Natural Nutmeg November 2019

November/December 2019

Natural Nutmeg Connecticut's Resource For Essential Living

The Natural Path to Reduced Stress & Anxiety Erika Dworkin, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®

The Link Between Environmental Toxins and Diabetes Amanda Gomes, ND

Do You Have an Inflamed Brain?

Adam Breiner, ND

Yoga Resources in Connecticut

Supporting Healthy Libido & Function in Men Antonio Reale, ND

Comfort with a Splash of Bourbon at the Chateau Bourbon Luxury B&B in Louisville Diane Hayden, PhD

Celebrating 13 Years of Publishing www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Did You Know Your Dentist Can Help LOWER YOUR RISK For: HEART ATTACK, STROKE, DIABETES, and ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE?

112 Deming Street South Windsor, CT 06074 2

Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2019

No Dental Insurance?

No Problem!

Call Heather or Katie at (860) 640-4447

Information at: SouthWindsorSmiles.com/savings

The Center For Functional Medicine offers Vaginal Rejuvenation without hormones, surgery or discomfort.

We also offer Laser Hair Removal with minimal to no discomfort and Facial Smoothing & Rejuvenation without botox or fillers.

For More Information Call 203.321.0200 or Email mk@thecffm.com

centerforfunctionalmedicine.com

Nutrition Specialists Trusted Since 1956 Making Your Healthy Lifestyle Affordable Vitamins & Herbs • Sports Supplements • Organic Produce Allergen-Free Food • Natural Body Care • Aromatherapy

A 2018 Natural Nutmeg 10Best Health Food Store

Erika Dworkin Owner Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®

THE SPA IS THE PLACE TO BE You can book an appointment and buy gift omsoma.com

Phone 860.678.7880 • Text 860.712.1762

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

Kyle Ledonne Store Manager Culinary Nutritionist

Science-Based Information • Personal Service Family Owned • Over 7,000 Items • Local Products Loyalty Program • Phone & Special Orders • Shipping Available

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

Shop here. Feel better. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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PUBLISHER'SLETTER

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s we enter another holiday season, I hope you all can take some time to review, reflect and celebrate all that you accomplished in the past year. Ask yourself: what were your successes, your challenges, your surprises and most of all what do you have to be thankful for? Spend some time thinking about these questions and checking in with your feelings and emotions surrounding the answers.

You made it through another year and now is the time to celebrate and reward yourself for all of your hard work.

Too often we focus on everything that went wrong during the year.

The money we didn’t make, the weight we didn’t lose, the relationship we didn’t find. But in order to truly master the art of manifestation and send a message out to the Universe to bring us what we want, we must first be thankful for what we have. Try and focus on what you did achieve and receive this year and most importantly, reward yourself for it!

O

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

PUBLISHER Dr. Diane Hayden Diane@naturalnutmeg.com

We have some great articles on how to manage stress during the busy holiday season and a spotlight on Yoga for rest and relaxation. Here are some great tips to reduce stress and pamper yourself!

ADVERTISING advertising@naturalnutmeg.com

1. Go for a leisure walk, get a massage, take a nap. Anything you can do to alleviate stress will lower your cortisol levels and additional calories will not be stored as fat as easily.

DIR. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Christopher Urso Curso@naturalnutmeg.com

2. Block a half day out of your schedule to get outdoors and enjoy our beautiful nature areas.

3. Pick one non-negotiable for the weekend. Choose to indulge in either alcohol OR high carb foods like pizza or sweets – but not both! If dessert is your thing – sample a few of the goodies by taking 1-2 bites of each instead of eating the whole thing.

4. Manage your mindset and meditate for 5-10 minutes per day.

5. Take a weekend getaway with your spouse or a friend or plan a staycation and enjoy all that this state has to offer (great hiking, adventure parks, wine trails and farm-to-table restaurants).

Here are Natural Nutmeg, we’re excited to be celebrating 14 years of publishing in 2020! Don’t miss our additional special issue coming this December with the announcement of all of our 10 BEST awards winners in addition to great content, holistic business spotlights and an Essential Living Resource guide that you can keep and use throughout all of 2020.

We want to wish everyone a healthy and happy holiday season and we look forward to helping you achieve all of your goals and dreams in 2020!

FAIRFIELD COUNTY MARKETING DIRECTOR Frances Wall Higgins frances@naturalnutmeg.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashley Frament layout@naturalnutmeg.com ADVISORY BOARD Ann Aresco, ND Adam Breiner, ND Mark Breiner, DDS Deanna M. Cherrone, MD Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. (Pend.)

Debra Gibson, ND Kenneth Hoffman, LAc, CCH Vicki Kobliner, MS, RD, CD-N Lauren Young, ND

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

FFC - Tom Cossuto, Man In Motion, LLC

Natural Nutmeg Magazine naturalnutmeg.com

Find Out Who Won 10BEST Awards!

Sign up for our ezine at naturalnutmeg.com or LIKE us on Facebook @naturalnutmegmagazine 4

Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2019

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. © 2007-19 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.

In This Issue 9 10

Holiday Spotlight

13

Vaginal Rejuvenation Without Hormones or Surgery

14

Yoga Resources in Connecticut

Joel M. Evans, MD

Do You Hear Voices?

In Every Issue 23 25

15 17

4 Dirty Little Lies You Tell Yourself About Grad School Sandi Coyne-Gilbert, MBA, DM

Share Your Financial Abundance Tax-Efficiently Caroline Wetzel,

19

28

21

30 32 38

Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP®)

The Link Between Environmental Toxins and Diabetes

40

Amanda Gomes, ND

Supporting Healthy Libido & Function in Men Antonio Reale, ND

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THE BUZZ

Matt Maneggia, L.Ac.

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NUTMEG NUGGETS

The Natural Path to Reduced Stress & Anxiety Erika Dworkin, Board Certified

Dr. Philip Corlett, Yale University Dept. of Psychiatry

The Heavenly Heat of Far-Infrared Heating Pads

42

in Holistic Nutrition®

7 Holistic Therapies for Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries

34

HAPPENINGS

37

RESOURCES

Derrick Schull, ND

Do You Have an Inflamed Brain?

Adam Breiner, ND

Boost Your Brain Health Marie Mammone, ND

It’s an Art at the 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville Diane Hayden, PhD

Comfort with a Splash of Bourbon at the Chateau Bourbon Luxury B&B in Louisville

Find more articles and

Diane Hayden, PhD

search our web archive

Is Suffering an Option?

at naturalnutmeg.com

Robin Clare

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

Please support our advertisers and tell them you saw them in

25 www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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THE BUZZ Heather Waxman Opens Private Practice in Norwalk

H

eather Waxman, spiritual life coach and certified Angelic Breath Healing practitioner, has recently opened a private practice in Norwalk.

Heather holds space for people to create a loving relationship with their inner world and reclaim their sense of self by guiding them in repatterning how they relate to themselves and others within the context of their lives. She works with people of all genders and gender expressions and uses a combination of 1:1 coaching, breathwork, sound healing, inner child work, and self-inquiry prompts.

Heather helps individuals reparent, release emotional codependency, and feel an internal experience of agency over emotions. Learn to stop seeking approval and validation in perceived authority figures and source that power from inside of yourself, release your tendency to sacrifice your needs to appease others’ happiness and well-being, heal from narcissistic abuse or emotional manipulation, and learn to take your power back by setting clear, intentional boundaries with people.

Heather works with clients both locally in-person and globally online. Email contact@heatherwaxman.com or visit heatherwaxman.com/soul-revival for more information.

• • • • • • •

• • • •

Fight Inflammation with Cryotherapy at Imagine Float

I

nflammation is a word that you hear on commercials for pain-relief medications or sometimes read on the covers of health magazines. But, what is inflammation and what role does it play in our bodies? Inflammation actually comes in two forms or classifications, acute and chronic.

Both have different origins and impacts.

Acute inflammation occurs with a cut, a sprained ankle or even a sore throat. Acute inflammation signals your immune system to heal and repair damaged tissue as well as defend itself against viruses and bacteria. It’s one of your body’s natural healing responses and it’s the “good” kind of inflammation for your body.

Chronic inflammation can have long term and whole body effects.

It can occur when an injury or infection is left untreated. Other forms of chronic inflammation stem from autoimmune disorders or environmental exposure. Sometimes you might not even notice it.

You just think you’re tired or unmotivated. This feeling can occur because the inflammation is not only wreaking havoc on your physical body, it impacts your brain, affects your mood and saps your motivation.

Imagine Float, greater Hartford’s first and only wellness center offers four non-invasive therapies that offer practical and timeefficient ways to fight inflammation. Whole body cryotherapy is one of the most effective and time-efficient therapies to counteract inflammation. This safe, three-minute treatment can help reduce chronic inflammation, pain and improve your overall mood.

Cryotherapy treatment works by constricting blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the area, thus decreasing pain, swelling and inflammation. It triggers an anti-inflammatory norepinephrine release that helps reduce short-term pain relief from injuries.

Also, this brief exposure in extreme temperature provides a low dose of physical stress, causing an adaptive response that helps to strengthen your immune system and increase white blood cell production. An added benefit of whole body cryotherapy is its impact on mood. The exposure to cool air releases higher than normal levels of endorphins. Because of this increase in the “feel good” hormones, cryotherapy can result in enhancing mood and increasing overall energy and motivation. If you think acute or chronic inflammation is present in your body and having an impact on your life, consider a three-minute cryotherapy for immediate relief.

Imagine Float can be found at 290 West Main Street/Route 44 (next to the Perfect Toy) in Avon, CT. For more information, go to imaginefloat.com or call 860.255.7771. See ad on page 27.

Specializing in...

- Lyme Diseases - Allergies - Anti-aging - Stress reduction Call Us Today!

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2019

THE BUZZ The Soul Light Mini-Expo Held on November 10th

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he Soul Light Mini-Expo will be held on Sunday, November 10th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This mini-expo comes at just the right time as you begin your holiday shopping! This will be our 12th expo and is very different from the others, as we will be at Mulligan’s at Eastlawn Country Club in Torrington, which is a bar and restaurant setting.

There will be free admission for this event, free parking, and their entire bar and restaurant menu will be available for all vendors and attendees. You can expect to find fabulous psychic readers who are experts in Tarot, Great Mayan Medicine Wheel, past lives, angel, mediumship, and more.

We will also feature spiritually oriented artisan jewelry, Tibetan singing bowls, sacred photography, greeting cards, inspirational poetry prints, Reiki-charged candles, Native American wares and ceremonial items, healing crystals and gemstones, meditation and smudging items, faerie items, healing copper jewelry, hair accessories, our second-hand Book Nook (all books $2), Soul Light t-shirts, David Young Music CDs, and more!

This event is presented by the Door Opener Magazine Online, serving Connecticut’s spiritual communities since 1986. Our mission is to help enhance spirituality, strengthen holistic health, and explore metaphysics by announcing workshops and training options by various presenters throughout the state, as well as providing directories of professional holistic health practitioners and experts in spiritual guidance. www.dooropenermagazine.com.

1301 Torringford West Street, Torrington, CT. See ad on this page.

Natural Health & Healing Welcomes New Health Coach Jacob Appleton

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acob Appleton is currently serving as a Health Coach at Natural Health & Healing.

He provides services in-person, over the phone or via Internet conferencing for both individuals and groups.

Jacob is a former Division 1 athlete, playing tennis at the University of Connecticut.

Early in his sophomore year he became ill and was diagnosed with Babesiosis, a Lyme coinfection and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) from toxic mold exposure. He tried various conventional and herbal treatment modalities which he did not tolerate leading him to explore alternatives. Using food, working with emotions and learning self-care were some of the tools that were instrumental in his healing. This experience inspired him to enroll in the Integrative Institute for Nutrition (IIN) where he completed a six-month accelerated program. He is now an IIN Certified Health Coach.

Jacob is passionate about helping athletes improve their performance and overall health. He is also interested in using his personal experience to help coach Lyme and CIRS/Mold patients through their healing journey, allowing them to unlock their best and healthiest selves.

Jacob Appleton attended Kingswood Oxford (KO) and graduated in 2016. He was a member of the varsity tennis team at KO starting in 6th grade and captain of the team his sophomore, junior and senior years. At UConn he started in both singles and doubles as a freshman. He became ill the beginning of the fall season of his sophomore year. He will tell you that although his illness turned his world upside down, it was a blessing because it allowed him to learn the power of food as medicine, the importance of self care and how supporting his genetics enabled him to jump start his healing. Jacob is currently pursuing a certification in genetics. Natural Health & Healing located at 41 N. Main St., Ste 207, West Hartford. 860.677.4600.

See ad on back cover.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Nutmeg “Nuggets” What to Look for When Visiting Older Adults During the Holidays

The Art of Sitting

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magine getting home from your desk job and not having a stiff or sore back.

There is a solution. Learn how to sit in five easy steps and be in harmony with gravity. I have taught hundreds of people how to sit over the past many years.

They report the results are amazing, more energy at the end of the day, fewer headaches, better digestion and much less back, neck and/or shoulder pain.

F

or many families, the holidays are the only time they spend faceto-face. While phone calls and emails are a great way to connect, it can be hard to notice changes in a person’s appearance or home that could indicate they need help. If you visit older parents, grandparents or other relatives this holiday season, pay attention to the following: 1. The condition of the home.

Is it messy and more cluttered than usual? Is there spoiled food in the refrigerator or cupboards? Are bills not being paid on time? Are household goods being put away in the wrong place?

Most importantly, you want to do everything to prevent falls.

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Are rugs and runners slip-resistant?

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Is there torn or loose carpeting?

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Is there adequate lighting?

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Is a person’s bed raised too high?

