Natural Nutmeg February 2015

February/March 2015

Natural Nutmeg Connecticut's Resource For Essential Living

Can Environmental Factors be Affecting Your Ability to Conceive?

Debra Anastasio, ND

A Healthy Life...

A Healthy Body Bernie Siegel, MD

A 10-Step Plan for Dating with Purpose Ronnie Ann Ryan

Managing Infertility is Like Learning to Surf Lisa Schuman, LCSW Want to Increase Your Libido and Longevity?

Laura Mignosa, CCH The Resort at Paws Up Truly is the Last Best Place www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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! h t l a e h r e t t e b o t Your path Still looking for a way to feel better?

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Natural Nutmeg - February/March 2015

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Featured Content Want to Increase Your Libido and Longevity?

Laura Mignosa, CCH 7

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O

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

Can Environmental Factors be Affecting Your Ability to Conceive?

Debra Anastasio, ND 12 Managing Infertility is Like Learning to Surf Lisa Schuman, LCSW 16

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A 10-Step Plan for Dating with Purpose Ronnie Ann Ryan 24

DIR. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Christopher Urso Curso@naturalnutmeg.com ADVISORY BOARD Ann Aresco, N.D. Deanna M. Cherrone, MD Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. (Pend.)

Debra Gibson, ND Lauren Gouin, ND Kenneth Hoffman, LAc, CCH David Johnston, DO Vicki Kobliner, MS, RD, CD-N Donald Piccoli, DC Paul Tortland, DO

Departments The BUZZ 6 DOCTORS NOTES 8

NUTMEG NUGGETS 11

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PREVENTION 26 SELF 28 INSPIRE 30 REMEDIES 32 HAPPENINGS 38 RESOURCES 41 4

Natural Nutmeg - February/March 2015

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deb Percival Deb@naturalnutmeg.com ADVERTISING advertising@naturalnutmeg.com

The Resort at Paws Up Truly is the Last Best Place 34

BERNIE 10

PUBLISHERS Dr. Diane Hindman Publisher@naturalnutmeg.com

DISTRIBUTION Greater Hartford and surrounding counties, please contact Natural Nutmeg.

FFC - Tom Cossuto, Man In Motion, LLC

Natural Nutmeg Magazine

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P.O. Box 447, Avon, CT 06001 Phone (860)508-0894

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

Natural Nutmeg is a free publication supported solely by our advertisers and distributed throughout Connecticut. Please call for a location near you. (860) 508-0894 or email to publisher@naturalnutmeg.com. © 2007-15 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.

As an old saying goes, “times change, people change, situations change, relationships change. The only thing constant is change.” Well, that’s also the case here at Natural Nutmeg. It is with many mixed emotions that I’m writing this publisher letter to wish my friend and partner of eight years, Chris HIndman, the best of luck in his new endeavors.

While I am sad to see him go, I’m also happy for him to be following his passion to new opportunities.

Eight years ago we started Natural Nutmeg Magazine because we had a passion for being entrepreneurs and we believed Connecticut needed a better resource for a healthy, active, sustainable lifestyle. We had an idea for an educational platform that would bring together practitioners and residents of Connecticut who were searching for alternative and holistic types of treatments and therapies. With a great eye for spatial organization, Chris learned graphic design in a matter of months and hit the ground running. His creativity in designing and laying out this publication under the extreme deadlines that we often have has truly amazed me over the years. His perfectionist attitude not only made the magazine beautiful but also was instrumental in designing compelling and successful ads for our advertisers.

Together we’ve grown from an initial readership of 10,000 to over 100,000 readers and a distribution that reaches the entire state. In the early days in addition to design, he managed all of our distribution, driving across the state stocking hundreds of racks and locations himself. Many readers and advertisers would tell me that they couldn’t wait to see him coming with his big smile and the latest issue!

With his perseverance and dedication we’ve taken Natural Nutmeg from a simple, newsprint format in October 2007 to the beautiful, professional white paper stock magazine that we have today. And for that I am grateful. So, my heartfelt gratitude to you Chris, the man behind the scenes who made everything run so smoothly all these years. I couldn’t have done it without you.

171 Amity Rd., Bethany, CT, 06524

In health and happiness,

The world is beginning to understand us. Is it time for you to live the life you want?

203-874-4252

PUBLISHER'SLETTER

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THE BUZZ New Product Harnesses the Power of Great Posture

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oor posture affects health and productivity. Millions of Americans suffer from poor posture which can lead to chronic fatigue, back and neck pain. Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work and visits to the doctor’s office. Over 30 million Americans experience back pain at any given time and spend in excess of $50 billion each year.

Most cases of back pain can be completely alleviated by better posture. The Posture6 is an inexpensive wearable solution to improve posture. Proper posture relies on the natural “S” curves in our body to support the heavy head over the body in the most natural way. The Posture6 puts the body back into its natural “S” curve and is a natural fit for medical, chiropractic, massage, and other practices that offer holistic healing solutions. Unlike most posture-corrective devices, the unique hexagonal design of the Posture6 takes seconds to put on and is able to be concealed under most clothing.

Made here in the USA out of comfortable satin, Posture6 encourages better posture and mobility to provide you with a better quality of life. Harness the power of your body!

Brendan Ammann has been a licensed massage therapist since 2004. After starting out with a degree in mechanical engineering, Brendan was driven to develop the Posture6 after years of living with chronic back pain from a childhood injury. Learn more at www.

Posture6.com. See ad on page 19.

Tibetan Yoga Workshop on February 7th in West Hartford

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u Jong is an ancient movement practice from the Tantrayana Buddhist tradition that is rooted in Tibetan Medicine. This series of movements forms a comprehensive system that boosts our self-healing power and makes our minds more functional.

Lu Jong systematically trains our subtle body channels to be more open, enabling the free flow of blood, breath, energy and consciousness. The practice consists of a series of rhythmic movements that apply pressure on particular points of the channels, effectively releasing blocks.

The benefit of opening the channels is profound. The joints are lubricated and organs receive more nutrients, but the benefits do not end at the physical level. The mind becomes more stable and calm, emotions balance and energy levels soar. In short, Tibetan Yoga is a practical method for health and happiness, but also leads to spiritual benefits.

On Saturday, February 7th, you have an opportunity to experience this for yourself. Farrah Garan will be teaching the first group of Lu Jong movements—The Five Elements Movements. This complete practice is highly accessible and takes only 15 minutes to do!

It focuses on nurturing the spine, the root of our health, and balancing the five elements, which are the foundation of a functional body and mind.

This workshop combines movement and theory. Participants will learn about the subtle body, Tantrayana Buddhism, Tibetan Medicine and breathwork. Discover how the body is a powerful vehicle for self-transformation.

Saturday, Feb 7th, 2 pm – 4:30 pm, $40 (or 2 for $35), The ATMA Center, 199 Oakwood Ave, West Hartford, CT 06119. www. theatmacenter.com Farrah Garan teaches Tibetan healing movement practices that empower us to cultivate a calm mind, vibrant energy and an open heart, including Lu Jong Healing Yoga, Tog Chöd Sword Dance, and Tsa Lung Breathwork. She received the Tantrayana tradition from her teacher, Tulku Lobsang. Farrah also offers teacher trainings so that more can benefit from these practical methods. Contact her at farrah@lujong.org. See ad on page 10.

Natural Pediatric Medicine, LLC Specializing in Women and Children • • • • •

Services Provided: Wellness Visits and Annual Exams, Vaccine Counseling Common Pediatric Conditions Treated: Cold/Flu, Ear Infections, Reflux/GERD, Eczema, Allergies/Asthma, Autism Spectrum Disorder Common Women’s Health Conditions Treated: Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Depression, Anxiety, IBS, Infertility Nutritional, botanical and homeopathic supplements Child friendly formulations like liquid, chewable, and powders for an easier delivery system “I absolutely love what I do. It is an honor to be able to provide families with a natural approach to raising children. I had the luxury of raising both of my children from birth with Naturopathic care and am honored to be able to offer that choice to the families in my home state as well.”

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Phone - 860.453.4090 Fax - 860.453.4191 http://www.naturalpediatricmedicinellc.com

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Natural Nutmeg - February/March 2015

• Certified Ayurvedic Physician • Certified Acupuncturist • Health & Nutrition • Health & Nutrition Coaching • Natural Health Therapies • Cardiology • Pulmonology • Primary Care New England Integrative Health Associates, LLC 345 N. Main St., Bishop’s Corner I West Hartford, CT 06117 www.neihact.com I 860.278-3812

Want to Increase Your Libido and Longevity?

By Laura Mignosa, CCH

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he Chinese people and many Asian cultures have learned to tap nature’s marvelous resources for what some call Radiant Health. They have studied the effects of natural products upon themselves over several millennia and have discovered some truly remarkable ways to prolong life. Some enhance the powers of thought and psyche, others strengthen the body, and have been found to increase virility and fertility.

A Spring Tonic for Health and Vitality Thousands of years ago the Taoists (those who believe we must live within nature’s guidelines and rejoice in the bounty that is ours for the taking) would make a Spring tonic using Rice Wine and carefully selected herbs placed into a gourd and buried on the full moon in December. On the full moon in April, the gourds would be uncovered and family and friends would gather to drink this precious elixir and then return home to enjoy a night of great intimacy with the hope that babies would be made. The earth’s cooling in the evening and warming during the day allowed the herbs to be processed perfectly while buried.

It is not surprising then to find that the Spring Tonic contained herbs that increase libido, blood making, and energy. After being inactive during the winter, we need to move forward in our lives and these herbs nourish the body and promote health.

Recipe A simple Spring/Sexual-Energy Tonic Tea can be made using the following herbs: Ho Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) 2 parts: Gou Qi Zi (Lycium berries, or Chinese Wolf Berries) 2 parts: Bai Shao (White Peony Root) 2 parts: Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga) 1 part: Epimedium (Horny Goat Weed) for Libido, 1 part: Panax Ginseng for vital energy, 1 part: Bupleurum for the smooth spreading of all emotion and cycles, 1 part.

Add the herbs to 8 cups of water, bring to a gentle roll, and simmer until the tea has dissipated to about 4 cups. Strain this tea into a large container and add another 8 cups of water to the used herbs. After you again have just 4 cups of tea, mix the two brewings together. The 1st brewing is to build Qi (life giving force) and the second is to build Blood. Drink one cup a day. You may make the tea once a week and keep it in your refrigerator. The tea is carefully balanced to have no side effects and can be used by most any relatively healthy individual.

It was not at all from a “spirit of lust” that these tonics were discovered and created but from an honest attempt by the herbal doctors to attain pure health for their patients. They found that an enriched sex life between couples brought more harmony and happiness along with good health, now that they could sustain it. Many of those who took these tonics also achieved a very long life, good eyesight and healthy beautiful skin through their old age.

Longevity Tonics were always prized for the ‘side effect’ of

beautiful skin, good eyesight and strong sex energy and were much in demand by the wealthy of the day. The emperors (many with 3050 wives), governors, and high society paid a large price for these tonics whose formulas were kept secret by the enterprising herbal doctors of old.

Viagra vs. Overall Health Today, we find that these formulas share the dual actions of Chinese herbal aphrodisiacs AND longevity. The Chinese have invested a few thousand years of research in perfecting herbal formulas for preserving sexual vitality. Herbal aphrodisiacs can fortify your sexual vitality by gently strengthening the health of your entire body; it is not measured by just how often you want to engage in sexual activity, it is so much more. The three most studied longevity herbs are Reishi Mushroom, Astragalus & Cordyceps. All continue to be investigated for more and more health benefits and all can be used in foods or taken as teas or supplements. While these three ‘tonic herbs’ represent a small fraction of the many tonic herbs that have passed the tests of time, they do serve as excellent examples of how nature can provide safe, effective methods of improving health and quality of life.

Laura Mignosa is a Certified Chinese Herbologist and director of the Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies for over 2 decades. She is both Western and China trained and offers an annual study on this amazing tradition of healing each year starting in January. Call 860-826-2705 or visit the website www.ctherbschool.com for more information on this clinically based program of wellness or for Appointments for Care. Facebook: laura.mignosa5, or contact Laura by email at Laurachina@aol.com. See ad this page.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Doctors Notes

Eric Kusher, DC

Can’t Conceive? Your Natural Hormone Production May Not Be Occurring in the Proper Quantity at the Proper Time

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nability to conceive can stem from a multitude of causes, ranging from structural anomalies within the female reproductive system to hormonal imbalances, along with a range of other reasons.

However, by far the largest percentage of women afflicted with this problem lies in subtle aberrations in either the distribution, production, or timing of hormonal output throughout the monthly rhythm. To understand how these imbalances can directly affect whether a woman achieves pregnancy, let’s first take a simplified look at the normal physiology required to allow the process to come off successfully.

During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, both estrogen and progesterone are present at basal levels. Normally around day 10-15 of the cycle, a spike in estrogen occurs signaling ovulation is about to take place. Once this happens, now in the luteal phase, there is a coincident rise in progesterone, which then remains at elevated levels. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone remains high; if pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels fall off around day 25 of the cycle, bleeding occurs, and the cycle

repeats. This is such a finely designed system that any aberration in hormone production or distribution throughout the month can be responsible for either ovulation not occurring at all, not occurring at the proper time, or not enough progesterone being available to support a developing fetus.

So, how do we tell whether hormone production is occurring in the proper quantity, and at the proper time? Common sense would tell us that a single lab sample taken at some point in the monthly cycle would be insufficient for this purpose, therefore, we need to take samples throughout the month. This is easily accomplished via saliva samples taken every other day through the cycle.

We expect a spike in estrogen around day 12-15, followed by a rise in progesterone, maintenance of necessary progesterone levels, and finally a drop in progesterone around day 25. So, what can go awry to prevent conception, implantation, and carrying to term? Simply, from a hormonal perspective, three things: 1. Insufficient output – quite simply, not enough hormone production, either estro-

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Natural Nutmeg - February/March 2015

gen to control ovulation, or progesterone to sustain a pregnancy.

2. Imbalances in distribution – perhaps sufficient total hormone levels are being attained, but not at the proper times during the cycle to maintain the rhythm to allow for and sustain a pregnancy.

3. Aberration in timing – ovulation occurs either too early or too late in the cycle to allow conception.

To better illustrate this concept, let’s take a look at some reasons which were displayed in actual lab results from patient files.

Patient #1 displayed insufficient hormonal output – progesterone levels throughout the month never got above a level necessary to support a pregnancy; in this case, the threshold is never being reached to initiate ovulation or support implantation.

Patient #2 displayed an imbalance in her distribution of progesterone production, which may allow for ovulation and conception, but cannot support implantation and maintenance of the fetus in the luteal phase should conception occur. In this case, her estrogen spikes, ovulation occurs, but progesterone levels fall off too rapidly to maintain the pregnancy, should it occur.

Patient #3 displayed an aberration in her timing of ovulation, thereby not allowing for conception to occur, or if it did occur, a uterine environment unable to support a developing fetus. In this case, the estrogen rise and resultant ovulation occurred, but did so around day 5 of the cycle, much too early to maintain, and progesterone levels fall off much too early in the cycle.

