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Natural Nutmeg December 2012

Connecticut's Resource For Living Naturally

Living Conciously Bernie Siegel, MD

Alzheimer’s Disease and Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Path to Prevention Debra Gibson, ND

Calming Guilt-Induced Stress Alison Caldwell-Andrews, PhD The Power of Your Creative Heart Elisabeth Moss, BFA

Holiday Traditions... Are They Your Friend or Foe? Patrick DeFrancesco, DC

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Natural Nutmeg December 2012

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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 good health.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Path to Prevention Debra Gibson, ND 10 Holiday Traditions... Are They Your Friend or Foe? Patrick DeFrancesco, DC 22

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Dr. Diane Hindman Chris Hindman Publisher@naturalnutmeg.com

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Calming Guilt-Induced Stress Alison Caldwell-Andrews, PhD 26 The Power of Your Creative Heart Elisabeth Moss, BFA 30

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Natural Nutmeg December 2012

Ann Aresco, N.D. Deanna M. Cherrone, M.D. Debra Gibson, ND Lauren Gouin, ND Kenneth Hoffman, LAc, CCH David Johnston, DO Roberta Kline, MD Vicki Kobliner, MS, RD, CD-N Donald Piccoli, DC Paul Tortland, DO

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Prescription for Living Bernie Siegel, MD 9

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© 2007-12 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 articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your feedback.

publisher'sletter

an you believe we are almost at the end of 2012? Did this year fly by or what? And now as we enter the holiday season, I hope you all can take some time to review, reflect and celebrate all that you accomplished in the past year. Try to take some time for yourself amidst the holiday parties and celebrations, gift shopping and cooking! Reflect on the past year and ask yourself: what were your successes, your challenges, your surprises and most of all what do you have to be thankful for? You made it through another year and now is the time to celebrate and reward yourself for all of your hard work. Too often we focus on everything that went wrong during the year. The money we didn’t make, the weight we didn’t lose, the relationship we didn’t find. But in order to truly master the art of manifestation and send a message out to the Universe to bring us what we want, we must first be thankful for what we have. Try and focus on what you did achieve and receive this year and most importantly, reward yourself for it! Rewards are positive reinforcements that make you feel good about your achievements, the price you paid for that achievement, and they reinforce the behavior and attitudes that led to those achievements. Don’t let your achievements during the past year and the feelings of victory evaporate without some kind of reward and recognition. This is an essential part of the combination for success. Rewards can be extravagant or they can be simple. Treat yourself to a day at the spa or block a half day out of your schedule to get outdoors and enjoy our beautiful nature areas. Take a weekend getaway with your spouse or a friend or plan a staycation and enjoy all that Connecticut has to offer (great hiking, adventure parks, wine trails and farm-to-table restaurants). Go on a shopping spree and revamp your wardrobe or just clean out your closets, donate what you’re not wearing and create the space for a new wardrobe. Or my favorite – go on a silent retreat! I would also recommend some time to reflect on the year of 2012. Did any of your goals and dreams change throughout the year? Were you unable to achieve some and if so, do you want to keep them on the list? Did you create some new goals and dreams this year? Spend some time thinking about these questions and checking in with your feelings and emotions surrounding the answers. We want to wish everyone a healthy and happy holiday season and we look forward to helping you achieve all of your goals and dreams in 2013! In health and happiness,

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news & notes Tuning Up With Cyma Therapy: A Sound Basis for Wellbeing Sunday, Dec. 2nd • 1:00 – 5:00 P.M. The Graduate Institute, in Bethany, CT

fter creating an award-winning video on sound healing in 1992, Jeff Volk produced the International Sound Colloquium for the next six years. These were the first “Sound Healing” Conferences, and they helped to shape, nurture and define this newly developing field. Jeff will open the program with a brief overview of Cymatics, explaining how this science of vibration and sonic forms laid much of the conceptual groundwork for the development of sound therapies. Mandara Cromwell, producer of the annual Cymatics Conference and founder of Cyma Technologies, will offer an in-depth presentation of Cymatherapy, describing the theory and the science behind their precision therapeutic instruments. This will be further elaborated upon by Wendy Young, founder and director of the Princeton Sound School. In addition, Maren Good and her partner, Michael Ungar will provide a rich, sonic tapestry with tuning forks and with their Acutonics gongs which are therapeutic instruments tuned to the frequencies of celestial bodies. This promises to be a very rich, dynamic and experiential afternoon, and at the incredible price of just $30, we expect the event to fill quickly! Email jeffvolk@ rcn.com for tickets and to register.

Medical Massage Therapist Opens Massage Therapy Office In Southbury

aniel Suarez, licensed massage therapist certified in Medical Massage and Myoskeletal Alignment Therapy, recently opened a therapeutic massage therapy office, Rhythm Therapies: Advanced Massage Therapy, in Suite 102 at Building #2 in the Pomperaug Office Park in Southbury. He also practices in Wallingford. Suarez specializes in helping to manage and prevent ongoing pain through Medical Massage, Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques, Sports Massage and Orthopedic Massage which he also utilizes for most sports-related injuries. Since opening his office in Southbury in January 2012, he has earned a highly-regarded reputation for integrating numerous, highly-effective techniques into his individualized services for each client. “These techniques,” he explained, “are all derived from my extensive training and certification in Manual Therapy, Deep Tissue Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release, Sports Massage, Orthopedic Massage, Craniosacral Therapy, Medical Massage, Myoskeletal Alignment and other bodywork modalities.” “Medical Massage and Myoskeletal Alignment Therapy are two areas of my practice,” stated Suarez, “where I am particularly able to use my intuitive skills in combination with my massage skills to make an almost immediate difference in my client’s quality of life. My specialty is in helping acute and chronic pain sufferers get relief, plus those in need of stress relief, preventive maintenance and general relaxation. Many athletes come to my practice seeking natural ways to enhance their athletic performance, which they frequently experience through the benefits of Medical Massage and Myoskeletal alignment techniques.” To learn more about Daniel Suarez and the services of Rhythm Therapies, visit www.rhythm-therapies.com, email Mr. Suarez at daniel@ rhythm-therapies.com, or call 203-267-3173 or 203-376-1312. Gift certificates are available upon request. The practice accepts most credit cards and offers a discount for cash or check payments. See ad on page 14.

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Natural Nutmeg December 2012

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Overcoming Hurricane Stress

Getting a grip after Sandy leaves town

t’s more than chaos. It’s more than uncertainty. The upheaval brought about by a natural disaster the likes of Hurricane Sandy forces us to reorganize how we see the world. “We lose our mental mind map,” says Henri Roca, MD, medical director of Greenwich Hospital’s Integrative Medicine Program in Greenwich, Connecticut. “The challenge is that everything is different, from the places we usually go, the routes we drive, the colleagues and friends we see.” Stress can manifest itself in feelings of listlessness, helplessness or indecisiveness, or as fear and anxiety, or with changes in sleep or appetite. To keep yourself strong and positive as much as possible when facing the adversity of natural disaster and upheaval, Dr. Roca suggests: Pay attention to nutrition, and eat a diet high in protein. Stay away from sweets and carbohydrates, especially simple carbs from white flour. You need protein to make neurotransmitters, the chemicals that help give you a sense of resilience. Focus on exercise, even if it’s just taking a walk as a family. Keep moving. Exercise helps to reduce depression. Visit friends and family. Ask for help if you need it. Gentle music, meditation, deep breathing or quiet time reading can provide a well-needed break. “The focus should be on maintaining nutrition, maintaining exercise, paying attention to the effect of light and the interaction with others, and then using some targeted supplements, remembering that during times of great stress nobody gets extra points for perfection,” said Dr. Roca. Since opening in 1903, Greenwich Hospital has evolved into a progressive medical center and teaching institution representing all medical specialties and offering a wide range of medical, surgical, diagnostic and wellness programs.

Toys for Tots Drop Off at The Coffee Trade of Avon

o you have a new, unwrapped toy that you can donate to brighten the holidays for a child or teen in need? If so, you can drop off the toys at The Coffee Trade, located at 21 W. Main St. in Avon. The Coffee Trade is accepting donations until December 15th. This is a wonderful way to give back during the holidays and while you’re there, why not enjoy their amazing, fresh-roasted coffee, exotic teas and gourmet baked goods! The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. Please remember that there are many older children (ages 10-13) in need as well when thinking of gifts to donate.

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The Coffee Trade is located at 21 W. Main St. in Avon. See ad on page 20. NaturalNutmeg.com

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Natural Nutmeg needs your help in making our magazine even better!

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Natural Nutmeg December 2012

prescription for living

By Bernie Siegel, MD

Living Consciously

s a surgeon I have had the experience of operating upon people who are living unconsciously. I have learned that their conscious mind is still able to hear and is affected by what it hears. If you are alive and not under the effect of drugs you cannot help but live consciously. The question, however, is what are you conscious of while you are living? For me living consciously is about serving others through my acts of love. Life can be that simple. That does not mean that I do not care for and love myself as well and say no, on occasion, when things arise that I do not want to do. I am choosing to love the world in my way and not have the will of others imposed upon my conscious choices. Why we are conscious and why we have choices is to give our lives meaning. The Garden of Eden, where I attend board of directors of heaven meetings as an advisor, is devoid of consciousness because there are no choices there. The weather is perfect, everyone loves you and after a few days it all loses its meaning and I am glad to get home to my wife and pets. When they love me it means a great deal because they are making a conscious choice to do so. Remember I did not say you have to consciously like everyone and everything. I said to love. Consciously choosing to love will heal you, kill with kindness, torment with tenderness and blind the faultfinders of the world. Consciously loving another is the world’s greatest weapon. Some day may we all realize its potential to heal the world and bring the garden to earth. So tomorrow if you are fortunate enough to awaken from sleep choose to love and live consciously. If you act like a loving grandparent toward all living things you will become aware of what I mean. When all the children of one generation are raised on love by parents, educators and religions, creation begins and destruction ceases. If you want to evaluate your level of consciousness ask yourself these questions. Who can I hate? Who can I love? Who is the enemy? What is evil? ‘There was the word and the word was with god and the word was god’ should read, there was consciousness and consciousness was with

god and consciousness was god. God is loving, intelligent, conscious, energy. How is this revealed by the nature of creation? Think about the ability of a wound to heal and the fact that the conversion of water to ice defies the laws of physics. Ice floats and preserves our planet. Who worked that one out? No other liquid acts this way when frozen. Also cells are conscious in all living things. They make choices and carry memories. We are seeing this today in the donor’s memories retained by transplanted organs. So the organ recipient’s consciousness is changed by these memories. Last but not least consciousness exists without bodies too. Bodies permit consciousness to perform acts of creation. That is why we have them but when the body dies consciousness still exists. During near death, out of the body experiences, people continue to see and those who are blind see when they are out of their bodies too. What is seeing my friends? Consciousness is also what gives us our past life experiences. It is consciousness that continues to exist, with its knowledge, and is passed on to a new body when it is born to life. Life is a school so please work at becoming a graduate student and stop hurting others who are not at your level of consciousness. God be with you. Or should it be consciousness be with you? Bernie holds a support group in Simsbury at Wisdom of the Ages the first Wednesday of each month from 7-9pm. Wisdom of the Ages, a special place to nurture your spiritual side. It's filled with items to calm the mind, heal the body & empower your spirit. They also provide massages & monthly meditation classes. Wisdom of the Ages is owned by Bernie's son & daughter- in-law, Keith & Jane Siegel. Located at 1408 Hopmeadow St. Simsbury. Please call for info or to register for Bernie's group. (860) 651-1172, www.wisdomoftheages. biz,berniesiegelmd.com. See ad on page 27. Bernie also runs a Woodbridge Support Group which meets the Second and Fourth Tuesday evenings of each month at Coachman's Square, Bradley Road, Woodbridge, CT. Contact: Lucille Ranciato at 203-288-2839 or email her at lranciato@yahoo.com.

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Alzheimer’s Disease and Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Path to Prevention By Debra Gibson, N.D.

ike cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is a health issue with a larger-than-life persona. The feelings of fear and helplessness it inspires are understandable in light of the limited knowledge of its origins, the ineffectiveness of treatment options offering long-term benefit, and the progressive, devastating nature of the disease.

Who is Vulnerable, and Why As the baby boomer population ages in the coming decades, increasing numbers of Alzheimer’s diagnoses are projected; even now it affects one in eight Americans over age 65, and about half of those age 85 and older have this eventually fatal disease. Yet while advancing age is the greatest risk factor, the development of Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. Determining who is vulnerable and why is key to discovering pathways to prevention. Although the causes of the disease are currently unknown (except in the fewer-than-one-percent who have the purely genetic form of the disease), a number of risk factors have been identified which can be minimized or even eliminated through changes in lifestyle, environmental exposure and nutrition, thereby reducing the possibility of developing AD later in life.

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A New View of Alzheimer’s Disease In addition to the gradual loss of memory associated with AD, other common manifestations include alterations in behavior and mood, confusion, disorientation and impaired judgment, and gradual loss of the ability to perform basic functions of living. The course of AD, based on criteria issued in 1984, has been thought of as having three stages: an early mild form; a mid-stage moderately symptomatic form; and the late stage severe form of the disease. New guidelines presented in 2011 by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging, however, demonstrate an important change in perspective on AD. These new criteria recognize that changes in brain function occur as many as twenty years before the onset of mild dementia, and propose a very different three-stage model for AD: a preclinical stage, in which no symptoms exist but identifiable changes have occurred in the brain; a second phase, called mild cognitive impairment (MCI), in which significant and noticeable problems in thinking or memory are occurring, but these problems don’t interfere with the person’s ability to function; and the third stage, Alzheimer’s dementia, which includes all three stages of the older guidelines (mild/moderate/severe impairment of brain function). These new guidelines for AD imply that there exists a continuum for its development and progression, beginning decades before the disease is diagnosed. While this idea may be disturbing for those who have the occasional senior moment, it contains seeds of hope for prevention of this justifiably dreaded condition, because even in people diagnosed with MCI (second stage in the new guidelines), many do not progress to dementia, and some recover normal brain function. Although the reasons for these reversals of brain cell changes are not understood, the fact that they occur is significant, for it represents an avenue for prevention, even in those clearly at risk for AD.

What We Know For Sure about Alzheimer’s If Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal consequence of aging, then what causes some brains to get sick, atrophy and die, and others to function well throughout life? Evidence points to a multifactorial cause for AD, meaning that a number and variety of contributory factors, which may differ from individual to individual, act together over time to destroy brain

function. Research conducted over the past two decades has begun to elucidate processes associated with increased brain cell (brain neuron) damage and eventual widespread neuronal death, leading to changes in the function of specific areas of the brain and alterations in its overall architecture and appearance—the fundamental pathology, or disease process, of Alzheimer’s disease. Abnormal characteristics of the brain in AD include the accumulation in brain tissue and incorporation into plaques of a type of protein called amyloid beta (or beta amyloid protein [BAP]), the presence of tangled filament-like structures within the neurons (tau protein neurofibrillary tangles), and abnormalities in brain-cell membranes which disrupt their protective function and make the cell within vulnerable to damage and destruction.