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Are there working smoke detectors in the home?

Even if someone isn’t hurt when they fall, they may become afraid of falling, which can have a big impact on their life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found the fear of falling causes people to limit their activities and cut back on social engagement. When someone is less active they become weaker physically, which increases their chances of falling. Research also shows falling just once doubles one’s chances of falling again.

2. The condition of the person.

Do they have unexplained weight loss? Are they wearing clothes that are dirty or inappropriate for the weather? Are they having trouble with toileting and basic hygiene such as showering and brushing their teeth? Are they having difficulty sleeping?

3. The person’s behaviors and personality.

Are they missing doctor appointments, religious services or other activities they’d usually attend? Are they forgetting to refill prescriptions or take medications as prescribed? Do they seem confused when you talk to them about topics they’d normally understand?

Are they exhibiting any personality changes or mood swings?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it could be a sign your family member needs extra help. At ComForCare Home Care we understand the challenges that may arise with aging.

Home care can help older adults live independently in their own home and continue to do all the things they love.

By Neil Anand, Owner ComForCare. To learn more, visit ComForCare.com/FairfieldCT or call 203.612.8966 for a no obligation consultation. fairfieldct@comforcare.com. ComForCare Home Care is a premier provider of in-home care with nearly 200 independently owned and operated locations in the U.S., Canada and the U.K., helping older adults live independently in their own homes and continue to do all the things they love. The home care company is committed to helping people live their best life possible and also offers special programs for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. See ad on page 6.

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2019

Grab a supportive chair with a back to it like a kitchen chair.

For now, avoid overstuffed and soft chairs, however, once you learn the way, you can sit on anything. Your pelvis is a bony basin in which your organs sit. There are a series of muscles that create a sling at the base of your pelvis. If you wiggle on a hard surface, you can feel your sit-bones on either side of the bottom of your pelvis. When most people sit, they tuck their buttocks under and sit in a slumped position with their sit-bones curling forward. That allows the low back to curve backwards, the stomach to roll back towards the waist and there is no support for your head, neck and shoulders.

Instead, when you go to sit: 1. Stick your buttocks out reaching your sit-bones to the back of the chair, feeling those sit-bones back behind you. This is most important.

2. Adjust your feet so they are slightly out in front of your knees.

Allow your knees to be relaxed, not holding them tightly together. Just let your knees assume their natural position apart and then be sure your feet are in that line of your knees, just slightly more forward.

3. Shift your weight slightly forward so you feel your body weight about a half inch in front of your sit-bones. This should feel that you are not on bone, but on the fleshy muscles that create your pelvic floor. This pelvic position gives your chest natural lift which allows your neck and head to be further back instead of lunging forward. You won’t need the support of the back of the chair because your weight is now in front of you.

4. Allow your head to drop forward and slowly bring it up by keeping your chin down and stacking your neck back one vertebra at a time until your head is all the way up. Then allow your eyes to look straight out at the horizon line which will help you stack your neck in a balanced position.

5. Lastly, place your hands, palms up in your lap. This will stop that tendency to hold yourself up by using your arms and lifting your shoulders by putting your hands on your thighs.

Try it out, change a bad habit by conscious choice and live well!

Sharon Sklar is in her 39th year as a Certified Advanced Rolf Practitioner. She loves her work and invites inquiries. Call her at 860.561.4337 or visit www.SharonSklarRolfing.com for more info.

See ad on page 20.

HOLIDAY SPOTLIGHT Local & Natural Bath Products for the Holidays at Farm to Bath

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arm to Bath started with our daughter, Katie, who has severe cerebral palsy and is highly sensitive to chemicals in cleaning products. I used to buy organic soap for Katie at our local health food store, but when that went out of business I did some research and learned how to make soap using the herbs and flowers in our garden.

What sets Farm to Bath apart from other businesses?

I care deeply about my ingredients. I rely on plant-based materials that we grow whenever possible, without all of the “extra” stuff. My husband, Paul, and I try to grow everything on our property, and we spend a lot of time with each plant. From seed to soap, we’re with them every step of the way. After harvesting and drying our plants, I infuse them in oils that are used in our products. Other soap recipes require pureed fruits and vegetables. Sometimes, I place raw plant material in an alembic still to make hydrosol for facial sprays. I don’t use dyes, preservatives, or additives (such as hardeners) in my products. The color, consistency, and creamy lather of each product is completely natural, which our customers love.

Educating the World Naturally Since 1896 HOME STUDY COURSES IN NATURAL LIVING AND HEALING

Tell us about the best memory you have about being a business owner?

There are so many! One time I made a batch of apple cider soap for a mother whose homesick son was serving in the military.

I’ve even made soap out of a mother’s breast milk to soothe her baby’s skin. It’s truly humbling when someone expresses gratitude for my soaps after suffering from the harsh effects of cancer treatment. To know we bring comfort to people’s lives in some small way is why we get up in the morning.

Brenda Sullivan, a resident of Glastonbury for the past 30 years, is an entrepreneur who has engaged in multiple pursuits ranging from micro-farmer, grant writer, disability advocate and self-published author. Brenda has over 400 academic hours in herbal study and the founder of Farm to Bath, which produces a variety of herbal bath and body products using the fresh herbs, flowers, and vegetables grown on Thompson Street Farm. Her bath and body products can be purchased at Farmtobath.com or during the June – September growing season at the South Windsor Farmers Market. You can contact Brenda at info@farmtobath.com or follow her on Facebook and Instagram. See ad on page 12.

Wolfspirit Acupuncture Ancient Healing with a Modern Approach

Acupuncture can effectively:

(ELEMENTARY LEVEL PICTURED)

Starting Price: $99.95

Our three levels of Home Study Courses in Naturopathy have proved beneficial to physicians and non-practitioners alike in the study of natural healing.

N.D. doctors and their patients would testify to the definitive benefits of naturopathic healthcare for you and your family.

Visit benedictlustpublications.com to find our complete catalog of health related books.

NO RISK, MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE! ORDER TODAY! 407.300.3266 • drblusthealthbooks@gmail.com

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

Monthly Wellness treatment to improve immunity and restore balance available

• Relieve pain without the harmful side effects of medication.

• Assist with restoring balance and improved fertility.

• Relieve digestive disorders.

• Help manage anxiety & depression.

• Help quit smoking.

Come see our Acupuncture Community Clinic

Jo-Ann is certified in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

Call 860.430.9653

78 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury, Connecticut

www.wolfspiritacupuncture.com

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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YOGA SPOTLIGHT

D

ating back over 5000 years, yoga is considered by many to be the oldest defined practice of self-development. The methods of classical yoga include ethical disciplines, physical postures, breathing control and meditation. Many companies are now seeing the benefits of yoga, recognizing that relaxed workers are healthier and more creative, and are sponsoring yoga fitness programs. Studies have found that even a few minutes of yoga in the morning, at night, or even on a lunch break, can minimize stress and increase productivity.

It is believed that yoga is so effective for stress relief because, aside from the physical benefits that yoga brings, it encourages a good mood, an increase in mindfulness, and a healthy dose of self-compassion. We're happy to showcase these wonderful yoga studios throughout Connecticut!

S

Try Yoga to Reduce Stress During the Holidays

acred Rivers Yoga offers Yoga for every body including families and kids, Yoga therapy, Yoga alliance 200 and 500hour registered yoga schools, Therapeutic massage, Bria Day Spa, 3 B Wellness, Pilates and Barre.

Why are you passionate about your specialty?

Since experiencing the benefits and results of yoga first hand since age 18, I have been passionate about sharing the gifts of yoga... the physical, mental, and emotional health benefits that Yoga provides.

It has been gratifying to see how Yoga truly is for every body.

What sets Sacred Rivers Yoga apart?

Sacred Rivers Yoga Center 28 Main Street East Hartford, CT 06118 Phone: 860.657.9545 Fax: 860.657.3161 www.sacredriversyoga.com Paula Scopino ~ Owner/Director Yoga Alliance 200 & 500 Hour Teacher Training Yoga Therapy Workshops

We encourage people to listen to their bodies. We offer variations regardless of whether someone needs adaptive yoga or desires to challenge themselves. We have a Yoga Therapy Public Clinic. We are a registered yoga alliance school at the 300 and 500 hour level. We are a member school of the IAYT (International Association of Yoga Therapy).

What is the best memory you have of being a business owner?

It is gratifying to watch yoga ripple out into so many markets, venues, workplaces, schools, and hospitals as our students graduate and share the teachings of yoga. I remember one woman in particular whose life was falling apart. She had lost her job, her health, her husband and I watched as she found herself again through yoga. She told me later that yoga had saved her life and that coming to yoga at Sacred Rivers had been a lifeline for her. That touched me in a very deep place and reminded me of why I am ‘holding the space’.

How do you feel about being a part of the Natural Nutmeg community?

I am proud to be included as part of a like-minded, informative publication like Natural Nutmeg. They get the word out effectively and produce a quality magazine whose articles are so important, relevant and needed.

Sacred Rivers Yoga is offering the following Holiday Specials for the month of December: 10% off all 10 and 30 class card gift certificates during the month of December, $500 off our 300 (500) hour Yoga Alliance teacher training, $200 off our Yoga Alliance 200 Hour Teacher Training. New Member Special: $35 month unlimited. sacredriversyoga.com.

860.657.9545. info@sacredriversyoga.com. 28 Main St. East Hartford.

See ad on this page and page 11.

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2019

Yoga Resources in Connecticut

Be Yoga

A small studio with a big heart.

Hartford Sweat

Avon • 860.930.1311 beyogainavon.com

91 Main St 413 429.5650 bewellcommunityyoga@gmail.com

Hartford, Connecticut • 860.461.0910 hartfordsweat.net

Be Yoga emerged from the inspiration of simply, truly just Be.ing.

Kristin Cork has been studying yoga for over 20 years and teaching for 18 years. You'll find Kristin on the mat during classes & trainings, in the office & on retreats, creating a loving space for you to just Be!

Classes & workshops to enhance wellbeing for all ages and abilities.

Our focus is on helping you discover precise alignment, mindfulness and a deep connection with your breath.

Hartford Sweat yoga and fitness studio provides over 40 classes 7 days a week including Hot Yoga, Bikram, Power, Yin, Restorative, as well as blended classes with popular Yoga Sculpt, Barre, and Zumba. Schedule a bridal party, ladies’ day out, work party, with a personal class for deep relaxing yoga, de-stress & team building, work up a sweat together with a memorable experience, we even have black-lights, food & drinks, and more for a special touch. We offer Yoga at corporate and private functions off-site at your office or venue of choice.

Suzanne Mazzarelli, Be Well’s director is a certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) specializing in working with chronic pain, anxiety, and with seniors.

Private sessions available.

For more info and the full schedule, go to: bewellcommunityyoga.com

Sacred Rivers Yoga

Sanctuary Power Yoga

Toivo

East Hartford, CT • 860.657.9545 sacredriversyoga.com

Torrington & Canton • 860.496.1500 sanctuarypoweryoga.com

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

We offer yoga classes for students of all levels. Whether you are a new student or a seasoned practitioner, we invite you to join our studio and join our community.

Our yoga is challenging - it will help you strengthen and transform your body, quiet your mind and renew your spirit.

Statewide across Connecticut 860.296.2338 • info@toivocenter.org toivocenter.org Toivo is a donation-based center for holistic healing and stress management that offers yoga, meditation, Qigong, sound healing, laughter yoga, drumming, creative expression, healing arts, support groups and more.

Most importantly, Toivo is a community, a safe space to find support and understanding. We believe that human connection is essential to healing and it is at the heart of everything we do.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

11

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2020 is Around the Corner!

We're ready with plans for the content you love from Natural Nutmeg 12

Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2019

January/February • Diet & Stress Reduction for Weight Loss • Natural Ways to Boost Fertility March • The Gut Microbiome • Ayurveda Therapies April • Effects of Diet & Environment on Autoimmune Disease • CBD Therapy for Chronic Disease May/June • Women’s/Men’s Health • Treatment for Lyme Disease July/August • Managing Stress & Anxiety in Children • Aging Gracefully

September • The Natural Home • Natural Treatments for Chronic Pain October • Natural Treatments for Cancer • Mindfulness & Self-Care November/December • The Epidemic of Diabesity • Brain Health 2020 10BEST/ Essential Living Guide • Stress Reduction • Sleep Optimization

Contact diane@naturalnutmeg.com to feature your business in Natural Nutmeg!

By Joel M. Evans, MD

Vaginal Rejuvenation Without Hormones or Surgery

T

he Center for Functional Medicine is excited to offer effective, safe and painless Vaginal Rejuvenation services.

As internationally known Functional Medicine educators and providers, we now offer the latest approach to the restoration of healthy vaginal anatomy, lubrication, and sexual function using the ThermiVa technique. ThermiVa treatments, which are painless, non-surgical and nonhormonal, are approved by the FDA (unlike some laser treatments) and are the perfect solution for women who want to revive and reinvigorate their sexual experience without the worry of surgical complications or hormone therapy.

ThermiVa, performed in our office, uses a technology called radiofrequency to restore and rejuvenate the vaginal tissue without risk of complications. Radiofrequency is safer, more reliable, and less invasive than other vaginal rejuvenation treatments that use lasers; which are painful, more expensive, and associated with a higher rate of complications. ThermiVa is rapidly becoming the technique of choice in both Gynecology and Uro-Gynecology for the restoration of vaginal anatomy and function. Also, because ThermiVa does not utilize any hormones, it is especially suited for breast cancer survivors.

