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10BEST Spiritual/New Age Store

Meg’s Inspirations A New Page Middletown, CT • 860.346.6544 anewpagestore.com The shop offers unique items that delight the body, mind, and spirit. New location with outdoor space, workshop area and new helpers hosting all sorts of fun activities.

Manchester, CT 860.649.9941 megsinspirations.com Meg’s is an inspirational and spiritual shop, filled with all of the tools to heal your body, mind and soul. Meg’s has sage, smudge, feathers, crystals, jewelry, books, angels, essential oils, classes, angel readings, Tibetan bowl healings, clairvoyant readers.

Mondazzi Books Enchanted Guilford, CT • enchantedguilford.com We are a small spiritual, angel, and metaphysical gift shop located in the heart of historic Guilford.

Since 2010 we have been providing the spiritual community with a place to relax and shop for loved ones. We also provide workshops and readings from world-class intuitives and masters from around the world.

Windsor, CT • 860.285.0538 mondazzi.com Mondazzi’s is a peaceful, calming, and most enjoyable place to visit.

Plenty of crystals, gem stones, fossils and jewelry to choose from plus an amazing Salt Room!

Mother Earth Gallery New Milford, CT 203.775.6272 motherearthcrystals.com Mother Earth Gallery was founded back in 1987.

Starting out as a "Rock Shop" we soon grew to include crystals, handcrafted gemstone jewelry, candles, chimes.

The Purple Rose, LLC Inspirit Healing Studio Woodbury, CT • 203.788.9338 inspirithealingstudio.com Whether you’re looking for answers and guidance, some support and company on your spiritual journey, or accessories for your Divine lifestyle, you’ll find everything you need right here!

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New Hartford, CT • 860.379.2600 thepurplerose.net The Purple Rose is a Holistic Healing Center and a Spiritual gift store.

We feature eco-friendly gift items and offer our own Purple Rose all-natural line of candles, essences, sprays, and other healing products. Enjoy a reading, a reiki healing session, or choose to attend one of our many events.

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Touch of Sedona Ridgefield, CT • 203.438.7146 Touch of Sedona is a spiritual boutique located in the heart of Ridgefield and now our second location at 125 Greenwood Ave. Bethel CT. Native American Art, Jewelry, Candles, Crystals, Raku, Dream catchers, Tapestries, Incense, Incense holders, Wind chimes.

Valley Spirit Wellness Center Washington Depot, CT 860.619.2788 valleyspiritcoop.com Valley Spirit offers services, teachings and products that support self-care, wellness and personal growth. Bringing together healing, movement and visual arts, VSWC houses three treatment rooms, a movement studio, art gallery, Chinese herbal apothecary, and shop. Twenty-one practitioners offer acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, and more.

Wisdom of the Ages Simsbury, CT 860.651.1172 Facebook.com/ WisdomoftheAgesStore A Special Place to Nurture Your Spiritual Side! Family-run, celebrating our 22nd year in business. We carry a wide variety of crystals & gemstones, jewelry, meditation items, singing bowls, photography art, and more. Plus Guided Meditation Classes, Drumming, Psychic Readings, and more ways to help you on your spiritual path!

Barre44 Avon, CT 860.967.4140 barre44.com Barre44 is a boutique fitness studio offering barre, bounce (rebounding) and cycle classes that incorporate functional movements, cardio and isometrics to create the "dancer's body" with the muscles of an elite athlete. Each client receives the attention and focus they deserve to achieve or exceed their fitness goals!

Be Yoga

10BEST Yoga/Pilates/Barre Studio Hartford Sweat

Avon, CT 860.930.1311 beyogainavon.com Be.Yoga emerged from the inspiration of simply, truly just Be.ing. Kristin has been studying yoga for over 20 years and teaching for 18 years. You'll find Kristin on the mat during classes & trainings, in the office & on retreats, creating a loving space for you to just Be!

Guilford, CT • 203.488.1700 creativeedgeyoga.com Alan Franzi, MS, C-IAYT, PAS has over 25 years’ experience as a Yoga and Movement Therapy practitioner.

In addition to teaching group classes, Alan’s specialized individual therapeutic work centers on Posture Alignment Therapy and Movement Re-patterning to address the root causes of musculoskeletal pain, imbalances and other movement challenges.

West Hartford, CT 860.953.9642 westhartfordyoga.com

Hartford, CT 860.461.0910 hartfordsweat.net Hartford Sweat is consistently rated best in Hartford with over 40 classes, 7 days a week for all levels including Bikram, Power, Yin, Restorative, Yoga Sculpt, Barre, and Zumba. Easy access in downtown Hartford for local and nearby residents.

Sacred Rivers Yoga East Hartford, CT 860.657.9545 sacredriversyoga.com

Alan Franzi, MS, C-IAYT, PAS, Creative Edge Yoga, LLC

West Hartford Yoga

Paula Scopino, E-RYT 500 hour, C-IAYT, CT Licensed LMT, YACEP is the Owner/Director of Sacred Rivers Yoga and Allied Health Therapies and ‘Sacred Rivers Yoga for Every Body’, a Yoga Alliance 200 and 500 Hour Registered School, as well as a member of IAYT (International Association of Yoga Therapy.)

West Hartford Yoga is the perfect place for beginning and experienced yogis alike. We offer over 70 classes a week, including power, hot, gentle, prenatal, restorative, and yin.

We also offer massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, reiki, and other healing modalities to enhance your practice and heal your body and mind.

Yoga Synergy Fairfield, CT 203.259.3210 yogasynergyfairfield.com Yoga Synergy offers a full schedule of yoga classes with something for everyone. Yoga is a healing art designed to aid its practitioners toward greater body, mind and breath awareness. Yoga Synergy embraces this art form with the hope of helping each student individually to address their specific needs.

Sanctuary Power Yoga Torrington & Canton • 860.496.1500 sanctuarypoweryoga.com

Fuller Yoga Pilates and Massage Glastonbury, CT • 860.430.9642 fulleryoga.com Our classes are structured around a non-judgmental approach which enhances your ability to achieve your personal objectives. We believe a person can reduce and potentially eliminate stress as well as physical and emotional pain with the consistent and disciplined practice of yoga, pilates and massage.

We offer yoga classes for students of all levels. Whether you are a new student or a seasoned practitioner, we invite you to join our studio and our community. Our yoga is challenging - it will help you strengthen and transform your body, quiet your mind and renew your spirit.

Zen Yoga Barre Unionville, CT • 860.414.1499 zenyogabarre.com Zen Yoga Barre is a wellness destination in Unionville for yoga, barre, massage and red light therapy. As a boutique studio, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals surrounding body, mind and spirit and making sure everyone who walks through our door feels welcomed. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

37

Business Spotlight The Graduate Institute

T

he Graduate Institute is a state-accredited graduate school with an integrative and holistic orientation, offering Master's Degrees, Graduate Certificates, and Certification programs. Our educational culture provides graduate education that nourishes the growth of individuals’ intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual lives.

Dr. Kimberly Layman, DC

L

ayman Sport and Family Chiropractic is a chiropractic practice unlike any other. Dr. Layman is devoted to high quality, patient centered care using evidence-based chiropractic techniques, advanced myofascial release and specific therapeutic exercise tailored to your needs.

1. Why are you passionate about your specialty?

I became a Doctor of Chiropractic because I have personally witnessed the holistic healing that occurs with proper musculoskeletal care. With a properly functioning and pain-free body, every aspect of life is positively impacted. Giving people the tools to stay well and helping them to feel better without the use of prescription medication is a beautiful thing.

2. What sets you apart from other practitioners?

My practices are truly patient-centered, dynamic and applicable to a wide range of ailments. Chiropractic care treats not only the joints of the spine, but also the soft tissues associated with spinal and extremity biomechanics. I take pride in ensuring that my patients feel heard, and that they receive quality overall care, including suggestions for lifestyle modifications to stay well.

3. What can patients expect from working with you?

First and foremost, they can expect results. To reach their health goals, patients can expect a collaborative decision-making process, high-quality chiropractic care, and education about their condition. In turn, I expect my patients to participate in their care as actively as I do, and as such, educating them on their diagnosis, cause of dis-ease, and treatment plan is crucial. Using a methodical, efficient approach, the patient and I work together to reduce their pain, improve their function, and develop the strategies needed to continue their wellness.

4. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner.

My most gratifying memories are of helping those who were failed by other areas of the healthcare system. I have had the pleasure of evaluating and treating several patients who were told by every other specialist, “there is nothing we can do”.

Having the education in musculoskeletal and myofascial biomechanics allowed me to treat the patient in front of me instead of trying to fit that patient into the rubric of a textbook. One of the most rewarding aspects of my career is the ability to restore hope to patients who have faced so much adversity in the healthcare system.

5. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg?

The variety of content in this magazine truly makes it applicable to everyone. It is a wonderful thing to be part of a community so dedicated to the wellness of our Nutmeg State!

Dr. Kimberly Layman, Layman Sport and Family Chiropractic Litchfield, CT • 860.552.7792 laymanchiropractic.com

1. What is TGI's mission and how did it get started?

The Graduate Institute (TGI) is a state-accredited graduate school dedicated to promoting an Integrative and Holistic Worldview through the study of Health, Wellness, Education and Personal and Professional Transformation. The Mission of The Graduate Institute, as an independent institution of higher education, is to provide transformative education based on an integrative and holistic perspective and specifically designed to enable students to reach their full potential in both their professional and personal lives.

2. What sets TGI apart from other schools/graduate institutes in the holistic field?

Academic scholarship and education based on an integrative and holistic worldview that enhance a broad understanding of complex human issues, stimulates individual and collective awareness and wellbeing, and contributes to the betterment, sustainability and regeneration of community and society.

3. What can students expect from attending TGI? A life changing experience, life-long friendships, and a new way of thinking and being!

4. What plans do you have for the future of TGI? TGI will continue to offer exceptional programs in holistic education.

5. What programs are offered at TGI? Master of Arts Degrees and 30 Credit Programs in Writing and Oral Traditions, Integrative Health and Healing, Consciousness Studies and Transpersonal Psychology, Organizational Leadership and Learning and Thinking, and Certificate Programs.

The Graduate Institute, Bethany CT 203.874.4252 • www.learn.edu

Popover Bistro & Bakery

O

ur mission is to source local, healthy, organic products whenever possible while using the highest quality ingredients we can find. We are creating delicious healthy food choices for everyone. We have many gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options on our menu.

Try our amazing baked goods and signature drinks too!

1. How did Popover get started and why are you passionate about healthy cooking/gluten-free?

Popover was started in June 2014 by 3 women with different food sensitivities. We realized there were not many dining options for people who needed gluten-free, or had other dietary and food restrictions. Our restaurant is a labor of love created by friends to bring our community a warm and welcoming spot to enjoy healthy and delicious food.

2. What sets you apart from other healthy/gluten-free restaurants?

Our mission is to source local, healthy, organic products whenever possible but always to use the highest quality ingredients we can find.

We are creating delicious healthy food choices for everyone.

3. What plans do you have for the future?

We would love to expand our catering business as well as potentially open a new location!

4. Tell us about the best memory you have about owning Popover.

Every time a young person takes a first bite of our gluten-free Belgian waffle and a huge smile appears on their face!

Popover Bistro & Bakery, Simsbury, CT 860.413.2392 • Popoversimsbury.com 38

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide

Henry C. Sobo, MD

M

ember American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Board Certified in Obesity Medicine. Dr. Sobo believes that the best of both medical and nutritional approaches to medical care is more effective than either approach alone. Weight Loss programs, IV Vitamins, Allergy evaluation and desensitization, Stem Cell treatments, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement, PRP. 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty?

I feel that there is a great need in our country to provide alternatives to drug therapy and surgical procedures which can sometimes be avoided by providing a natural non-toxic treatment solution.

2. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field?

As a licensed MD I am able to provide, when necessary, medications along with our natural treatments to achieve the best results. We also provide injectable vitamins, which can have a much greater effect than taking oral supplements.

3. What can patients expect from working with you?

We offer a friendly, relaxed healing environment where patients concerns are given the time and attention needed. I practice individualized medicine, not a cookbook approach.

4. What plans do you have for the future for your practice?

We are growing our practice of regenerative medicine and making more people aware of the options of Stem Cell Therapy and Platelet Rich Plasma treatments which can sometimes improve conditions not considered to be effectively treated by any current existing drugs on the market. This may allow a patient to avoid the need to have surgery.

5. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner.

Seeing patients respond to a natural therapy that they were unaware existed because they were only informed about conventional drug therapy always gives me a feeling of great satisfaction. I have helped many patients who had previously seen a number of conventional MDs who could not help them with what is the current standard of care in conventional medicine. I was able to help one patient have a much faster recovery from a stroke and I helped another elderly man successfully improve his tremors. Both of these patients provided testimonials which can be seen on my website.

6. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg?

I appreciate the opportunity to expand the universe of people who are aware of the effectiveness of natural healing approaches.

7. What is your favorite place to travel, your favorite food, and your favorite hobby?

I love to play the guitar, travel anywhere new, and eat ethnic foods not always easy to find at home.

Henry C. Sobo, MD, Stamford, CT 203.348.8805 • drsobo.com

John C. Maxwell III, Hunt Hill Farm

H

unt Hill Farm is a nonprofit dedicated to offering public programs for children, youths and adults to nurture a deeper understanding of food, art, music, and land use. Since its inception

by Ruth and Skitch Henderson in 1972, Hunt Hill Farm has been a favorite gathering place for our Litchfield Hills community, as well as chefs, musicians and artisans alike.

1. Why are you passionate about Hunt Hill Farm?

I’m a recovering Wall Street guy who was asked to evaluate the future of a family run nonprofit organization one year ago. I discovered an amazing opportunity to create a platform to be a nexus of food, art, and music for our local community. The programs, workshops and events draw upon all the arts whether it be organic food, ceramics, music, performing art, or film making. Artists might be on retreat to work on their craft while also offering programs to the community.

2. What sets you apart from other holistic centers?

HHF offers opportunities for families, youths and adults to experience and to feed their mind, body and soul through an immersive and vibrant experiential learning campus. Our differentiation is the ability to mix and connect food, art and music as different mediums to pick it, cook it, play it, or make it. We started an open mic night every Thursday to connect with local musicians, discover emerging talent and connect with potential mentors for our programs. What sprouted is a fabulous community of extremely talented musicians where on any night, we don’t know who’s going to show up and what chemistry is going to be created, but somehow every night magic is created.

3. What plans do you have for the future?

Recently we began to show more of the connection to health & wellness with food, art and music. In addition, we are now offering yoga and meditation with the hopes to expand them. Next year we plan to build out the visual and the performing arts area with programs and workshops for children and young adults during the summer. We hope that the Litchfield community will discover us, and as a result will invest in our high impact programs or become a member.

4. Tell us about the best memory you have about Hunt Hill Farm.

Darrin Benham, our groundskeeper of 14 years, and his wife Jen presented me with a stained-glass guitar that Jen crafted herself as a symbol of passing the torch to me as the new President; they believed in me and our mission. Darrin doesn’t like to get up in front of large groups of people, yet he presented the guitar at our open mic night, and it remains one of my greatest honors.

Hunt Hill Farm, New Milford, CT 860.355.0300 • hunthillfarm.org

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

39

Business Spotlight Caroline Wetzel

C

aroline offers clients fee-based financial planning and investment advisory services. She is a Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP®) and Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor with Procyon Private Wealth Partners, LLC. Procyon’s team of 15 experienced financial professionals located in Shelton, CT has a dual focus on providing fiduciary advisory services to individuals and institutions and retirement plan consulting services to plan sponsors. Procyon is committed to providing clients the knowledge, experience, and support they need to make confident and informed decisions that will help them achieve their goals.

1. Why are you passionate about financial planning?

I have witnessed clients improve their lives as a result of our work together. When clients align their heads and their hearts with their finances, they realize their dreams.

2. What sets you apart from other financial planners?

Clients have told me that they appreciate both what I do and how I do it. They describe working with me as “therapeutic,” “a relief,” and “inspiring” and cite having greater confidence, control and comfort with their finances as a result of our collaboration.

