Natural Nutmeg January 2016

January 2016

Natural Nutmeg Connecticut's Resource For Essential Living

How Did I Get This “Muffin Top”!

Amanda M. Swan, APRN

The New Role of Your Dentist Kevin H. Norige, DMD Is Estrogen Blocking Your Weight Loss?

Ashley Burkman, ND

The Beginning of the End Bernie Siegel, MD

How to Break the Failed Relationship Cycle Diane Hayden, PhD

Hypnosis: The Power to Think Yourself Thin!

The Art of Natural Weight Loss without Dieting Diane Bahr-Groth, CH, TFT-Adv www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Natural Nutmeg - January 2016

Special New Year’s Price $7200 Contact Juliette at 203.305.8091 or juliette@juliettetaylor.com

Don’t Miss Our Upcoming Issues We’re Ready for 2016!

January Hormonal Weight Loss February The Right Diet for You March Probiotics & Immune Health April Environmental Allergies & Food Sensitivities May Mindfulness for Busy Moms June Stress Reduction for Men July Overvacation Syndrome August Metabolic Exercise September Childhood Vaccinations October Overtreatment of Breast Cancer

Could One Conversation Change Your Life?

November Holiday Eating Strategies

Nutrition & Personal Training

December Sleep Hygiene

Genetics/Nutrigenomics Autoimmune Disease Food Allergies/Sensitivities Elimination Diets/Leaky Gut Syndrome Depression/Anxiety Digestive Disorders Detoxification Programs Back/Neck Pain Musculoskeletal Injuries Thyroid Disorders Weight Loss

Call (860) 321-7234 for a free initial consultation.

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In This Issue 10

A Mom Who Healed Autism and ADHD Andrea Anderson

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Try Quinoa for a Great Alternative to Grain Mindful Eating Meets Mindful Self-Compassion Theresa Nygren, LCSW and Angela Mazur, LCSW, LLC

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Is Estrogen Blocking Your Weight Loss?

Winter and Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Hypnosis: The Power to Think Yourself Thin!

The Art of Natural Weight Loss Without Dieting

Financial Survival of a Divorce: The 9 Most Costly Mistakes to Avoid

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How to Break the Failed Relationship Cycle Diane Hayden, PhD

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The New Role of Your Dentist Kevin H. Norige, DMD

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Holistic Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD, PT, IMT, C

Ask Dr. Jeff!

Your Veterinary Homeopath Jeff Feinman, VMD, CVH

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Why Do 80% of All Diets Fail?

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Ancient Wisdom for Hormone Balance and Weight Loss Kenneth Hoffman D.Ac (RI), L.Ac. (CT) CCH

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Natural Relief from Gout Michael Dworkin, PD, CCN & J. Erika Dworkin

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7 NUTMEG NUGGETS

Natural Nutmeg - January 2016

8 The BUZZ 36 HAPPENINGS

William Donaldson, CFP®

Diane Bahr-Groth, CH, TFT-Adv

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In Every Issue

Amanda M. Swan, APRN

Laura Mignosa

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How Did I Get This “Muffin Top”!

Ashley Burkman, ND

Julie Wern

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38 RESOURCES 42 BERNIE

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PUBLISHER'SLETTER “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

– Harold Whitman

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e all know that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. The choices you make today determine both your direction and destiny for the next year. You must dare to say yes to your goals and dreams and make that your number one priority. You must find what makes you come alive and go do it. And you must have the patience and belief that you and the Universe will co-create your life and reality.

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.

Each day pick 3 achievable goals that are specific, measurable, and realistic to accomplish that day. These goals should be moving you toward your long-term goal or dream that you have set for the next year. They should be simple, yet have the potential to move you out of your comfort zone at times to allow you to stretch to reach your ultimate desire. A good practice is to set aside some time on Sunday to plan out your three daily goals per day for the week. Some examples of daily goals are:

PUBLISHER Dr. Diane Hayden Publisher@naturalnutmeg.com

• I will create inspiring affirmations that I will read each morning before I rise and each evening before I go to sleep • I will contact 3 people who will help me make new connections for my business • I will find a new way to exercise for 30 minutes today • I will design a peaceful, comfortable meditation space in my home and meditate for 10 minutes a day • I will spend 30 minutes on my marketing plan and implement one unique idea for my new business • I will only check my email once in the morning and once in the evening to allow me uninterrupted time to focus on my tasks for the day As you can see, your daily goals may be combinations of spiritual, health and business goals. Be sure to check in with your thoughts and feelings as you set your goals at the beginning of the day and at the end of the day as you track your accomplishments. If at any time, this feels burdensome, then you need to revisit your long-term goal(s). If your goals and dreams don’t excite you and infuse you with energy, it will be much harder and less fulfilling to reach those wants, needs and wishes your heart and spirit are longing for. So ask yourself again if the goals you have set inspire you. If the answer is no, you may need to explore your passions more deeply to come up with a new set of dreams.

You succeed in living an extraordinary life by focusing seriously on those things – goals and dreams that make your life passionate and radiant.

In Health and Happiness,

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deb Percival Deb@naturalnutmeg.com ADVERTISING advertising@naturalnutmeg.com DIR. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Christopher Urso Curso@naturalnutmeg.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashley Frament layout@naturalnutmeg.com ADVISORY BOARD Ann Aresco, N.D. Deanna M. Cherrone, MD Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. (Pend.)

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

FFC - Tom Cossuto, Man In Motion, LLC

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

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

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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 ar ticles and adver tisements, nor are we responsible for the products and ser vices adver tised. We welcome your feedback.

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Natural Nutmeg - January 2016

Nutmeg “Nuggets” A Little Taste of Paris in Asheville at the Windsor Hotel

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alking into my suite at the Windsor Hotel in Asheville was like walking into a dream. It’s the kind of place you could literally “live in.” Built in 1907, the Windsor underwent an 18-month historic renovation and opened in April 2014, putting a lovely upscale, French-flavored twist on Asheville’s urban downtown.

The lobby feels like a family living room with plush, contemporary furnishings in shades of gold and lilac. Uniquely customized designs are featured throughout including oversized couches, comfy area rugs, and an earthy color palette. It brings a cozy feeling to exposed brick walls, industrial lighting, and rough woods and iron. The entire property features wide-planked floors made of wood reclaimed from barns in Tennessee and Virginia. The Windsor draws upon Asheville’s moniker “Paris of the South” which is a nod to the influx of French artisans and craftsmen who helped build the Biltmore Estate at the turn of the nineteenth century.

The downtown hotel features 14 suites, all between 650 and 950 square feet, complete with a full kitchen as well as a washer and dryer which is ideal for families or large groups. We stayed in the Original Historic 1907 Suite that featured a rich palette of chocolate and ivory with lavish textiles and textures paired with rugged, rustic elements. Thick-pile rugs with a softness you could sleep on lay across reclaimed hardwood floors. I loved the aged look of the original plaster wall in the living area. They even made great use out of a smaller bedroom space by situating the queen beds perpendicular to each other instead of side by side.

They also support the local community with nightly turndown chocolates on your pillow from Chocolate Gems, and bath soaps from Farmer Jane. Furthering that local focus, along each hallway you’ll find a veritable gallery of local artists selected by the Windsor’s own art director and available for purchase.

Winterize Your Medicine Cabinet…..Naturally

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harmaceutical companies continue to sell decongestants they know are not effective and have kept effective products off the market because it would decrease their profits. Even if effective, there is a list of side effects that accompany all these OTC medications. Read this article for details: https://www.washingtonpost. com/news/wonk/wp/2015/11/04/the-truth-about-cold-medicine.

Here are some suggestions to “winterize” your medicine cabinet with natural products to help prevent winter colds and flu. Replace your ineffective, side effect causing, OTC medications with homeopathic remedies. Keep Chestal Cough for children and adults, Coldcalm and Oscillococcinum also referred to as Oscillo in your medicine cabinet. Chestal Cough helps relieve dry cough or chest congestion to make coughs more productive.

Coldcalm is a combination homeopathic product. A combination homeopathic remedy (vs. single remedy) combines several remedies to address the different symptoms of acute conditions such as colds, flu, hay fever etc. Coldcalm will help relieve cold symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion and minor sore throat. Oscillo is the natural and doctor recommended choice for fighting flu-like symptoms, including fever, aches and fatigue and is most effective if taken right at the beginning signs of the flu. Follow the directions on each box or bottle.

Don’t wait for the first signs of a cold or flu - have these two homeopathic products on hand so you can fully enjoy the winter months without being sidelined with winter illnesses. For more information on homeopathy and to find out if homeopathy is a natural health care choice for you, contact Dr. Louise Sanchione at the CT Alliance to Advance Homeopathy.

Email: connecticuthomeopathy@gmail.com

The Windsor offers unique and upscale accommodations in the heart of Downtown Asheville, and you can’t beat the location as it is within walking distance of amazing restaurants, breweries, shops and galleries. For more information, visit www.windsorasheville.com

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THE BUZZ New Guidebook, “After the Loss of a Spouse: What’s Next?”

Provides Practical Advice

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ct II Publications, LLC, announces the release of the new guidebook, “After the Loss of a Spouse: What’s Next?” by Joanne Z. Moore, PT, DHSc. Dr. Moore is the editor of the digital magazine, Pathfinder: A Companion Guide for the Widow/er’s Journey and owner of Shoreline Physical Therapy, LLC. “After the Loss of a Spouse: What’s Next?” is a concise guidebook for rebuilding a life after the loss of a spouse. Compassionately written, Moore offers strategies for honoring the memory of the marriage and perpetuating the influence of his or her spirit. A series of activities guides the reader to develop a new philosophy of life that will serve as a foundation for joyful and meaningful years ahead.

Topics include getting one’s affairs in order, finance, exercise, home, health, emotions, decision making, family, travel, friendship, hobbies, return to dating, pets, managing mistakes, setting goals, and the problems of elf-medicating with drugs and alcohol. Perfect for individuals and for groups.

Review by Marlisa L. Mills, MSW LCAS, Director of Bereavement and Family Support Services, Connecticut Hospice, Inc.: “Dr. Joanne Moore shares her unique perspective on how to not only survive the loss of a spouse, but also how to handle the small things that frequently overwhelm widows and widowers. This is an excellent book with down to earth, practical guidance. As a bereavement director in a large hospice, I intend to use this book for my families.”

When Dr. Moore was widowed, she sought mentors for living in a new way. She was inspired by the stories of more experienced widows and widowers. This prompted her to found the magazine, “Pathfinder: A Companion Guide for the Widow/er’s Journey,” and write “After the Loss of a Spouse: What’s Next?”

Dr. Moore’s story and passion for supporting others is told in Right This Minute’s There is Life After Loss, and Pathfinder Helps People Find Theirs. She is a Distinguished Toastmaster (Toastmaster International), and enjoys speaking on end of life and bereavement issues.

After the Loss of a Spouse: What’s Next? is available on Amazon.

For more information about Dr. Moore, visit Pathfinder: A Companion Guide for the Widow/er’s Journey at http://pathfindermag.com, or contact her at: 860-460-0248, jmoore@widowedpathfinder.com, PO Box 752, East Lyme CT, 06333. See ad for.shoreline physical therapy on page 41.

YOGAWOMAN: A Film Screening on Feb. 5th to Benefit WHY Outreach.

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here is a new generation of women who have embraced yoga in a way that honors intuition, family, flow, community, activism, and the cyclical nature of women’s lives. YOGAWOMAN is a groundbreaking film that captures this fascinating time of awakening female power. Through rich personal stories, the film reveals how yoga has transformed the lives of thousands of over-stimulated, overscheduled, and multi-tasking modern women. With vivid detail and poignancy, the film also illuminates how women have embraced yoga for easing health conditions like breast cancer, infertility, heart disease, anxiety, and depression, as well as given a lifeline to women in prison, cancer survivors, and those struggling with body image or eating disorders.

On Friday, February 5, West Hartford Yoga will host a screening of YOGAWOMAN to benefit WHY Outreach’s Yoga for Cancer classes. WHY Outreach, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to bring the physical, spiritual, and therapeutic benefits of yoga, meditation, and holistic healing modalities to underserved communities and special populations. The populations include the impoverished; the elderly; troubled youths; individuals living with cancer, eating disorders, addictions, AIDS, depression, and emotional illnesses; and people suffering from other chronic diseases.

Early in 2014, WHY Outreach teacher Nina Fox, a certified Y4C (Yoga for Cancer) instructor, collaborated with West Hartford Yoga and Cut Out Cancer, to offer a free yoga class for anyone coping with cancer—whether newly diagnosed or undergoing treatment—and their caregivers. Each 75-minute class combines meditation, a gentle yoga flow, and restorative poses to build strength and flexibility, boost the immune system, and cultivate a sense of well-being. This combination of healthy movement, breath, and mindfulness can help to alleviate depression, anxiety, nausea, and insomnia while also improving such physical symptoms as pain and fatigue.

Join WHY Outreach for a screening of the film at West Hartford Yoga on Friday, February 5, from 6:30-8:30pm, 23 Brook Street, West Hartford. Proceeds from the $10 suggested donation go to WHY Outreach to benefit the biweekly Yoga for Cancer classes. Details about the film are available at www.westhartfordyoga.com/events. htm. Information about Yoga for Cancer can be found at www. whyoutreach.org. For information about Cut Out Cancer, visit www. cutoutcancer.org. See ad on page 19.

Like our Facebook page to connect with other Natural Nutmeg readers, and find exclusive content from your favorite local resource.

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Natural Nutmeg - January 2016

BreatheMoreYoga Opens in Tolland

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reatheMoreYoga, LLC, a full-service yoga studio, has recently opened in Tolland, near the Vernon town line. Formerly Breathe…more, llc, BreatheMoreYoga has been under new ownership since July 2015.

This holistic community offers a warm, comfortable space for women and men to grow and thrive. Services include: yoga, from gentle through Power, Tai Chi, which is a gentle martial art form described as meditation in motion to promote serenity through gentle, flowing movements, and YogaDance, which is easy-to-follow guided movement with room for personal expression.

BreatheMoreYoga has a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) on site, and a Reiki Master. Reiki is a form of energy healing that can help alleviate physical, at, emotional and spiritual stress. It is a way to “tune up” your energy to its healthiest state allowing healing to take place. Nutrition Coaching is also offered at the Studio and includes a 7-week series on learning to live a plant-based eating lifestyle. Family yoga will be offered beginning January 2016.

Yoga is the practice of uniting the mind, body and spirit. Benefits of yoga include: increased strength, balance, flexibility, circulation, relaxation, mental focus and the cultivation of inner calm and peace. Yoga is suitable for all skill levels, body types and ages. Yoga props and modifications are offered to help each student feel at ease in each pose.

Owner and Yoga Instructor, Mindy Porell, RYT 200, encourages her teachers and students to practice the yogic principle of “seva”, which translates to selfless service. BreatheMoreYoga offers monthly community yoga, which is free, and asks for a monetary donation with 100% of proceeds going to “From the Heart”, a Tolland-based out-reach program helping Tolland neighbors in need. BreatheMoreYoga also has an on-going collection of goods to help From the Heart with specific seasonal needs.

BreatheMoreYoga, opened 7 days a week, is located at 68 Hartford Turnpike, Route 30, next to Dance Express in Tolland. Please visit www.BreatheMoreYoga.com for class descriptions, Instructors and unique workshop happenings, or contact 860-375-0360 or breathemoreyoga2@gmail.com.

Do You Have a Damaged Metabolism?

Learn the Answers in postgraduate courses in Nutrition and Exercise at University of Bridgeport

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ow many times have we made the recommendation to our clients that to stay healthy they should optimize their diet and exercise regularly? We get this message from all corners, the media, healthcare practitioners, friends and family. For a large percentage of Americans, this is too vague to put into action and for many practitioners, they are not well equipped to deliver specific customized recommendations.

The type and volume of nutrition varies by individual as does the type of exercise that will be constructive versus destructive. Should everyone do a spin class for aerobic fitness?

