Natural Nutmeg December 10Best 2020 by Natural Nutmeg Magazine/Essential Naples Magazine

December 2020

Natural Nutmeg Connecticut's Resource For Essential Living

10BEST awards

The Truth About What Causes Autism Jared M. Skowron, ND

2020 Hindsight as Foresight Pat Heavren

The Future is Holistic! Bruce Cryer, President, The Graduate Institute

Silent Problems in Your Jaw Mark A. Breiner, DDS, FAGD, FIAOMT

Gaining Control Over Your Stressed Brain Veena Verma-Dzik, ND, FIAMA

12 Tips to Boost Your Immune System Donna Bunte, MSOM, LAc

2021 Essential Living Guide & 10BEST Awards www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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2021 is Around the Corner! Here’s What Natural Nutmeg Has in Store

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

January/February

April

July/August

November/December

• Diet & Stress Reduction for Weight Loss • Natural Ways to Boost Fertility

• Epigenetics and Disease • CBD Therapy for Chronic Disease

• Managing Stress & Anxiety in Children • Stem Cell Therapy

• Diabetes and Cardiovascular Health • Functional Nutrition

March

May/June

September

• Natural Hormone Therapy for Women/Men • Treatment for Lyme Disease

• Healthy Aging Guide • Natural Treatments for Chronic Pain

2022 10BEST/ Essential Living Guide

• Effects of the Mind on Health/Disease • Environmental Medicine and Toxins

October • Natural Treatments for Cancer • Effects of Diet & Environment on Autoimmune Disease

• Stress Reduction • The Future of Sleep

PUBLISHER'SLETTER

e’re almost at the end of 2020 and what a year this has been! We've all been changed, however, like many of you I'm a n eternal optimist, so I believe the changes are mostly for the better. Many holistic businesses have had to shift to virtual/online and make drastic changes in the way we run our business. And sadly, some of our 10BEST winners have had to close their business temporarily or permanently. It breaks my heart to see farm to table restaurants, beloved yoga studios and other holistic businesses close their doors. I can only hope that something new and better will come out of this for those of you in this situation. On a positive note, we’re excited to showcase our 3rd annual 2020 10BEST Winners! We are proud to be the first reader nominated awards exclusively for the holistic business community in Connecticut. It was so amazing to see many practitioners and businesses win for a third year and also to see many new faces as well! Not only does this issue include twenty pages dedicated to our award winners, but we have over 100 practitioners and businesses listed in our Resources section! We hope that you use this issue as a resource for all of 2021. We’re so proud of our 10BEST awards because it brings massive awareness throughout the state for Holistic Businesses & Practitioners and Natural Nutmeg and we receive amazing feedback from the winners and readers. Many business owners in categories like Natural Product Companies, Spas, and Farm-to-Table restaurants said they just discovered the magazine and didn’t realize their customers were avid readers and fans. These awards are a fantastic way for business owners to increase their market share and expand their business. Our Connecticut holistic practitioners are extremely passionate about helping their local communities and all of our winners are overwhelmingly grateful to you - our reader – for helping to bring more awareness to all of the amazing natural and ecofriendly choices we have in this great state. Of course, we couldn’t produce an issue without including our usual fantastic content, so this month don’t miss the great articles we have on the Autism epidemic, stress reduction, and immune support. Hope you enjoy and let us know what you think of our 10BEST/Essential Living Guide issue! In Health and Happiness,

ur mission is to provide valuable insight, information and resources that will allow our readers to maintain a healthy, active, sustainable lifestyle. Natural Nutmeg contains timely information on natural health, complementary and alternative medicine, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle. PUBLISHER Dr. Diane Hayden Diane@naturalnutmeg.com ADVERTISING advertising@naturalnutmeg.com DIR. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Christopher Urso Curso@naturalnutmeg.com MARKETING DIRECTOR Heather Zundel heather@naturalnutmeg.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashley Frament layout@naturalnutmeg.com ADVISORY BOARD Adam Breiner, ND Mark Breiner, DDS Deanna M. Cherrone, MD Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. Kenneth Hoffman, LAc, CCH Vicki Kobliner, MS, RD, CD-N Lauren Young, ND

DISTRIBUTION Greater Hartford and surrounding counties, please contact Natural Nutmeg. FFC - Tom Cossuto, Man In Motion, LLC

Natural Nutmeg Magazine

A big Thank You to our wonderful writers and advertisers who make this free resource possible! Please support our advertisers and tell them you saw them in

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In keeping with our concern for the environment, Natural Nutmeg is proudly printed on recycled paper with soy based inks. Natural Nutmeg is a free publication supported solely by our advertisers and distributed throughout Connecticut. Please call for a location near you. (860) 508-0894 or email to publisher@naturalnutmeg.com. © 2007-20 by Natural Nutmeg, LLC. All rights reserved. Parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that permission be obtained in writing. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the ar ticles and adver tisements, nor are we responsible for the products and ser vices adver tised. We welcome your feedback.

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2021

In This Issue 8 15 38

Business Spotlights

Listen to Your Wise Inner Voice JoJo Keane

Pat Heavren

10BEST Awards

Diet Can Make a Difference for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Stress Reduction 101

The Truth About What Causes Autism

Sharon Sklar

Jared M. Skowron, ND

Caroline Wetzel, CFP , CDFA , AWMA ®

RESOURCE GUIDE

The Future is Holistic! Bruce Cryer, President, The Graduate Institute

DIY Tips to Relieve Stress Mary Tracey, ND, MSAOM

12 Tips to Boost Your Immune System Donna Bunte, MSOM, LAc

Get More than Money: Get Peace of Mind ®

Gaining Control Over Your Stressed Brain

6 THE BUZZ 61 COMMUNITY

Veena Verma-Dzik, ND, FIAMA

Gina Barbetta, MS, RD, CD-N

In Every Issue

2020 Hindsight as Foresight

Silent Problems in Your Jaw Mark A. Breiner, DDS, FAGD, FIAOMT

Find more articles and

How COVID Has Changed Yoga and Fitness

search our web archive at naturalnutmeg.com

Tory Brogan, Owner, Hartford Sweat

Natural Nutmeg Thanks You! We created this resource guide to use throughout 2021, and we thank our readers for supporting these wonderful local businesses, now more than ever.

43 www.NaturalNutmeg.com

THE BUZZ

VIRTUAL ONCOLOGY WELLNESS RETREAT Integrative health practices & relaxation for those healing from cancer & caregivers January 29-31, 2021 Featuring Presenters:

Lose Weight and Reduce Stress with Yoga

rying to lose weight but feeling stressed? Who isn't under some kind of stress these days? Even when we're not in the middle of a global pandemic, we're constantly being bombarded by stimuli and demands as we move through our everyday lives. We are always reacting and usually our reaction is a stress response. Reducing your stress can help you reduce your weight. Stress hormones stimulate our appetite (usually for sugary foods) and our metabolism slows down under stress. Not to mention that stress also interferes with sleep and our ability to recover from physical exercise. If you are working on losing weight, work on losing some of your stress. As a long time student and teacher of yoga, I can't say enough about the benefits of a regular yoga practice to reduce stress and promote weight loss. Whether you choose a vigorous, power flow or a gentle, restorative class, yoga can help you slow down, learn to be less reactive, and ultimately less stressed. Think you need to be flexible to practice yoga? Think again. Yoga will help you become more flexible, physically and mentally. When it feels like your day has blown up, instead of reacting and grabbing some food that will make you feel worse, you'll be more inclined to pause, breathe and go with the flow. You'll be able to stay calm and present. You'll feel stronger, healthier and more inclined to stay on your path of losing weight and feeling better.

Submitted by Heather Rems Korwin, Owner of Sanctuary Power Yoga in Torrington, CT. thebentyogi.com sanctuarypoweryoga.com/ • youtube.com/thebentyogi

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Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2021

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In-Store Shopping: Safe • Serene • Affordable Thank You for Voting Us a 10Best Health Food Store!

Manchester Parkade Health Celebrates 64 Years

anchester Parkade Health wishes you a very healthy and serene 2020 holiday season. We’re greatly honored to have received Natural Nutmeg Magazine’s 10Best Health Food Store award for the third year. Our owner, Erika Dworkin, BCHN, also won 10Best Nutritionist for a second year. In these trying times, we are particularly grateful for all our customers and friends who voted for us. Their support has enabled us to reach our 64th year! To provide for the safety and convenience of our community during the pandemic, we offer ordering by email, curbside pickup, local delivery, and mail order. Our team continues to work with great dedication to create an ecommerce site that will enable you to shop with us online. Don’t forget our beautiful Health Lounge, Your Family Room Away from Home, where you can safely (with social distancing) unwind, enjoy a snack, use our FREE WiFi, and charge your electronic devices. Nutrition specialists trusted since 1956, making your healthy lifestyle affordable. Shop here. Feel better.

