Natural Nutmeg December 2014

December 2014

Natural Nutmeg Connecticut's Resource For Essential Living

Of Words The Power

Bernie Siegel, MD

Is Your Depression Coming From Inside or Outside Your Body?

Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD

A How To Guide For Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Jean Ohliger, APRN Cozy Green Gift Ideas Christine Chamberlin Replace Holiday Distress...

With Holiday De-Stress Melissa Martin Wallace

I’ll Drink to That!

The Benefits of Winter Beverages Vicki Kobliner, MS, RD, CD-N www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Natural Nutmeg - December 2014

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378 West Middle Tpke, Manchester, CT Mon - Sat 8am - 9pm / Sun 9am - 6pm 860.646.8178 • www.cthealthshop.com Michael Dworkin, PD, CCN Available for Consultation Registered Pharmacist CT Certified Clinical Nutritionist

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Featured Content

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Is Your Depression Coming From Inside or Outside Your Body?

Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD 12

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.

A How To Guide For Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Jean Ohliger, APRN 22

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Cozy Green Gift Ideas Christine Chamberlin 28 Replace Holiday Distress...

With Holiday De-Stress Melissa Martin Wallace 33 I’ll Drink to That!

The Benefits of Winter Beverages Vicki Kobliner, MS, RD, CD-N 37

DIR. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Christopher Urso Curso@naturalnutmeg.com

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The BUZZ 6 PREVENTION 8

INSPIRE 30 HAPPENINGS 37 RESOURCES 41 4

Natural Nutmeg - December 2014

ADVISORY BOARD Ann Aresco, N.D. Deanna M. Cherrone, MD Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. (Pend.)

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

FFC - Tom Cossuto, Man In Motion, LLC

BERNIE 10

SELF 29

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deb Percival Deb@naturalnutmeg.com ADVERTISING Dan Yevin Dan@naturalnutmeg.com

Departments

DOCTORS NOTES 16

PUBLISHERS Dr. Diane Hindman Chris Hindman Publisher@naturalnutmeg.com

Natural Nutmeg Magazine

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

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

Natural Nutmeg is a free publication supported solely by our advertisers and distributed throughout Connecticut. Please call for a location near you. (860) 206-9500 or email to publisher@naturalnutmeg.com. © 2007-14 by Natural Nutmeg, LLC. All rights reserved.

Parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that permission be obtained in writing. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your feedback.

PUBLISHER'SLETTER

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an you believe we are almost at the end of 2014? Did this year fly by or what? And now as we enter the holiday season, I hope you all can take some time to review, reflect and celebrate all that you accomplished in the past year. Try to take some time for yourself amidst the holiday parties and celebrations, gift shopping and cooking! Reflect on the past year and ask yourself: what were your successes, your challenges, your surprises and most of all what do you have to be thankful for? You made it through another year and now is the time to celebrate and reward yourself for all of your hard work.

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

The money we didn’t make, the weight we didn’t lose, the relationship we didn’t find. But in order to truly master the art of manifestation and send a message out to the Universe to bring us what we want, we must first be thankful for what we have. Try and focus on what you did achieve and receive this year and most importantly, reward yourself for it! Rewards are positive reinforcements that make you feel good about your achievements, the price you paid for that achievement, and they reinforce the behavior and attitudes that led to those achievements. Don’t let your achievements during the past year and the feelings of victory evaporate without some kind of reward and recognition. This is an essential part of the combination for success.

Rewards can be extravagant or they can be simple. Treat yourself to a day at the spa or block a half day out of your schedule to get outdoors and enjoy our beautiful nature areas.

Take a weekend getaway with your spouse or a friend or plan a staycation and enjoy all that this state has to offer (great hiking, adventure parks, wine trails and farm-to-table restaurants). Go on a shopping spree and revamp your wardrobe or just clean out your closets, donate what you’re not wearing and create the space for a new wardrobe.

Or my favorite – go on a silent retreat!

I would also recommend some time to reflect on the year of 2014. Did any of your goals and dreams change throughout the year? Were you unable to achieve some and if so, do you want to keep them on the list? Did you create some new goals and dreams this year? Spend some time thinking about these questions and checking in with your feelings and emotions surrounding the answers.

We want to wish everyone a healthy and happy holiday season and we look forward to helping you achieve all of your goals and dreams in 2015!

In health and happiness,

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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THE BUZZ Constance Jones Named Colon Hydrotherapist of the Year

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onstance Jones was recently awarded the I-ACT Colon Hydrotherapist of the Year 2014. In practice since 1980, she has administered over 55,000 sessions in 35 years! Constance is certified at the Instructor Level with the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (I-ACT), meeting the highest standards of certification through both I-ACT and the National Board for Colon Hydrotherapy (NBCHT).

Colon Hydrotherapy (aka colonic, colon cleansing, colonic irrigation) is the process of cleansing the colon through safe, gentle infusions of warm, filtered water into and out of the rectum and large intestine using no chemicals or drugs. Please learn more at cleanmycolon.com. Special Introductory: $100 for a colonic session (usual fee $126) - throughout the month of December.

Welcome to my new office located at the Center for Progressive Therapies: 192 Hartford Road, Manchester, CT. 06040 Call/ text 860.287.4558 or e-mail me at connie@cleanmycolon.com.

In-Home Massage Therapy with Tracy Lachmann

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fter 20 years of serving the Farmington Valley, West Hartford and the Northwest Corner of CT, Massage Therapist and Reiki Master/Teacher Tracy Lachmann is taking the show on the road. Tracy’s massage is known for being more than a just a massage. Her holistic approach is healing to the body, mind and spirit. Recently touched by the growing need for massage and reiki for her friends and friends of friends going through chemotherapy, Tracy has decided to focus on helping those going through their journey and their caregivers. Her service is perfect for those who are looking for a nurturing, compassionate massage as well as those who would prefer the comfort of their own home to relax, renew and rejuvenate. Tracy will integrate her experience with myofascial therapy, lymphatic drainage, acupressure, and Reiki to give you a session tailored to your needs. Tracy is offering an In-home special of 75 min. Massage for $100 with no additional travel fee. A package of 4 will save you $50. Tracy maintains an office in Avon at 195 West Main Street (Rt 44) and can be reached at 860-231-2273 or healingretreats@yahoo.com.

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Natural Nutmeg - December 2014

Family Dietician Announces New Westport, CT Location

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bby Greenspun, MS RD CDN, an experienced, registered dietician-nutritionist is excited to announce the opening of her new office at 840 Post Road East, Westport, CT, where she will continue to provide adults, adolescents and children with the tools and education to prevent disease, improve health and lose weight.

Abby helps clients incorporate healthy eating habits into their daily lives and heighten their awareness of the importance of health and nutrition. “The key to success is listening to my clients’ needs, analyzing their nutritional habits, learning their work and living situations, and setting realistic goals so that that they can feel success from their efforts and hopefully make lifelong changes.” Abby explains that; “cookie-cutter approaches to nutrition and diet are doomed to failure.”

While patients come to Abby for successful weight management programs, she also offers medical nutrition therapy to help clients work through medical conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, diseases of the gastrointestinal system, Celiac disease, PCOS, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and lupus.

For more information visit www.abbygnutrition.com or call 203.522.3288.

South Windsor Massage Therapist Completes Advanced Training In Oncology Massage

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im Midford, LMT, LLC has completed a course entitled Oncology Massage Therapy: Caring for Clients with Cancer. The course focuses on educating the therapist on the complex medical issues associated with cancer treatment. The therapist then learns how to modify traditional massage techniques to create a safe, effective massage given those medical issues.

“I look forward to helping area residents through this difficult time in their lives. A caring touch can be so needed at a time when your body is going through so much.”

Oncology massage is currently being used in major cancer centers such as Memorial Sloan Kettering, MD Anderson, and Duke University Medical Center. Research and testimonies show that oncology massage safely eases side effects of cancer treatment such as fatigue, nausea, depression, insomnia, anxiety, and pain. Oncology massage therapists are also trained in safely working with the long-term effects of therapy such as lymphedema, neuropathy, and osteoporosis.

Kim Midford is a nationally certified and state licensed massage therapist (state license #005323). She is a Society for Oncology Massage preferred provider and member of the American Massage Therapy Association. Kim’s practice is located in the office of Advanced Therapeutic Massage on Ellington Road in South Windsor. Call 860-644-1028 for an appointment.

Tips To Boost Your Immunity Against Infection

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oncerned about the Ebola virus, the upcoming flu season, or boosting your overall immunity to infection? Take these steps to strengthen your body’s natural defenses on a daily basis: Start with a healthy diet that minimizes sugar and all simple carbs and includes at least eight 8-ounce glasses of high-pH spring or filtered water. Also keep in mind that alcohol, dairy, gluten, and highly processed foods, suppress the immune system. Adequate amounts of sleep (6-8 hours), avoiding excess EMF (computer) exposure, and stress-reducing activities (e.g., yoga, cardio exercise, and/or meditation), also bolster the immune system.

Consider adding these dietary supplements to your daily regimen or, at the very least, as soon as a viral or bacterial infection is threatening your wellness: Echinacea & Goldenseal • Colloidal Silver • Thymus Glandular Astragalus • Oregano Oil • Elderberry (Sambucus) • Probiotics Remember that supplement quality and dosage are critical to success.

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

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

Which is Better – A Mammogram or a Thermogram?

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uzanne Pyle, MS, CCT, founder of X to Rays Thermal Imaging, is frequently asked that question. According to Suzanne, it’s the wrong question to ask because it’s like comparing apples to oranges – the two technologies are totally different. Mammograms show structure and use radiation and compression. Thermograms are totally safe and measure temperature changes in the skin associated with underlying pathology. Though Mammogram can detect cancer as small as a few millimeters, Thermograms can detect cancer while it is still at a cellular level – before it becomes visible on a mammogram.

As Dr. Tom Hudson, MD, one of the doctors who reads X to Rays Thermograms, states “Thermography has other unique abilities as well. It can indicate estrogen dominance, an imbalance in estrogen levels associated with higher breast cancer risk. It can detect lymph congestion, also a precursor to disease. The effects of diet can also be clearly seen. Women on a typical Western diet who switch to a healthier plant-based diet, show remarkable improvement in their thermal patterns.

In short, thermography is a way to monitor breast health, not just a way to detect disease. Mammography can show you if you have a cancer or not, but other than that it has little purpose.

Thermography offers a woman the chance to become aware of worrisome physiological changes before there is a diagnosable cancer.”

To discuss this further or to book an appointment at a medical office in West Hartford, East Windsor, Guilford or Southbury, please call 888 XTORAYS or 203 331-2878. For more information, please go to www.xtorays.com. See ad on page

Protect Your Immune System this Winter

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utoimmune diseases are characterized by an overactive immune system, which actually attacks various tissues in the body. Some examples of autoimmune conditions are as follows: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Scleroderma, Alopecia, Vasculitis, Psoriasis, Sjorgen’s Syndrome, Raynaud’s Disease, Crohn’s Disease, and Ulcerative Colitis among others.

The incidence of autoimmunity is 20 times what it was 30 years ago, and is virtually of epidemic proportions. Why should that be? To understand the reasons, it is important to understand the etiology (cause and origin) of immune dysfunction.

The immune system is heavily influenced and regulated by adrenal gland hormones that are secreted as a means to resist stress. If stress is chronic and prolonged the adrenals become fatigued and can no longer manufacture adequate anti-stress hormones. Consequent to this occurrence the immune system’s balance is disrupted and excessive antibodies are produced. In a milder situation, allergies might become evident; however, in more extreme cases the antibodies can attack one’s own tissue causing any one of the aforementioned conditions.

The conventional, allopathic medical system would treat only the symptoms of these conditions with immune suppressant drugs or cortisone derivatives. In contrast, a holistic method would attempt to correct the root causes of the disease by reducing the effects of stress, thus fortifying the adrenals, rebalancing the immune system and employing natural products to relieve symptoms. It is our opinion that the latter approach is superior as it can actually reverse the autoimmune condition. Please consider stopping by for the finest in nutritional products and expert consultations on health matters.

Visit us at either of our locations: Medical Arts Health & Nutrition Center 1389 West Main Street, Waterbury, CT 06708.

Phone: (203) 755-1105. Monday - Friday 9am-5pm Medical Arts Health & Nutrition Center 140 Pine Street, Bristol CT 06010 Phone: (860-) 584-5071. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10am5:30pm, Saturday is 10am – 4pm

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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PREVENTION

Laura Mignosa, CCH

Depression as Seen Through the Eyes of Traditional Chinese Medicine

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oday, it is estimated that five million Americans are taking Prozac. Unfortunately, over the last seven years there have been 31,000 reports of adverse reactions to this powerful drug. More and more people struggling with depression are beginning to ask, “Is there any safe, effective treatment that I can use regularly without worrying about side effects? What is the natural way to deal with depression?”

Chinese Medicine may be one answer and it incorporates centuries of experience in dealing with depression. The first medical book, The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine, which was written 2300 years ago, contained theories on the origins of depression. In Chinese medicine, mental or emotional problems such as depression are attributed to an imbalance or blockage in one or more of the internal organs and the energy pathways (meridians) that pertain to them. Chinese Herbal therapy and other

Chinese medical modalities have been used in China for over 5000 years, but have only recently become mainstream in the United States in the last twenty-five years.

The people who seek help through TCM for their depression are typically those who have already tried everything else. Many times the drugs don’t work even when trying many different types of drug therapy, or the side effects were too unpleasant, or they didn’t want to take anti-depression drugs for the rest of their lives.

Since TCM developed almost entirely separate from its western counterparts, TCM practitioners do not use the same systems of disease categorization and diagnosis criteria. TCM adopts a holistic healing approach and treats depression not only to address the symptoms of depression, but also to correct any underlying imbalance(s) in the body that is causing the illness and its various symptoms.