Mitochondrial Stress & Alzheimer’s Disease In recent years, a focus of AD research has been the mitochondria, the tiny, complex oval compartments inside every cell in the body (except red blood cells) which are its energy-producing units. Commonly referred to as the powerhouses of the cell, they are like the energizing batteries which keep the little pink bunny going—in fact, they make more than 90% of the energy which keeps us running. Mitochondria do much more than make energy, though; they have a hand in almost all of the processes that allow cells to live long, productive and healthy lives. They help the specialized cells of the liver, the heart, the kidney, and yes, the brain, to do what they are designed to do, for as long as they are supposed to do it. When mitochondria become damaged and wind down, the cell itself sickens, loses its ability to perform its specialized role in the body, and

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can even die. The effects of damage to brain cell mitochondria are lowered energy output, excessive amyloid beta production, abnormal brain cell function, and eventual brain cell death. Stress to brain neuron mitochondria is increasingly thought to be one important key to the destructive changes in brain neurons seen in AD, and a significant source of mitochondrial stress is something called oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is an overload of damaging molecules called reactive oxygen species, or ROS, relative to the supply of antioxidants. Also known as free radicals, these ROS act like acid rain on mitochondrial membranes, and like tiny ricocheting bullets, they damage fragile mitochondrial proteins and genetic material inside the mitochondria, until their swath of destruction is stopped by protective antioxidants. Where do reactive oxygen species come from? A certain number of ROS are produced by completely normal processes of living; it’s impossible to be alive and be completely free of ROS, no matter how healthy our diets or how green our lifestyles. In a healthy person with good nutrition, our antioxidant systems neutralize the ROS of life easily. It’s the presence in our bodies of higher-than-normal levels of these reactive oxygen species, more than our antioxidants can cope with, which tips the balance in the wrong direction, toward cellular and mitochondrial damage. Unhealthy ROS levels result from poor diet and lifestyle, exposure to pollutants (including cigarettes, alcohol, medications and other drugs, and environmental toxins), low levels of antioxidants, and poor detoxification—all-too-common elements of modern life for many. Biomarker testing is becoming available to identify those at risk of increased oxidative stress. One of these biomarkers is 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), which indicates oxidative damage to DNA, and in particular to mitochondrial DNA—an early signal for risk of AD perhaps decades later. This kind of early warning system provides a heads-up so to speak, years before significant memory loss and irreversible brain changes occur, a wide window of opportunity in which to apply brain-nourishing preventive medicine to those at risk. 8-OH-dG testing, and other assessments of oxidative stress and antioxidant status, is available through functional medicine laboratories which serve the natural medicine community of practitioners.

Natural Nutmeg December 2012

Mitochondrial Protection and Alzheimer’s Prevention The most powerful weapon for mitochondrial health and AD prevention is the Mediterranean diet, so-called because it is high in colorful antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, seafood, healthy fats such as olive oil, and unprocessed grains, nuts, and seeds, all of which are found in the traditional diets of Mediterranean cultures. This way of eating, coupled with exercise (both physical and mental) and stress reduction, is strongly associated in research with lower incidence of AD and, by the way, all chronic degenerative diseases. Whether as a strategy for preventing AD or slowing its progression, we also have at our disposal nutrient supplements which offer therapeutic doses of individual nutrients; higher amounts than would be obtainable from even the healthiest diet.

Strengthening Mitochondrial Membranes Like the fortress wall that keeps out marauding invaders, a strong mitochondrial membrane withstands the corrosive effects of destructive ROS and lowers oxidative stress. You can do much to keep the kingdom of your brain safe from oxidative attack by increasing intake of the nutrients Phosphatidyl Serine and the Omega-3 fatty acids.

Phosphatidyl Serine This phospholipid nutrient, found in soybeans (edamame, tofu and soymilk), white beans, mackerel and salmon, is one of the best protections we have against mitochondrial damage and brain neuron deterioration. Not coincidentally, it is found in highest concentration in the brain. Phosphatidyl serine (PS) is an essential building block of all human cell membranes, but in particular the membranes of neurons, and the protective membranes of brain cell mitochondria. In several randomized control trials of PS for AD, PS showed benefits ranging from improvements in memory and concentration to better learning ability and socialization. Phosphatidyl serine in amounts of 100-200 mg per day is an effective means of mitochondrial protection, and supports healthy sleep patterns and stress tolerance as well.

Omega-3s In any strategy for mitochondrial membrane health, DHA and EPA, the omega-3 fatty acids from certain fish and marine life, are essential. These lipids keep membranes fluid, which makes mitochondria that function better and are less vulnerable to damage. Of the many studies demonstrating the protective benefit of Omega-3s for AD, one of the most impressive is the Rotterdam Study of 1997, which evaluated more than 5,000 participants aged 55 and older over the course of two years, and found that those with high fish consumption had lower risk of AD. To choose a good omega-3 supplement, look for a marine-sourced EPA/DHA from a manufacturer which adheres to pharmaceuticallevel production practices, is third-party assayed for contaminants (mercury, arsenic, cadmium, dioxins, PCBs), and is stabilized with natural antioxidants. These products are often molecularly distilled, and the label specifies the marine animals from which the oils are extracted (e.g. salmon, cod, mackerel, calamari, sardines, herring, krill). Depending on need, daily intake of DHA ranging from 500 to 2000 mg and of EPA from 750 to 3000 mg is nontoxic and has benefit not just for the brain but for the whole body.

Mighty Mito-nutrition The interrelationships between ROS, brain mitochondria, and specific nutrient antioxidants are complex, and it is becoming clear that not all antioxidants are equally good at protecting brain cell mitochondria from oxidative stress. Effective brain

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mitochondrial nutrients are able to cross the blood brain barrier, a protective blood vessel and membrane system whose job is to keep bacteria and toxins from reaching the brain. And just as healthy food contains multiple nutrients, it seems that combining several mitochondria-targeting antioxidants is likely to be of greatest benefit: the trend of research shows benefit for AD less from single nutrients than from combinations of multiple antioxidants. Acetyl-L-Carnitine, a version of the amino acid carnitine, participates in mitochondrial energy production by transporting nutrient fats into the mitochondria, and has antioxidant effects as well. Dr. Bruce Ames’ landmark 2002 study demonstrated reduced mitochondrial aging and lower measures of cognitive decline when Acetyl-L-Carnitine and the antioxidant Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) were both fed to elderly rats, and subsequent research has supported these observations. Similarly, NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine), an antioxidant amino acid which works with Alpha-Lipoic Acid to increase levels of a third very powerful antioxidant, Glutathione, has also been shown in animal studies to reduce markers of brain mitochondrial aging when given in combination with ALA and Vitamin E. Supplement formulations which provide this team of antioxidants would be excellent choices for brain protection. Population studies have indicated an association between low levels of Vitamins E and C in AD patients, and animal studies demonstrate improved mitochondrial and neurologic function with use of vitamin E. An exciting human study using high-dose vitamin E showed benefits to AD patients which a follow-up study failed to repeat; however this failure may have been due to the form of vitamin E used in the study. Mixed tocopherols (components of vitamin E) which contain a significant proportion of gamma-tocopherol are probably better sup-

Natural Nutmeg December 2012

port for AD treatment and prevention. Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant perhaps best known for its roles in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, and for protection from side effects of the statin group of cholesterol-lowering drugs. In recent years, though, it has been investigated as a promising approach for prevention and treatment of AD. Like Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Co Q10 acts as both a mitochondrial antioxidant and as a cofactor for mitochondrial energy production. With CoQ10, bioavailability is the name of the game, and new formulations using ultra-small micelle nanotechnology have better absorption and cellular availability. Daily intake of 100 to 600 mg or more (depending on your budget, as quality CoQ10 is pricey) may be one of the best health investments you can make. Melatonin is the hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain, most often used to improve sleep and reduce the effects of jet lag. Melatonin levels have been shown to be greatly reduced in AD, and it has been used for more than a decade for symptomatic treatment of the sleep problems and evening agitation common in AD patients. Melatonin has mitochondrial antioxidant properties, and animal studies have found it to be significantly protective against amyloid beta production and brain cell damage associated with oxidative stress. This may be a clue to the observed connection between chronic sleep deprivation and AD. While melatonin supplements of 1 to 3 mg at bedtime might be a safe way of improving melatonin levels, without doubt the best remedy for melatonin deficiency is to address underlying causes, whether that means getting more sleep, reducing stress, or evaluating and treating stress hormone and melatonin imbalances with the aid of functional laboratory testing. Possibilities for AD prevention and treatment are not limited to those which target

brain cell mitochondria; many other natural agents and lifestyle strategies have been identified which probably have multiple, integrated beneficial effects on the brain. These include botanical extracts made from the herb Withania somnifera and from Chinese Club Moss (Huperzia serrata); coconut oil; reducing elevations of the blood marker homocysteine and improving methylation processes with folic acid and other nutrients; slowing cellular aging by means of the group of nutrients known as sirtuins; balancing insulin and reducing inflammation through lifestyle and supplements; reducing body burden of the common neurotoxin mercury—all offer hope for managing risk and slowing progression of Alzheimer’s dementia. Resources “The Better Brain Book,” by David Perlmutter, M.D. and Carol Colman. “The UltraMind Solution,” by Mark Hyman, M.D. ‘Stop Alzheimer’s Now!” by Bruce Fife, N.D. “Brain-Building Nutrition: How Dietary Fats and Oils Affect Mental, Physical, and Emotional Intelligence,” by Michael A. Schmidt, Ph.D. “Magnificent Mind at Any Age,” by Daniel G. Amen, M.D. “Excitotoxins: The Taste that Kills,” by Russell L. Blaylock, M.D. Debra Gibson, N.D. practices naturopathic family medicine in her Ridgefield, CT office. She can be reached at 203-431-4443 or at drgibsonsoffice@sbcglobal.net. Check out her blog at www.debragibsonnd.com. See ad on page 12.

Qigong Medical Therapy: It’s Not Exercise!

ou’ve probably heard of Qigong as an exercise or martial art, but have you heard of Qigong medical therapy? Qigong medical therapy is based on the principle that when Qi (energy), which circulates throughout the body and mind, is balanced, a person will be healthy both mentally and physically. The basic principles of Qigong medical therapy are, quite simply: to strengthen the body, prevent and treat disease (using Chinese Medicine/Qigong medical methods), promote wisdom, bring out latent abilities, and prolong life.

The Body is an Organic Whole Practitioners view the body as an organic whole, consisting of Qi, blood, and tissues, all connected by a system of meridians. Unlike Western anatomy, in which the arteries bring nourishment to the organs and tissues of the body, and the veins, as well as certain organs, remove impurities, in Chinese Medicine the meridians are the pathways that bring both Qi and blood to the organs and tissues. They bring nutrition to the body, and control the internal organs and motor functions. As Grand Master Shih notes “…according to Qigong therapy the human body is not only an organic whole in relation to itself. It forms an organic whole with nature as well. This is an inescapable relationship. What exists outside the body is inside all of us. At the same time the human body is an inseparable part of nature. What is inside us is also in everything around us. To practice Qigong, we need to understand this intimate relationship between ourselves and the Universe. We strive to harmonize ourselves to the “rhythms of nature” and thus prevent disease, strengthen our minds and bodies, and treat disease.” (All of which is done according to Chinese Medicine/Qigong principles.)

Everything has Qi The concept of Qi—energy that is the fundamental life force— has been a part of Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine (The Nei Ching) has many references to Qi. Everything has Qi, even inanimate objects such as tables, cups, cars, etc.

My Approach I studied with Grand Master TK Shih, a fifth generation healer and author of Qigong Therapy (1995) and Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy Volume II: The Chinese Art of Healing with Energy (2010). Grand Master Shih and his students practice using the mind to garner the energy of the Universe, fill the Dan Tien (in Chinese Medicine the center of the body’s energy located in the lower abdomen is called the Dan Tien) with this energy, and move negative energy out of the body.

Building Jin, Qi, and Shen A trained Qigong medical therapist uses meditations to the Dan Tien, along the paths of the meridians and the organs of the body to build her own energy so that she can treat the patient. Her goal for both herself and her patients is to balance yin and yang and to have a correct mind (calm and peaceful), correct body (healthy and without negative energy), and correct breathing. Achieving these three ‘corrects’ builds Jin, Qi, and Shen (which work together and cannot exist without each other) and will give you good health, longevity and wisdom. There are two types of Jin – congenital Jin inherited from your parents, and acquired Jin which comes from what we eat. Jin, which is stored in the kidneys produces marrow, and forms the “basis of reproduction, growth, development and maturation.” [Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy Volume II: The Chinese Art of Healing with Energy (2011)]. Qi builds the body’s physiological functions and transports and circulates substances through the body. It also is responsible for warming the body and defending it from attack by disease. Shen is spiritual energy, and Jin and Qi must be present for Shen to exist. Again, as with Jin, there is congenital Shen (which you receive from your parents) and acquired Shen. Acquired Shen is the mental processes developed from birth throughout life and comes from interaction with the world. Because life exposes us to many emotions and desires, we often over-stress our acquired Shen. In Qigong medical therapy and practice we strive to control this acquired Shen and remove stress and distracting thoughts. Because all three act with each other we “Accumulate Shen to promote Qi and accumulate Qi to promote Jin. Refine Jin until it becomes Qi; refine Qi into Shen and refine Shen to emptiness.” (Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy, Volume II.) When the trained Qigong medical therapist practices regularly, she has sufficient Jin, Qi, and Shen to diagnose and treat both mental and physical illness, using traditional Qigong methods. My personal view is that Qigong medical therapy should be used as a compliNaturalNutmeg.com

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ment to Western Medicine. However, for thousands of years it has been used as the only form of treatment by many Chinese.

A Typical Treatment Session So how is Qigong medical therapy performed? There are three parts to a treatment session: taking a complete medical history, including what the Western diagnoses are and what medications have been prescribed, as well as having the patient give a good description of their symptoms; the diagnosis and treatment (using traditional Qigong methods); and teaching the patient basic Dan Tien meditation and problem-specific meditations. Just as with Western physical therapy, success can only be achieved when the patient is compliant and regularly does the meditations prescribed. Of course by now you are wondering what the therapist actually does to diagnose and treat (using traditional Qigong methods) the patient’s problems. The trained Qigong medical therapist uses the palm of her hand to scan a person’s body (never touching

the body but scanning from head to toe holding the hand about 12 inches above the body) to feel for energy imbalance, stagnation of Qi (which may present as heat in a part of the body which should be cold, or cold in a part of the body which should be warm), and negative energy in parts of the body which may be the cause of a patient’s pain. Many Masters and Grandmasters who have achieved a very high level in the practice of Qigong are able to meditate and remotely see into the patient’s body to diagnose stagnation, disorders of deficiency or excess, and pain. The therapist, after scanning the body, will use the palm of her hand to remove negative energy, stagnation, pain, etc., and the power of her mind to move that which threatens the body and mind deep into the ground. Next the therapist again uses her mind to garner Universal energy and using the palm of her hand fills the patient’s Dan Tien with this Universal energy. Lastly, she will scan the body again to make sure that yin and yang are balanced and that she has removed the stagnation, meridian blockage, and negative energy. During the third part of the session the Qigong medical therapist will teach the patient basic Dan Tien meditation, and meditations specific to the individual’s problem(s), whether physical, mental or both. As I noted earlier, the key to success and healing is practice. Many patients will feel the difference with one treatment. But healing will not take place without continued practice.

The History of Qigong Medical Therapy Just as there are many schools of Tai Chi, Tae Kwon Do, and other Eastern Martial Arts, there are many schools of Qigong medical therapy (in China alone there are at least 1000 registered schools of Qigong medical therapy), and each master teaches the basics a bit differently. Some use the exercise forms of Qigong along with the traditional Qigong methods of diagnosis and treatment. Some prescribe herbals as well as meditations and the exercise forms of Qigong (i.e. Master Hong Liu in Los Angeles). Historically, during the period in China known as the Cultural Revolution, the practice of Qigong was forbidden (1950-1976) as it was not considered to be based on science. However, since 1978 there has been resurgence in the interest in Qigong medical practice and scientific research into how it works and its efficacy, both in China and the United States. Thus there is now a huge body of scientific literature validating the efficacy of Qigong. There is an excellent bibliography of the literature in Ancient Wisdom from a Modern Master, The Healing Art of Qi Gong, Master Hong Liu (1977, 1999). Additional citations are available in an outstanding monthly online magazine, Yang-Sheng Nurturing Life (www/yang-sheng.com, created by Kevin Chen, Ph.D., M.P.H, a professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine) and at http://www.qigonginstitute.org. In closing, I leave you with Grand Master TK Shih’s mantra “no hurry, no worry, be happy.” I wish you all good strong Qi. Before becoming a Qi Healer in 2007, Joyce Krutick Craig spent 38 years as a lawyer and judge. It was during her husband’s battle with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma that she realized she wanted to pursue a career in Qi Healing. While he was ill, Joyce kept his pain under control with Qigong healing so that he did not need pain medication other than Tylenol until the last few months of his life. Returning to her Qigong teacher, Joyce became a certified Qigong Medical Therapist in April 2012. She practices from her home and will travel to patients unable to travel to her. See ad on page 24.