Now that we understand the hormonal causes of infertility, how do we correct them? Use of plant-based bio-identical hormones in extremely low doses to reset the cycle is a highly effective protocol for normalizing aberrant cycles, thereby restoring an environment and rhythm allowing for conception, implantation, and carrying to term to occur. An important concept to understand is that we are not using these

tools for so-called “hormone replacement”, but rather to reset the internal programming.

This allows for the body to restore its own normal hormonal production, distribution, and timing, and once corrected, the system can then maintain normal function on its own. We therefore must utilize precise dosages on each day of the month to achieve the desired physiological changes.

One final, but very important point…female hormone production, distribution and timing rarely become imbalanced of their own accord, but are usually the secondary result of some other imbalance within the body’s systems. The most common of these is adrenal stress or exhaustion, which can directly affect estrogen production, as well as gastrointestinal issues, resulting either from dietary indiscretions or subclinical untreated infections. An effective treatment approach must include proper assessment and management of all systems involved, and can only be uncovered by specific laboratory testing of suspected systems.

Before undertaking stressful and expensive treatment for infertility, it makes sense to first correct the possible causes at their source.

At the Kusher Functional Medicine Center in South Windsor, CT we are happy to discuss your case personally with you, and formulate a treatment protocol specific to your needs. Please feel free to reach out to us at (860)-644-2437, or visit our website at www.drkusher.com for more information on this topic.

Could One Conversation Change Your Life?

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For further information on required testing or the workings of the weight management program, contact Dr. Kusher at the Kusher Functional Medicine Center located in South Windsor, CT at (860)-644-2437, visit his website at www.drkusher.com, or email him at drkusher@drkusher.com. See ad on page 19.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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BERNIE

By Bernie Siegel, MD

A Healthy Life...

A Healthy Body

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tudies reveal that women diagnosed with the same cancers as men live longer; others show that married men live longer than single men with the same cancers, smoke as much and have fewer cases of lung cancer than single men. No, these individuals are not protected by a unique set of hormones; it is instead their connections and relationships that provide strength during these kinds of trials and illnesses.

I was criticized years ago for asking patients about events in the years before they became sick -- I was told I was blaming people and creating guilt. However, recent studies show that loneliness can affect the genes that control our immune response, so those who feel lonely are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases, viral illnesses and cancer. Laughter also improves survival statistics.

I bring this up because I want women to keep this power, living life for themselves. The “I’ll make this marriage works if it kills me” mentality can kill you. Acting to appease parents and spouses and in turn internalizing all your feelings is self-destructive; it can turn on the cancer genes. Years ago a presentation I gave with my wife offended a group of women; I couldn’t understand what we had done wrong. A friend of mine said, “You didn’t do anything wrong. They’re jealous of your relationship. Your wife can interrupt and correct you and shares the stage. These women have gone from politeness to submissiveness.”

I want you ladies to let your hearts guide you through life so that what you do is out of love. Only then will you benefit from your interactions, as will the recipient of your love.

Lu Jong Tibetan Healing Yoga SATURDAY, FEB 7

Rooted in Tibetan Medicine, this

Ancient Tantrayana Practice

systematically releases blockages on the physical, mental and energetic levels.

@The ATMA Center, West Hartford 2 - 4:30 pm | $40 (2/$35 ea) | farrah@lujong.org

www.lujong.org 10

Natural Nutmeg - February/March 2015

One woman did a drawing for me entitled, “Will the real me please stand up?” It shows a mother and a professional – and you don’t need to be a therapist to know which one makes her happy. My advice to women everywhere is to do what makes you happy and keep your power; don’t wait to develop cancer to obtain permission. If something is threatening your health, eliminate it from your life – be it a marriage, job or anything else. If it does not threaten your health, then give love a chance to heal the relationship. You have a choice when your health is not at risk to change your life or your attitude. You can be born again, free of your disease. Life is just a labor pain in relation to birthing your unique self.

On the other hand, men have relationships with their jobs and self images. Lose your job or be too sick to work, and a man can feel like there’s no point in living. I’ve known men who have committed suicide when told they can’t work or participate in sports anymore due to illness.

Relationships, with a spouse, family or a doctor, can be a struggle according to my wife and an ordeal according to Joseph Campbell. Both talk about creating a relationship so that one plus one can equal three. A relationship is not about what each individual wants, but is instead about a third entity -- the relationship they create. So be sure your spouse, partner, family and doctor are willing to create a relationship you can all live with and each take responsibility for. Relationships give our lives meaning and help us to heal. An Australian study revealed that after a heart attack, only 5 percent of patients who went home, to a home with a dog, died. With no dog in the house, 26 percent had died in the year after the heart attack. Even plants and gold fish prolong life in nursing homes; and even in concentration camps the will to live and connect with others had an amazing effect on survival.

A sure sign of future successful relationships is that the persons involved be criticized by the people they work with, the people they work for and their family. These are people who are willing to learn, accept criticism and apologize rather than make excuses or blame others. The tourists are then trained by the natives, who can understand the experiences in which they live but the other parties have not been exposed to.

Bernie currently a cancer support group the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of the month at Coachman’s Square on Bradley Road, Woodbridge. If interested contact Lucille Ranciato at lranciato2@ yahoo.com or call 203-288-2839. For information on Bernie’s books and tapes please call Wisdom of the Ages in Simsbury, CT. Wisdom of the Ages is a special place to nurture your spiritual side. It’s filled with items to calm the mind, heal the body & empower your spirit.

Wisdom of the Ages is owned by Bernie’s son & daughter- in-law, Keith & Jane Siegel. Located at 1414 Hopmeadow St. Simsbury, CT. (860) 651-1172, www.wisdomoftheages.biz. See ad on page 20.

Nutmeg “Nuggets”

The Benefits Of Cupping Therapy

T

he ancient Chinese Medicine technique of cupping entails placing suction cups on the skin (typically on a patient’s back) along five meridian lines in order to both align and relax the qi and open up all the channels and thus promote energy flow.

Generally, bamboo, glass or plastic cups of all sizes are used. The healer usually puts some oil on the skin of the patient before applying the cups. Suction is then achieved using a flame or pump method. The suction will pull old blood to the surface allowing for fresh blood to enter the area for healing. Often people can be pain-free after 2-3 sessions, depending on the duration and severity of their problem.

Early Taoist herbalists used cupping therapy to induce relaxation, expel toxins from the body and promote healthy blood flow. Today, this simple and versatile technique is beneficial for all sorts of health conditions including relieving back and neck pain, stiff muscles, anxiety, fatigue, migraines, rheumatism, lung and respiratory conditions including asthma symptoms, the common cold and even cellulite.

“Cupping is one of the best deep-tissue therapies available,” states the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM). “It is thought to affect tissues up to four inches deep from the external skin. Toxins can be released, blockages can be cleared, and veins and arteries can be refreshed within these four inches. Even hands, wrists, legs, and ankles can be ‘cupped,’ thus applying the healing to specific organs that correlate with specific meridian points.”

As with all therapies, one should use discretion as there are several instances when cupping should not be performed. Patients with inflamed skin, patients with high fever or convulsions and patients who are taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding, who have a low platelet count or who bleed easily are not suitable candidates for cupping. Also, pregnant women should not have cupping on their stomach or lower back.

Submitted by Dr. Ming Wu, AOBTA-CP, Ph.D. Dr. Wu is a doctor of Chinese Medicine, a third generation Chinese Herbalist, a Master Tai Chi and Qi Gong practitioner and founder of the Wu Healing Center, 45 S. Main St., Suite 100, West Hartford, CT. 1-978-790-8888 or www. wuhealing.com. See ad on page 3.

Xylitol ….The Sweetest Taboo

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ll those years of your dentist, doctor and mother telling you that sweeteners are bad for you may not be true! Have you heard of Xylitol? This sugar actually stops tooth decay, has a low glycemic index, is safe for diabetics, and boosts your immune system.

Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from the fibrous part of plants. The purest form of xylitol comes from the bark of birch trees.

Most manufacturing of Xylitol now use the husk of non GMO corn.

Most sugars like fructose and dietary carbohydrates are based on a 6-carbon monosaccharide unit which makes a good source for bacteria and yeast. Thus sugar promotes tooth decay. But xylitol acts as the natural dental antidote for sugar by blocking its harmful effects and protecting the teeth and oral cavity.

Since 1976, there have been numerous studies that confirm that xylitol stops the growth of bacteria that causes cavities. Scientists discovered that by eating, chewing and ingesting Xylitol, the bacteria that cause decay will stop growing or cannot survive in the oral cavity. When there are no bacteria it greatly reduces the presence of cavities! This is better than Fluoride, which only rebuilds the surface of the tooth and makes the surface of the tooth harder to resist decay. Xylitol stops the bacteria dead in its tracks.

As wonderful as Xylitol is for the body, it does need to be taken in moderation. A dose of 90 grams can produce a laxative effect in the body. Zylitol should be kept away from pets, especially dogs as it can be fatal.

Xylitol can be purchased by the pound, single serving packets, toothpaste, gum, mints, nasal spray, baby tooth gel, and children’s candies. Various dental offices may have it for sale. When you are purchasing Xylitol make sure that it is 100% xylitol in order to expe-

rience the healing effects of this wonder sweetener. If you have any questions you can visit the Spry xylitol product website www. xlear. com. Remember Smiles Create Happiness, Create Yours!

Contemporary General Dentistry is a family and cosmetic dental practice located at 836 Farmington Ave. in West Hartford, Connecticut. Dr. Bryan Wilson and team members believe in dental excellence in a caring mercury and latex free environment. Kareen Wilson RDH BS has been in practice as a dental Hygienist for over 18 years.

Please feel free to contact us at 860-236-8000 or visit us on the web at www.bryanwilsondds.com. See ad on page 37.

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Create manageable action plans to reach your goals and achieve success Balanced Living Now

Kristen Werblow, M.A. Certified Life Coach 860.707.0908 Berlin, CT www.balancedlivingnow.com “She is a great resource, a powerful coach, and a beautiful human being. ” Dr. Hartigan

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11

Can Environmental Factors be Affecting Your Ability to Conceive?

By Debra Anastasio, ND

M

any couples don’t have to try very hard to conceive, while others struggle and are faced with the trials and tribulations of infertility. For either case, taking control of environmental factors that interfere with conception or proper fetal development not only promotes normal hormone balance but can also be a key factor in optimizing natural and interventional fertility success. In addition, there is the added benefit of reducing the risk of reproductive cancers in both men and women.

The Role of Xenoestrogens Xenoestrogens are environmental chemicals considered to be endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC) also referred to as “environmental hormones.” These chemicals have been introduced to the environment over the last 70 years affecting food and water supplies, and while many have been banned, they are still very prevalent with sometimes lasting effects from chronic exposure on both humans and the environment. EDC’s are found in food packaging, foods treated with pesticides, foods processed with chemicals, the actual food itself (contaminated fish or livestock) plastic food and beverage containers, soda cans and drink box liners, in food wrapping, cosmetics, health and beauty products, cleaning agents as well as in many household items. Exposure can be through air, water, food, hand to mouth ingestion, or absorbed directly through the skin.

The Endocrine Society considers xenoestrogens to be a serious environmental hazard that has hormone disruptive effects on both wildlife and humans. The effect on reproduction is theorized as either alteration of the hormone feedback loop in the brain, pituitary (master gland), ovaries, testes, and thyroid and/or by binding to the actual hormone receptor and rendering a different signal than natural hormones would have produced. Early puberty is just one of the indicators of possible xenoestrogen exposure, but reproductive problems may also pose a clue later on in life.

Endometriosis, adenomyosis, and uterine fibroids are all associated with excessive estrogen activation of the tissue. These are also interfering factors in many cases for fertility to naturally occur without intervention of some kind. Not only is it important to establish normal serum levels of hormone, but also to have the normal cycle ebb and flow, peaks and valleys, of each hormone produced.

Xenoestrogens can artificially elevate the estrogenic signal which can interfere with the timing of a normal menstrual cycle or prevent ovulation from occurring on time or at all.

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Natural Nutmeg - February/March 2015

The most common EDC’s encountered in your daily life are store register receipts, cleaning products, city tap water, artificial fragrances, health & beauty products and plastics. Studies have shown that when you eliminate your known exposure that you can lower the toxin residue in your urine by as much as 60%. Unfortunately, some of these toxins are stored in fat cells and have a longer lasting effect with a possible risk of re-entering circulation during times of weight loss. This is of significant clinical importance during the first trimester of pregnancy when nausea or vomiting may put the woman at risk for inadequate caloric intake prompting the release of fat stores. Providing nutritional and hormone balancing support is of utmost importance to maintain the pregnancy during those delicate weeks.

Common Endocrine Disrupting Compounds According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), there are several commonly used household cleaners that are negatively associated with reproductive health and fertility. Borax/Boric acid in laundry and dish detergents and sodium perborate, a form of oxygen bleach that releases sodium borate, are both reportedly banned by the European Union (E.U.) for being reproductive toxins. Boric acid has also been demonstrated to cross the placenta and affect fetal development and birth weight. EWG also reports that the solvent and degreaser Diethylene glycol monomethyl ether (DEGME) is suspect by the E.U. of damaging fertility or the developing fetus and have also banned its use in cleaners. There are several other glycol ethers that are suspect of reproductive toxicity, some of which are listed in California’s Prop 65 male reproductive toxins that we are currently exposed to in the U.S. Switching to truly natural cleaning products that do not contain chemicals is of utmost importance for reproductive health and optimal fetal development. These natural products are often enzyme based and use pure essential plant oils instead of artificial fragrances and chemicals.

Below are the most common and somewhat avoidable EDC’s we are exposed to. It is important for everyone to learn how to read labels, find brands that are more natural and become an informed consumer to avoid these known exposures. Not only does this affect fertility but also fetal development and the lifelong risk of reproductive cancers.

• Parabens- butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben. Parabens are chemical preservatives that have been identified as estrogenic hormone disruptors. Para-

bens affect hormone levels by mimicking estrogen that we normally produce and have been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer and may disrupt fertility. Look for products clearly labeled “parabenfree” and be diligent about reading labels on products for other known EDC ingredients.

• Dioxins- Dioxins are a class of chemical contaminants that are formed during combustion processes such as waste incineration, forest fires, and backyard trash burning, as well as during some industrial processes such as paper pulp bleaching and herbicide manufacturing. The most toxic chemical in this chemical group is 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin (TCDD), but also includes PCB, PCDF, and PCDD and are known estrogen disruptors. The highest environmental concentrations of dioxin are usually found in soil and sediment, with much lower levels found in air and water. Humans are primarily exposed to dioxins by eating food contaminated by these chemicals such as fatty meats, fish, dairy products and through breast milk. Dioxin accumulates in the fatty tissues, where they may persist for months or years. Studies of highly exposed populations show that dioxins can cause reproductive and developmental problems as well as cancer. A primarily vegetarian or Mediterranean style diet including organic foods and deep wild caught fish is most advantageous to avoid dioxin exposure.