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

Phone 860.678.7880 • Text 860.712.1762 www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Business Spotlight Dr. Nicole Klughers, ND As a licensed naturopathic physician, acupuncture specialist, former pharmacist, and wellness educator, I offer all-natural solutions to restore optimal health and help individuals reclaim a life of energy, balance, and joy. By listening closely to your story and utilizing detailed testing, I work with you to identify and address the root cause of your health concerns. In other words, I serve as your “health detective” and will thoroughly “investigate” to find the culprit of your symptoms. I provide care to all ages and address a wide range of acute and chronic concerns, including digestive problems, weight gain, allergies, autoimmunity, hair loss, thyroid disorders, infertility, hormonal imbalances, skin conditions, anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, insomnia, chronic pain, headaches, as well as many other symptoms that fit no recognized diagnosis. Natural approaches used in my practice include personalized nutrition (based on your food sensitivity testing, genetics and blood type) hormone balancing, herbal medicine, nutritional supplementation, acupuncture, mindfulness, motivation, movement and more. 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty and what sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field? Formerly working as a pharmacist, I realized the limitations of conventional medicine in its ability to provide integrative, sustainable, and holistic care. I knew there had to be a better way for me to provide “health” care to my community and I believe that most people are not pleased with the idea of taking drugs for the rest of their lives. Experienced in a variety of healthcare settings, I now practice as an integrative physician. I focus on utilizing natural therapies and helping individuals establish a foundation of good health, yet I’m also fully equipped to recommend appropriate conventional approaches if needed. Human beings are incredibly complex and my commitment is to be as thorough as possible in every visit. For this reason, I dedicate more time for appointments with patients compared to many practitioners. The patients I see greatly appreciate being able to ask plenty of questions in our visits together and never feel “rushed.” 2. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner.

Donna Bunte Whole Health

t Donna Bunte Whole Health, I help people become well by looking at the whole picture and finding the cause of the problem. I work in partnership with the patient to bring the body into balance using the tools of Chinese diagnosis, acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, lifestyle changes, as well as qigong and meditation. 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty? Chinese medicine and nutrition turned my own health around in so many ways starting in my 20’s from reversing a heart condition, infertility, and overall health improvement. In my own practice, I see dramatic results using these tools every day for so many different issues. It is so inspiring to be able to help people improve their health and thus their quality of life. 2. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field? In my practice, I aim to help people to heal themselves. I listen to my patients and try to understand the root causes of their issues, explaining that we will work towards whole health together as partners. My 25 years of experience helps me to find what will be the best treatment plan for each individual client, whether it is nutritional changes, acupuncture, meditation or lifestyle modifications. 3. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. It is always so wonderful to see people become well from any health issue but when an infertility patient became pregnant and had her baby after trying for years with western medicine it is truly rewarding being in this field!

Donna Bunte Whole Health, Stamford, CT 203.253.9885 • health@donnabunte.com • donnabunte.com

Damato Chiropractic Center of Glastonbury

I am often presented with particularly complicated and chronic cases from individuals that have not found relief elsewhere and are searching for alternative health solutions. My best memories in practice as a naturopathic physician are helping these individuals. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to make these memories almost every day when supporting patients to feel happy, feel heard, and feel healthy again. 3. What plans do you have for the future for your practice? We’ve faced many challenges in 2020. This calls for me to adjust aspects of my practice, as well as the classes and events I organize. I’m passionately committed, now more than ever, to support my community in staying well. I’ll be offering free wellness programs every month through an online platform in an effort to provide education and empowerment to my local and global community. Although I normally see patients in my office, I’ve received positive patient feedback regarding telemedicine appointments. So, for those who prefer it, I’ll continue this video-consult option so I can still connect face-to-face with patients from wherever they may be.

amato Chiropractic Center of Glastonbury helps you, and your family, take the first step towards better health and wellness. Our adjustments are designed to correct injuries and maintain the correction so your body can heal. In addition to excellent chiropractic care, we also offer Massage Therapy and Whole-Body Cryotherapy. 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty & what sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field? Ever since his first sports injury at age 7, Dr. Nick Damato has been getting adjusted by a chiropractor, which has allowed him to continue his athletic career through high school. His family has been involved with natural health care since he was a child and he continues to pride himself in educating the community on the importance of the human body and its capabilities without the assistance of drugs or surgery. Dr. Damato sees patients of all ages from birth and up – we are a family centered practice! 2. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. There are so many amazing memories that I’ve had the privilege of having! Helping people with their pain and improving their quality of life is truly the best gift I can ask for!

Dr. Nicole Klughers • Vis Wellness Center Rocky Hill & TeleMedicine 234-2-ACU-DOC • DrNicoleKlughers.com

Damato Chiropractic Center of Glastonbury Glastonbury, CT 860.410.4488 • dccglastonbury.com

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2021

Dr. Jaquel Patterson, ND, MBA Fairfield Family Health

am the Medical Director and owner of Fairfield Family Health. Fairfield Family Health is a large multi-disciplinary integrative medical practice based in Fairfield, CT. Our primary areas of specialty include Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections, autoimmune conditions, allergies, childhood developmental disorders, mental health, and women's health. We offer naturopathic medical services, low dose immunotherapy and low dose allergen, nutrition services, craniosacral therapy, acupuncture, reiki and have partnerships to provide conventional medical care, as needed. 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty? I have wanted to become an alternative medicine practitioner since I was a child and enrolled in Cornell University as a plant science major. I also had many family members who were medical doctors. Medicine, particularly alternative medicine, was all that I ever saw in my heart. My mother became very ill in my adolescence with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis and I learned too soon the importance of creating wellness in all aspects of life. I myself suffered medical conditions at a young age including fatigue, anxiety and depression and was diagnosed with Lyme disease in my 30's. I think my experience often helps support the patients I provide care for by having a compassionate and experienced ear. 2. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. I will never forget one of my early clinical cases where I saw a 2 1/2-year-old girl with myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune condition that causes weakness in your muscles and often afflicts the eyes. This little girl had been seen by many renowned specialists and they were in the process of having her thymus removed. When she came to me, she had lost some considerable function of her left eye which drooped during the office visit. She had been placed on extensive medication including steroids but continued to have drooping of her eye and significant fatigue. After I worked with her, over the period of three weeks, she regained full strength and motor function of her left eye and you could not tell the difference between the right or left eye by way of movement or eye strength. Over the period of time working with her through natural medicine, she was able to get off of steroids, prevent surgery, reduce medication and regain energy and full eye movement.

Erika Dworkin, BCHN Certified Lifestyle Educator

rika Dworkin is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals, and the owner and Nutrition Consultant of the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe, trusted since 1956. She offers in-store and office consultations to empower her clients through lifestyle and dietary changes and supplements to address a wide range of health issues, including pain and inflammation, systemic yeast overgrowth, obesity, hormonal issues, and anxiety and depression. 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty? I care deeply about the general well-being of the members of our greater community. My nutrition practice and shoppe provide me with ideal vehicles to reach and educate others about how they can live a healthy lifestyle and increase their longevity. 2. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic nutrition field? Following in the footsteps of my father and mentor, Michael Dworkin, PD, CCN (1928-2017), a well-respected healer, I offer highly accessible, personalized guidance. The supplements from my shoppe, including professional brands and many of the various dietary and other regimens I recommend, were time-tested in my father’s practice. As an avid, published researcher, I combine keen intuition with the most cutting-edge, evidence-based means to promote healing. 3. What is the best memory you have about being a holistic nutritionist? Each week, I help hundreds maintain their immune systems and live more vibrantly, so it’s difficult to select only one. It was tremendously gratifying to learn that a client was no longer at risk for esophageal cancer after following the acid reflux program I recommended.

Erika Dworkin, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe, Manchester, CT 860.646.8178 • cthealthshop.com

Dr. Jaquel Patterson, ND, MBA Naturopathic Physician, Medical Director Fairfield Family Health, P.C. • Fairfield, CT 203.254.9957 • fairfieldfamilyhealth.com

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Business Spotlight

Abundant Health Massage Therapy & Wellness

or the past 12 years, Kristina Mozzicato, LMT, has provided customized, quality massage sessions to her clients. In addition to Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage, we offer Reiki, Himalayan Salt Stone Massage, Cupping, and Medicupping. 1. Why did you want to become a holistic practitioner? From a young age, I was interested In holistic health and healing. I have found that massage therapy is a very effective modality for treating stress, as well as pain. I wanted to offer clients a drugfree alternative for relaxation and pain-relief. I am Board Certified through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). I also hold certifications in Cupping and Medicupping. 2. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field? My training in Cupping. I have found that combining Cupping with massage yields superior results when it comes to relaxation and pain. Cupping is like a deep tissue massage and works to “unstick” the fascia layer, as well as helps to release muscle knots. It’s a great alternative for clients who need their muscle tightness and knots addressed, but perhaps cannot tolerate the deep compression of deep tissue massage. I include Cupping in all massage sessions, per client request. I am also certified in Medicupping. My sessions are customized for each client. I am a very good listener and communicator and will adjust the amount of pressure according to the client’s preference/tolerance. I have convenient online booking. 3. What plans do you have for the future for your practice? I am excited to offer a new service: The Body Contouring Cocoon. This treatment addresses solid bloat and cellulite. It combines Cupping and Aromatherapy. Also, I am currently pursuing my certification in Holistic Nutrition. 4. What do you like the most about being part of Natural Nutmeg? Natural Nutmeg is a reputable publication that is comprised of professional holistic practitioners. The educational articles are a great resource for its readers.