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Combating Alzheimer’s By Hannah Eucker, DO

any people might think Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a problem that doesn’t need addressing until one is in their 70s or 80s. Typically, we deal with Alzheimer’s in a parent or grandparent, but do not think twice about it developing insidiously in our own brains. Studies have shown that lesions consistent with severe cognitive decline develop within the brain years before symptoms manifest. In fact, those who develop Alzheimer’s likely had disease to the brain 30 to 40 years before symptoms appeared! This means it is never too early to take action toward brain health! For those who have not crossed paths with Alzheimer’s, AD is a degenerative disease of the brain leading to memory loss. The memory loss spans a range of signs, symptoms, and prognoses, and may occur as young as 50 years of age. The exact etiology is still unclear, but we do know that people with AD are found to have numerous deposits within their brain tissue called plaques and tangles upon autopsy. These deposits literally litter the brain. The dense growth of the plaques triggers an inflammatory reaction from the brain’s immune system that ends up harming or killing one’s own nerve cells through weapons such as free radicals. Why the plaques and tangles develop is an area that continues to elude scientists. Known risk factors include increased age, history of Alzheimer’s in a first-degree relative, head injury, female gender, and lower levels of formal education. Recent studies have shown that production of plaques may be due to reaction of the brain’s immune cells in fighting off Herpes Simplex Virus I (HSVI) in the brain. HSVI is the bug that causes the common cold sore, or canker sore, found on the lips and in the mouth. Seemingly harmless, HSVI may pose a more serious threat if it is truly linked to the pandemic of Alzheimer’s. Not that everyone who’s ever had a canker sore will develop AD. But the potential could be there given the right combination of factors.

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Taking Care of the Healthy Brain Because the brain is flesh and blood like any other organ, the health of the brain is significantly influenced by lifestyle choices. The best way to ensure a healthy brain is through health-promoting interventions such as good nutrition, balancing stress, and improving blood flow. Sound familiar? This approach is important for people who have been diagnosed with AD, and for those trying to ward it off. By bringing surviving neurons to their optimal potential and health, we may reverse, slow, or prevent many symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

Good Nutrition The high-fat, high-calorie diet that many Americans consume has resulted in a much higher incidence of AD. High-fat and highcalories create oxidative stress on the body, resulting in free radicals that damage brain cells. That’s not to say that all fats are bad. In fact, important to cognitive health are fish oils, especially salmon and tuna, which contain DHA, an omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid. Also beneficial are coconut and olive oils and fats from avocado. These healthy fats support and nurture brain cells, and when consumed at 15%-20% of total calorie intake, they reduce triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Fats to minimize are the animal fats, particularly when grilled, as this produces cancer-promoting carcinogens. Eating one grilled sirloin steak is equivalent to smoking 300 cigarettes!

Balancing Stress Neurobiologic research has shown that chronic unbalanced stress plays a powerful role in the development and progression of cognitive decline. In response to chronic stress, the adrenal glands release cortisol. Cortisol has an inhibitory effect on learning and memory. In a four-year study of subjects with average age of 70, those with the highest rise in cortisol showed significant deficit in memory, while the group with the lowest cortisol levels had no deficit in memory. Of those with high cortisol levels, symptoms included morning stress, tension, and anxiety, and could progress to Alzheimer’s without proper intervention. Stress-relieving techniques are shown to reduce cortisol levels and enhance cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s. Such techniques include meditation and an innovative mind-body exercise called kirtan kriya. Kirtan kriya is a specific brain exercise combining breathing, finger movements, and sound currents to induce a meditative state and to stimulate the central nervous system. This exercise has been shown through imaging to enhance blood flow to the brain and to increase oxygen delivery.

Improving Cerebral Blood Flow Physical exercise, if done consistently, can delay development of AD by increasing cerebral blood flow. This promotes production of nerve growth factors, which are important for brain health. Physical exercise and aerobic conditioning has shown to improve some aspects of mental function by 20%-30%. Meditation is another way to enhance blood flow to the brain. The kirtan kriya noted above is a type of meditation. It aids in relieving chronic, unbalanced stress by decreasing cortisol levels. Meditation has also been shown to lower free-radical levels, leading to a longer life expectancy in meditators than in non-meditators. There are many types of meditation. The key is to pick the right type for you and make it part of your daily routine.

Additional Approaches Cognitive exercises also are important in management and prevention of Alzheimer’s. Activities such as crossword puzzles, music, and art can stimulate dendritic sprouting in the brain, which enhances or maintains cognitive ability. Also consider nutritional supplements, especially the B complex vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, phosphatidylserine, Coenzyme Q10, ginko biloba, and omega-3 fatty acid DHA. The bottom line in combatting Alzheimer’s Disease is the same as when warding off any chronic degenerative disease. By developing healthy habits now, in the form of good nutrition, stress management, cardiovascular exercise, and meditation, one may not only bring health to their own brain and bodies, but can provide inspiration to those around them. It’s never too late, so get started on your way to a healthy brain today! Hannah Eucker, DO, is a board-certified osteopathic physician in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. She currently works at the Osteopathic Wellness Center in Ridgefield, CT where a holistic, hands-on approach is incorporated with nutritional guidance and mind-body support to achieve optimal health and healing. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit www.osteopathicwellness.net or call 203-438-9915. See ad on page 23.

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Ashley Burkman, ND

Sluggish Metabolism... Physiology or Lifestyle to Blame?

he answer could be both! It is well known the thyroid gland is considered the regulator of our metabolism, and without proper thyroid function, our metabolism can suffer. However, if we do not give the body proper nutrition to maintain optimum functioning, a decrease in physiological processing can be the end result. Our metabolism, or basal metabolic rate, is the amount of energy, in the form of calories that your body burns to maintain itself. Calories are expended for brain power, kidney function and liver processes, just to name a few. Metabolism is a continuous process that goes on every moment of your day, even when you are sleeping! With every organ of the body reliant on energy, our metabolic rate is a large player in our overall health.

Symptoms of a slow or low metabolism While symptoms of a low metabolic rate can vary, common symptoms can include: • Fatigue o Waking unrefreshed in the morning o Feeling tired at various times of the day o Lack of stamina • Brain fog or lack of mental clarity o Forgetfulness o Inability to focus • Weight gain o Lack of weight loss even with exercise and diet o Weight gain without changing dietary habits • Dry skin o Dry and cracked skin o Dry eyes or lips • Constipation o Lack of bowel movement for 2 or more days o Dry or hard bowel movements • Other symptoms o Hair loss o Weakness o Joint aches and pains o Menstrual irregularities in females o Temperature intolerances o Depression

When the thyroid goes awry It is important to rule out any physiological causes for low metabolism, including hypothyroidism. Blood tests can be run to determine your level of TSH, or thyroid stimulating hormone, which is routinely done to screen for hypothyroidism. TSH comes from the pituitary gland, knocks on the door of the thyroid gland, and asks for it to release a hormone called T4. T4 then comes from the thyroid to the periphery to be converted to T3, which is the active form of thyroid hormone, the type that maintains metabolic rate. Tests can also be run to determine your levels of T4 and T3 hormones. 20

Natural Nutmeg December 2012

There are several intermediate nutrients that are essential in the derivation of and conversion of T4 to T3, including: L-tyrosine, iodine, zinc, selenium and copper. When these nutrients are low due to lack of dietary intake or lack of absorption, the active from of thyroid hormone ceases to be produced in sufficient amounts to support proper metabolism.

Reasons for low metabolism 1. Medications Several medications can inhibit the absorption of the nutrients needed for active thyroid hormone production including proton pump inhibitors, anti-cancer medications and antibiotics to name a few. 2. Diet Vegetarians are at a higher risk of becoming zinc and L-tyrosine deficient as these nutrients are commonly found in high amounts in meat products. However, soy, some seeds and nuts, and fruits contain L-tyrosine while pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate and peanuts contain zinc. Brazil nuts, seeds and fish are great sources of selenium while oysters, sesame seeds and cocoa are high in copper. Iodine is found in highest amounts in sea vegetables like seaweed and kelp. Ensuring a balanced diet rich in all metabolism intermediate minerals and amino acids will aid in the maintenance of proper thyroid hormone conversion.

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3. Lack of exercise Exercise reduces fat mass and increases muscle mass. Muscle is much more metabolically active than fat is, meaning calories are burned even while at rest! When we don’t exercise, our body readily depletes our muscle mass and replaces it with fat mass which further slows metabolic rate. 4. Stress Stress can also be a component in decreased thyroid function. The body releases the hormone cortisol when under stress, which has been shown to inhibit the conversion of T4 to T3 when circulating in high amounts in the body. Therefore, stress management can play a huge role in improving metabolism.

How to determine Metabolic Rate? A calculation can be done based on your height, weight, gender and age to determine your basal metabolic rate. Basal Metabolic Rate Calculator:

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Based on this calculation, in addition to making adjustments for your daily activity and exercise, you come to a grand total of daily calories to be consumed in a day to maintain proper functioning. Your body runs much like a machine; all the parts and proper fuel help it to run optimally. Checking in with a mechanic for a tune-up or diagnostic scan can ensure your body is running optimally.

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Holiday Traditions... Are They Your Friend or Foe? By Dr. Patrick DeFrancesco

“

on’t worry. You’re skinny. Eat! It’s only once a year!” These words still ring in my ears from my Italian family upbringing. I have memories of a multitude of celebrations that mainly revolved around eating. My mother would begin to make the Christmas cookies just prior to Thanksgiving. An assortment of tins would be loaded with a variety of these delicious treats. As kids, we would sneak a few from each tin and devour them. Mom would get upset… and then make some more. That “once a year” became “months a year,” during which cookies were a staple in our home. More than likely your family has similar traditions during the holidays, which involve eating from around Thanksgiving straight through to January. Every year, we indulge in huge midday feasts and very often find ourselves in a food coma on the couch by the time the second football game rolls around (or by the time we should be doing the dishes!). The connection between holidays and food has been in existence since the beginning of time. These tempting traditions challenge our health and send us off-course from our normal eating patterns. Perhaps this is why health clubs across the country are at maximum capacity from January through February. Masses of people make resolutions to get in shape and lose the extra weight gained during the holiday season. The strange phenomenon is that when these people begin to look and feel better, they vanish from the health clubs until the following year.

One Meal can Increase Fat Storage, Cholesterol and Blood Pressure What I propose is balance and moderation. We must enjoy the holidays while not allowing them to revolve entirely around food. Yes, it is difficult indeed to shift years of habit, so please understand that I am not suggesting that we just eat salad during the holidays. Instead, limit snacks and empty carbohydrates and avoid having one large meal per day. All too often, our celebrations include the one big meal tradition. When we eat like this, however, it sends our digestive process into a tailspin, requiring digestion of large amounts of food at one time. It makes the body sluggish and most of the nutrients from that meal are stored as fat. It also has been determined that a one meal gorge can cause significant increases in total cholesterol and blood pressure. So this season, please realize that this eating tradition is not your friend.

Eat Three to Five Small Meals for Health and Energy Instead, try nibbling on healthier foods throughout the day, with three to five smaller meals. You will have more energy, fewer digestive issues and be less likely to fall into a couch coma. It also promotes lower cholesterol levels, consistent blood sugar levels and less accumulation of body fat. If Grandma’s cookies are too tempting to resist, eat these sugary treats (in moderation of course) prior to some kind of physical exertion or exercise. Your body will use this sugar first as its fuel source. Helping the body to burn off the sugar quickly prevents an increase in fat storage and reduces insulin production, thus reducing the risk of adult onset diabetes and other health related problems.

A Time of Reflection, Connection and CPR Holiday traditions are about so much more than food. They are a time of reflection and connection for individuals and families, as well as a time to create even more pleasant memories. Traditions that we practice represent, or are associated with, important truths that we don’t want to lose sight of. Yes, some traditions are just lighthearted fun, but even lighthearted fun is very important for our health and well-being. This season could be a great time to think less about food and more about your personal CPR. No this is not cardio pulmonary resuscitation, but the context, purpose and result of your life. I always suggest creating one for the first quarter of the New Year. Context is what defines you as a person or how you see

Natural Nutmeg December 2012

yourself. Purpose is your reason for context, and results are what will come of this. This is a time to think about where you are heading and perhaps about the positive changes you wish to see in your life. We must be grateful for what we have, especially health, family and career. Holiday time-off from work allows us to step back and take in all the beauty in our lives. This is a good time to share, listen and assist. So, you see, traditions are what we make them and are so much more than a meal and treats. Take a different path this holiday season, the one less travelled. Try to find inner peace and purpose in your life. Resist the media temptations and commercialization that surround us. Brainstorm with your family to find new creative ways in which to celebrate this holiday season. Perhaps with more physical activity and less junk food, with more grazing and less bingeing, with less television and more music for the soul, you can make this year’s celebration of holiday traditions your friend instead of your foe. Practice moderation and balance; remove anxiety, fear and unrealistic expectations. Are holiday traditions your friend or foe? I say they’re a new friend that is just waiting to be called upon. Enjoy. Submitted by Dr. Patrick DeFrancesco of Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury. For more information, contact 860-657-8800 or visit www.glastonburychiro.com.

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Supplements 101

Kara Burkhart, ND

Resveratrol: The Benefits of the ‘French Paradox’ in a Pill!

esveratrol is a naturally occurring plant chemical categorized as a polyphenol and known to be a powerful antioxidant. It is famous for being in red wine but also is present in peanuts, soybeans, Japanese knotweed, white mulberry, pines and pomegranates. Resveratrol is most concentrated in the skin, seeds and stems of grape plants, particularly the pinot noir variety. Plants make this chemical as protection against pests and ultraviolet exposure. Interestingly, grape vines will drastically increase levels of resveratrol in response to gray mold, the same mold sometimes seen on strawberries. In humans, resveratrol is a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular protectant with anticancer and anti-aging effects. It is known to protect the brain from effects of aging and plague formation.

The Importance of Resveratrol & The French Paradox Cardiovascular disease remains the main cause of death worldwide, making any effective preventative measure extremely compelling. The ‘French Paradox’ is a phenomenon where, despite the same risk factors as the average U.S. citizen, the French have a relatively low incidence of Coronary Heart Disease. The observation was puzzling until the discovery of resveratrol in red wine. The French consumed relatively large amounts of saturated fat, smoked cigarettes, and were not known to be avid exercisers but had much less heart disease than seen in the U.S. Yes, the French love their wine but what was it in their wine that, in turn, loves their hearts? Other countries where red wine is commonly consumed also demonstrate the French Paradox.

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Reduce Your Risk for Cardiovascular Disease Anyone with risk factors for cardiovascular disease could benefit from taking resveratrol. Engaging in preventative medicine by actively addressing underlying blood vessel inflammation with antioxidants like resveratrol may decrease one’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Recognized risk factors for cardiovascular disease include being overweight, having diabetes or high blood pressure, tobacco use, having high cholesterol, and consuming relatively high levels of alcohol, salt, and saturated fat. Research is demonstrating that underlying inflammation is central to the development of cardiovascular disease and may be much more important to target in treatment than traditional high cholesterol levels. Through potentially lowering inflammation in the blood vessels, resveratrol should be a cornerstone therapy for cardiovascular disease prevention.