• Phthalates- Phthalates are a group of EDC’s commonly used to produce soft and flexible plastics, color enhancers and also for artificial fragrances. They are found in a wide variety of common products including plastics, cosmetics, medications, baby care products, building materials, modeling clay, automobiles, cleaning materials and insecticides. Phthalates are readily absorbed through the skin and can also be absorbed through inhalation or from medical injections. Phthalates are considered to be endocrine disruptors because of their complex effects on several hormonal systems in-

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cluding the estrogen and androgen hormone systems. Some phthalates, including BBP and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), act as weak estrogens, can bind to estrogen receptors (ER), induce estrogen cell responses and act additively with the natural estrogen estradiol in altering these tissues. Phthalates also bind weakly to the androgen (testosterone) receptors disrupting their normal cellular function. DBP and BBP bind most strongly to the androgen receptor, and therefore might be expected to exert the greatest effects through this pathway. A good first measure is to avoid

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all fragranced products including candles, potpourri, air fresheners, fabric deodorizers, commercial hair and body products, laundry products, and cleaning products. Use only pure plant essential oils as scents. These can be added to unscented products, added to plant oil as natural perfume, or diffused with an ultrasonic mist or tea light diffuser to freshen your home, car or office.

• Bisphenols- Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an EDC used in polycarbonate plastic products or epoxy liners that has been detected in 92% of the general populations’ urine. BPA has also been detected in breast milk and in body fat of women. The FDA and researchers have at least expressed concern that BPA is an environmental estrogen which potentially adversely affects the brain, behavior, and prostates of fetuses and children. You can avoid BPA by drinking out of clearly labeled containers that are BPA-free or glass, avoid heating any food in plastic bags or containers, select fresh or frozen foods instead of canned or lined boxes, have your store receipts emailed to avoid the frequent exposure of BPA of register receipts, reconsider dental sealants which are a source of BPA in favor of more thorough dental cleaning & healthy eating habits, and avoid using aluminum foil (dull side) and canned drinks as good first measures.

• Suncreens- UV screen ingredients in products that are suspected EDC’s are benzophenone-1, benzophenone-2, homosalate, octinoxate, oxybenzone (when hit by sunlight, oxybenzone breaks down to an estrogen mimic), sulisobenzone, and 4-MBC (European products). These chemicals are also used in other health and beauty products such as face creams, hair products, nail polish, foundation and lipstick. Instead of using chemical SPF products, select natural brands that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as natural non-toxic sun blocking agents. They do go on a bit thicker but are

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• Placenta- Naturally occurring animal hormones in placental tissue are one of the reasons the cosmetic industry likes to use these in their products. Ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid and Protein Hydrolysate are potentially placental derived ingredients as well. Placental Extracts contain the hormones estrogen, estrone, and progesterone as contaminants. They are found in shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers and astringents, body and skin creams. Purchasing VEGAN is the safest way to go on this one. Reading the labels for any ingredient other than a plant is the other way to decipher if the product may have placental extract present.

• Perflurooctanoic Acid (PFOA) - Also known as C8 or perflurooctanoate, is found in Teflon, stain resistant sprays, and the lining of microwave popcorn bags. In 2009, a study from UCLA Researchers showed that infertility is linked to elevated blood serum levels of PFOA. This study has shown that PFOA is linked to infertility in both women and men. In order to avoid PFOA, use stainless steel cookware, avoid protectant upholstery sprays, and use the old fashioned method of stovetop or an air popper for making popcorn.

• Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)- Also known as flame retardant, is considered to contain hormone disrupting properties and has been banned since 2004 but remains active in our environment.

According to a report from Environmental Health News, “Women exposed to high levels of flame retardants take substantially longer to get pregnant, indicating for the first time that the widespread chemicals may affect human fertility…” PGDE’s are present in furniture cushions, carpet padding and other household items. Select household products using natural and organic fabrics.

• Metalloestrogens- this is a class of

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Natural Nutmeg - February/March 2015

metal contaminants from tobacco smoke residue and according to the Endocrine Society, “researchers have found that metals present in tobacco smoke mimic the effects of estrogens and activate the body’s estrogen receptor, an action that may increase the risk of breast cancer.” While there is no mention of the impact on fertility, there are clear indications that fetal development is adversely affected by tobacco use or exposure during pregnancy.

The simplicity of natural hormone balance without toxicity is to use organic and natural ingredients and products in your home. Plain distilled white vinegar and water for cleaning is also a simple, good start to detoxifying your home or workplace. Eat simply, clean simply, and beautify simply.

When it comes to living with city tap water, use a dechlorinating shower filter, dechlorinating bath balls and a water source filter at the very least.

Lastly, be patient. Ill effects of xenoestrogens/EDC’s can last for weeks or months.

If you are faced with hormone imbalances or difficulty getting pregnant, consult a natural practitioner to discuss additional measures such as specialty lab testing, hormone balancing, or cleansing and detoxification to help rid your body of any accumulated toxins that affect hormone clearance or metabolism.

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Managing Infertility is Like Learning to Surf

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uggestions such as “relax,” “take a vacation,” or “just give it time and it will happen,” are commonly heard by patients struggling with infertility. Underlying these comments is the idea that somehow the person suffering from infertility has complete control over it.

Unfortunately, many people can’t control it, no matter how they try, and these comments often increase the patient’s sense of frustration and potentially relentless self blame.

We cannot completely control infertility any more than we can control the tides of the ocean. However, we can control how we handle it… or how we surf. Infertility treatment can be exhausting, physically and emotionally. This is a well documented fact. But in order to get pregnant we need to tolerate it, so learning how to surf the waves can increase your chances of staying in treatment and ultimately getting pregnant.

Learning to manage treatment may also provide an added bonus. If we can be thoughtful about the way we manage our time and relationships we may find that we can even improve those important connections in our life. This is no small matter.

Although treatment may feel like it will last forever, it won’t. Your friends and family, however, will be in your life years after the agony is gone.

Only Control the Things We Can Control When I am working with patients, we frequently talk about their disappointment, sadness and fears. Patients tell me about the ways in which they feel a loss of control.

They can choose an excellent practice and follow the medical team’s directions. Yet they are not able to create a pregnancy and sadly, they cannot, as they have always imagined, have a baby the old fashioned way. They are not able to make treatment move faster or produce a better outcome by applying more determination and focus.

Heartbreak and frustration often ensue and there seems to be no way out of the nightmare. Sometimes people blame their partners, their bodies, their careers, and of course, the biological clock. The disappointment feels like it needs to be placed somewhere and it is hard to realize that often it’s just bad luck. For many, it is the first time that the patient truly realizes that life is not fair.

Most people in treatment are young enough to have learned that by working hard they can usually meet their goals. As we age, we see more injustice in the world,

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but when we are young the world is still our oyster and we believe we are in control. It’s hard to accept that some things are out of our hands, but blame will not help. In fact, it can hurt us, as self blame can increase depressive feelings and it can ultimately hurt our relationships with our loved ones.

We Have Control Over our Choice of Providers Taking action in the areas that we do have control over can help us feel more stable, less depressed, and can give us the opportunity to live without regret. Finding an excellent practice is first and foremost.

This is a very practical matter. Statistics are posted in a report by the Society of Reproductive Technologies (SART). You can find this information on the websites of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) or the Centers for Disease Control.

The best fertility clinics see fertility treatments as a process, where the whole patient is considered. The waves are much smoother and easier to ride when your doctor understands. Patients also can connect with a good nutritionist and acupuncturist.

RMACT has a wonderful team of acupuncturists and a nutritionist who works with patients individually. These treatments can help you feel better, and provide benefits that may improve your odds for success.

We have Control Over our Support Network Emotional support can be professionally provided in individual-, couples- or grouptherapy. Support groups are very helpful in dealing with the isolation of treatment and can supply the patient with a support network. At RMACT, groups are free of charge and numerous. There are specific groups for third-party reproduction and general support. A peer support group also is available for people who would like to talk with others who have walked in their shoes.

It also is helpful for patients to find support for issues they may see as distinct. For

example, single women who are pursuing motherhood, or gay and lesbian couples seeking a path to parenthood, may feel particularly isolated. The logistics of treatment also might be more complicated for these individuals. Treatment options could include donor gametes or gestational carriers; issues around these choices necessitate education and support.

We Have Control Over the ways We Manage our Day-to-Day Stress It is natural for our bodies to have a fight-or-flight response when we feel threatened. Our bodies do not understand that it is the infertility that is threatening us. Like any animal, our bodies prepare to run or fight. Our hearts race, our pupils dilate, our blood pressure rises. If the stress is unrelenting, our depression can increase.

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Chemotherapy Stress Levels We have research that shows that infertility patients can experience the same level of depression as chemotherapy patients. Just knowing this can help normalize the experience. Seeking professional help for support and to learn stress management techniques can be beneficial. Yoga can also ease stress. RMACT offers yoga classes that are designed for infertility patients and are free of charge. If these methods are not helpful to you, find some that work. Finding time to read or take a hot bath, to take a walk in the country, or to get a massage could be just the thing you need to put your body in a calmer state.

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Natural Nutmeg - February/March 2015

Activities Planning a pleasurable but goal-oriented activity also can be worthwhile. Since our bodies feel so out of control, planning an activity like taking a painting class or learning to knit can help us feel more control over our environment. It can be very stabilizing to put effort into something pleasurable (not work) and see the fruits of our labor. No task is meaningless. Just rearranging our furniture or painting a bedroom can be very centering.

We Have More Control Over our Relationships than We Know Our partners may not understand what we are going through but it is important not to push them away. Our families and friends may say the wrong things or invite us to one-too-many baby showers, but they need us in their lives, and we need them. This doesn’t mean we need to go to every birthday party or answer everyone’s questions. It means that we can control the information we provide and set limits, while respecting and nurturing our relationships.

It is okay to tell people that we can’t come to every first baby birthday party but we will be there for the next twenty. It’s okay to tell our partners and friends that we do not want to discuss treatment when they ask, but that we will discuss it when we are ready.

Treatment can be consuming but it is important to remember there are people who care for us and we should try to be available to them in the ways we can.

As with friends, partners may want to withdraw or may feel disconnected from the ways in which you are experiencing your treatment. It is important to respect that you may have a difference of opinion and that is okay. If you need to talk about it, keep it limited and keep some fun in your life. Even if you see a movie and only 20 minutes of it were pleasurable, that’s 20 minutes more distraction, or pleasure, than if you stayed home and crawled under the covers.

You Can Make Infertility an Opportunity When I work with patients I encourage them to make themselves the priority. Self nurturance and setting limits are essential, but caring for yourself also means to consider those around you. Being mindful of this will help you surf the waves of infertility and its treatment by helping you and your relationships feel more stable. It is not possible to control the diagnosis or the outcome but it is possible to find ways to manage your experience in treatment and your reactions to your friends and family. It may sound effortful, but the benefits can be numerous. Most immediately, these strategies can help you get through treatment so you can attend to your ultimate goal; being a parent.

Lisa Schuman, LCSW and Director of Mental Health Services at Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT), has worked with infertility patients for almost two decades. She also is the Chair of the Oocyte Cryopreservation Task Force for the Mental Health Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s (ASRM). Lisa has received several awards for research projects at the ASRM and the Pacific Coast Reproductive Society’s annual meetings; her most recent award was presented at the 2014 ASRM Annual Meeting for her contributions to clinical studies about elective oocyte cryopreservation, commonly referred to as egg freezing. See ad on page 27.

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  

                   

Integrative Holistic Psychiatry

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David London, M.D. 567 Vauxhall St. Ext. #218 Waterford, CT 06385 (860) 443-5822 www.davidlondonmd.com

Yoga & Wellness Center Offering Yoga Classes and Private Yoga Sessions “February New Student Special” Purchase 5 Private Sessions, Get One Free!

860-567-0219 57 Slab Meadow Road Morris, CT 06763 www.bramasolewellness.com info@bramasolewellness.com

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

Natural Nutmeg - February/March 2015

Offer Expires 2/28/15

Soul Retrieval At Work Finding Meaning and Purpose at Work, Part 2

By Lawrence Ford, AIF

L

ast month we discussed the cost of sleepwalking to work each day, feeling unmotivated, unfulfilled, unproductive, and unempowered. Now we’ll look at how soul loss is related to how you earn money and how to find your way back to soulful work.

What Does Soul Loss Have to do with How You Earn Money?

When a shaman says you have lost a piece of your soul it is not a metaphor. A shaman sees that a piece of your soul is actually missing; when that happens you cannot be in your power until the missing piece is retrieved. From a shaman’s perspective soul retrieval is serious business and it is something shamans have done in all parts of the world for ages as they help communities and individuals regain their power.

Symptoms Symptoms of soul loss include low energy, a general feeling of being disconnected, difficulty staying present and in the moment, the feeling of being out of your body, suffering anxiety attacks, difficulty moving on after a large transition like a divorce, always looking for outside things to fill you up, memory gaps (especially of when you were a child), chronic illnesses and a weak immune system, depression, and a general lack of energy. When soul loss is not addressed, these symptoms often become exaggerated, and illness and even death can manifest.

These symptoms are usually accompanied with a longing inside, that calls the person to the awareness that there is something more to life. Very rarely do I find a person with soul illness who’s at a job they love.

Finding Your way back to Soulful Work The awesome thought of gaining back our power and living a purposeful life at work can at first be overwhelming. As Marianne Williamson, an internationally acclaimed spiritual powerhouse, put it so beautifully: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that frightens us… As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Marianne Williamson.

Many people have dedicated their lives to getting good grades, and then to getting ahead. We may find we are lost when we finally ask ourselves, “What is it that I really want to do? What are my special gifts?” This can lead to an incredibly unnerving feeling, and many seekers get caught up in the mental loop of trying to figure out what would be the perfect job. Overwhelmed with the daunting task of aligning our work with our passions, we go back to sleep and give up on our dreams, stay at our soulless job, and resort to just making a living.

Through my own life journey, striving to perfect and merge my gifts into the impeccable work, I came to realize, at a deep level, that when I am in alignment with the vibration of my soul it matters much less what I do than how I do it. The striving is no longer necessary.

It does not mean one is meant to be a fireman, or a surgeon, or go into any specific occupation; paradoxically, what we do matters much less than how we do it— how we bring our full selves into our work and everything we do.

Finding a Soulful Company Rather than looking for the perfect job that aligns with your purpose, start by looking for companies with a healthy soul. This will lead you in the direction of good energy and give you a solid foundation of possible companies to approach. Then see if what they do aligns with your passions; with who you are at a soul level.

When you approach your career this way, magic will unfold.

Look for the subtle signs that lead you in the direction of your longings. One of the extra benefits of these soulful companies is that they care deeply about their employees, and consequently are looking for people who ‘get it.’ These companies will clearly see the passion of your “why” when it aligns with the company’s “why,” and the old uncomfortable interviewing process will melt away and be replaced by a passionate discussion.

For the extended article and a list of the signs to look for in a soulful company, visit www.naturalnutmeg.com under Conditions/ Depression.

Connecticut resident Lawrence Ford was dubbed the “Shaman of Wall Street” by the Washington Post – he lives in “both worlds”, the modern world of business and the ancient world of wisdom. Conscious Capital Wealth Management (formerly Ford Financial Group) has helped over 5,000 people with their investment and insurance needs since 1989.

Lawrence Ford is a Registered Representative of INVEST Financial Corporation (INVEST), member FINRA/SIPC. Lawrence can be reached at: Lford@consciouscapitlawm.com or 860-659-8299.