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Natural Nutmeg - December 2014

Common Western Medicine signs and symptoms for depression are: • Stress, Distress • Panic attacks, Panic, Panic disorder • Fear, Phobia, Worry, Nervousness • Anxiety disorders, Anxiety attacks Though these are the words we use to identify our depression, when visiting a Chinese Medicine practitioner, those symptoms need to be translated into Chinese Medicine terms. We are not able to diagnose any Western named disease so our interview includes listening, pulse taking, tongue diagnosis and observation to decide an appropriate treatment strategy. In addition, TCM treatments for anxiety and depression are unique for each patient, as every person has unique constitutions and imbalances.

As a patient’s symptoms and issues adjust to the herbal formulas, a practitioner will likely change his or her treatments accordingly.

Depression can be described in TCM as stagnant energy within the body. This stagnation can create imbalances that lead to symptoms of “depression”, such as an inability to focus, melancholy, anger, fatigue, and a lack of inspiration.

Chinese Herbals address the issue of stagnation by enabling the energy to move more efficiently, balancing the organ systems and creating homeostasis. The idea is that creating balanced energy better equips a person to manage stress and steady emotions. In turn, with the balance in your body restored, one should feel an overall sense of better well-being, besides just recovering from your depression condition.

Although there is limited research on the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating anxiety and depression, some clinical trials have reported a therapeutic effect comparable to medication, with fewer side effects. TCM therapies may be helpful as independent treatments, but they can often be used to complement evidence-based Western treatments as well. Whatever you decide, talk to your primary care provider before starting any new course of treatment for anxiety or depression.

Laura Mignosa is a Certified Chinese Herbologist and director of the Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies for over two decades. She is both Western and China trained and offers an annual study on this amazing tradition of healing each year starting in January. Any practitioner or layperson taking these intensives will learn how to keep the body strong and balance disharmonies to maintain a true quality of life. Please call the school at 860-826-2705 or visit our website www.ctherbschool.com for more information on this clinically based program of wellness or for Appointments for Care.

You may find articles and events on her Facebook page: laura. See ad on page 35.

Could One Conversation Change Your Life?

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

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

25 Bailey Road, Suite 5 Avon, CT 06001

www.fittoyouct.com

Overwhelmed

by Life’s Challenges?

Life’s changes can leave you challenged with feelings of uncertainty, frustration, hopelessness, isolation and depression.

I’m an experienced Psychotherapist specializing in helping people cope with life’s adjustments from adolescence through geriatrics (caregiver, illness, grief, addiction, relationships…) with patience, dignity and compassion.

I can help!

Call 860-657-6123 Jody Koval, LPC 155 Sycamore St. Glastonbury, CT JodyKoval@gmail.com Listed on PsychologyToday.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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BERNIE

By Bernie Siegel, MD

of WORDS The POWER

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s doctors we are not trained to communicate and understand the power of our words as they relate to a patient’s ability and desire to survive. It is also not only doctors but all the authority figures in our patients’ lives that affect the outcome of their disease and their ability to survive. Parents, teachers, clergy and physicians change lives with their words. It is hypnotic for a child or patient to hear an authority figure’s words. As I am always sharing, wordswordswords can become swordswordswords and we can kill or cure with either words or swords.

Up to the age of six a child’s brain wave pattern is similar to that of a hypnotized individual. To quote a woman, whose mother only gave her failure messages and dressed her in dark colors, and who as an adult has more trouble with her mother’s words than she does with cancer, “My mother’s words were eating away at me and maybe gave me cancer.” We know from recent studies that loneliness affects the genes that control the immune system.

So as doctors we need to ask the right questions and know what a patient has experienced and is experiencing in their lives. Can you imagine treating Christopher Reeve’s wife for cancer without knowing her family history?

I recently received two emails; one from a woman who had a recurrence of her cancer and has decided to not undergo chemotherapy again. Her doctor said, “Then you might as well go home and commit suicide.” The other email came from a woman who asked her doctor if they could become a team as she had just finished reading my book. He told her no and that he was the doctor and in charge of her care. She packed her belongings and walked out of the hospital and has found a caring oncologist to work with.

She is a survivor and not a submissive sufferer, or from the doctor’s perspective, a so called good patient.

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

Natural Nutmeg - December 2014

We need to listen to our patients’ words and treat their experiences. Helen Keller said it very well when she said, “Deafness is darker by far than blindness.” We also need to understand that patients do not live a disease, they live an experience. We should ask how a patient would describe their experience and then treat them accordingly. The words they use, like draining, failure, denial, pressure, gift and wake up call are always about what is happening in their life. So we can help them to heal their lives and improve the chances of curing their disease.

I did a great deal of children’s surgery. I meet many of these children today, as young adults, and am amazed at how vivid their memories are. It is obvious how important this event was to them and the details they recall. I learned how powerful my words were when I began to notice children falling asleep as we wheeled them into the operating room. One boy turned onto his stomach and fell asleep as we entered the O.R. I turned him over on the operating table and he said, “What are you doing? You told me I would go to sleep in the operating room and I sleep on my stomach.” I told him I needed to operate on his stomach to get to his appendix, so we reached a compromise.

I would rub an alcohol sponge on a child’s arm and tell them it would numb their skin. A third of the children would not feel the needle and ask why other doctors didn’t do that. I called it deceiving people into health. Give someone who has faith in you a placebo and call it a hair growing pill, anti-nausea pill or whatever and you will be amazed at how many respond to your therapy.

Years ago psychologist Bruno Klopfer was involved with a cancer patient who was participating in a study to determine the effectiveness of Krebiozen. His patient responded dramatically until the initial report came out saying it didn’t seem effective.

Then Klopfer told him the problem was that he hadn’t received the super refined Krebiozen and it was coming next week. He purposely told him that to build up the intensity of the situation.

A week later he told him it came and gave him an injection of a placebo and his cancer melted away and he remained well until six months later when the final report was published declaring the drug was of no use in the treatment of cancer. He died within the week.

Doctor Milton Erickson, from his childhood experience with polio and hearing his doctor’s dire predictions to his mother that he wouldn’t see the sun rise, knew how important words were.

As a child his anger led him to defy the doctor’s predictions. As a psychiatrist, and hypnotherapist, he knew how to talk to patients to achieve the best outcome. There are many books about his work. One, by Dr. Sidney Rosen, is entitled My Voice Will Go With You. And our voices do. At the conclusion of an operation, while patients were still under anesthesia, a time when they hear their surgeon’s words, I would say, “You will awaken comfortable, thirsty and hungry.” I did that until I noticed many of my patients were gaining weight and so I added these words, “but you won’t finish everything on your plate.”

One last story and it is hard for me to stop because there is only one thing truer than the truth: a story. Stories change people while statistics give them something to argue about. Erickson would write in a patient’s chart and then excuse himself and leave the room. Of course he expected the patient would get up and go look at what he had written and he wrote, “Doing well.” So give your family mottoes to live by, like: Do what makes you happy, so they pay attention to their feelings, and difficulties are God’s redirections, so they keep an open mind about the future. Remind your doctor that his or her words can become swords and, like a scalpel, kill or cure.

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

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

The Angels Are Always With You! You are loved beyond measure!

Receive a FREE mini-reading for 2015!

Call for free December teleconference “Message From Your Angels” Individual Soul Coaching Sessions and Intuitive Development Groups offered in Suffield, West Hartford or your space!

Sharon Massoth, LCSW • 860.38 6.6272 srmassoth@yahoo.com www.thebelievecoach.net

Fitness & Wellness Center Bramasole Wellness Center is a peaceful space that offers a “one stop” place to balance the body, mind, and spirit.

Now offering a Certificate Program in Reflexology.

Please call for information.

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

Naturopathic Physician Specializing in highly-effective programs for: Diabetes, Weight Loss and Optimal Aging

Offering natural treatments to restore optimal health in: Gastrointestinal issues, incl. IBS, UC, Crohn’s Disease

Cutting-edge treatment of neurotransmitter function disorders, including: Migraine, OCD, Adult ADD/ADHD, Trichotillomania, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Fibromyalgia and CFS

Advanced-practice bodywork for chronic pain and postural issues Full-spectrum Infra-red Sauna, Organic Herbal Apothecary Dana Lapointe, ND, LMT • 860-217-1171 • www.SustainableHW.com 260 Hopmeadow Street, Suite 1N, Simsbury, CT www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Is Your Depression Coming From Inside or Outside Your Body?

By Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD

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epression is an unfortunate common denominator that affects many people worldwide. In 2012, the National Institute of Mental Health reported that approximately 16 million adult Americans experienced at least one major depressive episode in the prior year. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 9% of American adults suffer from depression. In fact, according to the CDC, depression is the major cause of disability in our country in people between the ages of 15 and 44. And the rate of depression, in our country and globally, is rising, according to the World Health Organization.

There are many reasons for depression. Some relate to external factors such as emotional, mental or physical trauma, while others may relate to weather or stress. In addition, a person may feel depressed because of an internal body issue. A helpful way to understand depression is to consider whether the origin of the depression is exogenous (from outside the body) or endogenous (from within the body). Exogenous depression is triggered by traumatic life events. Endogenous depression is commonly referred to as chemical in origin or associated with some imbalance in the body.

Endogenous versus Exogenous Depression Psychotherapy is commonly recommended as a tool for healing for people with exogenous depression. The patient spends time with a psychotherapist or counselor on a regular basis, discussing past and current traumas and stressors in his/her life. The value of this type of therapy is extensive. We have all felt alone at times in our life; having someone to talk to at these difficult times can be incredibly supportive and helpful.

Endogenous depression typically refers to people who have chemical imbalances or imbalances of other body systems. A person may suffer from endogenous depression because of reduced levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (chemical in the brain) that modulates how we feel. Many of the ever-popular anti-depressant drugs such as Prozac are called SSRIs or selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, which means that they help to increase levels of serotonin in the body. Another cause of endogenous 12

Natural Nutmeg - December 2014

depression could be physical trauma to the head such as a concussion. Concussion injuries can injure certain parts of the brain that are involved in how we behave and how we express our emotions and thoughts. These types of injuries can contribute to depression as well as to other types of behavioral disorders.

The Body-Mind Connection When we think of depression, particularly endogenous depression, the concept of the body-mind connection can be considered.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, a vast body of knowledge stemming from thousands of years of wisdom and learning, there is knowingness that our emotions and our body’s vital organs are intimately related. For example, when we experience anger, there is a connection to our liver. When we experience fear, there is a connection to our kidneys. When we experience grief, there is a relationship with our lungs. When emotions remain unresolved or repressed, the energy of these emotions can create disharmony or imbalance in that organ and can lead to impairment of these vital organs.

In “Body Wisdom”, a book written by Sharon Giammatteo, PhD, the body-mind connection is illustrated through a series of hand connections that can be incorporated into a self-care program to facilitate emotional healing. By incorporating a visualization process and meditation, these hands-on exercises can be helpful in reducing body symptoms associated with repressed emotions that can contribute to depression.

Nutritional Wellness and the ‘Brain in the Gut’ At first glance, the ‘brain in the gut’ may sound like a bad sci-fi movie title—the attack of the mini-brains that feed off the gut! Well, in fact, the concept of the ‘brain in the gut’ is quite real and vital to our learning of the body and how we can attain optimal mental and physical health. What is it? As we noted earlier in this article, serotonin is an important neurotransmitter in the modulation of

mood. Though serotonin is a neuro-chemical and may be thought of as primarily functioning in the brain, this is actually not the case.

More than 90% of serotonin in our body is produced in our gut. In fact, gut bacteria, more recently referred to as the ‘microbiome,’ can alter brain chemistry, including the function of serotonin. An imbalance of gut bacteria can affect emotions. If we have ‘leaky gut syndrome,’ which means that the lining of our digestive tract is damaged or weak, that can affect how we feel. Leaky gut syndrome can be caused by toxicity and inflammation.

How can we improve our digestive health, strengthen the lining of our gut, and feel better? Gut toxicity is very common today and is generally associated with inflammation. A great way to decrease toxicity in the body and simultaneously reduce inflammation is to implement an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. By markedly reducing inflammatory foods as well as diminishing our exposure to toxic elements, we can promote greater health.

What is an anti-inflammatory lifestyle? Essentially, an anti-inflammatory lifestyle is comprised of several important aspects:

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1. Anti-inflammatory diet: This means that we limit foods that are inflammatory or can contribute to greater inflammation in the body. Examples of inflammatory foods include: a. Grain: Especially gluten found in wheat, rye, barley, and often in oats. b. Refined sugar: For example, high fructose corn syrup, white sugar, brown sugar, aspartame, and NutraSweet. c. Processed foods and preservatives, including partially hydrogenated oils or ‘trans-fats.’ d. GMO or genetically modified foods: Commonly, soy and corn in our country is GMO. e. Processed dairy: Dairy is often mucous-producing and can contribute to congestion. Attempting a dairy elimination diet by eliminating dairy 100% for three months and assessing the benefits symptomatically can be a helpful tool. If dairy is a staple in the diet, make sure that the source is natural.

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2. Note: An anti-inflammatory diet can be challenging in the sense that there are many restricted foods. However, the benefits short-term and long-term are tremendous. The easiest way to consider this type of diet is by thinking of the foods you can eat rather than the foods you cannot eat. Foods that are good to eat and actively help to combat inflammation include: a. Water (not a food but definitely vital!) b. Vegetables: A combination of diverse vegetables that are raw and cooked is ideal. c. Fruit: Fruit is an important component of a healthy diet.

Fruit is comprised of multiple nutrients and enzymes that can promote greater health and combat inflammation.

When trying to lose weight, it is important to limit fruit to two servings per day but those servings are particularly helpful and tasty! d. Natural protein: For those who are not vegetarians, eating ‘natural’ meats is important to gain optimal protein to build a healthy body. e. Nuts: Nuts can be a very good source of healthy fats. An exception to this is peanuts. Peanuts are highly processed and can be very inflammatory. A great substitute for peanut butter is ‘Sunbutter’ (made out of sunflower seeds).