3. What can clients expect from working with you?

Clients can expect me to guide them through a proven, flexible process to diagnose their financial pain points, analyze how likely they are to address their ailments given their current financial choices, and offer strategies to improve their likelihood of success realizing their dreams.

4. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a financial planner.

My best memories are when clients are so satisfied that they introduce me to family and friends who they feel would also benefit from working with me. That trust and advocacy means the world. I still smile in gratitude when I think about how a couple once described working with me as “life changing – like marriage therapy, but the kind you want to go to because you feel better afterwards…”

5. What is your favorite place to travel, your favorite food, and your favorite hobby?

My favorite place to travel is anywhere on the back of my husband’s motorcycle. We’ve motorcycled throughout Europe and are just beginning to explore the United States on the bike. My favorite food is pickles – if they weren’t so salty, I’d eat them with everything!

I’m notorious for enjoying olive and onion pizza with pickles. And I have 2 favorite hobbies: putting together jigsaw puzzles and dancing. Admittedly, I’ve never tried to assemble a puzzle and dance at the same time!

Procyon Private Wealth Partners, LLC and Procyon Institutional Partners, LLC (collectively "Procyon Partners") are registered investment advisors with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). This article may include opinions and forward-looking statements which may not come to pass. Information is at a point in time and subject to change. Procyon Partners does not provide tax or legal advice.

Caroline Wetzel, CFP® Procyon Private Wealth Partners, L.L.C. 475.232.2713 • procyonpartners.net

40

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide

James Osborne, MS, LPC, BCPC

J

ames Osborne, MS, LPC, BCPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Board Certified Professional Counselor, Board Certified PTSD Clinician and a Fellow in the American Psychotherapy Association with over 40 years of clinical experience.

1. What is your therapeutic orientation?

When I returned to college in 1971 after serving 3 years in the Army, I majored in Philosophy. In 1976, I entered a counseling program and completed a 2-year Gestalt Therapy program in 1978. My own personal work was Jungian. I began blending my approach to therapy in terms of experiential and cognitive work. Over the years I have studied and embraced many forms of therapy such as, Rational Emotive, Cognitive Behavioral, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. My initial work and training were inpatient psych and substance abuse. I taught at the New England Institute of Addiction Studies. New therapists and students would ask me, “What is our job?” My response then, as it is now, is – we are like forest rangers. People get lost or stuck in the woods and call out for help. We meet them where they are, check they are physically safe, determine if they need acute medical care, ask them where they want to go and how they want to get there.

Inevitably they say they want to get to the top of the mountain. We assess people for their skills, teach them what they need to know or refer them to someone with the expertise they need. We help them practice the skills, walk with them a while and say goodbye.

If they get lost again or need help, they call out. It might be us or someone else that will meet them. That is the job of a therapist.

People move in and out of therapy as they choose or need.

2. What do you see as the most important part of your job as a therapist?

I see my role as assisting people to get clear on what is important to them, what they value. I assist them in aligning what they say they value and how they live their lives. If these are not consistent, then something needs to change - the behavior or the said belief system. I am grateful to be associated with ProNatural Physicians Group, who share the vision of living a healthy natural life.

3. What populations do you work with?

I work primarily with individuals, many who have suffered some type of trauma. I employ mindfulness, value clarification and a form of EMDR to assist the client to explore their trauma, beliefs and behaviors. Over the past four years I have worked with families who have persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. I work with individuals and sometimes families, who experience the loss of a loved one to dementia, death or divorce.

These families have taught me about resilience and what it truly means to love and care for someone.

James Osborne, MS, LPC, BCPC , ProNatural Physicians Group LLC, Berlin, CT 860.829.0707 •pronaturalphysicians.com

Robin H. Clare

T

he Divine Freedom Formula™ consists of 3 evolutionary stages: CUSTOMIZE YOUR MISSION: Define your Soul Mission, clear blocks to success and embody the wisdom teachings that guide your life. MONETIZE YOUR MISSION: Fulfill your Soul Mission as your life’s work by creating a business plan that guides your success. ENERGIZE YOUR MISSION: Expand your Soul Mission to the most extraordinary levels of personal and professional success.

1. Why are you passionate about your specialty?

I love helping clients understand their Soul Mission (their true purpose) and support them to fulfil this in their personal, professional and community life. When clients focus on fulfilling their Soul Mission, they actively engage their Divine Rights to a life filled with love, peace, joy and abundance.

2. What sets you apart from other practitioners?

I have personally experienced all the concepts that I offer to others as a coach, teacher and author. I am deeply divinely connected as well as a traditional corporate and non-profit MBA. I generously share my experiences and knowledge, stay authentic to my own mission, remain down to earth and practice radical truth-telling.

3. What can clients expect from working with you?

My body of work is known as the Divine Freedom Formula™. Clients can expect to understand their Soul Mission, clear their blocks to success, integrate their critical spiritual teachings, create a business plan to live their Soul Mission as their work (if this is a new business), or expand their current Soul Mission driven business to the next level. I offer private client programs and group online programs as well as inperson group presentations and events.

4. What plans do you have for the future?

The idea of creating a Divine Revolution in your life through the Divine Freedom Formula™ is one that will be shared on a global level with Spiritual Warriors. When Spiritual Warriors stop seeking information and start serving others through their unique Soul Mission, they will shift from Spiritual Warriors to Divine Warriors. When enough Spiritual Warriors shift, we will create a tipping point on the planet that enables the rest of humanity to move into higher consciousness living.

5. What is the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner?

My favorite memories are made during the Soul Plan program. In this program, I share with clients their Soul Mission for this lifetime. It is exciting to see their reaction when they understand how their Soul has been leading them to this moment in time and will continue to do so.

6. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg?

I love being able to write articles that are read by thousands of people that I most likely don’t know. The knowing that I could be having an impact on their life or business is very rewarding to me. Diane and her team are very professional, supportive and genuinely interested in my success.

Robin H. Clare • 860.232.3331 • clare-ity.com

D

Loving Hands Chiropractic

r. Jenn & Dr. Matt provide family-based chiropractic care, focusing on pregnancy and pediatrics. Our office is a welcoming environment for you and your family where you will be treated as an individual with unique needs.

1. Why are you passionate about your specialty?

Chiropractic care can have a dramatic and wide-ranging impact on one’s overall health and well-being. We have the privilege of providing true hands on care and having a close relationship with our patients.

2. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field?

Welcoming the entire family, we have a focus on pregnancy, pediatric, and patients suffering with chronic pain.

3. What can patients expect from working with you?

Our patients can expect a listening ear, a patient centered experience with an individualized approach that empower our patients to achieve their healthcare goals.

4. What plans do you have for the future?

We are opening another satellite office in Somers starting in 2019 and expect to hire another chiropractor in 2019 to help with caring for our patients.

5. What is your favorite memory as a holistic practitioner?

Dr Jenn - My favorite memories are working with a pregnant mother throughout her pregnancy and being able to meet and work with her newborn shortly after birth. Meeting the baby’s eyes and quietly talking with them and having them recognize my voice is a small piece of heaven on earth.

Loving Hands Chiropractic, Storrs, West Hartford, New Britain, CT 860.487.9543 • lovinghandschiro.com

Dr. Kendra Becker, ND, APRN, FNP

F

amily Wellness Centre of Connecticut was created by Frank Musante DC, MS and Kendra Becker, ND, APRN, FNP who envisioned a setting that would bring together Chiropractic, Holistic and Conventional medicine.

1. Why are you passionate about your specialty?

I started my career as a registered nurse and after 8 years, I found that people weren’t getting better. At that point, I decided to become a Naturopathic physician to teach people that healing comes from within and that you can control your level of healthcare. So many people don’t really understand what a Naturopath does and it’s critical for that information to get out to the public.

2. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field?

I focus heavily on genetics and epigenetics in my practice and treatment because people are unique. I treat asthma, allergy, autism, and eczema of which the root is inflammation and healing the gut. My initial visit is an hour with a comprehensive medical history including emotional components.

3. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner.

I was brand new in practice and had a young boy come in as a patient because he was having violent outbursts in school and home. Honestly, I didn’t know what to do, but my instinct told me to put him on a healing diet with magnesium and amino acid supplementation. He came back 3 months later and his mother says, “you have no idea what happened. I was militant with the diet and supplements and it basically alleviated all of his behavioral problems and he became student of the month!” And being voted 10BEST APRN in Natural Nutmeg’s 10BEST awards!

Family Wellness Centre of Connecticut, Waterford, CT 860.572.7711 • fwcct.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com

41

Business Spotlight Sonia Manganello

S

onia is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Life, and Spiritual Coach, as well as a 4th generation clairvoyant/medium/ healer. She is the author of the Amazon Best Seller, The Perseverance Diet: 12 Steps to Mind Body Nutrition. She is a teacher, successful entrepreneur, and motivational speaker.

1. Why are you passionate about your specialty?

It brings me great joy to see those who were struggling with their health finally living the life they always dreamed of after learning how to truly heal their chronic illnesses and mystery symptoms.

2. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field?

Not only am I a bestselling author on mind/body/nutrition, I am also a medical intuitive. Getting to the bottom of an issue right away as opposed to multiple visits to the traditional doctors.

3. What can clients expect from working with you?

Clients can expect a direct, no nonsense approach on their path to wellness. I will be there to hold them accountable and help them meet and exceed their goals.

4. What plans do you have for the future for your business?

I am currently in the process of writing my second book as well as expanding my business online to others around the world.

5. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner.

That would have to be when I spoke with the cardiac surgeon after a client's surgery to have him ask me, "What are you doing with her? I've never seen this before...her arteries are better than ever after 25 years of chronic heart disease!"

6. What is your favorite place to travel, your favorite food, and your favorite hobby?

That would definitely have to be Walt Disney World with my family. As for my favorite food, I would have to say anything homemade, and for my hobby when I'm not writing or seeing clients I love to sew and craft!

Sonia Manganello, Manchester, CT 860.966.8747 • soniamanganello.com

Leighanne Champion

L

eighanne Champion is a certified Life Coach and Health & Wellness coach. She earned her third certification in Energy Leadership as a Master Practitioner.

1. Why are you passionate about your specialty?

We spend money on education, homes, cars and vacations, and yet what we are really seeking is peace of mind. Our mental health determines how we feel about ourselves, how we view the world, and what we are able to create within our own lives.

2. What sets you apart from other practitioners?

As an Energy Leadership Practitioner, I teach my clients about the 7 Levels of Energy and what it means for them in their lives. They take an assessment that provides a snapshot view of how they normally resonate energetically, and how they respond under stress. Then we work together to improve areas they want to shift.

3. What can clients expect from working with you?

As a Coach, I focus on the present and future dreams and goals of a client, and create game plans to move forward. Anyone who wants to improve their life would benefit from a Coach....I believe in finding the joy in the journey.

4. What is the best memory you have about being a coach?

One of my clients was having difficulty naming their Core Values and there was this moment when they realized they wanted to add "FUN" as a top Value for their life. They were afraid that somehow it wasn't serious enough to list. We celebrated together when they gained clarity that adding "Fun" could be a game changer.

Leighanne Champion Coaching, LLC, New Canaan, CT 203.505.5571 • leighannechampioncoaching.com

Deanna Cherrone, MD

U

nderstanding what motivates a patient and the obstacles that impede progress enables me to recommend individualized strategies for success. Applying biochemistry to each patient and seeing the positive results is extremely gratifying. I truly believe that Functional Medicine provides the necessary framework for how medicine is meant to be practiced.

1. Why are you passionate about your specialty?

I am passionate about practicing medicine in a way that looks at and addresses the root causes of illness such as nutritional and hormonal imbalances, poor gut and immune health as well as environmental toxicities and uses food, nutrition and therapeutic lifestyle change to positively impact and optimize health.

2. What sets you apart from other practitioners?

I am committed to learning all that I can to help serve my patients. My highest values in life are love, integrity and service and I do my very best to live by these values. I listen fully, care deeply and respect and honor my partnership with all patients.

3. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner.

I love to see people getting better! I see it when they walk in my office after having instituted some of the lifestyle changes I have asked them to make and when I am reviewing blood work and see the positive changes reflected in their test results! It is so exciting to witness how well this approach can work!

4. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg?

I love what the magazine stands for and the information it conveys. Educating the public and joining like-minded individuals who are committed to improving the health and well-being of others is so important to me. I have found my tribe, my community, my family and I am so grateful!

Deanna Cherrone, MD, Natural Health and Healing West Hartford, CT • 860.677.4600 naturalhealthandhealing.net 42

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide

Erika Dworkin, Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe

N

utrition specialists trusted since 1956.

Making your healthy lifestyle affordable.

Shop here. Feel better.

1. Why are you passionate about your industry?

As a board certified Nutrition Consultant, I value the opportunity that the natural products industry gives me to empower people with the ability to improve their quality of life through natural means.

2. What sets you apart from other health food stores?

We were founded by Michael Dworkin, PD, CCN (1928-2017), a Connecticut Certified Clinical Nutritionist and Registered Pharmacist.

We carry on his mission to educate our customers about nutrition and healthy lifestyle options, and to offer them an abundance of affordable wellness products. We carry almost 7000 products, including vitamins and herbs, homeopathy, sports supplements, affordable fresh organic produce, natural body care, essential oils, allergen-free foods, and pet options.

3. What can clients expect from working with you?

Personalized service and reliable resources.

4. What plans do you have for the future for your business?

VITATHENA.COM, our ecommerce site, will enable U.S. customers to shop with us according to their busy schedules.

5. What is the best memory you have about being a holistic business owner?

Being mentored for 8 years by my father, a brilliant healer.

The wisdom he passed on to me is invaluable.

6. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg?

The opportunity to demonstrate our ongoing deep commitment to providing our community with evidence-based, cutting-edge nutrition information on a wide range of topics. Also, networking with area practitioners has given them the confidence to send their patients to us.

Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe, Manchester, CT 860.646.8178 • cthealthshop.com

Kristin Cork, Be Yoga

B

e.Yoga emerged from the inspiration of simply, truly just Be.ing. Kristin has been studying yoga for over 20 years and teaching for 18 years. You'll find Kristin on the mat during classes & trainings, in the office & on retreats, creating a loving space for you to just Be! 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty?

My life changed dramatically physically, mentally and emotionally when I began taking yoga classes 20 years ago and since then I’ve wanted to share the many benefits that allow us to be happier and more at ease.

2. What sets you apart from other yoga practitioners?

I share my love of yoga in 3 different ways: 1) I specialize in private individual sessions working with stress in the body and mind, injuries and postural patterns that create imbalance. Sessions are customized to meet each person exactly where they are; 2) I have been organizing and leading yoga retreats and adventures off the mat and in the world for the last 11 years; 3) I’ve created 2 unique Immersions / Yoga Teacher Trainings that weave my 18 years of teaching yoga into a 4-6 month journey.

3. Tell us about your Yoga Teacher trainings.

100 Hr “Be.Within” Immersion offers an opportunity to dive in more deeply to yoga postures and alignment while exploring different philosophies that connect the ancient art of yoga with modern day yoga. 200 Hr “Be.Teaching From Within” helps to strengthen one's uniqueness and gives them skillsets to take into their teachings.

H

Tory Brogan, Hartford Sweat

artford Sweat yoga and fitness studio provides over 40 classes 7 days a week including Hot Yoga, Bikram, Power, Yin, Restorative, Yoga Sculpt, Barre, and Zumba.

Schedule a bridal party, ladies’ day out, work party, with a personal class for deep relaxing yoga, de-stress & team building, work up a sweat together with a memorable experience, we even have black-lights, food & drinks, and more for a special touch. We offer Yoga at corporate and private functions off-site at your office or venue of choice.

1. Why are you passionate about your business?

I love that we’re in the business of changing lives. People come into the studio from all walks of life and we can give them a break from the daily grind. When you work for a large company you can get consumed in your job and we are here to help people learn balance and improve their life.