You may benefit from ThermiVa if you experience: • dryness during intercourse • trouble reaching orgasm • occasionally leak urine when you sneeze, cough or exercise • change in vaginal tone since childbirth • loss of interest in sexual activity • your intimate relationships have suffered due to these changes You can expect: • No surgery, no downtime, no anesthesia • Comfortable, in-office treatments • Three 30-minute sessions, one month apart

• Resume sexual relations the same day of the procedure • Noticeable improvement after 1st or 2nd session • Long-lasting results Radiofrequency technology stimulates collagen production, enhancing the strength and overall quality of the vaginal tissue both internally and externally. ThermiVa is the solution that will restore normal vaginal tissue tone, function, and appearance.

Joel M. Evans, M.D., a board-certified OB/GYN and international lecturer, is the Director of The Center for Functional Medicine in Stamford, CT. He is a member of the senior faculty of The Institute for Functional Medicine and the Center for Mind/ Body Medicine. He also serves as the Director of Curriculum Development of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy. He has a special interest in Breast Cancer, and as the Medical Director of the Keep-A-Breast Foundation, brings the latest information to his patients. Dr. Evans, through his medical studies, lectures and many professional roles, has dedicated his life to disseminating and delivering the best leading edge, research based, medical care. He is confident that the ThermiVa device is both safe and effective, and has been overwhelmed with the positive results seen in his practice in the year that the CFFM has been offering this service to our patients.

Monique Class MS, APRN, BC, Family Nurse Practitioner and a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Holistic Health at The Center for Functional Medicine in Stamford, CT. Recognized as a thought leader and sought after teacher in the fields of Integrative Healthcare and Holistic Nursing.

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Do You Hear Voices?

By Dr. Philip Corlett, Yale University Dept. of Psychiatry

A

team at Yale University has been working with people from the mediumship community in an effort to understand their experiences and apply what they learn to help people who hear voices that are distressing. Voice hearing is much more common than previously acknowledged, up to 20% of people might hear a voice when no one is around at some point in their lives, between 3 and 10% have that experience more frequently.

Hearing voices is not a sign of mental illness and, by working with people who identify as clairaudient, the team believes that they can help the 1% of the population who suffer from schizophrenia, for whom voice hearing can be very distressing.

In their work so far, the team led by Professor Phil Corlett has learned that people who identify as clairaudient have voice experiences that are very similar to those reported by people whose voices are distressing. They happen as frequently, the voices say things of similar length and loudness, the content may be more positive and the experiences are

understood as spiritual gifts that clairaudient people have more control over and therefore find less distressing. Furthermore, when the clairaudient people first shared their experiences with another person, their response was significantly more positive than the people with distressing voices. The Yale team wants to learn more about why that might be.

“There are many different ways that human beings experience the world. Our team would like to learn more about how and why people have the experiences that they do. We are not interested in proving or disproving anyone’s abilities. Instead we want to learn from you what it is like to have the experiences that you do, how you feel about them, when they started, how you stop them. We think this might be one way to better help people who suffer with their voices and find them frightening,” says Dr. Corlett.

Using brain scans and computer games, the team has shown (in Science Magazine) that people who hear voices (both the clairaudient people and the patients with dis-

tressing voices) develop strong expectations about what might happen next. These predictions (or priors) fill in their experiences of the world. The patients find it hard to update those predictions when the game changes, whereas people with clairaudient abilities can change their minds more easily. In a new study, across two sites (Yale and University of Maryland), the scientists are trying to learn more about clairaudience and voice-hearing.

If you are interested in helping them to help people with voices that are distressing, please contact belieflab@yale.edu. The study involves interviews about your experiences, computer games and brain scans, and you will be compensated for your time.

Dr. Philip Corlett is an Associate Professor at Yale University Department of Psychiatry. He is very interested in hearing from you if you think you would like to be part of this study. Please contact his team at belieflab@ yale.edu. See ad on page 22.

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4 Dirty Little Lies You Tell Yourself About Grad School

By Sandi Coyne-Gilbert, MBA DM, MS Organizational Leadership Program Director, Goodwin College

T

he longer you’re out of school, the scarier the thought of going back becomes. Some people tend to think that grad programs are filled with traditional students who came directly out of their undergrad degree and are now pursuing their master’s.

They assume these students will be smarter and are better prepared simply because they’re younger and that’s far from the truth.

Today, more and more students who have been out of college for years, even decades, are flooding college admissions offices, eager to start their graduate degree.

If you’re hesitant about going back to school for your master’s degree, don’t be! Here are some “dirty little lies” that adult students tell themselves about why they can’t go back to grad school. Don’t let these deceptions hold you back anymore.

Dirty Little Lie #1: You’ll be the oldest person in the class.

do, you will encounter people. From your family, to your favorite nonprofit, to your church, or the company you work for, the MSOL program provides insights into relating to other people, as well as yourself. It provides you with the tools that will make problem solving and investigation more effective for you.

Dirty Little Lie #3: It’s been too long since you’ve written an effective paper.

We understand how daunting writing in a graduate program can be. That’s why we concentrate our efforts on creating an environment where you can, and will, enhance your writing at your own pace. The College’s resources and supports, as well as peer tutoring and engagement with other students, ensure that you’ll have options that help make learning successful no matter how long you’ve been out of school.

At Goodwin College, there are no age limits or expiration dates in our master’s degree in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) program.

The average class cohort includes students of all ages, life stages, and career paths. No two individuals’ journeys are the same. All students come into the program with their own experiences that they want to understand better through a different lens. Everyone has a place in our class and no one is judged.

Learning is good for the mind, the body, and the soul! According to Metro Health Inc., cognitive decline is lessened when people continue to learn and use their brains regularly as they age. Denise Park of the University of Texas at Dallas shared, “When you are inside your comfort zone, you may be outside of the enhancement zone.” Entering a new program like the MSOL can actually enhance the likelihood you will gain from the experience and lessen cognitive decline.

Dirty Little Lie #2: It’s not worth the time and energy.

Students come into this program to unleash their inner leader. Our program allows you to invest in yourself. It’s about self-discovery. It’s your own journey. Organizational Leadership is all about people, and no matter where you are and what you

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Dirty Little Lie #4: You’re retired, grad school isn’t realistic.

Reaching retirement age absolutely does not mean you are “done,” in fact, you are just getting started! As people live longer, they want their productive years to be extended as well. Many attend school well into their 70s. Dana Anspach of Sensible Money says, “Retirees who engage in lifelong learning keep their brain engaged by challenging themselves to learn new skills. It's important to find things you're curious about and dive in. And in retirement, you have the time to do it." If you have the time and the curiosity, we have the classes and the program.

A master's degree in Organizational Leadership from Goodwin College will take you to new places academically, personally, and professionally. Whether you're interested in a career change, want to gain more recognition at work, or want to achieve this degree for personal reasons this MSOL degree program is right for you.

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Coyne-Gilbert brings her experiences to the classroom as program director for the master’s degree in Organizational Leadership at Goodwin College. Call us today: 800.889.3282 or learn more at www.goodwin.edu/leadership. See ad on page 35.

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Share Your Financial Abundance Tax-Efficiently

By Caroline Wetzel, Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP®)

W

ith Thanksgiving and the holidays on the horizon, there’s lots of focus this time of year on gratefulness, abundance, and sharing with others. As you donate your wealth, how confident are you that you are giving as tax-efficiently as possible?

There are a variety of ways you can contribute to IRS-qualified charities and benefit from tax deductions: • Donating stock that has grown significantly in value from its original purchase price (also known as highly appreciated stock).

• Contributing a portion of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) • Establishing Charitable Trusts • Creating Foundations • Setting up a Donor Advised Fund The most appropriate charitable giving strategy for you depends on your specific financial situation. In the spirit of sharing, I offer you the following story of how I recently helped clients change their approach to giving to their favorite charities and optimize their financial and tax plans.

A few months ago, Sam and Judy (names have been changed) decided that they needed something more than just investment management from their financial advisor at a big-name company.

As we began working together, I learned that Sam and Judy gave a portion of their income every year to charities. So, we made charitable giving a recurring annual goal in their financial plan.

After understanding Sam and Judy’s other goals as well as their sensitivity to risk, I reviewed their investments. A significant portion of Sam and Judy’s portfolio was held in a single stock. Sam explained that he and Judy inherited the stock from a beloved family member years ago. Having a significant portion of a portfolio in one stock holding is a “concentrated position.” Concentrated positions need to be carefully managed. They may expose their owners to additional risks connected to a business, sector, or industry. Depending on when the owner acquired the concentrated position, the holdings may have grown in value and have significant capital gains. So, tax consequences of changing the position need to be considered.

Sam, Judy, and I talked about how likely they were to achieve their financial goals given their income, savings, spending and current investment allocation. We spent a lot of time discussing changes we would make together over time to improve their likelihood of financial success.

One of the first changes I recommended we initiate was decreasing their concentrated stock position in tax-efficient ways. Using sophisticated financial planning software, I showed Sam and Judy just how negatively and quickly their lives could change if their concentrated stock position dropped in value. They realized that they might not be able to enjoy and share their wealth as they wished. Given their specific situation and charitable giving goal, I suggested they consider setting up a Donor Advised Fund and frontloading several years of future charitable giving now.

I explained a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is like an investment account that exists only to provide grants to IRS-qualified charities. Sam and Judy could open a DAF and contribute up to 30% of their adjusted gross income in the form of their concentrated stock as an irrevocable gift to the DAF. Then their concentrated stock would be re-invested tax-free into different funds within their DAF. Whenever

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Sam and Judy wanted to donate money to charities, they simply requested that the DAF issue a grant.

Sam and Judy could benefit in many ways by setting up a DAF: • They pre-fund several years of their charitable giving in this tax year • They immediately take a tax deduction for the entire value of their stock donation to the DAF • They avoid paying capital gains tax on the stock that they contribute to the DAF • They reduce their level of concentrated stock risk in their portfolio • They no longer rely on their income to fund charitable contributions • Investments in their DAF grow taxfree, potentially resulting in more money being available over time to contribute to their preferred charities Sam and Judy were very appreciative that I heard what was important to them and offered them new financial solutions that met their needs in strategic ways. They volunteered that they felt more comfortable and confident than ever with their financial path forward as a result of working with my team and me. If you would like an independent perspective on your approach to your finances, including tax-efficient giving, or if you would value having the type of relationship with your financial advisor that Sam and Judy enjoy with me, know that I am here.

Caroline Wetzel is one of Natural Nutmeg’s 2018 10Best Winners for Business/ Life Coach. Caroline is a Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP®) and Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor with Procyon Private Wealth Partners, LLC. Procyon Private Wealth Partners, LLC and Procyon Institutional Partners, LLC (collectively "Procyon Partners") are registered investment advisors with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

This article is provided for informational purposes only and for the intended recipient[s] only. This article may also include opinions and forward-looking statements which may not come to pass.

Information is at a point in time and subject to change. Procyon Partners does not provide tax or legal advice.

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2019

The Link Between Environmental Toxins and Diabetes

By Amanda Gomes, ND

I

n America, over 30 million people are diabetic while 84 million are prediabetic according to the latest National Diabetes Statistics Report. Diabetes was considered the seventh leading cause of death in the US in 2017. Well established causes such as a sedentary lifestyle, caloric-dense diet, and genetic susceptibility are not the only targets for preventing this disease. Exposure to certain environmental toxins known as diabetogens has been correlated to blood sugar dysregulation leading to diabetes.

What is a Diabetogen?

The term diabetogen was coined by CD Campbell in 1961 to describe his observations of food contaminants as a cause of diabetes. Diabetogens impair the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar appropriately by many mechanisms including impairing insulin production and decreasing insulin sensitivity. The most common toxins contributing to the development of diabetes include arsenic, bisphenol A (BPA), dioxins, organochlorine pesticides (OCP), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), phthalates, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). A study by the Environmental Working Group found an average of 200 industrial compounds including OCP, PCB, and PAH in the umbilical cord blood of newborns. With the ever-increasing toxic burden of our environment and developing knowledge of the corresponding health implications, it is essential to mitigate your exposure to these toxins when treating or preventing diabetes.

How Am I Exposed to These Toxins?

Below are the most common ways you are likely to be exposed to each of the seven identified diabetogens.

1. Arsenic exposure occurs mostly through food sources like seafood, rice, poultry, and mushrooms as well as drinking water.

2. BPA is found in several plastic materials like consumables packaging and implantable medical devices.

3. Dioxins are highly toxic byproducts of many industrial processes and can be identified as persistent organic pollutants (POP).

4. Everyone who eats conventionally grown foods are exposed to OCPs. Individuals living near farms with conventional growing practices are at an increased risk to exposure to OCPs. 5. PCB was banned in 1977 due to its resilience against breakdown in the environment and living organisms. Prior to the ban, PCB was used extensively for industrial and commercial purposes and toxins persist today, decades later.

6. Phthalates are utilized for flexibility and transparency in plastic products as well as increasing solubility and stability of many fragrances and cosmetics.

Purchasing fatty foods like butter, milk, and meat sold in plastic containers can also expose you to phthalates. As a fatsoluble toxin, phthalates can leach from the container into the fatty constituents of the food and contaminate them.

7. PAH is primarily manufactured through the burning of fossil fuels and is the main carcinogen in cigarette smoke.

PAH is also found in charbroiled and smoked meats.

Tips for Limiting Your Exposure To Diabetogens 1. Avoidance: Conscientiously avoid diabetogens by reducing or eliminating exposure through food, water, or chemicals in your home. Be sure to have your water tested for arsenic. Avoid drinking water out of plastic bottles and try a stainless-steel bottle as an alternative. Investigate the cleanliness of your favorite cosmetics on a free database like Skin Deep® by the Environmental Working Group.