How Does Resveratrol Work in the Human Body? Protection of the blood vessels occurs through resveratrol halting the inflammatory processes that contributes to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a buildup of plaque in artery walls. This plaque can eventually clog the artery lumen and lead to occlusion or blockage of blood flow like a boulder in a stream. A stroke can occur when a portion of the plague dislodges causing a blockage or damage like a tear further downstream along the circulatory system. It is absolutely astounding that a person does not typically have symptoms of the occlusion, pain for instance, until 90% of a blood vessel is blocked. Your body, in its innate wisdom, may be able to compensate and find other avenues for blood flow, called collateral circulation. At some point, the inflammation and atherosclerosis continues, leading to a cardiac event. This is why preventative measures like resveratrol are so crucial. One is unaware of the problem until it is too late and some damage has been done to the circulatory system.

Health Benefits of Resveratrol The many actions and mechanisms whereby resveratrol is useful in the body include: antidiabetic (blood sugar stabilizer), decreases insulin resistance, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antithrombotic, endothelial protectant, anti-obesity, reduces oxidized LDL, decreases cholesterol, increases bile acid excretion, and raises nitric oxide.

Drinking More Red Wine May Not be the Answer The French Paradox has established that regular, moderate consumption of red wine is cardioprotective. Of course, any potential health benefit of an alcoholic beverage is very controversial. Putting the calories aside, heavy alcohol consumption is well known for many detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system. On the other

hand, alcohol itself may be antiatherogenic and protective against vessel inflammation but is often abused and associated with serious negative implications for society and the individual. A glass of red wine has between 100-150 calories depending on the grape variety and glass size. A slice of pizza has a comparable calorie amount. Consumption of wine has sobering caloric implications. Grapes are harvested at the highest sugar concentration to enhance flavor and wine production. If you are drinking wine, it is common to have more than one glass, making your sugar and overall caloric intake fairly high. As a nation, we need to reduce sugar intake and prevent obesity. Taking into account that being overweight is a risk factor for heart disease, it is not advisable to start a red wine drinking habit. If you drink wine already (with moderation, of course), the best choice would be Pinot Noir as that variety of grape has the highest concentration of resveratrol.

The Trans-Resveratrol Supplement

trans-resveratrol as opposed to a mixed or cis form. Only the trans chemical form is active in the body. Effective dose is 250 mg daily.

Other Supplements for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention A comprehensive treatment plan would include diet, exercise, smoking cessation, in addition to thinking about Green Tea, Omega 3 fatty acids, hawthorne berry extract, and many more supplements. Stress reduction and working on psychological wellbeing are crucial to heart health. Please consider looking further into the power of positive relationships in your life. Kara Burkhart is a naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist in West Hartford, CT. She is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Bridgeport Naturopathic Medicine Program and on staff at New England Integrative Health Associates. See ad on page 5.

Resveratrol is in the marketplace in pill form as an over-the-counter dietary supplement and is readily available. Always take

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Calming Guilt-Induced Stress By Alison Caldwell-Andrews, PhD

lthough many people struggle with guilt-induced stress throughout the year it seems especially prevalent during the winter holidays. So what better time is there than now to give yourself the gift of less worry? One of the worst things about guilt-induced stress is that people who experience it feel like they deserve it! Most people with this kind of stress don’t do anything about it in order to feel better. Or, if they do something, it’s a feeble attempt that’s not enough to actually fix the worrying problems. Often, we are satisfied with resolving to quit worrying. You probably already know how well this works. Not only is it hard to quit worrying by simply telling yourself to stop, it’s even harder to actively work toward resolving guilt that you believe you deserve. You are under stress and the body reacts to that stress as if it were any other kind of stress. Relax. There are solutions and they aren’t complicated. They just take some work and determination. You can be in a powerful position to resolve guilt-induced stress.

Stress Response The body’s stress response is meant to help you handle the extra demand that stress places on your functioning. This response is therefore thought of as adaptive, meaning it’s helpful. But it’s meant to be temporary, so it’s only helpful for a little while. Long-term stress (and guilt-induced stress can qualify) has a chronic effect on the body that results in overall damage.

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How Your Body Reacts Theory suggests a three-stage response to stress: 1. The alarm reaction, (fight or flight) sets off adrenalin and cortisol resulting in increased heart rate, blood pressure, more glucose in the blood, and more awareness of your surroundings. Some people call this awareness hypervigilance, meaning that you are more watchful than average. Many people who struggle with guilt recognize themselves as being hypervigilant at times. 2. A resistance stage where your body operates at a higher level of functioning than before the stress. This is the body’s coping ability; it’s meant to help you survive as you find ways to solve the problem. 3. Exhaustion happens when you don’t solve the problem and stress continues. Reactions to the exhaustion stage can include depression, illness, anxiety, gastrointestinal difficulties, muscle tension, etc. The body needs help to recover and reduce stress. Your body wasn’t made to linger in problems. The stress response is meant to be a short-term energy boost to help you manage stress while you solve the problem. All too often, we feel helpless or hopeless and don’t move toward problem-solving. Understanding how to regulate your emotions can help you use your feelings to your advantage instead of being sidelined by them.

Calm the Stress When it’s not possible to solve the problem right away, you can still help yourself by acting on these three things to help your body better manage stress: 1. Diaphragmatic Breathing Everyone’s heard that you should breathe to help with stress, but many people don’t know how to do this or why it’s that important. One of the things that is most helpful to your entire body functioning is a reliable supply of oxygen. Deep breathing helps release toxins and manage pain. It promotes relaxation in muscles and in the mind, improves blood oxygenation and nourishes the nervous system (the brain, spinal cord and nerves). It strengthens the heart and lungs and helps burn excess fat more efficiently! Perhaps most relevant is that deep breathing immediately engages your body’s parasympathetic nervous system, countering the stress response. So, now that you are (hopefully) much more interested in breathing, here’s how to do it: Breath all the way into your abdomen, not just into your chest. If you place a hand on your chest and a hand on your stomach, the hand on your chest should not move and the hand on your stomach should move as much as you can make it move by breathing deeply. Imagine your stomach is filling up like a balloon with the air you are breathing in. Then, slightly open your mouth and breathe out gently. Think about making the sound

of a gentle breeze through the trees as you breathe out. Focus all your attention just on these physical sensations. 2. Prescribed Worry Time This may sound a little nutty, but research supports the use of planned worry time if you find that you are constantly ruminating (ruminating is thinking about things without any problem solving; just turning problems over and over in your mind). Here’s what this means: simply write down the things you are worried about that you aren’t really able to solve right now. Instead of thinking about them throughout the day, choose a time period (say 15 minutes) when you will think about them. If your mind turns to any of these worries at other times, you have to tell yourself that no, you’ll think about them at your worry time. Then, when it’s your worry time, the only thing you’re allowed to do is worry about those things. Nothing else! 3. Support Your Stressed Body with Adaptogens You may think that your only options are taking an anti-anxiety medication (something like Valium, or a similar addictive benzodiazepine) or suffering. Smile—there are other options: Adaptogens are plants that have been shown to help the body’s response to stress, and to help prevent or reduce the exhaustion phase of the stress response. A large number of clinical research studies show that adaptogenic herbs have a wide range of positive effects on your body, all pointed to protecting the body from damage by stress. For example, Eleutherococcus senticosus (AKA Siberian Ginseng) stimulates your immune response so you are less likely to get sick as a result of stress, boosts your mood so you are less likely to get depressed, and (among many other things) improves liver, heart and blood pressure functioning. Rhodiola rosea improves clarity of the mind and boosts alertness, relieving fatigue even during stress, improving memory, and boosting endocrine system functioning. Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera) helps fatigue, anxiety, cloudy thinking and nervous exhaustion. A number of different adaptogens beyond these three examples (or combinations) are available to help you better manage the effects of stress on your body, but you should always seek the advice of your doctor before taking any herbs or medication. When looking for adaptogens be sure to choose a quality preparation. This is true particularly when it comes to the judicious use of herbal medicines. Dr. Caldwell-Andrews is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist offering examination, diagnosis, treatment and consulting services for persons confronted with a range of emotional, behavioral and relationship problems. Individual and group therapies are offered. In addition, Dr Caldwell-Andrews is an entertaining and informative public speaker on topics of mind-body health and motivation. For more information visit www.caldwellandrews.com. See ad on page 36.

Elisabeth Moss

Expressive Art Groups & Workshops 2013

Express your visual voice & discover creative wellbeing! “Artmaking & Spirituality- A Path to the Divine” Womens 6 wk. group, Wed 5:30-8:30pm. 1/16 - 2/27, 2013. “Get Your Toes Wet –Intro To Expressive Art” ~ Sat. Jan 12th, 12:30-3:30pm. “Art & Yoga- Partners In Play” with Leslie Gordon ~ Feb 16th, 1:30-4:30. To register or for more information contact Elisabeth Moss BFA 12 Old Farms Rd Avon, CT • 860.550.0882 • www.elisabethmoss.com

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Urgent:

Complementary Preventive Medicine for Heart Disease, Diabetes & Cancer Complementary medicine: A group of diagnostic and therapeutic disciplines that are used together with conventional medicine. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) can include . . . diet therapy, herbalism, [and] nutritional therapy. ~www.MedicineNet.com

o you ever wonder if it is important to maintain your healthy diet and/or take your nutritional supplements? Wonder no longer. In the near future, due to the reduced availability of physicians and economic constraints, conventional medicine will likely be even less equipped than it is now to address your degenerative and other diseases. The only answer is to take steps today to prevent heart disease, diabetes, and cancer tomorrow.

The Urgency of Complementary Preventive Medicine On August 15, 2012, John C. Goodman, president of the National Center for Policy Analysis, unwittingly made the case for the immediate widespread use of complementary preventive medicine. He wrote these haunting words in the Wall Street Journal: “Are you having trouble finding a doctor who will see you? If not, give it another year and a half. A doctor shortage is on its way. Most provisions of the Obama health law kick in on January 1, 2014. Within the decade after that, an additional 30 million people are expected to acquire health plans – and if the economic studies are correct, they will try to double their use of the health-care system… The health-care system can’t possibly deliver on the huge increase in demand for primarycare services.” Based on his analysis of supply and demand, Goodman concluded: “I predict that in the next several years concierge medicine will grow rapidly…We will quickly evolve into a two-tiered health-care system, with those who can afford it getting more care and better care.” So, what to do? Certainly, saving money for future concierge medical care makes sense. But you also can invest in other important health-related measures today that may provide you even better insurance than what any insurance company will ever be able to give you.

Key Complementary Approaches

Extensive clinical research supports the use of various natural remedies to bolster the immune system and reduce the risk of numerous diseases, including heart disease, Type II diabetes, and even cancer.

Natural Nutmeg December 2012

Preventing Heart Disease

Chronic heart disease (CHD) is the #1 killer in the United States. You have a higher risk for a heart attack, stroke, or death from CHD, if you are age 65 or older, male, a post-menopausal female, African/ Mexican/Native American, or have a family history of CHD. You also can dramatically increase your risk for CHD if you smoke, suffer from unmanaged stress, anger or anxiety, or are diabetic, obese, or physically inactive. Nutrition experts recommend these research-supported supplements to maximize heart health: (1) CoQ10/Ubiquinol, Acetyl L-Carnitine, D-Ribose, & Magnesium+Potassium – promote proper heart function and production of cellular energy, and protect cardiovascular cells; (2) Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) – deficiency of this vitaminhormone, rampant in this country, is linked with a dramatically increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD); (3) Vitamin E (100% Natural, Mixed Tocopherols) - more than 6,000 studies substantiate the role of this vitamin in preventing and treating CVD; one large World Health Organization study reported that a low blood level of vitamin E was more than twice as predictive of a heart attack as either elevated cholesterol or hypertension; (4) Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) (Fish Oil) – EFAs reduce inflammation, promote normal blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, reduce stiffness and improve vascular function by promoting proper blood-vessel dilation, and reduce the risk of fatal arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death; (5) Nattokinase – this fermented soybean-derived enzyme combats blood clotting, an independent risk factor for CVD, and reduces LDL and total serum cholesterol.

Preventing Type II Diabetes The risk factors for Type II are: age over 40; being of African, Asian or Native American, or Latino descent; sedentary lifestyle; poor diet; overweight/obesity; smoking; certain prescription drugs; and genetics. In Reversing Diabetes, Julian Whitaker, M.D., maintains that patients can take various steps to prevent this condition. Many nutritional supplements are indicated in the treatment of the various complications attendant to Type II, among them: (1) Berberine: in a 2008 Metabolism study, researchers compared a plant alkaloid called berberine to prescription metformin (Glucophage), and found that 500 mg of the berberine taken three times daily for three months outperformed the world’s most popular diabetes drug; (2) Bilberry: two key flavonoids in this fruit reduce blood glucose levels; (3) Chromium (Chromemate/GTF): this trace mineral combats insulin resistance, and facilitates uptake of glucose in the cells and aids in weight loss;

(4) Gymnema Sylvestre: an herb that stimulates pancreatic production of insulin; (5) Magnesium: frequently deficient in Type II diabetics, this mineral increases the number and sensitivity of insulin receptors, and helps correct carbohydrate intolerance; (6) Silymarin (Standardized): an antioxidant flavonoid from the herb milk thistle, silymarin lowers/stabilizes blood glucose levels and protects the liver, the most important tissue involved in insulin utilization; (7) Vanadium/Vanadyl Sulfate - this highly effective trace mineral mimics insulin.

Preventing Cancer Extensive research establishes that cancer can be prevented through the dietary modulation of cell signaling pathways and nutrient-gene interactions. While each type of cancer calls for a unique nutritionally supportive protocol, there are numerous supplements that have been clinically shown to reduce the risk of this widespread disease, including:

Resveratrol

According to Life Extension Foundation, resveratrol represents a multiple-prong approach to prevention and treatment of cancers because it acts by so many different mechanisms. This derivative of red grapes, a powerful antioxidant, interferes with the initiation, promotion, and progression of carcinogenesis. In fact, it provides greater protection against DNA damage (i.e., gene mutation) than vitamins C, E, or beta-carotene, restores glutathione levels, and greatly reduces inflammation, which is linked to tumor promotion. Dosage, delivery method, tumor origin, and other components of diet could all contribute to the efficacy of resveratrol treatment.

Curcumin/BCM95

All cancers have abnormally high levels of the cytokine NF-kappaB, a protein complex that acts like a switch to turn on the genes that produce the body’s inflammatory responses. Studies indicate that curcumin (especially as patented BCM95), a polyphenol in the herb turmeric, safely combats inflammation and pain principally by inhibiting NF-kappaB. Curcumin also reduces inflammation by inhibiting other cytokines and COX-2 and 5-LOX activity.

Sulforaphane

Free radicals damage cells and can cause cancer by wearing down the immune system. Several studies have documented the cancer-preventive activity of sulforaphane, a chemical in cruciferous vegetables (including broccoli sprouts), which combats the injurious effects of free radicals by switching on a set of antioxidant genes and enzymes in specific immune cells. Sulforaphane thus can control many cancer-related events, including carcinogen detoxification, promoting cancer cell death, blocking the cell cycle required for cancer cell replication, preventing tumor invasion into healthy tissue, and battling metastasis. Other well-researched cancer protective nutrients include gingerol and zerumbone from ginger, EFAs in fish oil, and soy isoflavones.

Conclusion With proper guidance from an experienced alternative healthcare practitioner, nutritional supplements, diet, and healthy lifestyle changes can together protect against cancer. It is critical not only to take the right supplements, but also the right doses for an adequate time period, and to make a lifetime commitment to healthy dietary and lifestyle habits. Submitted by Michael Dworkin, P.D.,M.S., a Registered Pharmacist and Connecticut Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CT Cert 232), with J. Erika Dworkin, Certified Lifestyle Educator, Dip.C.N./Board Cert. Holistic Nutrition (pending).Owner of the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe (860.646.8178, 378 West Middle Turnpike, Manchester), Pharmacist Dworkin has been guiding patients since 1956 and is available for consultation by appointment. Erika is available to speak to groups. References are available upon request. The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The natural remedies discussed herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. See ad on page 5.