Abundant Health Massage Therapy & Wellness Farmington, CT • 860.778.0315 • abundanthealthct.com

Dr. Adam Breiner

r. Adam Breiner, ND practices energy medicine and traditional naturopathic medicine and offers cutting-edge treatments for healing the injured brain. His innovative approaches to Lyme Disease have helped patients throughout New England recover from this challenging disease. 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty? Naturopathic medicine holds that only the body can cure itself. As a naturopathic physician, my challenge is to remove any barriers that may prevent healing and help my patients reach an optimal state of wellness. One of the most exciting areas of care that we offer falls under the category of Energy Medicine. We are all energy. Albert Einstein predicted, “The Future of Medicine Will be the Medicine of Frequencies.” 2. What sets you apart from other practitioners in your field? In addition to naturopathic care for many health concerns, our clinic offers Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Neurofield Therapy, Neurobiofeedback, and patented Traumatic Brain Injury protocols. I have had the privilege of working with some of the pioneers in these fields. We provide cutting-edge therapies and diagnostic tools aimed at healing the injured brain and boosting cognitive performance. We also offer innovative and energetic therapies to treat difficult Lyme disease cases, including neurologic Lyme. 3. Are you able to provide telemedicine for your patients? In this challenging time, many patients find that long-distance therapies provide a convenient and effective means to alleviate many health concerns. Naturopathic medicine combined with energy medicine and sophisticated equipment often allows for patient care from a distance. Patients can experience this type of care both in-office and long-distance. 4. What types of newer therapeutics do you offer? The space program was the genesis of Biomagnetism. Biomagnetism or Biomagnetic Pair Therapy helps to restore the body’s homeostasis so that the body can begin to heal itself. We have seen exciting results using this therapy. Another new technology we now offer is a small microcurrent frequency device that is both wearable and treatable. This device is FDAcleared Class II for the treatment of pain. This incredible technology developed by renowned quantum physicists provides frequencies for well-being and balance. Patients can have a session using the prescribed frequencies in the office or some may take the device home or purchase one for continued sessions.

Adam Breiner, ND, Fairfield, CT 203.371.8258 Ext 2 • info@wholebodymed.com wholebodymed.com

“Experience & expertise in naturopathic medicine.” 2600 Post Road, Suite L2 Southport , CT 06890

475.999.2032

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2021

Caroline Wetzel, CFP®, CDFA®, AWMA®, / Procyon Private Wealth Partners, LLC

lients seeking more than just returns from their money trust me to listen to what is important to them and advise them on their financial choices. I offer clients a safe space free of judgment to talk about their fears and dreams and we use financial planning to facilitate peace of mind. 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty and what sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field? When multiple miscarriages and alopecia areata universalis painfully changed my life, my husband and I used financial planning to exert control and positively influence our future. As I experienced renewed hope and purpose, my professional interests changed. I aspired to leave my global corporate executive job and help other people experience the power that comes with owning their wealth. I became a Certified Financial PlannerTM and joined Procyon Partners, an independent fiduciary team. Daily, I use my own personal health experiences as professional inspiration to help clients optimize their financial health by experiencing three Cs: • Clarity around what they are doing • Comfort around why they are doing it, and • Confidence around what they can influence 2. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic business owner. I love it when clients say, “I feel so much better.” An accomplished couple in their 60s decided that they needed a new approach to their money as they prepared for retirement. They left their previous broker and began working with my fiduciary team. Early in the relationship, after we discussed the tradeoffs with different pension collection strategies available to them, the wife volunteered, “I never understood my finances this clearly before.” And the husband agreed saying, “I never felt this good talking about them either.” This motivates me daily.

Caroline Wetzel, CFP®, CDFA®, AWMA® Procyon Private Wealth Partners, LLC, Shelton, CT 475.232.2713 • procyonpartners.net/team/caroline-wetzel

Dr. Cheryl Vincent, DC/Simsbury Chiropractic & Wellness Center

imsbury Chiropractic and Wellness Center, the office of Dr. Cheryl Vincent, is a source for whole body chiropractic care that includes rehab and exercise therapy, massage therapy and custom foot orthotics. We treat all types of musculoskeletal conditions with comprehensive techniques that are tailored to each individual. The office was opened in 1993 and has gratefully been serving the Farmington Valley and beyond ever since. 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty? Functional Medicine and Acupuncture are part of our practice as we believe in treating the whole person inside and out. Nothing in the body works in isolation! All that we do/feel/eat/breathe/think has an effect on our body’s ability to function optimally. Our practice is different as we work to identify and recalibrate the source of those imbalances. We have a great network of practitioners right in our center and our collaboration is a huge benefit to our patients. 2. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field? Utilizing the Shape Reclaimed program along with Nutrient Body Sculpt makes us the only office in CT to offer this exclusive anti-inflammatory, whole food, nutrient rich system of restoring real health. Our goal is to help our patients look and feel the best they possibly can so they can enjoy life as much as we do!

Spectrum Awakening Dr. Jared Skowron & Dr. Nicole Kerr

pectrum Awakening is Connecticut’s Leading All-Natural Clinic helping children with Autism, ADHD, and Anxiety. Dr. Jared Skowron has helped children for over 17 years fulfill their full potential, using natural medicines instead of harmful pharmaceuticals. 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty? I started college wanting to be a pediatrician, but soon realized their day to day was full of vaccines and antibiotics. Their outcomes aren’t that good when you look at them. The numbers of sick children with autism, ADHD, asthma, and behavioral disorders are only increasing with no end in sight. Whatever conventional medicine is doing, frankly it’s not working for these conditions. I wanted to be better. 2. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. Asking about a best memory over 17 years is like asking about the best memory of my wife, my family, or my child, that’s impossible. I could talk about being on NBC in Hartford over 25 times sharing our work with natural medicine and kids. I could talk about lecturing on stage with Temple Grandin or Jenny McCarthy. In reality, my best memories happen every day. When a mother tells me her autistic child spoke for the first time in years because of our treatments, or a child is out of pain, or the screaming has stopped and the family isn’t walking on eggshells every minute. The day to day of my work that helps a child, helps the entire family. These are the memories I’ll have for a lifetime. 3. What plans do you have for the future for your practice? Our future is to grow Spectrum Awakening into an internationally known natural clinic that helps families with kids with autism, ADHD, and anxiety. We currently work with children all over the USA, all over the world, and ship our treatments nationally and internationally. When the number of children with autism starts to decrease worldwide, then we have finally begun to share our work. 4. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg? I’ve been happy to work with Diane at Natural Nutmeg for over a decade now. Persistence is one of the most difficult traits to maintain and Natural Nutmeg has done that, providing Connecticut with access to experts around the state to help families.

Spectrum Awakening Wallingford, CT • 203.265.0444 SpectrumAwakening.com

Dr. Cheryl Vincent, DC Simsbury Chiropractic and Wellness Center Simsbury, CT • 860.651.3355 • simsburychiro.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Business Spotlight

Dr. Henry Sobo, MD

ember American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Board Certified in Obesity Medicine. Dr. Sobo believes that the best of both medical and nutritional approaches to medical care is more effective than either approach alone. Weight Loss programs, IV Vitamins, Allergy evaluation and desensitization, Stem Cell treatments, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement, PRP. 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty? I feel that there is a great need in our country to provide alternatives to drug therapy and surgical procedures which can sometimes be avoided by providing a natural, non-toxic treatment solution. 2. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field? As a licensed MD I am able to provide, when necessary, medications along with our natural treatments to achieve the best results. We also provide injectable vitamins, which can have a much greater effect than taking oral supplements. 3. What can patients expect from working with you? We offer a friendly, relaxed healing environment where patients concerns are given the time and attention needed. I practice individualized medicine, not a cookbook approach. 4. What plans do you have for the future for your practice? We are growing our practice of regenerative medicine and making more people aware of the options of Stem Cell Therapy and Platelet Rich Plasma treatments which can sometimes improve conditions not considered to be effectively treated by any current existing drugs on the market. This may allow a patient to avoid the need to have surgery. 5. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. Seeing patients respond to a natural therapy that they were unaware existed because they were only informed about conventional drug therapy always gives me a feeling of great satisfaction. I have helped many patients who had previously seen a number of conventional MDs who could not help them with what is the current standard of care in conventional medicine. I was able to help one patient have a much faster recovery from a stroke and I helped another elderly man successfully improve his tremors. Both of these patients provided testimonials which can be seen on my website. 6. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg? I appreciate the opportunity to expand the universe of people who are aware of the effectiveness of natural healing approaches.

Henry C. Sobo, MD • Stamford, CT 203.348.8805 • drsobo.com

Coastal Natural Medicine, LLC

oastal Naturopathic Medicine is a premiere naturopathic practice serving Fairfield County, the tristate area and patients from all over the world. Dr. Katy Firisin's mission is rooted in fundamental naturopathic principles where each patient receives individualized care emphasizing removing obstacles to healing, giving the body what it needs and stimulating the body's ability to heal itself. 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty? Hope. I am passionate about being a naturopathic doctor because it provides tools that can restore hope. The foundations of naturopathic medicine lie in the belief that the body has an innate wisdom that will move in the direction of healing if given the right circumstances. When patients feel well they have an opportunity to reach their highest potential. 2. Why did you become a Naturopathic practitioner and business owner? After many years working in a conventional medical field, I could see that patients needed more. Through my own experience with chronic illness, I was introduced to Naturopathic medicine and found hope. With the help of my amazing mentors, I was able to eliminate medications and restore my health. Reversing PCOS and hypothyroid and restoring my life with Chronic Lyme Disease and autoimmune disease was a miracle. Naturopathic medicine has allowed me to heal and to share these miracles with others. My combined experience of over 20 years in healthcare with my own personal experience and healing journey give me a unique perspective combining science and intuition. 3. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. I will never tire of hearing about the small miracles every day. Many stories of hope can be found with those who no longer need medication, who no longer have gastrointestinal discomfort, who no longer have migraines or anxiety. But when this healing process encompasses not only the physical symptoms but expands to include a spiritual and emotional shift it is inspirational. A patient healing her physical symptoms tells me she finally decided to take the steps to quit her job and start her own business. A patient who overcomes severe anxiety and depression gains enough clarity to embrace gender transition, that is what makes Naturopathic medicine different. Helping patients reach their highest potential. Those are the stories that touch my soul. 4. What plans do you have for the future for your practice? Moving back to my home state of CT has been a dream come true. I am so grateful to those in the community who have supported me and embraced my new practice. Continuing to find ways to reach more people, to bring Naturopathic medicine to the community and expand the modalities that I offer are all things I hope to do in practice. I am honored to practice alongside Dr. Robert Kipp, DC and will continue to strive to provide the best care possible for all of my patients. 5. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg? Natural Nutmeg brings light and focus to real, accurate, and useful information to those looking for an alternative to conventional wisdom related to health and healing. I am honored to be a part of a publication with integrity and a community of motivated and inspiring contributors and readers.