All expressions of opinion in this commentary reflect the opinions of the author and not necessarily those of INVEST. This commentary does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any security. INVEST does not offer tax and/or legal advice and it is strongly recommended you consult with your legal or tax professional for guidance on your particular situation. INVEST offers securities and is not affiliated with Conscious Capital Wealth Management, LLC. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite and Lawrence Ford of Conscious Capital Wealth Management, LLC. See ad on page 20. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Spa Treatments Recommended

by Doctors O

nce considered an indulgence, spa treatments are now recognized as a fundamental part of healthcare. Medical professionals recommend spa treatments for a range of issues including anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, insomnia, acne, bell’s palsy, and roscea, to name a few. In addition, there have been incredible advancements in anti-aging technologies and products.

As a result, spa visits are up; today’s spa experience is all about self-care and healing. People are realizing that taking time for themselves really is important for well-being, that spa treatments benefit the whole person, that those benefits are long lasting, and that there are valid curative and preventative medical reasons for everyone to go to a spa.

All this has led to a more diverse spa audience. Men and women, young and old, have gotten serious about maintenance massage and facial programs, and it’s not unusual for people to start in their teens or 20s, thereby preventing future issues.

In addition, more spa-goers want to share the experience with friends and family, replacing gifts of ‘stuff’ with caring and nurturing gifts that keep on giving.

Health Benefits of Massage Studies on the health benefits of massage have convinced even the skeptics that massages are a vital and preventative part of healthcare. Massage therapy treats a wide range of medical conditions.

In fact, according to a recent survey, more people get massage for medical purposes than they do for relaxation or pampering.

The health conditions that are eased by massage are too numerous to include in this article, but here are a few: • Anxiety and Depression: Massage relieves depression and anxiety, lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol by up to 50%, and increases levels of serotonin and dopamine, which reduce depression.

• Back pain: Studies find massage works better than acupuncture or spinal modification for persistent low back pain—reducing the need for painkillers by 36%.

• Cancer: Used as a complement to traditional medicine, massage can promote relaxation and reduce cancer symptoms or side effects of treatment. It may reduce pain, swelling, fatigue, nausea, and depression, and improves the function of the immune system.

• Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia sufferers who received 30-minute massages three times a week for five weeks slept more deeply and nearly an hour longer at the end of the study period.

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• Headaches and Migraines: Massage can reduce pain for people with tension headaches, reduce the number of migraines a person has, lessen migraine pain, and improve sleep.

• Immune System: Women with stage 1 or 2 breast cancer who were given massages three times a week for five weeks had lower depression and hostility levels and increased urinary levels of serotonin, dopamine, NK cells and lymphocytes—all of which suggested their immune systems were stronger.

• Insomnia related to stress: Massage helps people spend more time in restorative deep sleep.

• Osteoarthritis: Participants who received a one-hour massage one or two times a week had less pain and stiffness, and a better range of motion.

• Problem Solving: Adults were more alert and completed a series of math questions faster and more accurately after a massage.

Other common ailments that are treated with massage include: digestive disorders, high blood pressure, PMS, soft tissue strains and injuries, and Temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ). Massage can also improve circulation, reduce inflammation, improve the function of your lymphatic and immune systems, and balance your nervous system. And of course many people are addicted to the feelings of caring, comfort, and relaxation that come from having a massage.

Health Benefits of Facial Treatments Facial treatments are great for your skin and your overall health.

They assist in lowering your blood pressure, they help with sinus headaches and congestion, and they stimulate the lymphatic system.

In addition, dermatologists recommend having regular facials as an important investment in keeping your skin healthy, radiant, and younger looking. And the corresponding stress reduction and feeling of being cared for is good for everyone.

Overall Skin Health Even a basic facial improves skin health by cleansing pores, increasing circulation (which stimulates nutrients and oxygen), preventing acne formation, reducing the appearance of pores, smoothing fine lines, promoting collagen production, regenerating new cell growth, minimizing puffiness, ruddiness, and fluid accumulation, and allowing your skincare products to work faster and more effectively.

Acne Chemical peels and microdermabrasion (alone or in combination), improve skin’s appearance, and light therapy increases circulation, stimulates collagen production, stimulates the release of ATP, increases lymphatic system activity, increases RNA and DNA synthesis, fights infection, kills acne-causing bacteria, and helps heal the skin. Clients use light therapy instead of taking prescription antibiotics or Accutane.

Aging Aging is natural, but many people are happiest when they look younger than they are (and feeling good about yourself is good for your health). Some spa owners have invested in new technologies that are extremely effective in preventing and reversing the signs of aging.

Dramatic results are achievable, without surgery or injectables.

Bell’s palsy The same technology used in non-surgical facelifts can heal Bell’s palsy; this is an approved use, listed in the manufacturer’s materials. It works, and a side-benefit is overall firmer skin.

Roscea Microcurrent has proven to be as effective as some dermatologists’ procedures for roscea. One of our clients reported, “The treatment I received at Anew You was just as effective, or perhaps more effective, than the dermatologist’s $1500 procedure.”

Women’s One-Day Wellness Retreat March 28th, 2015 9am - 5pm

Escape to a one-day getaway with: • Guided Meditation • All Levels Yoga • Self Care • Educational Workshops • Gourmet Lunch with Gluten Free Options • Peace and Quiet in the Scenic CT River Valley • Access to Guesthouse Sauna & Amenities • $149 if paid by February 28th, $189 after March 1st.

Hosted by Carissa Spada, Kristen Werblow, Ami Chokshi

Contact Kristen at (860) 707-0908 • www.APersonalRetreat.com

Enjoy your Healthcare!

Any spa treatment you choose will benefit your health and overall sense of wellbeing. And, as the doctors say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

The beautiful part is that, whether preventative or curative, spa ‘medicine’ doesn’t even need a spoonful of sugar! It’s delicious on its own.

Melissa Martin Wallace founded Anew You Skincare & Wellness Center, a day spa, in 2007.

She and her staff have created a soothing, holistic retreat where people come to relax and renew.

Anew You offers progressive, natural, non-invasive treatments that heal, rejuvenate, and prevent. Their focus is on providing result-oriented treatments that produce amazing results. Learn more and read testimonials at anewyouskincare. net. Anew You, 16 Ensign Drive, Avon, CT 860284-9730. See ad on page 15. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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A 10-Step Plan for Dating with Purpose

W

hat if 2015 is your year to find love? It absolutely can be if you decide to take action and start dating with purpose.

What is Dating with Purpose?

Many people date unconsciously, content to enter a relationship with whoever comes along or shows interest. That’s certainly one approach, but it’s not likely to produce the lasting, loving relationship you dream of.

When you are dating with purpose, you approach finding love from a higher consciousness. You define the qualities of your ideal partner and create an action plan to find that person. Dating to find love requires strategy, preparation and goal setting, to get the results you want.

For some singles, this sounds too contrived. You expect to find love naturally, through your everyday life. That might work in your 20s, but if you’re over 30 the likelihood of your ideal mate magically showing up is minuscule. Knowing this, if you’re done with leaving your love life up to chance, dating with purpose is the way to go.

Offer Expires 2/28/15

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10 Step Plan for Dating with Purpose 1. Get Serious. This first step is the biggest one. You are moving from lackadaisical dating to becoming serious about finding love. Part of this process is to make sure you believe your efforts will be rewarded; otherwise you might not feel motivated to follow through on the next nine steps. Believe love is possible for you – because IT IS. 2. Learn About Yourself. The journey to find love is one of self-discovery. You’ll learn about what works for you and what doesn’t.

Sometimes people think they know what they want, but then discover it doesn’t work out. That’s why, even if you‘ve been married or in relationships, you might not have the self-awareness you need without taking this conscious step to learn from your mistakes.

3. Let Go of the Past. To make room for new love you must let go of the past. It’s time to clean house in your heart and mind.

You need to forgive and forget before you can move on and attract a healthy relationship. Skipping this step could mean you repeatedly attract the same kind of person and replay the same mistakes. You can work with a therapist, visit a healer, use flower remedies, or employ a combination of several methods to clear the way.

4. Define Your Ideal Mate. I believe in making a list of qualities for your ideal mate.

You won’t get everything on the list, but it’s so much better than not knowing what you want in a partner. This is wonderful for manifesting love, which I’ll explain in Step 5. One word of caution: I have seen people use their list as a way to disqualify nearly every person they meet. The point is to clarify who you are seeking so you’ll know when you find him or her, not to use it to keep yourself single.

5. Apply the Law of Attraction. If you haven’t heard of the Law of Attraction, the idea is that “Like attracts like.” That means if you want a successful, upbeat, social person, that’s who you need to be as well.

Next, imagine how it would feel to find the love you crave, the excitement and happiness. When you spend time in these good feelings, you create a beacon to attract that love into your life.

This is one of the steps that kept me going during my 15 month journey to find the man I married. When I had a bad date, got rejected or sank into despair, I relied on the Law of Attraction to reset my energy. Feeling the energy of the love I wanted helped me hold strong to the inner knowing that I was meant to be in a loving relationship. It worked!

6. Make a Plan to Meet Singles. How do you meet new people? If you are dating with purpose, you won’t rely solely on chance. Instead, make an action plan to meet singles. Your plan can include online dating, speed dating, Meetup.com groups, blind dates or singles dances. You can also meet new people in general because everyone knows approximately 250 people and the bigger your circle, the more chances you have to meet someone new. Nearly 30% of all relationships start through people you know. I met my husband on a blind date after meeting his sister.

7. Go on Dates. Finally, it’s time to go on dates! Dating with purpose is a numbers

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game. The more dates you go on, the better your chances of finding a match. Plus, going on lots of dates builds confidence, hones your skills, and toughens your skin so you can roll with disappointment. The best cure for getting stood up or a bad date is to have another date lined up!

8. Adopt a Positive Mindset. To date with purpose, you want to be open, feel positive and learn how to handle rejection with grace. Set your expectations to reality and recognize you’ll have to kiss quite a few frogs to connect with “The One.” I recommend my clients adopt a mindset of ‘positive neutrality,’ which means when they meet someone they’re excited about, they remain calm and have a ‘wait and see’ outlook. This mindset can help you prevent premature attachment and the resulting heartbreak before you really know if the person you’re dating is right for you.

9. Take the Pressure Off. If you are dating with purpose, you know the wisdom of taking the pressure off each date. Having lots of dates makes the outcome of one particular date less important. This is how you can relax and be yourself – your best self of course, because you only get one chance to make a good first impression. The more you take the pressure off, the more confidence

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you exude, which makes you that much more attractive.

When I was looking for love, I stopped hoping each man would be The One and got comfortable simply getting to know the guys. I knew that if it wasn’t this man, it could be the next. This light-hearted outlook helped me stay emotionally balanced even when things didn’t work out.

10. Persevere. Dating isn’t easy, especially in midlife. What will make it more enjoyable is to stay positive and keep at it.

Once in a while you may want to take a break. That’s perfectly fine, but don’t hide out for too long since it can become your new status which won’t help you find love.

When dating with purpose, you know that the best solution is to continue dating until you find The One. Finding love is totally possible, whether you are looking for your first love or your third husband. People fall in love every day – it’s that common. There is no reason why you should think love has passed you by or there are no good men left or all women want rich men. These limiting thoughts are nothing more than excuses to avoid dating and the love you deserve.

Date with purpose and before you know it, you’ll meet that one special person that will make all your romantic efforts totally worthwhile. I found love and married for the first time at 43.You can do it too.

Dating Coach Ronnie Ann Ryan has helped thousands of successful midlife gals attract the magic of love since 2002. Whether you’ve given up on love or are frustrated by dating, Ronnie’s Dating GPS system offers the guidance you need to find love faster.

Ms. Ryan is a certified coach who has been featured by BBC, ABC, NBC, and Fox News, NPR, Fox News Magazine Online, Huffington Post, and eHarmony. Contact Ronnie at 203-877-3777 or visit www.NeverTooLate. biz/gift to get her free book 7 Dire Dating Mistakes That Keep You Single.

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PREVENTION

Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD

Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyles Support Fertility

A

ccording to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 7 million women in the United States under the age of 45 have used infertility services. That’s a remarkably high number.

There are many traditional and alternative fertility interventions available today. To increase the chances for success with either approach, it is beneficial to create an optimal environment in the body. One of the most basic ways to do this is with a healthy diet and lifestyle.

This is not the cure to illness—it is the pre-requisite! People who maintain an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle generally enjoy optimal health and conceive relatively easily. People who struggle to conceive, and who then decide to create an environment in the body that is less inflammatory, improve their health, their ability to conceive and their chances of enjoying an optimal pregnancy.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet—the Basics!

It is helpful to take steps leading to an optimal diet rather then trying to make all the changes at once; sweeping changes can be overwhelming. Consider instituting each of the following steps over a period of time.

Here are the basics: 1. Eliminate Gluten: Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, rye, barley and often in oats. It is an inflammatory food; it can create harmful inflammation in the body. There are many substitutes today as well as increased awareness in local restaurants about options for meals. For more information on how to follow a gluten-free diet, you can visit: https://www.gluten.net/ 2. Avoid Refined/ Processed Sugar: Most sweeteners that are packaged are refined. Some exceptions to this include raw honey, pure maple syrup, fresh fruit, stevia (NOT Truvia), palm sugar, and coconut sugar. These natural sweeteners are okay in small amounts.

Refined sugar, however, can be very toxic to the body. In fact, there is growing evidence showing that most pathogens as well as cancer cells feed off of sugar.

3. Avoid Dairy: This includes butter, milk, and cheese. Some people can tolerate dairy in a natural form such as organic whole milk or raw milk, but many people cannot. The best strategy is to avoid dairy completely for two months and then slowly add it back into your diet and observe how you feel. If you feel sluggish in any way or if you have an exacerbation of symptoms of any kind, then it’s very likely that you are sensitive to dairy. There are many substitutes for dairy, including milk (rice milk and coconut milk), butter (Earth Balance), and cheese (Daiya).

4. Eliminate Processed Foods: Processed foods commonly include preservatives as well as other chemicals. These chemicals can create inflammation in the body and have been shown to contribute 26

Natural Nutmeg - February/March 2015

to disease and illness. It is best to avoid processed foods completely and stick to a diet of fresh foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables and natural proteins without added ingredients.

5. Avoid Peanuts, Peanut Butter, and Peanut Oil: Peanuts can be very inflammatory and often contribute to obscure symptoms in the body. Some great substitutes for peanut butter include sunbutter (made out of sunflower seeds and widely available) or cashew butter.

6. Avoid Grain: Grain is essentially rice, wheat, barley, couscous, pasta, bread, baked goods, etc. There is growing research showing that many of the diseases that are affecting our culture in later life are caused, at least in part, by a high intake of grain over many years. David Perlmutter, MD, a board-certified neurologist and author of the book “Grain Brain” lays out research on how a lifetime of grain sets the stage for neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. There are many grains that have been touted as healthy, such as brown rice and quinoa. The key to avoiding the inflammatory aspects of grain is to remove it from center stage. There are, in fact, some benefits from eating some grains but unfortunately there are also inflammatory consequences from eating too much. Once you are ready to make this change, it is helpful to completely avoid grain for a two-month period and then to assess how you feel when you eat small amounts of grain.