EGCG Extract

EGCG from green tea is one of the most extensively studied natural chemopreventive agents. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of ovarian, breast, prostate, and colon cancer cells. EGCG blocks NF-kappaB and increases anti-angiogenisis.

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The Power of Your Creative Heart By Elisabeth Moss, BFA

e all are creative, whether we think so or not. Practically everything we do involves using our creative abilities. From how we communicate, to making a soup or building a beach fort; from selecting our clothes, to caressing an infant with the depth of our love; from stacking stones into cairns, to getting down-and-dirty in the garden; from spontaneously sharing your lunch with a stranger, to asking your boss for a raise; from sewing a Halloween costume, to praying for those in pain. We are all naturally, irrepressibly, creative, unless we have become blocked. Most people I know, including myself, can become blocked to some degree or another. In our goal-oriented, outer-focused culture, creative ennui, is, unfortunately very common. When we block our creative flow, wittingly or not, we can feel adrift in a flat internal landscape. We are missing our soul mate within, our creative spark, the fire in our heart that we are all born with. How can we go about resuscitating our creative juice? In addition to a wealth of books, creative classes and workshops on this topic, I would like to share a few of practices and ideas I have found useful in opening and living from my own creative heart.

I Say Yes to My Heart and No to Distractions An initial step in reviving or jumpstarting creative connection is simply saying yes to my heart and no to the jillion reasons my mind invents to keep me from showing up for my juicy self; all the soulless distractions that ultimately leave me feeling hungry and blah. We all have our favorites.

A Clearing Meditation Another vital step to connecting with your own authentic creative voice involves naming and clearing internal obstacles or negative self talk. While there are many paths to clearing internal debris, I offer you a clearing meditation that was inspired by Geshe Tenzin Wangal’s excellent article “Three Steps to Creativity,” Shambhala Sun, November 2012. Identify a primary internal obstacle, by noticing your internal dialogue. For example, “I can’t draw”, “No one will like what I have to say”, or “I’m not good enough”. Let this thought go for now and sit comfortably. Close your eyes and relax into the spaciousness of your breath. Take long, slow, smooth, easy breaths in and out, letting your thoughts go, bringing your awareness to your breath. Rest in the openness of your mind and silence, as you breathe in this gentle rhythm for several minutes. From this place of openness, bring your primary obstacle into your awareness. See it nakedly without judgment or interpretations. Now take in a deep breath of pure awareness and light, and bring it directly into the image or energetic felt sense of the obstacle you got in touch with earlier. On your exhale, breathe out this obstacle and experience it dissolving into space. Re30

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peat this letting go if it feels right. Rest here gently for a few minutes. Once the shadow of negative self talk has stepped aside, begin to cultivate and visualize an inner sense of your unlimited possibilities. Open to the realization that you are not only more than you had always thought you were, but your entire being is full of infinite beauty and creative richness. Breathe into this expansion for several minutes or longer. Trust your own knowing. From here, you can begin to nurture a sense of warmth. Sitting or lying down, breathe in a natural easy and full way. Feel your in-breath and your out-breath connected and smooth, like waves coming up on the shore and flowing back into the sea. Now bring your awareness to your heart and to the crown of your head. Imagine as you breathe, these areas are softening and opening. With each in-breath, visualize light, sweetness, and compassion flowing in through the top of your head and slowly pouring down through your entire body, saturating all the molecules of your whole being with love. Rest for several minutes or longer, basking in the peace and fullness-of-heart you have received.

Ideas and Images Arise As I welcome my own heart in quiet, whatever I am called to authentically express is revealed to me through ideas and images that arise spontaneously within. Our creative life speaks to each of us in a unique language, when we listen with kind attention.

Letting Go, and Being Present At the point when I ‘show up’ and begin creating, there are two things that really foster the flowering and unfolding of my authentic voice. The first one is letting go of my attachment to the outcome and being fully present in the moment-by-moment process. The second one is releasing perfection. The practice of becoming aware and letting go of these creative constrictors opens the way for more joy, surprises, beautiful ‘accidents’ and discoveries of hidden power that just channel through me when I let go of being in control and the

need to know how it’s all going to turn out. At times it feels like the painting is painting itself, and I am merely carrying out the sacred creative deed. Releasing grandiose goals and comparisons to others frees the simple innocence of our creative spark to show up as is; to be exactly who we are now. No matter how long we have been away from our creative expression, like a faithful dog it is ever-ready and eager for our return and attention. Creativity gushes with the welcoming arms of spacious unconditional acceptance. Though the tools and attitudes I have shared require practice, patience and perseverance, the willingness to begin fans the flame within, just by opening the door.

Give Your Unique Gift to the World We each carry a unique creative thumbprint; like snowflakes, we manifest in a multitude of expressions. To love ours into being is not only a tremendous gift to ourselves, but adds to the collective harmony and peace of our planet.

In closing I offer a beautiful and fitting quote by Martha Graham. “There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium, and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable, nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to stay open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open!” Elisabeth Moss BFA, Certified Expressive Art Facilitator, offers Expressive Art Workshops and Groups, Individual Creative Coaching, and Paintings and Commissions. For a schedule of upcoming creativity groups and workshops and current art exhibits please visit www. elisabethmoss.com. For more information write to elisabethmossart@ gmail.com or call 860-550-0882. See ad on page 27.

Taking Care

With Cynthia Ebanks, R.N. Providing, support, guidance and inspiration for families challenged by illness, injury and dementia.

When Is It Time To Get Help At Home? When is it time to get home care assistance? How do I make that decision? And when? These are the questions families struggle with as they attempt to balance a loved ones changing needs with their own ability to provide ongoing care. The decision to find help for a loved one is rarely easy. Bringing in a new person into a settled life always presents anxiety triggered by change in one’s environment. Whether the change is easy or hard depends on a number of factors: ensuring that the personal match is as compatible as possible will help, as well as creating a care plan that addresses the unique personal requirements for particular client. Another indicator of the need for help is major changes in mental status. Whether due to psychological issues, or one of the various forms of dementia, your loved ones can suffer a change in their ability to perceive and interact with the world around them. When this happens, then home care can provide a safety net for the person affected. The decline in activities is usually a gradual process and a spouse or other family member accommodates for the decline more and more over time, until they’re providing fulltime care. A homecare service can offer relief for that person before it becomes unmanageable. When is it time to get help? The final answer is really a simple one: the right time is when a person needs more help than they can provide for themselves or their family can provide for them. Listen to the messages and always act from a place of love and concern

Assisted Living In The Home As a registered nurse with specialized training in dementia and Alzheimer’s, Cynthia Ebanks founded and operates New England Nightingales. Her value added service is dedicated to hleping families in the Farmington Valley area provide for loved ones in their home environment. Call or click for more information, or to arrange for a free home assesment.

860-767-7786

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Great Gluten Free Grains By Vicki Kobliner MS RD, CD-N

igh-carb or lower-carb? Gluten-free or gluten-loving? Vegetarian or carnivore? Regardless of your dietary choices, these terrific grains can add variety, great taste and super nutrition to your menu.

Protein, Fiber, Vitamins, Minerals, and Flavor

be cooked into a porridge, popped like corn (although the kernels are tiny!) or made into a sweet cake called Alegria, similar to a healthier version of a puffed rice treat.

Quinoa (keen-waa)

They all are richer in protein than typical grains, and usually contain more fiber, vitamins and minerals as well. In addition, they provide pleasing and interesting flavor to a meal. Many can be boiled in stock or water like rice, and as flakes they make a great cereal. They all are gluten free, but even gluten lovers can enjoy the unique flavors and nutritional benefits. While the flour made from these grains is not a one-to-one replacement for wheat flour in baking, a combination of gluten free grains can step in remarkably well. If you haven’t sampled any or all of the options below, consider adding one to this week’s menu.

Quinoa is considered a nearly perfect food, supplying the best balance of nutrients of not only grains, but almost any animal or plant food. Another pseudo-cereal like amaranth, quinoa is actually from the grass family, and more closely related to beets and spinach. It contains complete protein, fiber and potassium, and is one of the few grains that has more protein than carbohydrate—a boon for carb-watchers. Quinoa can be eaten hot or cold, cooked like rice, toasted, made into porridge, used in energy bars, and is available as pasta. It is important to rinse before preparation, as the grains are covered in a bitter coating which is a great natural pesticide but not too pleasant tasting. Choose from traditional, red or black varieties to add visual interest to a meal.

Oats

Buckwheat

Oats are probably the most widely known of the gluten free grains; who hasn’t eaten cooked oatmeal on a cold winter morning, or enjoyed a sweet oatmeal-raisin cookie? You’ve probably heard that oats can lower cholesterol, but what is less widely known is that oats can promote weight loss, alleviate constipation, provide immune-boosting antioxidants, and protect against cancer, heart disease, diabetes and asthma. Oats are naturally gluten-free but can often be contaminated by proximity to other gluten-containing grains in processing. It is important to purchase only certified gluten-free grains if this is an issue. In addition to cereals and cookies, oats make a great filler for meatballs, burgers and loafs, and form a crunchy coating on chicken or veggies.

Buckwheat is a deceptive plant; it is not related to wheat and is in fact gluten-free, and it is not a grain, but another pseudo-cereal. It is rich in zinc, copper, potassium and manganese, as well as multiple types of healthful fiber. Buckwheat has been a staple in the diet of many cultures and comes in many forms (think Japanese Soba noodles, Russian blinis, Jewish kasha). It substitutes well for couscous in tabboule, and makes a tasty pancake. The grains tend to stick together when cooking, so coating them with a touch of oil can enhance the final texture.

Amaranth Amaranth is native to Peru and has long been consumed in Mexico as well. It was an important Aztec food crop, which even was used in religious rituals. While amaranth is not actually a grain, it is part of a family of pseudo-cereals which have a nutritional profile similar to other cereal grains. It is, in fact, superior in nutrient quality to many of the common grains we eat. Amaranth is higher in protein, and is considered a complete protein, since it contains an amino acid called lysine, which is missing in many typical grains such as wheat and barley. Amaranth also contains a compound which may fight cancer, and can lower cholesterol. It has a nutty flavor, and can 32

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Millet Millet is popular throughout the world, but less well-known in the U.S. It offers protein, fiber and magnesium, and may help protect against gallstones. Millet has a corn-like flavor, and while it can simply be boiled, it’s best when toasted first to bring out the flavor. It makes a great hot cereal, can be used to replace some wheat flour, and when prepared with extra liquid becomes creamy and smooth. Sorghum is an ancient grain that, unlike most, can be eaten without removing the hull, which contains many of the important nutrients. It is high in antioxidants, and contains policosanols, which have cholesterol-reducing properties. Sorghum is commonly used as animal feed but is gaining popularity as people food as well. It is best when toasted first, and can be popped or used as flour. It also makes a tasty hot cereal.

Any of the grains above can be prepared in 15 minutes or less, simply by boiling with water, milk, stock or other liquid, or can be part of a richer and more complex culinary creation. They can replace potatoes or pasta as the starch on a menu, or stand in for animal protein in a meatless meal. They are appropriate for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and taste great cold or hot. With such versatility these great grains should be front and center in every pantry. Vicki Kobliner MS RD, CD-N is a Registered Dietitian and owner of Holcare Nutrition (www.holcarenutrition.com). Vicki works with infants, children and adults with digestive disorders, food allergies, ADHD, autism and other chronic illness, and provides fertility and prenatal nutrition counseling. Vicki has extensive experience in using dietary modification, appropriate supplementation and functional lab testing to achieve optimal wellness. She can be reached at 203-8349949 or vicki@holcarenutrition.com. See ad on page 16.

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Cranial Therapy: A Manual Approach for Improved Health

ranial Therapy is a gentle hands-on therapy that can augment the health and regeneration of the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. It corrects tension patterns in the head and strengthens the cranial rhythm, which can reduce many different symptoms, including headaches and learning challenges as well as behavioral disorders. It can be an important component of a treatment program for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Multiple Sclerosis. It can be used for a variety of other issues, including aggressive behaviors, hypersensitivity to sound, attention deficit, tinnitus, and so much more. The cranial system houses our brain. Within the cranium, there is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which nourishes the brain and provides immune support, and layers of tissue, called meninges, that surround the brain and protect it from trauma and infection.

Motilities Provide Information on Health For many years, the allopathic community believed that the sutures (joints) of the cranium solidified at a young age and no longer moved. We’ve since learned that, using very gentle cranial therapy techniques, movement can be felt on the head. This movement is called a motility. Motilities or biologic rhythms are movements that represent the physiologic health of specific tissues and systems. One example of a motility is our pulse, which reflects the health of our arterial system. Feeling the pulse on different parts of the body provides us with information about the circulatory health of that part of our body. There are many different motilities that can be felt on the body. Manual therapists practicing Cranial Therapy will monitor a patient’s cranial rhythm as part of the therapy.

Founded in the Late 1800s The history of Cranial Therapy is derived from Cranial Osteopathy, which was founded by osteopath William Sutherland in the late 1800s. Dr. Sutherland recognized that the ends of a cranial bone located on each side of the head, called the temporal bone, were beveled. He hypothesized that the joint surfaces were beveled for a reason, “…beveled, like the gills of a fish, indicating articular mobility for a respiratory mechanism.” Dr. Sutherland identified an 34

Natural Nutmeg December 2012

inhalation and exhalation movement (motility) in the cranium with a correlated movement at the sacrum. Since his discoveries, the field of cranial osteopathy and cranial therapy has been furthered by many practitioners, including osteopathic physician, John Upledger, who published a book on his version of cranial therapy, which he called Craniosacral Therapy – a discipline widely practiced today.

Integrative Manual Therapy: Increased Mobility, Decreased Pain, Better Health Another developer who has contributed to the field of Cranial Therapy is Sharon Weiselfish-Giammatteo, PhD, PT, IMT,C. Her brand of cranial therapy is part of a larger field of study called Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT). Integrative Manual Therapy is a field of manual medicine that follows an integrated systems approach. This system takes into account that the body is comprised of many different systems, such as the circulatory system, the connective tissue system, bone, muscle, organs, and so on. Any one of these systems can be compromised and lead to problems that can affect multiple systems. Practitioners who practice IMT, such as physical therapists, massage therapists, occupational therapists, chiropractic physicians, and others, use hands-on diagnostics to determine which areas in the body are restricted, and which systems are involved in those regions. Implementing specific IMT techniques, which are chosen based on the manual diagnostics, can lead to improved mobility, decreased pain, and a greater level of health. Dr. Giammatteo’s doctoral studies focused on the adult neurologically impaired person as well as individuals who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. During her research she discovered how to influence deeper neurologic tissues using manual therapy and specifically, cranial therapy. Cranial therapy as presented in the field of IMT is very comprehensive. Dr. Giammatteo’s contributions to the larger field of Cranial Therapy include discovery of multiple different motilities or rhythms that relate to the cranial system, beyond the general cranial rhythm. In addition, she developed many reflexogenic techniques to address neurologic dysfunction. This form of cranial therapy addresses superficial structures, such as the cranial bones

and the meninges, as well as deeper structures, including the cortical lobes of the brain and even deeper subcortical tissues such as the thalamus, the pituitary gland, and the limbic system.

Improvements in Walking, Mental Clarity, Speech, Swallowing, Tremors and Much More Cranial therapy can augment the health of our nervous system, which is a core component of all neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Multiple Sclerosis. With these diseases there is a degeneration or breakdown of the nervous system in a part of the body or systemically. Cranial therapy can be an important component of a treatment program. Practitioners practicing cranial therapy on an individual with a neurodegenerative disorder can improve the health of the nervous system, which can lead to improvements in walking, mental clarity, speech, swallowing, tremors, and much more.