2. Evaluate your body burden: Available lab tests like gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), complete blood count (CBC), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), homocysteine, bilirubin, and alanine transferase can provide your doctor with valuable information about your toxic load and how effectively your body is eliminating diabetogens. Specific industrial toxin tests are also available.

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3. Eat more vegetables: When your liver has completed its natural detoxification process and tagged a toxin for elimination, binding and excreting that toxin is key. You can help facilitate this process by consuming more vegetables and naturally increasing your fiber intake to ensure you are eliminating waste effectively. It is imperative that you remain adequately hydrated when increasing your fiber intake to ensure optimal elimination.

4. Exercise regularly: Another mechanism the body uses to eliminate toxins is through our breath and sweat. Encouraging this process through regular exercise will support your body in eliminating toxins, regulating blood sugar, and maintaining a healthy weight. Furthermore, it has significant benefits on your cardiovascular health.

5. Take a probiotic: Supporting a healthy and diverse microbiome can also help eliminate diabetogens.

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6. Support glutathione production: Glutathione is critical in protecting against oxidative stress and completing the liver detoxification process. Testing gammaglutamyl transferase (GGT) is one way to assess the health of your glutathione levels. GGT is responsible for recycling glutathione thereby making it accessible for the body to use again. GGT will increase in proportion to the amount of exposure to persistent organic pollutants your body experiences. Interestingly, in diabetics GGT is very strongly correlated with hemoglobin A1C.

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Dr. Gomes has a family practice in Manchester and West Hartford at Collaborative Natural Health Partners.

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Supporting Healthy Libido & Function in Men

By Antonio Reale, ND

E

rectile dysfunction (ED) and decreased libido can be an uncomfortable topic for many men. Culturally, we talk extensively about the role of estrogen and its effects on women's bodies, but the conversation about testosterone as it relates to sexual function receives decidedly less attention. Erectile dysfunction often occurs with other more serious conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol levels, making it important to first rule out any underlying disorders. In other cases, testosterone is either too low or there is not enough hormone available to support healthy libido and erections.

Depending on the cause, we can use a variety of herbs, amino acids, and nutrients to promote sexual health and function.

Citrulline & Arginine: Nitric Oxide and Vasodilators Once we've ruled out more sinister causes of ED, we can use amino acids like arginine and citrulline to support erection quality. These amino acids increase a substance called nitric oxide (NO), which works in the body as a vasodilator. Vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels, is important for healthy blood flow and therefore, stronger erections. Medications like Viagra work by inhibiting an enzyme called PDE-5, resulting in vasodilation.

When a patient reports trouble attaining or maintaining erection, but does not note a decrease in libido or desire, it's likely that the problem is related to perfusion (blood flow), rather than hormones. Instead, if a patient tells me he is experiencing de-

All too often, I see men with symptoms of erectile dysfunction and decreased libido and find that only the most basic blood tests have been ordered to assess hormone function. creased libido, it becomes important to determine whether an imbalance in hormones can be affecting sexual function.

Testosterone Testing: It's Not Just About the Total Maintaining healthy testosterone (T) levels is part of a complex process, which is why it's essential to test more than just total testosterone levels. All too often, I see men with symptoms of erectile dysfunction and decreased libido and find that only the most basic blood tests have been ordered to assess hormone function. On symptomatic patients, I like to run what I call a "full" testosterone panel, one that includes free and bioavailable testosterone, in addition to a protein called sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Depending on a man's age, only 1-2% of testosterone in the body is "free and available" for use; the rest is attached to hormones while being transported throughout the bloodstream. By testing the free and bioavailable testosterone, we're able to determine just how much testosterone is available for use to meet the body's

needs. It's not uncommon to find healthy total testosterone levels, only to learn that bioavailable and free T are below range.

So how does testosterone become less available in the first place? For this, we have to look to the protein, sex hormonebinding globulin. Its function is to bind testosterone, but too much of this in men can mean that not enough testosterone is free and available to carry out its functions. The exact opposite is true for women, where low levels of SHBG can lead to too much free testosterone and unwanted symptoms, such as hair growth. This is why it's important to test and consider SHBG when treating men with ED and low libido.

If levels are too high, we can use herbs to lower SHBG in the blood, ultimately freeing up testosterone for use. By ordering more comprehensive blood work, we can treat the patient more specifically, targeting the problem at hand.

Estrogen & Aromatase: "A Vicious Cycle" Some of my patients are surprised to learn that men, too, have estrogen in the body. While low levels are perfectly healthy, increases in estrogen can be problematic and cause unwanted symptoms like decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and gynecomastia (breast enlargement). A simple blood test will let us know whether estrogen levels are too high, but determining the source of this increase is key to treatment. One of the most common issues lies with an enzyme called aromatase, whose role is to convert testosterone into estrogen. Aromatase is abundant in adipose www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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(fat) tissue, which means men who are overweight tend to have more aromatase than their healthy weight peers.

While it's normal for testosterone levels to decline with each decade after 30, many men also tend to gain weight as they age, especially around the abdomen.

This leads to a vicious cycle of sorts, where a patient gains weight with age, leading to excess aromatase, and ultimately, increased conversion of testosterone to estrogen.

When coupled with an age-related decline in T levels, the effects become more evident. Fortunately, nature has several aromatase inhibitors, herbs or natural agents that work to block or inhibit the action of aromatase. When used over time, herbs like Urtica dioica and Passiflora incarnata can effectively limit the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, supporting healthy T levels while we work with the patient to manage weight.

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2019

I use several herbs in my practice to support testosterone production, including Tribulus terrestris, Eurycoma longifolia, Panax ginseng, and Epidmedium, the infamous Horny Goat Weed. Since our goal is to support endogenous (internal) production of testosterone, patients should expect to supplement for several months before witnessing changes in hormone levels. As with any approach to treatment, it makes sense to ensure that the whole body is functioning optimally, and this includes checking the various nutrients that support testosterone levels. Zinc plays a fundamental role in healthy sperm production and zinc deficiency has been associated with low testosterone in numerous studies.

We can also test DHEA levels in the body, which decline with age and can be helpful in supporting the production of testosterone. Since DHEA is a hormone and can also increase estrogen, I always recommend testing before supplementing with DHEA and caution against its use without the supervision of a doctor.

Antonio Reale, ND, MS is a licensed naturopathic physician and nutritionist practicing in Wethersfield and Middlebury, Connecticut. He specializes in personalized botanical medicine and is founder of The Herbal Room, a multidisciplinary wellness center in Wethersfield, with an in-house botanical dispensary. Dr. Reale also sees patients weekly at a satellite office in Middlebury. For insurance information and scheduling, visit theherbal-room.com.

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The Heavenly Heat of Far-Infrared Heating Pads

By Matt Maneggia, L.Ac.

T

he first thing I noticed personally when I used a far-infrared (FIR) heating pad was the tingle. It was a familiar tingle since I had just returned from a trip to Iceland with my family. While there, we spent a good deal of time at “The Fontana,” a small, out-of-the-way spa that was completely powered by geothermal heat. When you entered their sauna or hot tub, you felt a distinctly pleasant tingle permeate your body. Within minutes you felt like all your muscle tension had dissolved away leaving both body and mind profoundly relaxed and refreshed.

As an acupuncturist, we’re very familiar with that tingle. It’s the sensation most people feel during an acupuncture treatment as the blood vessels expand and the brain responds by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. Keenly aware of the overall health benefits typically experienced post-tingle, I quickly became rather intrigued by this strange, bumpy heating pad.

For years, I had used a far infrared heat lamp. You’ll find these at almost any acupuncture office - a robotic-looking arm with a circular heating surface. Acupuncturists use these over specific parts of the body during an acupuncture treatment. This is because infrared heat can reinforce the effects of acupuncture, namely compounding the expansion of tiny blood vessels and increasing microcirculation to help ease pain and relieve inflammation. FIR lamps are limited in that they can only deliver their magnificently unique heat to relatively confined areas of the body.

FIR heating pads generate their effect by warming particular types of natural elements found in certain stones and minerals. Some are lined with discs of jade or tourmaline while others utilize layers of crushed stones like amethyst. My favorite FIR heating pads, and the kind with which I’ve seen the best patient outcomes, are actually a combination of pulverized stones (including jade, tourmaline, germanium, biotite, feldspar) that are combined with clay to form ceramic pieces. When heated, these ceramics not only generate FIR spectrum radiation but release negative ions, electrically charged molecules naturally occurring in places like mountains, beaches and waterfalls that are thought to greatly improve mood and increase energy.

Alongside these immaculate ions, the heavenly heat penetrates deeply into tight, knotted muscles, achy joints and crampy abdomens, increasing circulation and relieving tension. Although I’ve seen countless issues improve in patients using FIR heating pads, the most common issues for which they’re used include: back pain, tight muscles such as glutes and hamstrings, arthritic joint pain, menstrual and other abdominal cramping, and even workout recovery. Due to the general relaxation FIR heating pads provide, many patients even use them for stress relief and include using the pads in their bedtime routine to improve sleep.

On a personal level, I usually lay on a FIR heating pad as I’m lying in bed reading. Before I know it my eyelids are drooping and I’m drifting off to a deep, refreshing sleep. I keep one at my desk chair and either sit on it or lean against it, depending on whether my hamstrings or my back is tight and sore (in fact, I’m sitting on one as I write this!). Our four young boys are huge fans of the FIR heating pads, so much so that, to avoid sibling in-fighting, we made sure we have one FIR pad per child. When the kids are coming down with a

With the FIR heating pad, I was entranced by the potential to deliver those benefits to a much broader area of the body, the entire back for example. I couldn’t wait to incorporate them into my practice. The results did not disappoint. I was delighted to hear the “oohs” and “aahs” of my patients as they first laid down on my FIR-heated treatment tables. I quickly noted that my patients seemed to experience even JILL KENNEY, ND deeper relaxation and more pronounced and longer lasting pain relief.

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN Far-infrared heat is a form of energy in the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. This form of heat is composed of longer wavelengths which allow it to penetrate more deeply into the underlying tissue than conventional heating pads, whose heat literally only goes “skin deep.” Additionally, heat in this range of the electromagnetic spectrum is completely safe, mimicking energy produced by the sun and the geothermal activity of the earth (which explains why my first time on a FIR heating pad took me right back to my time in Iceland).

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cold, my wife (who’s also an acupuncturist) makes sure to stick them on a FIR pad and set the timer for a few hours when they go to sleep. She swears it lessens the severity and duration of their illness, and I have to agree!

While FIR heating pads may not be a cure-all, there is almost no health issue for which I don’t recommend them to my patients. At the very least, the relaxation alone is worth the relatively affordable price of a FIR heating pad. With winter quickly approaching, I can tell you from personal experience that there is nothing quite so comforting as that tingle you feel as you’re drifting off to sleep on a FIR heating pad.

Matt Maneggia is a licensed acupuncturist and the founder of Connecticut Family Acupuncture with offices in Coventry, Glastonbury and West Hartford.

As a board member of the CT Society of Acupuncturists and a state rep to the American Society of Acupuncturists, Matt advocates for increased access to acupuncture through insurance coverage and integration of acupuncture into the mainstream healthcare system. Matt’s love of FIR heating pads led him to open a new business selling the very same products he uses at his practice and his home. Products are available at www.

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2019

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The Natural Path to Reduced Stress & Anxiety

By Erika Dworkin, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® "Most people experience stress and anxiety at some point in their lives. Depending on the level of severity, that can detrimentally impact one’s quality of life. Although stress and anxiety share many of the same emotional and physical symptoms...they have very different origins. Generally, stress is a response to an external cause...and subsides once the situation has been resolved.

Anxiety is a person’s specific reaction to stress; its origin is internal. Anxiety is typically characterized by a “persistent feeling of apprehension or dread” in situations that are not actually threatening. Unlike stress, anxiety persists even after a concern has passed." ~ National Council for Behavioral Health (mentalhealthfirstaid.org, 2019)

I

f stress or anxiety interferes with your daily life, productivity, or happiness, you have a lot of company. More than 75% of Americans regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress, and anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, impacting almost 20% of the population each year. If you prefer to use natural remedies to manage your responses to stress, including your anxiety, the options discussed below may prove helpful.

Definitions & Symptoms Stress and anxiety frequently coexist, often with depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Unmanaged stress and anxiety can accompany or contribute to a wide range of physical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic headaches and fatigue, ulcers, and various digestive ailments, including candidiasis (yeast overgrowth).

Stress is an automatic, negative, psychological, and physical response to overwhelming internal and external forces called stressors (including lack of sleep, allergens, pain/poor health, and work/social pressures). It releases neurochemicals and hormones to prepare the body for action (often called the “fight-or-flight” response) and, if excessive or prolonged, can greatly undermine one’s life and health. Symptoms of stress include fatigue, sleep disorders, irritability, and constant worrying.

Anxiety, with emotional, physiological, and cognitive components, has been noted as the sixth most important contributor of non-fatal negative health outcomes. Internal or interpersonal conflict can provoke anxiety, which causes people to feel frightened and apprehensive for no apparent reason, or out of proportion relative to present stressors. While its causes are not fully understood, genetics, biochemistry (including excess lactic acid in the blood and hormonal imbalances), environment, personal history (especially trauma), physical illness, poor diet, and medication side effects, can all contribute to its development.

Anxiety symptoms can include heart palpitations/throbbing/pain, insomnia/ restlessness, severe muscle tension/spasms, excessive sweating, headaches, severe digestive problems, concentration difficulties, and impatience/irritability. The degree of anxiety can vary and, if extreme, may rise to the level of one of five anxiety disorders: panic disorder; obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); phobia; or general anxiety disorder (GAD).