7. Eat Low Glycemic Food: The glycemic index is a rating scale which determines how quickly our blood sugar is spiked after eating certain foods. For example, white potatoes and white bread are very high on the glycemic index; eating them causes harmful blood sugar spikes. Sweet potatoes are lower on the glycemic index and don’t create that type of spike. One example of fruits that are lower on the glycemic index is berries. There are other fruits as well. You can visit this link for a more complete list of foods and their corresponding glycemic index: http://www.glycemicindex.com/foodSearch.php.

8. Drink Lots of Water: Water is a true panacea! In fact, for many Americans, dehydration is a status quo. Without proper hydration, our body fails. By drinking lots of water throughout the day, we can greatly optimize our health.

Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyle In addition to enjoying a healthy diet, it is important to avoid toxic chemicals. Obviously, there are some things we can’t change, but there are many that we can change. Here are some suggestions: 1. Replace synthetic cleaners and detergents in your home with natural versions such as Seventh Generation or Method brand. This simple change can lead to significant benefits. Changing laundry detergents can even improve sleep and restlessness at night for some people.

2. Replace your soap and shampoo with a natural version such as Tom’s of Maine. So often, we take for granted some of the symptoms that we deal with on a day-to-day basis. Changing the brand of soap that you use to a more natural one can eliminate previously

irresolvable issues such as daily redness or rashes on the face.

3. Buy produce that is organic or natural and free of pesticides and growth hormones. Organic foods are more expensive, but hopefully this will change. Until then, an option is to find a local ‘CSA’ (Community Supported Agriculture co-op farm) that sells memberships. These farms will provide you with great natural produce through the warm months of the year and often they provide a winter share as well.

4. Avoid using plastic containers. Most plastics contain endocrine disruptors such as Bisphenol A (BPA). These compounds can mimic estrogen in the body and create a lot of hormonal dysfunction. Replacing our plastic containers with metal or glass is ideal. A great website to locate alternatives to plastic is: http://www.lifewithoutplastic.com.

Infertility can be helped by creating a healthy environment in the body. And by transitioning to a less inflammatory diet and lifestyle, you create opportunities for optimal health.

February 28th, 2015

Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD, PT, IMT,C is the President and Owner of Integrative Wellness and Physical Therapy in Bloomfield, CT, a wellness center specializing in holistic Physical Therapy, Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT), and nutritional wellness. Dr. ConnellGiammatteo is a Physical Therapist and Certified Integrative Manual Therapist. She has been practicing in the field of IMT for over 15 years. Dr. Connell-Giammatteo received her Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy from The University of Hartford in Connecticut. She received her Doctoral Degree from Union Institute & University in Cincinnati, Ohio, focusing in neuropediatrics, with a concentration in autism. Some of Dr. Connell-Giammatteo’s Doctoral research involved a unique charter elementary school, Soaring Heights, in inner city Jersey City, New Jersey. During this research, she investigated the efficacy of Integrative Manual Therapy on young children that presented with challenges in learning, socialization, and behavior. In addition to her IMT expertise, Dr. Connell-Giammatteo is a graduate of the Institute of Functional Medicine’s program “Applying Functional Medicine into Clinical Practice” focusing on nutritional wellness. She has written many articles on the subjects of IMT, healthy living, natural parenting, and nutritional wellness. Dr. Connell-Giammatteo was Dean of the Connecticut School of Integrative Manual Therapy (CSIMT) for multiple years. She has taught courses in Integrative Manual Therapy nationally and internationally for over 15 years. Dr. Connell-Giammatteo is also a local of this community and has been living in the Greater Hartford area for many years, where she integrates a healthy lifestyle at home with her wonderful family.

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27

SELF

Craig T. Fasullo, ND

A Naturopathic Approach to Male Infertility

W

hen a couple wants to have a child and has trouble conceiving, many people feel sympathy for the woman.

Many people don’t realize that there are few health conditions more emotionally charged than male infertility. Many men thoroughly tie to notions of manhood and virility to their fertility, and it is not uncommon for men affected by infertility to suffer from feelings of shame and inadequacy.

Knowledge is power. Most men find some relief when they understand some of the basic reasons behind male infertility, what their doctor can do for them, and some of the things they can do themselves that increase the likelihood of healthy fertilization.

You are Not Alone It is estimated that infertility issues affect 10-15% of all couples trying to have a baby. Approximately one third of these cases are due to issues with the male partner, one third have to do with the female, and one third are either linked to both or unknown. This amounts to more than two million cases of male infertility diagnosed in the United States annually, so if you are a man dealing with this issue, know that you are not alone.

Male Reproductive Function For successful conception, a man must produce healthy functioning sperm cells, and then those sperm must be delivered through a female’s vaginal canal. Though many million sperm will begin this journey, only one single sperm cell will successfully make the entire trip to fertilize the female egg. This entire process begins in the testicles with the initial development of the sperm cells, in a process known as spermatogenesis. These partially developed sperm

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cells are sent to the epididymis, where they complete their development and are held in storage. During sexual arousal and ejaculation, the fully formed sperm are forced through the urethra and out of the body.

Common Causes Obviously, there are numerous components that are necessary for this complex process to be completed in a fully functional manner. The first step in a work up for male infertility is to identify the particular cause of dysfunction. Some of the more common causes of male infertility are listed below.

Sperm Abnormalities: The most common cause of male infertility is related to the abnormal production of the sperm cell itself. In some cases there is reduced production, leading to low levels of sperm. There is also the possibility that the sperm cells are abnormally shaped, and despite adequate numbers, they are not able to move correctly to make the journey to the egg.

Varicocele: Another common, correctable cause of infertility is the presence of enlarged, twisted veins in the scrotum, called a varicocele. These are present in approximately 15% of men, and 40% of infertile men.

Hormonal Imbalance: Proper hormonal levels are necessary for the entire fertilization process. Some of the hormones that may be affected in cases of infertility include testosterone, gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH).

Structural Abnormalities: There are a number of conditions in which there is some physical blockage of the pathway by which sperm should exit the body. These are most commonly diagnosed at birth or in early boyhood.

Retrograde Ejaculation: In these cases, the sperm-containing ejaculate is forced backward into the bladder, instead of out of the body. This can occur secondary to surgery, some medications, or other medical conditions.

Other Medical Conditions: There are many other diseases that may negatively affect a man’s capacity to reproduce. These include kidney and prostate disease, heart attack, physical trauma, HIV, diabetes, cancer, and many others. In addition, there are some medications that can reduce sperm production or motility.

With so many possible causes for infertility, it is obviously necessary to have a comprehensive visit with your physician to determine which factors are affecting you. The primary work-up is likely to include a full history and physical exam, along with blood testing to check hormone levels, organ function, and other factors. More advanced specialized testing may include sperm analysis, imaging, or biopsy. Fortunately, many cases of infertility can be treated without more invasive methods.

Diet and Lifestyle In addition to these standard-of-care methods, naturopathic assessment of male infertility will examine an individual’s diet and lifestyle habits to determine how they may be affecting a couple’s

capacity for reproduction. It is recommended that prior to engaging in more aggressive treatment options, each couple take a closer look at how their daily behaviors may be affecting their fertility. Below are some factors to consider: Diet: Eating a nutrient-rich whole-food diet has benefits that go far beyond fertility. Be sure to get multiple servings of fruits and vegetables every day, and ensure adequate intake of healthy fats, while avoiding trans-fats, such as partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Drink plenty of water and avoid sugar-laden soft drinks. You may also consider a comprehensive multivitamin to ensure adequate intake of the vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy fertility.

Exercise: Daily moderate exercise is helpful in optimizing fertility. A combination of good diet and regular activity is vital for maintaining healthy weight, which in turn keeps hormone levels at their desired levels. If you lead a relatively sedentary lifestyle and you haven’t exercised for a while, try to take daily steps to move your body a bit more every day. A good goal is approximately 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity at least five days per week. Too much exercise can also be detrimental to fertility, so be sure to not overdo it.

Tobacco & Alcohol: In case you need another reason to quit smoking cigarettes, regular tobacco use has been shown to lower sperm counts and sperm motility. Excessive alcohol intake can also negatively impact sperm production.

Environmental Factors: There has been increasing attention given to how exposure to particular chemicals and toxins in the environment has the capacity to detrimentally affect our health.

Hormonal disruptors in everything from plastics to pesticides to heavy metals can increase risk of infertility.

Stress: High stress has the capacity to have negative impacts on many aspects of health, including fertility. In addition, there is the obvious stress and emotional impact that infertility has on both partners. It is vital to have sufficient stress management and coping techniques to help deal with navigating through this difficult process.

One should not underestimate the importance of good communication and a support network of family and friends. Counseling can also be quite helpful.

Depending on what cause is determined, there are many medical treatment options available to treat infertility. Additionally, there are a number of naturopathic modalities that have been shown to positively affect fertility outcomes. These often have a lower side-effect profile compared to pharmaceutical options, and so are a good place to start in the treatment of fertility issues.

be helpful in deficient individuals. Testing is available to determine nutritional status and guide treatment.

In summary, there are many things to consider when addressing a case of male infertility. A comprehensive naturopathic assessment is beneficial in fully evaluating all of the possible factors. In some cases, more invasive testing and treatment can be avoided. If additional workup is necessary, you may be referred to a specialist.

Make an appointment with your naturopathic doctor to determine if this approach could be a good fit for you and your partner.

Dr. Craig Fasullo is a board certified naturopathic physician and part of the team at Connecticut Natural Health Specialists in Manchester, CT. He is currently taking new patients. To better serve the community, all of the physicians at the center are in network with most insurance companies. See ad on page 23.

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Herbal Medicine There is a long history of herbal medicine use in the treatment of infertility. Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera) is an herb used in the Indian Ayurvedic medical tradition. Studies have shown ashwaganda to be useful in the treatment of male fertility by increasing testosterone levels, sperm count, and sperm motility. Another Ayurvedic herb that shows promise is Macuna pruriens. Macuna has been shown to increase sperm count and sperm motility in multiple studies. In infertility cases where hormonal imbalance or sperm morphology is the primary issue, it is likely worthwhile to pursue a trial of these herbal medications.

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29

INSPIRE

Power Animals: Embracing Our Natural Guardians, Teachers, & Healers through Shamanic Healing

S

hamanism is an ancient method of natural healing and spiritual connection through energy and nature. The oldest form of healing in existence, it dates back 30,000 to 40,000 years, with its beginnings in Siberia and Mongolia.

The Physical World/Spiritual World Connection Our ancestors had a deep connection with the earth and nature, and honored the spirit and energy in all things. Tribal communities rely on the Shaman—a Medicine Man or Woman—who is the connection between the physical world and the spirit world.

The Shaman facilitates healing for the community, on a global and individual level, for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual issues, through the spiritual and energetic realms. Shamans rely on their spirit guides to facilitate the healing work, and some of their most prominent guides are Power Animals. This healing work and spiritual connection has spanned thousands of years, and continues to be facilitated by modern Shamanic Practitioners.

You were Born with a Power Animal Power Animals, also known as Animal Spirit Guides, are significant allies. Shamanic cultures believe that each and every one of us is born with a Power Animal that guides us through our journey and assists us in our healing. Some have one, while others have many.

Equivalent to a Guardian Angel, Power Animals protect us, teach us, and guide us in all of our interactions. They may make their presence distinctly known, or they may silently walk beside us until we acknowledge them. Each Power Animal has its own spiritual and metaphysical meaning, strength, and personality. All are equivalent in the spirit world— something as small as an ant still has just as

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Natural Nutmeg - February/March 2015

much sacredness, strength, and power as a lion. Size, shape, and type have no significance. Location does not hold any significance either; the animal does not have to be physically associated with the region where one lives. It is possible to have a wild, exotic creature, a domesticated animal, or a local backyard visitor. It is the spirit and energy of the animal that works with us, not necessarily the physical aspect. Spirit and energy transcends time, space, and all planes in our universe.

Power Animals may be with someone for life, or they may not.

New Power Animals may present themselves, and work along with or replace original ones—especially if protection is needed, specific healing is necessary, or a lesson needs to be presented. Sometimes new Power Animals are helped by an original Power Animal that is committed for the entire journey.

Power Animals Choose You Power Animals choose the individual; they are not chosen by the receiver. Many signs and communications from spirit can present when this happens. On many occasions, the attributes of the Power Animal that has appeared match the personality traits of the person, or the spirit may have traits that the individual needs for healing or protection that they currently do not have. Sometimes they appear to present a life-lesson that is necessary to move on to the next experience, or to embrace growth where needed.

Loss – and Retrieval - of a Power Animal When a Power Animal leaves and does not have a replacement individuals may experience symptoms of the absence on many levels—physical, spiritual, mental, and/or emotional. Those with Power Animal loss often experience consistent chronic illnesses, or multiple illnesses, bad luck, difficulty with spiritual connections (or lack thereof), feelings of vulnerability and anxiety, sleeplessness, and depression, amongst other symptoms. The Power Animal can be discovered and/or bought back through a Power Animal Retrieval.

Power Animal Retrievals are a form of shamanic healing, wherein the practitioner is able to access the spirit of the animal through shamanic practices. Once the spirit of the animal is returned, the practitioner re-integrates it into the body of the receiver through further healing techniques. The receiver may now work with the Power Animal for protection, healing, teachings, and empowerment. The receiver can learn how to connect with their animal spirit guide and then begin to develop a relationship with them. Once this connection and healing is established, further connection with the Power Animal may be developed, and the helping spirit can be called upon and worked with for assistance in all areas needed.

Guardians, Teachers and Healers

Give Them What They Want!

Power Animals are our greatest guardians, teachers and healers. They walk, fly, swim, or glide beside us through our trials and tribulations on our journey. They provide comfort through the darkest hours, guidance, and answers to our questions, concerns, decisions, and prayers. They surround us to protect us from harm, and present our life lessons for our own growth and healing.

So when you hear the call of the blue jay, a butterfly floats by, or a squirrel decides to make a nest in your attic—think twice. It may be your Power Animal calling you home.

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REMEDIES

Michael Dworkin, P.D., M.S. Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. (Pend.)

Vitamin D3: A Study-Supported Essential Supplement Part 1 [W]e now have mechanisms by which we can understand why vitamin D has so many important biologic roles to play and why it’s so important to be vitamin D sufficient to maintain maximum health. . . . ~ Michael F. Holick, MD, PhD, World’s Leading Vitamin D Researcher, Life Extension Magazine (www.lef.org,, Sept 2010)

Y

ou may know that vitamin D is critical to bone health. You may even know from your doctor that it is important to prevent vitamin D deficiency, but you will probably be amazed by all the reasons.

The scientific literature supports vitamin D supplementation to maintain optimal blood levels in order to reduce the risk of numerous health conditions. The abundance of evidence calls for a twopart discussion.

What is Vitamin D? Although vitamin D is considered a fat-soluble vitamin, it actually is not really a vitamin. It is the only known substrate of a secosteroid neurohormone that functions, like all steroids, by turning genes on and off. Vitamin D regulates hundreds, perhaps thousands, of the 21,000 identified coding genes of the human genome, and has as many different mechanisms of action as it does genes it regulates.