Coastal Natural Medicine, LLC • Dr. Katy Firisin, ND Southport, CT • 475.999.2032 coastalnaturalmedicine.com

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2021

Swan Integrative Health and Wellness

Bridge Healing Arts Center

he Bridge Healing Arts Center (BHAC) was created to provide a wellness community for talented practitioners, thought leaders, clients, and customers who come together to learn how to live their best life physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We have over 60 practitioners who provide a variety of holistic modalities to the community. There are amazing collaborations between our practitioners and we host thoughtful events that speak to what people need right now. 1. What sets BHAC apart from other holistic centers? It's a beautiful thing to see how under one roof you can have so many different methods and modalities of healing. It's a place to collaborate, to create ideas, and to help grow a business. Watching the center evolve from an empty building to what we have now has been a joy to witness. We would love to welcome everyone to the Bridge with a personal tour. There are many resources available on our campus and we want people to fully understand they have the holistic universe available to them right here in Farmington through our amazing practitioners, services, and events. 2. What services do you provide at BHAC? We have added some amazing services from our Bridge Team, as well as our Infrared Sauna with Himalayan Salt. The Sauna is a perfect place for self-care. You can relax as you boost your immune system. We offer Chromotherapy and Aromatherapy while you detox or meditate. Our new meditation room with a healing stone mat provides an oasis from all but the present moment. We would love people to experience as much healing as possible while they are at The Bridge. 3. What changes have been implemented at BHAC? We recently made some major improvements to the building, including our Front Desk, and have amazing local artists on our walls. Join us for our weekly Sound Healing on Thursday at 6 pm and stroll through the building to admire the new paintings. 4. What are your plans/hopes for the future? During this vulnerable time, my hope is that the Bridge continues to grow because the people can benefit from these modalities now more than ever. Holistic healing is just as important today as it was years ago. I believe, when you walk into this place, it can bring out wellness and healing in a lot of different ways and that is exactly what we need. The Bridge is here to be a place of serenity and peace in an ever-changing and challenging time. All are welcome to find their path to holistic wellness.

e take a functional, integrative, and root-cause resolution approach to helping people heal so that they can live out their purpose and share their gifts with the world. We have a special focus on women’s health, hormones, thyroid health, and gut healing. Now accepting pediatric patients, too! 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty and why did you want to become a holistic practitioner? I’m a problem solver. Practicing in conventional medicine didn’t give me the time or resources to dig in to the real causes of people’s illnesses. My holistic approach enables me to see and hear your whole story so that we can get to the root cause and solve clinical problems. It’s like being a private investigator of the human body, mind, and spirit. 2. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field? I strongly believe that integrative medicine should be accessible to everyone, not just people who can afford it. I’ve taken insurance from day one. With our current pandemic, it’s even more important for everyone to have access to high quality, affordable, integrative health care. 3. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. When I haven’t heard from a patient in a while, I worry that they might be struggling. It’s always nice when the opposite is true, when they write or call to say they are feeling amazing because of our time together. On tough days, these are the moments that keep me going. 4. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg? The integrative health world is still small and Natural Nutmeg helps us to stay connected and teach our communities about all of the wonderful integrative medicine resources in our little state!

Swan Integrative Health and Wellness Glastonbury, CT 860.325.2679 • swanintegrative.com

Bridge Healing Arts Center Farmington, CT @bridgehealingartscenter • bridgehac.com

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Business Spotlight

Leighanne Champion Coaching, LLC

Circle of Health

erving and caring for clients since 2007, Circle of Health is a holistic wellness center featuring Bear Walker, PhD, Holistic Practitioner of over 30 years, specializing in cellular health and overall well-being. Programs and protocols are always tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. 1. Why are you passionate about your practice? We love developing relationships and being a part of supporting clients in their quest to live happier, healthier lives. It drives us every day! 2. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field? Circle of Health combines the use of modern technology with a time-honored, friendly atmosphere. Bear Walker is a renowned holistic practitioner and native American healer who played an integral role with NASA in the development of much of the office’s equipment. We maintain a large inventory of high quality homeopathic and herbal remedies and dietary supplements. Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) and Infrared Sauna therapies are available. We’re also the first holistic center in the United States to offer innovative neurofeedback technology that can be a unique alternative for those experiencing symptoms of TBI, PTSD, anxiety, depression and more. 3. What can clients expect from working with you? A caring environment where clients are educated and guided through a process leading to the answers and results they’ve been searching for. Each experience is a combination of seriousness and light-heartedness that ultimately creates significant shifts in the healing process. 4. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. The client referrals and complimentary letters we receive from satisfied clients near and far is a memory that continues to build upon itself. Many thanks to everyone we’ve had and will have the opportunity to work with as they change their lives!

f you believe that Personal Development and Growth is what life is about, then you've found the right Coach. Life can be challenging and quick fixes are just a bandaid. If you're looking for tools and personal support that will enable you to become the next best version of yourself, then you are ready to go. 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty? I am passionate about Life Coaching as I have the privilege to help clients learn how to manage their brains (and all the thoughts within it), so that they can create amazing results in their lives. It is the most important thing one will ever do in their life and ironically none of our traditional education teaches it. 2. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic nutrition field? As a coach, I provide my clients with the newest and most powerful tools and support. I intentionally remain on the cutting-edge of this discipline through continued education, training and practice. I received my certification at the Integrative Institute of Nutrition in NYC, IPEC Life Coaching in NYC and most recently at The Life Coach School which I believe has taken my coaching to the next level. 3. What is the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. I am not sure I have one favorite, but I enjoy creating safe and compassionate places for my clients to share their thoughts and experiences, free from judgement and reaction. I firmly believe that all of my clients are the experts of their own lives and I aim to help them understand how their thinking builds their everyday reality. They, in turn, discover the methods to solve any problem they encounter and to create the lives they've been dreaming about.

Circle of Health, Bear Walker, PhD Farmington, CT • 860.384.1527 circleofhealth.com

Leighanne Champion Coaching, LLC New Canaan, CT • 203.505.5571

Dr. Jennifer Pierre, ND, MPH

enteelNature Health provides telemedicine consults, public health programming, and corporate wellness consulting. As the founder and owner, my experience as both a naturopathic doctor and public health professional equips me with the principles learned in my extensive career to prevent disease, protect the health of the public, and promote healthy lifestyles. 1. Why did you want to become a holistic practitioner and what sets you apart from other Naturopathic Physicians in the holistic field? Since childhood, I dreamed of becoming a physician to heal and educate people about their health. Prior to becoming a naturopathic physician, I had already amassed a decade of public health experience. What sets me apart is my distinct perspective of the healthcare landscape, enabling me to consider macro and micro approaches to patient care. 2. What is your specialty and what are you passionate about treating? Women’s health is my specialty; thyroid disease, PCOS and fibroids are just a few conditions that hinder fertility. I am passionate about helping women bring forth life. Valuable time can be lost using a “watch and wait” approach. Furthermore, many of my patients cannot afford assisted reproductive technology (ART). Whether or not conception is the goal, reproductive concerns must be treated due to the overall impact on total health. My treatment process is holistic in nature, it involves using functional medicine diagnostics, addressing nutrient deficiencies, uncovering latent chronic disease and reviewing internal / external environmental factors that prevent fertility optimization. 3. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. Most recently, one of my patients announced she was pregnant with fraternal twins! She had been trying to conceive for a few years, had a blocked fallopian tube, cysts and irregular menses. She enrolled in my fertility program and her hard work paid off twofold!

JenteelNature Health, New Haven, CT 203.806.5152 • DrJPierre.com 14

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2021

10BEST WINNERS

elcome to the third annual Natural Nutmeg 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards issue: our celebration of all things holistic we love about Connecticut. These awards brought massive awareness throughout the state for Holistic Businesses & Practitioners and Natural Nutmeg and we received amazing feedback from the winners and readers. Many business owners in categories like Natural Product Companies, Spas, and Farm-to-Table restaurants said they just discovered the magazine and didn’t realize their customers were avid readers and fans. We are proud to be the first reader nominated awards exclusively for the holistic business community in Connecticut. Enjoy all the selections and let us know what you think about the winners and any businesses that are still best kept secrets! By Dr. Diane Hayden, Publisher of Natural Nutmeg Magazine

Congratulations to our 10BEST Winners!

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

10BEST Acupuncture/Traditional Chinese Medicine Alexandra Lin’s Acupuncture Center Southbury, CT 203.586.1838 alexandralinsacupuncture.com

Storrs & Berlin, CT 860.995.0317 travergarrity.com

Connecticut Family Acupuncture

Traver specializes in acupuncture, cupping and tunia to treat chronic pain, sports injuries, migraines, stress/anxiety and much more. Each treatment is specifically catered to each patient's needs to ensure the greatest outcome.