2. What sets Hartford Sweat apart from other yoga studios?

Diversity! Hartford itself is a very diverse city, so we have a wide diversity of students from different countries, traveling clients, theatre cast, corporate, college, and we hear so many inspirational stories. The diversity of classes is broader than a specialty studio that lets people pick what they want as life/ seasons change and their mood changes even day to day.

3. What can clients expect from attending class?

Of course a really great workout, but what makes it special is a strong community environment, lots of laughter, and the opportunity to make great friends. We have experienced instructors that will modify and meet anyone where they are in their yoga practice to make it accessible, enjoyable, and the right level of personal challenge.

4. What plans do you have for the future of Hartford Sweat?

We have lots of room for growth and we really like supporting local business. The studio is right in the middle of downtown so we integrate city living with fitness. In the future, we’ll be reaching further into the local community and partnering with Hartford businesses for employee wellness and life balance. I think this adds well to the collaborations we have with small businesses already – some events we’ve done are: Barre at the Brewery with Hog River Brewing, Yoga Day at the Park with the Hartford Yard Goats, River Flow Yoga and River Barre with Hartford’s Riverfront Recapture, SUP Yoga on the Farmington River with Collinsville Canoe & Kayak, SUP Yoga and Sunset Tour in the Great Island Estuary with Blackhall Outfitters, and sampler Sunday – people bring food or samples to the studio and yoga students get to sample local food/product!

5. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic business owner.

I love seeing people have bright spots in their day as they come through the studio or workshop or events we’ve done – seeing them feeling good, smiling, and happy is why we do it.

Hartford Sweat, Hartford, CT 860.461.0910 • hartfordsweat.net

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The Rewards of WHY Power Yoga Teacher Training

L

ife can get crazy at times—work, family, activities—and it can be challenging to carve out 90 minutes a day for a yoga class, never mind a 200-hour teacher training program. But what if that program could strengthen your body, calm your mind, boost your confidence, and improve your overall health? If you love yoga, you will love this training. If you want to share that passion, or if you simply want to immerse yourself into a community of like-minded individuals, the West Hartford Yoga (WHY) 200-hour Power Yoga teacher training is for you. Here’s why:

2. Self-Discovery

4. Support and Friendship

A good teacher training program can bring you closer to understanding yourself while recognizing how to be present both on and off the mat. As you work your way through physical and mental challenges, you will learn how to help others through theirs, discovering an inner strength you never realized you had! As a bonus, you may also discover how to better care for yourself through nutritional awareness, a healthier inner conversation, and the development of intuition, empathy, and compassion.

Last, and most important of all, you become part of an amazing yoga family that develops during the training. Everyone around you is experiencing their own struggles and dealing with their own insecurities. Together, you will learn to break down barriers, give and receive support, and accept each other for who you are, creating a powerful bond that can last years, if not a lifetime.

1. Deepen Your Practice

As one of WHY’s trainees succinctly summarized, “Simply put, the WHY teacher training has somehow marked the actual beginning of my life.”

No matter how long you’ve been practicing power yoga, our teacher training program can help you increase body awareness, flexibility, and strength. You will practice more frequently and explore new, challenging postures. As you study poses and learn about alignment, modifications, and proper breathing, you will grow stronger in a safe, supported environment. WHY Power Yoga is a thoughtful and precise style of yoga created by Barbara Ruzansky, integrating her 30 years of experience with such modalities as Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow, Forrest Yoga®, Kripalu, and Bikram Yoga.

It challenges body and mind, builds core power, promotes a cleansing sweat, and offers the opportunity for deep healing and release.

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3. Leadership Skills A yoga teacher training program can help you break free from inhibitions and discover your true voice. As a result, you may leave the program with increased confidence, with the ability to speak clearly and gracefully in front of a group, and to remain calm during moments of physical and mental stress. The WHY Power Yoga training encourages you to read and feel the energy of others, which not only allows you to teach effectively, but also gives you skills that you can take back to your daily job.

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As an exciting new development for 2019, West Hartford Yoga offers the only qualified yoga teacher training program in CT recognized by the VA. Qualified veterans and their dependents can use their Post-911 GI Bill benefits to cover tuition and fees.

A yoga teacher training program is a significant commitment with many potential rewards. Whether or not you decide to become a teacher, the WHY Power Yoga teacher training will leave you with the tools you need to continue on your healthy, holistic journey along with enough friendship and support to last a lifetime.

Article submitted by West Hartford Yoga (www.westhartfordyoga.com). West Hartford Yoga is offering free information sessions with Barbara Ruzansky and her senior instructors. Visit online at www.westhartfordyoga.com/why_trainings.htm.

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Why We Need to Heal vs. Cure

By Dan Lupacchino, LMT, RMT, IET MI

I

learned a long time ago that there is a big difference between “healing” and “curing.” In our Western mindset of wellness, we look to “curing” as the ultimate and best result. Although it is definitely the outcome we all want, the very word “curing” is itself limited, charged, and problematic.

As a Professional Healer, I have seen many instances of people being healed on a deep level, not to mention my own experiences. However, not every experience or session is a cure, and in fact as a healer, I’m not really in the business of curing people.

There is a pressure and expectation when seekers come looking for a cure, which can actually limit growth and wellness. I personally love the word “healer.” To me it sums up beautifully what I do, and how I help people. However, not everyone comes with the understanding of what a healer is, or what the process of healing involves.

What is Healing?

For me, healing is a multidimensional experience that encompasses all, supporting not only the physical body, but also the emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of ourselves. As for many healers, it is our job

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to help direct and guide the client through the process of becoming whole, allowing the body to do what it does naturally, which is to heal.

As people, we have become really good at resisting healing, when it means something needs to change. Perhaps that includes changes to diet or the addition of an exercise routine. But eliminating harmful chemical substances and food from our lives isn’t always the most challenging step to take. Sometimes healing occurs when eliminating certain people, situations, and beliefs to create a better environment for ourselves.

What is Curing?

When we think of curing, we think of surgery, medicines, and treatments where something is removed or cleared up and we are well on our way. Yet for many of us, we have to deal with things where there isn’t an easy fix. Grief, anxiety, chronic illnesses and pain are examples of long-term issues that don’t always have a quick cure.

That’s where a healer can step in. A very wise teacher of mine, Priscilla Bengston, talks about having to function with “our new normal.”

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Our New Normal Seeking healing is essentially learning how to adjust to your ‘new normal’, the new situation of where your mind and body are functioning in their current state. We then work holistically with the whole person to help create change and move them in a direction of health and wellbeing. For example, for those who are dealing with the grief of losing a loved one, the healing can be about helping them find peace with their loss. Or to help someone manage their chronic pain, by naturally giving them the tools and support to minimize their pain and create a maintenance plan so they can begin to feel better. Like our cars, if you don’t keep up with the oil changes, tire rotations, and addressing the smaller problems, the car won’t function over time. We are the same, except we don’t always pay attention to our warning lights when they start to flash to alert us to a problem.

For me, one of the biggest secrets in the success stories of my clients, is that in coming to see me as a healer, they in fact initiated themselves into the role of healing themselves. The clients of mine who have shifted, made changes in their lives, faced their shadows, and had a willingness to seek

change, all created an environment that has allowed healing to take place, and for some a curing did occur as well.

There is so much to life these days, and as our lives become more complicated, a one-size-fits-all solution to wellness becomes problematic. Healing is a process, the journey to balance in living our life.

It never really ends, it’s a continuum and adventure many healers are happy to help navigate and explore with you.

Healing and curing will always go hand-in-hand with each other and many healers are wonderful complements to doctors, surgeons, and other medical professionals. We are a team, whether people realize it or not, a support network to help you discover your own healing in the many shapes, forms and ways this may occur. May you find your path to healing and curing!

Find more articles and search our web archive at naturalnutmeg.com

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He is also IET ® Master Instructor Trainer, Medicinal Aromatherapist, and Intuitive Coach. dan@integrativemassageworks.com, 860-716-2740. See resource listing on page 68.

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The Cutting-Edge Science of Stem Cell Therapy

By Henry Sobo, MD tem cell treatments are being used across the country and the globe, recognized as helping many different health problems. Also, research shows that these treatments enjoy not only a great safety profile, but the possibility of helping conditions that cannot be improved by currently available standard medical medications or other treatments. The most well-known of stem cell’s applications are in the field of orthopedics and sports medicine. Injured joints, tendons and ligaments are treated by the team doctors employed by virtually all professional athletic teams including the NFL, Major league baseball, the PGA and many others.

S

One published article which reviewed many research articles about varied disorders is entitled, "Stem Cells Targeting Inflammation as Potential Aging Strategies and Therapies." As explained in this article, underlying inflammation is an important factor in the development of most disease, from heart disease to Alzheimer’s, to cancer. It is possible to measure inflammatory markers in the body which are associated with the development of disease and aging.

Two of these markers are the “Cardio CRP” test, as well as IL-6. Both of these inflammatory markers are reduced by stem cell treatments whereas the anti-inflammatory markers IL-8 and IL-10 may be increased after treatment. Because of the ability to reduce underlying body inflammation, stem cell treatments can be used as both an Anti-Aging strategy as well as for the many disorders for which it has shown effectiveness.

Orthopedic stem cell treatments have been shown to help one of the most commonplace of all conditions- osteoarthritis.

The pain of osteoarthritis often results in the surgical intervention of joint replacement most commonly of the knees or hips. Many people have been able to utilize stem cell treatments as a way of avoiding the necessity of undergoing a joint replacement.

This cutting-edge therapy is being studied for its application to a host of other disorders including stroke and neurologic disease. One patient who had suffered a stroke approximately 18 months prior to his stem cell treatment reported, “improvement was almost immediate...ability to walk with confidence without worrying about falling...help with speech and memory… the outcome was nothing short of amazing.

Today... you would not know I had a major stroke.” It is very important to note however, that the average person should not necessarily expect to get that outstanding a result, but the power of the possibilities of stem cell therapy is clear.

Another patient who suffered from the tremors that many elderly people do, reported, ”... the extreme shaking in my hands is effectively gone.”

Heart disease is also being treated with stem cells. The medical journal Circulation Research published a research review article, “Where Are We With Cardiac Based Therapy?” Many studies were assessed and their conclusion was, “These trials have consistently shown that stem cell therapy reduces myocardial scar size, improves walking distance and quality of life.”

Stem cell treatment has been studied for COPD where a solution containing stem cells is given via a nebulizer as is commonly done for medications used for lung problems.

The inhaled stem cells are used to help lung tissue to heal.

Stem cell treatments have also been studied and applied to a variety of auto immune conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis. That’s because the mechanisms regard-

ing the anti-inflammatory nature of the response to stem cell therapy may be just the thing needed to combat the mechanisms by which these conditions progress… the bodies inflammatory response to itself.

As an example of what stem cell treatments can do, here’s the experience reported by Robert of Westport, CT. “I’m writing to report that the stem cell transplant treatment worked for me. After about 2 weeks after treatment, I noticed having less pain and stiffness. It’s been several weeks now and I have continued to improve - so much so that I find myself walking with better posture and almost no pain. I am also seeing a continuous reduction in the stiffness upon waking in the morning. I’m walking straighter too. My wife told me I look younger.

That, I never expected.”

The future is undoubtedly going to clarify how and when stem cells can be used to help more and more people, playing a greater role in the future of medicine.

Dr. Henry Sobo, MD practices Integrative and Regenerative Medicine in Stamford, CT. Call for a FREE CONSULTATION to see if you are a candidate for stem cell therapy.

203.348.8805. See spotlight on page 39.

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49

Spirituality in a Primary Care Setting

By Kate Zachau, DO

T

he gift of being able to bear witness to people’s journeys, not only through health but through life, is one of the greatest that I’ve encountered. Even despite the way that health has been parsed out into body systems and parts and made into algorithms matching symptoms to diagnoses, to a medication. The human body is a majestically complex system; every system feeding the other, an imbalance in one creating compensation in another. There is a beauty in the organization, the precision, and the wisdom of the process; one that supersedes even the most advanced medical interventions and theory.

Wisdom in the Body One of the greatest things I’ve seen in my practice is the profound effect of emotions on the human body. I have physically felt trauma in body tissues without the patient saying a word. I’ve also seen and felt profound physical healing in this way. There is a power in the human body that exceeds the most advanced medical knowledge and research. There is so much we don’t understand about the intricate interconnected workings of the body, and the gift of understanding what we do now is miraculous. I think that most of us in the medical profession would agree that there is a profound wisdom in the body that allows us to heal, remember, respond, grow. Like osteopathic philosophy posits, a physician who helps people heal will address the body, mind, and spirit of the patient. It is the spirit that promotes or hinders the healing mechanisms of the body.

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In a medical world filled with expectations, guidelines, the constant threat of legal action, and the intersection of customer service and providing the skilled service of healthcare, the challenge of staying grounded becomes heightened. When I am connected with the patients, I am connected with the privilege of witnessing their process. In this space, time slows down. It opens a space of healing for the patient, and in effect, for myself.

Holding the Space Staying connected with my own spirituality allows me to stay present to such great suffering, and such profound healing, from one room to the next. It allows me to hold a safe space for the patients. It gives me the resilience to meet them where they are at. I encountered my own spirituality in a much deeper way in my medical training.

Experiencing the grief, joy, pain, sadness, and healing along with patients helped me to grow in my own resilience. The emotions of the human experience unite us all, and in this unity we can find deeper healing.

I’m not sure I could fully stay in a space to do my job, or heed this calling, to the fullest without staying connected to spirituality. In making such a sweeping statement it’s important to mention what spirituality means to me, and that is remaining connected to the oneness that is every being. Some describe this as universal consciousness, others God, and others simply the Divine.

How else can one begin to comprehend the profundity of birth, suffering, joy, pain, healing, and death in the span of one day, day after day, and not take it all on as their own feelings? This is where the gift of empathy combined with the skill of staying present

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intersect. Humans are empathetic beings, and when someone witnesses great suffering it creates a crucible to grow from or shrink into. In order to continue to stay present, to provide a listening ear and an open heart to those that we will continue to encounter along our journeys, it is imperative that we grow into courage, deeper empathy, and love for one another.

Practicing Gratitude Gratitude is an intrinsic part of my spirituality, as I believe it is for many. Gratitude for the miracles that the body performs every day, for the people I encounter, for the pain and joy that I share with them, provides a constant connection to spirit. I am deeply grateful to be on my path and in this profession, and deeply grateful to all the patients that have allowed me the privilege of being a part of their journey to health.

The beautiful role that primary care physicians play in healthcare is to hold space for the individual. We are some of the few physicians you see when you are not sick. We support you mind, body and spirit and have the role in our current system to be responsible for looking at the whole person. You may not need to see your primary care the whole year, but we hold the space for you if you need us. With open arms and gratitude, I want to take this opportunity to thank my patients for this privilege.

Dr. Kate Zachau is an osteopathic physician, board certified in family medicine who works in an integrative setting at Collaborative Natural Health Partners in Manchester, CT. For more information, please visit ctnaturalhealth.com or call 860.533.0179. See ad on page 47 and spotlight on page 10.

The Importance of Your Oral-Nasal Complex

By Kevin H. Norige, DMD

I

f someone were to ask you: “What is the most important nutrient that humans need to survive?” Most folks would say either food or water, which are undeniably very important. But then consider the following: roughly how long could a normal adult survive without food? (maybe 3 – 4 weeks); how about without water? (probably 3 – 4 days); now consider the absence of air or more specifically of oxygen (only a few minutes). Efficient and effective breathing trumps eating or drinking. But without all three, thriving is impossible.

What’s the common pathway for each of these precious commodities to enter the body and how have we adapted to increasingly contaminated or deficient sources of air, water, and food?

First a little anatomy lesson: the common portal of entry for all of these nutrients into the body is via the nasal and oral route. The nose is specialized for the handling of air from immediately after birth continuing throughout our entire lives. It warms, moistens, and filters incoming air; it serves as our detector for smells both good (to enhance our appetites), and ill (to protect us from harmful environmental contaminants); and it aids in the production of a powerful vasodilator, Nitric oxide, to help us reduce high blood pressure. The oral cavity or mouth is actually a specialized system of interrelated organs and structures including the lips, tongue, teeth, gums, cheeks, and salivary glands, as well as supporting bones and muscles, which collectively and interdependently process foods and liquids in the initial stages of digestion and protect the rest of the body from potential disease or injury-producing chemicals or microbes.