The Conventional Approach To alter the brain’s neurotransmitters (chemical messengers), conventional practitioners commonly prescribe various medications for stress and anxiety. Unfortunately, they all have potential side effects: (1) benzodiazepines (Valium®, Xanax®, Librium®): increased anxiety, significant memory impairment, and addiction (especially in alcoholics); (2) SSRIs (Prozac®, Lexapro®, Zoloft®): agitation, decreased libido, delayed/lacking ability to orgasm, and insomnia; and (3) beta-blockers (Tenormin® and Inderal®): fatigue, depression, erectile dysfunction, memory loss, and insomnia.

Supplements to Manage Stress & Anxiety Various natural remedies generally can manage moderate levels of stress and anxiety safely and without side effects. The alphabetically arranged list below includes those that clinical practice or scientific research has proven to be especially effective when used either individually or in combinations.

Amino Acids When the brain produces a neurotransmitter, it starts with a raw ingredient, usually an amino acid from the diet or another chemical already present in the brain. Enzymes are then used to convert the amino acid into the needed brain chemical. There are various cofactors that help the enzymes work faster, including B vitamins (see below). Insufficient intakes of various aminos (tryptophan, phenylalanine, tyrosine) are associated with increased symptoms of anxiety.

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1. GABA: Gamma-aminobutyric acid is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter that counterbalances glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter. It is known to promote restful sleep and stop panic attacks, especially when 500mg is dissolved under the tongue or taken on an empty stomach.

2. L-Theanine: Brain cells readily absorb L-theanine, an amino acid mainly derived from green tea. Without daytime drowsiness, it helps relax muscles, increases the concentration of the neurotransmitters serotonin (the “happiness hormone”) and dopamine, boosts cognitive function, and supports brain health and the production of alpha brain waves that are associated with a calm, worry-free mind. In a 2016 double-blind placebo controlled study of thirty-four healthy adults presented with a multitasking cognitive stressor, researchers found: (1) subjective stress response was significantly reduced after one hour of L-theanine administration; and (2) cortisol response to the stressor was reduced three hours post-treatment.

Published studies indicate that doses of 200 - 400 mg for up to 8 weeks are safe to treat acute and chronic stress and anxiety. More studies are needed to confirm the presumed safety of its long-term use, especially for the liver.

3. L-Tyrosine: L-Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that is a precursor to the neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine (adrenaline), which regulate mood and stimulate metabolism. Substantial research has especially focused on tyrosine’s ability to prevent the decline in cognitive function in response to physical stress. While it’s adrenaline-producing activity seems to contradict tyrosine’s potential role as a relaxant, its dopamine production balances its norephinephrine production, yielding an alert, clear, uplifted but calm mind state. It may reduce stress and anxiety also by supporting the function of the adrenal and thyroid glands.

In some sensitive individuals, tyrosine’s fast action can cause rapid heart rate, hypertension, or anxiety, and should not be taken with thyroid medication

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without a practitioner’s guidance. If you are concerned, start with 200 mg/day on any empty stomach and work up to a level that manages your anxiety.

4. 5-HTP/L-Tryptophan: The onset of stress and anxiety has been traced to the depletion of brain levels of serotonin.

Supplementation with 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), or its precursor L-tryptophan, has proven to improve both mood and one’s sense of well-being by elevating serotonin, and reduce aggression.

It also appears to provide resilience to uncontrollable stress.

B-Complex B-Complex generally contains eight B vitamins, plus other related substances like choline and inositol (especially effective for stress/anxiety/sleep at doses of 500mg or more), and is available in multi-vitaminminerals, or separately in balanced 50mg or 100mg formulas. The B vitamins it contains include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin/niacinamide (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9), and methyl- or cyanocobalamin (B12).

Daily consumption of safe, watersoluble, B-Complex, especially in the cell-ready, coenzymated form, helps the body cope with periods of stress and anxiety by supporting the adrenal glands and nervous system. In a 2019 randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled (RDBPC) study of 66 college students, researchers found that a multi-vitamin-mineral supplement containing B vitamins significantly decreased anxiety symptoms. A 2017 study found that subjects with lower blood levels of vitamin B-12 were more likely to have anxiety or depression.

Herbs 1. Ashwaganda (withania somnifera): This Ayurvedic, adaptogenic herb safely enables the body to cope better on a daily basis with stress, anxiety, and mental and physical fatigue. In one 2012 RDBPC study of 64 chronically stressed subjects, researchers found that 300mg of Ashwaganda extract significantly reduced stress and serum cortisol levels and thereby improved quality of life. A 2008 study also proved that this standardized herb, in doses ranging from 125-500 mg/day, can lower pulse rate, blood pressure and cardiac risk, raise serum DHEA sulfate levels, and improve fasting blood glucose levels.

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2019

2. Echinacea angustifolia (Anxiocalm): This patented, clinically studied, safe strain of echinacea is intended to address mild anxiety, a risk factor for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. It does not interact with prescription medications and its benefits to adults and children over age 3 increase with continued daily use. It can also relieve anxiety-related symptoms, including nervous sweating, intestinal issues, muscle tension, and disrupted sleep.

3. Kava: Various extracts of this widely studied tropical herb have proven to demonstrate anti-anxiety effects similar to the prescriptions buspirone and opipramol, and to reduce anxiety in both peri- and postmenopausal women.

4. Lavender (Silexan® ): This ingestible lavender has been tested in several human studies that have demonstrated anxiolytic activity comparable to prescription drugs such as paroxetine and lorazepam, with fewer side effects.

5. Progesterone Cream (Natural Wild Yam): Women are more than twice as likely as men to feel anxiety, especially during PMS, perimenopause, and menopause. Although menopause doesn't typically occur until age 50 or later, many women can begin experiencing hormonal imbalance from decreasing progesterone levels even before their 30s, and it can continue into the 60s. By the time women reach perimenopause, their bodies may have lost as much as 75% or more of their progesterone secretion. According to Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP, only the restoration of hormonal balance can provide relief from menopausal anxiety and panic attacks. When applied properly, natural progesterone not only balances excess estrogen, a potential breast cancer risk, but is also used in the body to make adrenal hormones and needed estrogen or testosterone. Several studies have proven that natural progesterone cream combats anxiety, and it is considered to do so by acting on GABA receptors in the brain.

While normalizing hormone levels can be an integral part of managing anxiety disorders, it is also important to address the factors that cause hormonal imbalances (e.g., blood sugar dysregulation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and other disruptions in metabolic function).

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil) Based on their systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 clinical trials that included over 2000 participant from 11 countries, researchers recently determined that improvement in anxiety symptoms is associated with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid treatment.

Lifestyle Changes Lifestyle greatly impacts the body’s coping mechanisms. Specifically, diet modification, physical activity, relaxation techniques, getting adequate sleep, and staying connected to friends and family can be especially supportive. Daily dietary regimens that best protect the body against stress and anxiety exclude caffeine/stimulants, sugar, alcohol, food allergens, and tobacco, but include large quantities of water and organic vegetables, high-density protein, and soaked legumes and nuts. Clinical trials demonstrate that yoga and Tai Chi relax the body and mind, reduce heart rate, and improve mood, even after only 20 minutes. Other forms of daily aerobic exercise also greatly reduce stress and anxiety.

It is important to be well-informed about whether the above remedies could help your own condition, and to know especially whether they would interact with your medications. If you take an anti-anxiety drug but prefer to try a natural approach, consider asking your doctor to help you first lower the dose of your medication. Also consider seeking the guidance of a natural practitioner, and inform your doctor before terminating treatment with any anxiolytic.

The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, are for educational purposes only, and are not intended to take the place of a physician’s advice.

Submitted by Erika Dworkin, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®, Nutrition Consultant and Owner of the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe (860.646.8178), 378 Middle Turnpike West, Manchester, CT, www.cthealthshop.com), nutrition specialists trusted since 1956. Erika is available to speak to groups. All statements in this article are evidence-based and references are available upon request. See ad on page 3.

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27

7 Holistic Therapies for Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries

By Derrick Schull, ND

M

ild Traumatic Brain Injuries (mTBI's or sometimes called concussions) are an often-missed part of a patient's medical history. Things that people may not think twice about, such as walking into a door, that time they fell backwards on roller-blades when they were 12 (personal example), that fender bender where it seemed like no immediate damage or injury. There are countless ways that people hit their head or injure their brain. Unfortunately, our culture has largely ignored these types of injuries or considers them something you need to simply "walk off" and have no lasting impact. The truth is, these injuries can have

continued effects on the health of your entire body (and on those around you).

Could a Head Injury Be the Cause of Your Symptoms?

Are you wondering if a head injury from your past might be the cause of your symptoms today? Studies on the incidence of mTBI indicate there are approximately 600 per 100,000 people, per year, globally (42 million people worldwide); mild head injuries are extremely common.

Research has shown that there is a high incidence of chronic complaints (PostConcussion Syndrome - PCS) among those with as few as a single mTBI. There have

been measurable impairments in various cognitive domains including executive function, learning/memory, attention, processing speed, and language function; long after the initial injury.

Those at the highest risk for mTBI sequelae include those who participate in: American football, boxing, ice hockey, mixed martial arts, soccer, military service, and victims of domestic violence. However, recurring mTBI's can happen to anyone.

Symptoms of mTBI/ PCS: • headache • dizziness • fatigue • memory problems • trouble concentrating • sleeping problems • restlessness • irritability • apathy • depression • anxiety • personality changes

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2019

• sensitivity to noise and light

Does this sound like you? Do you have a history of an injury to the head, including whiplash injuries? If so, then it is possible your symptoms are a result of this past injury. You may want to consider seeing an expert who understands head injury for a full evaluation.

How Can One Resolve Chronic Symptoms of Head Injury?

1. Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS). This neurofeedback device analyzes brainwaves and mirrors them back to the brain, in its own language, so that it can identify how to self-correct. This treatment alone is capable of producing fast and profound changes in cases of head injury. By far, this is the best tool I have seen for restoring brain function after head injury.

2. Photonic Stimulation (laser therapy) is another amazing tool for restoring brain health. Light photons in the far infrared spectrum, when delivered with enough power and at the right frequency will penetrate into cellular mitochondria and stimulate their activity. The end result is an antioxidant cascade that protects cellular health, repairs damaged cells, and promotes the growth of new cells.

3. Physical Medicine such as Craniosacral Therapy is often essential as it can help re-align the bones of the skull that have shifted with the head injury. It improves blood flow and circulation of cerebral spinal fluid throughout the brain, leading to much quicker resolution of symptoms.

4. Dietary changes are essential to restoring gut problems that have persisted since injury. Eliminating inflammatory foods while simultaneously increasing antioxidants will have a big impact.

sary co-factors for producing these neurotransmitters can be very effective at alleviating symptoms.

7. Homeopathic remedies are an excellent tool for stimulating the body's self-regulating mechanisms. There are many appropriate remedies to use based on the specifics of a person's symptoms.

I do not recommend pursuing homeopathy on your own, rather, find a practitioner who uses homeopathy to identify the best remedy for your symptoms.

8. Herbal medicine is an easy to employ method for improving brain health.

Ginkgo biloba is well researched for improving blood flow to the brain.

Curcumin can help bring down inflammation for those still experiencing brain inflammation. Other herbs can be used to increase lymphatic drainage to assist in cerebral blood flow and detoxification of inflammatory compounds.

There are many methods that can be used in the recovering of mTBI. I highly recommend working with someone who is an expert in head injury to assist you in putting together a comprehensive treatment plan. Treating your symptoms holistically will always be the fastest and most complete route to a full recovery.

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5. Deep breathing techniques (like Buteyko breathing) increase oxygenation of blood and decrease CO2 levels in the body; an excellent practice for improving brain function.

6. Orthomolecular medicine is the use of high dose nutrient therapies to correct errors in biochemistry. For example, those who are depressed, unmotivated, lack energy, have a weak memory, and struggle with addiction since head injury are likely deficient in factors used to create dopamine, adrenaline, or opioids necessary for normal brain function.

Supplementing with amino acids such as D,L - Phenylalanine and the neces-

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29

Do You Have an Inflamed Brain?

By Adam Breiner, ND

M

ary, a 53-year-old working professional, came to my clinic complaining of memory and concentration problems, as well as gas and bloating. Scott, 48, had been feeling anxious and depressed and was in what he described as a state of "brain fog" for the past year, in addition to feeling muscle and joint pains. Tyler, a 15-year-old football player, had suffered a concussion several months ago, but his symptoms of headaches, insomnia, concentration, and memory problems have yet to resolve. What do all these patients have in common? The answer: an Inflamed Brain.

It seems that many neurological and psychological conditions are being discussed more and more these days. Whether it be depression, anxiety, insomnia, attention deficit disorders, autism, concussions, Alzheimer's Disease, or Parkinson's Disease; we see an increase in many of these conditions. While there are many complicated aspects and underlying causes for each of these conditions, neuroinflammation is a feature that they have in common.

Neurodegeneration Our brain is a very sophisticated organ that has specialized immune cells known as microglia. These microglia, which comprise about 10-15% of our brain cells, are in charge of cleaning up the central nervous system's environment. They dispose of cellular debris and dead neurons when damage or infection occurs.

As part of this process, they create inflammatory mediators, also known as cytokines, such as IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, as well as other mediators like proteases and Reactive Oxygen Species. You may think that this all sounds bad, but it is a natural process needed for healing and repair. If the process of healing and repair does not take place, then long-term issues such as neurodegeneration can result. When environmental toxins, like the pesticide Roundup, are coupled with deficiencies in essential minerals such as magnesium, sulfur, and zinc, as well as deficiencies in neuro-essential fatty acids, such as Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), they contribute to keeping the microglia in a proinflammatory state. Combine this proinflammatory state with a challenge to the brain, such as a head injury or an infection, and you have a dangerous scenario allowing brain inflammation to increase.