From 10am-3pm, the body produces and stores vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Bathing suit exposure to sunlight that provides a light pinkness in the skin is equivalent to ingesting about 20,000 IUs of vitamin D. Vitamin D also is found naturally in certain foods (cod liver oil, fatty fish, eggs) and in foods to which it has been added (some dairy, orange juice). Plant-derived, less-absorbed ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) (in mushrooms, alfalfa, soymilk) and animal-sourced cholecalciferol (vitamin D3, produced by the body) are the two forms of dietary vitamin D. Research indicates that the latter more effectively raises blood levels of vitamin D, and some experts even maintain that vitamin D2 supplementation is inadequate. (Am J Clin Nutr 2006 October).

Recommended Doses & Toxicity For every 100 IU of vitamin D ingested, an adult raises her blood level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D by 1 ng/mL. In 2010, the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences recommended a vitamin D dietary allowance of 600-800 IU/day for most patients. However, insufficiency and deficiency call for higher doses.

Clouds, smog, clothing, sunscreen, and window glass, reduce the skin’s exposure to sunlight. Those at risk for vitamin D deficiency include: (1) residents of northern regions, where it is challenging to get adequate sunlight exposure, particularly in the winter; 32

Natural Nutmeg - February/March 2015

(2) breastfed infants; (3) older adults (aging decreases the ability to manufacture it); (4) those with darker skin (the amount of melanin in the skin negatively correlates with the skin’s ability to synthesize vitamin D from sunlight); (5) those with IBD and other conditions that cause fat malabsorption; and (6) individuals who are obese (excess subcutaneous fat prevents proper circulation of vitamin D) or who have undergone gastric bypass surgery.

Some maintain that patient individuality prevents general dose recommendation. However, Michael Holick, MD, PhD (the world’s leading vitamin D researcher and professor of medicine, physiology, and biophysics at Boston University Medical Center, and Dir. of the Gen Clin Research Unit, the Bone Health Clinic, and the Heliotherapy Light & Skin Research Center at BUMC), recommends vitamin D supplementation for everybody, supports maintaining a minimum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level above 30 ng/mL, and prefers that his patients have a level of 40-60 ng/mL. He thus recommends these levels of vitamin D intake: • children up to 1 year - up to 2,000 IU/day is safe • children ages 1-12 - need at least 400 IU/day, up to 1,000 IU/ day is preferred, and 5,000 IU/day is safe • teenagers and all adults -need at least 1,500-2,000 IU/day, and can easily and safely tolerate 10,000 IU/day.

Dr. Holick further advises that vitamin D can be taken with or without food, and daily, weekly, or monthly, as long as the total dose is equivalent. To maximize bone and cardiovascular health, supplemental vitamin D should always be taken with appropriate doses of supplemental calcium and magnesium.

Scientific Support for Vitamin D3 Supplementation By the end of 2012, nearly 34,000 published studies examined the effects of vitamin D. When considering whether to add vitamin D3 to your dietary supplement regimen, you may want to keep in mind its impact on the key health conditions discussed below in alphabetical order and in Part 2 of this article (Natural Nutmeg Magazine, March 2015).

Autoimmune Disease Growing evidence from population studies links vitamin D deficiency to various autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and lupus. The fact that immune cells in autoimmune diseases are responsive to the ameliorative effects of vitamin D suggests that the beneficial effects of its supplementation in deficient individuals with autoimmune disease may extend beyond effects on bone health (J Investig Med, Aug 2011).

Bone Disease Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the gut and maintains adequate blood levels of calcium and phosphates to enable normal bone mineralization and growth. Vitamin D sufficiency thus prevents rickets in children and generally prevents bones from becoming thin, brittle, misshapen, or soft, and with calcium, vitamin D also helps protect older adults from osteoporosis (NIH, Office of Diet Suppls, Vitamin D Fact Sheet for Health Professionals, Reviewed Nov 2014).

Cancer According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, laboratory, animal and epidemiologic evidence suggests that vitamin D status plays a role in preventing colon (JAMA 2003 Dec), prostate (Mol Cancer 2011 May; Rev Urol 2004 Spring), and breast cancers (Anticancer Res 2014 March).

While data is variable for other types of cancers, there are well over 800 references in the medical literature showing vitamin D’s effectiveness against cancer. Moreover, Dr. Holick maintains that “we do have evidence from our mouse studies that a patient may respond better to chemotherapy, have less tumor growth, and have less metastatic activity” if vitamin D intake is increased to produce blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D of 40-60 ng/mL.

Cardiovascular Disease The University of Maryland Medical Center reports (as of May 2013) that some defined ppopulation studies indicate that those with low levels of vitamin D have a greater risk of developing heart disease, including heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, than those with higher levels of vitamin D. This is because low levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of build-up of arterial calcium, one component of the plaque that causes atherosclerosis. Other population studies show that people with lower levels of vitamin D are more likely to have risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol.

Dispelling Recent Doubts

New Zealand researchers recently published a review of previous studies (meta-analysis), concluding that vitamin D improves skeletal, vascular, and cancer outcomes by no more than 15%, and that future studies would be futile (Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology 2014 April).

Dr. Holick has refuted the researchers’ analysis, pointing out these flaws of the examined studies: (1) most used vitamin D doses that were too low (often 200-400 IU/day vs. beneficial 2,000 IU/ day); and (2) they excluded observational studies in which researchers asked people about vitamin D intake or measured levels in their blood and then looked at their health differences (these studies found a link between low vitamin D levels and diseases ranging from cancer to heart disease and diabetes).

Given the ample historical support in the scientific literature for vitamin D3 supplementation, it would best serve patients not to disregard its importance to lifelong health maintenance.

The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Unless otherwise stated herein or otherwise supported by specific research, the natural remedies discussed herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Submitted by Michael Dworkin, P.D., M.S., a Registered Pharmacist and State Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CT Certification No. 232), with J. Erika Dworkin, Certified Lifestyle Educator and Board Cert.

Holistic Nutrition (pending, owners of the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe (860.646.8178), 378 Middle Turnpike West, Manchester, CT, (www.cthealthshop.com). Pharmacist Dworkin has been guiding patients since 1956 and is available for consultation by appointment. Erika is available to speak to groups. All statements in this article are research-based and references are available upon request. See ad on page 13.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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The Resort at Paws Up Truly is the Last Best Place

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fter a six and a half hour drive from Jackson, through Idaho and into western Montana, we were happy to arrive at The Resort at Paws Up in Greenough. Passing through the magnificent gates with the words, “Paws Up” etched on one side and “The Last Best Place” on the other, I couldn’t wait to experience what I had watched on videos for months before we got here.

Sometimes there are no words for a place like Paws Up, but if I had put it into words it would be…inspiring, stunning, grand…special. There are few places that will touch you the way that a resort like this will. With 37,000 acres to build on, the property is sprawling, yet still has an intimate feel as only 500 acres are used for the village. Each home or campsite consists of 6-10 cabins or tents and is completely secluded from the other sites, so you feel like you really are out in the wilderness with only a handful of other people.

Built in 2005, they will be celebrating their ten year anniversary this year and that’s just one of the great reasons you should visit.

There are 6 Meadow Homes, 10 Big Timber Homes, 10 Wilderness Estates, and 6 tents at each of the Luxury Camping Sites: Moonlight Camp, River Camp, Creekside Camp, Pinnacle Camp, and my favorite…Cliffside Camp, which is perched on a dramatic overlook onto the Blackfoot River. The campsites are 8 miles from the main Paws Up village, so they really give you the feel of camping out in the backcountry. River Camp is great for kids as it’s right on the water with a small beach. All of the sites come with complimentary bikes.

Upon check in, in one of the most beautiful reception areas I’ve seen, we were handed our itinerary, keys to our home and…. our own personal car for use on property. Yes – they give you a car.

And a private butler and chef if you happen to be staying in one of the luxury campsites. Our home for the weekend was a Meadow Home, which is a 1300sq ft log cabin with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, full kitchen and living area, laundry room and a back deck with, of course, your own hot tub. After gaping at the accommodations, we headed down to Tank and Trough, the bar and eatery on property 34

Natural Nutmeg - February/March 2015

for a late lunch. Did I mention that all of your meals are included as well? I had one of the best margaritas I’ve had in ages made with tequila, ginger and fresh lime juice.

Activities abound at Paws Up and include: hot air ballooning, horseback riding and equestrian lessons, ATV touring, white water rafting, jet ski and boat rentals, archery, cattle herding, wagon driving, hiking, and you can even rent your own private helicopter to take you to view Glacier National Park. There is a 76,000 sq. ft. stable and equestrian center where you can hone your horsemanship. Don’t feel like being active? Then relax at Spa Town and indulge in a multitude of treatments.

Spa Town is a colony of pristine white tents stitched together by a wooden boardwalk, situated just past a babbling brook and nestled among towering pines. The welcome tents feature full baths and showers, while individual treatment tents are fashioned with a lovely sink, a heated massage table, and a view of the meadows.

What’s really amazing is that there is no need for the traditional “spa” sound tracks you hear in average spas because the brook, chirping birds, and rustling of wind in the trees above is played daily by Mother Nature herself. Paws Up gives new meaning to the term “getting lost” in the woods. You can choose from a plethora of massages, body treatments and even a shamanic healing session.

The Fitness Cabin at Spa Town offers a unique and tranquil environment for your work-out. The following equipment is available for your use while a guest at Paws Up: treadmill, BowFlex machine, stationary bike, free weights, weight bench, yoga mats, yoga balls, medicine balls, stair master and complimentary water and towels.

There are also complimentary yoga sessions.

It’s exciting to see that they are also implementing many sustainable practices including: using earth-friendly cleaning products, energy efficient lights, organic bath products and the option for guests to re-use linens. They also have made some significant environmental commitments including catch-and-release fishing and sustainable farming practices.

Listed below are some of the green initiatives: • “Farm and Ranch to Table” dining at Pomp and Trough • Members of Blackfoot Challenge - A local organization dedicated to land conservation and stewardship of the Blackfoot River corridor • Development of 30 safari-style tented guest accommodations that provide a minimal carbon footprint. Implementation of leave-no-trace construction at camps • All guests receive a refillable/reusable Paws Up water bottle to reduce consumption of plastics • Employee transportation program including a shuttle bus service and carpool reimbursement • The providing of on-property and nearby staff housing to reduce commuting times • Development of the Bad Beetle brand. A company that converts deadfall trees killed by the North American Mountain Pine Beetle into wooden sustainable Apple accessories www.badbeetle.com • Development of the Greeno brand. A company that converts deadfall trees killed by the North American Mountain Pine Beetle into sustainable flooring- www.greenobuilt.com • Development of the Paws Up gravel pit to provide material for ranch roads The next day we headed out to the Farmer’s Market in Missoula which is held every Saturday. We toured the market with Chef Dale Levitski (a former Bravo TV Top Chef) who picked out a wide assortment of fruits and veggies that he would be cooking for an event we were attending that night called The Last Best Supper. This farmer’s market was by far the largest I’ve ever seen and the produce was unbelievable. Vibrant colors of the rainbow and enormous! We couldn’t wait for dinner! At the market we were able to sample some delicious strawberries and huckleberries. There was just about every kind of product available: homemade jams, pie on a stick, fresh squeezed lemonades, kumbucha, cheeses, and great organic body care products. I would live in Missoula just to go to this market every week!

We wrapped up the day at The Last Best Supper event held at the longest dinner table I’ve ever seen outside overlooking the rolling green pastures of the ranch. Chef Dale totally outdid himself with a 4-course meal paired with amazing Schug wines. We started with Truffle Gnocci Parisienne with cauliflower, broccoli, golden zucchini and huckleberry. The Gnocci was light and creamy with a delicious truffle flavoring enhanced by the fresh, crisp veggies.

Next came a Mountain Chowder with crab, shrimp, bacon, white beans, corn, sun gold tomatoes and kale. Again, the flavors were spectacular and it was the perfect combination of seafood and veggies. The main dish was NY Strip Steak au Poivre with chanterelle and melted leek stovetop stuffing and morel mustard butter. The steak was as tender as a filet and the melding of the stuffing with the mustard butter was mouthwatering. Lastly, we were served the Torn Apart Pie with Tana’s plums, strawberries, poppyseed pie crust, cream cheese frosting and ginger anglaise. It sounds incredibly sweet, but the plum had just enough tartness to completely balance this dessert. Scrumptious! Top all of this off with an incredibly attentive and friendly staff and you’ve got the makings for the meal of a lifetime.

Sad to say, after a brief two nights we had to leave Paws Up, but this is a place we will surely return…it won’t be our last visit to the last best place! Visit www.pawsup.com.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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The Genetics and Biochemistry of Depression: A Nutrigenomics Approach - Part Two

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opefully you picked up last month’s issue to read Part One of this article, however, if you missed it, please visit www. naturalnutmeg.com and download the January 2015 issue.

We discussed some of the biochemistry and genetics of depression last month; this month we will look at the specific genes that play a role.

Working with Your Unique Genetics and Symptoms Genetic polymorphisms may be overcome by providing more substrate (often as in specific amino acids in targeted amino acid therapies) and cofactors (vitamins and minerals). Unfortunately, it is not usually as simple as looking at one isolated gene in one isolated pathway; all pathways intersect. Influencing any one substrate, enzyme or cofactor will influence other pathways. So, based on your personal symptoms and genetics, a comprehensive plan may be put together.

No Gene is an Island This is an area where many make a mistake. Looking at a faulty gene in isolation can cause a problem. For instance, if you have a genetic mutation that creates a slower enzyme for the production of a neurotransmitter, combined with another mutation that slows the breakdown of this neurotransmitter, the two mutations may generally mean that the pathway functions adequately. You need less neurotransmitter production simply because the small amount you make will stay around longer. In this case, helping to increase neurotransmitter synthesis can cause problems because the body does not break it down very well. While too little of a neurotransmitter can lead to problems, so can too much. It is an awful lot like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. You have to provide the right amount of neurotransmitter or there will be symptoms.

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Natural Nutmeg - February/March 2015

Methylation is Not the Magic Answer The methylation pathway is an increasingly hot topic in functional medicine. The methylation pathway is important for proper use of the B vitamins folate and vitamin B12. Insufficient amounts of these key vitamins influence production of the protein homocysteine. Homocysteine has earned a negative reputation, as build-up of this protein has been implicated in heart disease, infertility, neural tube defects in infants, and depression. Some people believe that increasing methylation will fix all of the related problems. Unfortunately it is not so simple. Remember, we need exactly the right amount of product, not too much or too little. This is, of course, influenced by your unique genetics.

A Few Related Genes By far the most commonly talked about genetic polymorphism is MTHFR. This enzyme is important in allowing for the conversion of folate into its active form, L-methylfolate. There are two key variations of this gene, MTHFR C677T and A1298C. The C677T variation correlates to an increase in homocysteine, whereas the A1298C variation does not. Either way, these polymorphisms can cause a decrease in active folate required to form tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) which then leads to the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin using the amino acid tryptophan and the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine using the amino acid tyrosine.

MAO Inhibitors MAO A is an enzyme used to breakdown serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. With a MAO A mutation, a smaller amount of these neurotransmitters is required because breakdown is impaired.