An obvious analogy presents itself when considering the function of the oral-nasal complex compared to the modern computer: GI, GO – Good stuff in, Good stuff out. The corollary rule is we must breathe through our noses, and eat through our mouths; simple concept, but often difficult in practice.

What Constitutes GI to Result in GO? The World Health Organization defines health as, “the state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” By this definition, and by noting the increasing incidence of chronic inflammatory diseases (including coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, auto immune diseases, and Alzheimer’s disease) and cancers since the end of World War II, it becomes apparent that something must be wrong with our modern societies’ GIGO formula. Since the early 1970’s, it has become increasingly evident that our food chains, water sources and air do

not adequately give us the quality and quantity of nutrients we need to be healthy and thrive. We have increasingly depended on additives to our foods to make up for their decreased nutritional value due to depletion of soils and use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides. Plus, the over-processing of foods has modified our ability to fully develop our facial-nasal-oral musculoskeletal system, which further compromises our ability to extract the vital nutrients from these otherwise life promoting items.

An example in point: many menopausal and post-menopausal women suffer from decreased bone density, which has many serious consequences. This phenomenon started rearing its head in the generation of the mothers of baby boomers. So, what did medical science do? If bone is deficient in Calcium, then supplement with Calcium. The problem is that Calcium needs Vitamin D3 to be absorbed from the intestines. So, let’s add Vitamin D3. New problem…increasing Calcium and Vitamin D3 not only do not improve bone density, but negatively influence deposition of Calcium into coronary arteries. By several large studies, it was shown that another factor must be present to allow proper deposition of Calcium into bone and not into coronary arteries. That factor has been identified as Vitamin K2. Where does Vitamin K2 come from in nature? Grassfed beef. What happened to grass-fed beef after WW II? It has been increasingly replaced by grain feeding. No grass, no Vitamin K2; no Vitamin K2, no proper deposition of Calcium in bone or lack of deposition in coronary arteries. What if you don’t want to consume grass-fed beef? Fortunately, there are other sources of Vitamin K2 on your health food stores’ shelves to supplement this deficiency. Right now there are no clinical lab tests as to what constitutes an adequate blood level of Vitamin K2, so managing this is an empirical (i.e. trial and error) scenario.

Many more examples exist regarding our modern society GIGO paradigm. Fresh whole foods, pure water, and clean fresh air represent the best inputs we can deliver to our bodies to get the best (i.e. healthiest) outputs. And they all enter via the oral-nasal complex.

Kevin H. Norige, DMD is a general dentist who has been serving the greater South Windsor area for more than 37 years. Influenced throughout his career by the attribution of his dental school dean referring to dentists as "physicians of the oral cavity", Dr Norige has always treated and managed oral disease as the local manifestation of systemic disease. Complete health through dentistry is the operational paradigm of Dr Norige's South Windsor Smiles dental practice with the oral cavity being the window to the health of the entire body. South Windsor Smiles (860)644-0113.

See ads on page 3 and 57. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Realize Your Dreams Through Financial Planning

By Caroline Wetzel

A

lmost a year ago an accomplished doctor and her successful businessman husband entrusted me to be their Certified Financial Planner and Private Wealth Advisor. Our first two hours working together were spent at their kitchen table talking about who they are today and who they wanted to become over time.

They described the parents they wanted to be to their young children, the partner each aspired to be to one another, and the visions they had for their respective careers. They described how they felt when it came to managing their money and what kind of financial fears kept them awake at night. We spoke briefly about the financial statements that they shared with me and we agreed to meet again in a few weeks to review the results of the financial plan that I would develop for them.

About a month later we met again in person at their kitchen table. Using the financial plan that I developed for them as a guide, we talked about how likely they were to achieve their life goals given their current savings, spending, investments, insurance, and debt management activities.

We talked about the tradeoffs between saving for retirement and college and enjoying a certain standard of life today. And I suggested some specific changes that they could make to improve their likelihood of success realizing their financial dreams.

After we finished discussing their financial plan, I was deeply moved when both the wife and husband volunteered that they found the process helpful, even describing our work together as, “life changing – like marriage therapy, but the kind you want to go to because you feel better afterwards.”

That’s what holistic financial planning is all about. It starts and ends with you.

It asks the question, “What do you want to do with your life” and systematically analyzes all aspects of your finances to project how likely you are to realize your ambitions. As a result of financial planning, you have information and analyses you can use to make thoughtful decisions today to create the future you want tomorrow.

Three years ago I met Jan (client’s name has been changed), a woman who had just finished going through a very difficult divorce with her husband of several decades. In our first conversation together, Jan confided that she had avoided working with someone like me because she didn’t have the clarity she thought she should have over her finances. Jan explained that her husband always took care of their money, they shared a single financial advisor, and when the divorce took place her entire world was turned upside down and she was still recovering. I assured Jan that for many clients it’s when they feel most overwhelmed by their finances that I can offer the greatest help. I emphasized that what was done in the past is behind her.

Jan and I talked about what her life had been like and how she wished it would be different. We talked about how important her grown children were to her and the financial support she wanted to provide them and her grandchildren over time. We talked about her fears about living until her mid-90s, and since she divorced in her late 60s, what living independently for 25+

52

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide

years would look like. She shared with me her financial statements, and I suggested that we reconvene in a few weeks to review the results of my analysis.

When Jan and I met again, she physically looked different from the first time we spoke. Her eyes were a bit brighter and she smiled when she saw me. We spent more than an hour talking about her plan. We discussed savings and spending behaviors she would need to adopt given her new lifestyle, and we talked about how the asset allocation within her investments should change to support her needs and address her fears about outliving her assets.

After we finished discussing her plan I asked Jan if she had further questions. Jan shook her head no and her eyes welled up with tears. As they began streaming down her cheeks Jan reached out, touched my forearm, and whispered “Thank you, Caroline. You really listened to me. I am so hopeful.”

You, too, can be hopeful. You, too, can create the life you envision when you have confidence, control, and comfort over your finances. You can obtain this peace of mind when you follow your unique, integrated, holistic financial plan.

Life is too short to not live with intention. Dream It. Plan It. Do It. Live your dreams through financial planning.

Caroline Wetzel is one of Natural Nutmeg’s 10Best Winners for Business/Life Coach. Caroline is a Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP®) and Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor with Procyon Private Wealth Partners, LLC. Procyon Private Wealth Partners, LLC and Procyon Institutional Partners, LLC (collectively "Procyon Partners") are registered investment advisors with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). This article is provided for informational purposes only and for the intended recipient[s] only. This article may also include opinions and forwardlooking statements which may not come to pass. Information is at a point in time and subject to change. Procyon Partners does not provide tax or legal advice. See ad on page 66 and spotlight on page 40.

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53

Beware of Dental Tunnel Vision

By Mark A. Breiner, DDS

D

entistry is essential to a person's wellbeing. One has to have an outstanding immune system to overcome potential problems in the mouth such as mercury fillings, root canals, cavitations, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

However, this does not mean that everything must be addressed in every patient. Patient education is vital, and treatment must be in concert with their desire for health, aesthetics, and function.

Too often I see dentistry going through phases which I call the "All-Aboard Syndrome" dictated by insurance reimbursement, ways to increase productivity, and in all fairness, the desire of the dentist to do what they think is in the best interest of the patient. I too was not immune to this syndrome. After the army, when I entered private practice, I immersed myself for the next five years in the study of occlusion (the study of how the teeth and jaws come together) and full mouth rehabilitation. I learned that everyone needs "an ideal occlusion" and consequently when I had my mercury fillings removed, I had extensive gold restorations placed for the "perfect occlusion."

Today, knowing better, I could have achieved the same result with conservative composite restorations, which would have required re-

moving much less tooth structure. However, back then, many of us were getting "all aboard" with the concept of ideal occlusion which required extensive dentistry.

Laser Scaling Another "all-aboard" phase is that almost everyone needs full mouth deep scalings (removal of tartar and tissue below the gum line) at a fee of $1500-$2000. Many courses are offered to increase your income with this approach. I believe this has come about because there is excellent insurance reimbursement for this procedure. I can't tell you how many patients whom I have seen who were advised to have this procedure and when I examined them, the microscopic slide of their plaque was excellent, and they had no periodontal pockets. All they needed was routine prophylaxis and some home care instructions.

Mercury Filling Removal In addition, another "All- Aboard" phase that is growing now involves mercury fillings. Patients are becoming more aware of the dangers of mercury in the mouth, and when patients ask their dentist about removing them they are told, "Sure, I can do that!" Here, are two problems: the dentist is completely ignorant on the subject and removes the mercury fillings without any precautions to protect the patient; or the dentist has some "training" in the safe removal and believes that as long as oxygen is administered, and a rubber dam used, all will be well.

To safely remove mercury fillings, much more is involved. Removal of just mercury fillings is reducing the source of mercury, but then the other heavy metals and toxins – not just mercury – must be removed from the body.

As a pioneer in this field, I feel that many holistic dentists become trapped in tunnel vision. They think that that every health problem

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can be solved by removing all metals in the mouth, extracting every root canal, and performing cavitation surgeries in all four wisdom teeth areas, or other areas of cavitations. Root canals, cavitations, mercury fillings, and metals in the mouth are potential problems, but not all patients need all this treatment.

An example of "holistic-tunnel vision" came with a call to my office from a woman in pain from a root canal tooth that was failing after two surgeries. Even while on antibiotics that pain was persistent. A holistic dentist told her that he couldn't remove the root-canaled tooth until he removed all her mercury fillings. This statement is absurd – the woman was in pain, and the tooth needed extraction.

Invisalign Joining the "All-Aboard" crowd is Invisalign and courses for placing braces for only six months. These are great for straightening teeth and improving a smile.

However, I worry about this because many of the patients that I have seen treated in this manner haven't been made aware that they have a sleep-breathing problem or temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Other types of treatment would better serve these patients.

I recently had a patient come in who has been having Invisalign treatment for the past 18 months. Esthetically, her teeth are nicely aligned. However, her 3D scan shows a very restricted airway. Additionally, she exhibits symptoms of a temporomandibular joint problem which is what brought her to my office. In her case, Invisalign was not the best course of treatment, and now she will need an additional 18 months of treatment to solve her problem.

Dental Implants A relatively new "All- Aboard" phase is implants. Dentists are climbing on board at a rapid pace to learn how to place implants.

The implant business is booming. Every missing tooth doesn't need replacement with an implant. For instance, very rarely does a person miss their second molars (the ones in front of the wisdom teeth), yet I see implants placed here all the time. Placing a titanium implant, which is most common, is not necessarily best for the patient; ceramic implants are much more biocompatible.

Most dentists are also clueless to the fact that they are placing the implants into an acupuncture meridian and this may cause health problems, or that the electrical currents generated with titanium may also be a problem.

Sleep Dentistry The most recent "All-Aboard" phase is Sleep Dentistry. Investigating sleep breathing problems is very important; many children and adults have this undiagnosed disorder.

Concomitant health problems are numerous if there is a decrease in oxygen while sleeping. I have been studying this problem and attending courses almost every other month for the past year and a half. I feel that this is a crucial area of concern, however, I am worried when I see advertisements for courses that tout, "How to increase your practice $2,000,000 – insurance will cover this." When I hear this "All-Aboard" call, I get nervous. The motivation needs to be what is best for the patient, not what is best for the bottom line.

Please understand that I am not condemning dentists. For the most part, dentists go into dentistry to help people. However, the paradigm of dentistry being taught in dental schools and enforced by state dental boards and the American Dental Association is not compatible with a Whole-Body Dentistry paradigm. You only see what you know, and the powers that be have blindfolded most dentists.

With everything that I have discussed, I feel that it is essential that you, the consumer, be aware of the dangers of dental overkill. As I stated, dental health is core to good health; however, dentists can cause more ill health than almost anything else when done excessively or improperly. No matter what aspect of dentistry that you are discussing, you must take your entire being into account. I feel that a whole-body and conservative approach is the best course of treatment.

Mark A. Breiner, DDS is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a pastpresident and Fellow of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology.

A pioneer and recognized authority in the field of biological and holistic dentistry, Dr. Breiner is the author Whole-Body Dentistry: A Complete Guide to Understanding the Impact of Dentistry on Total Health. His book is a comprehensive and easy-to-understand guide that explains the vital relationship between your mouth and your health. Dr. Breiner maintains a dental practice in Fairfield, CT. Visit wholebodydentistry.com or call 203.371.0300. See ad on page 63 and spotlight on page 15.

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Top Ten “Must Haves” for Fighting Colds and Flu

By Katy Firisin, ND

“A

lways be prepared” is a motto that has worked for the Boy Scouts for decades. It seems like a reasonable plan given there are still a few months of cold and flu season left. Caring for your family using natural remedies can be challenging enough, let alone at 10 pm on a Sunday night when anything resembling a natural health market is closed and your only option is a walk-in clinic dispensing the dreaded antibiotics. Wouldn’t it be easier if you had a fully stocked natural toolkit to use at the very first sign of a sniffle?

Here is a list of “must haves” for the season.

1. Wool socks. If you have never heard of “Magic Socks” now is the time to try it.

Magic socks are extremely effective at drawing congestion from the head, helping to move through fevers, and shortening illness. Follow these simple steps. 1.

Warm your feet or body to avoid being chilled with a warm shower, bath, or cup of tea. 2. Place a pair of thin cotton socks in a bowl of ice-cold water or get socks

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wet and place in refrigerator/freezer until ready to use. 3. Squeeze as much excess water out of the cotton socks as possible so they are just damp, not wet.

Apply damp, cold cotton socks on your warm feet and immediately place dry wool socks over the top. 4. Relax and go to sleep to wake to warm, dry socks. You can repeat this for several nights until the condition improves.

2. Ferrum Phosphoricum and Belladonna.

These two powerful homeopathic remedies are indispensible for helping with fevers. Yes, helping, not stopping. Fevers are an essential part of the body’s natural immune response to create an inhospitable environment for a bug. If a fever is very high, generally over 102, the face is red and hot to the touch, choose Belladonna. For a lower fever, more paleness in the face, use Ferrum Phosphoricum.

You dissolve 3 pellets at a time under the tongue and look for improvements in the condition. For children or for any fever over 102 that lasts 24 hours, consult a naturopathic doctor.

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3. Elderberry Syrup. This safe and tasty syrup can be used by most age groups at the earliest onset of a cold or flu earning it a place on the must have list. It can be used throughout the season to boost the immune system. Research has also shown that it can shorten the length of an illness. Always consult a professional for proper dosing instructions.

4. Horseradish??? Yes, you read correctly.

Horseradish combined with garlic, onion, and apple cider vinegar in equal parts blended into a paste is one of the best cold/flu remedies you will find in your tool-kit. It can be mixed and stored in a glass jar to be eaten on a cracker or with celery sticks or just eaten by the spoonful to kill lingering bugs. Cayenne, lemon, ginger, and turmeric can be added for taste. Don’t worry, if you are under the weather you shouldn’t be breathing on anyone anyway!

5. Eucalyptus Essential Oil. When added to a carrier oil such as coconut oil, this can work as a wonderful chest rub or rubbed on the bottoms of the feet covered with a

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pair of socks. Commercial chest rubs are often petroleumbased products. This is a great chemical free alternative.

It can also be added to hot water for a steam inhalation, however, use it sparingly. Eucalyptus is a strong oil. Start with 1 or 2 drops to tolerance.

6. Vitamin D. A recent meta-analysis published in the British Medical Journal confirms the naturopathic recommendation to keep Vit. D levels up during the season. Vitamin D protects against upper respiratory infections including influenza. Schedule an appointment to have your levels checked if you haven’t done so already. While the normal range may start at 30, an optimal range is between 50-70.