Brain Dysfunction We use an EEG baseline to see how different areas of the brain are communicating and if there is any dysregulation. Usually, the inflamed brain shows specific key biomarkers, such as increased Delta and Theta waves. Other brain wave patterns also give indications of brain dysfunction. We look further into the 30

Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2019

patient's case by trying to identify toxins, such as heavy metals and pesticides, as well as stealth infections such as Lyme disease.

In many cases, dysfunction in the gastrointestinal tract needs to be addressed. Dysbiosis, an imbalance in the GI bacteria, often leads to inflammation which travels along the Vagus nerve to the brain and further fans the flames of inflammation.

Treating an Inflamed Brain If you have an inflamed brain, what can be done? Many tools are available. The contributing factors in each case will determine which path to take. The first thing is something that everyone can work on right away, and that is sleep. The deepest stage of sleep is when Delta waves are most prominent. This is the anabolic or restorative state of sleep. It has recently been discovered that the brain has its own lymphatic system for clearing toxins and other inflammatory elements. It is during Delta sleep that this lymphatic cleaning system is most effective. When people are having trouble with sleep, we use certain neurotherapies, such as neurofeedback and transcranial stimulation, to calm the brain and achieve a better transition to sleep.

The second thing to address is proper nutrition and elimination of foods that may be causing systemic inflammation. Despite eating a low sugar diet, rich in organic vegetables, fruits, and good quality protein, you still may not be getting enough nutrients. This is where nutritional assessment testing is of value. Sophisticated diagnostic tests, such as the NutrEval® and the Oligoscan, help uncover nutrient deficiencies and guide us in supplementation and dietary recommendations. Also, blood testing to identify proinflammatory environmental and food sensitivities and allergies are essential.

We use other modalities to help our patients reduce inflammation in the brain. One of these, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), is one of the most potent and effective therapies available. The patient lays in a specialized chamber that is filled with 100% oxygen. The hyperbaric chamber is pressurized to allow oxygen to dissolve into every cell in higher concentrations than can be achieved by any other means. This pressurized oxygen signals all cells in the body, including the brain, to reduce inflammation and swelling and to upregulate repair. Likened to a special genetic therapy, over 8,000 genes are affected after just a one-hour session in a hyperbaric chamber. Many patients with everything from stroke, autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries, and Lyme Disease have benefitted from this remarkable therapy.

Intranasal PRP is another effective therapy to help reduce neuroinflammation. PRP combines platelet-rich plasma with insulin and other nutrients. This powerful combination of the patient's

blood-derived growth factors and other potent brain healing compounds can quickly dampen the fire of the inflamed brain and stimulate healing and regeneration of nerves and brain tissue.

Case Studies Several cases introduced at the beginning of the article had symptoms from an inflamed brain, but each needed a different approach to help put out the "fire."

When we first met Mary, she had been complaining of memory and concentration problems, as well as abdominal bloating.

She wanted to begin neurofeedback and our other neurotherapies right away. Mary's baseline EEG revealed patterns that indicated the need to do further testing to see what was affecting her overall metabolic state. Nutritional testing showed severe nutrient deficiencies. The Oligoscan test and EAV (Electroacupuncture According to Voll) screening showed that Mary had a high toxic metal load as well as increased pesticides and chemicals in her system. Finally, stool analysis revealed an overgrowth of Candida, a fungus, in her GI tract. We immediately placed Mary on a detoxification protocol that not only addressed her toxins but helped to clean up her gut. Targeted nutrients were given to her both orally and intravenously to help replenish her deficiencies. Within a short time, Mary had a significant reduction in her symptoms. After

her underlying problems were addressed, a customized Neurotherapy Protocol was created using neurofeedback and neurostimulation to improve Mary's cognition.

Scott, whose brain fog, anxiety and depression could have easily been written off as just an anxiety and depressive disorder, found no relief from the medications his psychiatrist had prescribed. When taking his detailed case history, however, it became apparent that Scott had more going on. As with Mary, we used EAV testing to help reveal some of the underlying issues Scott was dealing with. Signals for Lyme disease and other related infections showed up strongly for him. We did more sophisticated blood work which confirmed that he did have several tick-borne illnesses. These were the main causative agents of his inflamed brain. We came up with a plan to help him battle his infections and now he is symptom-free. (For more information about Lyme disease, and our Whole-Body Approach, please visit our website and watch the video series on Lyme disease).

Tyler's mother, Anne, was frustrated that she could not get more answers from his doctor. Tyler still suffered many crippling symptoms from the concussion he received during a football game earlier in the season. "Rest and wait," was all they would hear. Tyler's grades were suffering

and he suffered daily from the pain in his head. While the school was accommodating to his situation, Tyler just wanted to get back to feeling normal. When they finally came to our clinic, a baseline EEG imaging showed us exactly what areas of Tyler's brain were dysregulated and inflamed. A customized treatment plan included Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Neurotherapies, Intranasal PRP/Insulin, Cranial Osteopathy, as well as targeted nutraceuticals, was created for Tyler. Within just a few weeks, Tyler had his brain back!

Many things can contribute to neuroinflammation. Reducing as many contributing factors as possible will help make the brain more resilient, thereby reducing the chance of problems in the future. At our clinic, we strengthen and enhance our patient's cognitive function and brain health.

Dr. Adam Breiner practices naturopathic medicine at Whole-Body Medicine in Fairfield, CT. Patients from Connecticut and surrounding states seek his care for Lyme Disease, Brain Injuries, such as stroke,concussions, TBI, as well as enhanced Brain Performance. Visit the Neuroedge Brain Performance Center at www. wholebodymed.com or to schedule an appointment or a FREE consultation call 203.371.8258 ext. 2. See ad on page 16.

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31

Boost Your Brain Health

By Marie Mammone, ND

D

id you know that lifestyle habits that improve your overall health help to create a healthier brain? Growing evidence indicates that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle habits that help reduce inflammation. Decreasing inflammation in the brain helps promote neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This allows the neurons (nerve cells) to compensate for injury and disease or adjust their activities in response to new situations or changes in their environment.

What Causes Inflammation in Our Brains?

It may not surprise you to learn that stress of any kind can lead to inflammation not only in the body’s organs, but also in the brain.

Stress elevates the level of the hormone cortisol, leading to inflammation, which in turn creates hormone imbalances, cognitive impairment, heightened blood sugar levels, hypertension, and susceptibility to disease. The good news is that controlling stress levels reduces the release of cortisol, therefore decreasing inflammation.

How exactly do we reduce stress in the busy and taxing environments that most of us experience today? We can begin by adopting a healthy lifestyle through the natural paths to wellness including a healthy diet, daily movement, sufficient sleep, reflection /meditation, and a joyful heart. Adopting the healthy habits that these paths provide, thus giving the brain the ability to perform at its best, positions us well for well-being in body, mind, and spirit.

Healthy Diet The number one path to boosting brain health is eating a healthy and unprocessed diet (with support as necessary from supplements, herbs, and homeopathy) that includes healthy fats like extra-virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and diet high in antioxidantrich vegetables and fruits. These foods decrease inflammation and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

You may not be aware that there is a close connection between abnormal gut flora and abnormal brain development. Your gut is your "second brain," and your gut bacteria transmits information to your brain via the vagus nerve. Be mindful of your gut health because it impacts your brain function. Just as you have neurons in

32

Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2019

your brain, you also have neurons in your gut, including neurons that produce the neurotransmitters like the serotonin found in your brain. Your gut bacteria are an active and integrated part of your body. They are heavily dependent on your diet and vulnerable to your lifestyle. Consuming a lot of processed foods can severely compromise your gut bacteria because it destroys the healthy microflora that keeps your gut functioning well. Avoid sugar and processed foods, and eat meals of whole and traditionally fermented foods (like sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt), that are rich in naturally occurring good bacteria. Taking a probiotic supplement is another great addition to optimize your gut flora and subsequently support your brain’s health.

Beyond whole foods, recent research has bolstered the importance of Vitamin B12, B6 and folate in keeping your mind sharp as you age. These B-vitamins are also linked to heart health by keeping homocysteine levels low. Some top sources of B vitamins include meats, wild-caught seafood (salmon), poultry, eggs, dairy products, legumes, leafy greens, seeds and nuts.

Researchers have discovered that activated vitamin D receptors increase nerve growth in the brain. They have located metabolic pathways for vitamin D in the hippocampus and cerebellum, areas of the brain that are involved in planning, processing of information, and the formation of new memories. Although you can’t get this vitamin from food, appropriate sun exposure is all it takes to keep your levels where they need to be for healthy brain function. If, however, your sun exposure is limited because of your location or your lifestyle, taking a Vitamin D3 supplement may be needed.

Daily Movement Movement is a valuable part of any overall body wellness plan and is associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline. The body's self-healing mechanisms depend on unimpeded flow of lymph, blood, and other fluids, all of which are promoted by daily movement. Increasing the blood flow to your brain and body decreases inflammation while reducing potential dementia risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Choose whatever movement you desire and remember to practice it daily to keep the nutrients and blood flowing freely.

Adequate Sleep Restorative sleep plays a vital role in good health and well-being throughout your life. During sleep, your body is working to support healthy brain function and maintain your physical health. In addition to restoring the body at a cellular level, sleep allows the brain to form new pathways that help you learn, remember, and process information.

Getting six to eight hours of rest daily keeps your body and brain healthy and functioning at optimum levels.

Joyful Heart Every thought releases some type of chemical. With good thoughts, when you’re feeling happy or optimistic, cortisol decreases and the brain produces erotonin, creating a feeling of well-being.

Daily reflection, contemplation or meditation can promote positivity and peaceful thoughts that will help you find joy.

Dr. Marie Mammone is a Connecticut Licensed and Board Certified Naturopathic Doctor practicing at the Naturopathic and Acupuncture Health Center in Wethersfield, CT for over 19 years. She welcomes working with her clients to maintain and regain their health using her knowledge of a variety of therapies including clinical nutrition, botanicals, homeopathy, acupuncture and much more. For more information, please call today at 860.529.1200 or read more at www.NAHcenter.com.

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HAPPENINGS

November/December 2019

Friday, November 1st

Saturday, November 9th

Wednesday, November 13th

Trance Channel and Healing Intensive Group with Priscilla Bengtson. 10–11:30am. $100 (four consecutive Fridays). Each session we will get into a trance state and explore how closely your team of control energies wish to work with you. This is a safe environment for you to explore how far you are willing to allow spirits to work with you. Contact instructor for pre-requisite skills. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Psychic Saturday. 10am–4pm. $25 for a 20-minute reading/$50 for a 40-minute reading. Receive a private reading to connect you to guidance from your angels, spirit guides and loved ones. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To pre-schedule an appointment, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

Healing in Harmony Night. 5–7pm. FREE. Participants will sit individually with a healer and receive a 10–12-minute healing. No reservation required.

The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. For more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

Rainbow Reiki First Degree. Also 11/10. 9am– 6pm both days. $400. Learn how to give a whole body treatment that simultaneously sends Reiki and other healing energies for 20 minutes to all areas of the body. Learn over 100 healing songs targeted for specific healing needs, how to heal in the aura, open and balance chakras, do soul retrieval and mental healing, heal with the Medicine Buddha and Chakra Energy Cards, plus much more. Receive a comprehensive manual and Rainbow Reiki Practitioner Certificate. Glastonbury. Marie Marchesseault reikimarie@gmail.com 860.933.4349 www.facebook.com/rejuvenatingreiki www.reikirejuvenation.massageplanet.com

Rewriting the Holiday Blues Ritual with Dan Lupacchino. 7–8:15pm. $25. Join Dan for a ritual to help rewrite the scripts of the dreaded holiday blues, release what no longer serves to heal old wounds, and empower yourself to be able to celebrate and enjoy the holiday’s in way that you create. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, November 2nd Marconics Level 1 Practitioner & Certification Training. Also, 11/3.

9:30am–5 pm. This 2-day certification class is offered by Marconics Teacher Practitioners Julie Oakes, Stephanie Patrick & Aaron Nebbia. Begin your Journey back to SOURCE. $450. Quantum Recalibration appointments are also available for $333. New Morning Market, 129 Main St. N., Woodbury. To register visit: www.marconics. com/level_1_woodbury_ct.html. Please contact 203.533.9633 or email SNETeachers@marconics. com with questions.

Sunday, November 3rd Reiki I with Christine Cartwright. 9am–5pm. $160. 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. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Tuesday, November 5th What are Rune Stones with Melissa Rossman.

7–8pm. $25. Experiencing the “Old Norse” approach to divination, the rune stones will help to clarify changes in your life, what is needed to achieve your goals, obstacles that may hinder you, and what will challenge you. Explore the meanings of the stones, where they came from and how to use them in your divine path. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, November 6th Holiday Meal Alternatives with Priscilla Bengtson.

7–8:30pm. $45. Food is a memory and Priscilla will show you how to create your holiday dinner with some heathier choices. You’ll learn how to make it, get to taste it and take home the recipes.

Class size is limited. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury.

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

Friday, November 8th So you want to be a Medium? with Priscilla Bengtson.

6:30–9:30pm. $65. 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. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

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Sunday, November 10th Integrated Energy Therapy (IET®) Advanced with Christine Cartwright and Dan Lupacchino.

9:30am–6pm. $230. The Advanced training includes attunement to the Advanced IET® energy ray which unlocks the 5th DNA pair and activates the energy of your soul's purpose; the ability to do a "Soul Star" clearing to activate your soul's purpose; use of the Heartnet process to manifest your dreams. Fully illustrated training guide and certificate provided.