Glastonbury, & Coventry, CT 860.633.6022 • CTfamilyacupuncture.com

Dr. Artemis Morris, ND, LAc. Artemis Wellness Center

Specializing in chronic pain and other inflammatory conditions. Most insurances accepted. Highly-trained and experienced acupuncturists licensed by the CT Department of Public Health.

Chi Healing Center Canton, CT 860.352.8902 chihealingcenter.com

Ming Wu West Hartford, CT 978.790.8888 wuhealing.com

Traver Garrity Acupuncture

Milford, CT 203.783.9802 drartemis.com artemiswellnesscenter.com Dr. Artemis Morris is a seasoned Naturopathic Physician, Licensed Acupuncturist, researcher, author, public speaker, and the academic director of the Integrative Health and Healing Program at The Graduate Institute. Artemis Wellness Center specializes in women’s health and wellness using Acupuncture, Craniosacral therapy, nutrition, and a holistic approach to addressing the cause of dis-ease. She is the author of the book A Naturopathic Doctor's Guide to Wellness for Immune Support and The Antiinflammation Diet for Dummies available on Amazon.

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2021

Dr. Jennifer Pierre, ND, MPH JenteelNature Health New Haven, CT 203.806.5152 DrJPierre.com As Founder and CEO of JenteelNature Health, Dr. Jennifer Pierre brings naturopathic medicine and public health together to manage her patients’ care. Her focus is women’s health, using a comprehensive approach to treat thyroid disease, fibroids, PCOS, hormonal imbalances and infertility.

Dr. Elena Sokolova, ND Fairfield, CT 203.371.8258 WholeBodyMed.com

SOPHIA Natural Health Center Dr. Kenneth Hoffman, DACM, LAc. Brookfield, CT 203.740.9300 inm.center

Valley Spirit Wellness Center Washington Depot, CT 860.619.2788 valleyspiritcoop.com

10BEST Chiropractic Physician Dr. Suzanne Chester, DC Family Health Chiropractic Care

Dr. Robert Kipp, DC Pro-Health Chiropractic

Simsbury, CT 860.468.1110 docsuzannechester.com

Southport, CT 203.333.2700 yourprohealth.com

Dr. Nick Damato, DC Damato Chiropractic Center of Glastonbury

Dr. Luann Moratto, DC

Glastonbury, CT 860.410.4488 info@dccglastonbury.com dccglastonbury.com Damato Chiropractic Center of Glastonbury helps you and your family take the first step towards better health and wellness. Our adjustments are designed to correct injuries and maintain the correction so your body can heal. In addition to excellent chiropractic care, we offer Massage Therapy and Whole-Body Cryotherapy.

Dr. Stephen Karpenko, DC, AcCP Center for Natural Wellness Canton, CT 860.693.0255 karpenkowellness.com At The Center for Natural Wellness, located in Canton, CT, Dr. Karpenko provides his patients with drug-free, non-surgical natural health care. This includes Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Nutritional Counseling and Applied Kinesiology. We offer a safe and nurturing environment for proper functional healing of chronic and acute conditions.

Dr. Jason Sousa, DC PROhealth Chiropractic Center South Windsor, CT 860.432.7432 prohealthchiropractic center.com

Dr. Brenda Slovin, DC

Dr. Sousa and his amazing team have a special focus on spinal correction to help gain and sustain your health. Dr. Sousa has been part of the USA Olympic Wellness Advisory Council and is certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association to provide specific chiropractic care for both children and pregnant women.

Norwalk, CT 203.840.0000 drslovin.com

Dr. Cheryl Vincent, DC Simsbury Chiropractic and Wellness Center

Bethel, CT 203.748.1941 therechargingstation.com

Dr. Justin Roth, DC Roth Family Chiropractic Berlin, CT • 860.505.7278 kensingtonchiropractor.com

Dr Jennifer Veit, DC, DICCP Loving Hands Chiropractic LLC Storrs, CT 860.487.9543 lovinghandschiro.com

Simsbury, CT 860.651.3355 simsburychiro.com Simsbury Chiropractic and Wellness Center is a source for whole body chiropractic care that includes rehab and exercise therapy, massage therapy and custom foot orthotics. We treat all types of musculoskeletal conditions with comprehensive techniques that are tailored to each individual.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

10BEST Energy Healer Cheryl Case Sharing The Light Wholistic Center, LLC Avon, CT 860.620.7709 Cheryl@SharingThe LightWC.com sharingthelightwc.com

Robin H. Clare, MBA West Hartford, CT 860.232.3331 Robin@clare-ity.com clare-ity.com During her 25-year MBA career, Robin yearned to live her authentic mission. Yet, she struggled with food addiction and bulimia. Now, in successful recovery, Robin created The Write Recovery Program. The program is designed to heal your suffering and inspire others through your writing. Robin is a best-selling spiritual self-help author, life coach, energy healer, and recovery professional.

Agnes Daddona, MA Intuitive Counseling Holistic Spa Avon, CT 860.941.2667 agnes@Intuitive CounselingLLC.com IntuitiveCounselingLLC.com Agnes Daddona is an Intuitive Counselor, Healer, and Spiritual Teacher. She has been in a therapeutic setting and the healing arts for over 20 years and has assisted thousands of people worldwide. Her Holistic Spa offers Intuitive Readings, Life Coaching, Spiritual Healing, Angel Workshops, Crystal Bed, DNA Technology, and Aura Photography.

Pat Heavren Woodbridge, CT 203.444.4424 livingsource.us

JoJo Keane 203.994.2834 keane.jojo@gmail.com Inspiredsoul.net JoJo is a motivational speaker, writer and leads workshops in energy healing, yoga/dance and movement. She helps you shift the energy in your body/brain/home. Join her in Dance/ Movement on Youtube or Zoom. Get a consultation and sign up for a remote healing. She has helped thousands of adolescents, women and men get unstuck from trauma to recovery.

Rebecca Anne LoCicero The Beyond Center Vernon, CT 860.573.5652 rsmith001@snet.net RebeccaAnneLoCicero.com

Daniel Lupacchino, LMT, RMT, IET MI Integrative Massage Works Glastonbury, CT 860.716.2740 integrativemassageworks.com Dan Lupacchino has over 10 years experience in the field of holistic healing and wellness. As a Massage Therapist, Healer and Teacher, his goal is to help you live and feel the best you can be. He is also IET® Master Instructor Trainer, Medicinal Aromatherapist, and Intuitive Coach.

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2021

Anna Pizzoferrato Reiki With Trust, LLC Aurora Mistica Distance Healing AuroraMistica® DistanceHealing.com I am Anna Rosa, aka Anna Pizzoferrato and have been offering remote distance healing services since 2001. I am a Usui, Shamballa, Kundalini and Karuna® Reiki Master. I have a registered modality called Aurora Mistica®. I am a Biologist and enjoy designing energy charged products. annarosaenergyartist.com

Karen Elizabeth Rowan, LMT, CST Simsbury, CT 860.830.0877 karenerowan.com Karen has studied with internationally celebrated doctors and healers from around the world. She specializes in advanced CranioSacral Therapy, Somato Emotional Release, Samvahan Vibrational Healing, Spiritual Life Coaching and Feng Shui. Karen is one of only two people in the United States that holds an Advanced Certification in India's Ancient Art of Samvahan Vibrational Healing.

Joyce St. Germaine, M.Ed., CHt. RYT200, The Sacred Journey Burlington, CT 860.675.9706 jsgermaine@aol.com thesacredjourney.biz Joyce is highly trained and experienced in Cross-Cultural Shamanism and Energy Healing Modalities. Sound, color, journeying, ceremony, yoga, energetic cord-cutting, direct energy channeling, and gemstone/crystal therapies. Advanced training in Soul Retrieval, Spirit Detachment and Extraction. Energy Healing Modalities may be combined as each situation requires. Sessions in-person or remotely.

10BEST Esthetician/Holistic & Organic Spa Art of Aesthetics Skin Care, LLC Berlin, CT 860.770.2595 ArtofAesthethicsSkinCare.Net

Face It Med Spa West Hartford, CT 860.206.9552 faceitct.com

Green Lotus Salon and Wellness Cromwell, CT • 860.398.5445 greenlotussalonandwellness.com

Imagine Float

ORGÁNACHS Farm To Skin Westport, CT • 203.221.0435 info@organachsfarmtoskin.com organachsfarmtoskin.com

Pia Lauren Natural Skincare Fairfield, CT 203.955.1286 pialaurenskincare.com

Rain Wellness Spa Branford, CT 203.483.0300 info@rainwellnessspa.com rainwellnessspa.com

Avon, CT 860.255.7771 imaginefloat.com IMAGINE FLOAT, is Greater Hartford's first and only wellness boutique offering floatation therapy, cryotherapy, infrared sauna and compression therapy. Our non-invasive services allow you to reach a new level of relaxation, lower cortisol levels, elevate your mood, reduce inflammation, promote muscle recovery, detoxify and boost your immune system.

SOMA Farmington, CT • 860.678.7880 omsoma.com Our goal is to help you attain a deep connection, to plug in to your body and mind. At Soma, we don’t think of you as an appointment. We consider you our guest, entrusted with your care. We’re small enough to offer a warm boutique experience and yet our menu is extensive, specializing in massage, skincare and Ayurveda.

Salt of the Earth Sanctuary Woodbury, CT 203.586.1172 soteswoodburyct@gmail.com naturalsalthealing.com

The Spa at Litchfield Hills

Book one of our state of the art Salt Rooms using one of the most advanced air quality systems in the industry! Breathe in purity and clear your lungs. Experience respiratory relief while boosting the immune system and oxygenating your bloodstream. Other services offered such as massage or energy work address physical imbalances, lymphatic congestion, stress and pain relief. Call us today for an appointment.