7. Vitamin C. Most people have heard that Vitamin C is good to take to fight off illness. It is also friendly to most age groups due to the availability of several preparations; capsule, chewable, powder, liquid. Avoiding forms with added fructose is important where possible. Proper dosing is based upon an individuals’ bowel tolerance. If you experience any discomfort or abnormal bowels, lower the dose just enough to restore normal bowel function.

8. Manuka Honey. Honey has long been used in traditional medicine for healing wounds and disease. Manuka honey, specifically from the flower of the Manuka tree, has been shown to have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Honey is particularly useful for coughs.

Taken by the teaspoon or mixed into a ginger tea, this makes an excellent cough tonic.

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9. A Bulb Syringe. No one loves to irrigate their sinuses, but rinsing with 8 ounces of water, ¼ teaspoon of sea salt and ¼ teaspoon of baking soda can help to rinse out irritants to the mucosa, kill bacteria and soothe congestion. This can both prevent illness during the winter once that dry heat has been turned on as well as help to treat a cold right from the onset. A Neti pot can also be used if preferred.

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10. Probiotics. Many of you may know that probiotics are important for your gastrointestinal health. BUT, did you know that they will prevent and shorten colds and the flu? An estimated 60-70% of your immune system is located in lymphatic tissue called GALT or Gut Associated Lymphatic Tissue. Preliminary research indicates that probiotics prevent upper respiratory tract infections and now you know why!

Dr. Firisin is a licensed naturopathic doctor and the medical director at Coastal Natural Medicine in Southport, CT. She brings over 20 years of experience in healthcare to her practice with a focus on family medicine, gastrointestinal conditions, cardiovascular health, autoimmune and thyroid disorders and detoxification. Please call 475-999-2032 or visit www.coastalnaturalmedicine.com to learn more. See spotlight on page 11.

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Healthy Body, Healthy Mind: Considering Alzheimer’s Prevention

By Craig T. Fasullo, ND

T

he statistics are staggering. Alzheimer’s disease is currently the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, in the years between 2000 and 2015, while heart disease deaths have decreased by 11%, deaths related to Alzheimer’s disease have increased by 123%. Alzheimer’s currently affects 5.7 million Americans, a number that is estimated to rise to nearly

14 million people by 2050, which would mean that it was afflicting over 3% of the total population. The economic impact in terms of health care costs are dizzying, not to mention the extreme emotional turmoil this disease has on an individual’s surrounding community of family and friends. It is vital that we take a long look at the progression of this terrible disease and consider any and all possible interventions that may reduce our individual risk. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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According to the Alzheimer’s Association, in the years between 2000 and 2015, while heart disease deaths have decreased by 11%, deaths related to Alzheimer’s disease have increased by 123%.

Alzheimer’s currently affects 5.7 million Americans, a number that is estimated to rise to nearly 14 million people by 2050, which would mean that it was afflicting over 3% of the total population.

Alzheimer’s has historically been considered unique among chronic diseases for its relative lack of treatment options, whether curative or preventative. The development of the disease has been poorly understood, and its progression – the literal losing of ones previously rational and cognizant mind – is certainly a scary thing. As such, within the popular culture there has developed something of a helpless blind fear associated with the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Fortunately, substantial gains have been made over the past decade in better understanding the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as developing research to better understand the risks and determine potential prevention strategies to ward off its progression.

Genetic Factors It is now well understood that there is a genetic component to Alzheimer’s disease. Having a first degree relative with Alzheimer’s increases an individual’s risk of development by 10-30%. The strongest genetic risk comes with Early Onset Alzheimer’s (where the diagnosis is made before the age of 65). Fortunately, this form accounts for less than 1% of total Alzheimer’s disease cases. These cases notwithstanding, we now understand that there are a number of particular genes that play a factor in Alzheimer’s progression.

Perhaps the most discussed is Apolipoprotein E (APOE). Variants of this gene are also associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease and Type II Diabetes. It is important to remember that in these cases having a particular gene does not guaran-

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tee development of Alzheimer’s disease. It is simply an additional risk factor, and all the more reason to focus on the preventative strategies that have been shown to be effective. For people interested in knowing their genetic risk, testing is available at our clinic.

The Inflammation Connection It is now known that low-level, longterm systemic inflammation is an aggravator of most chronic diseases, from cardiovascular disease to arthritis to cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease is no exception. The clearest example of this is in cases of direct head trauma and concussion. These injuries cause immediate acute inflammatory processes to occur within the brain, and also lead to increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s later in life. This is especially the case when injuries occur repetitively, as is the case with some professional athletes.

But inflammation in the brain does not only come from direct head injury. Chronic inflammation throughout the body can affect brain changes over time, including the accumulation of amyloid plaques and particular proteins that become the visible hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease on imaging. Understanding the how’s and why’s of chronic inflammation can go far in the determination of proactive prevention strategies for the avoidance of many chronic diseases, including Alzheimer’s.

“Type III Diabetes?”

A vitally important step in the understanding of Alzheimer’s disease is the acknowledgment of its strong connection with elevated blood sugar and insulin resistance. This link is so strong that in 2005

a published medical paper coined the term “type III diabetes” as another way to consider Alzheimer’s. In 2008, a scientific review concluded that there was, “strong evidence in support of the hypothesis that Alzheimer’s disease represents a form of diabetes mellitus that selectively afflicts the brain…containing molecular and biochemical features that overlap with both type I and type II diabetes mellitus.” Understanding this connection is imperative in considering beneficial prevention strategies.

Higher and higher levels of glucose in the blood stimulate the body to produce more and more insulin. Elevated insulin levels have direct negative effects on multiple regions of the brain, including increasing oxidative stress, damaging proteins, and increasing inflammation, leading to higher expression of amyloid protein formation. Since the pathological changes within the body (including the brain) secondary to elevated blood sugar levels are relatively slow in progression, we must consider preventative interventions much earlier in life to reduce risk of the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Fortunately, much is known about interventions for the prevention of type II diabetes, and many of these recommendations are applicable in the case of Alzheimer’s disease.

Dietary Interventions in Alzheimer’s Prevention Primarily, it is important to consider where all this excess glucose comes from.

In the vast majority of cases it comes from our diet, of course! It should come as no surprise that what we choose to eat day in and day out, week after week, month after month, year after year, is probably the most important thing to consider when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease prevention. Fortunately, the dietary recommendations here are not all that dissimilar to those suggested for other common chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

What is good for the heart is also good for the brain.

Dietary recommendations can unfortunately be quite confusing, with someone always coming up with the latest and greatest way to eat. Through all the fads, the Mediterranean diet has withstood the test of time, with innumerable studies showing its benefit in the prevention of a wide range of inflammatory conditions, ranging from Parkinson’s disease to cancer, heart attack and stroke. This way of eating, which is rich in fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts and olive oil, has been proven to be beneficial for the

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prevention of Alzheimer’s disease as well.

In long term studies, adherence to a Mediterranean diet actually reduced the level of brain shrinkage that can be associated with aging. Even in individuals who shifted their diet later in life, measurable changes in mental decline were identified. It’s never to late to make a change for the better!

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Understanding the parallels between the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack and stroke, it should come as no surprise that maintaining adequate levels of physical exercise throughout a lifetime is imperative. Multiple studies have demonstrated that regular exercise measurably reduces the amyloid plaque build up associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Importantly, the activity does not even have to be very strenuous. There is significant benefit in simply going for a walk! A study of men age 71 to 93 showed that men who walked less than a quarter mile a day were twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or other progressive dementia, compared to those who walked over two miles daily.

More aggressive exercise earlier in life, especially high intensity interval training, has been shown to lower fasting insulin levels, and given what we know about the relationship between blood sugar dysregulation and Alzheimer’s progression, this is certainly something that should be incorporated into a healthy preventative lifestyle.

The Importance of Sleep Adequate sleep is a vital component of any healthy life. Chronic sleep deficit creates measurably increased levels of inflammation throughout the body, and sustained lack of sleep can do significant

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damage to the human brain. Sleep is a time for restoration and repair of the entire body, and the brain is no exception. Recent research suggests that during sleep there is a shift in cerebrospinal fluid that promotes the cleaning up and eradication of certain toxins and waste materials within the brain.

In the face of inadequate deep sleep, the clean up crew cannot do its job, and those toxic materials begin to accumulate, leading to the development of amyloid plaques.

It might even be the case that position matters. A mouse study in the Journal of Neuroscience showed that rates of waste product removal within the brain were highest when subjects slept on their sides.

In summary, it is important to understand that although the genetic aspects of Alzheimer’s disease risk are fixed for any individual, there are many lifestyle factors that are very much within our control.

Regardless of your genetics, taking steps toward the prevention of Alzheimer’s will go far in reducing risk for many other chronic diseases as well. Of course, each individual is unique, and as naturopathic doctors, we treat people, not diseases. As such, it is always a good idea to consult with a physician to determine your individualized risk, which usually includes pursuing the appropriate testing to assess inflammation levels, blood sugar regulation, nutrient levels, and more. Together you can create the optimal preventative wellness plan that best fits you and your life.

Dr. Craig Fasullo sees patients in both Stonington and Manchester, CT at Collaborative Natural Health Partners. He is an in-network provider for most insurance companies and is accepting new patients.

For more information or questions, please call (860) 533-0179 or visit www.ctnaturalhealth.com. See ad on page 47 and spotlight on page 10.

How Do We Learn From Emotional Hunger?

By Marianela Medrano, PhD, LPC

T

he holidays with their promising cornucopia of delicious food are fast approaching. Perhaps some of us might be already worrying about over-indulging.

How much we eat around the holidays, however, is not the problem. Most humans overeat on occasion when dining with friends and family. Further, most of us at some point in life feel somewhat concerned about the way we eat or about changes in our weight or appearance. It is when the concern leads to eating as a strategy of avoidance or when it becomes the number-one coping mechanism that we must pause and examine if we indeed have a grave problem or, in the least, where the hunger is really coming from. Emotional eating behaviors often are attempts to numb suffering.

Emotional Eating Emotional eating is the ingestion of food to feel good and to avoid experiencing undesirable emotions. When lonely and depressed, some might reach for a cold and creamy ice cream. Others might seek bread or wine after a stressful day. Occasionally using food to alleviate an aching spirit or a tired body is not necessarily a problem.

We all have a particular food that we crave and reach out to when comfort is needed.

The problem begins when food becomes the main coping mechanism in moments of boredom, anger, exhaustion, frustration or any other emotion. This form of stress hunger is often confused or experienced as physical hunger and could lead to overeating as a calming recourse.

feed emotions can lead to the consumption of more food, then feeling anxious about eating, then eating more because of the anxiety, generating overeating and consequential guilt and thus a sense of being out of control.

Mindful Awareness A mindful awareness of our behaviors around eating, both observable and nonobservable, could lead to psychological flexibility or the ability to accept things for what they are while making a commitment to taking actions that are aligned with what is most important or valuable to us.

A healthy alternative to emotional hunger is to use its power and presence as a bell calling us to mindfulness, an awareness, an invitation to re-engage in activities that are more aligned with what is important to us.

A mindful awareness can lead to making positive changes centered around a commitment to healthy living.

An ongoing mindful eating practice gives us clues to differentiate between emotional and physical hunger. Such attention and discernment could prevent

emotional eating from taking over our life.

For instance, a sudden attack of hunger for specific foods is most likely to be emotional hunger since physical hunger tends to show gradually and not as a sudden attack.

Another sign is that emotional hunger is experienced as a bottomless barrel; we tend to keep eating even after being full. With physical hunger, on the other hand, we know when we reach a point of satiation.

Perhaps the most salient indicator of emotional hunger is its location, the head, as it is most likely made of thoughts and not the usual pang in the stomach we experience with physical hunger. Emotional hunger sets in the mind and obsesses on textures, tastes and very specific scents.

Mindful Eating, as conceived by Dr. J. Chozen Bays, leads to conscious living.

Mindfulness enables us to be aware of situations, places, or feelings which lead to mindless eating. If we turn our emotional eating into a bell of mindfulness that calls us to the present moment and to the choices we are making, we are practicing both mindful eating, and self-compassion.

The problem we face is that there is absolutely no food that can satisfy emotional hunger. Consuming our favorite food may feel momentarily good, but the emotion that triggers the impulse remains unaffected by the ingested food. The compulsion to www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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The following are four important clues for a healthier relationship with eating: 1. Free your emotions: Food ingestion could easily be a way to “stuff down” undesirable emotions, such as fear, anger, anxiety, loneliness, guilt and resentment. However, using food to numb emotions deprives us from getting in touch with the cause of the emotion and from accepting and adjusting to what is bothering us. Recognition, commitment, and action-taking are ways to free an emotion so we don’t eat it.

2. Find Purpose: When you seek out your comfort food, ask yourself, is it physical hunger, boredom or emptiness? Be conscious of your use of food to fill up an unfulfilled desire or a sense of emptiness. Don’t turn food into a way to fill up either time or your mouth. Once you discover the emotion, use the awareness to find a purposeful long-lasting solution to the need.

3. Understand the history behind the hunger: Look back to your childhood. What foods were used to reward/ punish you? Ice cream for good grades?

Sweets to soothe your aches and pains?

Have you continued to play out the same rituals? If that is the case, what are you willing to do to turn the rituals into workable value-driven ones?

4. Let social gatherings guide you: Gathering around the table with loved ones is a stress reliever. It can also lead to overeating. It’s easy to overindulge while the attention is centered around conversations and people. It is also easier to eat just because the food is available. Ask yourself, am I uncomfortable or anxious right now? Am I eating out of discomfort? Be mindful of your actions and always check with your value system in order to make decisions that are aligned with it.

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Natural Approaches to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

By Erika Dworkin, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® "Few people realize that the intestinal tract has its own nervous system that communicates directly with the brain [called the gut-brain axis]. Because of this unique nervous system, people with irritable bowel syndrome often have intensified responses to abdominal distension or movement that can result in the brain receiving distressingly strong pain signals...Despite its prevalence, there is no universally accepted medical treatment that directly addresses irritable bowel syndrome symptoms in all people."

I

~ Life Extension Magazine, Relief From Irritable Bowel Syndrome (2015)

t is estimated that at least 20% of the American population has IBS. If you suffer from chronic digestive disturbances, your healthcare practitioner may conclude from your medical history and a physical exam that you have this painful and potentially debilitating condition. If you would rather not merely mask or suppress your symptoms with standard medical therapy, you may want to consider certain natural treatments that can address the major biological changes that contribute to them.

Symptoms & Causes IBS is a poorly understood gastrointestinal disorder that is characterized by some combination of chronic intestinal cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, feelings of fullness, excess secretion of colonic mucus, diarrhea, or constipation, that lasts for at least three months. It is generally diagnosed through the elimination of other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including cancer, parasitic infections, intestinal disturbance from antacid or laxative abuse, inflammatory bowel, diverticular, and celiac diseases, ulcerative colitis, and metabolic disorders (adrenal fatigue/diabetes/hyperthyroidism).

The recognized IBS risk factors are: youth (occurs most in those under age 50); female gender (and menopausal estrogen

therapy); family history (both genetic and environmental factors); and mental health problems (anxiety, depression, history of abuse).

Hormonal changes, unmanaged stress, and food allergies or intolerances, are key triggers that can cause or exacerbate IBS. While IBS is not a serious threat, there are five major interconnected biological changes that together contribute to its symptoms, regardless of cause, which can greatly impair quality of life: (1) altered intestinal muscle contractions that cause abnormal movement of food through the intestines (motility); (2) intestinal hypersensitivity resulting in intense pain response (see the quote above); (3) low-grade inflammation in intestinal walls from the presence of increased immune cells; (4) leaky gut and food sensitivities; and (5) imbalance of intestinal microflora (dysbiosis). To fully address IBS, it is ideal to address all five of these processes simultaneously.