Alignment, Fatigue and Chronic Pain People who suffer from neurodegenerative disorders generally have breakdowns in other systems as well, such as the circulatory system and the immune system. Often, there is biomechanical dysfunction, which means that the sacrum, pelvis, and spine are out of alignment. When the spine is out of alignment, this can contribute to problems with walking as well as fatigue syndromes and chronic pain. Using Integrative Manual Therapy to target other systems of the body can improve walking and reduce other symptoms as well as improve overall health.

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Natural Nutmeg December 2012

Sound Sensitivity, ADHD, Tinnitus, Etc. Cranial therapy can be used for a variety of other issues including aggressive behaviors, hypersensitivity to sound, attention deficit, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and so much more. For example, one commonly found pattern in adults with ringing in the ears, as well as in children with autism, is compression of the inner ear. Within the inner ear, there are multiple important structures for hearing, including the cochlea, ear drum, vestibular nerve, and more. When combined into the vestibular mechanism, these structures are not much larger then a peanut. They reside inside the ear, bordering the temporal bone. When there is severe compression, this peanut sized vestibular mechanism within the inner ear pushes up against the temporal bone. This can contribute to significant hypersensitivity to sound as well. Using cranial therapy, a therapist can decompress the inner ear which can lead to reduced signs and symptoms at the ear.

Aggressive Behavior Another example is alleviation of aggressive behaviors, such as those commonly found in children on the autism spectrum or adults who have incurred traumatic brain injuries. Aggressive behaviors stem from a very specific part of the brain, the limbic system. The limbic system is the core part of our brain—the part that we share with animals— the reptilian brain. It’s the part of our brain associated with survival mode and rage response. When the limbic system is in a state of dysfunction a range of behaviors may surface, including self-injurious behavior, aggression, and obsessive compulsive behaviors. IMT and cranial therapy are wonderful tools to treat the limbic system when it is in a state of dysfunction. Dealing with disease or severe cranial/ head symptoms adds a lot of stress to the body. Cranial therapy specifically addresses the central nervous system and can reduce overall stress. Cranial therapy does not need to replace another part of the treatment program but can be a wonderful addition to promote neurologic health. Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD, PT, IMT,C is the Practice Manager and Director of Pediatrics for Regional Physical Therapy and The Institute of Integrative Manual Therapy (IIMT), headquartered in Bloomfield, CT. She is also the Dean of the Connecticut School of Integrative Manual Therapy (CSIMT). Dr. Connell-Giammatteo has taught courses in IMT nationally and internationally for over 15 years. She received her doctoral degree focusing in neuropediatrics, with a concentration in autism. She has been practicing in the field of IMT for over 15 years. Dr. Connell-Giammatteo is a graduate of the Institute of Functional Medicine’s program “Applying Functional Medicine into Clinical Practice” focusing on nutritional wellness. See ad on page 2, 17.

Look Young

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ounger looking skin without any surgical invasion or Botox, is it possible? Microcurrent facial sculpting technology makes it possible! It is a non-surgical alternative way to achieve beautiful looking skin with a natural look. It is an effective, more natural alternative to any other non-surgical cosmetic treatment available today. It simply induces the skin and muscles of aging clients back to a more youthful state. The procedure involves the delivery of Microcurrents into the face and body through specially designed conducting wands that are applied at specific points. The experience is described as wonderfully relaxing and euphoric, causes no pain or swelling and the age-defying results are remarkable. In aging skin cells, antioxidants are in short supply. The free radicals generated are left unchecked and cause damage to cell membranes, proteins, and DNA. These free radicals eventually break down collagen, and release chemicals that cause inflammation in the skin. It is a combination of these cellular and molecular events that leads to skin aging and the formation of wrinkles. In simple terms, as we get older, two components of our skin, collagen and elastin degenerate, setting the stage for the appearance of wrinkles, creases, folds, and furrows. The breakdown of these components, accelerated by such things as exposure to UV rays, gravity, pollution, smoking, lack of exercise, or a consistently poor diet, results in the more visible signs of old age on our skin. As we age, our body loses much of its natural electrical energy, much like a battery gradually losing its charge. Microcurrent emits subtle electrical frequencies that mimic the body`s own electrical signals, thereby increasing the amount of ATP (adenosine triphosphate, the chemical fuel of human cells) by as much as 500%. Such increased levels of ATP speed cellular metabolism and the result is a detoxification that increases the rate of waste and impurity elimination. Protein synthesis and cellular membrane transport are also increased, as well as the reconstitution of collagen and elastin. The results of these processes can be seen in improved skin tone and coloration, the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, and the firming of sagging areas of the face and body. Complete direct benefits include: • Diminishes or eliminates fine lines, creases, and wrinkles • Hydrates and revitalizes skin, making it smoother and softer • Improves blood circulation and lymphatic drainage • Rejuvenates the “pink glow” of youthful hues • Visibly firms and contours, lifting the overall droop • Tightens sagging jowls, doubling chins, and fatty cheeks • Clears up or reduces acne • Reduces the appearance of stretch marks & cellulite on the body • Reduces scarring and dimpling from laser resurfacing • Reduces dark circles or puffiness under eyes • Reduces symptoms of Sinusitis, Rhinitis, and Rosacea.

Discover what Organic Facials can do for Your Skin A facial is a beauty treatment which is considered to be one of the most common ways to take care of your skin. The general purpose of most facials is to clean, exfoliate, nourish and moisturize the skin. The success of many facials depends on the products used. There are different kinds of masks used for purposes like deep cleansing, healing acne scars, brightening, healing, and revitalizing. Facial masks have been known since ancient Egypt, as Egyptians paid lots of attention to their outward appearance. They used to apply face masks made of herbs, fruits, clays, and often applied egg white onto the face, helping to smooth the skin. This is said to be the origin of facial masking. One secret to youthful skin is to be conscious of what you put on it. Organic facial masks are the preferred and the safest way to rejuvenate the skin. Organic is the “true” natural, it means the products aren’t made with synthetic chemicals, preservatives, fragrances, colors or petroleum-based ingredients. It is crucial to use products without synthetic ingredients because they don’t offer therapeutic benefits. Make sure to study your facial products and avoid facials that contain the following ingredients: * Propyl-, butyl- and ethyl-paraben * Diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) * Diazolidinyl urea and imidazolidinyl urea * Propylene glycol * Sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate * Petrolatum Nova Spa offers a new natural approach to skin care today, using Organic anti-aging formulas which strengthen, hydrate skin, stimulate cell regeneration, and defend against environmental damage. Saturated with phytochemicals, vitamins, antioxidants, and proteins, the Organic products will create firmer, healthier-looking skin. The effective, scientific combination of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs provide the skin with the nourishment needed to combat signs of aging, such as wrinkles, dryness, and dullness. The organic facial will leave you glowing with a sense of beautiful and renewed skin. Submitted by Nova Spa of Rocky Hill, CT. For more information, contact (860) 257 1004 or visit www.NovaSpaRockyHill.com. We are CT licensed massage therapists and aestheticians, experienced skin care specialists with a natural line of facial formulas, Nationally Certified in therapeutic Massage with 11 years of experience working in Rocky Hill area. Members of American Massage Therapy Association. See ad on page 26.

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December Community Events Calendar Saturday, December 1st

Wednesday, December 5th

Expressive Art Workshop: Printing Sacred Seasonal Greetings. 10am-1pm. $50. Create multiple images into beautiful handmade greetings with a variety of colors using a simple monoprinting technique. Paint and collage can be added to the richness! Facilitated by Elisabeth Moss BFA Expressive Art Facilitator. Held at 12 Old Farms Rd. Avon, CT. To register call 860-550-0882. No prior art experience needed!

Home Message Circle. 6:30 p.m. – 8p.m. $15.00. The session is open to anyone who wishes to practice their mediumship message delivery in a group. Your ability doesn’t matter as we are all here to get some practice and learn from each other. A group facilitator will help you stay on track with your message if needed. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.301.1468 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Get Three New Clients Before the New Year: Business Bootcamp with Marcie Mauro. 11am, $35 donation. All proceeds benefit The CT Food Bank. Avoid the holiday slump and give your biz a boost this season! By attending this workshop, you’ll walk away with practical mission-based marketing and service-offering strategies as well as an action plan to bring in your ideal clients. Sacred Rivers Yoga 2934 Main Street, Glastonbury CT 860-657-9545 www.sacredriversyoga.com Psyche Coach Training – Level I. 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. $225.00. Participants will gain an understanding of the psychology of behavior change and explore the interconnectedness between the energy body and the physical body. Ideal for Personal Trainers, Massage Therapists, Group Fitness and Yoga Instructors. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.301.1468 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Sunday, December 2nd Reiki I. 9a.m. – 5p.m. $125.00. Attune to the universal energy in this Level I Usui Reiki class. Participants will learn traditional hand positions, how to give a full body session and receive attunements to the universal Reiki energy for self-healing and healing others. Participants receive a manual, book and certificate. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.301.1468 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Tuesday, December 4th Past Life Regression. 6:30-8:30pm. $ 20. Past Life Regression is an effective way of discovering the answers and helps you to move forward in life with greater ease. Through exploration of your past lives you can learn about your previous connection with your current family and the significant people in your life. Call Gayle, 203.265. 2927 or sunnispirit@sbcglobal.net. 36 Cheshire Rd, Wallingford, CT 06492. www.return2love.net. Pray. 1:30pm. – 3pm. $35.00. Oftentimes we would like to pray and either can’t find the words or just don’t know how. Many of us grew up learning and repeating pre-written prayers. Explore what prayer is, how to use it and how to do it for yourself and others. Take the 30-day prayer challenge and see what changes come into your life. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.301.1468 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Natural Nutmeg December 2012

Wholistic HCG Fat Loss Program. Educational Seminar $20 per person. Get into your Little Black Dress again for the Holidays! Learn how you can lose up to 30 pounds in 40 days with our UNIQUE, safe and effective, medically supervised weight loss program! 6-7pm Glastonbury Naturopathic Center 18 School St. Glastonbury, CT. Call 860-657-4105 to reserve your space. www.naturopathicwellness.com.

Saturday, December 8th Yoga for Scoliosis with Susan Taff. 9:30am, $75 prepay. In this workshop we will look at some of the different scoliotic curves and the tension patterns and imbalances they create in the back. We will explore ways in which yoga can help to relieve this discomfort and bring the spine into more optimal balance. Sacred Rivers Yoga 2934 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT. 860-657-9545. www.sacredriversyoga.com. Psychic Saturday. 10am– 4pm. $25.00 for a 20-minute reading. Receive a private reading with Medium Priscilla Bengtson. Other readers may also be available. Receive guidance from your angels, spirit guides and loved ones. Pre-scheduling is highly recommended. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To pre-schedule an appointment, please call 860.301.1468 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Sunday, December 9th Holiday Event at A Hand in Healing. 12-4pm . 244 Main St, Farmington, CT 06032 860-676-8500 or visit us at :www.ahandinhealing.co. Join us for special discounts ( & an additional 10% off with this ad!), free gift wrapping, and holiday treats while you shop! Enter our free raffle! Gift certificates for merchandise or special events are the perfect gift for those who have everything!

Monday, December 10th Connecting With Your Angels and Spirit Guides. 6:30-8:30pm. $ 20. Learn how to listen and communicate with your “helpers” who are always there to guide and protect you. Discover how to easily and safely make your own connection, tune into their vibrations and recognize them in the future. Call Gayle @ 203 265 2927 or sunnispirit@sbcglobal.net. 36 Cheshire Road, Wallingford, CT 06492. www.return2love.net.

QiGong. No Cost. 1:15-1:45pm. Instructor, Risa Brophy, MQT. Join us to calm you mind and energize your body with the deep breathing and slow movements of these ancient Chinese exercises. Note: Please, eat your lunch before or after this program. 1 Northwestern Drive, Suite 101, Bloomfield, CT. To obtain additional information or to sign up for this class, please contact Amanda Albrecht at AmandaAlbrecht@InstituteofIMT.com or call 860243-5220.

Tuesday, December 11th Core Stabilization & Strengthening Class. No Cost. 1:15pm-1:45pm. Instructor: Carol Gordon, PT, IMTC. This one hour class offers the student basic core stabilization and strengthening techniques that can be performed easily at home or hotel room. The Institute of Integrative Manual Therapy, 1 Northwestern Drive, Suite 101, Bloomfield, CT 06002. To obtain additional information or to sign up for this class, please contact Amanda Albrecht at AmandaAlbrecht@InstituteofIMT.com or call 860243-5220.

Wednesday, December 12th Transcendental Meditation Introductory Lecture Free! Learn about how this meditation technique can help you feel better!. 6-7pm. Glastonbury Naturopathic Center 18 School St. Glastonbury, CT. Call 860-657-4105 to reserve your space. Healing in Harmony Night. 5p.m. – 7p.m. FREE. Stop by the center for a FREE healing service. Participants will sit individually with a healer and receive an 8 – 10 minute healing. No reservation required. You will be served in the order in which you enter the center. The healing services are offered one night each month. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. For information please call 860.301.1468 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com. 12:12:12 Meditation. 6:30pm-8:30pm.$20. Join us in our powerful group meditation of transcendence. This 12:12:12 gateway is accelerating an emergence of soul destiny energies of emotional triggers that open a dimensional doorway for us to experience profound miraculous healing of many past lives and the collect group consciousness at once. The Cosmos and your light bodies have conspired together to bring this supreme transcendence of wholeness and oneness back to us. Call Gayle @ 203.265.2927 or sunnispirit@sbcglobal.net. 36 Cheshire Rd, Wallingford, CT 06492. www.return2love.net.

Thursday, December 13th Wholistic HCG Fat Loss Program. Educational Seminar $20 per person. Get into your Little Black Dress again for the Holidays! Learn how you can lose up to 30 pounds in 40 days with our UNIQUE, safe and effective, medically supervised weight loss program! Time: 6-7pm Glastonbury Naturopathic Center 18 School St. Glastonbury, Ct. Call 860-6574105 to reserve your space. www.naturopathicwellness.com.

Friday, December 14th Ladies Night Out with Dori Sargent. 7:30pm, $16 prepay (class cards accepted), $20 at the door. A class for all levels. Relax and rejuvenate. We will move and breathe into bliss together with exercises to strengthen, support, and empower ourselves as feminine beings. Class requires 3 person minimum signed up to be held. Sacred Rivers Yoga 2934 Main Street, Glastonbury CT 860-657-9545 www.sacredriversyoga.com. Meet your Angels and Guides. 6:30 – 9p.m. $50.00. Receiving spiritual guidance is easier when you understand who you are connecting with. During this workshop you will learn about your primary spiritual guides and guardian angels. Through meditation, you will meet them and receive information on how they would like to work with you. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.301.1468 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, December 15th Let Your Yoga Dance with Jean Skeels. 4pm. $15 prepay, $25 at the door. Come get your groove on! Let Your Yoga Dance, the most fun you will ever have doing yoga. A liberating and joy filled practice combining the energy of yoga with the freeing experience of dance. No dance knowledge or experience necessary. This is a practice for anybody and all ages. Sacred Rivers Yoga 2934 Main Street, Glastonbury CT. 860-657-9545. www.sacredriversyoga.com. Messages in Song. 10a.m. – 12p.m. $45.00. Gifted singer and channel, Salome Raheim will sing messages from your angels, guides, teachers and loved ones and share techniques for receiving your own musical messages. Come share in the high vibration of this unique concert-style gallery reading and skill building workshop. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.301.1468 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

Sunday, December 16th Women’s Empowerment Meditation. 10a.m. – 12noon. $25.00. We invite in our angels and guides to help us release those things that keep us stuck. The energy of the group helps us to release those things that no longer serve our highest good and allow us to live an empowered life. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.301.1468 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com. Full Moon Yoga. 5-7pm. $20.00 Students of all levels are empowered to experience prana as the navigating source of yoga and vital living. You will learn Ayurvedic considerations while enjoying a candlelit rejuvenating practice that includes back bends and hip opening, forward bends and twists, inversions and a special full moon meditation. This workshop offers pranayama and optional journaling to fully integrate the practice. CT Yoga Center, 91 Beverly Heights, Middletown, CT. Register at www.ctyogacenter.com or call 860.986.2017.