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3. In addition to eating an anti-inflammatory diet, there are ways to reduce our exposure to environmental toxins: a. Replace synthetic cleaners and detergents in your home with natural versions. b. Replace your body products with natural versions. c. Buy food that is organic or natural and free of pesticides and growth hormones.

By decreasing inflammatory foods and exposure to toxins, we can promote greater health by encouraging a healthier gut and immune system. When we don’t feel good, it is difficult to feel positive.

As our gut becomes healthier, our outlook improves. In addition to changing our foods and lifestyle, there are additional tools that can help in promoting greater health of our body.

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Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT) Most of us know that good nutrition can lead us toward optimal health, and many of the strategies listed above can reduce inflammation throughout our digestive tract and thereby change the way we feel. But when the gut is weak, other tools can promote healthier functioning of the digestive tract. One such tool is Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT). IMT is a hands-on approach to healing.

IMT Therapists (often physical therapists, occupational therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, and body workers) use their hands to help reduce restrictions in the muscles and soft tissues of our abdomen. IMT can help to promote normal circulation to the tissues of the gut as well as drainage from these tissues to promote healthier elimination of toxins.

Our body’s ability to protect itself is remarkable. When there is an organ or tissue in the body that is compromised because of toxicity or a general weakness in the tissue, then our body will attempt to limit movement of that organ and around the organ to protect it from further compromise. In this scenario, the joints in the region can become compressed, the muscles can go into spasm, and the soft tissues or fascia in the region can tighten. Often, this lack of mobility and tension creates pain and stiffness, while underlying this process is a protective mode that is maintaining our ability to function.

With IMT, gentle hands-on treatments can correct the alignment problem, reducing the compression and tension in the region, and promoting normal circulation and drainage at the gut, thereby helping to strengthen the tissues. When there is more movement in the body, there is a greater capacity for drainage of toxins.

IMT is an advanced form of manual therapy that can get to the heart of the problem by localizing underlying toxicity and inflammation. By incorporating a program of IMT to treat the underlying dysfunction, along with an anti-inflammatory lifestyle, and psychotherapy, a long-term answer can be reached.

Depression can stem from a variety of causes. There are multiple tools that can be used to help with depression. Sometimes, medication is necessary, even for a short time to help a person move

forward. At times, the traditional medical approach can be substituted with a more holistic path. Often, a combination of supportive therapies is most helpful in reaching a place of optimal mental health.

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

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Doctors Notes

Matthew Robinson, ND

Treating Depression Naturally

D

epression is a mood disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness or low mood, accompanied by a loss of interest in many of life’s activities. These feelings can affect the way we think and behave, and can even lead to physical problems. It can become difficult to accomplish normal daily activities, and in some extreme cases people may feel that life is not worth living. Depression can also be brought on by chronic long-term medical conditions that negatively impact one’s lifestyle.

Nearly twenty million Americans suffer from depression. In the winter months, a lack of exposure to sunlight can trigger episodes of depression.

Depressive feelings are a normal reaction to certain life experiences and situations. Major changes in lifestyle such as loss of a loved one, loss of employment or ending a relationship can bring about temporary sadness. These feelings are normal and expected after such major events. However, they should be transient and improve over time. If the depressive feelings are persistent this may be a sign of major depression.

are drugs that are designed to keep more Serotonin in the synapse (a signaling point between brain cells). Serotonin’s activity in the brain is widely considered to be responsible for positive feelings and good moods.

Therefore, most drugs used to treat depression act to increase or mimic the activity of serotonin.

Conventional Treatment

A major philosophy underlying the work of naturopathic doctors is the idea that health is balance. When viewing an individual patient as a complex biochemical, physiological and microbiological environment, it becomes apparent that in order for the whole to maintain optimal function the systems must exist in balance with one another. Changes in one part of the body or system can have dramatic effects on another, causing the whole to be impaired.

Therefore, when all the parts are functioning optimally in balance with one another, the whole is in a state of health.

When looking at the human body in this way, it allows us to see that diseases or symptoms can have dramatically different causes from one person to the next. Adaptations in an individual may be caused by variation in the environment of the organism. Adaptations very often occur when components are missing that are necessary for the activities of the organism. These are the essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Adaptations also occur when the organism is burdened by too many components that it views as waste products. These may be normally formed by the activities of the organism or be due to external contamination, such as heavy metals or toxic chemicals. In short, give the body what it needs and take out the garbage.

The most common therapies used for depression are psychotherapy (talk therapy) and prescriptions such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs

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Health as Balance

Finding the Underlying Cause of Depression and Restoring Balance As mentioned above, the most common treatment for depression involves pharma-

ceuticals that attempt to mimic or enhance the actions of serotonin in the brain. This approach supposes that there is not enough serotonin in the system. For some people this is the case. Many individuals find that the SSRIs help for a time, but eventually are not effective. If the individual has low serotonin to begin with, attempting to trick the brain into thinking there is more will only go on for so long. Serotonin can be measured in the blood and urine. Restoring normal balance in this case may often involve supplementation with tryptophan or 5-HTP. This amino acid is converted by the cells lining the digestive tract into serotonin.

Digestion

December 31, 2014

Approximately 90% of the serotonin in the human body can be found in the digestive tract. Due to this, treatment of any digestive problems would very likely be helpful as well. This could include acid reflux, gas, bloating or constipation.

SAMe Another nutrient commonly used to treat depression is SAdenosyl-L-methionine or SAMe. Small studies have shown this nutrient, present in all cells, to be equally effective to older antidepressant medications, and superior to placebo. Generally safe, without significant side effects, this can be a very helpful therapy.

The exact mechanism of action for depression is unknown, however, researchers suspect that it may be due to its actions as a methyl donor. Molecules that readily give up their methyl groups are very useful in human cells. Many molecules require these methyl groups to be given to them in order to function optimally. One example of this is Folate. This well known B vitamin has been shown to be low in many individuals suffering with depression. The active form of this vitamin is called methyltetrahydrofolate. This is folate that has had a methyl group added to it. Perhaps by activating this and other molecules SAMe allows the body to restore normal function.

The Stress Hormone, Cortisol

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normal, but the pattern of production may change. This change could cause disturbances in sleep, energy, concentration, focus, and mood. All these things have been known to be associated with depression. Because correcting this change requires understanding the change in an individual’s cortisol pattern, it is best to evaluate it using tests that take multiple samples over a 24-hour period. This makes it possible for treatments to be tailored to the individual, based on what part of the pattern is abnormal.

St. John’s Wort One of the most common alternative treatments for depression is the use of an herb called St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perfolatum).

Extracts of this plant have long been used to treat the symptoms of depression. Multiple studies have shown St. John’s Wort to as effective as pharmaceutical drugs for the treatment of depression. It’s important to work with a health professional to avoid drug-interactions.

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Natural Nutmeg - December 2014

There are numerous other natural remedies that can be effective for depression; Vitamin D, Omega-3 essential fatty acids, and B vitamins, name just a few. The use of vitamins, minerals, herbs, light-therapy, homeopathic remedies, and acupuncture are among a long list of modalities that can help restore normal function. It is essentially to consider an individuals specific imbalance in order to most effectively treat the underlying causes of depression.

Dr. Matthew Robinson is a Naturopathic physician working in Hamden, at a collaborative family practice with other naturopathic physicians. He enjoys helping patients of all ages with acute and chronic illness find their way to health. To get started contact us at 203-230-2200, or visit our website www.naturalhealthct.com. See ad this page.

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hat is Depression? It is a very real condition which affects the brain and the body. It is more than having the blues or being down in the dumps. There are numerous causes, some understood more than others. Depression becomes our safety net. It is how we protect ourselves when internal and external stresses become more than we can handle. The subject of depression and the brain/ gut connection is vast and touches every part of us. In this article I offer you the beginnings of an understanding that there is a definite connection between the gut and brain, and I will try to bring you to a new level of awareness on how your diet affects your emotions.

We are all aware of the many external factors that contribute to depression. What we are not so familiar with is the role our gutbrain connection plays. Science is now on a fast track, finally seeing the far-reaching effects of what is happening in our brains. At the recent Evolution of Medicine Summit, Dr. Maya Klein stated, “The gut is the soil in which the brain grows.”

A Pathway Out of Pain and Illness We have at least two ‘brains.’ One is made up of the brain and the spinal cord. Another is our gut, also called the Enteric Nervous System. Half of the body’s nerve cells are located in the gut, many more than are in the brain. Most of our lymph cells are in the gut, as well. Billions of dollars are spent yearly on drugs for digestive ailments and anti-depressants. How sad, when this newest knowledge can lead us out of this nightmare of pain and illness.

Our heart also can be considered a brain. We are heartcentered beings who need connections to others. Depression has a profound effect on our ability to function when there is a lack of support within and without for our body, heart and soul.

Your Life’s Dream Being stressed upsets our internal environment. We suffer from digestive ailments and the balance of gut flora (the bacteria living inside of us). Gut flora should be mostly positive, but for most of us it is just the opposite. This upset in the balance causes our energy to become stagnant and we become depressed. In order to protect ourselves from overwhelming feelings and the toxicity that causes stress, we lose our connection to others, as well as ourselves. Add to this the daily diet of toxins in our environment, food and water, medications, poor diet, allergies, our thoughts and beliefs and, of course, the financial pressures we deal with daily. Why should we be surprised when our bodies, minds, and hearts rebel. We have forgotten we once had a dream for our life. All of these stresses then become a major factor for depression.

Colon Therapy As a Colon Hydrotherapist for more than 30 years, working with thousands of clients, I have encountered many people with emotional/ gut issues. I have seen how the heart and emotions affect us. When we clean our gut, I see huge shifts in energy, vibrancy and the ability to support ourselves on the journey to wellness. Often, people who come for colon therapy are not in touch with their gut feelings. After having a few sessions of colon therapy, many begin to process unpleasant experiences or emotions that surface. One client told me she had been living under a black cloud for most of her life. After her session, she was amazed and surprised to feel better both physically and mentally, and realized her black cloud

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had disappeared. This is an example of how connected our body, mind and spirit are.

Because of many profound experiences like this, I have worked quietly, with passion and love, with people from all walks of life, and I see the results of simple, nourishing, grounded care.

Proper Digestion and Elimination Inflammation and chronic disease can slowly erode your energy and life force.

It might stem from a childhood trauma, a broken heart, or a compromised immune system. Without proper digestion and elimination, toxins build up, affecting your brain and depleting your energy, your motivation, and your zest for life. It causes pain all over, a feeling of lethargy, an inability to feel connection to the people you love.

All of these have a physical, emotional and spiritual connection. All of these need to be addressed to become whole again.

Finances We also need support for our financial well being, which is difficult to create when we are depressed and unhealthy.

I am a witness to my own healing from a very serious illness. This was accomplished through nutrition, detoxing and cleansing, receiving emotional support, and connecting to Spirit.

So, what to do?

• Create a plan for being alive, healthy, financially sound and happy.

• Feed yourself emotionally by going inward and having awareness. Support this process with positive thoughts and affirmations, as this is crucial to our health on all levels.

• Pay attention to the foods you eat. This is crucial to health. We need to look at food in a whole new way—as healing and nourishing.

• Add greens to your diet in simple ways, such as juicing. This adds live enzymes to the gut which aids digestion.

• Detox from processed foods and chemicals with colon hydrotherapy.

• Meditate, laugh, journal, visualize, question, and explore your connection to Spirit and Nature.

Just Begin!

Imagine yourself on a beautiful island, feeling wonderful, happy, and full of joy, wonder and vitality. You may feel this is a fantasy, but it can be your reality, for when we heal our gut, our depression may be lifted and we may again enjoy life!

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Natural Nutmeg - December 2014

It’s Hot at the Ace Hotel

R

ocks, Rocks and More Rocks…as far as the eye can see in Joshua Tree National Park. The amazing landscape looks like you are walking on what used to be the ocean floor. While it looks pretty barren, it is the Mojave Desert after all, this place is actually teaming with life as there are many different species of plants and animals that call it home. In fact, we were lucky enough to see a group of six or seven bighorn sheep lounging on some giant rocks as we started our first hike out to Barker Dam. Amongst the most diverse rock formations you’ve probably ever seen are hundreds and hundreds of Joshua trees, hence the name. According to legend, Mormon pioneers considered the limbs of the Joshua trees to resemble the upstretched arms of Joshua leading them to the promised land. The park encompasses some of the most interesting geologic displays found in California’s deserts. You really have to see it to believe it.

The other reason to visit Joshua Tree is to discover what true peace and quiet really is compared to the world most of us live in of endless noise. You can literally hear a pin drop in this place.

Your footsteps in the coarse sand echo off of the giant boulders and if you stand still you can actually hear birds’ wings flapping in the distance. We saw many birds, lizards, and ground squirrels during the day. However, you’ll have to stick around until dusk to see some interesting nocturnal animals like snakes, kangaroo rats, coyotes, and black-tailed jack rabbits. Dusk and dawn are good times for viewing many kinds of animals, both those just going to bed and those just getting up.

After a long hot day in the park, we were happy to check in to the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs. In what used to be a mid-century, desert modern, former Westward Ho with a Denny’s is now the Ace Hotel & Swim Club. This funky, hipster 173-room hotel, spa and resort is within biking distance of downtown and about an hour drive to Joshua Tree. What I love about Ace is its laid back, carefree feel yet the attention to detail is still very prominent. The entire resort has an organic, bohemian, ecofriendly design all the while maintaining a very relaxed and inviting space whether you’re in your room, at the pool or in the bar. There are other rooms that offer garden patios with a fire pit and lounge area and your canvas doors can be pulled back to enjoy the cool night air while sleeping.