Should everyone do CrossFit or heavy weight training? The answer is an unequivocal no.

So how do we translate that generic recommendation into meaningful action? The most important strategy is to understand the interaction of nutritional status with ability to achieve fitness and overlay that onto the client’s unique lifestyle.

Metabolism is what controls how powerful our internal engine is. It is responsible for our overall energy, weight management, resistance to disease, and mental function. Due to the changes in our food supply and fast paced lifestyles that have occurred in the last 20 years, many are going through each day with a damaged metabolism. This can result in issues such as inability to maintain a healthy body composition, suboptimal or poor physical performance in sports, sleep issues, reproductive issues, mood issues and as it progresses, more serious chronic and debilitating diseases, such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease.

UB offers unique post graduate education designed to help the healthcare professional understand and navigate this terrain to produce a higher quality treatment plan for individuals.

There are health professionals who may be well versed in nutrition, or exercise physiology, but there are a smaller percentage who truly have expertise in combining the two. Those who are best positioned are those educated in integrative individualized therapies.

The New Year is a great time to take stock in your current position and develop a plan of action which will yield the best and fastest improvements for your clients. See our ad on page 5 for a post graduate course on Nutrition and Exercise at the University of Bridgeport designed for healthcare professionals to optimize their knowledge to help clients create the correct synergy between their food choices and their activity plan.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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A Mom Who Healed Autism and ADHD

by Andrea Anderson everal years ago, my youngest son was showing signs of being severely autistic and my older son had PDD (and probably more had we tested him before we began holistic healing strate-gies). Fast forward to today. Both have healed completely of autism and PDD. My oldest son is cleared of everything, has several friends, plays team hockey and is comfortable in school. My younger son is well liked, plays basketball, baseball and tennis. He currently has a learning difference and yet is still growing academically through teacher/ school support and holistic strategies.

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The “big” question I get from parents is, “How did you do it?

How did you heal your sons?”

While I certainly can’t answer that in one article, I can certainly share a few strategies I followed to help them out.

Strategy 1: You must DECIDE it’s possible for your kids to improve and that it will happen. Without ‘deciding’, you can make some progress, and then watch them regress or plateau with improving. Why? Because you haven’t gotten clear this is possible. Your thoughts and energy impact how your kids show up. Quite bluntly, you get what you expect.

The science behind it, stemming from quantum physics, is the understanding that everything is made up of energy. Even your thoughts are made up of energy. Scientists can measure brain-waves which are the measurement of thoughts. With quantum physics, the science is such that like energy attracts like energy. Therefore, like thoughts attract like thoughts.

For example, notice when you have an “off day,” you may feel angry or frustrated, as a result, you begin to experience more than one thing to feel angry or frustrated about. For example, you stub your toe and then sit in traffic on your way to work. Conversely, when you have a “good day,” you tend to feel content and happy.

Consequently, you end up attracting more situations to feel happy and content with.

To bring this back to your kids, when you think they can’t or won’t improve from whatever be-havior or “issue” has arisen for them, then you will be right. You’ll watch as your son or daughter seems to get stuck. That’s ok. We’ve ALL thought like this before!

Here’s the thing though, once you DECIDE and get clear this is what you want and it’s going to happen. Period. Then it will.

Don’t skip this step. It’s what many people overlook when helping their kids with any condition. We tend to look outside of ourselves for answers to heal. When actually, one of the most powerful things you can do is decide you will have what you want. Kids who thrive.

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Natural Nutmeg - January 2016

Strategy 2: We are what we eat, therefore eat REAL food. If your kids are eating lots of junk, they will act like junk and eventually feel like junk. Their emo-tions and interactions with others may be affected, acting in a way that you would consider like junk! What qualifies as lots of junk? Foods with artificial flavors, food colorings, preservatives and food chemicals.

What foods do you want to help your kids eat more of? All natural, organic foods, fruits and veg-gies (and there are ways to slide veggies into meals, in soups, mixed in with sauce and pasta, mixed in a fruit shake). Antibiotic and hormone free eggs and animal protein, also gluten free whole grains like brown rice.

When we feed our kids less to zero preservatives and serve them gluten free whole grains, we are helping their bodies, specifically their digestive tract to heal and repair itself. Their gut has been impacted by processed foods, pesticides, vaccinations, and antibiotics. These sources have in turn, possibly impaired the digestive enzymes and typical functioning in their intestines. What this translates to are kids who are eating foods which their bodies have a difficult time di-gesting and absorbing. When this happens, kids will lack nutrients, often causing them to “act up,” feel more emotional or anxious, lack focus and more.

These behaviors and conditions don’t have to be forever.

They can be altered. Real, unpro-cessed whole food is healing and repairing and when eaten consistently, I’ve seen some amazing results!

It is possible for our kids to feel better and thrive. We can do this. Together you and your kids can do this. Wishing you and your kids the best on this journey.

Submitted by Andrea Anderson, author, speaker and coach for families with ADD, ADHD, autism, sensory issues, IBS or Crohn’s.

Author of the book: “I Healed My Sons of Autism and You Can Too: The 7 Keys to Clearing Your Child of ADHD and Autism Naturally.”

You’re invited to schedule a private or group Health Food Store Shopping Session. Andrea meets with clients at the store, showing them what specific foods they can eat to bring more healing to their conditions, which foods to skip and new healthy meal ideas that match the type of foods they prefer to eat. Interested? Email andrea@IHealedMySons.com or text 860.485.4118 with your appointment request. www.Ihealedmysons.com. See ad on page 12.

For more tips on Autism, visit Natural Nutmeg’s Facebook Page!

Try Quinoa for a Great Alternative to Grain

By Julie Wern adore grains of any form. I love the coarse texture, chew, nuttiness, and wholesome, satisfying taste. When quinoa recently became popularized I quickly fell in love and today, quinoa is a staple in our house. Many folks may not know that quinoa is not actually a grass seed like wheat. It is the seed of a plant in the same family as spinach and beets and is thus considered a “pseudo-grain”. Quinoa was cultivated and popularized first in South America, where it was a staple “grain” of the Incan Empire as far back as 1200 AD. Today there are many varieties of quinoa. While in the U.S. we are exposed mainly to red or white varieties, there are also pink, black, orange and purple strains.

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Quinoa stands out among other grains and seeds for its nutritional density. Unlike many grains it contains all nine essential amino acids making it a complete protein source. It also contains more healthy fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants than many other grains. It may even have significant anti-inflammatory effects on the body. It is also high in fiber and many important vitamins and minerals like manganese, copper, phosphorous, magnesium, folate and zinc. Quinoa contains no gluten so it is a great alternative grain for those with gluten sensitivities.

Quinoa is generally cooked like rice and used in many different dishes. It cooks quickly and becomes fluffy and translucent with what appears to be little tails within it (this is the germ). It is typically added to soups or used as a base for grain salads. However it is also wonderful used as a substitute for rice in stir-fries; stuffed zucchini, peppers or eggplant dishes; in casseroles; or in puddings or breakfast porridges (see recipe below). I have also had wonderful cookies and muffins made with cooked quinoa.

Quinoa may be rolled into flakes like oats, which can be used like oats in any recipe (i.e. granola) or may be ground into flour to be used as a protein-enriched alternative to wheat flour. Many stores carry rolled quinoa and quinoa flour. However, you can make your own quinoa flour easily enough in a clean coffee grinder.

Just know that baked goods made entirely of quinoa flour can be dense and taste slightly grassy. Most recipes using quinoa flour call for a blend with lighter flours like tapioca and arrowroot. This makes lighter, yet starchier, baked goods.

Quinoa contains saponins that can yield a bitter taste. To avoid this, rinse your quinoa well before cooking it. To cook quinoa, use one part grain to two parts liquid (i.e. water or broth). Cook, covered, for about 15 minutes (if overcooked quinoa can get mushy.

Many like it best with a bit of bite).

The last thing I want to mention is sprouted quinoa. Lately there has been a lot of buzz in nutritional circles about phytic acid inherent to grains, nuts and seeds. Phytic acid blocks the absorption into our bodies of many of the important nutrients found in these

Pumpkin Spice Quinoa Porridge Serves 4 Ingredients: • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed • 1 13.5 ounce can regular or light coconut milk • Pinch of salt • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg • 4 pitted dates, finely minced • 1/3 cup pumpkin puree • 3 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds, optional • 3 tablespoons pomegranate seeds, optional 1. Place coconut milk in a 4-cup measuring vessel.

2. Add water to bring mixture to the 2-cup level.

3. Place coconut mixture in a medium saucepan and add salt, dates, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil.

4. Add quinoa and stir well. Reduce heat to low and cover pot.

5. Cook for 15 minutes. Remove lid and stir.

Quinoa should be tender with a bit of bite.

6. Stir in pumpkin puree. Cook until porridge thickens, about 2-5 minutes. To serve, place in a bowl and drizzle with additional coconut milk if desired. Top with pumpkin and pomegranate seeds. (Porridge keeps well in the refrigerator.

Reheat in the microwave or over the stovetop, adding additional liquid if needed). foods. Historically, cultures intuitively knew to soak and sprout their grains in order to maximize nutritional value, but modern society has dropped this practice in favor of quick and easy preparation methods. However, soaking and sprouting grains is incredibly easy.

If you are interested in sprouting quinoa, I refer you to a great online article by One Green Planet (http://www.onegreenplanet.org/veganfood/how-to-sprout-quinoa-the-right-way/) Julie Wern is a psychologist turned stay-at-home-mom turned caterer. She is currently in training at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition to become a Nutrition and Wellness coach. She is the author of Holcomb Farm CSA’s Simply Fresh blog (http://holcombfarm.org/blog)and currently teaches cooking and cookie decorating classes. Contact Julie at jwern@comcast.net for comments and inquiries. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

11

Mindful Eating Meets Mindful Self-Compassion

By Theresa Nygren, LCSW and Angela Mazur, LCSW, LLC

A

nother new year dawns and with it comes the barrage of weight loss plans, some balanced, others not and most promising a ‘quick fix”. The diet industries’ profit margins soar each January with the well intentioned New Year resolutions.

Millions of Americans make these vows yearly. It is a vicious cycle though; diet leads to slower metabolism and ultimately a higher weight after the last piece of celery is sworn off. Can you imagine a way off this merry go round?

can’t go to that party, everyone will see how heavy I got”. There are more scripts out there but you get the general picture. Mindful Self-Compassion, an evidence-based program developed by Kristin Neff, PhD. and Chris Germer, PhD., helps establish a kinder, gentler inner voice that validates the reality of the present moment and with it interrupts that vicious cycle of feeling bad about oneself and then diving back into the food. It also reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles.

Mindful Eating coupled with a Mindful Self-Compassion practice is the antidote for lasting change. So your interest may be piqued. Could it actually be possible to stop the self-loathing, the endless struggle with trying to control your input and output? So much wasted energy and effort.

Instead of that old diet mentality of starting again on Monday morning after eating your way through the weekend, can you imagine starting at your very next meal after reading this article and seeing food for what it is which is nourishment for your body? If you were to actually drop into the hunger signals in your body and get a sense of what it really craves for, you might be surprised how it really can be trusted. For sure this will be a process of relearning to honor our bodies’ inner wisdom. The bombardment of messages from our culture has taken a toll. We have tried to force ourselves into the “ideal image” often overriding what is best for our health and sanity.

The good news is YES there is another way. It involves becoming aware of your present reality, bringing curiosity to your ongoing thoughts, feelings and physical sensations. Instead of overriding your true bodily needs, mindful eating teaches you how to tune in to your true hunger signals and choose foods that nourish and sustain. It involves a process of relearning what our body truly hungers for instead of trying to feed it what we think will get us the body we long for. Mindful Self-Compassion is essential in this process.

Everyone who has struggled with diet and weight probably can easily identify with their self-loathing thoughts that are constantly battering away inside their heads. You know that voice that says, “I can’t believe how fat I am, I look like a cow in this outfit”, or “I

Learning a Mindful Self-Compassion practice to bring to your eating and body image struggles is just one example of how this program can be helpful. Mindful Self-Compassion can also be very beneficial to those dealing with stress, anxiety and depression.

Did you know that research shows that 70% of people are kinder to their friends than to themselves? No wonder so many people are struggling emotionally. The good news is that any time the negative inner dialogue that perpetuates struggling is identified and replaced with mindfulness and self-compassion is an opportunity for personal growth and happiness. You can develop the Mindful Self-Compassion habit and feel more happiness and peace in your life.

We invite you to come join us at our upcoming Mindful Eating workshop and our 9-week Mindful Self-Compassion groups. The best way to make a change is to join a group of like minded people who are also looking for a new way to claim their life. Please see our community events listed in this edition and visit our website, www. mindfulselfcompassionateway.com and Facebook page for upcoming groups/events. May this New Year be one where you can unleash the inner gremlins and step out into the goodness of your precious life.

Theresa Nygren, LCSW and Angela Mazur, LCSW, LLC are psychotherapists in private practice in Farmington each with 30 years of experience. They are trained to lead Mindful Self-Compassion groups and have experience teaching people how to eat mindfully. Both integrate mindfulness into their practices and into their lives. See ad on page 33.

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Natural Nutmeg - January 2016

Winter and Traditional Chinese Medicine Mercy By The Sea welcomes your group or business to enjoy our newly renovated campus!

By Laura Mignosa

T

raditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) states that people should live in harmony with their environment. During winter, this means slowing down and keeping warm and well rested in order to plant the seeds for renewed vitality in the spring.

The process of new growth and regeneration for the next season has already begun internally once cold weather sets in.

Winter is an excellent time for retrospection, meditation, and exploration of deeper issues. We are usually so busy that we are not even aware of over-thinking and excess actions.

It can provide a profound opportunity for in-depth realization of our true selves.

This process may naturally give rise to “stuff” that is stuck under the surface of our mundane activities; issues, thoughts or patterns we may have been avoiding with our ongoing busy-ness.

Winter is also associated with the element of water and influences the health of the kidneys, bladder, endocrine glands (including adrenals), bones (including bone marrow) and teeth. The energetic kidneys are the primary source of vitality, energy and heat, as well as vital essence. Energy is drawn from this source during times of stress and anxiety, or when the body requires healing. Winter is inactive, cold, and damp in nature; it reflects emotions of fear, feeling unsupported, and joylessness. Excess emotions can cause disharmonies of the kidney.

It is also important to avoid too many raw foods during winter because they tend to cool the body and can deplete our digestive “fire,” which is the ability to assimilate food efficiently. One way we can be sure to keep stomach and kidney energy burning is by eating warming foods while cooking them longer, at lower temperatures, and with less water. Emphasize on soups and stews, root vegetables, dark leafy greens, kidney and black beans, walnuts, black sesame seeds, whole grains, and seaweeds. These

specific foods help fortify the kidneys, uplift emotions, nourish the body, keep you warm, and help you conserve energy.

Since people are more susceptible to colds and flu during the winter season, the cold weather challenges the immune system or what is called Wei Qi (protective energy to push out pathogens). The main treatment modalities in TCM are acupuncture, Qi Gong (precise exercises to enhance the flow of vital energy), and an extensive pharmacopeia of herbal medicine.

Here are some important herbs for winter disharmonies; many are used together to facilitate a more favorable outcome regarding colds and flus.

1. Astragalus (Huang Qi) can be used alone to stimulate the lungs and keep us well.

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in the body and adds sweetness to any decoction.

2. Ginseng (Ren Shen) is used in cold weather because it warms the body. Ginseng provides the energy for each organ to do its job. Never use this herb when you have a cold or virus with a fever. Use Ginseng in moderation and only when you are well.

7. Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang) is a very warming herb; raw foodists may notice how it can help digestion. Because it is so hot, be cautious if you have a hot or acid stomach, as it will become worse when using this herb. It is stronger and more heating than raw ginger.

3. Lonicera or Honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua) is used almost exclusively for the prevention and treatment of the common cold, upper respiratory tract infections, sore throats, and general flu symptoms. It can also be used in a vaporizer and inhaled along with the traditional way of ingesting it after cooking (decocting) in water.