In fact, the pharmaceutical companies have been using this to their advantage for many years. Drugs classified as MAO inhibitors, including isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, and tranylcypromine, actually mimic this polymorphism. These medications combat clinical depression by slowing the breakdown of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine so that they may act longer within the nervous system. This can work to a point, however, the nervous system after some time on these medications often down regulates its use of these neurotransmitters because the body perceives that there is too much neurotransmitter in the system. This means the medications may work for a while and then slowly decline in effectiveness.

COMT and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder COMT is another enzyme that is used to break down dopamine and norepinephrine. Again, if there is decreased production of these

neurotransmitters, the presence of a genetic mutation of this enzyme is protective because it will allow the small amount of neurotransmitter to last in the body longer than with the wild type genetics.

The COMT variation is commonly found in those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In this scenario, when too much dopamine or norepinephrine is created there is insufficient COMT to break it down. This leads to repetitive thoughts and behaviors that are common for those with OCD.

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Next Steps I hope this article has given you some interesting ideas for handling depression, and I’m guessing it’s also left you wondering where to begin. The first step is to have a genetic analysis performed. While there are lots of panels that may be ordered, my favorite is offered by the web site www.23andme.com. For $99, anyone may order this genetic analysis. It does not require a doctor’s prescription because the site will only analyze your ancestry portion. However, it looks at a great deal more than that. A nutrigenomics practitioner can use the genomic analysis to determine the status of the genes listed above, as well as many others that can influence your health. Using this information, combined with a complete health history, symptoms, and perhaps other laboratory testing, a personalized program can be put together to optimize your neurotransmitter synthesis. This may include the use of dietary changes, exercise, and the use of various vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other supplements or medications to improve your mood. A similar process can be used to help with other health problems including anxiety, heart disease, estrogen metabolism, blood sugar issues, autoimmunity, allergies and more.

Jessica Pizano is the owner of Fit to You, LLC, which offers personalized training programs and nutrition/health counseling. Her concentrations include genetics and nutrigenomics, general health and fitness, weight loss, food allergies/sensitivities, autoimmune disease, post-rehabilitative work, training/nutrition for medical conditions, obesity intervention, pre- and post-natal exercise and nutrition, and Pilates. A certified personal trainer and a corrective exercise specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, she is also certified in mat Pilates through PHI Pilates and earned her Clinical Exercise Specialist and Longevity Wellness Specialist through the American Council on Exercise. She is completing a master’s degree in human nutrition that emphasizes functional medicine at the University of Bridgeport. She may be contacted at (860) 321-7234 or online at www.fittoyouct. com. See ad on page 9.

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HAPPENINGS Sunday, February 1st Integrated Energy Therapy (IET®) Steps to Transformation (Two part) with Jennifer Johnson.

Also Feb. 8. 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. $245.00. This workshop is designed to create an environment of energetic expansion and personal transformation helping you to heal your trauma without having to relive the drama or pain. You will learn to establish your own energetic “Heartlink” connection with the energy of nine Healing Angels. The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Integrated Energy Therapy (IET)® Intermediate Level with Dan Lupacchino and Christine Cartwright. 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. $215.00. Attune to the energy ray that activates the 3rd and 4th DNA pairs and will empower you to pull energy imprints out of the human energy field. Learn to clear energy imprints from past life karma and methods to esoterically dowse and interpret the blockages. Fully illustrated training guide and certificate provided. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

Monday, February 2nd Military Healing Monday with Jo Homar. 5pm – 7pm. FREE. This healing service is for men & women who are serving, who have served, and for their family members. The sessions are for 10 minutes and attendees will be served in the order of arrival. Held at Bountiful Blessings, LLC, 1177 Silas Deane Highway, 3rd Floor, Wethersfield.

For information call 860.202.8269 or visit www. bountifulblessingsct.com.

Wednesday, February 4th Introduction to Trance Healing with Priscilla Bengtson. 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. $50.00. Trance healing is a passive process which permits Spirit forces to direct specific healing energies to a person through the mind and aura of a medium to deal with the specific causes of a problem, rather than its symptoms. It can affect the human form physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Thursday, February 5th Tarot 101 with Melinda Urquizu (7-weeks). 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $175 (payment plan available).

In this 7-session workshop, you will explore each section of Tarot so you are comfortable and confident with your connection and messages.

Bring to the first session a deck of Tarot cards and a cloth, bandana or scarf for your cards. Class meets February 5, 12, 19, 26 and March 5, 12

38

Natural Nutmeg - February/March February/March 2015 2015

February/March 2015 and 19. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wholistic HCG Fat Loss Program with Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND. Free Educational Seminar. Lose that unwanted fat once and for all. 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. Kensington Naturopathic Medical Center, 355 New Britain Road, Kensington. Call 860-829-0707 to reserve your space. For more information, visit www. naturopathicwellness.com

Friday, February 6th Reflections: Unveiling Happiness with Kim Gedney. 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $45.00. Join Kim for an interactive workshop about core beliefs and how they impact our everyday life. We often find ourselves feeling in a rut or unable to move past certain situations. By facing certain feelings or beliefs, we allow ourselves to see a new perspective that can offer some peace. The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury.

To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, February 7th Flower Essences for People and Animals with Jennifer Johnson. 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. $65.00.

Flowers are able to offer an amazing healing energy that helps to balance and support our wellbeing, along with the well-being of our pets.

You will learn about various flower essence combinations including, but not limited to Bach’s, La Vie de la Rose and Hope Flower Farm flower essences. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Lu Jong: Tibetan Healing Yoga. 2pm - 4:30pm. $40 (or 2 for $35). Lu Jong is a movement practice from the Tantrayana Buddhist tradition that systematically trains our body channels to be more open. Rooted in Tibetan Medicine, the practice consists of a series of rhythmic movements that apply pressure on particular points, effectively releasing blocks, especially in the spine. Participants will receive the Five Elements Movements (a complete practice), as well as breathwork and background. This is a practical method for health and happiness, but has profound spiritual benefits as well. Held at the ATMA Center, 199 Oakwood Ave, West Hartford, CT 06119. To register please call 860-206-9822 or visit www.theatmacenter.com.

Sunday, February 8th Women’s Empowerment Meditation. 10:00 a.m.

– 12:00 noon. $25.00. This guided meditation is specifically designed to the energy of the group.

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 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Tuesday, February 10th Working with Plant Spirits: Healing and Guidance from the Greenworld with Dan Lupacchino and Melanie VanOstrand. 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $45.00. Take a Shamanic journey to the spirit realm of the plants and let the drumbeat transport you to the Lower World where you will learn to merge with these powerful plant spirits and embrace the wisdom and healing they so graciously share with us. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

Forgiveness Workshop with Jo Homar. 6:30pm – 8pm. $40. Join us for an evening all about forgiveness. You may experience more than what you imagine. I’ll share with you what forgiveness is and how it can benefit you physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Through meditation the healing angels will be called in to assist you through the process. Learn how forgiveness is about you and not about the other person. Held at Bountiful Blessings, LLC, 1177 Silas Deane Highway, 3rd Floor, Wethersfield. To register call 860.202.8269 or visit www.bountifulblessingsct. com.

Wednesday, February 11th Healing in Harmony Night. 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.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 more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Friday, February 13th So You want to be a Medium? 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. $50.00. Are you ready to take your intuitive skills to the next step by connecting with angels, guides and loved ones in the spirit world? Participants will learn the differences between mediumship and psychic ability, how to receive messages clearly and how to know who you are working with in the spirit world. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury.

To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, February 14th

Wednesday, February 18th

Psychic Saturday. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. $25.00 for a 20-minute reading. Receive a private reading to connect you to guidance from your angels, spirit guides and loved ones. Check the web site for Readers. Pre-scheduling is highly recommended. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To pre-schedule an appointment, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Healing Angels of the Energy Field (Two Nights) with Jo Homar. 6:30pm – 8:30pm. $100 (twonights). We will call upon each of the nine Integrated Energy Therapy® Healing Angels through a prayer of invitation and then you will heartlink to each of them individually to receive their messages for you. Learn what these angels can help you release and their healing gift for you. Workbook & Certificate provided. The second night of this class is on Wednesday, February 25. Held at Bountiful Blessings, LLC, 1177 Silas Deane Highway, 3rd Floor, Wethersfield. To register call 860.202.8269 or visit www.bountifulblessingsct. com.

Reiki I Certification with Jo Homar. 9:30am – 4pm. $130. 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 Bountiful Blessings, LLC, 1177 Silas Deane Highway, 3rd Floor, Wethersfield. To register call 860.202.8269 or visit www.bountifulblessingsct.com.

Get Your Toes Wet! 12:30- 3:30 pm. Second Saturdays every month. $45. A playful, spacious, atmosphere allows you to open up and trust the artist within. Enjoy creating imagery from an intuitive space within- using paint, collage and drawing materials. Guided meditation helps us ease into our natural creative self. Facilitated

by Elisabeth Moss BFA Certified Expressive Art Facilitator. To register Call 860-550-0882. 12 Old Farms Rd. Avon, CT 06001. www.elisabethmoss. com.

Sunday, February 15th Level II Chinese Herbology Series with Laura Mignosa, NCCH. Also Feb. 22, March 1. 9:304:30pm. $229.00. 2/15: Advanced Tonic Herbs: Understanding of additional herbs and formulas for the support of the energetic organs in TCM. 2/22: Cancer Differentials & Herbs: Patterns and Views on Cancer. March 1: Clinical Diagnosis: With participation from volunteers, expanded knowledge of differential diagnosis, pattern identification, treatment strategy and herbal formulas specific to the intakes are used. Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies, 912 Corbin Avenue, New Britain. CTHerbschool.com 860-826-2705 Facebook: Laurachina5

Tuesday, February 17th Student Medium’s Night. 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Love donation. Have a reading from one of our gifted student readers. Don’t let the word student confuse you as they are well versed in the art of message delivery. These nights allow them to practice their mediumship and for you to receive guidance. Sessions are 15-minutes each. No appointments. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. For more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, February 21st Psychic Readings with Jo Homar. 10:00am – 1pm. $20 for 15 minute private reading. Receive guidance from your angels, guides, ascended masters and loved ones in spirit. Pre-scheduling is available or walk-in. If you’ve never had a mediumship reading before and want to know what it is all about, this is a great way to start. Held at Bountiful Blessings, LLC, 1177 Silas Deane Highway, 3rd Floor, Wethersfield. To pre-schedule an appointment call 860.202.8269 or visit www. bountifulblessingsct.com.

Intuitive Art-Making Retreat. Saturdays. 10:304pm. $75. Relax and play with the language of your creative expression - using paint, collage & mono-printing. Deepen connection to your intuition & creative language. Discover freedom to fly your own way. Emerge refreshed! Facilitated

by Elisabeth Moss BFA Certified Expressive Art Facilitator. To register Call 860-550-0882. 12 Old Farms Rd. Avon, CT 06001. www.elisabethmoss. com.

Chinese Herbal Series with Laura Mignosa, NCCH. Also Feb. 28, March 7. 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. $78.00. 21: Introduction to Chinese Herbal Therapy (learn basic information on Chinese Medicine). 28: Chinese herbs to Maintain & Regain Health (learn about 25 herbs to KEEP you well WHEN you are well!). March 7: Chinese herbs to Calm the Spirit (learn how to keep our spirit in balance in modern life and how heart herbs can be made into formulas so help us stay calm). Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies, 912 Corbin Avenue, New Britain. CTHerbschool. com, 860-826-2705 Facebook: Laurachina5.

Angelology Certificate Program with Priscilla Bengtson. 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. $325.00. Also Feb. 22. This is a comprehensive weekend course allowing you to explore your gifts as an angel reader. Meet the Archangels, Guardians and Helpers and gain a clearer understanding of their presence and role in your life. Develop your personal reading style while developing a clear and concise system to connect and deliver messages from the angels. You will also explore the use of Angel Oracle cards and Automatic Writing to deliver messages. Held at The Healing in Har-

mony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

Sunday, February 22nd Metamorphosis: A Bereavement Group with Jennifer Johnson. 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. $10 donation will be given to Hospice. You will learn about various stages of grief, better understand how people uniquely experience grief and loss and explore supportive coping strategies. Facilitator Jennifer Johnson is a certified Death Midwife/ Counselor. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, February 25th Crystal Healing Meditation with Christine Cartwright. 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. $50.00. Accelerate your spiritual growth by learning about the Chakra system, corresponding crystals and related Ascended Masters. Feel the power of the crystals and your Ascended Masters during a guided meditation as they work in unison to provide additional physical, emotional, mental and spiritual healing. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Home Message Circle. 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $20.00. 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 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Qigong Class. Free. 5:30-6:30pm. Learn simple exercises to calm your body and energize your mind with deep breathing and slow, flowing movements of these ancient Chinese healing exercises. NO COST! Integrative Wellness & Physical Therapy, 34 Jerome Avenue, Suite 305, Bloomfield. (860)519-1916, www.IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com.

Friday, February 27th Gallery Night. 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.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 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

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HAPPENINGS Saturday, February 28th Integrated Energy Therapy (IET®) Basic Level Certification with Jo Homar. 9:30am – 4pm. $195 This attunement expands, realigns, and restructures the 1st pair (physical) and 2nd pair (emotional) of your 12-Strand DNA. Benefit your own self-healing and learn how to clear cellular memory. Fully illustrated training guide and certificate provided. Held at Bountiful Blessings, LLC, 1177 Silas Deane Highway, 3rd Floor, Wethersfield. To register call 860.202.8269 or visit www.bountifulblessingsct.com.

Spiritual Counselor Certificate Program. 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. $325.00 (financial assistance and payment plan available). Also Mar. 1. This course is designed for people who are being called to service and ministry. Participants will earn how to assist people in moving past sticking points in their lives and help them view life from a higher, spiritual perspective. Visit web site for more details. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

Thursday, March 5th Wholistic HCG Fat Loss Program with Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND. Free Educational Seminar. Lose that unwanted fat once and for all. 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. Kensington Naturopathic Medical Center, 355 New Britain Road, Kensington. Call 860-829-0707 to reserve your space. For more information, visit www. naturopathicwellness.com.

Saturday, March 21st Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory & Terminology Intensive with Laura Mignosa, NCCH. Also March 22 & 28, 29th. 9:30 - 4:30 PM (28 CEU). $489.00. (May be a Stand Alone Class) *pre-requisite for Chinese Herbology Program to Start 4/18. Through recognition of patterns, TCM describes disharmonies without diagnosing disease. By studying this material, patients of TCM practitioners can increase their understanding of the perspective of Chinese medicine, and participate more fully in their treatment. Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies, 912 Corbin Avenue, New Britain. CTHerbschool.com 860-826-2705 Facebook: Laurachina5.

Saturday, March 28th Greater Vernon Holistic Healthfest. Also Mar. 29. The seventh holistic health fair will be held from 10 - 4 each day at the Vernon Center Middle School, 777 Hartford Turnpike (Route 30) in Vernon. There will be over 80 exhibitors and 40 workshops. Vendors selling crystals, jewelry, books, DVD’s, candles and a whole lot more.