There’s fragrant shampoo from Rudy’s Barbershop, and minibars with really addictive caramel popcorn.Our room had the most cozy

and comfortable king size platform bed and rainfall shower. There was a nice working desk and 300 sq. ft. of living space. I loved the huge mirror over dual sinks, which is great for people sharing a room.

There’s plenty of places to chill at Ace – you can relax at one of their two pools listening to old school music all day, visit the Feel Good Spa for a treatment, and almost every night there are events at the Amigo bar including DJs, Bingo, live music and occasionally craft beer fests. Feel free to bring your dog as they are incredibly pet friendly – in fact, they’ll even allow him to sit in his own chair at your table for drinks or dinner by the pool!

Palm Springs and the surrounding areas of Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage have tons of dining options. One night we ate at Workshop Kitchen & Bar which had an upscale, classy feel with cozy booths and the longest dinner table that you could dine at. I tried their house specialty drink, the Guaposito which was a lovely mix of mezcal vida, lemon, creole shrub, house made orgeat and grenadine, and maraschino liqueur. Smokey and tart! For dinner we had the Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with toasted hazelnuts, market peach, aged balsamico, olive oil, and pecorino romano; and the Market Veggie Enchiladas with grilled corn, poblano roasted peppers, spaghetti squash, kale, grilled tomatillo sauce, cotija cheese, and topped with a fried egg. Both were excellent.

The second night we headed out to Cork & Fork in La Quinta which was a cozy and intimate little tapas bar. They have an amazing number of wines, many of which you can do 3 oz. tastings. For starters, we tried the Goat Cheese Bruschetta with grilled bread, pesto, truffle honey, roasted tomatoes, balsamic, and pistachio and the Grilled Peaches with burrata, candied pecans, truffle honey, olive oil, balsamic, basil, and prosciutto – both were delicious. Don’t miss the Filet Mignon Street Tacos with sriracha aioli, pickled red onion, avocado, and cilantro. The restaurant is Chef Andie Hubka’s dream – a place for people to experiment with food and wine in an unintimidating setting – and that it certainly is!

For more information on Ace Hotel, visit http://www.acehotel.com/ palmsprings. For information on restaurants visit, http://workshoppalmsprings.com/kitchen/; http://corkandforkwinebar.com/.

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A How To Guide For Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

By Jean Ohliger, APRN

G

ood health and wellness depend upon support of the adrenal glands. There are four basic keys to providing adrenal support—taking the appropriate vitamins and supplements, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and effective stress management.

Stress Management Stress management includes individual practices such as meditation, yoga, prayer, and positive thinking. Stress management also includes management of any chronic health problems, thyroid dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances, specifically ovarian and adrenal hormone imbalances.

Ovarian hormones include estradiol, estriol, estrone, progesterone, and testosterone. These hormones are produced by the ovaries during the years after menarche (the beginning of menstrual periods) and before menopause (the permanent stopping of menstrual periods). They also are produced in small amounts in the adrenal gland.

Other adrenal hormones are cortisol, DHEA, and 7- KetoDHEA.

Bio-identical Hormone Therapy Bio-identical hormone therapy may be prescribed for hormonal imbalances. Bio-identical hormones are hormones whose composition is exactly the same as that of the hormones produced in the body. Most of them are derived from plant sources such as yams.

The term ‘bio-identical hormone’ is mistakenly used sometimes to mean only the compounds created at compounding pharmacies.

In fact, some FDA-approved ovarian hormone preparations also are bio-identical.

Because it is not possible to get patents on substances which are naturally occurring, pharmaceutical companies tend to focus on the delivery systems of the hormones, for example, the matrix system of a patch or a particular gel composition. In the pharmaceutical industry, FDA approval is given for the delivery system, not the hormone ingredient.

Compounding Pharmacies Compounding pharmacies utilize the same hormone products in the preparation of their medications. The bases of the various compounded preparations are proprietary; while the specific hor22

Natural Nutmeg - December 2014

mones in the preparations are identical, the bases may vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. This property also allows the pharmacy to adjust the preparation to a patient’s needs, such as an allergy or sensitivity to certain compounds. The final preparation itself is not FDA-approved per se.

Compounding prescriptions may be covered by some insurance companies. In addition, the compounded prescriptions may be fairly reasonably priced, and self-payments may actually be less costly than some insurance copayments.

Customers should use diligence in selecting a compounding pharmacy. Websites such as PCAB (Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board), PCCA (Professional Compounding Center of America) and IECP (International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists) can offer guidelines for selecting pharmacies.

Applying Bio-identical Hormones Bio-identical hormones can be delivered in the following ways: Orally, through pills or troches (similar to lozenges); Transdermally (applied to the skin), through patches, gels, or creams; and Vaginally, through creams or suppositories.

The cream medications can be delivered in syringes (without the needles) or in click pens. The transdermal preparations should be applied to rotating sites, where the skin is somewhat thin—inner wrist, inner elbow, behind the knee, or behind the ear. Application of creams to fatty tissue, such as the abdomen, buttocks, or breasts, will affect the absorption of the medication, leading to storage of these medications in the tissue. Increasingly, vaginal preparations are being used in order to avoid transference of the medication.

Transference has been an issue with transdermal medications because the medication, when applied to inner wrist areas, could be transferred to others, such as children or spouses.

Saliva Testing Adequate testing, in combination with review of symptoms, will help to determine the best possible medication combinations to be ordered. Saliva testing from certain laboratories determines levels of estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and DHEAS. Blood testing identifies only the amount of unbound hormone in the blood while saliva testing provides levels of hormones in the tissues.

Transdermal vs. Oral Oral hormone preparations are metabolized in the gastrointestinal tract. Transdermal and vaginal preparations avoid the gastrointestinal tract and the liver, thereby minimizing potential side effects of hormones such as blood clots. In addition, the transdermal method permits the use of smaller doses of medications, which also helps to minimize potential side effects.

Transdermal ovarian cream can be used for many health concerns, in various doses and combinations.

Estrogen Estrogen dominance, in which inadequate amounts of progesterone are being produced, may be treated with bio-identical progesterone transdermal cream. A common dose is 30mg/0.1ml. A 2% progesterone cream has 20mg of progesterone per milliliter.

This preparation is taken according to menses—once a day for the first part of the menstrual cycle, twice a day for the rest of the cycle. This regimen will be using progesterone to balance estrogen. If a woman has irregular menstrual cycles, the schedule of dosing can go by the calendar— once a day for the first 14 days of the calendar, twice a day for the rest of the month.

A woman in perimenopause may use progesterone as above. However, if menses have stopped for some months, she may go to progesterone twice a day. She may want to consider estrogen at some point if she develops menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes.

A patient who is menopausal, (according to lab results and symptoms) and who has no risk factors for estrogen use, may be prescribed Bi Est (80% estriol and 20% estradiol) along with progesterone 30mg in a combination preparation, for example 0.125mg Bi Est/0.1ml and progesterone 30mg/0.1ml. This preparation may be used twice a day, 0.1ml each time. A low dose of testosterone, 0.125/0.1ml, may be added if there are symptoms of dry skin, decreased libido, or bone density issues; testosterone levels should be in the midrange if testosterone will be ordered.

Other estrogen combinations also are possible—Bi Est ratio of 50/50 for example. Some providers prescribe Tri Est (estriol 80%, estradiol 10%, and estrone 10%); however, estrone may not need to be prescribed since estradiol converts in the body into estrone and estrone can convert back into estradiol.

Initial experiences with Bi Est years ago started with high doses of estrogen, similar to the doses in oral contraceptives. However, repeated follow-up testing and assessment indicated lower doses are just as effective and minimize the potential side effects of estrogen.

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Progesterone Transdermal progesterone has been shown to help patients with migraine headaches, premenstrual syndrome, postpartum depression, uterine and ovarian polyps or cysts, and even seizures (since progesterone has been found to have anticonvulsant properties).

Continuous progesterone dosing is possible, although some providers advise a five-day withdrawal every month to avoid development of resistance to the medication. Over-the-counter progesterone is available in a jar but some studies done by compounding pharmacies have revealed that medication creams may lose their effectiveness if the jar is opened repeatedly.

Menopausal women who have risk factors for estradiol and testosterone use may still be given progesterone. Progesterone has beneficial effects on the uterine lining, the breast tissue, and adrenal support. Some women’s menopausal symptoms have been less problematic on progesterone alone.

Vaginal and Urinary Issues, and Libido Vaginal estrogen prescription preparations are available for vaginal dryness, dyspareunia (painful sex), urinary issues, and even decreased libido (sex drive).

Compounding pharmacies can prepare preparations, in cream or suppository form, with estriol; testosterone may be added as needed. Conventional pharmacies can provide certain vaginal preparations with estradiol in them.

Low libido also may be helped with prescriptions for vaginal DHEA and even oxytoxin, both available from a reputable compounding pharmacy. Recurrent vaginitis can be treated with compounded vaginal probiotics. Chronic irritation and pain of the vulva have improved with certain prescribed vaginal products.

Birth Control Bio-identical hormone preparations are used for balancing, to help obtain normal physiologic levels; birth control through these preparations has not been well studied. In fact, because progesterone does

balance estrogen, premenopausal patients must be aware of the need for nonhormonal birth control methods if they are using bioidentical progesterone.

Hormone Replacement Risks and Benefits There are certainly risks and benefits to any hormone prescription and these must be reviewed extensively with patients before they start any prescription. Risks of estrogen include clotting and cancer. Transdermal use of hormones minimizes the risk of clotting because the medication does not have to be metabolized in the gastrointestinal tract and subsequently avoids the liver. To minimize the risk of uterine cancer, progesterone is always prescribed when estrogen is prescribed. Breast cancer has many possible etiologies but bio-identical progesterone may have a protective effect on the breast tissue.

Synthetic progestin preparations actually have a negative impact on estrogen receptors. A connection between synthetic progestin and cardiac disease has been noted. Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a progestin which helps in some areas of the

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Natural Nutmeg - December 2014

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body, such as the uterine lining, but depletes natural progesterone in other parts of the body.

Menopause is a natural part of life.

Hormone replacement therapy regimens are prescribed for quality of life issues, not to continue menstrual cycles beyond normal stages.

The length of time someone will take hormones, specifically estrogen, is very individual; however, the general accepted guidelines of a few years duration and lowest effective doses should always be considered.

Adrenal Fatigue Bio-identical hormone preparations are also available for adrenal fatigue. The adrenal hormones pregnenolone, DHEAS, 7-Keto-DHEA, and cortisol can be delivered in a transdermal cream prescription from a compounding pharmacy. Initial doses may be pregnenolone 10-30mg/0.1ml, DHEA 5-15mg/0.1ml, 7-KetoDHEA 2.5-7.5mg/0.1, with or without cortisol 1-2mg/0.1ml. The preparation can be used one to three times a day; because of the stimulatory effect, it should not be used later in the day.

The adrenal cream prescription may provide balancing in other systems such as bone density issues. In addition, persons whose thyroid is not optimal may need to have the adrenal gland supported before the thyroid can be adequately adjusted.

Adrenal hormone preparations may not need to be continued forever. In many cases, when a patient is able to address the issues of sleep, diet, vitamins and supplements, and stress management, the adrenal glands respond, producing adequate amounts of hormones, specifically cortisol.

However, it may take at least a year for some patients to regain adequate adrenal function. Ultimately, some patients can be weaned off adrenal hormones. Other patients have needed to continue the preparation without cortisol in it. Some patients have needed to use the adrenal cream only when under unusual stress. Aware of the possible consequences of continuing cortisol indefinitely (as with other corticosteroids), some patients have decided that their quality of life is best managed by a small, occasional dose of adrenal cream.

Patients who use bio-identical hormone preparations benefit from regular assessment visits with providers. Dosages may need to be adjusted periodically and occasionally testing needs to be repeated. The individual dosage requirements of patients can be easily managed by reputable compounding pharmacies.

Jean Ohliger, APRN. Connecticut Women OB/ GYN. Offices in South Windsor, West Hartford and Enfield. Learn More at www.ctwomenobgyn.com. See ad on page 20. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Palacio de Marquesa…

A Retreat, A Tribute, A Sanctuary

N

estled in the beautiful mountainside town of Taos, New Mexico, the Palacio de Marquesa is truly the perfect, peaceful sanctuary. From the moment you step onto the grounds, you feel as if you have entered into a Spanish palace. The natural and cultural beauty of Taos began drawing artists in the early 1900s and a number of very notable women artists settled there including Millicent Rogers, Mable Dodge Luhan, Agnes Martin, and Georgia O’Keeffe. The design concept of Palacio de Marquesa pays tribute to the remarkable stories of these women of Taos. The spirit, drive, innovation and contributions are clear to see in the hotel’s timeless design and refined sophistication.

With names like Diva, Icon, Matriarch and Socialite, it’s easy to imagine the design and feel of the guest rooms. We were lucky enough to stay in the Socialite room which is a dedication to Millicent Rogers. The “Standard Oil Heiress” was a prominent New York socialite. She arrived in Taos in 1947 with a broken heart from a relationship with Clark Gable. As “Gone With The Wind” is one of my all-time favorite movies, it was no coincidence to me that this was the room given to us! The scenic beauty and Native American culture in Taos was a large inspiration to Millicent and she was captivated by the intricate details of Native American jewelry. An advocate and proponent of Indian rights, she successfully lobbied Washington D.C. for Native American art to be classified as historic, and therefore protected. Millicent gifted Taos with a strong legacy of art, design and craftsmanship.

But let’s get to the room! As soon as I opened the door and stepped inside, my jaw dropped. Expecting a classic adobe style

design, I was delighted to see what looked like an exotic suite in Greece or the Mediterranean. Gorgeous ocean colors of blues and greens filled the room against crisp white bed linens, furniture and walls. The king canopy bed was amazing and so luxurious you’d never want to get out of it. We had a large gas-log fireplace flanked by leather wing back chairs in our room and an arched picture window faced the patio fountains and flower beds. The bathroom was exquisite with radiant heat, marble floors and rainfall showers.