Laura Mignosa is a Certified Chinese Herbologist and has been the director of the Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies for over two decades. She is both Western and China trained (traveling 19 years to China to study and absorb the culture). Mignosa will offer an annual study on this powerful tradition of healing beginning in March 2016. Any practitioner or layperson taking these intensives will learn how to keep the body strong and balance disharmonies to maintain a true quality of life. Please call the school at 860-826-2705 or visit our website www.ctherbschool.com for more information on this clinically based program of wellness. Appointments for care are offered at the school. You may find articles and events on her Facebook page: laura.mignosa5 or email at Laurachina@aol.com.

See ad on page 41.

4. Isatis (Ban Lan Gen) is commonly used for upper respiratory infections and acute sore throats. It has great anti-viral properties.

5. Mint (Bo He) is used in a formula for the treatment and prevention of the flu. It cools the body and disperses heat in the eyes.

6. Licorice (Gan Cao) is used in Chinese Medicine to help harmonize formulas.

It is able to detoxify over 1,000 toxins

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

13

Hypnosis: The Power to Think Yourself Thin!

The Art of Natural Weight Loss Without Dieting

By Diane Bahr-Groth, CH, TFT-Adv

W

ell, those long, cold, dreary days of winter are finally upon us again. The beautiful holiday lights have dimmed. The festive decorations removed. And all the endless shopping seems such a long time ago. We enjoyed celebrations with loved ones and friends, indulging on delicious food and sharing conversation as the wine and bubbly flowed. The glittering ball of crystals began its descent signifying the beginning of a brand new year, a new beginning for us all. Resolutions were made but many, unfortunately, have already been broken.

Like many, you may have promised yourself this would be the year! You vowed to finally lose that unhealthy weight, to exercise more or really begin that new diet. Your intentions were good but life got in the way. Your motivation to end the struggle to lose weight simply dissolved and faded away. Unfortunately, you are not alone.

Consciously we try over and over again to stop that sabotaging behavior but fail miserably blaming ourselves for our lack of willpower. We diet and deprive ourselves and become more unhappy and many actually gain weight. This habit can gain strength over the years to become an automatic response the subconscious uses to address any stressful situation. It’s not your fault.

Studies have shown that the sub-conscious mind manages over 90% of our behaviors. Logically, it doesn’t even make sense that we can change something on a conscious level when the subconscious is in charge! It’s obvious that simply using willpower is just not enough. Therefore, if you want to change a habit or modify behavior it can naturally and easily be changed by using Hypnosis.

You may be unhappy with your reflection in the mirror and the numbers on the scale but it may seem impossible to gather the willpower needed to lose weight. Cravings, emotional eating and portion sizes cause you to feel completely out of control. We promise we’ll really begin that “diet” on Monday but the sabotaging behavior continues and “dieting” doesn’t work. Sometimes it feels as if there is a good angel and a bad angel on your shoulder and the bad angel is in control!

Gastric Band without Surgery Traditional Therapeutic Hypnosis has been used very successfully for behavioral changes and weight loss for many, many years.

However, a new technique, the Virtual Gastric Band Hypnosis weight loss program was recently developed in Europe. This unique and very specialized concept has been featured on TV and in newspapers detailing the dramatic behavioral and weight loss results.

This program gives the subconscious mind suggestions that the stomach is the size of a golf ball as if a gastric band were surgically installed. The suggestions prevent over-eating and encourage smaller portion sizes resulting in measurable reduction of body fat and inches. This technique is a safe and healthy alternative to weight loss surgery and is designed to replicate the effects, results and benefits of the gastric band, or bypass surgery, without going under the knife.

Best of all there is no hospital stay, no diet and no deprivation.

Hypnosis can harness the power of your own mind to end weight loss sabotage and think yourself thin. Imagine, simply closing your eyes and relaxing as you listen to soft music and the gentle sound of the ocean as a trained Hypnotist guides you into deep and peaceful relaxation. In this day-dreamy state your subconscious mind can easily and naturally accept the positive suggestions for the changes you want to make. It may sound too good to be true but Hypnosis works!

Hypnosis, whether Traditional or Virtual Gastric Band, may very well be the solution for those in search of a natural and healthy method to lose their potentially unhealthy, excess weight. Hypnosis can naturally help people make better food choices and lose weight without the high cost, risks and side effects of invasive surgery.

Hypnosis may just be the answer for those searching for a way to finally be in control of food choices and portion sizes without feeling deprived of favorite foods or dieting.

Self-Sabotage and Emotional Eating The subconscious mind is very much like a computer but it may be running old, defective or unwanted programs! Many have developed unhealthy relationships with food over the years. We eat when we’re sad, angry, lonely, stressed and even when happy. Many have developed the habit of overeating and using food to satisfy emotional issues. We’ve learned to use food as a drug to modify our feelings and emotions.

All Change Begins With the Mind Anyone who has made a personal commitment to change behaviors or improve their health understands how difficult it can be to introduce and continue positive improvements in today’s stressful and chaotic world. Hypnosis has proven to be an effective, safe method to create the healthy and positive changes needed to naturally lose weight, without dieting, without deprivation and without surgery. Hypnosis can naturally help empower you to overcome the

Gain Control and Lose Weight with Hypnosis There is good news for those who want to combat obesity, gain control and lose weight. Hypnosis is a natural, relaxing, easy and successful solution to finally lose weight without surgery, without deprivation and without dieting.

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Natural Nutmeg - January 2016

mental or emotional obstacles preventing you from living life to its fullest.

Diane Bahr-Groth, CH, TFT-Adv, Director of Mind-Body Transformation Hypnosis Center in Stamford, CT with more than 24 years of experience in Mind-Body therapy, is a registered Consulting Hypnotist, certified by and a member of the National Guild of Hypnotists and certified in the Virtual Gastric Band Hypnosis Programtm, Thought Field Therapy™, Advanced Thought Field Therapy Optimal Health - Voice Technology™, Time Line Therapy™, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Complementary Medical Hypnosis, Advanced Hypnosis Certification trainings, HypnoBirthing™, Touch for Health (Systematic Applied Kinesiology) and Healing From The Body Level Up I, II and III. She is also a Reiki Master, and MariEl Practitioner. Diane specializes in fast, easy and effective holistic methods to help establish healthy eating, weight reduction, body sculpting, smoking cessation, stress reduction, pain reduction, success and motivation, sports performance, public speaking, fear and phobia elimination as well as assisting clients in effective life changing methods and programs. For more information call 203 595-0110 or go to www.mindbodytransformation.com.

See ad on this page.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

15

Ask Dr. Jeff!

Your Veterinary Homeopath

By Jeff Feinman, VMD, CVH

I

s fresh raw food safe to feed to your dog or cat? Is it better for me to vaccinate every 3 years rather than annually? What about not vaccinating at all? Is it normal for my dog to have eye discharge?

I’m excited to be here to answer all of your natural and holistic veterinary care questions! Many of the readers of this magazine have probably already adopted a holistic lifestyle for themselves. There’s not much question anymore in the general medical community that doing so helps us live longer and healthier lives. Thirty years ago when I graduated from veterinary school, there were no readily available commercial raw foods. Vaccinations were given annually (or more often). Reliable natural, holistic veterinary care was been hard to find.

Not anymore.

Every month I invite you to submit your holistic veterinary care questions directly to me at drjeff@certifiedvethomeopath.com or post on Facebook: http://facebook.com/drfeinman or Twitter: twitter. com/drjeff_feinman June from Redding wrote: “Our 11 month old lab pup ended up in the ER on Christmas day. We woke early to open presents, and Sam was nowhere to be found. He’s usually the first one up. He didn’t eat his breakfast. He’s always a big chow hound, so we became very worried, and rushed him into the ER. His exam was normal, but the blood test for Lyme was positive. He’s now been on the doxycycline for over a week and is still not back to himself. He’s an important part of our family, but what else can we do?”

Hi June-I’m sorry to hear that Sam is still not well despite the anti-biotic treatment. There are three possible options at this point.

First would be to give the doxycycline more time to work. However, my experience with many dogs with acute Lyme dis-ease is that response to treatment is usually pretty rapid. Sometimes even within hours and almost always within the week. Personally, I’d advise either consulting a veterinary specialist for further diagnostic testing and treatment or a veterinary homeopathy expert. Many vet homeopaths have successfully treated patients with similar problems. Although a definitive diagnosis is important, it is not critical for natural healing. My own Lyme diagnosis was only made after the symptoms fully resolved with homeopathic treatment http://bit. ly/1111NCL. The ideal situation would be both pursuing definitive diagnosis while treating homeopathically. You can find a vet specialist at http://bit.ly/1S71BxI and vet homeopath at http://bit.ly/1fSLvtE. 16

Natural Nutmeg - January 2016

Mike in Madison wonders: “I just rescued a female Pit Bull. She seems very sweet but I’ve heard that she might turn on me or attack other dogs.”

I am so glad to have the chance to weigh in on this common mis-perception Mike. Pits can be fantastic dogs and make fabulous pets. Unfortunately some of these pups are raised and trained badly which can result in a difficult dog. Some are even potentially dangerous. These dogs have been trained this way but even their behavior can often be modified. I’ve worked with many rehabilitated Pit Bulls. They can be adopted from my friends and rescued dog saviors at http://bit.ly/1MPDnDP. Sonny in Norwalk asks- “My 8-year-old Poodle has horrible breath.

My veterinarian said that his teeth are in bad shape. What can I do?”

Sonny-Bad breath can originate both from dental disease or internal imbalance. Since your vet found an oral problem, your best bet is to start there. Prophylactic dental cleaning and “Dragon Breath” can be addressed under general anesthesia by your vet or non-anesthetically by http://bit.ly/dQJUmy or other trained dental vet techs.

Dana in Seymour is worried: “My 14 year old cat has become very picky with his food and is drinking huge amounts of water. What could be wrong?”

Dana there’s lots that can be going on with your older kitty.

Diagnosing and treating endocrine disorders like Diabetes Mellitus and hyperthyroidism and metabolic problems like kidney and liver disease should be the first step. Simple blood and urine tests are very effective at helping make these diagnoses. If internal dis-eases have been ruled out or to naturally treat many of these, consult a veterinary homeopath. You can find one at http://bit.ly/1fSLvtE

Please send your questions to Dr. Jeff at drjeff@certifiedvethomeopath.com For many other answers and to join Dr. Jeff’s holistic pet care community at: http://bit.ly/1LCbIGo . More of your questions are answered at: http://bit.ly/GXmLYA.

Dr. Jeff is a University of Pennsylvania 1981 molecular biology and 1985 veterinary graduate. His research in Penn’s medical school and veterinary Department of Medical Genetics led to a varied interest in aging, endocrinological and other metabolic diseases. From academia he interned at Boston’s Angell Memorial Animal hospital.

His clinical experience there led to a desire to integrate high tech medicine with a more holistic approach to the individual. In the mid-nineties, his continued clinical research in holistic medicine. This led him to study homeopathy and became the first certified veterinary homeopath (CVH) in Connecticut. In addition to helping his patients, Dr Jeff’s passion is helping pet guardians learn about holistic veterinary medicine and homeopathy. He can be reached online via his web sites and social media.

See ad on page 15.

34 Jerome Avenue, Suite 305, Bloomfield CT 06002 / (860)519-1916 www.IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com / Info@IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

17

Why Do 80% of All Diets Fail?

Y

ou either don’t lose the weight, or you do lose it and gain it all back. The average dieter begins and breaks four diets a year.

Four. We start out thinking, “this time I’ll lose the weight,” yet over and over again we’re disappointed. If simply cutting out certain foods or limiting our caloric intake were the answer, we would all be thin.

Some people go to the extremes and have surgery to make their stomach smaller. But this dangerous surgical approach isn’t the answer, because the problem isn’t in your stomach, it is in your HEART. Regardless of how good a diet may be, if you don’t deal with your emotional hunger, it may grow along with your waistline. From the very beginning of our lives we associate food with being protected and comforted. Perhaps you fell and scraped your knee and your mom soothed you with a cookie, or rewarded you with food for a good grade. This memory of food as comfort stays with us as adults.

It’s been one of those days… you’ve peeked into the refrigerator three times since lunch. You want something to eat but you can’t figure out what you want. How about some ice cream, chips, or maybe the leftover birthday cake? You have this sense of yearning and food sounds like an easy answer. Maybe you weren’t so much hungry as lonely, bored, depressed, disappointed or hurt?

It’s a fact; food does make us feel good. We have more receptors for serotonin (the feel-good hormone) in our bellies than in our brains. But food is only a quick fix. After our snack, we go back to feeling the sadness or anxiety, or that vague dissatisfaction, again.

And now that you’ve broken your diet, chances are you’ve added guilt to your list of feelings and feel even worse.

Consciously we say we want to lose weight, but somehow we end up sabotaging our success. Why? Because our subconscious mind is what really determines our behavior. Without addressing the underlying emotional needs, we are not getting to the root of the problem. Weight problems don’t happen in isolation. Chances are it’s not just the weight on the scale, but something else is weighing heavy on the heart. Our emotional health is crucial to our physical well-being.

Some of the issues dieters need to confront include: • Anxiety • Self-esteem issues • Depression • Insecurities • Resentment • Guilt • Loneliness • Anger • Feeling abandoned • Sadness • Boredom • Emptiness 18

Natural Nutmeg - January 2016

We hear of all the health benefits of losing weight. Won’t it be great if I’m no longer at risk for diabetes? My blood pressure may go down. Less stress on my heart and my joints! I may no longer need some of the prescription medications I’m taking. Of course I’ll look better too. Who wouldn’t want to lose weight?

We begin to deprive ourselves of our favorite foods and all those things that are supposed to be bad for us. Maybe we even lose a little weight. Unfortunately, most of the time we either don’t make our weight loss goals, or we lose weight and then gain it back. You think to yourself: “If only I try harder.” “If only I had more willpower.” We blame our parents and our genes. We look at the people who seem to eat anything they want and never gain and wonder why it is so easy for them and so difficult for us?

At the Life center we find that the following steps are a good beginning to making positive changes.

Step One: Start noticing your eating patterns and what emotions you are responding to: • Keep an emotions journal and really listen to your self-talk.

• I should – rational voice, it comes from your head.

• I want – irrational voice, it comes from your feelings.

• When are these words used?

• Track each scenario.

• Does this mean that you should never get what you want or need? If it conflicts with your “Should” tread lightly.

Step Two: Consider what messages you were sent as a child.

Write a list of the good and bad.

• It is possible that you have carried some bad feelings with you through to adulthood.

• If you felt criticized or neglected as a child it is common to criticize or neglect ourselves as adults as a response to that.

• The harsh statements sent our way from others tend to make us believe that they were right and that we may never measure up to their expectations, no less our own.

• If you continually feel like a failure, you will fail….choose to only imagine success for yourself. Use positive affirmations whenever possible.

• Don’t underestimate the power of your inner voice…you can encourage yourself with the, I CAN DO IT, or deflate yourself by saying, I’LL FAIL AGAIN. Step Three: Learn to love yourself • We tend to take care of things we love • Treat yourself with a little TLC, dieting is not easy.

• Teach yourself how to change with patience and love.

Step Four : Be Mindful • Learn how to just BE in your skin.

• Be in the moment. If you are worrying about tomorrow, you will lose precious time today.

• Don’t be afraid to be alone with your thoughts.

• Burying your feelings is a self-defense mechanism because we want to protect ourselves from the pain.

• It is better to feel the pain than bury it.

• Being alone with your thoughts without any distractions can be a scary thing. It may hurt but you need to push through it or you may end up self-soothing with food.

• Do not anticipate that you will work out your feelings in one session.

• Have your support system nearby. (friends, therapist, life coach) Most people find that if one-on-one life coaching is an integral part of their weight loss plan, they are more likely to stay on track and lose the weight. Talking to a compassionate professional helps us grow on an emotional level, and learning new coping skills can help us break long-standing habits and self-sabotage. It’s not just about having enough willpower or being good when you follow the diet. When we work through the emotional baggage that’s holding us back, nothing can stop us.