Pre-requisite: IET Basic and Intermediate. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Women’s Empowerment Meditation.

10am–Noon. $25. 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. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Tuesday, November 12th Private Crystal Bed and Crystal Bowls Sound Healing sessions with Priscilla Gale. 5–8p.m. $100. Once the crystal wands are turned on, Priscilla plays crystal bowls that have been placed strategically around the room, with an emphasis on the 4th and 5th chakra bowls. Heal at the cellular level and walk away refreshed and renewed. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To schedule your session, please call Priscilla Gale at 978.897.8846.

Full Moon Sound Healing Meditation with Reiki and Essential Oils with Priscilla Bengtson and Dan Lupacchino. 7–8:15pm. $35. The use of Himalayan Singing Bowls, vibrationally attuned to each energy center, allows for healing pathways to open and stuck energy to be released. Dan will introduce an essential oil and offer Reiki throughout the session. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

Natural NaturalNutmeg Nutmeg--November/December November/December2019 2019

Thursday, November 14th

Sunday, November 17th Expressions of Faith Spiritual Service with Rev. Karen Ellis. 9:30–10:30am. Love donations accepted. Rev. Karen will offer an inspirational talk, along with delivery of messages from the other side. If you are seeking a new expression of your faith, join us. Join in at 10:30am. for a hands-on Healing Service. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury.

For more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Monday, November 18th Christmas Tree Seances with Warren Caylor.

Also, 11/19 & 20. 7pm. (arrive by 6:30pm.), $100, plus bring a toy. Part Physical Mediumship Séance, part charity but totally a fun and rewarding experience. Like a typical Warren séance, levitation, materialization and ectoplasm may occur. However, the children in Spirit like to play too and they will delight you with their experience playing with the toys during the session. A session like no other and we donate the toys to a charity for holiday distribution. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. For more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Thursday, November 21st Trance Workshop with Warren Caylor.

6:30–9pm. $70. Experience Physical Mediumship at its best as Warren brings his knowledge and experience of Mental and Physical Mediumship to the class. Experience trance state and working in a cabinet and how it feels to have Spirit so close. Sir Winston Churchill will also make an appearance through Warren while in trance. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Know It In Your Gut. 7–8:30pm. Dr. Carissa Fioritto will discuss the modern approaches to gut healing.

She will talk about how the naturopathic method improves gut health and solves various common digestive ailments. Collaborative Natural Health Partners, LLC, Manchester. Hosted at Welles-Turner Memorial Library - Friends Room, 2407 Main St., Glastonbury, CT. Sponsored by Alliance for Holistic Living. FREE. Non-perishable food item requested.

Friday, November 22nd Sound Healing Meditation with Reiki and Essential Oils with Priscilla Bengtson and Christine Cartwright. 7–8:15pm. $35. The use of Himalayan Singing Bowls, vibrationally attuned to each energy center, allows for healing pathways to open and stuck energy to be released. Christine will introduce an essential oil and offer Reiki throughout the session. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury.

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

Saturday, November 23rd Meeting the Angels. Also 11/24. 9am–5pm both days. $350. Meet the angels of the Nine Angelic Orders and four central Archangels. Learn their specific gifts and how to come into intimate contact with them to do spiritual energy work and heal. Learn how to create Angel Altars and dedicate them for special purposes. Discover special angel symbols and healing songs, and learn how to perform Angel rituals and meditations, create personal amulets. Receive a comprehensive manual and Angel Practitioner Certificate. Glastonbury, CT. Marie Marchesseault reikimarie@gmail.com 860.933.4349. facebook.com/rejuvenatingreiki www.reikirejuvenation.massageplanet.com

Tuesday, November 26th Mediumship Mentorship with Priscilla Bengtson.

7–8:30pm. $35. You’ve taken the classes and you still don’t feel confident in your Mediumship readings. These sessions are designed to help you gain confidence in your readings, enhance your Mediumship training and receive personal feedback from an experienced Medium and teacher. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, November 27th Home Message Circle with Priscilla Bengtson.

7–8:30pm. $20. 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. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

Friday, November 29th Sound Healing Meditation with Priscilla Bengtson.

10–11:15am. $25. The use of Himalayan Singing Bowls, vibrationally attuned to each energy center, allows for healing pathways to open and stuck energy to be released. Find your inner calm and walk away feeling refreshed and renewed. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury.

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

Saturday, November 30th Crystal Bowl and Crystal Bed Concert with Priscilla Gale. 6:30–8:30pm. $25, or $35 for time on the Crystal Bed. Relax to the soothing sounds of the Crystal Singing Bowls as you let go of the stresses of life. Calm your mind and find peace as the gentle sounds bring your body and mind to a state of balance. If you would like to experience the Crystal Bed during the session, nine spots are available at the premium rate. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Sunday, December 1st Women’s Empowerment Meditation. 10am–Noon. $25. 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. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

Reiki II with Christine Cartwright. 9am–5pm. $160. Receive attunements to higher frequencies of universal energy and enhance your healing work.

Learn how to do distance healing, as well as heal mental, emotional and past life issues. Participants receive a manual and certificate. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury.

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

Tuesday, December 3rd Discover the Power of Working with Runes with Melissa Rossman. 7–8pm. $25. See how the past has influenced life, know more about current situations, and gain insight into the future. Learn to be accurate every time as you connect with the rune stones and through the symbol’s “words” on the stones, gain awareness into your own life or those you read for. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, December 4th PRAY with Priscilla Bengtson. 7–8:30pm. $35.

Would you like to pray and either can’t find the words or just don’t know how? Explore what prayer is, how to use it and how to do it for yourself and others. We’ll finish the evening by Praying in Color, a prayer form that opens your creative channels by using simple drawing shapes and writing. No drawing ability needed…just an open heart and mind. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

Friday, December 6th Foot Reading 101 with Sam Belyea.

7–9pm. $45. Foot Reading is the art and science of assessing the visual, textural and walking patterns on the feet. By learning the basic Reflexology zones and overlaying mental/emotional meanings on top of the physical reflexes, anyone can add Foot Reading to their toolkit. Join Sam Belyea, author of the internally acclaimed book Foot Reading: A Reflexology Primer on Foot Assessment, for a night of insightful fun and walk away with a valuable skill. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury.

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

Saturday, December 7th Medical Astrology for Health with Sam Belyea.

9am–5pm. $175. The zodiac signs represent the body’s various organ systems and the planets show us what energies are naturally present within those systems at birth. By learning to decode the stars, we gain a new window to look at our own health con-

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HAPPENINGS

November/December 2019

cerns as well as how to remediate them. During this course, Sam will cover the twelve-sign zodiac, the seven major planets that influence health, aspects between those planets and an introduction to planetary transits. Each student will receive a free copy of their birth chart in addition to helpful cheat sheets that will make astrological study easier (provide birth date, exact birth time and location needed). The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, December 11th

Sunday, December 15th

Sound Healing Meditation with Priscilla Bengtson.

10–11:15am. $25. The use of Himalayan Singing Bowls, vibrationally attuned to each energy center, allows for healing pathways to open and stuck energy to be released. Find your inner calm and walk away feeling refreshed and renewed. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Sunday, December 8th

Full Moon Sound Healing Meditation with Reiki and Essential Oils with Priscilla Bengtson and Dan Lupacchino. 7–8:15pm. $35 The use of Himalayan Singing Bowls, vibrationally attuned to each energy center, allows for healing pathways to open and stuck energy to be released. Dan will introduce an essential oil and offer Reiki throughout the session. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

Expressions of Faith Spiritual Service with Rev. Karen Ellis. 9:30–10:30am. Love donations accepted. Rev. Karen will offer an inspirational talk, along with delivery of messages from the other side. If you are seeking a new expression of your faith, join us. Join in at 10:30 a.m. for a hands-on Healing Service. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. For more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

Reflexology Intensive with Sam Belyea.

9am–5pm. $175. Learn how to perform a one-hour Foot Reflexology session, the nuances of reflex locations, how to save your hands from hurting while giving the work and receive a full session during the class to soak in the modality from a client’s perspective. Sam will blend in the manual techniques with Foot Reading instruction to enhance the learning experience, making it perfect for all levels. This class is open to bodyworkers and non-bodyworkers alike, but please note that your local laws may require licensure/certification to practice. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Tuesday, December 10th Private Crystal Bed and Crystal Bowls Sound Healing sessions with Priscilla Gale. 5–8pm. $100. Once the crystal wands are turned on, Priscilla plays crystal bowls that have been placed strategically around the room, with an emphasis on the 4th and 5th chakra bowls. Heal at the cellular level and walk away refreshed and renewed. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To schedule your session, please call Priscilla Gale at 978.897.8846.

Healthier Holiday Desserts with Priscilla Bengtson. 7–8:30pm. $45. Staying Healthier through the Holidays is our mission and Priscilla has some great ideas for healthier holiday dessert options. See how they are made, taste them and take home the recipes. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

Friday, December 13th Meet your Angels and Guides with Priscilla Bengtson. 6:30–9:30pm. $65. 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. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, December 14th Holiday Open House, Craft Fair and Psychic Saturday. 10am–4pm. Readings, 20-minutes/$25. Join us in fellowship for our Open House and Craft Fair and while you are here, receive a private reading to connect you to guidance from your angels, spirit guides and loved ones. Check the web site for Readers and Vendors. Pre-scheduling is highly recommended. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To preschedule an appointment, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Our Practitioners Naturopathic Doctor (ND) Dr. Ann Aresco Dr. Jennifer C. Pierre Dr. Cora Stover Dr. Joseph Johnson Dr. Christie Morelli Martin Opoku MD ND Acupuncture Traver Garrity, MS, L.Ac. Counseling James Osborne, MS, LPC, BCPC

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Natural NaturalNutmeg Nutmeg--November/December November/December2019 2019

Wednesday, December 18th Mediumship Mentorship with Priscilla Bengtson.

7–8:30pm. $35. You’ve taken the classes and you still don’t feel confident in your Mediumship readings. These sessions are designed to help you gain confidence in your readings, enhance your Mediumship training and receive personal feedback from an experienced Medium and teacher. Class size is limited so that each person can receive the guidance they need. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

Friday, December 20th Winter Solstice Essential Oil Meditation with Dan Lupacchino. 7–8:15pm. $25. Explore and celebrate the Winter Solstice in this powerful essential oil meditation. Connecting to the Spirits of Birch and Fir offers deep healing and vitality, carrying us through the winter season as we usher in the return of light.

Scented items will be used in this session. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, December 21st Sound Healing Meditation with Priscilla Bengtson.

10–11:15am. $25. The use of Himalayan Singing Bowls, vibrationally attuned to each energy center, allows for healing pathways to open and stuck energy to be released. Find your inner calm and walk away feeling refreshed and renewed. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury.

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

Friday, December 27th Sound Healing Meditation with Reiki and Essential Oils with Priscilla Bengtson and Christine Cartwright. 7–8:15pm. $35. The use of Himalayan Singing Bowls, vibrationally attuned to each energy center, allows for healing pathways to open and stuck energy to be released. Christine will introduce an essential oil and offer Reiki throughout the session. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

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HOLISTIC CENTERS Bridge Healing Arts Center 304 Main Street, Farmington, CT 06032 860.404.2578 • BridgeHAC@aol.com www.BridgeHAC.com See ad on page 43.

HOLISTIC PSYCHIATRY David London, MD 544 Riverside Avenue, Westport, CT 06880 Ph: 203.557.6574 Fax: 860.973.1655 567 Vauxhall St. Ext, #218, Waterford, CT 06385 Ph: 860.443.5822 Fax: 860.444.0581 davidlondonmd.com

HYPNOSIS Diane Bahr-Groth, C. Hy., TFT, Dir. 1177 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT. 203.595.0110 • mindbodytransformation.com See ad on page 18.

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

Michele P. Rousseau, MA, CH 267 William Street, Middletown, CT 06457 860.704.9054 • mprousseau@sbcglobal.net www.micheleprousseau.com

INTEGRATED MEDICINE Collaborative Natural Health Partners Kate Zachau, DO, Julia Vitali, DO, Brad Brooks, DO, Amy Smith-Bassett, nurse practioner 315 E. Center St., Manchester, CT 06040 860.533.0179 • www.ctnaturalhhealth.com See ad on page 24.

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NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE Collaborative Natural Health Partners Dr. Lauren Young, Dr. Ashley Burkman, Dr. Tonya Pasternak, Dr Craig Fasullo, Dr. Carolina Padilla, ND, Dr. Carissa Fioritto, ND 315 E. Center St., Manchester, CT 06040 860.533.0179 • www.ctnaturalhhealth.com Other locations: 107 Wilcox Road, Ste 103, Stonington, CT 06378 74 Park Road, West Hartford, CT 06119 See ad on page 24.

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www.NaturalNutmeg.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com 37 37

Essential Louisville

W

elcome to Bourbon City! I was excited to find that Louisville, Kentucky is one of the most unique and authentic destinations in the US. Louisville is a city that combines heritage with innovation, authenticity with originality and quirkiness with friendliness in true Southern style. Bourbon literally made Louisville what it is today and there certainly is a Bourbon rage happening here in Kentucky and across the country. So much so that you can’t even get your hands on certain elusive bottles, even at the distilleries themselves. More on that later. We happened to be visiting the weekend after the Kentucky Derby, which means we missed the insane crowds, however, there was a lot of Bourbon needing to be restocked!