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February/March 2015 2015 Natural Nutmeg - February/March

The cost of admission is only $5 with access to all workshops. Produced by the Vernon Youth Services Bureau and Conscious CT. All proceeds go to the Youth Services Bureau for programs with children. See our website at VernonHealthfest. com for exhibitor and workshop information and schedule.

Coffee With The Coach. 7am. Facilitated by Life Coach Torin Lee-Lewis. Learn ways to handle stress, navigate change and make each day count.

Refreshments provided. Please call 860-467-6518 to confirm attendance each week. Fee: $10 Oneida Holistic Health Center 16 West Rd Marlborough, CT. www.theocenter.net.

Thursdays

ONGOING Mondays Meditate Through The Madness. 6pm. Hosted by Torin Lee-Lewis. Call to confirm attendance 860467-6518. Fee: $10. Oneida Holistic Health Center 16 West Rd Marlborough, CT www.theocenter.net.

Tuesdays Acupuncture Happy Hours. 12-5pm. $30 minute sessions for $30.Community acupuncture in a small group setting. Dr. Miller uses points below the knees and elbows so just remove your shoes and socks, roll up your pant legs and sleeves and balance your body, mind and spirit. Call 860-4676518 or visit www.theocenter.net to reserve your spot. Oneida Holistic Health Center 16 West Rd Marlborough, CT. Relaxation Break. 12-6pm. Treat yourself to a relaxing or therapeutic Chair Massage. $1 per min.

You decide how long. Walk-ins welcomed. Reservations accepted. Call 860-467-651o or visit www. theocenter.net to reserve your spot. Oneida Holistic Health Center 16 West Rd Marlborough, CT. Women’s Empowerment Group. First Tuesday of Every Month. 6-7:20pm. Come gather with likeminded women who are motivated to raise their consciousness. Drawing from the law of attraction, mediation, and life coaching techniques, you will deepen your connection to who you truly are, experience powerful meditations, set intentions for your life, and evolve consciously. Limited seating.

To register, please call: 860-707-0908 or email: kristen@balancedlivingnow.com 36 Chamberlain Highway, Berlin. 06037. $20, suggested donation

Wednesdays Sharing the journey-women’s artmaking group.

8 weeks every other Wednesday. 5:30-8:30pm.

Through April 22. Drop-Ins $40. Support your artmaking practice in the quiet, creative atmosphere of women. Meditation, sacred poetry prompts and multi-media art supplies are used. Facilitated by Elisabeth Moss BFA Certified Expressive Art Facilitator. To register and get more information Call 860-550-0882. 12 Old Farms Rd. Avon, CT 06001. www.elisabethmoss.com.

A Course in Waking. 7:00 – 8:30pm. For the majority of us, thinking about following our passions and dreams, doing something we love, and being true to ourselves, is a luxury we don’t think we have. Larry Ford, (A.K.A. The Shaman of Wall Street, and nationally recognized spiritual advisor, and facilitator) is on a mission to help people wake up and live life on purpose. You’re here for a Reason! And this course is designed from ancient wisdom technologies to help you wake up to that reality and begin to live your life on purpose.This is a six-week course/$275.00 - Starts 2/12/15 thru 3/19/15. The Gulf Stream Center for Health and Wealth, 381 Hubbard St, Glastonbury, CT. www. larryford.org. To register please call 860-659-8299

Fridays Relaxation Break, 10-6pm.Treat yourself to a relaxing or therapeutic Chair Massage. $1 per minute. You decide how long. Walk-ins welcomed.

Reservations accepted. Call 860-467-651o or visit Oneida Holistic Health Center 16 West Rd Marlborough, CT.

Saturdays All Levels Yoga. 8-9:15am. A flowing practice to move energy and create alignment in the body.

Come start your weekend with a class on the farm and enjoy a respite from the pace of life. You will leave ready to enjoy your weekend feeling renewed and at ease. $15 drop in. Hidden Acres Yoga, 114 East Street North Granby, CT (860) 3715881, www.hiddenacresyoga.com.

CLASSIFIED Office space in West Hartford Center. Looking for holistic practitioners who have their own practice, but who would like to share space with other like minded professionals. Massage therapist, energy healer, cranial sacral therapist, shamanic healer, nutritionist, etc, are welcome. Suite includes waiting room, internet access, copier, small break room, parking, building is accessible. Contact Elliott Strick 860-231-8459, www.elliottstrick.com.

Email: elliottstricklmft@gmail.com.

ACUPUNCTURE

DENTISTRY

Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND, LAc. Dipl. NCCAOM 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037 860) 829-0707 • www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com.

See ad on page 37.

Dr. Steven Hinchey 2249 New London Turnpike South Glastonbury, CT. (860) 633-6518 www.dentistryfordiabetics.com/drhinchey See ad on page 14.

Mayflower Acupuncture, LLC Chinese Medicine services and herbs Steve Paine, OMD, L.Ac., Ginger Harris, L.Ac. 536 Hopmeadow Street. Simsbury, CT 06070 860-413-2118 • www.mayfloweracupuncture.com Sophia Natural Health Center Kenneth Hoffman, L.Ac., CCH 31 Old Route 7, Brookfield, CT 06804.

(203) 740-9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.com

FELDENKRAIS Margo Hennebach, GCFP, GSM(MT) Sound Moves Studio, Bloomfield, CT 860-206-2746 • www.margohennebach.com.

Specializing in voice, musicians, chronic pain.

FINANCIAL PLANNING ALLERGY TREATMENT Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037 860) 829-0707 www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 37.

Conscious Capital Wealth Management, LLC Lawrence Ford 381 Hubbard St. ste. 300, Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860) 6598299 • Lford@consciouscapitalwm.com www.consciouscapitalwm.com See ad on page 20.

ART

HEALTH FOOD STORES

Elisabeth Moss Expressive Art 12 Old Farms Rd, Avon, CT 06001 860.550.0882 www.elisabethmoss.com elisabethmossart@gmail.com

CHIROPRACTIC Westside Chiropractic 557 Prospect Avenue, West Hartford,CT (860) 523-5833 • westsidechiropractors.com

COLON HYDROTHERAPY Beverley Blass, Just Be Centered Vice President, International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy [I-ACT] I-ACT Certified Instructor & Practitioner. In practice since 1984, NYC and CT. 381 Hubbard St., Lower Level, Glastonbury, CT 06033. 860-206-1129.

Parkade Health Shoppe Manchester Parkade, 378 West Middle Tpke, Manchester, CT • 860.646.8178 M-Sat 8am-9pm • Sun 9am-6pm See ad on page 13.

Thyme and Season Natural Market 3040 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT 06518 www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com. Call 203.407.8128 for info. Our 17th Year! Open 7 days: M-F 8:00-7:30; Sat 9-7:30; Sun 10-6. One of the largest selections of natural, organic, non-GMO, gluten-free & vegan foods in the area- full grocery, produce, meats, H&B, baby, wellness vitamins & herbs. Pick up a healthy hot breakfast or lunch Mon-Sat: 4 entrees & 6 soups plus salads, sandwiches, wraps. Now offering Dinners-to-Go. And, check out our new sister store, The Common Bond Market, 40 Huntington St., Shelton. Now open 7 days, 203.513.8200. www.thecommondbondmarket.com.

HOLISTIC CENTERS

Constance Jones - Colon Hydrotherapy Center for Progressive Therapies 192 Hartford Road, Manchester, CT 06040 860.287.4558. www.cleanmycolon.com

Integrative Wellness and Physical Therapy 35 Jerome Ave, Bloomfield, CT 06002 (860) 519-1916 info@IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com See ad on page 2.

DENTISTRY

HOMEOPATHY

The Canaan Gentle Dentle & Implant Center Dr. Thomas Livingstone 3 Railroad St. North Canaan, CT (860)824-0751 • www.livingstonedental.com See ad on page 31.

CT Alliance to Advance Homeopathy Homeopathy: Medicine for the 21st Century • Awareness • Education • Consultations Contact: Louise Sanchione, ND, CCH, MS, MA Email: connecticuthomeopathy@gmail.com VM: 413-320-9158.

RESOURCES HYPNOSIS Diane Bahr-Groth, C. Hy., TFT, Dir. 1177 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT. (203)595-0110 • mindbodytransformation.com See ad on page 25.

Mind Matters Hypnosis Center Lisa Zaccheo, MA, BCH, BCI Board Certified Hypnotist & Instructor 12 Waterside Court, Avon, CT 06001 (860)693-6448 • MindMatters@comcast.net www.mindmattershypnosis.com See ad on page 25.

Michele P. Rousseau, MA, CH 267 William Street, Middletown, CT 06457 860-704-9054 • mprousseau@sbcglobal.net www.micheleprousseau.com

INTEGRATIVE HOLISTIC PSYCHIATRY David London, MD 567 Vauxhall St. Ext. #218, Waterford, CT (860) 443-5822 - davidlondonmd.com See ad on page 20.

LIFE COACH Balanced Living Now Kristen Werblow, M.A., CPC 36 Chamberlain Highway, Berlin, CT 06037 (860)707-0908 • kristen@balancedlivingnow.com www.balancedlivingnow.com See ad on page 11.

Heart-Centered Awareness Coaching Beverley Blass & Anne Murphy, BevAni Transformation.

381 Hubbard St., Lower Level, Glastonbury, CT 06033. 203-558-5468.

MASSAGE All About You Massage Therapy, LLC Cindy Strickland, LMT 396 Lewis Hill Road, Coventry, CT 06238 www.allaboutyoumassagetherapy.net (860)742-5285 • (860)573-6526 CT Lic#006649. Member: AMTA & NCBTMB Elisabeth Moss 12 Old Farms Rd, Avon, CT 06001 860.550.0882 www.elisabethmoss.com elisabethmossart@gmail.com

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RESOURCES NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE CT Natural Health Specialists Lauren Young, ND, Ashley Burkman, ND, Tonya Pasternak, ND, Dr. Craig Fasullo. ND 315 E. Center St., Manchester, CT (860) 533-0179 • www.ctnaturalhhealth.com See ad on page 15.

Debra Gibson, ND 100 Danbury Road, Ste. 102 Ridgefield, CT 06877 • (203)431-4443 See ad on page 9.

Kensington Naturopathic Medical Center Dr. Ann Aresco 355 New Britain Rd, Kensington, CT (860) 829-0707 • drannaresco@comcast.net kensingtonnaturopathic.com See ad on page 37.

Naturopathic & Acupuncture Health Center Dr. Marie Mammone, Dr. Renee Mammone, NDs John Mammone, Licensed Acupuncturist 274 Silas Deane Hwy., Wethersfield, CT 06109 (860)529-1200 • www.NAHcenter.com Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND, LAc. 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037 860) 829-0707 • www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 37.

The Wellness Institute Marvin Schweitzer, ND 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT (203) 847-2788 See ad on page 19.

West Hartford Naturopathic Medicine Frank Aieta, ND 301 N. Main St., West Hartford, CT (860) 232-9662 • www.DRAIETA.com See ad on page 15.

ProNatural Physicians Group LLC 355 New Britain Road Kensington, CT 06037 • 860-505-0702 www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 37.

ProNatural Members Dr. Ann Aresco 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037 P: 860-829-0707 • F: 860-829-0606 E: draresco@comcast.net • See ad on page 37.

Dr. Ginger Nash 260 Amity Rd. Woodbridge, CT 06525 203.777.7911 • Fax: 203.777.7796 drgingernash@gmail.com Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND, LAc. Dipl. NCCAOM 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, Ct. 06037.

860) 829-0707 www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 37.

42 Nutmeg 2015 42 Natural Natural NutmegFebruary/March - February/March 2015

NUTRITION

SCHOOLS

Holcare Nutrition Vicki Kobliner MS RD 3 Hollyhock Lane, Suite 2A, Wilton, CT 06897 203-834-9949 • www.holcarenutrition.com See ads on page 16.

The Graduate Institute Leslie Cahill, Director of Admissions & Recruitment.

(203) 874-4252 • www.learn.edu See ad on page 5.

Complimentary Nutrition Counseling. Thyme & Season Natural Market. Mon Fri 9 - 5 with Certified Nutrition Counselor Linda Myers. 3040 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Call 203.407.8128 x2. Email: Supplements.Thyme@gmail.com. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com. And, at our new sister store The Common Bond Market. Complimentary Nutrition Counseling Tues, Wed & Thurs 9–12 with Dr. Elise Panza, ND. 40 Huntington St., Shelton.

203-513-8200. TheCommonBondMarket.com.

PHYSICIANS, M.D. Natural Health & Healing, LLC Deanna M. Cherrone, MD 61 S. Main St, Ste 210, West Hartford, CT (860) 677-4600 • naturalhealthandhealing.net See ad on back cover.

Tamara Sachs, MD Functional Medicine & Integrative Care 15 Bennitt St., New Milford, CT (860) 354-3304 • www.tsachsmd.intranets.com Optimal Health Medical, LLC Henry C. Sobo, M.D. 111 High Ridge Rd. ,Stamford, CT 06905 203-348-8805 • www.drsobo.com

PSYCHOTHERAPY Inner Change Holistic Counseling Deni Weber, MA, LPC, DCEP Weston, CT. • 203-544-6094 DeniWeber.com

RELATIONSHIP COACH PEAK Results Coaching Jeff Forte, CSIC, CME • Relationship Coach 2389 Main St., Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860)633-8555 • peakresultscoaching.com

SCHOOLS Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies LauraMignosa, NCCH 912 Corbin Ave, New Britain, CT 06052 (860) TCM-2705 • www.ctherbschool.com.

See ad on page 7.

SKINCARE Anew You Skincare & Wellness Center Melissa Martin, 16A Ensign Drive, Avon.

(860)284-9730 • www.anewyouskincare.net Melissa@anewyouskincare.net See ad on page 23.

SPA/FLOATATION SERVICES iFloat 163 Main Street. Westport, CT 06880 Phone: 203-26-7378 Website: ifloatspa.net • Email:info@ifloatspa.net

THERMOGRAPHY Sophia Natural Health Center 31 Old Route 7, Brookfield, CT 06804.

(203) 740-9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.com X to Rays, LLC Suzanne Pyle, MS, CCT 35 Boston Street, Guilford, CT 866.986.7297 or 203.331.2878 www.xtorays.com • See ad on page 20.

WEIGHTLOSS HCG Weight Loss Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND, LAc. 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037 860) 829-0707 • www.pronaturalphysicians.com See ad on page 37.

YOGA / PILATES CENTERS Cyndi Roberts Yoga RYT-200, Certified Therapeutic & Prenatal Therapeutic, Gentle, or Prenatal Yoga.

One-on-one yoga sessions. By appointment only.

1477 Park St, Suite 14, Hartford CT. www.yogawithcr.com Sacred Movement Yoga 10 Sims Road (Bishop’s Corner) West Hartford, Connecticut 06117 860.990.2555 • www.mysacredmovement.com.

Visit our Facebook page!

West Hartford Yoga 23 Brook Street, West Hartford, CT 06110 PH: 860.953.9642 • www.westhartfordyoga.com info@westhartfordyoga.com www.westhartfordyoga.com Offering 70 weekly classes

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Deanna Cherrone, M.D.

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 • Headaches • 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

61 S. Main St., West Hartford, CT • www.naturalhealthandhealing.net

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Natural Nutmeg - February/March 2015