Some rooms even include a jacuzzi tub and steam shower!

Walking through the grounds of Palacio de Marquesa makes you feel like you have escaped to a European villa. At night, the courtyard is lit with beautiful, soft white lights and the gardens of the inn provide a lush sanctuary with lovely fountains, tranquil nooks, wildflowers and a number of giant towering cottonwood and willow trees. Pure relaxation. In the morning, an amazing homemade breakfast awaits you in the main house and the Innkeeper, Chad, is ready to assist you with any need you may have including breakfast delivered to your room, a picnic lunch and even chocolate truffles! You can also feel good about staying here a portion of every room night’s revenue is donated to local culturally and artistically significant endeavors.

Taos beckons to artists, innovators and those seeking an escape to find themselves. Surrounded by magnificent natural features including Taos Mountain and the Rio Grande Gorge, it’s a haven for outdoor recreation including world-class skiing, snowboarding, white-water rafting, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding and more. The rich and diverse history of Taos is         

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

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

  

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defined by the Native American and Spanish communities. In fact, we visited the Taos Pueblo which has been occupied for nearly a millennium and is the oldest continuously-inhabited community in the United States. The Pueblo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Taos has a rich Spanish history as it was settled during the Spanish conquest in the 1600s and it definitely has the feel of an old Spanish village.

Walking distance from the Palacio de Marquesa are a multitude of eclectic shops, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and more. You can spend hours winding through the cobblestone streets finding funky clothing, jewelry and art. However, just a short drive away is the Taos Mesa Brewing Company – which looks like it’s housed in an old airplane hangar – great beers and live music on most nights.

We dined at two places that are not to be missed – Aceq and El Meze. Aceq only seats 25 and you feel as if you’ve just stepped into someone’s home to eat dinner, however, they served the best chicken and waffles I’ve ever had! El Meze is a cozy, romantic spot with fresh, regionally inspired, local food. We had an amazing house made pasta with local mushrooms, asparagus, fresh greens, olive oil and shaved Manchego cheese. Delicious!

Whether it’s to relax and rejuvenate or a spiritual retreat, I couldn’t imagine a better place than Taos and the Palacio de Marquesa.

For more information, visit http://www.marquesataos.com/. For dining information, visit http://www.elmeze.com/ and http://www. aceqrestaurant.com.

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Visit our Health Library For Free Information Non-Profit Pricing for Health-Serious Folk Appointments call 860.649.9600 • www.C4PT.org 192 Hartford Road, Manchester, CT 06040 www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Cozy Green Gift Ideas

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eople love to be pampered and, this upcoming holiday season, eco-minded gift-givers can indulge their friends and family with presents that are both cozy and green. Here are six sure-to-please gift ideas from The Clean Bedroom that combine extreme comfort with an environmentally friendly pedigree.

1. Glo® Organic Lightweight Robe: The sumptuously soft glo® Organic Lightweight Robe takes the art of relaxing to elegant new heights. Expertly crafted of interlock organic cotton (that’s grown using sustainable practices by family farmers in India), it features a built-in belt, front pocket and hanger loop—and ultra-flattering Kimono-styling that ensures it fits most sizes.

2. Suite Sleep All-Natural Kapok Pillow: Kapok has the feel of fluffy down, but it doesn’t experience the flattening that occurs to down over time. The premium Suite Sleep All-Natural Kapok Pillow has a machine-washable zippered organic cotton cover—in a lovely double-knit damask—that encases two-plus pounds of supersoft, premium-grade kapok with an adjustable loft to customize the fill to fit the sleeper’s soft-or-firm needs.

3. Naturally Organic Shredded Organic Latex Pillow: The idea of sleeping on latex might sound odd, but latex is extremely breathable, naturally hypoallergenic, mold- and mildew-resistant, antimicrobial and is 300% more resistant to dust mites than any other material. Talk about sweet dreams! The Naturally Organic Shredded Organic Latex Pillow is made from organic shredded latex and can easily be shaped to cradle the sleeper’s neck. Plus, the entire pillow is machine washable.

4. The Clean Bedroom Sheet Sets: It takes about one-third of a pound of pesticides to grow enough cotton for one T-shirt, and it takes much, much more to make a fitted and a flat sheet. In contrast, organic cotton sheets use untreated, non-GMO (genetically modified organism) seeds and beneficial insects and practices to control pests, rather than toxic insecticides and pesticides—beyond being better for Mother Nature, organic cotton is also better for sleepers, especially children and those with chemical sensitivities or allergies. The Clean Bedroom’s 300-thread count pure organic sheet sets are soft, silky and affordable, and feature deep and generous pockets with the kind of gathered elastic band typically found in much more expensive sheets. All that, and they come in biodegradable packaging, too.

5. Mulberry West Silk Comforters: Light as a whisper, these ultra-comfy comforters are covered in 300-thread count unbleached polished cotton and filled with hand-sourced, highest-quality mulberry silk. A dream-come-true for those who run hot under the covers, mulberry silk is one of the best body temperature regulating materials for sleeping (it’s porous, pure and natural with strong ventilation and moisture absorbency) in addition to being naturally hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial, mildew- and mold-repellent, flameresistant, odor free and easy to clean. Like most silk-filled comforters, this one is from China, but unlike the others—whose outer fabric contains formaldehyde and lead—Mulberry West Silk Comforters are certified to be 100% pure.

6. West Paw Design Organic Bumper Bed®: When in doubt, pamper a pet-lover’s pooch or cat. Available in several fun colors, the West Paw Design Organic Bumper Bed® is made in Montana, with a removable, machine-washable organic cotton cover and a comfy cushion crafted of recycled plastic soda bottles. These beds are rigorously tested to make sure each is free from more than 100 potentially harmful substances, so even the four-legged members of the family can have a great night’s sleep.

Mother Nature doesn’t work as fast as Santa’s elves, and it may take up to several weeks to receive any of these items when ordered online. So don’t wait until the last minute—and don’t forget about indulging the gift-giver, too!

Christine Chamberlin is co-founder and co-owner of The Clean Bedroom, the country’s premier resource for allergy-free, eco-friendly mattresses, bedding and accessories. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this month, The Clean Bedroom has sleep showrooms in Portland, ME, Kittery, ME, Greenwich, CT, Wellesley, MA, New York, NY, Santa Monica, CA and Austin, TX, where customers can test-drive (or testnap!) an organic mattress for every bedroom, from Master and nursery through guest room and dorm room. Online, on the phone and in each showroom, the company’s trained organic mattress specialists help match customers with their ideal mattress, without pressure or marketing hype. For more information, visit thecleanbedroom.com or call 207-438-9778. See ad on back cover.

A gift says as much about the giver as it does about the recipient, so give green gifts whenever possible.

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Natural Nutmeg - December 2014

SELF

Ashley Burkman, ND

The Skinny on Body Fat %

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eight management has been debunked from the simple calories-in-calories-out calculation. We, as humans, are dynamic, eat various foods, sleep at varying amounts and have stressors of different kinds. The approach to losing weight should be just as dynamic as our own individuality.

in your blood sugar levels. Your physician can monitor your insulin levels periodically to make sure your body is efficiently managing your blood sugar.

What is Body Fat?

A lot of us are guilty of eating on the run in the car on the way to work, while multitasking, or the dreaded mindless eating when bored. If we take the time to consciously think about chewing our food, we are less likely to overeat. Slowing down and enjoying a meal allows for the normal satiation signals to reach the brain to help us pump the breaks on food intake.

Body fat is a form of stored energy, like a reserve of calories in case of a period of famine. Body fat also produces hormones, helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins, and insulates the body. However, an over abundance of body fat, can negatively impact cholesterol, disrupt the endocrine (hormone) system and be psychologically devastating.

The following explains the importance of body-fat-percentage management and ways to improve your balance.

Forget Calorie Restriction Drastic calorie restriction basically tells the body that you are under siege in some way. This makes the body go into preservation mode, storing calories as fat and using muscle mass as quick energy. Any athlete knows this is not good news for performance or physique.

This does not mean we should overeat to prevent muscle wasting, this means we should eat more of the good stuff, vegetables, legumes, nuts, etc. A latte can amp up the calories of any meal but nutrient-dense foods like kale often lack calories. The idea is to let the body know you are nutritionally sound enough to let go of stored energy, i.e., body fat.

Monitoring Muscle and Fat This is what makes monitoring body fat and muscle-mass percentage an integral part of a weight-loss program. There are several types of devices that can monitor body fat, including scales you stand on barefoot at home and hand-held devices that many gyms have. Even though testing is not always 100% accurate due to varying hydration status or time of day being tested, it is still a rough estimate of muscle and body-fat percentages.

While the dreaded calorie is a part of weight management, it need not be the sole focus. What and how we eat should be the focus.

Timing Eating small meals every few hours is the best way to keep blood sugar stable. When blood sugar is unregulated, the body is signaled to store body fat, the opposite of what you want when losing weight. Eating protein and fiber can also make a difference

Chewing

Detoxification Body fat stores a plethora of toxic junk. Think pollution, including foods sprayed with pesticides, impure drinking water and poor air quality. Many of these chemicals are stored in our fat cells. This means when we lose weight and break apart fat cells, we need to address the increased detoxification burden on the body. When the body is burdened with too much sugar, too little movement and chemical overload, a detoxification plan may be a good way to improve a weight loss program.

Many detoxification regimens are too low-calorie, again going back to the body fat/muscle mass balance; this is not a good idea.

Also, too little protein during a detox can actually stunt the ability of the liver to detoxify the body, the main organ of cleansing in the body. Therefore, a detoxification program should be done with prudence and advice; not all programs are for everyone.

Hormones Several hormones in the body need to work in concert with one another to effectively lose body fat. Thyroid hormones, sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, and stress hormones including cortisol, can put a wrench in weight-loss plans when they are not in sync. It is always a good idea to seek medical advice prior to beginning a weight-loss program. In addition, a hormone screen can provide information that will improve your weight-management program.

It can be difficult to know exactly where to begin when it comes to a diet regimen—having a team that can support your goals can be helpful. Naturopathic Doctors are trained to take into account the various aspects of weight management from food choices to hormones.

Dr. Ashley Burkman is a board certified licensed naturopathic physician at Connecticut Natural Health Specialists, LLC in Manchester, CT. She is in network with most insurance companies and is now taking new patients. For appointments, please call (860) 533-0179.

See ad on page 23. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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INSPIRE

Heal your Body, Mind & Spirit with Chakradance

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inter Blues Go Away! It’s that time of year again.

New England weather brings us cold winter temperatures, and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us. Too often we get caught up in all that we need to do, and have difficulties balancing all of our responsibilities and priorities. Relaxing and being mindful of ourselves becomes a lower priority, and we then experience stress which can ultimately lead to depression.

Chakradance is a Natural Remedy!

There is no better time than now to treat yourself to (or give the gift of) a Chakradance class, and allow yourself to heal within so that the everyday stresses don’t consume you. Come alone for an individual experience or bring a friend. Get a group together and make it a night out. You won’t regret this amazing healing experience.

What is Chakradance?

It’s been called “the sister of yoga”. It’s been called “spiritual Zumba”. It was a big hit at the Deepak Chopra Center in California.

And it’s now here in Manchester, CT. It is the new holistic work-out that is poised to take the USA by storm.

Chakradance classes involve spontaneous dance to music specially designed to resonate with each in turn of our major

chakras, or energy centers. Claiming to be more than just a new kind of exercise regime, and more than just another new-age health fad, Chakradance is a complete work-out for body, mind and spirit.

It aims to relieve the stresses of modern-day living, restoring the whole Self to a state of calm vitality.

How did Chakradance begin?

Chakradance was founded in London in 1998 by Sydney-born Natalie Southgate, who combined her training and expertise in dance, in psychology, and in chakra healing, to create this new fusion of ancient wisdoms.

Natalie had always been drawn to the power of chakras through her work as a trained healer. She also studied Jungian psychology.

She continued to let her interest guide her and in the process she rediscovered her joy in dance. This led her to connect to alternative and shamanic dance. Ultimately, she headed to Paris from London to take a course in spontaneous dance therapy.

All the elements of Natalie’s homecoming were starting to coalesce – the study of the chakras, the interconnections between mind, body and spirit, and the various effects of music and dance.

Then, one night she turned off the light in her living room. Music filled the darkness and her movements started to guide her into the inner power ignited within her chakras. She began to notice certain music carried a unique resonance with different chakra centres. Free flowing movements born in spontaneity brought her home into her inner dance of her true self.

This experience led Natalie into the realisation that a person can find another way to enter a deeper relationship with the chakras. She had already begun co-teaching a beginners’ healing workshop on the chakras, but she felt she had discovered a method to experience what can’t be taught, and this experience could be felt by anyone.

More on Chakras 1414

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

Natural Nutmeg - December 2014

The role of the chakra system is to help regulate the human energy field, commonly known as the aura. The aura is a dynamic, energetic matrix, which includes the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of our being.

Every human being has seven major chakras and each one influences an aspect of our lives. From our instincts, sexuality and personal power through to how we love, communicate, use our intuition and connect to our deepest source of spirituality.

Give Them What They Want!

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Experiencing Chakradance When you discover the power and the energy that resides within you it is like coming home. Chakradance is a form of nourishment for your true self, for your soul. Blending freeflowing movements with particular frequencies of sound, Chakradance will free the energy in your body and open you to a deeper experience of life.

In a darkened room, lit only by candlelight, we move to music created to resonate with the vibrations of each of our 7 major chakras. We dance with our eyes mainly closed, and our attention turned inwards, for unlike most other dance practices, Chakradance is about making a connection with our inner world – the world of our imagination, feelings, intuition and senses.