We stayed at what I would consider THE most unique and quirky hotel downtown – the 21c Museum Hotel (https:// www.21cmuseumhotels.com/louisville). It starts with an encounter with a double-size replica of David (yes, THE David by Michelangelo). Just look up when you arrive at 7th and Main St – you literally can’t miss it. The 21c Museum Hotel is a multi-venue contemporary art museum, an award-winning 91-room boutique hotel, and home to acclaimed Proof on Main restaurant. And an iconic Red Penguin, well actually multiple Red Penguins throughout the hotel.

It’s an Art at the 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2019

There are lots of reasons people open hotels: to make money, to have fun, to satisfy their egos. Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson, the owners of the 90-room 21c Museum Hotel, had a different motive: to introduce the world to their vast contemporary art collection and their beloved city of Louisville at the same time. North America’s only museum dedicated solely to art in the 21st century, 21c has 9,000 square feet of gallery space that is free and open to the public 24/7. Art is so essential at 21c that the museum hosts rotating concerts, screenings and even Yoga with Art classes. Re-purposing the former home of a series of 19th-century warehouses; architecture and interiors firm Deborah Berke Partners designed 21c Louisville to reflect both its historical bones and its contemporary new life. The rooms are exquisite and spacious with high ceilings and large windows. Some even feature original historic features such as exposed brick walls, and all are outfitted with custom-designed furniture, luxurious beds and bedding, plush robes, and Malin + Goetz bath amenities – my favorite! You even get your own personal rubber ducky.

Angel’s Envy – relatively one of the newest distilleries launched in 2013, which has a unique take on barrel aging in port wine and rum barrels. You could definitely taste the difference!

There’s even an exhibit in the onsite restaurant, Proof on Main. Through partnerships with Woodland Farm and regional artisan producers, Proof highlights the bounty of the Ohio River Valley. The bar is a local favorite and has a bourbon list long enough to be called the Bourbon Library. Don’t miss the specialties on the cured meat menu, which features ultraauthentic local specialties like Kentucky country ham and pork jowl terrine alongside standards including Tuscan salami.

Fantastic cocktails and fresh, seasonal food – you can’t go wrong.

Louisville has become quite the foodie destination. The best meal we had was at Fork & Barrel (https://www.bethefork. com). Chef Geoffrey Heyde whips up some amazing treats – everything we had was fantastic, from the crispy pork belly to the Brussels sprouts with strawberries and marcona almonds to the red wine braised beef short rib with potato gnocchi and sautéed carrots. Also, don’t miss Mussel & Burger bar (https://www.mussel-burger-bar.com) – the most amazing PEI mussels I’ve ever had – yes, in Kentucky. Louvino (https://louvino. com) in Highlands is also a great spot for small plates.

For the city’s best nightlife, head to Bardstown Road or Frankfort Rd. There you’ll find quirky bars, cafés and music venues that have nurtured many of the great Louisville bands through the years.

We hit the Silver Dollar (http://www. whiskeybythedrink.com) - spinning vinyl

and offering a great selection of bourbon, Nouvelle (https://www.nouvellewine.com) - lovely wine bar with outdoor seating in a cozy garden, 8Up Rooftop (https:// www.8uplouisville.com) - stunning views and great cocktails, Stevie Ray’s (http:// www.stevieraysbluesbar.com) - live blues, and the Holy Grale (https://holygralelouisville.com) - best beer selection around and how many times do you actually get to drink in a church.

And of course – the legendary Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Eight distilleries make up the trail and all are open for tours.

From famed Maker’s Mark and Jim Beam to lesser-known Tom Moore and Heaven Hill, these distilleries make 95 percent of Kentucky’s bourbon, and all are close to the city; you might want to spring for a car and driver for the day. We also visited

Lastly, it wouldn’t be a complete trip if you didn’t visit horse country and the legendary Claiborne Farm (http://claibornefarm.com), where 6 of the 13 Triple Crown winners have been foaled. We experienced an amazing tour (Rodeo our tour guide was informative and a hoot) and were able to pet and feed 3-4 current stallions including 2013 Kentucky Derby winner Orb! I actually bet on him and won that year!

In addition, you don’t want to miss a visit to the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center (https://www.secretariatcenter.org), an amazing facility dedicated to reschooling and matching former racehorses to new homes in suitable second careers. Founded in 2004, the MMSC uses its illustrious location to herald the athleticism of this beautiful breed by teaching new skill sets to horses of all levels of ability using the Horse Centered Reschooling ProgramSM. In this program, developed by MMSC Director Susanna Thomas, retired racehorses emerge to become ambassadors for racehorses in new careers.

Louisville is without a doubt an entirely different type of Southern. From boundary pushing twists on Southern cuisine that have made it one of the “10 Best New Food Cities” in America to the one and only Urban Bourbon Experience™, featuring the world’s only, city-wide trail filled with award-winning micro-distilleries, exhibits and craft cocktail destinations, it’s a destination not to be missed.

Submitted by Dr. Diane Hayden.

For more information, https:// www.21cmuseumhotels.com/louisville 21C Museum Hotel | 700 West Main Street | Louisville, KY. 502.217.6300

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39

Essential Louisville

Comfort with a Splash of Bourbon at the Chateau Bourbon Luxury B&B in Louisville

T

he first thing I saw walking into my suite at Chateau Bourbon Luxury B&B is a pillow inscribed with the quote, “I dream of shiplap walls, chippy paint, subway tile, farmhouse sinks and barn doors.” I grew up in Avon when it was more farms than box stores, and back then I couldn’t wait to get to the big city. But little by little, I’m realizing that I do dream of shiplap walls and farmhouse sinks! Don’t get me wrong – I still love the energy of cities – but after a few days, I’ve had my fill.

Chateau Bourbon Luxury B&B has the best of both worlds. It’s the perfect choice for travelers seeking upscale accommodations in a down-home atmosphere. Located in the heart of Norton Commons, Louisville’s most unique and vibrant walkable community, you can ‘park & walk’ during your stay with everything you need just beyond their doorstep. It’s an actual thing called New Urbanism. And just 10 miles from downtown Louisville, you’re only minutes from everything the big city has to offer.

Owners Missy and John Hillock designed and constructed the bed and breakfast with every comfort and convenience in mind.

After years of traveling, the couple knew exactly what they wanted to create. Taking standards from traditional 5-star hotels, unique accommodations and adding their personal touches, Missy and John have created an unforgettable guest experience. It doesn’t hurt that Missy loves to cook and decorate and John is a fantastic handyman – so their skillsets were a perfect fit to own a bed and breakfast. Missy and John both exude genuine hospitality, impeccable attention to detail and down-home southern charm. They’re people you immediately want to be friends with. They show you what southern hospitality is all about with their amazing breakfasts to the evening bourbon cocktail hour – more on that later.

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2019

Chateau Bourbon is a 100% chemical-free and allergen-free property. They use all-natural, eco-friendly cleaning mixtures primarily consisting of water and ingredients such as vinegar and baking soda. I was interested to learn that they use Norwex cleaning products throughout the inn. The global mission of Norwex is to, “improve quality of life by radically reducing the number of chemicals in the home.”

We stayed in the Angel’s Share suite – a magnificent 2nd floor suite featuring a king-sized bed, spacious sitting area, soaking tub, oversized tiled rain shower (seriously, you could have a party in there), deluxe linens, towels, and spa robes. In addition, there’s a cozy, private balcony overlooking the town center of Norton Commons. Each suite is individually zoned for air/heat so you can set the temperature to your comfort level. They’ve even added a guest pantry with complimentary snacks, and a fridge, microwave, ice maker, and glassware. Six porches/patios allow guests to access the outdoors from nearly any room at the inn, including each of the guest suites.

But let’s get to the food! I hope you’re hungry because their 3-course southern breakfast is sure to get your day off to a fantastic start. Using only the freshest, high-quality ingredients, many of which are produced locally in Kentucky, everything is prepared from scratch.

Who says you can’t drink your bourbon and eat it too? I loved how Missy incorporated bourbon into many of the house specialty dishes, from homemade bourbon granola to bourbon caramel sauce to bourbon-infused sweet dishes.

Our first course was their signature Bourbon granola, served with a choice of yogurt, milk, or almond milk and topped with drunken cherries. The second course was egg cups in thinly sliced prosciutto over grits with fresh melon. The third course was French toast with bananas and drizzled with caramel and butter-bourbon maple syrup. It sounds like a lot of food – but I was pleasantly surprised to see that the portions were small and you didn’t leave the table feeling stuffed at all!

I was also looking forward to the bourbon happy hour! As avid bourbon drinkers, John and Missy happily mix you up a refreshing bourbon cocktail each night. Whether it's a classic bourbon drink such as a Manhattan or Old Fashioned, or a more creative use of bourbon and ingredients such as fresh herbs, fruit, or homemade mixtures, it'll quench your bourbon thirst. We enjoyed the Kentucky Mule – which is essentially a Moscow mule using bourbon. The happy hour includes a sweet treat and we enjoyed a delicious mint julep ice cream.

It was an absolute delight to be able to stay at Chateau Bourbon Luxury B&B. Out of all of the wonderful places we’ve stayed, this is in my top 5. Missy and John’s attention to detail is world class and it’s so obvious to see their passion, hospitality and genuine care for everyone that walks through their doors. We can’t wait to come back!

Submitted by Dr. Diane Hayden. Chateau Bourbon Luxury B&B is an official partner of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Member of Select Registry Distinguished Inns of North America, #1 Travelerrated B&B in Kentucky on Trip Advisor and has received all 5-star reviews on Trip Advisor, Yelp, and Facebook. For more information, visit https://www.chateaubourbon.com. Chateau Bourbon Luxury B&B | 10630 Meeting St. | Prospect, KY. 502.290.6553.

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Soul nature and your human nature all working together to resolve your suffering.

Yet, 'Grace must be Allowed' - uh oh, that means that you must be willing to accept Grace in your life.

Is Suffering an Option?

By Robin Clare

T

he question in the title is one that I have pondered over the course of my spiritual journey. The great spiritual masters have shared that 'Suffering is an Option' and lately, I have discovered that Suffering is NOT an Option for those who are working diligently to reach the pinnacle of their spiritual journey. This sounds like a contradiction but in reality, it is not. 'Suffering is an Option' means that you have a choice to suffer. Pain is inevitable because you can struggle in your mind or body or spirit or emotions but suffering from the pain is a choice. Pain and suffering are two totally different ways of being. It is hard to accept that 'Suffering is an Option.'

In my upcoming book, Feast and Famine, Healing Addiction with Grace, I reveal there is only one addiction on this planet and that is to suffer. Once you are caught in the grip of suffering, you must choose at least one nasty tool or debilitating habit to perpetuate the suffering. Alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, social media, porn, food,

sugar, gambling, staying in bad relationships and staying at a job you hate are some of the most popular habits/tools that you can engage with to stay in the grips of suffering.

There may be secondary physical or emotional addictions as a result of the habits/ tools you choose.

The first level or true addiction is to suffer. The key to moving beyond suffering is to discover what is causing you so much discomfort or pain. You must surrender your suffering. Therefore, Surrender is Required.

Sounds easy, right? True surrender only happens when you are truly done with your suffering and not just complaining. Why would you hold on to suffering? It’s easier to suffer then to be committed to wellness. It gets you a lot of attention – maybe negative attention but attention, nonetheless. It’s really all you know and the idea of being happy, joyful, peaceful and abundant seems like someone else’s life, not yours.

What if with every fiber of your being, you surrendered by declaring to your Divine, “I am so done with suffering, I will do anything that is required to heal my ALL CRE CREATURES life, please help me.”? In HOLISTIC HEALTH surrender, there are two THE NATURAL CHOICE FOR events that will happen YOUR PETS HEALTH & WELL BEING almost simultaneously.

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42

Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2019

The second is that the solutions you need to help you heal from your pain and your suffering will begin to arrive. This step is called 'Grace must be Allowed.' Grace is defined as the alignment of your Divine support, your

Why would you not allow Grace into your life? Maybe you gave a good exasperated surrender cry and the Divine believed you. But do you believe in yourself? Do you believe that you have what it takes to have a life where 'Pain is Inevitable,' but 'Suffering is NOT an Option?'

There is a not so subtle nuance between 'Suffering is an Option' and 'Suffering is NOT an Option.' In 'Suffering is an Option,' you have a choice to suffer. In 'Suffering is NOT an Option,' the choice to suffer is no longer available to you. Here is how this would play out in life: A. When 'Suffering is an Option' you can allow the Divine Grace to guide your life to help you relieve your pain and your suffering. You would all agree that sounds lovely and a far cry from suffering. Yet, you can still give up on yourself and choose suffering as a future option.

B. When 'Suffering is NOT an Option' you can allow the Divine Grace to guide your life to help you relieve your pain and your suffering. With this option, you can no longer give up on yourself and you can no longer choose suffering as a future option.

In Option B, you are choosing a life of no longer suffering because you know that your Divine has your back and that your Soul will guide your Human to a life of joy, peace, love and abundance. Are you ready to choose a life where 'Suffering is NOT an Option?' Let’s talk about your unique journey by clicking on https://my.timetrade. com/book/G2QDK to set up a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL 30-minute Discovery Call with me and we will explore together!

Robin Clare is the creator of the Divine Freedom Formula™, a three-tier approach to fulfilling your Soul Mission across your personal, professional and community life. Robin is an experienced corporate MBA, non-profit administrator and holistic entrepreneur. Robin won 10Best in Natural Nutmeg’s Readers Poll for BOTH Life/Business Coach and Energy Healer. She is the author of Messiah Within and the Amazon Best Selling spiritual book, The Divine Keys and her upcoming book, Feast & Famine. www.clare-ity.com or call 860 232 3331.

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