At The Life Center, our life coach can help you confront, and work through these issues. You’ll know you’re getting better because you won’t feel enslaved to your cravings and bad eating habits. You’ll feel more in control of your appetite and your life. You don’t have to do it alone.

The Life Center is a Naturopathic office and wellness center located in North Haven and West Hartford CT. The Life Center has been voted the #1 weight loss center in the area 2 years in a row. Most of their services including Life coaching and Medical weight loss are covered by most insurances. They also offer the Life Diet which is based on YOUR metabolic uniqueness as opposed to a one size fits all diet. Learn more on their website.Call 203-239-3400 and we would be happy to answer any questions you may have. www.thelifecenterofct.com. See ad on page 27.

Centers For Dental Medicine Saving Lives One Smile at a Time :

Why Dr Steven Hinchey?

Both he and his staff

Listen to YOU - Non judgmental assessments - Respect for you and your time Are concerned about YOU - Mercury free dental treatment - Mercury safe dental conditions - Mercury removal and detoxification - Biocompatible dental materials - Minimally invasive procedures - Implant tooth replacement - Same day non-metal crowns We want to help YOU get healthy - Financial Flexibility Steven F Hinchey, DMD

860-633-6518 www.dochincheydmd.com

This New Year, cultivate a peaceful mind, a strong body, and healthy eating habits at WHY! With many ways to enrich your life—yoga, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, and nutrition consultations—you can discover your inner yogi and embark down the path of healing. Visit westhartfordyoga.com for details... all you need to do is breathe.

westhartfordyoga 23 brook street, west hartford ct 06110 | 860.953.yoga | westhartfordyoga.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com

19

Ancient Wisdom for Hormone Balance and Weight Loss

by Kenneth Hoffman D.Ac (RI), L.Ac. (CT) CCH

H

ave you ever had the experience of trying to lose weight and you just can’t. “Doctor, I have tried everything and I can’t lose weight!” is a common thing I hear from many women.

Paleodiets, Atkins, Weight Watchers, you have suffered and tried them all only to lose 1 -2 pounds. It can be a frustrating situation and when you tell your doctor, they usually think you may be cheating and dipping into that chocolate cake too much.

purpose. The true art of the medicine was in detecting patterns of disharmony in the body or what we would call today, dysfunction, and correcting the body. So when it comes to Chinese Medicine, the ancient doctors had an understanding of most all conditions of human illness, disease and malfunction. In modern terms the evaluation of hormone function would be critical if you are resistant to weight loss.

There are a lot of myths about diet of which the most common myth is that if you could just exercise a little more, the weight would come off and while it is true the that the body needs to constantly move, exercise is only about 20% of the weight loss equation. In fact, over exercising can lead to more serious imbalances and worse weight loss problems.

Chinese Medicine for Weight Loss We do not treat “obesity” per se; rather we deal with the source of the malfunction that may have led to the excess weight. Once function is restored, the metabolism will process food properly and the body will find its optimal weight provided one follows proper diet and lifestyle habits. No medicine can overcome a diet of cookies and soda.

After decades of working with thousands of patients, I have found that the principles of Chinese Medicine, especially Gynecology, is as relevant today as it was 4000 years ago when it evolved.

Combined with modern and traditional exams and testing, my system of health restoration can find the root cause of resistant weight loss and I will share it with you here.

What is Chinese Medicine?

The art and science of Chinese Medicine itself dates back to the Huangdi Neijing also known as Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon. It is an ancient Chinese medical text that is almost 3000 years old. It is one of the fundamental sources of Chinese medicine still revered in its brilliance by doctors and used as a primary education for doctors studying the oldest medical system in the world. The text covers the theoretical foundation of Chinese Medicine and its diagnostic methods as well as a discussion of acupuncture therapy in great detail. It goes on to discuss the normal seven year cycles of hormonal changes that happen to women throughout life. It discusses the details of dealing with most every gynecological condition encountered by modern women. Of course, as the complexity of Chinese medicine evolved, naturally, specialties began to emerge including the development of gynecologists. According to contemporary writers on Chinese medicine, around 400BC, doctors who specialized in women’s health were called “dai xia yi” or doctors who treated conditions “below the skirt belt.” Later, around 200BC, they were called “Ru Yi” or breast doctors. This was the beginning of Chinese Medicine gynecology.

However, in relation to our modern understanding and goals of medicine, the doctor of Chinese Medicine had a much different

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Natural Nutmeg - January 2016

Specifically, Chinese Medicine principles state that fat tissue is mostly due to phlegm and damp accumulation. The spleen is said to be at the root of all phlegm production and is involved in the transportation, transformation and absorption of foods. If the spleen becomes damaged by overeating too many sweet foods, getting too little exercise and even excessive worry it will fail in its functions.

Instead these metabolic wastes will gather, collect and transform into damp accumulation in body tissue. If this is not repaired then over time, they will concentrate into phlegm, and become fat tissue.

The spleen, in Chinese medicine, is also responsible for hormone function. One of the signs of Spleen malfunction is by a pale tongue, swollen in the center often coated white with scallops or teeth marks around the edge.

The organs of the Kidney and Liver are also involved in body metabolism and movement of fluids. The kidneys can become exhausted due to stress, poor lifestyle habits and exhaustion. This will stagnate blood circulation through the liver, a vital organ and lead to the accumulation of toxins. We identify kidney deficiencies by feeling the pulse which will be weak and deep. If the liver is stagnated, the tongue could have a red rim around the outer edges.

There are varieties of ways to determine the pattern you may be exhibiting and an examination by an experienced practitioner can find out for you. After rendering a proper pattern diagnosis, certain herbal formulas and nutrients can be prescribed to regain balance, then the excess weight will melt off. In my practice this is combined with functional hormone testing and treated with a combination of the 5 disciplines of our medicine: Acupuncture, Tui na(a manual therapy), Dietary Therapy, Qi Gong and Herbal/Nutritional medicine.

Beyond the basics of consuming quality whole foods, here are some tips for you to restore proper hormone balance and lose weight: 1. Restore Spleen Qi by reducing food intake. There is the saying of “eat to ¾’s full and walk away.” Also damp foods like sugar, dairy and damaged fats should avoided.

2. Always eat warm or lightly cooked foods.

This may be counter to the “raw food” concept but the energy of the spleen can transform food easier if it is closer to body temperature. You will absorb more nutrients and therefore need less food to satisfy you.

3. Rest and sleep will help repair damaged Kidney Qi. Actually studies show that those who sleep more are less obese and maintain weight easier. The kidney qi is closely related to adrenal function and has the ability to control cortisol, a blood sugar regulating hormone.

4. Exercise should be gentle but consistent.

It’s not about intensity as much as it is about keeping the qi and blood circulating. A nice brisk walk 4-5 times per week could be more beneficial than 3 intense weight sessions.

5. Meditate regularly to control stress.

When your body is under stress, besides damaging cortisol, as mentioned, you will also throw the other hormones such as estrogen out of balance. Imbalances in the sex hormones will definitely lead to weight gain and will be more wellbalanced when you relax and the adrenals stop “stealing” the other hormones.

Submitted by Kenneth Hoffman D.Ac (RI), L.Ac. (CT) CCH, Doctor of Acupuncture and a specialist in Natural Medical Care. He completed a 4 year Chinese medical school program with an internship at St John’s Riverside Hospital in Yonkers, NY. He has performed more than 18,000 acupuncture treatments on over 7,000 patients since starting his practice which has now grown into the busiest clinic of its kind in the state of Connecticut. The system of Medicine he has founded, Integrative Natural Medicine, is a unique blend of his years of experience and combines the best of eastern medicine and modern functional medical sciences. He is the host of the local radio show, “The Natural Medicine Connection” on 800 AM WLAD. It is the only show of its kind in Fairfield County focused on an integrative holistic approach to health. He is also co-author of the book “Essential Remedies for Women’s Health” a compendium of healthy advice and information specifically for women’s issues. See ad on page 15. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

21

Natural Relief from Gout

By Michael Dworkin, PD, CCN & J. Erika Dworkin Scientists estimate that 6 million adults age 20 and older report having had gout at some time in their lives. . . [It] may be difficult for doctors to diagnose because the symptoms can be vague, and gout often mimics other conditions. . . . [H]yperuricemia may not be present during an acute attack. In addition, having hyperuricemia alone does not mean that a person will get gout. ~ National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)(http://www.niams.nih.gov)

The Disadvantages of Conventional Drug Approaches All conventional drug approaches to reduce the pain and inflammation of gout [i.e., NSAIDS and corticosteroids (prednisone/ cortisone)] introduce risks of significant side effects. Physicians also recommend xanthine oxidase inhibitors that can lower levels of uric acid. Allopurinol, among the most prescribed of this drug class, can cause muscle pain, drowsiness, headaches, and digestive ailments.

I

Natural, Safe Gout Support Various natural remedies and the beneficial dietary changes outlined below have proven to combat gout symptoms safely.

f you suffer occasional or reoccurring sudden, excruciating pain in one of your big toes, ankles, heels, knees, insteps, wrists, fingers, or elbows, you may have gout. Although gout is a common arthritic condition for which there is no known cure, certain natural remedies can provide relief.

The Symptoms & Causes of Gout Gout often causes debilitating joint pain and swelling. The affected area may be hot to the touch and the surrounding skin can appear red or purple. Gout symptoms generally subside in 3-10 days, and the next attack may not occur for months or years, if at all.

Untreated gout can become a lifelong health issue and flares can occur with increasing frequency and severity. Long-term gout can: (1) cause damaging nodules to develop near the affected joints, (2) damage the kidneys, and (3) cause kidney stones. Moreover, gout is often associated with metabolic syndrome and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and mortality.

Elevated blood levels of uric acid (hyperuricemia) (upper limits: men = 8.6 mg/dL; women = 7.1 mg/dL), resulting from the metabolism of the subclass of proteins called purines, is the primary cause of gout. The rate of uric acid: (1) excretion from the kidneys (inadequate excretion accounts for 90% of hyperuricemia cases), and (2) synthesis in the liver to support important metabolic functions, determine uric acid blood levels.

Uric acid isn’t all bad. It is one of the most important antioxidants in body fluids, and low blood levels have been associated with the progression or increased risk of various neurological disorders. The risk of gout increases with age and is more common in men. Diet/lifestyle, environmental factors, and genetics also determine whether an individual will suffer gout. Joint trauma, dehydration, certain serious infections, surgery, acidosis, lower body temperature, and rapid weight loss or certain diets, can trigger gout attacks. In those who are genetically susceptible, excess alcohol consumption, obesity, and lead exposure can cause gout.

Certain prescription drugs can increase blood levels of uric acid, including aspirin, diuretics, cyclosporine, and Levodopa. Since it competes with the excretion of uric acid, vitamin B3 (niacin) in high doses (beyond what is found in food or a multivitamin), can also contribute to higher uric acid blood levels and its crystallization in the joints.

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Natural Nutmeg - January 2016

Apple Cider Vinegar (Organic - Raw- Unfiltered ) (ACV) Apple cider vinegar is a long-used folk remedy for short- and long-term gout relief. Therapeutic ACV should be organic, unfiltered, and raw/unprocessed, and should contain the “mother,” the murky brown substance that usually floats at the bottom of the bottle (e.g., Bragg’s or Eden ACV). To obtain relief within two days, slowly drink an ACV cocktail 3 times per day with meals that consists of: (1) 8 oz of water (some recommend distilled), (2) 2 tsp raw honey or stevia (optional); and (3) 2 tsp organic apple cider vinegar.

Unless diluted and/or rinsed after consumption, ACV’s acidity can damage tooth enamel or mouth/throat tissues. Also, ACV could interact with diuretics, laxatives, and diabetes and cardiovascular medications, and its long-term excessive use could lower bone density and cause a potassium deficiency.

Vitamin C Following a 20-year study of over 46,000 men, researchers concluded that “higher vitamin C intake is independently associated with a lower risk of gout” and that “supplemental vitamin C intake may be beneficial in the prevention of gout. Patients should take higher amounts in divided doses.

Cherry Extract (Tart/Black/Sweet) Evidence of the benefits of cherries is growing and thought to have long-term effects. The mechanism by which cherries and cherry extract impact gout is unclear, but their benefits are thought to derive in part from the presence of high levels of anthocyanins, flavonoids that are antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. In fact, one rat study found that tart cherry juice actually functioned as a natural xanthine oxidase inhibitor.

While it is true that cherry consumption is associated with a lower risk of gout attacks, large quantities as whole fruit or juice are high in inflammatory fructose. A sugar-free cherry extract as a dietary supplement is thus ideal. The cell-protective freeze-drying of cherries in supplements best preserves their antioxidants, enzyme activity, and general nutritional value.

Celery Seed Extract The most powerful healing component of celery, 3-nbutylphthalide (3nB), appears to lower uric acid production by inhibiting xanthine oxidase and reducing inflammation.

In one study, gouty rats treated with celery seed extract experienced a 56% reduction of uric acid levels. In an earlier study, 70 rheumatic patients, including those with gout, received 75 mg of phthalides from celery seed twice/day for 3 weeks. Significant reductions were noted in pain scores, mobility, and quality of life.

Curcumin from Turmeric While studies have not specifically explored the role of curcumin in the treatment of gout, researchers have examined its impact on its cousins, osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis (OA and RA). In multiple OA and RA studies, curcumin has proven to: 1. significantly reduce CRP levels and disease, pain, and swelling/tenderness scores 2. decrease patient use of NSAIDs/ painkillers 3. increase treadmill walking distance.

Diet to Reduce Gout Risk Most practitioners would agree that maintaining a low-purine, anti-inflammatory diet can reduce the risk of gout flare-ups. A healthy gout diet requires these dietary modifications:

The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to take the place of a physician’s advice. Unless otherwise supported by specific research and stated herein, the natural remedies discussed herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Submitted by Michael Dworkin, PD, CCN, a Registered Pharmacist and State Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CT Cert. No. 232), with J. Erika Dworkin, Certified Lifestyle Educator and Board Cert. Holistic Nutrition (Cand.). Owner 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 5.

1. Eliminate/ Greatly Reduce Foods High In Purines/Saturated Fat: beef, pork, lamb, organ and game meats, and seafood; 2. Eliminate/Greatly Reduce Pro-Inflammatory Sugar, Gluten & Dairy 3. Eliminate Alcohol Intake 4. Consume: a. vegetable proteins b. complex carbohydrates c. eight-8oz glasses/day of high pH water d. nuts/nut butters e. eggs and egg whites f. coffee/tea g. modest amounts of lower-purine foods (max 1 serving/day with 8 oz water) (e.g., cruciferous vegetables, beans/peas/lentils, mushrooms, oats/oatmeal).

For any gout patient who wishes to avoid prescription or OTC drugs, it makes sense to address the condition’s symptoms by following a gout-friendly diet and/or trying proven study- or testimonialbased natural remedies. Experimenting with various combinations may produce the best results.

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23

How Did I Get This “Muffin Top”!

by Amanda M. Swan, APRN

C

arl and Cindy have always lived active lives. Married 30 years, they still enjoy biking and golfing, and they pride themselves in their healthy lifestyles. They eat a nutritious diet and their friends have always envied their fit bodies and loads of energy. But recently, things have changed. Carl has had to loosen his favorite belt a notch. Cindy has noticed a little “muffin top” when she puts on her best pair of jeans. Neither Carl nor Cindy has changed anything - they are just as active and healthy as they’ve always been. Sure, Carl has more stress at work and Cindy is quite sure she’s going through menopause, but what’s happening?

Where’s the belly fat coming from, and more importantly - how can they make it disappear?

Carl and Cindy’s stories probably sound familiar. Most Americans have a little (or a lot) of extra weight they’d like to lose, and much of it lies around our middles. Belly-fat busting fad diets and cleanses are everywhere. For some, poor diet and lack of exercise contribute to added pounds in the belly and beyond, but something else plays a major role in our expanding waistlines - our hormones.