The experience is like a waking dream – we dance up forgotten parts of ourselves, and release the memories stored in our muscles.

Our aches and pains reveal their stories and our hidden fears unmask themselves. The experiences are deeply personal and reflect our own nature and history, yet at the same time we tap into the collective heights and depths of human experience.

Drawing on the wisdom of Jungian Psychology, Chakradance is a dance for healing and self-discovery. Each dance gives rise to different insights and feelings… and we use the creation of personal ‘mandala art’ as a way of anchoring our experiences back into our conscious world. Each dance leads us closer to the person we are truly meant to be.

Barbara Weaver of C4PT (Center for Progressive Therapies) has completed an intensive training course to become a fully-accredited Chakradance Facilitator. Chakradance classes are now being held at C4PT at 192 Hartford Road in Manchester, CT. For more information, visit www.chakradance.com, or www.c4pt. org or call Barbara at 860-836-6665. See ad on page 27.

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Get Educated on Hormones

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othing stays the same, I can accept that. What I am not willing to accept is that my body is going to break down and fall apart because “that is just how it is.”

I could not disagree more with that idea. There is strong science that supports the fact that women can and are living healthy vital lives without feeling as if they are ‘losing it,’ aching all over, having no libido, losing their memory, gaining weight, and the hundreds of other deficiencies that seem to happen as time goes by.

So, what is the secret to aging without losing your quality of life? I believe it is a combination of preventative actions that must be taken to ensure good health; actions such has eating healthy whole foods, exercising, sleeping, eliminating toxins, and replacing depleted hormones.

Our hormones govern every area of life and they get depleted over time by the very important act of living. Add to that our hectic lives, eating foods laced with preservatives, antibiotics, and/ or chemicals, exposure to environmental toxins, and stress, all of which play a part in the depletion of our hormones.

What’s a girl to do?

The first step to take is to educate yourself. Find out hormones and the role they play in the body.

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Natural Nutmeg - December 2014

You need to have a basic understanding of DHEA,estrogens (estradiol, estrone, estriol), testosterone, progesterone, progestin, cortisol, TSH, T3, T4, and HGH. Once you have a basic understanding, ask your doctor to test your levels. Also ask for a saliva test, because traditional blood tests do not give you accurate readings for estrogens. Once you have your results you are armed with information to make decisions. At this point you may need to find a doctor who specializes in hormone replacement with bio-identical hormones.

Do not use any synthetic hormones; they have been proven through the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) studies to be very harmful to women.

What I have learned from my own experience is that you have to be your own advocate and demand answers from your health professional. Synthetic drugs are not the answer and mother earth does provide what we need.

If your hormones are not balanced neither are you.

For more information read Keeping aBreast: Ways to Prevent Breast Cancer, by Khalid Mahmud MD.F.A.C.P., and Breakthrough: Eight Steps to Wellness, by Suzanne Somers. Sharon A. Fraser is a Certified Health Coach. Visit www.eatwellconsulting and www. smartkleanlife.com.

Replace Holiday Distress...

With Holiday De-Stress

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Health Benefits of Facial Treatments

hat if your holidays were simple, healthy, nurturing, and fun? What if you could easily give loving gifts and skip the ‘stuff’?

Some people do just that. They give a gift that’s relaxing and healing (recommended by doctors), can be bought on-line (or in person), is easily customized, and is eco-friendly. Then they use the time they saved to relax, to be with family and friends, and to celebrate the meaning in their holidays.

Once considered an indulgence, spa treatments are now recognized as a fundamental part of healthcare. Medical professionals recommend spa treatments for overall health and illness prevention, and for an enormous range of existing issues including anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, insomnia, acne, bell’s palsy, and roscea, to name a few. In other words, what feels like pampering is actually extremely good for you. Today’s spa experience is all about self-care and healing in a relaxing environment. Studies show that spa treatments are important for well-being, that they benefit the whole person, that those benefits are long lasting, and that there are valid curative and preventative medical reasons for everyone to go to a spa.

Yes, everyone! Today’s trends show men and women commonly start maintenance massage and facial programs in their 20s to prevent future issues.

Just like massage, facial treatments are great for your skin and your overall health. They assist in lowering your blood pressure, they help with sinus headaches and congestion, and they stimulate the lymphatic system. They can prevent and/ or reverse signs of aging. And they effectively treat a number of skin conditions, including acne, Bell’s palsy, and roscea, to name just a few.

Dermatologists recommend having regular facial treatments as an important investment in keeping your skin healthy, radiant, and younger looking. The corresponding stress reduction and feeling of being cared for is good for everyone.

In addition, there have been incredible advancements in antiaging technologies and products. When selected for your specific skin type, they can improve skin health, repair damage that causes fine lines, wrinkles, laxity, and hyperpigmentation, and prevent future damage.

The Holidays are a wonderful time to give our loved ones the gift of health and relaxation. Spa gift certificates for facials, massages, or other spa treatments are always a favorite to give and receive. …They are also perfect for that person who has everything and the difficult to shop for person. May your holidays be fun and joyful and may you be lucky enough to receive a spa gift certificate!

Health Benefits of Massage

The Gift of Health

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

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

If you’re struggling with gift ideas, why not skip the ‘stuff’ and give a nurturing, healing gift instead? Anew You is offering specials and spa packages for the Holiday season starting Black Friday, November 28th. Please visit anewyouskincare.net for our specials and packages.

Here are some of the most common issues and ailments that can be alleviated by massage:

Melissa Martin Wallace founded Anew You Skincare & Wellness Center, a day spa, in 2007. She and her staff have created a soothing, holistic retreat where people come to relax and renew. Anew You offers progressive, natural, non-invasive treatments that heal, rejuvenate, and prevent. Their focus is on providing result-oriented treatments that produce amazing results. Learn more and read testimonials at anewyouskincare.net. Anew You Skincare & Wellness Center, LLC, 16 Ensign Drive, Avon, CT 860-284-9730. See ad on page 23.

Anxiety, depression, back pain, cancer, Fibromyalgia: Headaches and Migraines: Immune System: Insomnia related to stress: Osteoarthritis: Problem Solving: digestive disorders, high blood pressure, PMS, soft tissue strains and injuries, and Temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ). Massage can also improve circulation, reduce inflammation, improve function lymphatic and immune system functioning, and balance the nervous system. And, of course, many people are addicted to comfort, healing and relaxation that come from having a massage.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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The Way Luxury Should Be at Montage Deer Valley

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fter three amazing days in Moab, it was time to head to Park City. While I’m the kind of person that yearns to travel internationally, in such a short time I have already come to appreciate how much our own country has to offer. I feel pretty confident about making this statement even though I’ve been on the road less than a week… and that’s that everyone should take a USA road trip once in their life – especially if you live on the East Coast.

The landscape in Colorado and Utah will mesmerize you and take your breath away time and time again.

We arrived in the Deer Valley section of Park City at the Montage Deer Valley for a tour and lunch at Burgers and Bourbon.

Daniel Howard, Director of Public Relations for the resort was a gracious host with a wealth of information about Montage and Park City. Unlike the pretentious atmosphere you sometimes find at other world class ski resorts, the Montage Deer Valley was a breath of fresh air…as it should be when you’re at 8000 feet. Even though we weren’t staying on property, the staff made you feel like you were their most important guest.

Walking through the Montage can only be described as peaceful, serene and tranquil. “We anticipate your every need even before you do,” said Dan. They excel in what he describes as multigenerational travel, which is becoming more and more the norm these days. It was easy to see that this resort is a wonderful place to bring your family and the Montage has activities galore for you and your kids. One great concept I saw was a game room adjacent to their pub with old style arcade games and flat screen televisions equipped with WII. They even had a regulation 10-pin bowling alley. You and your spouse can enjoy a nice meal or cocktail while the kids are entertained and still within your sight.

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Natural Nutmeg - December 2014

The Spa at Montage was exquisite. Imagine this – your therapist takes a 45 minute detailed health history from you and/or your spouse and then she customizes a treatment specifically for you.

No menu to have to interpret and wonder if you’ve chosen the right massage. The couples soaking tub looked so inviting I wanted to get right in!

There are five dining options on property and we were able to eat outside at Burgers and Bourbon on this beautiful, sunny 70 degree day. The patio overlooked a grove of Aspen trees whose leaves had just started turning a lovely yellow marking the impending fall season. It was so quiet you could hear the leaves rustling in the breeze. You can pretty much guess what we ate at a restaurant named Burgers and Bourbon. With over 100 bourbons to choose from, it was tough but I opted for the brown derby cocktail, which was a refreshing mix of Woodford reserve, honey and grapefruit with a sugared rim. The southwestern burger was perfectly cooked with smashed avocado. We were told by our server that the bourbon bbq wings were quite possibly the best she’s ever had, so of course we had to try those! A spot-on blend of bourbon, barbecue and buffalo sauce with lightly crispy skin – we had to agree she was right. Dan told us we couldn’t finish the meal without trying one of their spiked shakes (also made unspiked for children), so we opted for the S’mores shake which was dessert in a glass. We enjoyed that in their beautiful wood stained Adirondack chairs by the fire pit, and as it was starting to get a little chilly, they even brought out fleece blankets for us.

As Dan said, at the Montage, luxury means you should still be able to be yourself and be comfortable.

For the ultimate experience in luxury and pampering, visit www.montagehotels.com/deervalley.

Rugged Elegance at the Sundial Resort

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he Sundial at Canyons Resort in Park City is a sprawling property with everything you can imagine from dining, outdoor bars, a gondola, shopping, rooftop hot tub, cozy outdoor heated pool, and boutique health club. Think rugged elegance that envelopes you in comfort. There is an endless array of activities to participate in whether it’s winter or summer, including: skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, scenic gondola rides, outdoor concerts and events, hiking and mountain bike trails, fishing, and visiting the local farmers’ market.

Or you can start your day by heading to the Utah Olympic Park and exploring one of the featured venues of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Walk through the Alf Engen Ski Museum and the George Eccles Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum.

Take a guided tour of the Olympic Nordic Jumps, Bobsled Track and Freestyle Training Pool or sign-up to take a 70 mph ride on the Comet Bobsled or take a ride on the Alpine Slide.

The rooms at the Sundial were expansive with huge balconies that span the entire length of the property. The view off the balcony was amazing, especially in the morning as the sun rose over the huge mountain peaks. Our king size bed was extremely comfortable with plush linens.

But let’s get to their ecofriendly initiatives. The food and beverage team has made great efforts to reduce their amount of waste and they have become a leader in the community by demonstrating the importance of buying locally. This program was one of the first in the area to work with the Summit County Beef organization, hand selecting meat from local farmers and works with a number of local growers to procure their herbs, vegetables, and dairy products.

The Farm restaurant has been the recipient of numerous awards featuring their farm-to-table concept sourced largely from within 200 miles of the area. The village restaurant managers, especially the team from The Farm, were innovative in creating systems to ensure they were recycling a majority of their material. The Farm’s end goal is to be the first Zero Waste Restaurant in Utah.

In addition to that, the current snowmobile fleet consists of a mix of 2 stroke and 4 stroke snowmobiles. 4 stroke snowmobiles not only produce less carbon emissions but also require less maintenance and therefore reduce the use of oils and lubricants. In 2012, Canyons converted the entire fleet to 100% 4-stroke snowmobiles.

One day in Park City was definitely not enough. We just had a few hours to spend walking around Main St. and I was anxious to have more time to explore. There were so many interesting boutique shops and many diverse eateries and bars. The architecture was very similar to San Francisco – multi-colored townhomes stacked together on hillside roads, but the feel and style of the shops was very western.

All in all, The Sundial Resort at Canyons is a perfect place to enjoy all the outdoor activities Park City has to offer and is conveniently located close to downtown shops and restaurants.

Visit http://www.thecanyons.com/sundial-explore.html.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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NUTMEG “NUGGETS”

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Turkey: A healthy choice for pets

Tu in we tha go nu sta

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urkey is a good protein choice for people since it is low in calories and fat but is it good for your dog and cat as well? The answer is a big YES! Turkey is a lean meat that contains many vitamins and minerals essential for good health. Your dog or cat will get the maximum nutritional value from this protein source if fed in the raw state.

Benefits of Turkey: • Contains natural sources of minerals such as potassium, niacin, iron and selenium.

• Loaded with taurine. Cats do not produce taurine naturally. They get this amino acid which is essential for a healthy heart, eyes, reproductive and nervous system through raw meat that they eat or through added supplements. A raw Benefits of Turkey: natural diet produces the best result for meeting your cat’s daily intake of taurine.

• the Contains naturalraw sources of • Raw turkey necks are soft and pliable and act as natural dental floss to remove tarter and debris from between teeth. Although

• Loaded with taurine.

Cats d turkey necks will not harm your dog, NEVER feed cooked turkey bones to your pets as bones become brittle and splinter causing internal damage. acid which is essential for

through raw meat that they produces the best result for • Raw turkey necks are soft Visit the Oma’s Pride website www.omaspride.com for guidelines to switching your animals to a healthy raw diet as nature intended.

Oma’s Pride, 308 Arch Rd, Avon, CT 860-673-3259. See ad on page 31. tarter and debris from betw your dog, NEVER feed coo and splinter causing interna Any abrupt switch to your pets’ diet may cause a digestive upset.

H

“Holiday” Nuggets

Any abrupt switch to your pets’ di for g

oliday parties can be tons of fun — and quite the strain on landfills. Did you know Americans produce about 1 million extra tons of garbage per week between Thanksgiving and New Years? website www.omaspride.com diet as nature intended.

This year, cut back on the excess waste, not the guest list, while entertaining.

• Reuse plastic containers to send leftovers home with guests.

• Fruit and vegetable scraps can be composted.

• Avoid relying on Styrofoam and paper cups by inviting guests to bring their own unique mugs or glasses.

• Provide containers for recycling aluminum and glass beverage bottles.

• Wash and reuse plastic plates and flatware since they cannot be recycled.