Therapeutic Dietary Considerations Some people can control their IBS symptoms by managing stress, lifestyle, and diet. In addition to exploring counseling, biofeedback, mindfulness training, and ways to improve sleep quality, it makes sense to address these dietary factors that have been found to exacerbate IBS: FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols): Since these short-chain carbohydrates are poorly absorbed in the small intestine, small intestinal bacteria tend to ferment them, thereby generating large amounts of gases that cause bloating. Curbing intake of these types of carbohydrates, and the foods containing high amounts of them, can thus be instrumental in curbing IBS symptoms in most patients: (1) fructans (wheat, onions, artichokes) [inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), called prebiotics, which feed good gut bacteria]; (2) galactans (legumes, cabbage, Brussels sprouts); (3) lactose (milk sugar, found in dairy products, chocolate and other sweets, beer, and www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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processed foods); (4) fructose (fruit sugar, found in honey and agave syrup, and regular and dried fruit); and (5) sugar alcohols (sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, and erythritol).

Food Allergies/Intolerances: Food allergies and sensitivities have long been associated with IBS. The biggest culprits include foods rich in carbohydrates and fats, dairy, grains (especially wheat), coffee, alcohol, and hot spices. An IgG blood test, elimination diet, and probiotic supplementation, can generally address IBS symptoms associated with food intolerance.

Sugar: Consuming high amounts of refined sugars can exacerbate both IBS and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Excessively high levels of blood glucose paralyze the duodenum and jejunum of the small intestine, thus decreasing motility.

Yeast: Candidiasis is an overgrowth of the parasitic, yeast-like fungus Candida albicans, which is normally present in the body. Since this condition may be an underlying factor in IBS, an anti-candida program can prove therapeutic. Such a program focuses on: (1) killing the yeast (with dietary supplements or anti-fungal drug like Nystatin); (2) starving the yeast with a strict low-sugar/carbohydrate diet; and (3) replacing the displaced good gut bacteria with probiotics.

Key Supportive Dietary Supplements With the diet modifications noted above, a number of natural remedies may be viable alternatives to conventional, of-

ten ineffective IBS prescription drugs, such as antispasmodics, antidepressants, and antidiarrheals.

three times per day experienced significant improvements in flatulence, constipation, abdominal discomfort, and even sleep.

Aloe Vera Juice: Although few studies have investigated the efficacy of aloe vera specifically in the treatment of IBS, it is generally known to improve bowel regularity. Since aloe soothes and heals the intestines, detoxifies, and inhibits the growth of yeast in the gut, it may reduce abdominal pain/discomfort and flatulence in IBS patients suffering primarily from constipation.

L-Glutamine: Researchers in a recent small randomized placebo-controlled trial concluded that this amino acid can dramatically and safely reduce all IBS symptoms in patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS that develops after intestinal infection.

Despite their finding that L-glutamine can address intestinal hyperpermeability (leaky gut syndrome), the researchers recommended that larger clinical trials be conducted to assess more fully its pharmacological mechanisms and ability to improve quality of life.

Fiber: In most IBS cases, especially where constipation predominates, nonwheat, moderately fermentable sources of soluble fiber can ease symptoms. The most supportive sources include vegetables, low-sugar fruits, psyllium seed, and guar gum. Other dietary fibers can exacerbate IBS symptoms.

Since increasing fiber intake can initially cause abdominal bloating/distension and change in the bowel habits of IBS patients, supplementation should be started with a maximum increase of no more than 5 g/day.

Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE): Although human studies are largely lacking, clinical practice and animal/testtube studies have established GSE as an antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial. Its ability to combat Candida albicans is a possible explanation for its effectiveness in one preliminary human study of subjects with IBS and eczema. After one month, all subjects given 150 mg of encapsulated GSE

Peppermint Oil (Enteric Coated): Some studies have shown that this remedy, when 0.2 – 0.4 ml is taken 2-3 times per day between meals, reduces irritation, intestinal cramping and spasm, and gas production. Peppermint oil, especially when combined with clove oil, also combats candidiasis.

Perilla Leaf Extract with Saccharomyces Cerevisiae (Brewer’s Yeast): This herbal-probiotic combination can reverse or reduce all five of the major factors mentioned above that can produce the various IBS symptoms. Perilla leaf is antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and prokinetic (promotes normal motility, strengthens the lower esophageal sphincter, and controls acid reflux). Animal and simulated human studies have demonstrated that a particular strain of S. cerevisiae (CNCM I-3856) reverses dysbiosis by reducing the presence of harmful bacteria such as E. coli.

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Probiotics: There is ample scientific evidence that greater diversity of gut bacteria produces overall better intestinal and general health. While introducing these beneficial live bacteria into the intestines helps with some IBS symptoms, they are not likely to resolve all of them. Studies have proven various combinations of lactobacillus and bifidobacterium strains are highly supportive, particularly the strains B. infantis, L. rhamnosus, and L. plantarum [especially extensively documented L. Plantarum 299v (LP299V®)]. Multi-strain products that provide a minimum of 5-20 Billion bacteria per dose, up to 50 – 90 Billion as needed, can best support IBS sufferers.

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Given that IBS is so poorly understood, and the poor track record of IBS medications, it makes sense to explore various combinations of these natural remedies.

The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, are for educational purposes only, and are not intended to take the place of a physician’s advice. Submitted by Erika Dworkin, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®, Nutrition Consultant and owner of the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe (860.646.8178), 378 Middle Turnpike West, Manchester, CT, www.cthealthshop. com), nutrition specialists trusted since 1956. Erika is available to speak to groups.

All statements in this article are evidencebased and references are available upon request. See ad on page 7 and spotlight on page 43.

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Community Resources ACUPUNCTURE/ TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE Kristine DeMarco Fairfield, CT • 203.333.6544 demarcochiropractic.com As the owner and founder of the Black Rock Holistic Health Center, my goal and mission is to integrate the treatment of Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Nutrition, Physical Therapy, and Homeopathy in order to provide the patient with the highest degree of success in treating their acute and chronic pain.

Jenny Fairservis L.Ac. Torrington, CT • 860.459.4833 jennyyouracupuncturist.com Using acupuncture and oriental medicine to help you heal in body mind and spirit.

Traver Garrity, MS. L.Ac. Berlin & Storrs, CT 860 995 0317 • travergarrity.com Traver is a licensed acupuncturist utilizing acupuncture and cupping to treat chronic pain, sports injuries, migraines, stress/anxiety and much more.She also works as part of the integrated health team at ProNatural Physicians Group in Berlin.

Dr. Kenneth Hoffman, DACM, L.Ac., SOPHIA Natural Health Center Brookfield, CT 203.740.9300.• inm.center The largest natural health and wellness clinic in Connecticut, combining traditional healing arts of Chinese and Naturopathic Medicine with modern science. SOPHIA specializes in women’s health issues: hormone balancing, breast cancer prevention, Thermography, and allergies, toxicity, chronic inflammation, pain and Lyme disease.

CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN Dr. Suzanne Chester, Family Health Chiropractic Care Simsbury, CT • 860-468-1110 docsuzannechester.com Dr. Suzanne Chester provides gentle chiropractic care for patients of all ages, including children, in a comfortable setting with individual attention to every patient. She opened her new office in Simsbury in May 2018, but has been practicing in Simsbury for the last 18 years. She received her Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) from the New York Chiropractic College in 1996. Her goal is to help each patient live better lives by reducing the interference to their nervous system, reducing the toxicity in their body and finding their inner energy.

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Dr. Robert Kipp, Pro-Health Chiropractic Southport, CT • 203.333.2700 yourprohealth.com Dr. Robert Kipp specializes in structural correction with an emphasis on the body’s neurology. He has been voted national chiropractor of the year and most recently one of Connecticut’s Best Chiropractors. You can expect a custom program to help combat pain, correct poor posture, or gain a performance edge.

Dr. Kimberly Layman, Layman Sport & Family Chiropractic Litchfield, CT • 860.552.7792 laymanchiropractic.com Layman Sport and Family Chiropractic is a chiropractic practice unlike any other. Dr. Layman is devoted to high quality, patient centered care using evidence-based chiropractic techniques, advanced myofascial release and specific therapeutic exercise tailored to your needs. Call for your appointment to experience a level of healing like never before!

Loving Hands Chiropractic Storrs, West Hartford, New Britain, CT 860.487.9543 • lovinghandschiro.com/ Dr. Jenn & Dr. Matt provide familybased chiropractic care, focusing on pregnancy and pediatrics. Our office is a welcoming environment for you and your family where you will be treated as an individual with unique needs.

COOKING CLASSES Ayelet Connell, PhD, Gluten-free & Paleo Chef and Food Blogger West Hartford, CT 877.774.7253 • SimplyPaleo.com Ayelet Connell, PhD, is a glutenfree and paleo chef and food blogger. Offering group classes in West Hartford as well as 1-on-1 individualized classes to meet your specific needs. Ayelet has an expertise in natural health and healthy ‘anti-inflammatory’ eating. She is available to teach cooking classes, perform home kitchen assessments, as well as offer meal planning support and coaching. Visit Ayelet’s website for more information or contact Ayelet to schedule your cooking class now!

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY Karen Elizabeth Rowan, LMT, CST Simsbury, CT • 860.830.0877 karenerowan.com Karen specializes in advanced CranioSacral Therapy and Somato Emotional Release®. She is an Advanced Certified Samvahan Vibrational Healer, Life Coach and Feng Shui Consultant. She is one of only two people in the United States that holds an Advanced Certification in India's ancient art of Samvahan Vibrational Healing. Her healing sessions are intuitive and eclectic, integrating a wide range of techniques. Karen’s compassion and depth of expertise are distinguishing features of her practice; and her faith infuses her skilled therapeutic work with a spiritual quality that is both rare and indispensable in the process of integrative healing.

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ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD THERAPY Barbara Chudiak Farmington, CT • 203.440.2859 painstops.com A truly revolutionary therapy that will support your quality of life Free of Pain with this unique treatment that has revolutionized Europe.

ENERGY HEALER Dan Lupacchino, LMT Integrated Energy Therapy ® Integrative Massage Works Glastonbury, CT • 860.716.2740 integrativemassgeworks.com Feeling stuck in your life.

Wishing to move past old beliefs, programs, and self sabotage that keeps holding you back?

Wanting to shift energy to help you live your souls purpose in the now? With over 10 years experiencing practicing IET ® let me help guide you to wellness, by helping to get the “issues out of the tissues,” with this subtle yet powerful energy healing system.

Joyce St. Germaine, M.Ed., CHt., RYT-200 The Sacred Journey Burlington, CT • 860.675.9706 jsgermaine@aol.com thesacredjourney.biz Joyce is highly trained and experienced in Cross-Cultural Shamanism and Energy Healing Modalities. Sound, color, journeying, ceremony, direct energy channeling, and gemstone/crystal therapies are offered. Advanced training in Soul Retrieval, Spirit Detachment and Extraction invites healing of body, mind and spirit. A variety of Energy Healing Modalities may be combined as each situation requires. Sessions are held inperson or remotely, across any distance.

Jeanne Street Woodbury, CT • 203.788.9338 jeannestreet.com I’m known as the Angel Whisperer, and I work with the Spiritual realm every day. I connect people to their loved ones in heaven, and I’m honored to share the work I have been divinely guided to do with you.

Valley Spirit Wellness Center Washington Depot, CT 860.619.2788 valleyspiritcoop.com Valley Spirit offers services, teachings and products that support self-care, wellness and personal growth. Bringing together healing, movement and visual arts, VSWC houses three treatment rooms, a movement studio, art gallery, Chinese herbal apothecary, and shop.

Twenty-one practitioners offer acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, and more.

ESTHETICIAN/HOLISTIC & ORGANIC SPA Anew You Skincare, Melissa Martin Wallace Avon, CT • 860.284.9730 anewyouskincare.net My love for skincare and cosmeceutical treatments makes it truly rewarding for me to help you look and feel your best self! Providing specialized non-invasive services for visible results in my peaceful new space has always been my goal.

Balancing Bodies Wellness Spa Rocky Hill, CT. • 860.785.8525 balancingbodies.com Bonnie@balancingbodies.com facebook.com/BalancingBodies Balancing Bodies Wellness Spa is conveniently located off of I91 Exit 24. We provide custom therapeutic massage, Reiki, Infrared therapies and more. Check our FB page for Holistic Happy Hour Events that provide educators a venue to promote workshops that can be held here for a modest fee. Fully equipped massage rooms are available for rent.

GBS Threading Salon West Hartford, Newington, Storrs, CT 860.523.6232 • gbsbrowz.com GBS Brows uses the natural art of hair removal technique, "Threading". This is an amazing technique passed down from generation to generation, is centuries old and gaining wide popularity in the modern world.

SOMA Farmington, CT • 860.678.7880 omsoma.com Danielle Dampf, LMT, owner and director of Soma, assists clients on their path to finding peace & pain relief, deep healing and the very best skincare. Our goal is to help you attain a deep connection, to plug in to your body & mind.

FARM-TO-TABLE/ORGANIC/ VEGAN RESTAURANT Popover Bistro & Bakery Simsbury, CT • 860.413.2392 Popoversimsbury.com Our mission is to source local, healthy, organic products whenever possible while using the highest quality ingredients we can find. We are creating delicious healthy food choices for everyone.

We have many gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options on our menu. Try our amazing baked goods and signature drinks too!

FITNESS/PERSONAL TRAINER

HEALTH FOOD STORE

THE MAX Challenge of South Windsor South Windsor, CT • 860.327.8340 themaxchallenge.com/locations/ south-windsor-ct/ THE MAX Challenge is a 10-week body transformation system designed to make fast and lasting changes to your appearance and overall well-being. We do this by combining nutritional counseling, fitness classes and motivation. Being part of THE MAX is like having a personal trainer, nutritional counselor and success coach. Our fitness program incorporates cardio training and strength training so that you can burn fat and increase strength at the same time. Our classes are designed for people of all fitness levels. Call 860.327.8340 for more information or visit our website at themaxchallenge.com/about-the-max-challenge/

Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe Manchester, CT • 860.646.8178 cthealthshop.com Nutrition specialists trusted since 1956. Making your healthy lifestyle affordable.

Shop here. Feel better. Founded by Michael Dworkin, PD, CCN (Connecticut-Certified Clinical Nutritionist/Registered Pharmacist), we carry on his mission to educate our customers about nutrition & healthy lifestyle options. We offer almost 7000 affordable healthy product choices, including organic produce.

Jim Murkette Valley Fitness Center Unionville, CT • valleyfitnessct.com A fully equipped fitness center overlooking the Farmington River. Locally owned independent facility known for its community oriented programming and variety of options for men and women of all ages. It's the kind of gym where people come to get fit or stay fit and have a reasonable amount of fun.

GLUTEN FREE/NATURAL/ ORGANIC PRODUCTS Dee’s One Smart Cookie Allergen Free Bakery Glastonbury, CT 860.633.8000 deesonesmartcookie.com Dee’s is celebrating over 10 years in business as the first gluten free/allergen free retail bakery on the East Coast. Offering a wide variety of baked goods, our de-licious treats are gluten, dairy, soy, nut and GMO free. Most items are also available egg free/ vegan. Made with organic and natural ingredients.

Divine Treasures Chocolates Manchester, CT • 860.643.2552 www.dtchocolates.com Chocolate tradition meets modern health at Divine Treasures, where owner Diane Wagemann crafts delectable chocolates with vegan, gluten-free, organic European dark chocolate, and also offers homemade desserts, non-dairy soft-serve and artisan "cheezes," meals, and pizzas--entirely gluten-free and vegan! Browse our Manchester shop, or order chocolates online through our website!

Izzi B’s AllergenFree Bakery Norwalk, CT 203.810.4378 ibcakes.com • ordering@ibcakes.com Bakery serving sweet & savory goods dedicated FREE of gluten, wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, all nuts, casein, and synthetic dye. Vegan & kosher certified as well as celiac safe. Ingredients are either allnatural, organic or Non GMO. We bake to order, pickup by appointment, nationwide shipping.

EVERYONE deserves a treat!

New Morning Market Woodbury, CT 203.263.4868 newmorn.com New Morning Market, an independently owned natural and organic marketplace in Woodbury, CT, offers healthy prepared foods and catering, local and organic produce, grocery items for special diets, artisanal cheeses, pastured meats, milk and eggs, and high-quality supplements and healthcare items. Also enjoy indulgent spa treatments in their Vitality Center.