Family Yoga with Beth Agdish. 9:00am. $10 for adults, $5 for kids. Explore the benefits of family yoga as we have fun with downward dog, tree, cobra and more. In a safe environment to move and breathe. Yoga calms and centers the growing body and mind. December class theme: Holidays and Winter. Please bring in a new unwrapped toy for donation to ‘Toys for Tots’. Sacred Rivers Yoga 2934 Main Street, Glastonbury CT 860-657-9545 www. sacredriversyoga.com.

Tuesday, December 18th Reiki share and healing circle. $10.00 Donation open to public 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Every third tuesday of the month. 1 Grist Mill Rd., Simsbury, CT 06070. Reiki master carol hipkins, www.Onthepathofhealing.Com, 860-413-3592.

Wednesday, December 19th Healthy Eating Series – Divine Desserts. 6:30 p.m. – 8pm. $25.00. Join us for our monthly healthy eating workshop that introduces you to new food options that are healthy, taste good and simple to make. You will be sampling food items, learning how to prepare the food and taking home the recipe. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.301.1468 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Friday, December 21st Gallery Night. 6:30p.m. – 8:30p.m. $45.00. Enjoy an intimate evening of learning about angels and guides and experiencing intuitive readings with medium and certified Angel Therapy Practitioner®, Priscilla Bengtson. Everyone in attendance will receive a message. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.301.1468 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com. 12:21:12 Meditation. 6:30pm-8:30pm. $20. Join us for this powerful meditation into the sacred Galactic Center--This is a time of transition from one World Age into another the start of a new age of spiritual enlightenment. The veils to be lifted at this time truly align themselves with the cosmic plan. The Mayan 2012 prophecies foretold of this shift of planetary stewardship into the hands of the Feminine. Call Gayle @ 203.265.2927 or sunnispirit@sbcglobal. net. 36 Cheshire Road, Wallingford, CT 06492. www.return2love.net.

Ongoing events Monday Athlete Yoga. 7:30 pm. This one hour class is designed to help any level of athlete open up tight areas while also enhancing recovery from strenuous activity. It will focus on breathing techniques, stretches to release tight areas, and poses targeted to help with balance and stability. Sacred rivers Yoga, 2934 Main ST, Glastonbury, CT. 860-657-9545 www.Sacredriversyoga.com.

Tuesday Yoga for Back Care with Kathy Conyers. Series of (5) pre-registered $75.00 can take single class $15.00 pre-registered or $20.00 drop in. This Yoga class includes practices to help mobilize the spine, improve function and increase range of motion. Simple yoga postures will be practiced repetitively to strengthen weak muscles and release contracted muscles that support the back. Center for Holistic Practices 963 Queen Street, Suite C, Southington, CT. www.centerforholisticpractices.com, or call 860-276-5843. QiGong/Tai Chi Classes. 7:30pm. $60. Learn how to gain more energy, balance your energy, emotionally & physically, free yourself from pain and stiffness, strengthen your immune system, relax, rejuvenate and get a great night’s sleep. Feel Great! Marcey Hickey Certified Instructor. Suffield By The River, 7 Canal Road, Suffield, CT. Call 860-844-8535 to register.

Wednesday “Walk-In Wednesdays.” 9am-11am. $10 Sample integrative health coaching session; free to first four who walk-in each wednesday. Experience a 15-minute sample health exploration with nina, integrative health coach and registered nurse. Appointments recommended. New england integrative health associates [neiha] 345 North Main St, West Hartford. www.Neihact.com. Contact nina arnold at 860869-7137 or via email at narnold@neihact.com. Life Force Yoga With Daune Kemp. August 1, 8 and 15, 5:30 – 6:30. Paid in advance $65.00 For series or $15.00 Drop in rate. Located at the center for holistic practices and psychotherapy 963 queen street southington, CT 06489. (8600 276-5843 or contact Audrey at (860) 819-8570. Http://www.Centerforholisticpractices.Com.

Sunday, January 6th

Thursday

Crystal Bowl Sound Healing. 5:30–6:30pm $20.00 Each specific musical tone and vibration of the bowls awakens the chakras, organs, tissues, bones and cells of the body to remember patterning for perfect health, thus allowing the body to come into full alignment in order to promote healing on all levels. You will be put into the most comfortable resting position for your body and simply receive healing. CT Yoga Center, 91 Beverly Heights, Middletown CT. register at www.ctyogacenter.com or call 860.986.2017.

Qi Gong With Dr. Anne Mitchell. Qigong is a healing practice similar to tai chi. Qi gong qualifies as weight bearing exercise and will help osteopenia and osteoporosis. It will strengthen your core muscles and stabilize your spine. 5:30pm, 2 Broadway, North Haven. Call to sign up and reserve a spot. 203-239-3400. $10 Cash per person, bring a friend and you each get 1/2 your first visit.

NaturalNutmeg.com

Ongoing events

Yin Yoga. Every Thursday 6:15-7:45pm. Yin yoga is non weight bearing and uses simple poses to relieve pain and stress. It is perfect for people who cant touch their toes and who want to be more flexible and feel better immediately. Yin Yoga also improves performance in other styles of yoga and sports. No registration is necessary, just drop in! CT Yoga Center, 91 Beverly Heights, Middletown CT. www.ctyogacenter.com or 860.986.2017.

Thursday Laughter yoga. 6pm. New exercise of simulated laughter and gentle breathing techniques. Revolutionary body, mind therapy promotes peace at work, home and the world through laughter. Limited space, first class free. The Life Center for wellness and weight loss, 2 Broadway, North Haven CT http://www.thelifecenterofct.com/ 203239-3400.

Friday

QiGong/Tai Chi Classes. 6:30pm. $60. Learn how to gain more energy, balance your energy, emotionally & physically, free yourself from pain and stiffness, strengthen your immune system, relax, rejuvenate and get a great night’s sleep. Feel Great! Marcey Hickey Certified Instructor. West Granby United Methodist Church, 87 Simsbury Road, Granby, CT. 6 weeks $60.00. Call 860-844-8535 to register.

Tibetan Singing Bowls Sound Healing “Gong Bath”. Every 1st Friday of Every Month into 2013. 7:30 pm. First Congregational Church of Granby, 219 North Granby Road (Route 189) Granby, CT. For more info call: 860-844-8535. $10.00. Please bring pillow, mat, blanket & water bottle. Ellington Winter Farmers Market. 4-6:30 Nov. 30, Dec. 14th, Jan. 4th &18th, Feb 1st & 15th, March 1st, 15th, & 29th. Indian Valley YMCA, 11 Pinney St., Ellington. Providing a variety of products that are grown or produced in CT, including: dairy, seafood, meats, bakery, produce, specialty foods, and artisan wares. www.ellingtonfarmersmarket.com.

Saturday Twin Star Herbal Education. March - October 2013. Learn to identify useful medicinal and edible plants that grow in your own back yard. Create herbal remedies for everyday ailments and natural beauty. Study ancient forms of holistic healing and energy techniques. Learn to better care for yourself, your family and your community, naturally. The Twin Star program meets one weekend a month throughout the growing season. Class space is limited. To register visit us at www.twinstarherbal.com or email us at twinstarherbs@gmail.com. QiGong/Tai Chi Classes. 9:30am. $60. Learn how to gain more energy, balance your energy, emotionally & physically, free yourself from pain and stiffness, strengthen your immune system, relax, rejuvenate and get a great night’s sleep. FEEL GREAT! Marcey Hickey Certified Instructor. ENFIELD - Saint Francis Care at Enfield - 7 Elm Street, Enfield CT. Call 860-844-8535 or go to http://www.stfranciscare.com/ to register.

Community Resources CHIROPRACTIC

ACUPUNCTURE Stan Baker, L. Ac., Dipl. Ac.

35 Nod Road, Suite 106, Menla Holistic Health, Avon, CT. • (860) 836-1068 Stan Baker is a fully licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine practitioner with offices in Avon, CT and Springfield, MA. He has been a practitioner in the Oriental healing arts for 25 years. He specializes in difficult cases including back pain/sciatica, headache/migraine, allergies, and arthritis. He is also a teacher of advanced Chen Tai Chi, Aikido and Sun Do Mt. Yoga. See ad on page 13.

Glastonbury Naturopathic Center

Chiropractic Health Ctr. of Glastonbury

2934 Main St.,Glastonbury, CT 860-657-8800 www.glastonburychiro.com Dr. Patrick DeFranceso, founder, is a board certified chiropractor with more than 20 years experience assisting patients. To deliver the highest standard of care Dr. DeFrancesco utilizes the state-of-the-art digital x-ray, the latest chiropractic tables and equipment. The office also offers therapeutic massage, nutrition counseling and monthly workshops. The team at the office creates a comfortable and fun loving environment where individuals and families can reach and maintain optimal health and wellness with safe, natural and effective chiropractic care. Feeling good has never been so simple!

Dr.Helene Pulnik, ND LAc. 18 School St., Glastonbury,Ct 6033 (860) 657- 4105, naturopathicwellness.com

Dr. Pulnik is a licensed, board certified Acupuncturist and Naturopathic Physician with over 25 years experience as a healthcare professional. She specializes in acupuncture for infertility, womens' health, migraines, anxiety/stress/ insomnia, arthritis, back & neck pain, sciatica, allergies, chronic sinusitis, and more. See our ad on page 17.

Sophia Natural Health Center

Kenneth Hoffman, L.Ac., CCH 31 Old Route 7, Brookfield, CT 06804. (203) 740-9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.com Combining Chinese Medicine with modern science, we restore health by identifying imbalances that cause illness. Acupuncture, Allergy Elimination, Chronic Pain Relief, Hormone Balancing, Thermography, Detoxification. See ad on page 25.

ALLERGY TREATMENT Advanced Allergy Relief CT Anne Mitchell, ND (203) 239-3400 www.thelifecenterofct.com North Haven & W. Hartford

Eliminate your allergic reactions using a technologically advanced treatment that corrects the body’s response to the offending food, pollen, mold, perfume, pets, etc. No medications. Non-invasive. Child-friendly. See ads on pages 22.

Glastonbury Naturopathic Center 18 School St., Glastonbury, Ct. 06033 (860) 657- 4105, naturopathicwellness.com

Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND is a certified Advanced Allergy Therapeutics Practitioner. Advanced Allergy Therapeutics (AAT) is a clinically proven treatment that is highly effective in relieving the many symptoms associated with allergies, food sensitivities, environmental sensitivies, IBS, headaches, skin problems and more. The AAT treatment does not rely on the use of medications, herbal remedies or supplements. The treatment is safe, painless and available to all ages including infants. See ad on page 17.

Westside Chiropractic

557 Prospect Avenue, West Hartford,CT (860) 523-5833 • westsidechiropractors.com Our mission is to provide chiropractic care, naturally based generalist, primary or specialty health care, for persons of all ages. We are committed to educating our patients about their health and wellness and providing them with tools for self improvement. We seek to work in partnership with you to achieve good health and well being in a way consistent with your way of life. Visit our location in West Hartford See ad on page 19.

Natural Nutmeg December 2012

DENTISTRY

The Canaan Gentle Dentle & Implant Center Dr. Thomas Livingstone 3-5 Railroad St. North Canaan, CT (860)824-0751 livingstonedentalexcellence.com See ad on page 19.

DENTISTRY Dr. Steven Hinchey

2249 New London Turnpike South Glastonbury, CT. (860) 633-6518 www.dentistryfordiabetics.com/drhinchey See ad on page 25.

South Windsor Smiles

Kevin Norige, D.M.D. Matthew McCabe, D.M.D 112 Deming St., South Windsor, CT. (860) 644-0113 Dr. Kevin Norige has been in practice for almost 30 years in South Windsor, CT. His services include Invisalign, Perio Protect, Lumineers, Snapon Smiles and Snap-it, Global Mini Implants, and non-surgical periodontal treatments. He is a member of the ADA, CSDA, and the Hartford Dental Society. He is a clinician with the CT Mission of Mercy Dental Clinic and also serves as a facilitator to dental students at the Univ. of CT. See ad on page 33.

Green & Sustainable Interior Design Put It Together, llc

Judie Ricciardi Heritage Center,464 Heritage Road, Suite 1B Southbury, CT 06488 • 203-263-7836 Email: putittogetherllc@cs.com www.putittogetherllc.com M-Th 9:30 am-4:30 pm, Fri. until noon As a green, sustainable and environmentally aware interior designer and Feng Shui practioner, I am able to enhance your environment by helping you select furnishings, fabrics, carpets with fewer to no VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Harmonious and balanced environments bring Peace, Good Health and Good Fortune into your home or office.

HEALTH FOOD STORES Parkade Health Shoppe

Manchester Parkade, 378 West Middle Tpke, Manchester, CT • 860.646.8178 M-Sat 8am-9pm • Sun 9am-6pm The Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe is an information and service-oriented health food store that has served its community since 1956. Owner, Michael Dworkin, P.D., M.S., a Registered Pharmacist and State Certified Clinical Nutritionist, is available for consultation by appointment. Our other staff nutrition consultants provide customers with in-store guidance in choosing vitamins, herbs, sports nutrition products, natural body care, natural and allergen-free foods, and life style changes. Many of our products are discounted every day. Ask us about our gym and other special discounts. See ad on page 5.

LIFE COACHING PEAK Results Coaching

Jeff Forte, CSIC, CME 2389 Main St., Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860)633-8555 • peakresultscoaching.com Is the happiness you want in your life eluding you? Do you feel stressed because of the pro lems that you can’t seem to overcome? It doesn’t have to be that way. I will show you step by step exactly what to do so you can create the happiness and peace of mind you want in your life. These little known secrets will put you on the path to getting the results you want guaranteed. I am a Certified Strategic Interventionist Coach and Marriage Educator. Clients frequently come to me when nothing else seems to work, or when something must change now. Call today and learn what to do. See ad on page 13.

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE A Life Center

2 Broadway, North Haven, CT 1007 Farmington Ave, Ste 7A, West Hartford, CT 203-239-3400 www.thelifecenterofct.com Dr. Henderson runs our weight loss program here at the Life Center and is internationally recognized for her work with diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease. The first step toward health is improving our relationship with food and choosing to properly nourish ourselves. Dr. Henderson uses all the tools of naturopathic medicine to help us reach our health goals, including achieving a healthy weight. She also uses botanical medicine, flower remedies, homeopathy, acupuncture, exercise therapy and detoxification to guide individuals to attain their health goals. See ads on page 22.

HYPNOSIS

Mind Body Transformation Hypnosis is a Certified Hypnotist specializing in fast and effective methods for weightloss, stress, fear, pain, smoking, etc. Hypnosis, Thought Field Therapy™, Time Line Therapy™ & NLP. Call for a free consultation. See ad on page 21.

HYPNOsis/NLP

Aura/Chakra Analysis Nishanto Kane...MindDesigning

Hypnosis, Master NLP Practitioner, Aura/Chakra Analysis, Enneagram Profile, Astrology Chart Interpretation, Belief Change Sessions. Simsbury, Ct. (860 658-9678) www.minddesigning.net All that is, was first created in the mind. Nishanto Kane is a certified Eriksonian Hypnotist, Master NLP practitioner, Reconnection practitioner, Aura/Chakra Analyst. She has over 25 years experience in assisting many to stop smoking, release self-sabotaging habits, develop beliefs to attract abundance and well being, eliminate per allergies, anxieties, phobias, weight gain, stress, alcohol abuse, insomnia, improve school grades and more. Offering Chakra analysis - this amazing scientific state of the art technology allows you and the practitioner to view your aura. Through interpretation you can learn to bring yourself into physical, mental and emotional balance.