The Spa at Litchfield Hills has provided world-class service to southern New England for over 10 years. Tucked away in the Litchfield Hills, the stylishly appointed facilities at the Spa include: facial and massage treatment rooms, a nail room featuring whirlpool shiatsu massage pedicure chairs, a full-service hair salon.

Litchfield, CT • 860.567.8575 litchfield-spa.com

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Artisan Restaurant, Tavern and Garden West Hartford & Southport, CT West Hartford: 860.937.2525 Southport: 203.307.4222 ArtisanSouthport.com.& ArtisanWestHartford.com

10BEST Farm-to-Table/ Organic/Vegan Restaurant Arethusa al tavolo

ION Restaurant

Bantam & West Hartford, CT 860.567.0043 arethusaaltavolo.com

Middletown, CT • 860.346.9210 ionrestaurant.com

Community Table Restaurant & Bar Washington, CT • 860.868.9354 communitytablect.com

Flora West Hartford, CT • 860.216.5992 floraweha.net

G-Zen Branford, CT • 203.208.0443 g-zen.com

Mockingbird Kitchen & Bar Bantam, CT • 860.361.6730 mockingbirdkitchenandbar.com

Osa Restaurant Middletown, CT 860.358.9782 osarestaurant.com Restauranteurs Kevin Wirtes and Rich Garcia of Krust, proudly launched their newest venture Osa, in 2017. Located in Middletown, Osa features wood-fired small plates, bespoke cocktails, whiskey, wine and local beer.

Artisan is a unique and innovative casual/fine dining restaurant serving New England inspired American cuisine with an emphasis on farm fresh fare from its onsite garden and local and regional farms. As a Chef managed establishment, Artisan offers a one of a kind experience that celebrates the theme of craftsmanship and sustainability.

Popover Bistro & Bakery Simsbury, CT 860.413.2392 popoversimsbury.com

Taproot Bethel, CT 475.329.5395 taprootct.com

10BEST Gluten-Free/Natural/Organic Product Company Austin Bracelet Company Taia Cesana Co-Founder & Creative Visionary theaustinbraceletco.com

cinder + salt Middletown, CT • 860.788.3784 hello@cinderandsalt.com cinderandsalt.com

Dee’s One Smart Cookie Allergen Free Bakery Glastonbury, CT • 860.633.8000 deesonesmartcookie.com

Diane Wagemann Divine Treasures, LLC Manchester, CT • 860.643.2552 dtchocolates.com 20

Farm to Bath South Glastonbury, CT info@farmtobath.com farmtobath.com

Immortal Opulence Anti Aging Skin Cream. Old Wethersfield, CT 860.712.1933 ImmortalOpulence.com

Izzi B’s Allergen Free Bakery Norwalk, CT • 203.810.4378 ordering@ibcakes.com ibcakes.com

Make It GF, LLC Canton, CT 860.693.1300 www.makeitgf.com Make It GF makes gluten free pizza dough, crusts, flatbreads, breads, pastas, pierogi, ravioli, cookies, and more. Our shop is a dedicated gluten and nut free facility. We use simple ingredients and no chemical additives or preservatives. We sell retail, wholesale, and online at makeitgf.com.

Pure Love Bakery

Wild Moon Liqueurs by Hartford Flavor Company

Avon, CT • 860.409.0302 purelovebakery.com

Hartford, CT • 860.338.1642 HartfordFlavor.com

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2021

Against The Grain Brian Cusano

Full Circle Fitness

Glastonbury, CT 860.478.0283 Atgfitness1@gmail.com Againstthegrainfitness.com We are a personal and semi-private training studio that provides our clients with physical freedom, strength and knowledge through purposeful functioning training. We utilize the safest and most effective exercises to design programs for our clients and athletes that provide noticeable and consistent results as well as fun, positive experiences.

Baehr Fitness

Evolution Strength & Personal Training Terryville, CT evolutionstrengthandnutrition.com

Chamomille Natural Foods

Nature’s Way

Danbury, CT • 203.792.8952 chamomille@charter.net chamomillenaturalfoods. wordpress.com

Stratford, CT • 203.377.3652 natureswayhealthfoods.com

Edge of the Woods Market

Woodbury, CT • 203.263.4868 newmorn.com

New Haven, CT • 203.787.1055 eotwm.com

It’s Only Natural Middletown, CT • 860.346.1786 itsonlynaturalmarket.com

Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe Manchester, CT 860.646.8178 cthealthshop.com Nutrition specialists trusted since 1956. Making your healthy lifestyle affordable. Shop here. Feel better. Founded by Michael Dworkin, PD, CCN (Conecticut-Certified Clinical Nutritionist/Registered Pharmacist), we carry on his mission to educate our customers about nutrition & healthy lifestyle options. We offer over 7000 affordable healthy product choices, including organic produce.

Litchfield Hills Fitness Litchfield, CT 860.393.0116 litchfieldhills.fit

Live Right Wellness Wethersfield, CT 860.571.2998 myliverightwellness.com

Madison Crossfit Madison, CT nationathletics.net

Valley Fitness

Glastonbury, CT 860.712.8184 baehrfitness.com

10BEST Fitness/ Personal Training

Canton, CT 860.692.8431 fullcircle.fit

Unionville, CT 860.675.8181 valleyfitnessct.com

YES Fitness Burlington, CT 860.673.4293 yesfitnessct.com

New Morning Market

Pioneer Health Compounding Pharmacy Vernon, CT • 860.979.0089 pioneerhealthcenter.com

Thyme & Season Hamden, CT • 203.407.8128 ThymeAndSeason.net

Whole Foods Glastonbury Glastonbury, CT • 860.652.9800 wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/ glastonbury

10BEST Health Food Store www.NaturalNutmeg.com

10BEST Holistic Center/School The Beyond Center

Goodwin College

Vernon, CT • rsmith001@snet.net TheBeyondCenter.com

East Hartford, CT goodwin.edu

The Graduate Institute Bethany, CT 203.874.4252 learn.edu

Bridge Healing Arts Center (BHAC) Farmington, CT • 860.404.2578 bridgeHAC.com The Bridge Healing Arts Center was created to provide a wellness community for talented practitioners, thought leaders and clients, and customers who come together to learn how to live their best life physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We have well over 60 practitioners who provide a variety of holistic modalities to the community.

Circle of Health Farmington, CT 860.384.1527 circleofhealth.com Serving and caring for clients since 2007, Circle of Health is a holistic wellness center specializing in cellular health, neurological health and overall well-being. Utilizing unique technology, Bear Walker, PhD is able to provide immediate diagnostic findings and offer protocols and programs that are specifically tailored to an individual’s needs.

The Graduate Institute offers Master of Arts Degrees and Certificate Programs. Currently, virtual classes are being offered for your safety. Our programs are geared for today’s world; just one weekend per month, affordable and transformative. An accredited, nonprofit, Institution of higher education, The Graduate Institute is dedicated to making your educational experience life-transforming, based on an integrative and holistic perspective and specially designed to enable you to reach your full potential in your professional and personal life.

IMT Wellness Center/ Connecticut School of Integrative Manual Therapy West Hartford, CT • 860.561.2286 IMTWellnessCenter.com

The Red Barn in Durham, LLC New Earth Holistic Therapies and Art Center Durham, CT • 860.559.6151 theredbarnindurham.com The Red Barn in Durham provides holistic services for mind-body-spirit. Seasoned practitioners provide counseling and psychotherapy, energy work and various modalities for physical wellness. Art classes also being offered in our new Art Center. Visit the Borrowed Time Emporium and the Soulshine Salt Cavern at The Barn. Join our email list for ongoing classes. We adhere to CDC Covid guidelines.

Sharing The Light Wholistic Center, LLC Avon, CT • 860.620.7709 Cheryl@sharingthelightwc.com SharingTheLightWC.com

Wild Earth Studio Just Be Glastonbury, CT• 860.308.2623 justbethejourney.com Just Be in Glastonbury/East Hartford is a self-care oasis just waiting for you. Just Be offers stress reliever and reflection bundles to pair the healing effects of the BioMat with that of Energy Work and Massage. We pride ourselves on our unique holistic modalities.

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2021

Salem, CT 860.753.7422 facebook.com/wildearthstudiollc

10BEST Holistic Pediatrician Collaborative Natural Health Partners Manchester, West Hartford, & Stonington, CT 860.533.0179 ctnaturalhealth.com Integrative medicine with an entire team for the entire family. Board certified Primary care, Naturopathic medicine, Acupuncture, Osteopathic medicine. In network with most private insurances, including most Medicare advantage. Thanks to our community, colleagues and patients for honoring us as Top docs! We are truly grateful.