HOLISTIC CENTER/SCHOOL Bridge Healing Arts Center (BHAC) Farmington, CT • 860.404.2578 bridgeHAC.com A diverse holistic wellness center, offering the community many choices of complimentary and holistic healing modalities, workshops, events, and classes on their journey to wellness. With over 42 practitioners we offer a variety of ways for everyone to care for themselves naturally, and take charge of their health and wellness, all in one location.

Hunt Hill Farm New Milford, CT • 860.355.0300 hunthillfarm.org Northwest Connecticut experiential learning center of art. Hunt Hill Farm has been a center of learning for over 45 years, offering public programs for children, youths and adults to nurture a deeper understanding of food, art, music, cooking and land use.

Journeys: Holistic Wellness & Anxiety Relief Center Simsbury, CT 860.580.9736 • journeyssoulschool.com Our mission is to help you heal and find empowerment through focus on the mind, body and spirit. We are an award-winning center of 7 women, offering coaching, nutrition counseling, readings, energy healing, groups, workshops and classes. LGBTQAI+ friendly and an all-inclusive establishment. Where will your journey take you?

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The Graduate Institute Bethany, CT • 203.874.4252 • learn.edu The Graduate Institute is a state-accredited graduate school with an integrative and holistic orientation, offering Master's Degrees, Graduate Certificates, and Certification programs. Our educational culture provides graduate education that nourishes the growth of individuals’ intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual lives. Located in Bethany, CT, with locations throughout CT. University of Bridgeport Clinics Bridgeport CT • 203.576.4349 bridgeport.edu/UBClinics UB Clinics represent the clinical teaching facilities for UB's Acupuncture Institute, School of Chiropractic, Fones School of Dental Hygiene and the School of Naturopathic Medicine.

Each of these specialty clinics are open to the public and offer affordable treatment options at a fraction of the cost of comparable treatments with private practitioners.

HOLISTIC DENTIST Mark A. Breiner, DDS, FAGD, FIAOMT Fairfield, CT • 203.371.0300 WholeBodyDentistry.com A recognized authority in the field of holistic dentistry Dr. Breiner treats patients for a myriad of dental concerns including Sleep Breathing Disorders, TMD, Mercury Toxicity, hidden infections from Cavitations and Root Canals. “If you have unexplained symptoms that won’t go away, the answer could be in your mouth.”

Steven F Hinchey, DMD South Glastonbury • drhinch@agd.org dochincheydmd.com Thank you to our wonderful patients who trusted our team to care for their improved oral health. Please let your family and friends know that a healthy disease-free mouth will help your overall health – it is all connected – the mouth and the body. And we can help you get there.

Kevin Norige, DMD South Windsor, CT 860.640.4447 SouthWindsorSmiles.com At South Windsor Smiles we are ready to help you live a healthier, happier life. Come experience top quality dental treatment using cutting edge tools and old-world customer service. Let us help make dental care as comfortable for you as we can.

HOLISTIC PSYCHOTHERAPY David London, MD Waterford, Westport, CT 860.443.5822 • davidlondonmd.com Private practice of office-based, integrative, holistic psychiatry in Waterford & Westport. I work with all types of neuropsychiatric issues and related health problems, perform consultations for school, work or legal purposes, and offer executive coaching and peak performance training.

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James Osborne, ProNatural Physicians Group LLC Berlin, CT • 860.829.0707 www.pronaturalphysicians.com James Osborne, MS, LPC, BCPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Board Certified Professional Counselor, Board Certified PTSD Clinician and a Fellow in the American Psychotherapy Association with over 40 years of clinical experience.

Joann Dunsing Hypnosis Milford, CT • 203.907.7710 https://joanndunsing.com/ I am passionate about enabling you to get the changes you want! This is accomplished by empowering you through the skillful use of NLP Neurolinguistic programming, EFT Emotional Freedom Techniques also known as Meridian Tapping and the relaxed focused state of Hypnosis.

Ann C. Reeves, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist Wilton, CT • 203.909.6391 annreevespsychology.com I love working with people who wish to look beyond ‘what’s wrong,’ beyond the stresses of daily living into a search for deeper meaning in their lives. With advanced training in Positive Psychology and EMDR, I blend traditional psychotherapy with integrative techniques including mindfulness stress management, breathing, and visualization.

Betty Hamilton, RN, BSN, MA, CCH, CYT, Reiki Master Guilford, Essex and Westbrook CT 203.804.8897 • hypnosisforhealthllc.com As a guide and teacher, I will assist you in accessing your own self-healing to empower you to allow the change that you want to happen in your life. Through Reiki, Yoga Nidra or Hypnosis you can change!

HOME HEALTH CARE ComForCare Home Care, Neil Anand | Owner Fairfield, CT • 203.612.8966 comforcare.com/fairfieldct ComForCare offers personalized care plans for seniors so that they can continue to live their best life possible at home. Services include grooming and general hygiene care, transportation, medication reminders, companionship, cooking, Alzheimer’s / Parkinson’s care, and more. Additional services include child care, hospital sitter service, recovery after surgery or accident, expectant and new mom assistance, and worker’s compensation cases.

HYPNOTHERAPY/HYPNOSIS Diane Bahr-Groth, Mind-Body Transformation Hypnosis Center Stamford, CT • 203.595.0110 mindbodytransformation.com Diane Bahr-Groth, CH, TFT-Adv, a Registered Consulting Hypnotist with 28 years of experience has developed a unique, relaxing, effective system of therapeutic techniques for complementary healthcare that can elicit immediate results easily. Experience natural methods for weight loss, stress, trauma, pain management, insomnia, smoking, sports, fears, children’s issues and caregivers.

Chandler Hypnosis Institute Waterford, CT • 860.442.9462 chandlerhypnosis.com David Chandler, MA; Certified Hypnotist, Hypnosis Instructor, Mindfulness Meditation Facilitator and Tai Chi Master, offers therapeutic hypnosis for all ages, as well as Hypnosis Certification Training. David draws upon multi-modalities to create a comprehensive and unique healing hypnosis experience. Call or email to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.

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Mind Matters Hypnosis Centers Avon, Glastonbury, Guilford & West Hartford 860.693.6448 MindMattersHypnosis.com The Center has been helping adults & children trance-form their health and their lives since 2002. The highly-reputed hypnotists are known for their expertise, dedication and passion. Every client is treated with the utmost care. The focus is always on the cause of dis-ease vs. just treating or suppressing symptoms.

Eaglemoon Raes, LLC 860.402.8116 eaglemoon-raes.com Eaglemoon Raes is a licensed Avatar® Master and Wizard. She is passionate about the evolution of humanity and appreciates the growth of each client as it adds to the well-being of the whole world. In addition, she is a Usui and Karuna Reiki Master, a Holographic Healer, an EFT practitioner, and metaphysical hypnotist giving her a wide range of tools to facilitate her client’s transformation.

Eaglemoon is a Certified Hypnotist with the National Guild of Hypnotist.

Michele P. Rousseau, MA, CH Middletown, CT • 860.704.9054 micheleprousseau.com Live your dreams! Restore your passion, confidence, and motivation; transform habits; achieve goals. Wake up each day to a life you are eager to live!

Joyce St. Germaine, M.Ed., CHt., RYT-200 The Sacred Journey Burlington, CT • 860.675.9706 thesacredjourney.biz Joyce is a Certified Hypnotherapist in private practice for over 25 years. She offers individualized private and group hypnotherapy sessions for adults and age appropriate sessions for children. Every session includes client self-hypnosis instruction for continued self-empowerment and wellbeing. With advanced training in Psychospiritual Therapies, specializing in Past Life Regression and Higher Self Hypnosis, Joyce’s goal is to guide others in unlocking their inner wisdom, creating the life and health they desire.

INTEGRATIVE APRN/ NURSING Lara O'Neil, APRN Glastonbury, CT • 860.200.8268 thrivecenterforhealth.com Lara O’Neil, APRN specializes in pediatric primary care and combines traditional with integrative health care.

It is her passion to treat children and adolescents with a holistic approach to healing, as she believes that the ideal model of good health addresses each family's physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Alina Schneider, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC Middletown, CT • 860.347.8600 yournaturalhealth.com Alina offers intravenous vitamin and nutrient therapy, bio-identical hormone treatment and DNA swabbing for optimal medication administration and personalized wellness profiles. Practicing with a group of naturopaths, she uses supplements, medications and lifestyle changes to assist her patients in achieving their wellness goals.

Amanda Swan, APRN, Swan Integrative Health and Wellness Glastonbury, CT • 860.325.2679 amandaswanaprn.com I provide integrative/functional primary care with special interest and expertise in thyroid health, hormones, nutrition, and women’s health. I love being a beacon of light, guiding people to the discovery of their own ability to heal and shine. I take all major-medical insurances and am accepting new patients.

INTEGRATIVE MD/ FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE Dr. Deanna Cherrone, MD, Natural Health and Healing West Hartford, CT 860.677.4600 naturalhealthandhealing.net Understanding what motivates a patient and the obstacles that impede progress enables me to recommend individualized strategies for success.

Applying biochemistry to each patient and seeing the positive results is extremely gratifying. I truly believe that Functional Medicine provides the necessary framework for how medicine is meant to be practiced.

Dr. Jen Phelps, MD, Phelps MD Integrative Medicine Georgetown, CT • 203.587.1414 phelpsmd.com Jen Phelps, MD is a medical doctor, dually boarded in both Family Practice and Integrative Medicine. She applies integrative and functional medicine with a focus on nutrition, lifestyle, herbal medicine and specializing in mind-body physiology; all grounded in western medicine science.

Dr. Tamara Sachs, MD, Functional Medicine & Integrative Care, LLC New Milford, CT • 860.354.3304 tsachsmd.com Since 2003, Dr. Sachs prevents and treats all chronic conditions by uncovering and correcting their underlying root causes, while remaining respectful of the uniqueness and complexity that make us human. She combines thoughtful listening, to really understand your concerns, with cutting edge laboratory tests, to evaluate your unique biochemistry and genetics. Dr Sachs pulls together all your medical information to create your personalized health plan, addressing inflammation, digestion, diet and micro nutrition, toxicity and detoxification support, hormones, sleep, movement, optimal muscle, balance and aerobic function and more.

Our team provides education and practical support so that you experience a lasting health transformation.

Dr. Henry C. Sobo, M.D Stamford, CT • 203.348.8805 drsobo.com Member American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Board Certified in Obesity Medicine. Dr. Sobo believes that the best of both medical and nutritional approaches to medical care is more effective than either approach alone. Weight Loss programs, IV Vitamins, Allergy evaluation and desensitization, Stem Cell treatments, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement, PRP.

INTUITIVE Mary Anne Costerella Glastonbury, CT • 860.918.3949 Explore your SPIRITUAL CODE camouflaged inside a deck of ordinary playing cards! Your destiny is revealed by the Date of Birth and its relationship to the Common Deck of 52. In soulfully revealing workshops, you’ll learn about the authentic and ancient purpose of the 52-card playing deck. The 52 cards are truly path identifiers, sacredly created to self-compass on planet Earth. Walk away from The Sacred Science of the 52 Cards with the ability to integrate your new learning into your life and community. Call Mary Anne to schedule readings and workshops.

Althea DePascale Farmington Hypnosis &Awareness Center L.L.C. Farmington, CT. • 860.677.8650 AltheaDepascaleIntuitiveMentor.com Althea DePascale is an internationally recognized, gifted and skilled clairvoyant, psychic medium and intuitive life-coach, metaphysical teacher, as well as a multifaceted healer and a pastlife facilitator. She is certified in Hypnosis, NeuroLinguistic Programming (NLP), Medical Hypnotism, and Past Life Regression and has also worked in the self-empowerment field for over 27 years. Althea's workshops cover such topics as medium training, intuition and energy, past life regression, self-healing, chakras and conversations with spirit. They are filled with encouragement, support, interactions with humor, fun and practice with hands-on instruction.

Pearle Lake 860.487.1754 or 860.933.8527 awesomeintuitionbook.com Pearle Lake, Intuitive Consultant/Self Help author, active over 25years, focuses on the client’s peace and empowerment.

Intuitive sessions may include NLP strategies (Pearle is a certified practitioner) astrology, and New Thought metaphysics. For more info and appointment, phone 860-487-1754 or 860-9338527. All Sessions are conducted by phone.

LIFE/BUSINESS/HEALTH/ ORGANIZATIONAL COACH Leighanne Champion Coaching, LLC New Canaan, CT • 203.505.5571 leighannechampioncoaching.com Leighanne Champion is a Certified Life Coach and Health & Wellness Coach.

Leighanne takes an inside-out, whole-self approach to wellness. As a Coach, she helps her clients unpack what is keeping them stuck as well as holding them accountable to their dreams. She enjoys coming along side busy women and helps them to live in the moment, express their needs unapologetically, and to focus on finding more joy, love and fulfillment in their lives. Leighanne enjoys nothing more than seeing her clients move into a transformational place where they believe that anything is possible for their lives.

Robin H. Clare West Hartford, CT • 860.232.3331 clare-ity.com Robin H. Clare, MBA is a Divine Emissary who brings Clare-ity, Alignment and TRUE Success to her client’s lives by merging her extensive business expertise with access to universal wisdom. It’s time to live your unique Soul Mission! Please go to www.clare-ity. com to sign up for a FREE Discovery Call.

Sonia Manganello Manchester, CT 860.966.8747 soniamanganello.com Sonia is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Life, and Spiritual Coach, as well as a 4th generation clairvoyant/ medium/healer. She is the author of the Amazon Best Seller, The Perseverance Diet: 12 Steps to Mind Body Nutrition. She is a teacher, successful entrepreneur, and motivational speaker.

Regina Sanchez Windsor, CT • 860.874.8515 https://reginasanchez.com/ I'm a peace maker, chaos eliminator and transformational coach. As a Health, Wellness and Organizational Coach, I help women transform their health, their living environment and preserve their memories by getting to the root of what has them bound and paralyzed. Then we develop a program to set them free!

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Kristen Werblow, M.A West Hartford, CT 860.707.0908 • kristenwerblow.com Ever feel like you’re going to stay stuck in your unfulfilling job forever? Like the years are going to just pass you by and your dreams will only stay dreams? If so, meet Kristen. She helps her clients gain clarity and confidence so they can have happiness, freedom, and fulfillment in both their careers and lives. Kristen’s proven 4-Step Formula has helped clients around the nation clarify their life’s work and successfully live their dreams. Get started by downloading her free guide to gaining clarity and confidence, so you can love what you do for a living, at kristenwerblow.com/lovewhatyoudo Caroline Wetzel, CFP® Procyon Private Wealth Partners, L.L.C. Shelton, Connecticut • 475.232.2713 procyonpartners.net Caroline offers fee-based financial planning and investment advisory services as a Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP®) and Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor with Procyon Private Wealth Partners, LLC. “Procyon Partners” is a registered investment advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Procyon Partners does not provide tax or legal advice.

MASSAGE THERAPY/ BODYWORK Integrative Massage Works Dan Lupacchino, LMT Glastonbury, CT • 860.716.2740 integrativemassgeworks.com Your body is the road map to your soul, and there is so much wisdom to be found there. Yet many of us live disconnected from what our bodies are telling us. Allow therapeutic massage to bring you back home to yourself. Release tension, stress, chronic pain and experience the many benefits of receiving massage on a regular basis, can do for you. I’m honored to help you, invest in your health.

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN Dr. Frank Aieta, ND West Hartford, CT • 860.232.9662 draieta.com Dr. Aieta is a board certified and licensed Naturopathic physician and has been in private practice for close to two decades. He specializes in clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture and natural hormone balancing. He also coauthored the extremely popular e-book: www. weightlosspuzzlesolved.com Dr. Kurt Beil, ND, LAc, MPH Hudson Valley Natural Health Danbury, CT • 914.362.8315 hudsonvalleynaturalhealth.com Dr. Kurt Beil uses a combination of Naturopathic and Chinese Medicine services to provide high quality natural health care for chronic difficult conditions. He utilizes the best of modern functional medical science and ancient holistic healing arts to address your health issues and facilitate gentle rebalancing of mind and body.