• For big parties consider renting supplies (less environmental impact than relying on disposables).

• Buy paper products with recycled content, or, even better, use cloth tablecloths and napkins.

Oma’s Pr

I

f you are installing holiday lights, consider purchasing more energy efficient Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs). They have an average life span of 100,000 hours (vs. 1,500) and reduce energy consumption by up to 8090%. Up to 25 strings can be connected end-to-end without overloading the typical household circuit. The sturdy epoxy lenses are nearly indestructible and their cool-burning personality makes combustion nearly impossible no matter how long they are left on.

S

ave our forests! Here are some ideas that will help save our trees and landfills:

• Most gift-wrap is not recyclable, and neither is ribbon. Wrap your presents in something that is, such as the Sunday comics, old road maps, and plain brown paper decorated with sponge art.

• Place gifts in reusable bags or baskets, and don't wrap presents for Fido.

• Children's artwork makes heartfelt cards and wrapping paper, especially for relatives.

• Natural fiber raffia is a great replacement for ribbon; not only is it recyclable, it can also be left out in the spring for birds to use in their nests.

• Snip the front of old greetings cards into colorful gift tags, or mail them as holiday postcards.

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Natural Nutmeg - December 2014

Conserve Paper

I’ll Drink to That!

The Benefits of Winter Beverages

By Vicki Kobliner MS, RD, CD-N

H

oliday entertaining wouldn’t be complete without a few special beverages to add extra pizzazz to a meal. Fortunately, many traditional and a few unusual party drinks are as good for the body as they are for the celebratory mood. As long as a special libation is drunk in moderation, and there are no medical reasons to avoid them, a tasty drink can be a health-boosting complement to a delicious meal.

Wine Many of us know that a glass of wine a day offers a healthy dose of antioxidants which seem to reduce cardiovascular risk and some cancers. Compounds in red wine, such as resveratrol, catechins and quercetin, protect the body against free radicals which are damaging to cells. It is essential to remember that studies of red wine and other alcohols find benefit in moderate consumption, but result in the opposite effect when done to excess. Heart disease, nutrient depletions, cancer and diabetes increase with overuse of alcohol.

Cocoa Hot cocoa is another wonderful winter beverage. Researchers at Cornell University observed that a cup of hot cocoa made with two tablespoons of cocoa powder contains more antioxidants than an equivalent serving of green tea or red wine. The antioxidants, called flavanols and procyanidins, protect damage to heart and blood vessels, as well as DNA. Dark chocolate was used for the studies since it is naturally higher in flavonoids, while milk chocolate will provide a lesser benefit. The method of cocoa processing also impacts the health effects. Dutch cocoa uses alkali to reduce the natural bitter undertone of the chocolate, but the alkali decreases the flavanols as well, so hot cocoa is healthiest when Dutch cocoa is not used. Adding warm milk to the mug provides an added calcium boost, but go easy on the sugar, which will increase inflammation. Natural sweeteners such as honey or date syrup are better choices.

Beer Beer has lived in the shadow of wine’s celebrity and only recently has it begun to get the attention it deserves on the health front. A variety of studies show the following benefits: beer raises HDL (the good cholesterol); makes blood vessels less likely to form clots; and is a source of vitamin B6 which is important for normal detoxification and mood. Beer also appears to reduce the incidence of kidney stones, improve cognitive function and improve inflammation. As with all alcoholic beverages, the positive effects are achieved with moderate intake, while excessive alcohol consumption depletes nutrients, and impairs health.

Apple Cider The pleasing aroma and sweet/tangy taste of hot apple cider is a winter luxury. It not only warms the body but provides a rich source of antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid and epicatechin. When cinnamon is added to the cider, both taste and antioxidant power are maximized. When choosing a cider, be sure to select one made from organic apples to avoid the toxic pesticide residue in conventionally grown apples.

Sangria When consumed alone, both red wine and fruits are good sources of antioxidants, so when combined in the form of sangria, the benefits are enhanced. Oranges, berries, apples, lemons, and limes are commonly used in making sangria, and these fruits pump up the vitamin C content, as well as providing a small amount of B vitamins and fiber.

Cocktails and Mocktails A signature drink can add a special touch to any celebration, and by choosing the right combination of mixers and garnishes it can be a health booster as well. Fresh juice from berries, tropical fruits, and citrus are rich in vitamins and minerals and contribute to the RDI of nine servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Whole fruit and vegetable garnishes

add even more of a good thing – a 2008 study from Thailand showed that the combination of alcohol and fruit was more powerful than either one alone.

If the sweetness of a fruit juice is not desirable, the richness of coconut milk or the refreshing lightness of coconut water will contribute a combination of healthy fat, electrolytes, vitamins and minerals. Or try a ‘greentini’, a martini made with green tea, which packs an antioxidant wallop. Herbs and spices such as mint, rosemary, cilantro, basil and thyme are additional sources of antioxidants that work well in a variety of drinks.

While liquid refreshment seems an easy source of nourishment, many of these beverages are not only high in alcohol, but are often concentrated sources of sugar. Bear in mind that most celebratory drinks are high in both desirable antioxidants and less beneficial sugar and calories, and should be used sparingly. As is the case with alcohol consumption, moderation is the key to good health.

This year, as you join friends and family for holiday festivities or weekend celebrations, raise your glass and feel confident as you toast to good health!

Vicki Kobliner MS RD, CD-N is a Registered Dietitian and owner of Holcare Nutrition (www.holcarenutrition.com). Vicki works with infants, children and adults with digestive disorders, food allergies, ADHD, autism and other chronic illness, and provides fertility and prenatal nutrition counseling. Vicki has extensive experience in using dietary modification, appropriate supplementation and functional lab testing to achieve optimal wellness. She can be reached at 203.834.9949 or vicki@ holcarenutrition.com. See ad on page 8.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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HAPPENINGS Tuesday, December 2nd Introduction to Mandalas. 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $45.00. Explore and experience the dynamics and power of the mandala. A mandala is simply art in a circle. Create a mandala and then learn the symbolism that is encoded within on the intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual levels. Gain an understanding of the meanings of the colors, shapes and placement of objects you use to create your mandala.

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

Wednesday, December 3rd Introduction to Astral Projection with Dan Lupacchino. 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $35. Come for a fun night of astral adventures, as we learn simple techniques to help facilitate this natural process many of us do, even without knowing. Astral Projecting can help us expand our psychic awareness and connection to spirit.

Come with questions and an open mind and see where your spirit will take you. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Friday, December 5th Create Your Own Vision Board. 6:30pm – 8pm. $45. Join us this night before December’s full moon to assist you in manifesting what you desire. As we gather together, raise our vibration and put our goals and dreams into a visual creation that will help keep you focused on all you desire. We will have a short meditation and then time to create and share our vision boards. Supplies are provided and you may bring your own. Held at Bountiful Blessings, LLC, 1177 Silas Deane Highway, 3rd Floor, Wethersfield. For information call 860.202.8269 or visit www.bountifulblessingsct.com.

Saturday, December 6th Explore Your Energetic Gifts with Chakradance. 10:30 am at C4PT. Free. Dance experience for energetic alignment. Participants receive the gift of the three EEEs: Exercise, Energize & Enlighten yourself to music which delights the soul. Center for Progressive Therapies, 192 Hartford Rd, Manchester. 860 836-6665, to register.

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Natural Nutmeg December - December2014 2014

December 2014 The Gift of Hyperbaric Oxygen. 12:30 pm at C4PT. Free. Oxygen sessions require your own mask but the use is without cost & we have masks for sale. The blue bullet of Hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps us to heal faster & more completely due to the aid of smaller molecules. Center for Progressive Therapies ,192 Hartford Rd Manchester. 860 649-9600, to register.

Printing Sacred Prayer Offerings. 10:30-4pm. $75. Monoprinting imagery in the seasonal spirit of gifting to yourself and others. Guided meditation, breath awareness and simple chanting help our mind & heart become quiet and open prior to creating. No previous art experience needed! Facilitated by Elisabeth Moss BFA Certified Expressive Art Facilitator.

To register Call 860-550-0882. 12 Old Farms Rd. Avon, CT 06001. www.elisabethmoss.com.

Sunday, December 7th Reiki I with Christine Cartwright. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. $130.00. Attune to the universal energy in this Level I Usui Reiki class. Participants will learn traditional hand positions, how to give a full body session and receive attunements to the universal Reiki energy for self-healing and healing others. Participants receive a manual, book and certificate. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Tuesday, December 9th Introduction to Zentangle with Jamilah. 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $35.00 + $10 for supplies.

Come and learn about this fun and relaxing art form. Zentangle is an easy to learn way to create beautiful patterns and relax at the same time. In class we will learn a few ‘tangles’ and how to put them together to create unique designs. No artistic talent required! Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, December 10th Healing in Harmony Night. 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

FREE. Stop by the center for a FREE healing service. Participants will sit individually with a healer and receive an 8 – 10 minute healing.

No reservation required. You will be served in the order in which you enter the center. The healing services are offered one night each month. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. For more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Friday, December 12th So You want to be a Medium? 6:30pm – 9spm. $50. Are you ready to take your intuitive skills to the next step by connecting with angels, guides and loved ones in the spirit world?

Participants will learn the differences between mediumship and psychic ability, how to receive messages clearly and how to know who you are working with in the spirit world. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Reiki Trainings. Reiki Master and Massage Therapist, Tracy Lachmann is offering monthly Reiki Trainings. Fri. Dec. 12th - Level I - $150.

Sat. Dec. 13th – Level II -$250. Sun. Dec. 14th - Level III - $300. Level I &II - $350 Level I, II & III - $500. Class sizes are Limited. $50 deposit required to hold space. Reiki is an ancient healing art that is for beneficial for everyone! Trainings are fun and experiential.

Diane Stein - Essential Reiki suggested material. Please call Tracy to register or for more information 860-231-2273 or healingretreats@ yahoo.com.

Saturday, December 13th Reiki II with Jo Homar. 9:30am – 4pm. $160.

Receive attunements to higher frequencies of universal energy and additional symbols to 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. Held at Bountiful Blessings, LLC, 1177 Silas Deane Highway, 3rd Floor, Wethersfield. To register call 860.202.8269 or visit www.bountifulblessingsct.com.

Get Your Toes Wet! 12:30-3:30. $40. A playful, spacious, atmosphere allows you to open up and trust the artist within. Enjoy creating imagery from an intuitive space within- using paint, collage and drawing materials. Guided meditation helps us ease into our natural creative self.

No previous art experience needed! Facilitated

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

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

Holiday Open House and Crafter’s Fair.

10a.m. – 4 p.m. FREE. It’s our annual Holiday Open House and Crafter’s Fair. Complete your holiday gift shopping with items from our talented vendors. Find jewelry, household gifts, crystals and even get a Henna Tattoo for your holiday party. Take a tour of our expanded space and see what the Center has to offer.

Held at the Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. For information please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

Sunday, December 14th Women’s Empowerment Meditation. 10 a.m. – 12 noon. $25. This guided meditation is specifically designed to the energy of the group. We invite in our angels and guides to help us release those things that keep us stuck.

The energy of the group helps us to release those things that no longer serve our highest good and allow us to live an empowered life.

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

Saturday, December 20th Holiday Party at C4PT. 6pm. Our annual fun event includes a warm welcome, Live Music, Pot Luck Buffet, Story Time, Caroling, Wine Tasting & Christmas Puppet Presentation. This tradition has been ongoing at our facility since 2003 & folks often show up in their holiday dress! There is also the C4PT elf. Center for Progressive Therapies. 192 Hartford Rd, Manchester. Call 860 649-9600 to register.

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

Monday, December 22nd

Prayer Service with Priscilla Bengtson. 7pm – 8 p.m. FREE. Join us for our community Prayer Service as we remember those impacted by the Newtown shootings as well as all in the world who need prayers. We gather for a message of hope and inspiration and then join together in silent prayer. Priscilla will also offer personal prayers for all who attend as each attendee is invited to the altar to receive a blessing. Held at the Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. For information please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Healing Angels of the Energy Field (Two Nights) with Jo Homar. 6:30pm – 8:30pm. $100 (two-nights). This two-part class is for anyone who loves angels and/or healing practitioners who would like to increase their angel consciousness. By learning how to call upon the Integrated Energy Therapy® Healing Angels, you will be able to understand how each one represents a divine quality that touches one’s soul and spirit. Workbook & Certificate provided. The second night of this class is on Monday, December 29. Held at Bountiful Blessings, LLC, 1177 Silas Deane Highway, 3rd Floor, Wethersfield. To register call 860.202.8269 or visit www.bountifulblessingsct.com.

Wednesday, December 17th

Saturday, December 27th

Home Message Circle. 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. $15.00. The session is open to anyone who wishes to practice their mediumship message delivery in a group. Your ability doesn’t matter as we are all here to get some practice and learn from each other. A group facilitator will help you stay on track with your message if needed. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

Spiritual Spa Day. 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. $120.

This 90-minute treatment is specifically tailored with YOU in mind. Your package includes a 30-minute Psychic/Mediumship Reading; a 30-minute channeled Energy Healing, and a 30-minute Massage. Receive guidance and support to strengthen your spirit, mind and body. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury.

To pre-schedule your appointment, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Friday, December 19th Gallery Night. 6:30pm – 8:30pm. $45. Enjoy an intimate evening of learning about angels and guides and experiencing intuitive readings with medium and certified Angel Therapy Practitioner®, Priscilla Bengtson. Everyone in attendance will receive a message. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Dr., Glastonbury. To register, call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

Integrated Energy Therapy (IET®) Intermediate Level with Jo Homar. 9:30am – 4pm. $215. IET training classes are powerful days of self-healing and energy therapy certification training. You will be attuned to a powerful angelic energy ray that activates your 12-strand Spiritual DNA and then learn to heartlink to the energy of your angels and use their energy for healing. The Intermediate attunement will activate the 3rd and 4th DNA pairs and will empower you to pull energy imprints out of

the human energy field and learn to clear energy imprints resulting from past life karma. Fully illustrated training guide and certificate provided. Held at Bountiful Blessings, LLC, 1177 Silas Deane Highway, 3rd Floor, Wethersfield.