Hormones? Most people think of things like sex drive, puberty, mood swings, and pregnancy when they hear the word hormones.

But as we’ll review here, our hormones have many other roles, and mastering them may be a key to staying slim and healthy.

Types of Fat Belly fat comes in two flavors, so to speak. The first is subcutaneous fat, the stuff you can pinch between your fingers along your waistline - often a dreaded consequence of poor lifestyle choices.

Most people abhor this added layer of chub because it is physically unattractive, but the danger of belly fat goes much deeper than surface level. Often times, expanding waistlines are due to a second type of belly fat as well - visceral fat. This fat lies deep in our abdominal cavities, hugging many of our vital organs such as our liver, intestines, pancreas, and stomach. Visceral fat is even more dangerous than subcutaneous fat because of its proximity to our organs and its ability to communicate with the rest of our body, typically in detrimental ways.

Visceral fat has a life of its own and acts like an angry, troublemaking organ in our bodies. Visceral fat cells, also called adipocytes, release chemical messengers called adipokines which contribute to chronic systemic inflammation that can lead to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Studies have also linked visceral fat to an increased risk for dementia. Leptin, often called the “satiety hormone”, is a hormone released by fat cells which tells our brains when we are full. Sounds like a good hormone to have around, right? Well, it is - until we produce so much of it that our brain turns off its ability to hear leptin’s message and we become leptin resistant. We no longer know when we are truly full, so we keep eating and eating...and eating. Having excess vis24

Natural Nutmeg - January 2016

ceral fat increases the risk of leptin resistance, and leptin resistance increases the chance that you’ll overeat and gain more weight. This creates a vicious cycle which can be difficult to halt.

What Causes the Accumulation of Belly Fat? It should come as no surprise that making poor food choices contributes to fat everywhere, including within our abdominal cavity. But our hormones have a big role to play and their contribution can’t be overlooked when we are planning strategies to eliminate this dangerous extra layer.

Let’s go back to Carl and Cindy to examine how hormonal havoc can pack on the pounds. We’ll start with Carl. He is active and eats a diet which is high in vegetables and lean animal proteins.

He rarely drinks alcohol. But what we don’t know at first glance is that his stress levels have recently topped the charts due to downsizing at work and his fears of being laid off. He lays awake in bed at night worrying about what might happen if he loses his job. He’s averaging about 5 hours of sleep at night, much of it interrupted.

Carl’s crazy stress load and lack of sleep are cranking up his cortisol - his internal stress hormone. Cortisol is a crucial hormone made by our adrenal glands which serves many important functions in our bodies. A certain amount of stress is important for survival - it mobilizes us to avoid dangerous situations. Cortisol is what helps our bodies physically adapt to stress. When our ancestors in prehistoric times were in danger, like when faced by an approaching predator, a surge of cortisol would tell their bodies to get ready to either fight or flee (hence the term “fight or flight” response).

Cortisol causes a rush of glucose into the bloodstream to use as fuel and raises blood pressure and heart rate - all important physiologic responses when running fast or fighting hard. Once danger has passed, cortisol levels return to normal, and bodily functions follow.

Our lives today, thankfully, do not include protecting our families from wild animals. But our bodies have not changed much when it comes to how we react to stress. The difference is the type and duration of stress we endure, and that’s where the trouble lies.

The chronic stress we are under on a day-to-day basis (relationship struggles, financial woes, concern about our children, workplace anxiety) contributes to chronic cortisol release. And with that comes excess glucose dumped into the bloodstream, the risk for insulin resistance, and subsequent weight gain. Studies have shown that visceral fat cells have four times the receptors for cortisol than subcutaneous fat cells, indicating a close relationship between stress and visceral fat. Further, the enzyme needed to turn inactive cortisol into active cortisol is found in much higher quantities in visceral fat compared to subcutaneous fat. High cortisol levels have been shown to trigger cravings for foods high in fat and sugar. So cortisol pours the gasoline and visceral fat cells light the match.

What Puts Out the Fire?

While we can’t always control the stressors in our life, what we CAN control is how we deal with them. Finding an outlet for negative emotions and utilizing stress relieving techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, exercise, and journaling can be useful tools for keeping cortisol levels in check. Getting adequate sleep is paramount to keeping cortisol levels in check, as lack of sleep can further trigger cortisol release.

Eating a nutrient dense diet which is low in sugar and refined carbohydrates is important, as is eating on a regular basis to avoid long periods without nourishment which further stresses our bodies. Restorative exercise such as yoga and Tai Chi can help with stress relief. Certain botanicals have been used for generations to balance stress hormones.

Ashwaganda, rhodiola, and maca are just a few examples.

The Dreaded Muffin Top Now let’s talk about Cindy. Cindy’s “muffin top” is an all too common problem that women experience as they approach, and surpass, menopause. And it’s no coincidence that this hormonal shift is associated with a shift in body composition as well.

During menopause, diminishing production of estrogen causes an alteration in which fat is stored in a woman’s body, favoring accumulation of fat around the middle instead of the hips and breasts where it is commonly stored in the reproductive years.

Changes in estrogen levels have also been found to directly impact fat storage. A study done at the Mayo Clinic in 2013 compared fat tissue between premenopausal women and postmenopausal women and found that postmenopausal women had higher levels of certain enzymes associated with fat storage compared to their perimenopausal counterparts. This is thought to be due to hormonal changes, mainly decreased estrogen.

Estrogen has been shown to help insulin work more efficiently at removing glucose from the bloodstream and shuffling it into our cells where it can be utilized. So waning estrogen may impact insulin by decreasing its effectiveness.

Many women feel defeated by the weight gain that creeps up around them, literally, during the menopausal transition.

Like Cindy, they may not be doing anything differently, but their waistline expands and the pounds accumulate. Some women choose to restore their hormone levels through synthetic or bioidentical hormone use, but this is not a cure-all for menopausal weight gain, and not all women feel comfortable starting a hormone regimen.

Menopause can be a wonderful time of self-reflection, re-organizing, and goalsetting for the next stage of life. Taking an inventory of your diet and exercise regime to find areas for improvement is a good place to start. Perhaps it’s a good time to cut out that extra latte and add more vegetables, or increase your protein intake and incorporate some interval training. Recognizing and accepting that you may not burn fat like you did when you were 25, or even 35, is crucial. So be patient and gentle with yourself as you make long lasting changes to support your changing metabolism and your new hormonal milieu. Working with a practitioner or health coach who has experience with menopausal changes and holistic nutrition can be useful, particularly for the emo-

tional support and encouragement that can be provided. It is also important to consider things like sleep quality, stress level, and thyroid function, as all weight gain during menopause is not necessarily from menopause! Exercise is key during menopause as it has been shown to decrease hot flashes in perimenopausal women, and is a key player in maintaining a healthy weight.

Insulin Resistance One of the main concerns of increased belly fat, whether related to stress, hormone disruption, or both, is the increased risk for insulin resistance. Insulin may be the most important hormone when it comes to belly fat. Like all hormones, insulin is a messenger which communicates with our cells. Insulin’s

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main job is to allow glucose to enter our cells so that it can be utilized for energy or stored away for later use (typically as fat).

When the system is working well and we aren’t overloading our bodies with sugar (or producing tons of it from stress), we make just enough insulin and our cells hear insulin’s, “let that glucose in!” message loud and clear. Our cells open their doors for glucose to enter and they are sufficiently fueled. The trouble begins when glucose levels run too high. With time, our cells get (literally) sick and tired of hearing insulin’s naggy voice, which is now extra loud and obnoxious. Our cells put in their earplugs so they don’t have to hear the racket, effectively tuning out insulin and restricting glucose’s entrance. This is also known as insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.

Our fat cells are the exception to the rule when it comes to ignoring insulin’s call.

Even when our muscle and liver cells are resistant to insulin, fat cells remain in insulin’s posse. They like the company of glucose and accept insulin’s request to store extra glucose inside as fat. And where does this fat storage tend to take place? You guessed it, in all of the storage units right around your belly.

Remember leptin, the satiety hormone?

Well, high insulin levels have the tendency to block leptin. This means that your brain doesn’t get the message that you are full, so you throw back another handful of chips even though your belly is full and you know cognitively that you’ve had enough.

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Natural Nutmeg - January 2016

Keeping insulin levels in check is important for weight management, and for the prevention of many diseases associated with insulin resistance such as type 2 diabetes, dementia, some cancers, stroke, and heart disease. Most of our insulin response is directly related to the foods we are putting into our mouths on a daily basis. Our insulin has to work hard and fast when we feed ourselves substances that are high in sugar or that quickly break down into

sugar once digested. Foods that contain refined sugars and grains such as white bread, white rice, baked goods, sweets, crackers, and cereals will take your insulin on a wild ride that ends in Fatsville. On the other hand, eating foods that were given to us by mother nature, in as close to their natural state as possible, leads to much less insulin spiking because these foods tend to also contain nutrients, fiber, and protein which slow the absorption of glucose when digested.

Is Your Belly Fat Subcutaneous or Visceral?

Knowing whether your belly fat is subcutaneous or visceral can be tricky, but a few simple measurements can help to determine your risk. For women, a waist circumference greater than 35 inches spells trouble, while for man a waist greater than 40 inches around is reason to take action. Waist-to-hip ratio is another way to determine whether you are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and suggests that you may have too much visceral fat. This is done by measuring your waist at its narrowest point just above the belly button and measuring the hips at their widest point around the buttocks. Your waist measurement divided by your hip measurement gives your waist-to-hip ratio.

For women, less than 0.85 is ideal. For men, the goal is less than 0.95.

Measuring Body Composition Most of us turn to the scale when monitoring weight changes, but this provides only one piece of data (weight) and tells us nothing about how much fat and muscle we have under the surface. Other tools exist to help evaluate body composition and can be useful in tracking the positive changes in body fat percentage and lean muscle mass that come with successful dietary interventions.

Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) is a quick, easy method which sends a painless current through the body via several electrodes to measure resistance and reactance. These measurements are then used to calculate many body composition parameters such as fat mass, body fat percentage, fat free mass, skeletal muscle mass, and basal metabolic rate. BIA is an FDA-approved medical device and is often used in research settings, speaking to its accuracy and legitimacy.

BIA is utilized by some health coaches and medical providers who specialize in weight loss and is inexpensive and readily available. Air displacement plethysmography, such as “BodPod,” involves sitting in a small machine which measures how much air is displaced by the body to calculate body mass. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, or DEXA, is used to measure bone density in

clinical settings but can also be used to measure body composition. It is perhaps the most accurate way to evaluate body fat and muscle mass but is rarely available for use outside of medical or research settings.

Carl and Cindy have nothing to fear. While their bodies and metabolisms may gently change as they age, they are not doomed to live forever with extra padding around their middles. With attention to diet, exercise, stress relief, and sleep, they can prevent hormonal havoc and keep their waistlines trim. Most importantly, avoiding the accumulation of dangerous belly fat will allow them to decrease their risk for diabetes, dementia, and heart disease so they can continue to enjoy life for many years to come.

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27

Is Estrogen Blocking Your Weight Loss?

By Ashley Burkman, ND

E

strogen is a very well known hormone important for bone density, menstrual cycle regularity and brain function. But when it comes to weight loss this essential hormone can often be working against you. From fat deposition in the abdomen to thyroid dysfunction, there are many avenues to explore how this hormone affects your weight.

Estrogen and Fat Deposition The effect of estrogen on fat deposition depends on the location of the body. Research has found that adequate estrogen levels along with exercise helps to reduce fat deposition in the abdomen while maintaining fat in the buttocks. This fact has generated thought that estrogen can help to maintain the pre-menopausal pear shape in post-menopausal women and is also thought to be the cause as to why post-menopausal women tend to distribute more fat in the abdomen.

Adipose distribution and estrogen is not exclusive to women.

Men are also responsive to estrogen in similar ways, inadequate estrogen increasing abdominal fat distribution.

What is also interesting to note is that not only does estrogen deficiency seem to increase adipose deposition in the abdomen but also the same is true for estrogen excess. The body seems to react similarly in both situations. Fat cells produce their own estrogen in addition to being the perfect storage hub for excess circulating estrogens. The more fat cells in the body the more estrogen produced and circulated. Obese women have increased risk of estrogen sensitive cancers due to this increase in circulating estrogens, especially obese post-menopausal women.

In men, breast development can be a physical sign of estrogen excess. In addition to physical changes, emotional changes, lack of muscle mass and fatigue can also be signs.

Estrogen Dominance This is a condition in which estrogen is out of sync with the hormone progesterone, making it the dominant hormone. Estrogen and progesterone work in tandem to support many processes in the body including regulating menstrual cycles, enhancing fertility, regulating emotions and reducing inflammation. Estrogen excess is often the consequence of inadequate detoxification due to poor digestion, chronic stress, use of synthetic estrogens from oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, increased body fat mass that produces excess estrogen and exposure to environmental xenoestrogens (compounds in detergents and plastics). Estrogen dominance has been linked to increased fat in the abdomen and thighs, infertility, PMS, low libido, fibrocystic breasts and increased risk of fibroids and endometriosis. Autoimmune conditions including hashimotos thyroiditis and lupus have also been linked to estrogen dominance due to the inflammatory nature of estrogen excess.

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How to Balance Estrogen To start, it is always helpful to have baseline lab work to know where your levels stand. It is also helpful to know how estrogen levels relate to other hormones including progesterone and thyroid hormones. This will help to determine if you are truly estrogen dominant and better provide information as to what types of intervention are most necessary.

Diet modifications can be done to reduce estrogen excess, starting with animal meats. It is common practice to inject animals with growth hormones including estrogen to bulk the animal. In turn, we end up eating these extra hormones which adds to our total hormone burden. It is very important if you are eating animal products to choose antibiotic and hormone free meat due to the risk of hormone disruption. Additionally, alcohol, particularly beer, can increase estrogen levels due to the hops acting like a phytoestrogen, estrogen mimicker, in the body.

Reducing exposure to xenoestrogens, environmental estrogens, is a difficult but necessary practice. Avoid heating food in plastics, use glass instead. When heated, plastic can leach estrogen like material into food. Beauty products often have hidden sources of xenoestrogens from nail polish to shampoo. When possible, try to use more natural versions of beauty products to reduce your overall exposure.

Detoxification is a big piece of reducing your total estrogen burden. Exercise and sauna are a great way to detox extra hormones via sweat and reduction of fat mass. The digestive tract is a common organ of elimination for extra estrogen. The liver processes the hormone and packages it up for elimination through the bowels.

When the liver is bogged down due to other toxic exposures like medications, inflammatory diet or alcohol, estrogen is not efficiently removed from the body. Increasing liver detoxifying foods in the diet like dandelion and beet greens and other bitter herbs and ensuring adequate B vitamin intake can help kick-start a sluggish liver.

Furthermore, constipation is another roadblock for estrogen detoxification. The longer fecal material stays in the colon, the greater the likelihood you are reabsorbing toxic metabolites including estrogen. Bulking the stool by increasing dietary fiber or simply ensuring adequate hydration can circumvent constipation.

While working on lifestyle factors that can lead to estrogen dominance including poor diet and exercise habits, there are several herbal preparations and supplements that can be utilized when appropriate to help improve balance to maximize weight loss results.

For health in general it is important to keep estrogen levels in check, especially when it comes to maintaining proper weight. Estrogen should not be looked at as the enemy; instead we should be focusing attention on the balance of estrogen with other hormones in the body. With the plethora of ways to prevent imbalance and promote hormonal harmony it is essential to keep your estrogen in equilibrium.

Dr. Ashley Burkman is a naturopathic physician at Connecticut Natural Health Specialists, LLC, focusing on hormonal health, autoimmunity, digestive dysfunction and beyond. She is an in network provider for most insurance companies and is accepting new patients. For more information, please call (860) 533-0179 or visit ctnaturalhealth.com. See ad on page 21.