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Dr. Adam Breiner, ND Fairfield, CT • 203.371.8258 WholeBodyMed.com Focusing on brain health and Lyme Disease, Dr. Adam Breiner offers cutting-edge therapies that include Hyperbaric Oxygen, Neurocognitive Therapies including sophisticated brain-imaging equipment to evaluate brain injuries and brainwave patterns associated with Metabolic Imbalances, Infections, and Allergies. Conditions treated include Concussions, TBI’s, Stroke, PTSD, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression and more.

Collaborative Natural Health Partners Manchester, West Hartford, Stonington 860.533.0179 • ctnaturalhealth.com A team of primary care & naturopathic physicians offering functional & lifestyle medicine at its best.

IV nutrition, Bowen therapy, craniosacral therapy, osteopathic manipulation, acupuncture, group & individual nutrition, tailored treatment plans & customized medications such as bioidentical hormones, LDN and thyroid support In network providers for most insurances.

Dr. Kathryn Firisin, ND, MSPT Southport, CT • 475.999.2032 coastalnaturalmedicine.com Dr. Kathryn Firisin, ND is the medical director at Coastal Natural Medicine. Her practice emphasizes primary care, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular health, autoimmune and thyroid disorders, adrenal fatigue and detoxification. Dr. Firisin combines advanced diagnostics, nutrition, homeopathy, acupuncture, and botanical medicine to assess abnormal health composition, eliminate toxicity and improve vitality.

Dr. Katherine Layman, ND Valley Wellness Center Canton, CT • 860.352.8126 www.valleywellnessct.com We understand your frustration with the traditional healthcare model and want to help you do more than simply manage your symptoms. We focus on safe and effective treatment for chronic diseases and teach you how to take control of your health to regain your youth and your life!

Naturopathic & Acupuncture Health Center Dr. Marie Mammone, Dr. Renee Mammone, NDs John Mammone, Licensed Acupuncturist 274 Silas Deane Hwy., Wethersfield, CT 06109 (860)529-1200 • www.NAHcenter.com ProNatural Physicians Group Berlin, CT • 860.829.0707 ProNaturalPhysicians.com An integrated medical center. Integrated medicine is based on a holisticapproach to healing. Your complete set of symptoms, lifestyle, emotional or mental components as well as environment are taken into consideration. We use traditional natural therapies along with advances of modern medicine to design an individualized program for you.

Natural Awards/Essential NaturalNutmeg Nutmeg--10BEST 10Best Resources Guide Living 2018 Guide

Dr. Antonio Reale, The Herbal Room Wethersfield, CT • 860.257.7210 theherbal-room.com Dr. Antonio Reale, ND, MS is a naturopathic physician, nutritionist, and founder of The Herbal Room, a naturopathic wellness center in Wethersfield, CT, specializing in botanical tinctures and personalized herbal medicine. With a full in-house dispensary, Dr. Reale prescribes herbal formulas uniquely tailored to each patient's condition.

NUTRITION/RD Kathy Beach, MS, NBC-HWC West Hartford, CT • 860.677.4600 naturalhealthandhealing.net Kathy is a national board certified health & wellness coach with 30 years experience in the field. She will support and guide you on your journey to optimal health and help you address all aspects of a health promoting lifestyle including improving diet, managing stress, maximizing sleep and removing toxins (including mold). She specializes in cancer wellness support and HeartMath for stress management & balancing the autonomic nervous system.

Donna Bunte, MSOM, L.Ac., Whole Health 203.698.0793 • donnabunte.com At Donna Bunte Whole Health I treat the whole person using Chinese medicine including acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, qigong energy work and qigong exercises, guided meditation, and health coaching. I hope to help each person restore balance in their lives and helping them heal themselves.

ORGANIC HAIR SALON

ORGANIC SALON

Tracey Colleen Organic Salon Granby, CT • 860.653.2020 traceycolleenorganicsalon.com Tracey Colleen Organic Salon is a boutique style hair salon offering a full range of services using natural and organic products. We are dedicated to using the cleanest, most gentle products in the professional market, while supporting companies that are environmentally conscious. NEW CLIENTS - MENTION THIS AD FOR 10% OFF

REIKI/REFLEXOLOGY Balance Within You Torrington CT • 203.525.5269 balancewithinyou.net Melissa Pressmar Howard, owner of Balance Within You has been practicing Usui Reiki for 10 years. She is certified in Herbal Medicine, Celtic Shamanism, Craniosacral, Yoga, Reflexology, Bach Flower Remedies, Essential oils and the Chakra and mediation. Melissa works one on one and in group settings.

Ed Cleveland Reiki & Sound Therapy Training Center Manchester CT • 860.681.3981 edcleveland.net Ed Cleveland is a Reiki and Sound Master Teacher, Neuroacoustical Sound Therapist, & Gong Teacher, Combining Indigenous Sound Instruments with Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuromusicology, and Psychophysiology. Ed teaches what is considered to be the oldest form of Reiki, the Long Life teachings, in this 18,000 year sojourn.

Tara Cornish, Holistic Hands Torrington, Farmington, CT 860.921.8307 HolisticHandsCT.com Reflexology, Reiki, Aromatouch , and Energyfield Measurement are all noninvasive therapies that are safe for all ages. These therapies, although different, are ancient forms of natural healing used to relax, restore, and assist the body to return to balance.

Anna Pizzoferrato, Reiki With Trust, LLC Aurora Mistica Distance Healing AuroraMisticaDistanceHealing.com I am a Usui, Shamballa, Kundalini and Karuna® Reiki Master and also have a registered healing modality called Aurora Mistica®.I have offered remote distance healing services since 2001. Though the years, I attended local craft shows selling my handmade sterling silver and gold jewelry. Loving art lead to designing energy charged creations for print on demand products.

My Zazzle store is https://www.zazzle.com/annar osaenergyartist?rf=238733830710633341 Sign for my exclusive email list for "everything energy" including occasional free Healing Energy Waves arriving in your inbox. Thank You to all the readers of Natural Nutmeg who nominated me in Reiki Healer and Energy Healer.

Sacred Song Reiki Wallingford, CT • 978.897-8846 SacredSongReiki.com Priscilla Gale, RMT is a Medical Intuitive and Spiritual Councilor.

Services include Reiki, Sound Healing, Sound Healing with Reiki, Crystal Bed Healing with Crystal Sound Vibration, Meditation, Reiki Training. Also conveniently located in New Haven, Branford and Glastonbury. Group or private sessions and workshops. All sessions tailored to meet individual needs.

Sharing The Light Wholistic Center, LLC Avon, CT • 860.936.0012 text: 860.620.7709 sharingthelightwc.com Cheryl Case, Traditional Usui Reiki Master Teacher since 2000. Most High Reiki Sessions include working with Archangels, Saints and Ascended Masters for your highest and greatest good. Cheryl is a certified Lightarian AngelLinks Facilitator, Peace Attunement Practitioner/ Teacher, and author of Reiki Reflections: Sharing The Light, Changing Hearts! 20% off discount with this ad

ROLFING® Sharon Sklar Rolfing® West Hartford • 860.561.4337 sharonsklarrolfing.com Rolfing®- The Art and Science of Body Change. A dynamic 10 session bodywork series that eases pain, improves movement and restructures your body when you feel "out of whack". A hands-on and educational approach which establishes order and balance after life's injuries, stress and accidents. Since 1981.

SPIRITUAL/NEW AGE STORE Wisdom of the Ages Simsbury, CT • 860.651.1172 Facebook.com/ WisdomoftheAgesStore A Special Place to Nurture Your Spiritual Side! Family-run, celebrating our 22nd year in business. We carry a wide variety of crystals & gemstones, jewelry, meditation items, singing bowls, photography art, and more. Plus Guided Meditation Classes, Drumming, Psychic Readings, and more ways to help you on your spiritual path!

YOGA/PILATES/ BARRE STUDIO

Alan Franzi, MS, C-IAYT, PAS, Creative Edge Yoga, LLC Guilford, CT • 203.488.1700 creativeedgeyoga.com Alan Franzi, MS, C-IAYT, PAS has over 25 years experience as a Yoga Teacher, Yoga Therapist and Movement Therapy practitioner. He offers group Yoga and Posture classes and individual therapy in the Guilford, Woodbridge and throughout the New Haven-Shoreline areas. Alan’s specialized movement based Posture Alignment and Movement Re-patterning Therapy programs are designed to help discover, address and resolve the root causes of problems such as headaches, back, sciatic, joint and chronic pain, balance issues and other difficult movement challenges.

Fuller Yoga Pilates and Massage Glastonbury, CT • 860.430.9642 fulleryoga.com Our classes are structured around a nonjudgmental approach which enhances your ability to achieve your personal objectives. We believe a person can reduce and potentially eliminate stress as well as physical and emotional pain with the consistent and disciplined practice of yoga, pilates and massage.

Betty Hamilton RN, BSN, MA, CYT, CCH, REIKI MASTER Shoreline Center For Wholistic Health Guilford, CT. Prive-Swiss Essex and Westbrook, CT. 203.804.8897 • hypnosisforhealthllc.com Yoga Nidra is for anyone with a desire for greater inner peace, improved health or connection within one’s self. It is an eight stage guided meditation that has the power to heal, transform and rejuvenate you on many levels, physical, mental, emotional spiritual. Call for information.

Hartford Sweat Hartford, CT • 860.461.0910 hartfordsweat.net Change your life or find a home to develop your practice!

Hartford Sweat is consistently rated best in Hartford with over 40 classes 7 days a week for all levels including Bikram, Power, Yin, Restorative, Yoga Sculpt, Barre, and Zumba.

Easy access in downtown Hartford for local and nearby residents.

Sacred Rivers Yoga East Hartford, CT • 860.657.9545 www.sacredriversyoga.com Paula Scopino, E-RYT 500 hour, C-IAYT, CT Licensed LMT, YACEP is the Owner/Director of Sacred Rivers Yoga and Allied Health Therapies and ‘Sacred Rivers Yoga for Every Body’, a Yoga Alliance 200 and 500 Hour Registered School, as well as a member of IAYT (International Association of Yoga Therapy.)

Sanctuary Power Yoga Torrington & Canton 860.496.1500 sanctuarypoweryoga.com We offer yoga classes for students of all levels. Whether you are a new student or a seasoned practitioner, we invite you to join our studio and join our community. Our yoga is challenging - it will help you strengthen and transform your body, quiet your mind and renew your spirit.

Zen Yoga Barre Unionville, CT 860.414.1499 zenyogabarre.com Zen Yoga Barre is a wellness destination in Unionville for yoga, barre, massage and red light therapy. As a boutique studio, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals surrounding body, mind and spirit and making sure everyone who walks through our door feels welcomed.

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BERNIE

By Bernie Siegel, MD

I

Create Your Orchestra

f you want to be separated from people become deaf. If you want to be separated from things become blind. Sound affects us because it creates the rhythm we live or die by. Sound effects are real and can lead to healing or disease. The word Aum, or some spell it Om, when repeated creates a meditative state. Try it for a few minutes and you will see what the sound and the vibrations do to you. The words you keep repeating to yourself become the script of your life and the mottoes you live or die by.

What voices do you keep hearing? Are the messages from your past mottoes you live by or mottoes you are dying by? The words of the authorities in our lives be they parents, educators or clergy, keep being replayed and are hypnotic for the child. The hypnotic effect may kill or cure depending on the message they gave you. If they told you there was something wrong with you and that life was a disaster they did not know the truth because of how they were parented.

You can silence their voices by abandoning the past nonsense they dumped upon you. What you hear from the voices of your past is only what you are willing to listen to. You can edit them out and censor their comments. You must believe in your intrinsic value and divine nature to do this.

How do you help troubled friends? If you had to be blind or deaf tomorrow which would you choose? When we give advice to people who are not prepared for it or unwilling to change, nothing is accomplished except frustration and separation. Helen Keller made it very clear that deafness is darker by far than blindness.

We are separated from each other by deafness and not listening to each other.

I have learned that when people in my family come to me for help and I tell them what to do they always say, “You are no help.”

But when I listen and say, “Mmmmmm” for twenty minutes, with varying inflections they always say, “Thank you. You have been an enormous help.” Why the difference? Because when we are willing to listen to others they hear themselves, realize their needs and where their solutions lie.

There is only one thing we control, our thoughts. We cannot control what happens in our lives due to other people and various afflictions. We can control how we react and what we do with the events and thus establish rhythm in our life. Rhythm will vary from person to person. Some like a loud and fast paced life and others are comfortable with a slow, quiet pace. Some of us are sleepless because of the noise of a city and others lie awake listening to peepers filling the country air with the sounds of nature.

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Find your rhythm. It is not an accident that a trained, athlete’s heart will beat at 60 beats a minute or that there are sixty seconds in a minute or that slow, baroque music, such as Pachelbel’s Canon, relaxes everyone in the operating room. Listen to that pace and you relax. Think how you would feel if your clock was ticking at the rate of one hundred seconds a minute.

Find your pace and live it. Life is a marathon, but you don’t have to finish first to be a winner.

The loudest sound I have ever heard is silence. Take the time to listen to what is going on inside your mind and body. Silence your intellect and listen to the wisdom of the ages which are available to you. The cost is less than cable or satellite but can be more frightening to those who are unwilling to silence their intellect and put aside their fears and just listen.

Go out and let nature surround you. Listen to the sounds of water, wind, birds, animals and more. Then listen to the sounds of society…horns, engines, sirens. Tell me which heals and which sickens you? Which brings you peace and which brings you anxiety? Which reminds you of who you are and where you are and which reminds you of what you should be doing and where you should be doing it?

Let nature surround you and bring peace to all your senses.

Nature is in harmony and man is not. Create your orchestra and orchestrate your life and your symphony.

For many, Dr. Bernard Siegel-or Bernie, as he prefers to be called-needs no introduction. He has touched many lives all over the Planet. In 1978, he reached a national and then international audience when he began talking about patient empowerment and the choice to live fully and die in peace. Read Bernie’s regular blog posts on his website where you will also find his books, articles, and CDs: http://www.berniesiegelmd.com. He is the Co-Academic Director of the Integrative Health and Healing M.A. Program at The Graduate Institute, Bethany, CT Bernie currently holds a cancer support group the second and fourth Tuesday afternoons of the month 1:30-3:30PM at Coachman’s Square at 21 Bradley Road, Woodbridge. If interested contact Lucille Ranciato: lranciato2@yahoo.com 203 288 2839; or Bernie: bugsyssiegel@sbcglobal.net. You can find Bernie’s books ad CDs at Wisdom of the Ages in Simsbury, Ct. See ad on page 9.

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Deanna Cherrone, M.D.

Internal Medicine Certified Functional Medicine practitioner

“Do you believe you should feel better than you do?”

Natural

Health & Healing

LLC

I help restore balance so that you can look, feel and function your best.

Areas of Focus: • Adrenal Fatigue • Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy • Bone Loss • Detoxification • Food Sensitivities • Heavy Metal Testing & Oral Chelation • Leaky gut • Menopause & Andropause • Mind Body Medicine • Neurotransmitter Testing • Nutritional & Lifestyle Counseling • Thyroid • Weight Loss

Many of my patients are simply looking for someone who will listen.

Functional Medicine explores the root cause symptoms: Fatigue • Brain Fog • Sugar Cravings • Headaches • Insomnia • Stress & Anxiety • Decreased Libido • Aches & Pains • Decreased Stamina • Constipation • Allergies • Inability to Lose Weight New Services:

Health & Nutrition Coaching with Kathy Beach including the Whole 21 program • EndoPAT testing to assess blood vessel health • InBody - lean muscle and fat mass analysis • PiezoWave 2 sound wave therapy to hasten healing of musculoskeletal injuries • Breast health screening with Thermography Dr. Cherrone, founder of Natural Health & Healing, provides Functional Medicine with emphasis on patient education and self care for optimal health.

CALL DR. CHERRONE TODAY AT (860) 677-4600

41 N Main Street Suite 207 W. Hartford, CT 06107 • www.naturalhealthandhealing.net 76

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