Integrative Medicine New England Integrative Health Associates, LLC (NEIHA) 345 North Main Street, Bishop’s Corner West Hartford, CT 06117 Ph. 860.278.3812 • Fax: 860.525.6054 Email: info@neihact.com

New England Integrative Health Associates (NEIHA) is a modern, state-of-the-art healthcare facility located in West Hartford. Its patients achieve optimum health through a combination of alternative and traditional medical options. Services and therapies include Acupuncture, Aromatherapy, Health Coaching, Nutritional Counseling, Holistic Nutrition, Reiki Therapy, Therapeutic Massage, Weight Loss Control and Yoga. On the traditional side, the practice specializes in Aviation Medicine, Cardiology, Chiropractic Care, Endocrinology, Internal Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine and Pulmonary Medicine.

MASSAGE The Center for Massage & Holistic Therapy

2049 Silas Deane Highway Suite 202, Rocky Hill, CT 860-721-0249 • www.tcmht.com CT. License #’s available upon request. Massage Therapy for Body, Mind and Spirit. Blending intuitve hands with the art of massage and energy work. Relieving stress and giving totaly body relaxation. See ad on page 29.

A Life Center

2 Broadway North Haven, 1007 Farmington Ave, West Hartford 203-239-3400 • www.thelifecenterofct.com Deep relaxation, softening muscles, slow breaths, soothing sounds, gentle healing . Shari Specland, LMT, MA will help you return to yourself with a peaceful heart. By balancing your chakras and balancing your body, you can bring balance to the rest of your life.You’ll relax in ways only 25 years of Shari’s experience as a massage therapist and energy healer can help you find. See ad on page 22.

CT Natural Health Specialists

Lauren Gouin, ND 135 Center St., Manchester, CT (860) 533-0179 • www.ctnaturalhhealth.com Dr. Lauren Gouin is a naturopathic physician with a family practice in Manchester. Dr. Gouin is accepting new patients and is in network with most insurance companies. For more information, visit www. ctnhs.com. See ad on page 21.

Dr. Ann Aresco 355 New Britain Rd, Kensington, CT (860) 829-0707 • drannaresco@comcast.net kensingtonnaturopathic.com Centrally located in Connecticut, Kensington Naturopathic Medical Center provides comprehensive family healthcare. Our team of specialized health professionals is dedicated to facilitating our patients’ optimal health, and offers a wide range of services, including supplementation, homeopathy, acupuncture and Chinese herbs as well as nutrition, holistic health counseling and weight loss/life style changes. See ad on page 16.

Dr. Marie Mammone, ND Dr. Renee Mammone, ND John Mammone, Licensed Acupuncturist 274 Silas Deane Hwy., Wethersfield, CT 06109 (860)529-1200 • www.NAHcenter.com At the Naturopathic & Acupuncture Health Center, we are experts in Naturopathic Medicine, Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. We blend the best of modern medical science and traditional natural medical approaches to not only treat disease, but to also restore health. Most insurances accepted.

Debra Gibson, ND

100 Danbury Road, Ste. 102, Ridgefield, CT 06877 (203)431-4443 Natural family healthcare using nutrition and biochemistry; herbal, homeopathic, and energetic medicine; lifestyle transformation and detoxification, to promote well-being of body, mind, and spirit. See ad on page 12.

Wholistic Spa

18 School Street, Glastonbury, Ct. 06033 860-657-4105 www.wholisticspa.com We offer Couples Massage, Therapeutic Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Sports Massage, and Hot Stone Massage. Massage can ease sore muscles and reduce stress, but it has also been clinically proven to reduce pain associated with disease. Therapeutic massage helps restore balance, and enhances well-being by triggering the relaxation response.Therapeutic Massage will revitalize and renew your body and mind. Benefits include increased blood and lymph circulation, tension relief and rejuvenated energy levels. Our Deep tissue massage focuses on realigning the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. A good choice for those suffering from chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders. See ad on page 17.

Kensington Naturopathic Medical Ctr.

Naturopathic & Acupuncture Health Center Specialists in Natural Medicine

Diane Bahr-Groth, C. Hy., TFT, Dir. 1177 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT. (203)595-0110 • mindbodytransformation.com

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

Glastonbury Naturopathic Ctr. 18 School Street, Glastonbury Dr. Helene Pulnik. (860) 657-4105 naturopathicwellness.com

Glastonbury Naturopathic Ctr. is a multi-disciplinary healthcare center focusing on natural alternatives for individuals to achieve and maintain optimal health. Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND, LAc. is a board-certified licensed Naturopathic Physician and Acupuncturist with over 25 years experience as a healthcare professional. Offering Naturopathic Medicine, Colon Hydrotherapy, Acupuncture, Cleansing & Detoxification Programs, Weight Management Programs. See ad on page 17.

The Wellness Institute Marvin Schweitzer, ND 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT (203) 847-2788

Dr. Schweitzer treats all ages with natural therapies including homeopathy, herbal medicine, enzymes, nutritional supplements and more. His advanced cutting-edge technologies evaluate underlying causes and create individualized treatment plans. ASYRA, Ondamed, BrainPaint, footbaths, acupuncture and oxygen therapies are used to achieve optimal health. Allergy desensitization, detoxification programs, immune system support, Lyme disease issues and other wellness protocols are included in his personalized care. See ad on page 9.

West Hartford Naturopathic Medicine

301 N. Main St., West Hartford, CT (860) 232-9662 • www.DRAIETA.com Dr. Frank Aieta, founder of West Hartford Naturopathic Medicine, is a board certified licensed Naturopathic Physician who specializes in the treatment of both acute and chronic disease utilizing the most advanced natural therapeutics. He offers a wide range of natural, non-toxic treatments which include: Acupuncture, Spinal Manipulation, Clinical Nutrition, Detoxification, Pain Management, Herbal Medicine and Natural Hormone Balancing. See ad on page 13.

NaturalNutmeg.com

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

NUTRITION

Holcare Nutrition

Vicki Kobliner MS RD 3 Hollyhock Lane, Suite 2A, Wilton, CT 06897 203-834-9949 • www.holcarenutrition.com Vicki Kobliner MS RD, CD-N is a Registered Dietitian and owner of Holcare Nutrition. Vicki works with infants, through adults with chronic illnesses, digestive disorders, food allergies, ADHD and autism and provides fertility and prenatal nutrition counseling. She is a contributing author to A Compromised Generation: The Epidemic of Chronic Illness in Americas Children. See ads on page 16.

Soul Support Counseling Nancy M Brockett, PhD, LPC West Hartford, CT 860.223.2232 soul-support.org

Feeling stressed, confused, anxious or depressed? Imagine yourself breaking free from worries and fear and then confidently doing what you haven't been able to before! We work together from the perspective of the whole self to get to the heart of what’s troubling you. Using painless, drug-free treatments, Dr Brockett helps you uncover and build on your own inner strengths so you can free yourself from negativity and live with more joy in your life. See ad on page 17.

PHYSICIANS, M.D. Advance Biomedical Treatment Center, LLC

(formerly Avon Therapeutic Center) Eileen C. Comia, M.D. 35 Jolley Dr., Ste., #102 Bloomfield, CT 06002 Tel 860.242.2200 • Fax 860.242.2212 www.AdvBioMedTx.com Dr. Eileen Comia is a boardcertified Internal Medicine specialist with 16 yrs of experience in private practice. In 2002, she founded Avon Therapeutic Center (now Advance Biomedical Treatment Center) specializing in Integrative Medicine. She offers a unique practice using Functional Medicine in the treatment of chronic illnesses. She is a seasoned Defeat Autism Now! Practitioner of 10 years and a member of ACAM (American College for Advancement in Medicine). See to ad on page 16.

Natural Health & Healing, LLC

Deanna M. Cherrone, MD 60 East Main Street, Avon, CT. (860) 677-4600 • naturalhealthandhealing.net Dr. Deanna Cherrone, founder of Natural Health & Healing, is a board certified Internal Medicine p hy s i c i a n wh o h a s changed the focus of her practice from traditional Internal Medicine to Functional Medicine. Functional Medicine is a science based approach to health care that involves looking at each patient as a whole being with interconnected systems that function best when they are all in balance. See ad on back cover.

Tamara Sachs, MD

Inner Change Holistic Counseling

Deni Weber, MA, LPC, DCEP Weston, CT. • 203-544-6094 • DeniWeber.com With compassion, intuition and wisdom Deni guides individuals on their journey of regaining lost power leading to renewed purpose, wellbeing, and emotional balance. Specializing in mind-body therapies with clinical certifications in Body-Oriented Psychotherapy and Energy Psychology she works with adults, teens and children healing traumatic stress related to Abuse, AD/HD, Learning Disabilities, Chronic Illness, Lyme Disease, and Autistic Spectrum.

RELATIONSHIP COACH PEAK Results Coaching

Jeff Forte, CSIC, CME • Relationship Coach 2389 Main St., Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860)633-8555 • peakresultscoaching.com Do you want a more fulfilling marriage but don’t know what to do? Are you feeling stuck in an unhappy relationship that seems doomed to fail? You can change all that starting now. I will show you step by step exactly what to do to create the love and connection you want in your relationship. You will learn exactly what to do to rebuild trust, and re-ignite the passion. Imagine the feeling of being in love all over again. I am a Certified Marriage Educator, and clients frequently come to me. When nothing else seems to work or when something must change now. If you want to know what works, call today. See ad on page 13.

SCHOOLS Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies

LauraMignosa, NCCH 912 Corbin Ave, New Britain, CT 06052 (860) TCM-2705 • www.ctherbschool.com. Founded in 1992, the CT Institute of Herbal Studies focuses on Traditional Chinese Medicine and offers a Certified Herbology Program with a foundation in both theory and clinical diagnosis as practiced in China today. See ad on page 19.

The Graduate Institute

Leslie Cahill, Director of Admissions, Recruitment. (203) 874-4252 • www.learn.edu. The Graduate Institute is an accredited institution of higher education that offers Master of Arts degrees in emerging fields of inquiry. Degree programs include: Experiential Health and Healing, Peace Studies, Oral Traditions, Holistic Thinking, and Conscious Evolution. Classes meet one weekend per month and programs are offered in Hartford, Bethany, New Milford, and Stamford, CT. For more information or to find an Information Session near you, call (203) 8744252 or visit www.learn.edu. See ad on page 2.

SKINCARE Anew You Skincare & Wellness Center

Melissa Martin, 16A Ensign Drive, Avon. (860)284-9730, www.anewyouskincare.net Melissa@anewyouskincare.net We are committed to strengthening your overall well-being and skin health through the use of excellent quality products and extraordinary services that produce amazing results. Only natural ingredients are used, including plenty of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and essential oils! We want you to be "WOWED"! See ad on page 23.

THERMOGRAPHY Sophia Natural Health Center

31 Old Route 7, Brookfield, CT 06804. (203) 740-9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.com As the hormone experts, we specialize in women’s health, natural hormone balancing, breast cancer prevention and thermography utilizing the highest definition camera in the area with interpretations from MD specialists in the field. Thermogram results include a free 15-minute phone consultation. See ad on page 25.

Functional Medicine & Integrative Care 15 Bennitt St., New Milford, CT (860) 354-3304 • www.tsachsmd.intranets.com See ad on page 29.

OSTEOPATHIC PHYS. Osteopathic Wellness Center, LLC

David L. Johnston, DO • Lisa Preston, DO 158 Danbury Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877 (203) 438-9915 • www.osteopathicwellness.net Gentle, natural, hands-on, osteopathic medical care for infants, children and adults. Childrens’ health and development, birth trauma, musculoskeletal pain and injuries, nutrition and wellness counseling, stress reduction, immune support, allergies. Most major insurances accepted. See ad on page 23.

RETREAT CENTERS

X to Rays, LLC

280 Shetucket Turnpike, Voluntown, CT 06384 860-543-3244 • stillwaterspond.com

Suzanne Pyle, MS, CCT 35 Boston Street, Guilford, CT 866.986.7297 or 203 331-2878 www.xtorays.com

Still Waters is an emerging retreat center for groups of 10 to 20. Nestled among 100 acres of pine forest and situated on a private, 10acre pond, we provide comfortable and artfully rustic lodging: two cottages, a five-bedroom guest house and Art & Yoga Studio. Hosting one group at a time. Meal options and private tours available. See ad on page 33.

Suzanne is a board certified clinical thermographer. She offers totally safe (no radiation), painless (no compression), 97% accurate FDA approved breast cancer screening. With a masters in Nutrition, Suzanne also advises on breast and body health. Scans for thyroid, lung, liver, gall bladder, pancreas and ovaries are also available. Call for locations throughout CT.

Still Waters Pond, LLC

Natural Nutmeg December 2012

VIBRATIONAL/ ENERGY HEALING The Healing in Harmony Center Priscilla Bengtson, ATP® 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860)632-8434 www.healinginharmonycenter.com

The Healing in Harmony Center, a spiritual healing, counseling and education center, offers programs and services that help individuals acknowledge and develop their own gifts to the highest level. Owner Priscilla Bengtson is dedicated to helping people live a joyous and fulfilled life and offers classes and workshops that help people achieve this. Private sessions are offered for intuitive, trance channel and angel readings, medical intuitive readings, trance healing, hypnosis, reiki, mandala healing, and health coaching. A free healing service is offered once monthly. See ad on page 18.

VETERINARY CARE Mobile Pet Vet

Kim Rio, DVM (203)584-1210 • www.mobile-pet-vet.com Mobile Pet Vet is a veterinary housecall practice providing wellness care for dogs and cats. By treating pets at home we reduce their stress and their exposure to infection. Pets with chronic health problems such as diabetes, kidney disease and other endocrine disorders often benefit from home-based care. We spend time developing an individualized treatment plan for each animal and we offer a full range of laboratory services. Our flexible scheduling accommodates busy pet owners. See ad on page 25.

WEIGHT LOSS A Life Center

2 Broadway, North Haven CT 1007 Farmington Ave, Suite 7A, W. Hartford CT 203-710-6605 www.thelifecenterofct.com Are you frustrated because you want to lose weight but cannot figure out how? Do you exercise but it doesn’t seem to help? Are you sabotaging yourself by overeating or emotional eating even though you have the best of intentions? Get off the dieting merry-go-round and FINALLY achieve your ideal weight? The Life Diet matches your nutrition to your metabolism. Most Insurances accepted. We offer a medically supervised weight loss program with whole foods, individualized nutrition, meal planning, and weight loss coaching. See ad on pages 22.

YOGA / PILATES CENTERS Sacred Rivers Yoga

Paula Scopino LMT, E-RYT 500 IAYT, Owner / Director 2934 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033 PH. 860.657.9545 • FAX. 860.657.3161 www.sacredriversyoga.com. See ad on page 11.

Sacred Movement Yoga

10 Sims Road (Bishop’s Corner, next to iParty) West Hartford, Connecticut 06117 860.990.2555. www.mysacredmovement.com. Offering anusara, power, vinyasa, gentle, chi, beginner, prenatal, kids and meditation classes visit our Facebook page!

NaturalNutmeg.com

Deanna Cherrone, M.D.

Board certified Internal Medicine Functional Medicine practitioner

“Do you believe you should feel better than you do?” 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

Many of my patients are simply looking for someone who will listen.

Functional Medicine explores the root cause symptoms: Fatigue • Brain Fog • Sugar Cravings • Headches • Depression • Stress & Anxiety • Decreased Libido • Aches & Pains • Decreased Stamina • Constipation • Allergies • Inability to Lose Weight • Insomnia 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

• Neurotransmitter Testing • Nutritional & Lifestyle Counseling • Thyroid • Weight Loss

60 East Main Street, Avon CT. 06001 www.naturalhealthandhealing.net 44

Natural Nutmeg December 2012