Financial Survival of a Divorce: The 9 Most Costly Mistakes to Avoid

By William Donaldson, CFP®

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ach year there are nearly 1 million divorces in the United States, or about 50% of all marriages. The real tragedy, however, is the financial hardship that occurs to many individuals following their divorce.

Too often, a divorcing individual unknowingly accepts an unfair settlement and finds that a few years later he or she is experiencing serious financial challenges. This outcome can be significantly improved upon, if not altogether avoided, if the individual first understands the most critical divorce financial issues before he or she signs an agreement.

Following is a summary of the first three of nine common mistakes I often see.

Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Process Once an individual decides to initiate the divorce process, the next, and most important decision is how to do it. Following is a brief description of several options: The first and most basic divorce process is referred to as pro se, which is a Latin term for self-representation. In this process, you do not hire lawyers or other divorce professionals to assist you. You and your spouse simply roll up your sleeves, sit down at the kitchen table and work out your agreement. When there are simple financial issues and no children, this can be a very cost effective method.

If you need a minimum amount of professional guidance, you should explore mediation – a process in which a trained divorce mediator helps you facilitate your negotiations. The mediator is not an advocate for either of you. He or she will answer questions and provide information that will assist you in determining the best solutions for your particular situation. Think of it as the kitchen table exercise described above, but with a professional sitting with you to help you through the challenging issues.

Similar to mediation, Collaborative Divorce is a way of divorcing without getting the court involved other than to approve the final agreement. This process also requires that you and your spouse work together to negotiate an agreement that considers the needs of the entire family. The main difference is that you each hire an attorney to represent your individual interests and to give you legal advice along the way. Collaborative lawyers are specially trained in this process and have learned to throw down their battle axes and work together with their colleagues and clients to negotiate an agreement without going to court. Their focus is on reaching an agreement and settling your case. No time is spent on court filings and trial preparation – saving you from both added stress and spending a lot of money!

drag out for years, children often suffer significant emotional stress, and your assets can be severely drained by the time you reach an agreement. It is certainly possible to find two very good lawyers who have your best interests in mind and settle the case without all of the fallout as described above. But even with the best of intentions going into a litigated divorce, the process is designed to be adversarial and couples rarely emerge from it with good feelings toward each other.

Mistake #2: Letting Emotions Drive Your Decisions This is easier said than done, as a divorce is one of the most emotional experiences you will ever have. I’m sure you’ve heard stories about a divorce where thousands of dollars were spent fighting over an item worth hundreds or even less. Getting a mental health professional involved, which is common in Collaborative Divorce and mediation, can nip emotional issues in the bud before they become an expensive battle. Unfortunately these emotional issues are often fueled by the adversarial nature of litigation. Don’t let this happen to you and be sure that if you are feeling upset over a specific issue consult with a licensed, reputable therapist.

Mistake #3: Not Understanding the Liquidity of Your Assets Liquidity refers to the ability to access the cash value of an asset. For example, a bank savings account is highly liquid, because you can simply withdraw funds from an ATM when you need them.

A home, however, is nearly illiquid.

In many cases, the two biggest assets in a marriage are the home and retirement accounts. These are not like assets and if it is suggested that they be traded equally just because they have a similar value please beware. You need to be sure there is sufficient cash flow from other sources because tapping a home for emergency cash can be difficult if not impossible, and it’s certainly not a quick process!

Bill Donaldson is an investment advisor representative with Conscious Capital Wealth Management, LLC (CCWM) and has over 17 years of experience as a financial consultant. CCWM employs a holistic model that aligns one’s unique financial goals with their dreams, visions and overall well-being. A successful life is one of balance. We recognize that money alone does not create peace of mind.

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If working together with your spouse is simply too difficult, the last resort is litigation. Beware, however, that this is usually the most costly, stressful and contentious divorce process. Legal battles can www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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How to Break the Failed Relationship Cycle

By Diane Hayden, PhD

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nother relationship down the drain. More time spent hurting, wondering why it didn’t work out, and dreading having to “go back out there” again. Why do I keep attracting the wrong person? Is this the question you’re asking yourself, yet again?

It could be because you haven’t thought about dating with a strategic plan in mind!

How do you accomplish any goal in life? You certainly don’t just throw shit at the wall and hope something sticks. You have a clear goal or outcome in mind and you create a detailed action plan of steps to reach that goal. You consistently measure your progress week by week and you make adjustments if you’re not making progress to achieving the goal. Why would dating be any different?

I know most of us have never thought about it that way. It seems so…sterile and rigid. It’s much more relaxing and fun to just see who we might meet out at a bar or scroll through some online profiles and pick out the ones we’re physically attracted to. But as you know…that hasn’t been so successful, has it?

Before I get all preachy on you, let me tell you that I would never have considered doing that a few years ago. But 6 failed relationships later (including a broken engagement and a divorce) – and I quickly realized I needed to go about this much differently than what I was doing. I would bounce back and forth from attracting wonderfully sensitive men that showered me with love and affection but also wanted too much of my time and became overly jealous any time I wanted to spend time alone or with friends – to attracting men that gave me as much space as I needed, but had no clue or interest in the kind of intimacy I wanted. Talk about opposite ends of the spectrum.

Finally I realized – I could analyze these guys all day long – but at the end of the day the common denominator…was me.

I was attracting both types of men – neither of which I truly desired. But why? What I wanted was a partner that was both sensitive and allowing of my need to pursue other interests outside of the relationship. This is one of the reasons I believe I understand men so well, because typically this role is reversed – the woman wants to spend more time together and the guy needs time on his own.

So, here’s what I did. I created a list, an extensive list of the personality and traits I was seeking in the perfect man for me. When I say extensive – I mean exhaustingly extensive. I listed everything from eye color to family life to hobbies to spiritual practices to passions to sex life – like whether he liked it strictly missionary or was adventurous in the bedroom. EVERYTHING! And then I put the list away...for years. I happened across it about a year into my relationship with my current boyfriend and was shocked to find that he fit the description to a tee!

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Now many of you might say – oh I’ve done that before or I’ve visualized or I’ve created vision boards and sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t. I would agree – but here are the other things I did that I think allowed me to “find” or “attract” my perfect guy.

1. Get Your Mind Right. I cannot stress enough how important this is. Like an athlete – you have to have your head in the game.

You have to be clear about what you want and focus on that.

However, most of us have a much easier time dwelling on the things we don’t want or don’t like about our life. In fact, if you watch your language you may notice that even when you think you’re stating what you want, you’re still focusing on what you don’t want. For example, if you say you want to meet someone or you want a relationship, but then you say all the good women are taken, what are you focusing on? The lack of meeting a great woman. Thus, that’s what you’ll get more of! You have to learn to rephrase this into something like, “I am focusing on what I love and how happy I am discovering women that are right for me.” This way you’re focusing on coming from a place of abundance versus scarcity.

2. Attach an Emotion to Your Desire. Get into that feeling place of actually having her. These emotions can be happiness, excitement, joy, appreciation or passion to name a few. Feel the reality of being with her. If you can do this for just sixteen seconds a day, you’ve broken out of the negative vibrations of social consciousness that most of us live in. If you can do it for longer than that, watch out, because you will definitely be getting what you wish for faster than you can imagine. Hence the phrase… be careful what you wish for!

If you’re having trouble getting into this place of excitement, joy or passion about having what you want in life, you need to start asking yourself some questions. Why do I want a relationship? What will I do with my perfect partner? How does having her make me feel? How will my life change if I’m in a great relationship? How will the lives of the people around me change? You may now see that it’s not really the relationship itself that gets you excited, it’s what the relationship means to you, what you can do with it, how it makes you feel. Now you should be in a place where you have the actual feeling/emotion and you’re really jazzed about it. If not, maybe you need to reconsider your desire for whatever it is you THINK you want. Sometimes that’s an eye-opener for people.

Maybe you’re not finding the right woman because you’re not really ready for a relationship.

3. Start Being the Best of You. In order to find that ideal woman, you need to be the kind of person that’s going to naturally attract her. What things do you need to change to make this happen? If you’re unhappy in your job or career but are looking to attract a woman who’s successful and accomplished – not gonna

happen. If you’ve slacked off in the exercise department and aren’t feeling great about the way you look but you’re only interested in fit, athletic women – not gonna happen. If you’re not very self-confident or motivated, but you’re attracted to outgoing, self-assured women – not gonna happen. You’ll hear me say this a million times - LIKE ATTRACTS LIKE! 4. Have Fun Being Single. This is the number one thing I did that I think allowed me to attract the perfect guy for me. I truly enjoyed the time I had while I was single. I did what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it without having to consider a significant other’s feelings or plans. I stayed up as late or slept in as late as I wanted to. I went to the gym and exercised when I wanted to. I ate what I wanted to. I went out with friends whenever I wanted to. And – most importantly – I had alone time whenever I wanted it. There is something so freeing in this, I feel sorry for people who rush from one relationship to the next as they never get the chance to have this luxury and necessity! How do you really know what you want when you never give yourself enough time to hear your inner guidance?

I also loved meeting new men. I never thought of dating as a hassle or uncomfortable and I just enjoyed the process of learning about new people. Sure it was kind of a bummer when a guy I was just starting to like “disappeared” or said he wasn’t interested. But the way I look at that is he wasn’t the right one and it wasn’t meant to be. On to the next!

5. Be Open to New Possibilities. She may not come in the exact package you expect. Now, I know I just told you to make an extensive list describing your ideal partner – and I do strongly suggest that you do that – but then I want you to put it away and forget about it.

You’ve put the intention out there, now let the Universe do its work.

One thing that I didn’t put on my list was whether or not my ideal guy was divorced or had children. I put down that I didn’t want children, so at the time I was thinking I would just attract someone who hadn’t been married and didn’t want kids either. Wrong! Had I been obsessed with that list – I may not have given this guy a chance – divorced twice with 3 older kids. I loved everything about him, so I decided to give it a try. I know some things might be deal breakers – like women who are smokers (if you don’t) or just want to lie around on the couch all day (if you want to go on a hike or hit the gym) – but aside from that, don’t be afraid to give someone that you normally wouldn’t consider a chance.

Now you have your game plan for attracting the perfect woman for you. I’d love to hear from you on what you want in an ideal partner AND what challenges you think you have in finding her.

Dr. Diane Hayden is the owner and publisher of Natural Nutmeg Magazine, Essential Living Maine Magazine and Nutmeg Creative Media. She is a speaker, writer and workshop facilitator. She holds a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Connecticut, a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Maryland and is an Empowerment Life Coach. For 20 years, her work has focused on inspiring individuals to learn about the power of thought and emotion and how it shapes their lives. Her passion centers on helping even just one person navigate the dating scene and find the perfect partner with whom they can share their life You can learn more about her online at http://naturalnutmeg.com/category/where-is-dr-di-travel/ or http://drdianehayden.com/.

Log onto Natural Nutmeg’s Facebook Page for more tips on breaking the failed relationship cycle www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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The New Role of Your Dentist

By Kevin H. Norige, DMD

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he next time you go to the dentist, the first question you may be asked is, “How is your health in general?” Over the last couple of decades, the role of your dentist has changed from merely fixing your teeth and gums to becoming a vital partner in assessing not only your oral health but also often as the first observer of unhealthy changes involving your cardiovascular system, your lungs, and your brain: aptly named the oral-systemic connection.

And due to the increased regularity that most people see their dentist compared to seeing their primary care physician, going to the dentist may be the best way to improve your overall wellness and decrease healthcare costs.

Since ancient times, even the most casual observer has been able to deduce whether an individual was well or ill based on their appearance or level of activity. Even the word vitality comes from the Latin “vita” meaning life or to live. As the art and science of healthcare evolved, our precision in determining an individual’s relative health and wellness has improved. In medicine, we routinely are measured non-invasively for height, weight, heart rate, and blood pressure.

So too in dentistry, your dental professional uses relatively non-invasive observations to determine the presence of health or the severity of disease. But now your dentist has an improved array of tests to not only gauge the relative severity of a disease process, but also to screen for the presence of disease and the potential that an individual will exhibit symptoms of disease.

And it all starts with questions, such as: • Where are the areas of your mouth that you avoid during biting and chewing?

• Where are the areas of your mouth that bleed when you brush your teeth or floss your gums?

• When do you have any discomfort or lack of mobility in your jaws or jaw muscles?

• When do you snore? Or have you been told you stop breathing when you sleep?

Following the questions, a physical evaluation is performed “looking” for signs of disease or dysfunction: including measurement of blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, temperature, high speed digital x-rays, digital photographs, and measurement of the gums using a little round ruler called a periodontal probe. Based on the answers to the preliminary questions and an evaluation of the data from the measurements, your dentist will now specifically use more sophisticated tests to diagnose and more effectively treat your dental disease or refer you to your physician for management of your medical disease.

When an individual presents with extensive cavities or has recurring bouts of cavities, this usually indicates that the individual has a high level of cavity producing bacteria in their mouth being fed by a diet laced with sugar. A high cavity rate can also hint at potential metabolic issues including type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and obesity. Your dentist may request to have ordered: a fasting glucose tolerance test or a Hemoglobin A1c test to discover the root cause of the cavity disease, and then begin to restore the damage from the disease. Your dentist may also do a saliva test to measure the acidity of your mouth (pH) and even a saliva bacteria DNA test to determine which specific bacteria are causing the destruction.

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Similarly if an individual presents with gum disease, which is minimally indicated by ANY bleeding (or discharge) on measurement of your gums, your dentist can do a simple saliva test to determine what kind of and how much of certain known pathogenic (disease causing) bacteria are present. This information can help the dentist decide what best course of anti-bacterial treatment is indicated. However, as bad as the bacteria are, the major problem with destructive gum disease (known as periodontitis) is the body’s protective immune response going into “destructive overdrive” resulting from chronic inflammation. Scientists cite gum disease as the #1 source of chronic inflammation in the body, with chronic inflammation being the major cause

of most chronic systemic diseases including both cardiovascular and pulmonary disease.

The classic signs of that inflammation are swelling, redness, elevated temperature, and pain.

But gum disease is frequently a relatively painless condition until very late in the process, and gum temperature is difficult to measure. Fortunately a simple blood test for an inflammation marker called “high sensitivity C-reactive protein” is available to monitor the extent of the disease process and also to monitor the success of treatment. Additional blood tests are available to predict the likelihood of periodontal disease based on genetic testing, especially if blood relative family members have had the disease. The use of modern science based testing is changing the way modern dentistry can not only make healthy smiles, but also create healthier lives.

Kevin H. Norige, DMD is the founder and chief dentist at South Windsor Smiles, a private dental practice that focuses on oral health as part of the whole body system.

For 35 years he has worked with patients to achieve a healthy mouth and live a healthier life. In 2007 Dr. Norige began working as a preceptor at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, teaching “Critical Thinking in Dentistry”. Dr. Norige is Co-Chair of the Connecticut State Dental Association’s Pregnancy Clinic at the annual Mission Of Mercy, and also maintains membership in the American Dental Association, the Hartford Dental Society, and the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health.

(860)640-4464. www.SouthWindsorSmiles. com. See ad on this page.

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33

Holistic Physical Therapy for

By Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD, PT, IMT, C ow often do we feel pain? Unfortunately, for some of us, it is a daily and constant experience. As many of you can attest to, chronic pain can become a major obstacle to leading a full and active life.

H

Imagine being able to play tennis regularly or go for morning walks with a friend, but then you begin to experience knee pain every time you play or when you walk for too long. This type of pain can cause a person to become sedentary. Once our movement is limited, then we begin to experience other areas of pain from the lack of movement. It can be a dreary picture.

Traditional Physical Therapy Commonly, a person may seek out a Physical Therapist when they experience chronic joint pain. Traditional Physical Therapy may be helpful for a person with joint pain. But often, it is limited in success because the person has many underlying issues that could be contributing to their pain and joint problem. Often, we don’t realize that the joint pain is the effect, rather than the cause.

In the last couple of decades, there has been a significant shift in our general health. There seems to be more cases of infection and inflammation induced illness, such as Lyme disease or fibromyalgia.