Dr. Rosanne Demanski, ND The Women & Children's Natural Health Center West Hartford, CT • 860.561.9766 NaturalBabyDoctor.com

Dr. Diana Lopusny Milford, CT • 203.874.2800 preferredpediatricsofct.com

Dr. Renee Mammone, ND Naturopathic and Acupuncture Health Center Wethersfield, CT • 860.529.1200 drrenee@ymail.com NAHcenter.com

Dr. Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP New England Center for Health Wilton, CT • 203.834.2813 drohara.com

ProNatural Physicians Group Berlin, CT • 860.829.0707 ProNaturalPhysicians.com

Lara O'Neil APRN, CPNP Thrive Center for Health Glastonbury, CT 860.200.8268 thrivecenterforhealth.com Lara O’Neil, APRN specializes in pediatric primary care and combines traditional with integrative health care. It is her passion to treat children and adolescents with a holistic approach to healing, as she believes that the ideal model of good health addresses each family's physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Dr. Carolina Padilla, ND Integrative Primary Care Glastonbury, CT 860.375.5088 carolnd.com

Dr. Jared Skowron, ND & Dr. Nicole Kerr, ND Wallingford, CT 203.265.0444 SpectrumAwakening.com Spectrum Awakening is Connecticut’s leading Natural Medicine Clinic for Autism, ADHD, and Anxiety. Dr. Jared Skowron is Natural Nutmeg’s 2020 and 2019 Reader’s Choice Best Holistic Pediatrician, and has spoken nationally with Jenny McCarthy, Temple Grandin, Erin Brokovich, and Robert Kennedy, Jr. Spectrum Awakening will help your child feel happier, healthier, and reach their full potential, naturally!

Dr. Jaquel Patterson, ND Fairfield Family Health Fairfield, CT 203.254.9957 fairfieldfamilyhealth.com Dr. Jaquel Patterson is a nationally recognized naturopathic physician, best-selling author and sought-after speaker. Her clinical expertise is in Lyme disease, autoimmune conditions, anxiety/depression, allergies, PANS/PANDAS, and women’s health issues. She completed her medical program from the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine and her undergraduate degree from Cornell University. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

10BEST Holistic Psychotherapy/LCSW/Counseling Renee Cifarelli, LCSW

Hartford Family Institute

East Haven, CT 203.691.1685 hhhcenter.com

West Hartford, CT 860.236.6009 info@hartfordfamilyinstitute.com hartfordfamilyinstitute.com

Debra Franklin, LCSW Progressive Psychotherapy Bloomfield, CT & Pine Bush, NY debrafranklin@ progressivepsychotherapy.com 860.995.3457 progressivepsychotherapy.com

Sydni Marmor, LPC Guilford & West Hartford 203.910.9729 gatherandbecome.com Self-compassion and creativity are the heart of my therapeutic practice. Through mindfulness practice and artistic exploration, I invite clients to step onto the limitless pathway of self-discovery with the permission to be exactly as they are without judgment. To discover and transform into their most authentic and vibrant self.

Lana LaChance, LPC Woodbury, CT 203.509.6254 lanalachance.com

James Osborne, MS, LPC, BCPC ProNatural Physicians Group LLC Berlin, CT 860.836.9527 James Osborne is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Board Certified Professional Counselor, Board Certified PTSD Clinician and a Fellow in the American Psychotherapy Association with over 40 years of clinical experience. I am honored and grateful to receive this recognition for a fourth year. I thank all who have shared their lives and stories with me.

Andrea Rudolph, LCSW Monroe & Fairfield, CT 203.257.1009 inthespiritoflife.com

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2021

Victoria Shaw, PhD, LPC Westport, CT 203.254.3403 victoriashaw psychotherapy.com victoriashawintuitive.com Dr. Victoria Shaw is Licensed Professional Counselor and Spiritual Coach who combines her background and training in psychology and counseling with her intuitive gifts to help children, teens and adults heal, grow and realize their full potential. Dr. Shaw sees clients in person, by phone or via video.

Denise Weber, MA, LPC, DCEP InnerChange Counseling LLC Weston, CT 203.403.6595

Wilcox Wellness Southington,CT 860.266.6098 Wilcoxwellness.com

10BEST Holistic Weight Loss Center Diane Bahr-Groth Mind-Body Transformation Hypnosis Center Stamford, CT 203.595.0110 mindbodytransformation.com

Dr. Natalie Colicci Naturopathic Family Medicine and Nutrition Center, LLC Trumbull, CT 203.371.1021 office@drnataliecolicci.com drnataliecolicci.com

Collaborative Natural Health Partners Manchester, West Hartford, & Stonington, CT 860.533.0179 ctnaturalhealth.com Integrative medicine with an entire team for the entire family. Board certified Primary care, Naturopathic medicine, Acupuncture, Osteopathic medicine. In network with most private insurances, including most medicare advantage. Thanks to our community, colleagues and patients for honoring us as Top docs! We are truly grateful.

Joann Dunsing Hypnosis Milford, CT 203.907.7710 joanndunsing.com Want to experience firing and wiring the neurological pathways in your brain to actually think, act and feel like the lighter person you want to be? You can lose the excess weight mentally, emotionally and physically. Please, call me for your complimentary phone consultation. Live in office or via Zoom.

Betty Hamilton, RN, BSN, MA, CCH, CYT, Reiki Master Essex & Guilford, CT 203.804.8897 hypnosisforhealthllc.com

Dr. Artemis Morris, ND, LAc. Artemis Wellness Center Milford, CT 203.783.9802 drartemis.com artemiswellnesscenter.com Dr. Artemis Morris is a seasoned Naturopathic Physician, Licensed Acupuncturist, researcher, author, public speaker, and the academic director of the Integrative Health and Healing Program at The Graduate Institute. Artemis Wellness Center specializes in women’s health and wellness using Acupuncture, Craniosacral therapy, nutrition, and a holistic approach to addressing the cause of dis-ease. She is the author of the book A Naturopathic Doctor's Guide to Wellness for Immune Support and The Anti-inflammation Diet for Dummies available on Amazon.

Amanda Swan, APRN Swan Integrative Health and Wellness Glastonbury 860.325.2679 swanintegrative.com We take a functional, integrative, and root-cause resolution approach to helping people heal so that they can live out their purpose and share their gifts with the world. We have a special focus on women’s health, hormones, thyroid health, and gut healing. Now accepting pediatric patients, too!

Bear Walker, PhD, Holistic Practitioner Circle of Health Farmington, CT 860.384.1527 circleofhealth.com Bear has specialized in the Bio-Tracker system for over 30 years. This enables him to accurately identify and measure the body’s imbalances. His vast knowledge of cellular health and Native American wisdom of treating the body as a whole (body, mind, emotion, spirit), puts Bear in a category all his own.

Sheree Wujtewicz Holistic Nutritionist Uncasville, CT 860.446.7400 holisticsheree.com Sheree is a holistic nutritionist and weight management specialist that supports clients through diet and lifestyle changes to not only optimize their weight, but also to educate them on the importance of nutrition for overall wellness. Sheree offers appointments by phone or video to make scheduling even easier. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

10BEST Hypnotherapy Diane Bahr-Groth, Mind-Body Transformation Hypnosis Center Stamford, CT 203.595.0110 mindbodytransformation.com

Jan Bartrop-Babbitt, REAL Change Therapy Avon, CT & Worldwide via Zoom 888.568.0630 Jan@realchangetherapy.com realchangetherapy.com

Melissa Conkling Stamford, CT & Worldwide via Zoom 860.428.0222 melissa@connecticuthypnosis.com connecticuthypnosis.com As a hypnotist, I help people who are struggling with weight loss, stress, lack of motivation, careers, and so much more to build better habits, regain confidence, and overcome limiting beliefs and emotional blocks so they can achieve long-term success and live the authentic and joyful life they deserve.

Joann Dunsing Hypnosis Milford, CT 203.907.7710 joanndunsing.com I am passionate about giving you the experience of firing and wiring the neurological pathways in your brain to actually think, act, and feel like the person you want to be. Please, call me for your complimentary phone consultation. Live in the office or via Zoom or FaceTime.

Betty Hamilton, RN, BSN, MA, CCH, CYT, Reiki Master Essex & Guilford, CT 203.804.8897 hypnosisforhealthllc.com

Megan Moriarty Online 860.808.4672 info@megan-moriarty.com megan-moriarty.com

Mystic Hypnosis Center mystichypnosis@gmail.com mystichypnosis.com

Eaglemoon Raes, LLC Mansfield & Hebron, CT 860.402.8116 eaglemoon.raes@icloud.com eaglemoon-raes.com raes-inghappyhealthykids.com

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2021

Michele P. Rousseau, MA, CH Middletown, CT 860.704.9054 micheleprousseau.com Live your dreams! Restore your passion, confidence, and motivation; transform habits; achieve goals. Wake up each day to a life you are eager to live!

Joyce St. Germaine, M.Ed., CHt., RYT-200, The Sacred Journey Burlington, CT 860.675.9706 jsgermaine@aol.com thesacredjourney.biz Joyce is a Certified Hypnotherapist in private practice for over 25 years. She offers individualized private and group hypnotherapy sessions for adults and age appropriate sessions for children. Every session includes client selfhypnosis instruction for continued selfempowerment and wellbeing. Advanced training in Psychospiritual Therapies, specializing in Past Life Regression and Higher Self Hypnosis.

10BEST Integrative APRN/Nursing Kendra Becker-Musante, MS, ND, FNP, BC, Family Wellness Centre of Connecticut

ProNatural Physicians Group

Waterford, CT 860.572.7711 fwcct.com

Alina Schneider, APRN Center for Holistic Healthcare

Monique Class, APRN Stamford, CT centerforfunctionalmedicine.com

Miri Daly, APRN Enfield, CT 860.272.2930 enfieldwomenshealth.com

Joy Herbst, APRN Purnima Women's Health Fairfield & Online Joy@JoyHerbst.com JoyHerbst.com

Berlin, CT • 860.829.0707 ProNaturalPhysicians.com

Glastonbury, CT alina@ctrforholistichealthcare.com ctrforholistichealthcare. com The Center for Holistic Healthcare strives to provide the most effective and patient-centered integrative and functional medicine experience for patients. Started by Alina Schneider, a nurse practitioner with several years of training with local naturopaths, the practice has quickly grown to include another nurse practitioner, Meghan Chafee, as well as a business manager and health coach, Sara Miller and our team of nurses.