To register call 860.202.8269 or visit www. bountifulblessingsct.com.

Sunday, December 28th Metamorphosis: A Bereavement Group with Jennifer Johnson. 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. $10 donation will be given to Hospice. The purpose of this monthly group is to explore and understand the nature of loss, grief and recovery. It is for anyone who has experienced a loss in their life. You will learn about various stages of grief, better understand how people uniquely experience grief and loss and explore supportive coping strategies. Facilitator Jennifer Johnson is a certified Death Midwife/Counselor. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, January 17th Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory & Terminology Course with Laura Mignosa, NCCH. 9:30 - 4:30 PM (28 CEU). Also Jan. 18th, 24th, 25th. $489.00. (May be a Stand Alone Class) *pre-requisite for Chinese Herbology Program to Start 4/18). This is a powerful course for anyone interested in the Differential Diagnosis of Traditional Chinese Medicine and it’s uses today. Through recognition of patterns, TCM describes disharmonies without diagnosing disease. This course also serves as the foundation on which our Chinese Herbology Intensive is built upon. All our courses are taught with an emphasis on clinical diagnosis as practiced in China today.Learn about the terminology and diagnostic skills needed for accurately recognizing the clinical signs and symptoms of each pattern organ disharmony. LAURA MIGNOSA, NCCH is a Nationally Certified Chinese Herbologist who is both Western and China trained. She is the director of CIHS since 1992 and was a co-investigator on a clinical trial at UConn Medical Center to evaluate the effectiveness of Chinese herbs for menopausal symptoms and breast cancer.

Her private practice is maintained at the school where Laura successfully treats all types of disharmonies, especially those that Western medicine offers little help. Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies, 912 Corbin Avenue, New Britain, CT 06052. 860-826(TCM)-2705.

Laurachina@aol.com Facebook: lauramignosa.5.

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HAPPENINGS

ONGOING Mondays Meditate Through The Madness. 6pm. Hosted

by Torin Lee-Lewis. Call to confirm attendance 860-467-6518. Fee: $10 Oneida Holistic Health Center 16 West Rd Marlborough, CT www.theocenter.net.

Tuesdays Acupuncture Happy Hours. 12-5pm. $30 minute sessions for $30.Community acupuncture in a small group setting. Dr. Miller uses points below the knees and elbows so just remove your shoes and socks, roll up your pant legs and sleeves and balance your body, mind and spirit. Call 860-467-6518 or visit www.theocenter.net to reserve your spot. Oneida Holistic Health Center 16 West Rd Marlborough, CT. Relaxation Break. 12-6pm. Treat yourself to a relaxing or therapeutic Chair Massage. $1 per minute. You decide how long. Walk-ins welcomed. Reservations accepted. Call 860-467651o or visit www.theocenter.net to reserve your spot. Oneida Holistic Health Center 16 West Rd Marlborough, CT. Hyperbaric Oxygen Club Support Group at C4PT. 7pm. Cost is free. The benefits of Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen are far reaching. This Therapy raises the levels of oxygen in the blood plasma, resulting in higher amounts of oxygen delivered to the tissues, organs, & brain. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy appears to be effective at restoring cell function to tissue everywhere in the body—including the brain (stroke & TBI). We discuss the many benefits and learn how to use our self-serve unit.

Please call Jim Cowles at 860 649 9600, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Club Manager. More info a www.C4PT.org See us in the Library at C4PT 192 Hartford Rd Manchester, CT 06040 Women’s Empowerment Group. First Tuesday of Every Month. 6-7:20pm. Come gather with like-minded women who are motivated to raise their consciousness. Drawing from the law of attraction, mediation, and life coaching techniques, you will deepen your connection to who you truly are, experience powerful meditations, set intentions for your life, and evolve consciously. Limited seating. To register, please call: 860-707-0908 or email: kristen@ balancedlivingnow.com 36 Chamberlain Highway, Berlin. 06037. $20.00 suggested donation

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Natural 2014 NaturalNutmeg NutmegDecember - December 2014

Yoga. 6pm. Yoga classes. $7. Center for Progressive Therapies, 192 Hartford Road. Manchester, CT 06040, 860-649-9600, programs@ c4pt.org, www.c4pt.org.

Community style Acupuncture. Sustainable Health & Wellness offers community-style acupuncture at just $20-25/session. Community acupuncture is offered every Tuesday and Thursday, and appointments can be requested online at www.SustainableHW.com.

Wednesdays Coffee With The Coach. 7am. Facilitated by Life Coach Torin Lee-Lewis. Learn ways to handle stress, navigate change and make each day count. Refreshments provided. Please call 860-467-6518 to confirm attendance each week. Fee: $10 Oneida Holistic Health Center 16 West Rd Marlborough, CT. www.theocenter.net.

Thursdays Community style Acupuncture. Sustainable Health & Wellness offers community-style acupuncture at just $20-25/session. Community acupuncture is offered every Tuesday and Thursday, and appointments can be requested online at www.SustainableHW.com.

Fridays Low-cost Naturopathic Medical Visits at Sustainable Health & Wellness. Sustainable Health runs Community Naturopathic Clinic on the 2nd Friday of each month, from 10a – 2p. Call 860-217-1171 for details or to make an appointment. The center is located upstairs in the Mill at 2 Tunxis Road, Tariffville (historic Simsbury). Walk-ins are also welcome.

Dr. Dana Lapointe, along other ProNatural member physicians, holds the clinic monthly.

At $50, the visit cost is around the cost of a typical insurance specialist copay.

Relaxation Break, 10-6pm.Treat yourself to a relaxing or therapeutic Chair Massage. $1 per minute. You decide how long. Walk-ins welcomed. Reservations accepted. Call 860-467651o or visit Oneida Holistic Health Center 16 West Rd Marlborough, CT. Yoga. 6:00pm. $7 ,Center for Progressive Therapies,192 Hartford Road. Manchester, CT 06040, 860-649-9600, programs@c4pt.org, www.c4pt.org.

Nutrition for Health, Weight Loss & Diabetes at C4PT. 7pm. Cost - $10.00. Learn What to Consume, What to Avoid & Necessary Supplementation for a HEALTHY Diabetes changing & Cancer Free Life & how to avoid Inflammation, the aging response. Janice Messino facilitates this series who has earned a master’s degree from The Graduate Institute; integrative health & healing with a focus on nutrition. Call 860 871 4470 more info at www.C4PT.org.

Saturdays Yoga. 10:30am. $7 ,Center for Progressive Therapies,192 Hartford Road. Manchester, CT 06040, 860-649-9600, programs@c4pt.org, www.c4pt.org.

All Levels Yoga. 8-9:15am. A flowing practice to move energy and create alignment in the body. Come start your weekend with a class on the farm and enjoy a respite from the pace of life. You will leave ready to enjoy your weekend feeling renewed and at ease. $15 drop in. Hidden Acres Yoga, 114 East Street North Granby, CT (860) 371-5881, www.hiddenacresyoga.com.

CLASSIFIED Office space in West Hartford Center. Looking for holistic practitioners who have their own practice, but who would like to share space with other like minded professionals. Massage therapist, energy healer, intuitive, or other healing modality practitioners are welcome.

Suite includes waiting room, internet access, copier, small break room. Ample parking, building is accessible. Contact Elliott Strick at 860-231-8459, www.elliottstrick.com Email: elliottstricklmft@gmail.com.

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

See ad on page 24.

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

(203) 740-9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.com

ALLERGY TREATMENT Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037 860) 829-0707 www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 24

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

DENTISTRY Dr. Steven Hinchey 2249 New London Turnpike South Glastonbury, CT. (860) 633-6518 www.dentistryfordiabetics.com/drhinchey See ad on page 24.

FELDENKRAIS Margo Hennebach, GCFP, GSM(MT) Sound Moves Studio, Bloomfield, CT 860-206-2746 • www.margohennebach. com. Specializing in voice, musicians, chronic pain.

FINANCIAL PLANNING Conscious Capital Wealth Management, LLC Lawrence Ford 381 Hubbard St. ste. 300, Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860) 6598299 • Lford@consciouscapitalwm.com www.consciouscapitalwm.com See ad on page 8.

HEALTH FOOD STORES Parkade Health Shoppe Manchester Parkade, 378 West Middle Tpke, Manchester, CT • 860.646.8178 M-Sat 8am-9pm • Sun 9am-6pm See ad on page 3.

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

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

DENTISTRY

HOLISTIC CENTERS

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

COLON HYDROTHERAPY

The Canaan Gentle Dentle & Implant Center Dr. Thomas Livingstone 3 Railroad St. North Canaan, CT (860)824-0751 • www.livingstonedental.com See ad on page 14.

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

RESOURCES HYPNOSIS Mind Matters Hypnosis Center Lisa Zaccheo, MA, BCH, BCI Board Certified Hypnotist & Instructor 12 Waterside Court, Avon, CT 06001 (860)693-6448 • MindMatters@comcast.net www.mindmattershypnosis.com See ad on page 20.

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

INTEGRATIVE HOLISTIC PSYCHIATRY David London, MD 567 Vauxhall St. Ext. #218, Waterford, CT (860) 443-5822 - davidlondonmd.com See ad on page 10.

LIFE COACH PEAK Results Coaching Jeff Forte, CSIC, CME 2389 Main St., Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860)633-8555 • peakresultscoaching.com See ad on page 25.

Balanced Living Now Kristen Werblow, M.A., CPC 36 Chamberlain Highway, Berlin, CT 06037 (860)707-0908 • kristen@balancedlivingnow.com www.balancedlivingnow.com See ad on page 27.

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

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

CT Natural Health Specialists Lauren Young, ND, Ashley Burkman, ND & Tonya Pasternak, ND 315 E. Center St., Manchester, CT (860) 533-0179 • www.ctnaturalhhealth.com See ad on page 23.

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

Kensington Naturopathic Medical Center Dr. Ann Aresco 355 New Britain Rd, Kensington, CT (860) 829-0707 • drannaresco@comcast.net kensingtonnaturopathic.com See ad on page 24.

Naturopathic & Acupuncture Health Center Dr. Marie Mammone, Dr. Renee Mammone, NDs John Mammone, Licensed Acupuncturist 274 Silas Deane Hwy., Wethersfield, CT 06109 (860)529-1200 • www.NAHcenter.com

NUTRITION

SCHOOLS

Holcare Nutrition Vicki Kobliner MS RD 3 Hollyhock Lane, Suite 2A, Wilton, CT 06897 203-834-9949 • www.holcarenutrition.com See ads on page 8.

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

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

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

203-513-8200. TheCommonBondMarket.com.

PHYSICIANS, M.D.

Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND, LAc. 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037 860) 829-0707 • www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 24.

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

The Wellness Institute Marvin Schweitzer, ND 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT (203) 847-2788 See ad on page 15.

Tamara Sachs, MD Functional Medicine & Integrative Care 15 Bennitt St., New Milford, CT (860) 354-3304 • www.tsachsmd.intranets.com

West Hartford Naturopathic Medicine Frank Aieta, ND 301 N. Main St., West Hartford, CT (860) 232-9662 • www.DRAIETA.com See ad on page 25.

Optimal Health Medical, LLC Henry C. Sobo, M.D. 111 High Ridge Rd. ,Stamford, CT 06905 203-348-8805 • www.drsobo.com

ProNatural Physicians Group LLC 355 New Britain Road Kensington, CT 06037 • 860-505-0702 www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 24.

PSYCHOTHERAPY

ProNatural Members Dr. Ann Aresco 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037 P: 860-829-0707 • F: 860-829-0606 E: draresco@comcast.net • See ad on page 25.

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

860) 829-0707 www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 24.

42 Nutmeg December 20142014 42 Natural Natural Nutmeg - December

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

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

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

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

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

(203) 740-9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.com X to Rays, LLC Suzanne Pyle, MS, CCT 35 Boston Street, Guilford, CT 866.986.7297 or 203.331.2878 www.xtorays.com • See ad on page 27.

WEIGHTLOSS HCG Weight Loss Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND, LAc. 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037 860) 829-0707 • www.pronaturalphysicians.com See ad on page 24.

RELATIONSHIP COACH

YOGA / PILATES CENTERS

PEAK Results Coaching Jeff Forte, CSIC, CME • Relationship Coach 2389 Main St., Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860)633-8555 • peakresultscoaching.com See ad on page 25.

Cyndi Roberts Yoga RYT-200, Certified Therapeutic & Prenatal Therapeutic, Gentle, or Prenatal Yoga.

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

1426 Boulevard, West Hartford, CT 860-517-9322. www.yogawithcr.com

SCHOOLS

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

Visit our Facebook page!

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

See ad on page 35.

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

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Deanna Cherrone, M.D.

Internal Medicine Functional Medicine practitioner

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

I help restore balance so that you can look, feel and function your best.

Areas of Focus: • Adrenal Fatigue • Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy • Bone Loss • Detoxification • Food Sensitivities • Heavy Metal Testing & Oral Chelation • Leaky gut • Menopause & Andropause • Mind Body Medicine

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

Functional Medicine explores the root cause symptoms: Fatigue • Brain Fog • Sugar Cravings • Headaches • Depression • Stress & Anxiety • Decreased Libido • Aches & Pains • Decreased Stamina • Constipation • Allergies • Inability to Lose Weight • Insomnia Dr. Cherrone, founder of Natural Health & Healing, provides Functional Medicine with emphasis on patient education and self care for optimal health.

CALL DR. CHERRONE TODAY AT (860) 677-4600

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

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

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Natural Nutmeg - December 2014