Whereas, historically, a person would walk into a Physical Therapy clinic with a ‘clear-cut’ history of a car accident or back injury, today, our histories are much more complex. We complicate these injuries with additional inflammatory syndromes that can prolong healing, not to mention that they can contribute to other problems such as digestive issues and immune challenges. Using solely a traditional approach today is often not enough to help us reach optimal health. In some instances, a traditional approach is very aggressive and invasive.

Holistic Physical Therapy This is a different approach to chronic pain. As a Physical Therapist, we look at movement and posture. As a Holistic Physical Therapist, in addition to these very important factors, we consider the whole body. Holistic Physical Therapy uses a gentle form of bodywork called Integrative Manual Therapy or IMT to locate underlying reasons for why someone experiences chronic pain. By using Integrative Manual Therapy to treat these underlying problems, relief from chronic pain can be achieved.

For example, when there are biomechanical or joint problems at the low back, a traditional approach of stretching and exercise can stretch out stiff muscles and loosen joints but often this type of approach does not affect the tight joints which may be more contributing to the person’s pain and symptoms. Smooth and painless movement comes from normal joint mobility and alignment.

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Muscle spasm that often accompanies chronic pain may be symptomatically helped with heat or cold. When a muscle is in spasm, stretching and/or exercise does not release the spasm. Holistic Physical Therapy techniques such as gentle hands-on IMT can restore mobility to the spine and lower back, correct the position of the pelvis and the sacrum, and restore normal alignment between the lumbar spine and the sacrum. Once the joint alignment is restored, and there is less inflammation in the region, stretching and exercise will be much more effective to help create more movement. After the muscle spasm is released, the normal muscle tissue helps to maintain joint mobility, which can then allow the person to return to stretching and exercise programs.

Causes of Chronic Pain In addition to treatment of joint alignment with IMT, there are many underlying causes for why a person might experience chronic pain, not necessarily related to a particular injury. Often, chronic pain is contributed to by inflammation, digestive problems, circulation issues, and much more. When there is something in the body that is requiring protection (for example, circulation or immune related), the body’s tendency is to inhibit movement—to ‘lock up’.

This lack of movement can cause pain and stiffness which is persistent. Holistic Physical Therapy uses a comprehensive assessment process to identify underlying causes of chronic pain. Once these sites of dysfunction are found, a customized treatment plan can be developed to treat the underlying issues and help to restore normal movement in the body.

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The goal of Holistic Physical Therapy is to create long-lasting sustainable changes in a person’s health and movement so that the person can return to a full and active life. To be successful in this goal, it is important to consider the whole body, not just the painful joint or joints. Traditional Physical Therapy would help the person attain greater movement in a joint, but the changes might not last if there is inflammation or other underlying reasons for the joint problem. The joint compression, often, is the effect, not the cause of the problem. By getting a broader view of the body to see what might be influencing the joint or joints, we can guide the person towards pain-free living.

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

Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD, PT, IMT, C is the President and Owner of Integrative Wellness and Physical Therapy in Bloomfield, CT. This wellness center specializes 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 and has taught courses both nationally and abroad. Dr. ConnellGiammatteo 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. She has written many articles about IMT, healthy living, natural parenting, and nutritional wellness. Dr. Connell-Giammatteo was Dean of the Connecticut School of Integrative Manual Therapy (CSIMT) for several years. She 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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HAPPENINGS

January 2016

Friday, January 1st

Sunday, January 10th

New Year’s Day Meditations with Priscilla Bengtson. 10-11:15 AM or 12–1:15 PM. $10.00 love donation to our Scholarship Fund.

Welcome the New Year with a new view on life!

Join in this guided meditation, which will help you release old beliefs, habits and thought patterns and shift your energy to a new way of being. Space is limited and 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.

Women’s Empowerment Meditation. 10:00 AM. – 12:00 PM. $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.

Thursday, January 7th Yoga for Cancer. 1:30 - 2:45 PM. FREE. WHY Outreach is honored to offer a 75 minute complimentary yoga class for anyone coping with cancer—whether newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or in recovery. Mindfulness meditation, a gentle yoga flow, and restorative yoga poses are designed to build strength and flexibility, boost your immune system, and cultivate a sense of wellbeing. Join us in a safe, nourishing and healing environment. Caregivers welcome!

Class held twice monthly at WHY. West Hartford Yoga, 23 Brook Street, WH, CT, 860-953-9642 www.westhartfordyoga.com.

Saturday, January 9th Community Acupuncture. 1 - 2:30 PM. $30. Effective, affordable, and high quality acupuncture care in a peaceful, warm, comfortable environment. Points will be individually chosen based on your main health issue, tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatments take place in a group setting and last an average of 40 minutes. West Hartford Yoga, 23 Brook Street, WH, CT, 860-953-9642 www.westhartfordyoga.com.

Reiki I with Christine Cartwright. 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. $130.00. Attune to the universal energy in this Level I Usui Reiki class. Participants will learn traditional hand positions, how to give a full body session and receive attunements to the universal Reiki energy for self-healing and healing others. Participants receive a manual, book and certificate. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Psychic Saturday. 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. $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.

36 Natural NaturalNutmeg Nutmeg January - January2016 2016

Monday, January 11th Exploring the Akashic Records with Jennifer Johnson. 6:30 – 8:00 PM. $35.00. Learn about the Akashic Records and your Masters, Angels, Guides, Teachers and Loved Ones. Explore the spiritual resources available to you, which will guide you in the process of fulfilling your dreams and life purpose. Learn about various methods to enter your own Akashic Records through meditation, visualization, and prayer. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Tuesday, January 12th The Nuts and Bolts of Spirituality: A monthly group for Men with Ken Freschi. 7– 8:00 PM. $15.00. Join Ken Freschi each month in this spirituality group just for men. Meet with like-minded individuals to discuss a variety of life and spiritual topics. Ken’s book, Our Walk to Eternity, will be used as a guideline for the group and aid in exploring the human journey and the lessons we are here to learn. Open for all levels of spiritual seekers. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Feng Shui Fit: The Bagua with Pat McGrath.

7 – 8:30 PM. $35.00. Feng shui practitioners use a map super-imposed over a floor plan to help align, and define, nine areas of life. Once the areas are clarified, and their energy is assessed, recommendations are made for balancing, increasing, or minimizing the flow of chi through the space. Learn how to apply the bagua to your particular floor plan using mundane and/or transcendental solutions. Bring a hand-drawn floor plan of any room or of their whole first floor living area. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, January 13th “Essential Oils for Women’s Health” 7:30pm9:00pm, $10 Come to this make and take class where you will learn how essential oils affect women’s hormones. Learn to how essential oils can balance your hormones, decrease menopausal symptoms and enhance your fertility. You will walk away with a wealth of knowledge, numerous recipes and your own bottled blend of essential oils. Call The Lotus Center at 860.987.3823 lotuscenter-llc.com Healing in Harmony Night. 5 – 7:00 PM. 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, January 15th Meet your Angels and Guides with Priscilla Bengtson. 6:30 – 9:00 PM. $50.00.

Receiving spiritual guidance is easier when you understand who you are connecting with. During this workshop you will learn about your primary spiritual guides and guardian angels. Through meditation, we will meet them and receive information from them on how they would like to work with you. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury.

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

Saturday, January 16th FREE Intro to Yoga. 1 – 2:00 PM. FREE. WHY offers a free Introduction to Yoga class one Saturday each month from 1:00-2:00 pm. Our teachers will introduce you to basic yoga postures and techniques, and you will have an opportunity to visit our warm and spacious studios. No experience required. West Hartford Yoga, 23 Brook Street, WH, CT, 860-953-9642 www.westhartfordyoga.com.

Sunday, January 17th Flower Essences for People and Animals with Jennifer Johnson. 1 – 4:00 PM. $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. This workshop will allow you to learn about and explore the healing qualities of flower essences. 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.

Integrated Energy Therapy (IET), Basic Level with Dan Lupacchino and Christine Cartwright. 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM. $195.00. The basic training class includes attunement to the Basic IET energy ray that will activate the 1st and 2nd DNA pairs and will empower you to energize and integrate cellular memory blocks; location and use of the IET energy integration power points; introduction to Energy Anatomy and the Cellular Memory Map; increase in your ability to be an energy intuitive and “read” energy. 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.

Tuesday, January 19th So you want to be a Medium? with Priscilla Bengtson. 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM. $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.

Elemental Meditation: Return of the Light with Christine Cartwright and Dan Lupacchino.

7 – 8:30 PM. $35.00. Take a journey to the healing realms of plant and stone. In this class you will connect with a particular crystal and essential essence and learn about their healing properties, medicinal uses, spiritual qualities and everyday uses for incorporating their spiritual medicines into your lives. Class finishes with a meditation. Each participant will receive a small sample of the essence and a stone to take home with them. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, January 20th Documentary Film “Fertility”, 7:30pm. Come learn about the Shared Journey Fertility Program in this documentary film by Jennifer Mercier and see how so many women are becoming pregnant with this all natural holistic approach to fertility challenges. This event is FREE, please call The Lotus Center to reserve your seat.

860.987.3823 lotuscenter-llc.com Money and the Law of Attraction with Priscilla Bengtson. 6:30 – 8:30 PM. $45.00. In this time of financial uncertainty, your relationship with money is critical to your personal and business financial future. Learn how to apply the principles of the Law of Attraction to your financial life.

Gain an understanding of the limiting beliefs that may be blocking you from attaining abundance.

Participants will take home practical tools to use every day to increase the flow of energy toward financial success. Held at The Healing in Har-

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

Thursday, January 21st Yoga for Cancer. 1:30 - 2:45 PM. FREE. WHY Outreach is honored to offer a 75 minute complimentary yoga class for anyone coping with cancer—whether newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or in recovery. Mindfulness meditation, a gentle yoga flow, and restorative yoga poses are designed to build strength and flexibility, boost your immune system, and cultivate a sense of wellbeing. Join us in a safe, nourishing and healing environment. Caregivers welcome! Class held twice monthly at WHY. West Hartford Yoga, 23 Brook Street, WH, CT, 860-953-9642 www. westhartfordyoga.com.

Friday, January 22nd Mother Mary: Queen of the Angels with Christine Cartwright. 7 – 8:30 PM. $35.00. In this workshop you will learn about Mother Mary and discover the many ways in which she is protecting, healing, and guiding us all. We will then explore the origins and symbolism of The Miraculous Medal, ending the evening with a meditative journey to connect with the Queen of the Angels for our own personal guidance and healing. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, January 23rd Angelology, Level I with Priscilla Bengtson.

9:30 AM – 6:00 PM. both days. $350.00. This class is designed for those who wish to learn to communicate with the angelic realm and receive guidance for themselves and others. 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.

This is a comprehensive weekend course allowing you to explore your gifts as an angel reader.

Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.psyche-institute.com.

Sunday, January 24th Angelology, Level I with Priscilla Bengtson.

9:30 AM – 6:00 PM. both days. $350.00. This class is designed for those who wish to learn to communicate with the angelic realm and receive guidance for themselves and others. 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.

This is a comprehensive weekend course allowing you to explore your gifts as an angel reader.

Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.psyche-institute.com.

Tuesday, January 26th Manifesting Abundance with the Masters Ganesh and Lakshmi with Christine Cartwright. 7 – 8:30 PM. $35.00. In this workshop you will work with Masters Ganesh and Lakshmi to bring abundance into your life. We will get to know each Master and how they can help you get out of your own way in order to manifest all that you desire. We will end the evening with a guided meditation integrating your energies and attuning you to the power of their gifts. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, January 27th Home Message Circle. 7 – 8:30 PM. $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.

Friday, January 29th Gallery Night with Priscilla Bengtson.

6:30 – 8:30 PM. $45.00. Join us for an intimate evening of experiencing intuitive readings with medium Priscilla Bengtson. Priscilla is a certified Angel Therapy Practitioner®, Medium and Psychic Intuitive who connects with angels, spirit guides and those who have crossed over.

Readings will be done gallery-style with Priscilla providing messages to the audience as they come through to her. The group is kept small so that everyone receives guidance. 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.

Saturday, January 30th Mindful Eating Workshop. 9:30-11:30 AM. Learn mindful eating and mindful self-compassion tools to help lessen the cycle of overeating and quiet the negative self-talk. Co-led: Angela Mazur, LCSW, LLC & Theresa Nygren, LCSW. Fee $30.

Farmington location. Please call 860-409-0549 or email mindfulscway@gmail.com.

Mediumship Certificate Program - Level I with Priscilla Bengtson. 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM. $350.00 (Financial assistance and payment plan available).

Create a system for yourself to work with spirit energies so that you can be accurate every time whether you are using this knowledge for yourself or reading for others. This class will provide you with practical tools to improve your evidential mediumship. Certificate and manual provided.

Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.psyche-institute.com.

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HAPPENINGS Community Acupuncture. 1 - 2:30 PM. $30. Effective, affordable, and high quality acupuncture care in a peaceful, warm, comfortable environment. Points will be individually chosen based on your main health issue, tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatments take place in a group setting and last an average of 40 minutes. West Hartford Yoga, 23 Brook Street, WH, CT, 860-953-9642 www. westhartfordyoga.com.

Sunday, January 31st Healthy Lifestyles 8 week course. 6:30 - 8:30 PM. $200 by 1/11/15. $225 after. A seminar class for those seeking to more permanently establish a life of radiant, vibrant health and well-being, both on and off the yoga mat. West Hartford Yoga, 23 Brook Street, WH, CT, 860-953-9642 www.westhartfordyoga.com.

Mediumship Certificate Program - Level I with Priscilla Bengtson. 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM. $350.00 (Financial assistance and payment plan available).

Create a system for yourself to work with spirit energies so that you can be accurate every time whether you are using this knowledge for yourself or reading for others. This class will provide you with practical tools to improve your evidential mediumship. Certificate and manual provided.

Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.psyche-institute.com.

ONGOING 2nd Mondays Sound Healing Concerts, 6:30-8:00pm. These healing events will have a blend of channeled messages, energy work, voice, Alchemy Crystal Bowls, brass bowls and gongs to create the necessary environment to support an evening of transformation. All of these tools will be chosen in advance based on the energetics and the requirements of the group for that evening. Each Concert will be unique and will be an environment full of potential to heal, change and grow on many levels. Fee: $25 Call 860-358-9272 or email info.rondamico@gmail. com to reserve your spot.

Tuesdays Mindful Self-Compassion Workshop. Tuesdays, 1/26-3/22, 10-12:00 PM for 9 weeks. Learn how to be less critical of yourself, handle emotions with more ease and deal with relationships more effectively. Co-led: Angela Mazur, LCSW, LLC & Cynthia Glasser, LCSW. Fee: $475, most insurance accepted. Farmington location. Please call 860676-1193 or email mindfulscway@gmail.com.

38 Natural NaturalNutmeg Nutmeg January - January2016 2016

Wednesdays The Feldenkrais Method ®Awareness Through Movement® Classes with Karen Emerick, A powerful way to eliminate stress and pain while dramatically increasing flexibility. Through stress and injury we develop habitually chronic tight muscles and stiff joints leaving us feeling older than we are. Through slow, deceptively simple and ingeniously designed movements done on the floor, these chronic old patterns ingrained in our body melt away, leaving relaxed muscles, improved coordination and balance and an effortless sense of movement. Glastonbury, 10:15am – 11:30am, $15, drop-ins $20. Register: 860-633-7667.

Thursdays 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 sixweek 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 Healing Groups, 6:30-8:00pm. Ron D’Amico, Intuitive Healer, Spiritual Guide and Teacher, has created a class for people to experience healing in a group setting. These group healings are created to facilitate healing at the root level, whether physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual/karmic. Group dynamics are very powerful. Ron has created a way of tapping into this potential to channel this energy to increase changes exponentially. Each group is unique and is an expression of the people who attend that evening. Within the experiences you will find this is a journey to the Heart and Soul of you and a way of bringing yourself through your current and past challenges as well as opening doors to your higher potential. Fee: $25 Call 860-358-9272 or email info.rondamico@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

Saturdays Community Acupuncture with Dr. Kara Burkhart.

September 12th and 26th, 1 - 2:30 pm $30. Drop In Only. We provide effective, affordable, and high quality acupuncture care in a peaceful, warm, comfortable environment. Points will be individually chosen based on your main health issue, tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatments take place in a group setting and last an average of 40 minutes.

West Hartford Yoga, 23 Brook Street, W Hartford CT 06110. 860-953-9642. www.westhartfordyoga. com Jen@westhartfordyoga.com Homeopathic Study Group. 1:00 - 2:30PM. Third Saturdays. Come and learn the principles of homeopathy and how to use the homeopathic remedies for different acute conditions so you can treat yourself, family and friends. Small fee TBD for photocopying etc. Group Leader: Louise Sanchione, ND, CCH, MA, MS. Held at: CT Alliance to

Advance Homeopathy, 299 Washington Ave. Suite 18S, Hamden, CT. Please RSVP your interest at connecuticuthomeopathy@gmail.com Mindful Self-Compassion Workshop. Saturdays, 2/6-4/2, 9:30-11:30 AM for 9 weeks. Learn how to be less critical of yourself, handle emotions with more ease and deal with relationships more effectively. Co-led: Theresa Nygren, LCSW & Angela Mazur, LCSW, LLC. Fee: $475, most insurance accepted. Farmington location. Please call 860676-1193, email mindfulscway@gmail.com

CLASSIFIED Beautiful Office Space, Portland. Integrative healing center looking for holistic practitioners who have their own practice, interested in sharing space with other like-minded professionals.

Seeking naturopath, nutritionist, life coach, yoga therapist, acupuncturist, energy healer or other healing modality. Includes waiting room, internet and break room. Also available - 1000 sq ft class room space. Very accessible building, ample parking close to Rte 9 in Middletown area. www.rondamico.net Contact Angela at 860-358-9272 or info.rondamico@gmail.com

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

See ad on page 26.

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

ALLERGY TREATMENT Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037 860) 829-0707 www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 26.

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

CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY Holistic Family Medicine, Domenick J Masiello, DO Board Certified in Homeopathy, Osteopathic Manipulation and Family Practice.

Midtown Manhattan and Ridgefield, CT 212-688-4818, 203-826-3582. www.drmasiello.com See ad on page 41.

DENTISTRY Livingstone Dental Excellence Dr. Thomas Livingstone 3 Railroad St. North Canaan, CT 888-888-SMILE www.livingstonedentalexcellence.com See ad on page 25.

Dr. Steven Hinchey 2249 New London Turnpike South Glastonbury, CT. (860) 633-6518 www.dentistryfordiabetics.com/drhinchey See ad on page 19.

FINANCIAL PLANNING 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 41.

HEALTH FOOD STORES 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 5.

HOLISTIC CENTERS Integrative Wellness and Physical Therapy 35 Jerome Ave, Bloomfield, CT 06002 (860) 519-1916 info@IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com See ad on page 17 and 32.

Ron D’Amico, LLC Center for Integrative Healing and Education 595 Main St., 2nd Floor, Portland, CT 860-358-9272 info@rondamico@gmail.com www.rondamico.net

HOMEOPATHY CT Alliance to Advance Homeopathy Awareness - Education - Consultations 299 Washington Ave., Suite 18S, Hamden, CT Contact: Louise Sanchione, CCH, ND, MA, MS Email: connecticuthomeopathy@gmail.com VM: 413-320-9158 (CT Based) Holistic Family Medicine, Domenick J Masiello, DO Board Certified in Homeopathy, Osteopathic Manipulation and Family Practice.

Midtown Manhattan and Ridgefield, CT 212-688-4818, 203-826-3582. www.drmasiello.com See ad on page 41.

HYPNOSIS Diane Bahr-Groth, C. Hy., TFT, Dir. 1177 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT. (203)595-0110 • mindbodytransformation.com See ad on page 15.

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 26.

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

PSYCHIATRY David London, MD 567 Vauxhall St. Ext. #218, Waterford, CT (860) 443-5822 - davidlondonmd.com

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 41.

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

MEDITATION Odiyana Buddhist Center Meditation Classes For Everyone E.Hartford, Avon, Branford, E.Longmeadow info@odiyana.org - 860-266-6041 meditationinconnecticut.org

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE CT Natural Health Specialists Dr. Lauren Young, Dr. Ashley Burkman, Dr. Tonya Pasternak and Dr Craig Fasullo 315 E. Center St., Manchester, CT 06040 (860) 533-0179 • www.ctnaturalhhealth.com See ad on page 21.

Debra Gibson, ND 100 Danbury Road, Ste. 102 Ridgefield, CT 06877 • (203)431-4443 See ad on page 40.

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 26.

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

RESOURCES Stacey Munro, N.D. Nature’s Helper Medical Clinic 340 Broad Street Ste.300, Windsor, CT 06095 info@natureshelpermedical.com www.natureshelpermedical.com 860-688-2275 The Wellness Institute Marvin Schweitzer, ND 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT (203) 847-2788 See ad on page 35.

West Hartford Naturopathic Medicine Frank Aieta, ND 301 N. Main St., West Hartford, CT (860) 232-9662 • www.DRAIETA.com See ad on page 3.

ProNatural Physicians Group LLC 355 New Britain Road Kensington, CT 06037 • 860-505-0702 www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 26.

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 26.

Dr. Ginger Nash 260 Amity Rd. Woodbridge, CT 06525 203.777.7911 • Fax: 203.777.7796 drgingernash@gmail.com

NUTRITION Holcare Nutrition Vicki Kobliner MS RD 3 Hollyhock Lane, Suite 2A, Wilton, CT 06897 203-834-9949 • www.holcarenutrition.com See ads on page 27.

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.

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

www.NaturalNutmeg.com 39 NaturalNutmeg.com 39

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 41.

The Graduate Institute Mike Hayes, Director of Admissions & Recruitment.

(203) 874-4252 • www.learn.edu

BRIGHTER, BRILLIANT, BEAUTIFUL SMILES  First appointment is FREE

SKINCARE

 Listen to music or watch your favorite shows during your treatment.

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

(860)284-9730 • www.anewyouskincare.net Melissa@anewyouskincare.net See ad on page 21.

 Enjoy our warm neck and eye pillows help relieve tension.  The pleasant and soothing scents of carefully placed candles and aromatherapy oil helps to make your visit more relaxing.

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

(203) 740-9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.com See ad on page 15.

Contact Us Today!

860-236-8000

YOGA / PILATES CENTERS

836 Farmington Avenue, Suite 215 West Hartford, CT 06119

Sacred Movement Yoga 10 Sims Road (Bishop’s Corner) West Hartford, Connecticut 06117 860.990.2555 • www.mysacredmovement.com.

Visit our Facebook page! See ad on page 41.

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.

See ad on page 19

Natural Nutmeg Wants You! We are seeking a positive, enthusiastic, highly professional, goal-oriented marketing representative in Fairfield County, CT. The candidate will be responsible for networking, generating leads and consultative sales in the healthcare, hospitality, restaurant and retail industries.

Candidate should be able to work both independently and on a collaborative team, and be self-motivated.

Opportunities to develop marketing strategies and promotions.

If you have a willingness to actively contribute to a team environment and a passion for marketing, please send your cover letter and resume to

Dr. Diane Hayden at diane@naturalnutmeg.com 40

Natural Nutmeg - January 2016

Contemporary General Dentistry, LLC.

hartford-dentistry.com

We accept all major dental insurance and offer Complimentary Consultations for new patients

Mon-Tues 8am – 5pm • Wed - 1pm – 8pm Thurs - 8am – 2pm • Fri - By Appointment

Shoreline Physical Therapy ~ Since 1985 ~

Providing evidence basedMEDICINE physical and HOLISTIC FAMILY occupational therapy for all ages.

HOLISTIC FAMILY MEDICINE

Orthopedics • Pediatrics • Hands • Sports • Balance

Neurologic • Urinary incontinence/pelvic pain Dome n ick J M as ie l lo , DO 141 East 55th Street New York, NY 10022 Phone: 212-688-4818 B oar d (860) Cer ti fi739-4497 c ati on s: Fax: 855-798-2816 O steopa thi c Mani pul ati on 131 Boston Post Rd, East Lyme Cl assi c al Hom e opathy in Ridgefield, CT Www.ShorelinePT.com F am i l y Pr ac ti c e 203-826-3582 contact@drmasiello.com

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HOLISTIC FAMILY MEDICINE Dome n ick J M as ie l lo , DO 141 East 55th Street  angel therapy®  medical intuition  reiki Newintuitive York, readings NY 10022 development circles  certificate programs Phone:workshops 212-688-4818 B oar d Cer ti fi c ati on s: Fax: 855-798-2816 O steopa thi c Mani pul ati on Priscilla Bengtson Cl assi c al Hom e opathy Scan with in Ridgefield, CT 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury your smart F am i l y Pr ac ti c e phone to 203-826-3582 learn more

www.healinginharmonycenter.com860.430.9801

contact@drmasiello.com

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HOLISTIC FAMILY MEDICINE 141 East 55th Street New York, NY 10022 Phone: 212-688-4818 Fax: 855-798-2816

Dome n ick J M as ie l lo , DO

in Ridgefield, CT 203-826-3582

B oar d Cer ti fi c ati on s: O steopa thi c Mani pul ati on Cl assi c al Hom e opathy F am i l y Pr ac ti c e

contact@drmasiello.com

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HOLISTIC FAMILY MEDICINE 141 East 55th Street New York, NY 10022 Phone: 212-688-4818 Fax: 855-798-2816

Dome n ick J M as ie l lo , DO

in Ridgefield, CT 203-826-3582

B oar d Cer ti fi c ati on s: O steopa thi c Mani pul ati on Cl assi c al Hom e opathy F am i l y Pr ac ti c e

contact@drmasiello.com

w w w . dr m asi el l o. c om

141 East 55th Street New York, NY 10022 Phone: 212-688-4818 Fax: 855-798-2816

Dome n ick J M as ie l lo , DO

in Ridgefield, CT 203-826-3582

B oar d Cer ti fi c ati on s: O steopa thi c Mani pul ati on Cl assi c al Hom e opathy F am i l y Pr ac ti c e

contact@drmasiello.com

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HOLISTIC FAMILY MEDICINE 141 East 55th Street New York, NY 10022 Phone: 212-688-4818 Fax: 855-798-2816

Dome n ick J M as ie l lo , DO

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B oar d Cer ti fi c ati on s: O steopa thi c Mani pul ati on Cl assi c al Hom e opathy F am i l y Pr ac ti c e

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HOLISTIC FAMILY MEDICINE Sacred Rivers Yoga Center 28 Main StreetDome n ick J M as ie l lo , DO 141 East 55th Street Hartford, CT 06118 New York,East NY 10022 Phone: 860.657.9545 Fax: 860.657.3161 Phone: 212-688-4818 www.sacredriversyoga.com B oar d Cer ti fi c ati on s: Fax: 855-798-2816 Paula Scopino ~ Owner/Director O steopa thi c Mani pul ati on Cl assi c al Hom e opathy in Alliance Ridgefield,200 CT & 500 Hour Teacher Yoga F am i lTraining y Pr ac ti c e 203-826-3582 Yoga Therapy Workshops

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HOLISTIC FAMILY MEDICINE 141 East 55th Street New York, NY 10022 Phone: 212-688-4818 Fax: 855-798-2816

Dome n ick J M as ie l lo , DO

in Ridgefield, CT 1414 203-826-3582

B oar d Cer ti fi c ati on s: O steopa thi c Mani pul ati on Cl assi c al Hom e opathy F am i l y Pr ac ti c e

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

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BERNIE

By Bernie Siegel, MD

The Beginning of the End

I

t may seem strange for me to start a discussion about how to handle loss and the death of loved ones by saying that death is not the worst outcome. There is a point in everyone’s life, no matter their species, when one’s body no longer will function and is not a comfortable place to be in.

Symbolically, when people draw purple balloons, butterflies and kites going up into the sky they are telling me, often unconsciously, that they are ready for the healing that comes when they make the spiritual transition and leave their bodies. Death is about beginnings and not endings. We do not call graduations terminations we call them commencements, and so is death. Every caterpillar and butterfly understands what the transformation means better than most people.

Saroyan shares these words at the end of a story in which a young man dies; he becomes “dreamless, unalive, perfect”. And I know that he is right. I have experienced a near death experience as a four year old choking on a toy. I aspirated, and I can tell you when you leave your body you will most likely not want to come back. Even blind people see when they have a NDE and are often upset when resuscitated and find themselves back in their body and blind again.

Harry Chapin’s song, “Circle”, shares these words: “It seems like I’ve been here before; I can’t remember when; But I have this funny feeling; That we’ll all be together again....Our love is like a circle; Let’s go ’round one more time”. Yes, when the circle ends we grieve the loss of our loved ones, which is appropriate, but to live in the darkness is not what we are here for.

I can remember building a cairn over the grave of one of our dogs who died and bringing a rock to the site every morning as I walked by his grave. Then one morning I thought what I wanted to bring him was beauty, so I picked a flower to place there. From that morning on I looked for beauty because of my loss and not a cold stone.

I have written about the candle that represents every one of our dead loved ones. I do not want to put out their candles with my excessive grieving and tears. I have learned to forgive myself as I know they would forgive me, and to use my pain to nourish myself and others and make our lives meaningful. When one is hungry one does not get angry at one’s body. You seek nourishment.

Animals and children are complete and can be our teachers.

When a cat named Missy came into our home, and I didn’t notice she wasn’t eating well, I felt enormous grief and guilt when she developed liver failure and died. Her grave and cairn lies in the yard 42

Natural Nutmeg - January 2016

outside our door and I think of her often, but I also know she has forgiven me and wants me to enjoy the day. In her honor I do more for animals. As a young man said prior to dying, “What is evil is not the disease but to not respond with compassion to the person with the disease”. We must use our loss and express our compassion and when we do the curse becomes a blessing and helps us to become complete too.

The key is enjoying the day as all animals do. The way to die laughing is to accomplish what you are here to accomplish, and animals do that much better than we do. To quote a veterinarian who let her patients help her through surgery, “I can amputate a leg or jaw and they wake up and lick their owner’s faces. They are here to love and be loved and teach us a few things.”

A Hindu myth shares the words of a seven year old who is about to give his life to save another, “Consider this, sooner or later my body will perish, but if it perishes without love, which the wise declare is the only thing of permanence, of what use will it have been?”

When he is about to die he bursts into joyful laughter and everyone stops and clasps their hands together in an attitude of prayer.

The other, and more practical aspect of dying laughing, is to remember the things you or others have done and tell stories about what you remember. Let your departed loved ones bring a smile to your face and life. Animals have no trouble doing this but we, the incomplete species, need to learn to let the child out and to not be normal. Be a character and live my WWLD when in doubt. What Would Lassie Do? For many, Dr. Bernard Siegel-or Bernie, as he prefers to becalledneeds no introduction. He has touched many lives all overthe Planet. In 1978, he reached a national and then international audience when he began talking about patient empowerment and the choice to live fully and die in peace. As a physician who has cared for and counseled innumerable people whose mortality has been threatened by illness, Bernie embraces a philosophy of living and dying that stands at the forefront of the medical ethics and spiritual issues our Society grapples with today. Read Bernie’s regular blog posts on his website where you will also find his books, articles, and CDs: http://www.berniesiegelmd.com.

Bernie currently holds a cancer support group the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of the month 6:30 to 8:30PM at Coachman’s Square at 21 Bradley Road, Woodbridge. If interested contact Lucille Ranciato: lranciato2@yahoo.com 203 288 2839; or Bernie: bugsyssiegel@sbcglobal.net.You can find Bernie’s books ad CDs at Wisdom of the Ages in Simsbury, Ct. See ad on page 41..

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Natural Nutmeg - January 2016