Miriam Schwartz, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC Revolution Integrative Health Farmington, CT • 860.969.3433 revolutionintegrativehealth.com

Collaborative Natural Health Partners Manchester, West Hartford, Stonington, CT 860.533.0179 ctnaturalhealth.com Integrative medicine with an entire team for the entire family. Board certified Primary care, Naturopathic medicine, Acupuncture, Osteopathic medicine. In network with most private insurances, including most medicare advantage. Thanks to our community, colleagues and patients for honoring us as Top docs! We are truly grateful.

Amanda Swan, APRN Swan Integrative Health and Wellness Glastonbury, CT 860.325.2679 swanintegrative.com We take a functional medicine, root-cause resolution approach to helping people heal so that they can live out their purpose and share their gifts with the world! We have a special focus on women’s health, hormones, thyroid health, and gut healing. Now accepting pediatric patients, too!

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Dr. Yuriy May, DMD, NMD, AIAOMT Natural Dentistry Center Farmington, CT 860.554.1130 naturaldentistrycenter.com

10BEST Integrative MD/Dentist/ Functional Medicine Dr. Mark A. Breiner, DDS, FAGD, FIAOMT Whole Body Dentistry Fairfield, CT 203.371.0300 WholeBodyDentistry.com A recognized authority in the field of holistic dentistry Dr. Breiner treats patients for a myriad of dental concerns including Sleep Breathing Disorders, TMD, Mercury Toxicity, hidden infections from cavitations and root canals. “If you have unexplained symptoms that won’t go away, the answer could be in your mouth.”

Dr. Deanna Cherrone, MD Natural Health and Healing West Hartford, CT 860.677.4600 naturalhealth andhealing.net Understanding what motivates a patient and the obstacles that impede progress enables me to recommend individualized strategies for success. Applying biochemistry to each patient and seeing the positive results is extremely gratifying. I truly believe that Functional Medicine provides the necessary framework for how medicine is meant to be practiced.

April Beaman, RDH, CTT CT Thermography Farmington & Glastonbury, CT 860.415.1150 ctthermography.com CT Thermography specializes in Medical Thermal Imaging. Breast Thermography is a compression and radiation-free screening tool that’s used to monitor breast health to detect physiological changes that may be early warning signs of a disease process. As a Certified Thermographic technician, I help empower women to take a proactive approach following their thermography screening for optimal breast health.

Dr. Steven F Hinchey, DMD South Glastonbury, CT 860.633.6518 drhinch@agd.org dochincheydmd.com

Dr. Deb Keightley, MD Personalized Medical Care Canton, CT 860.352.8265 drdebkeightley@gmail.com Deb Keightley, MD is board certified in internal medicine and has completed her training and certification in functional medicine. By taking the time to get to know her patients and their individual needs, Dr. Keightley enjoys helping her patients achieve their health goals by identifying and treating their barriers to wellness.

Dr. Kenneth Litwin, MD Sandy Hook, CT 203.493.0971 klmdwellness.com 28

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2021

Dr. Yuriy May, awarded Best Dentist in CT for the last 5 years, known as USA's top biological dentist, most notably for his exceptional zirconia (metal free) implant specialty and surgical specialization in Zirconia Dental Implants and Platelet Rich Fibrin Bone & Tissue Graft Regeneration Therapy. Minimally invasive laser therapy, root canal alternatives, ozone therapy, full mouth reconstruction.

Dr. Chi Kim, MD Personalized Medical Care Canton, CT 860.352.8265 Drchikim.com Personalized Medical Care opened its doors in January of 2017 to provide Direct Primary Care services with a Functional Medicine focus. We take the time to listen, work with the individual to identify root causes, then help guide the next steps towards health and healing.

Dr. Tamara Sachs, MD Functional Medicine & Integrative Care, LLC New Milford, CT 860.354.3304 tsachsmd.com Since 2003, Dr. Sachs prevents and treats all chronic conditions by uncovering and correcting their underlying root causes, while remaining respectful of the uniqueness and complexity that make us human. Dr. Sachs pulls together all your medical information to create your personalized health plan; addressing inflammation, digestion, diet and micro nutrition, toxicity and detoxification support, hormones, and sleep.

Dr. Henry C. Sobo, MD Stamford, CT 203.348.8805 drsobo.com Member American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Board Certified in Obesity Medicine. Dr. Sobo believes that the best of both medical and nutritional approaches to medical care is more effective than either approach alone. Weight Loss programs, IV Vitamins, Allergy evaluation and desensitization, Stem Cell treatments, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement, PRP.

Kelley Biskupiak preparetolaunchu.com

Leighanne Champion Coaching, LLC New Canaan, CT 203.505.5571 leighannechampion coaching.com If you believe that Personal Development and Growth is what life is about, then you've found the right Coach. Life can be challenging and quick fixes are just a band-aid. If you're looking for tools and personal support that will enable you to become the next best version of yourself, then you are ready to go.

Dana Hilmer, CPC, CiPP Women’s Leadership & Personal Development Coach THRIVEitude, Inc. and Reinvention Hub, LLC Madison, CT 203.645.9032 danahilmer.com campreinvention.com Dana is a women’s leadership coach, reinvention expert, author and inspiring keynote speaker. She is the creator of the group coachingTHRIVEcircle™program and the co-creator of Camp Reinvention™, a membership program and community for people 50(ish)+ that dare to reimagine and create what is possible in their lives.

10BEST Life/Business Coach Regina Sanchez, Health, Wellness & Organizational Coach Insight Counseling, LLC Ridgefield, CT 203.431.9726 insightcounselingllc.com Insight Counseling, LLC is a group of highly dedicated and passionate physicians, therapists and counselors who serve clients with care and are highly effective and responsive. We successfully treat anxiety, depression, relationship issues, substance abuse, and all other emotional challenges.

Dr. Sonia Manganello, DM, DD, CNC Glastonbury, CT 860.966.8747 soniamanganello.com

Dana R. Mascalo, CFP®, RLP®, AAMS®, C(k)P®, TrinityPoint Wealth Milford, CT 203.693.8521 trinitypointwealth.com With over 15 years of experience, Dana offers clients a rare combination of financial planning and life planning expertise. With a truly holistic financial planning approach, she helps clients plan for and enjoy retirement, manage their investments, assists with estate planning or the loss of a loved one, executive benefits, and much more.

Windsor, CT 860.874.8515 info@ReginaSanchez.com ReginaSanchez.com

Stephanie Stanton High Vibe Chick Canaan, CT 845.453.0800 info@HighVibeChick.com HighVibeChick.com I am a Visibility Coach for Intuitive Women. Through intensive mindset coaching and personal branding photography, I help my clients shine brighter in their businesses, attract soul sister clients and receive on the next level.

Caroline Wetzel, CFP®, CDFA®, AWMA® Procyon Private Wealth Partners, LLC Shelton, CT 475.232.2713 cwetzel@procyonpartners.net procyonpartners.net/team/ caroline-wetzel/ Clients seeking more from life trust Caroline to listen to what is important to them and advise them on their financial choices. Caroline offers clients a safe space free of judgment to talk about their fears and dreams. Caroline uses financial planning to facilitate financial confidence and peace of mind.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Daniel Lupacchino, LMT, RMT, IET, MI Integrative Massage Works Glastonbury, CT 860.716.2740 integrativemassage works.com

10BEST Massage Therapy/Body Work Healing Hands Massage of Hartford Hartford, CT 860.499.0192 team@healinghandsmsg. com healinghandsmsg.com

Abundant Health Massage Therapy & Wellness Farmington, CT 860.778.0315 abundanthealthct.com Kristina Mozzicato is Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork by the NCBTMB and has been practicing massage for the past 12 years. She provides professional, therapeutic, customized sessions. In addition to massage, she offers cupping, medicupping, body contouring, Himalayan salt stone massage, and Reiki sessions. Convenient Online Booking.

Glastonbury Massage Center, LLC Glastonbury, CT 860.410.4490 info@glastonburymassage.com glastonburymassage.com Our team of licensed massage therapists are passionate about providing safe and effective massage therapy to help you perform and function better. Each massage is customized to meet the needs of our clients and may include: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Prenatal, Craniosacral, Trigger Point, Cupping Massage, Hot Stone, and Organic Facials!

The team at Healing Hands Massage of Hartford are extremely honored and excited for our nomination as one of the 10BEST in massage and bodywork. We look forward to connecting with even more people through Natural Nutmeg, and introducing you to our customized massages and body contouring services.

Karma Massage, LLC New Hartford, CT 860.693.8316 KarmaMassageLLC @hotmail.com KarmaMassageLLC.com Kirby Poirier and Jen Davenport have cumulatively offered Licensed Massage Therapy for over 35 years. Both women in this unique & quaint studio offer over 17 different types of massage, and create monthly seasonal specials. You can reserve your appointment anytime on their website.

Dan Lupacchino has over 10 years experience in the field of holistic healing and wellness. As a Massage Therapist, Healer and Teacher, his goal is to help you live and feel the best you can be. He is also IET® Master Instructor Trainer, Medicinal Aromatherapist, and Intuitive Coach. Facebook.com/IntegrativeMassageWorks

Simsbury Therapeutic Massage Simsbury, CT 860.651.2998 simsburymassage @gmail.com stmwellness.com At Simsbury Therapeutic Massage & Wellness we have over a dozen therapist on staff and are open seven days a week with convenient online booking. We have a variety of therapists who specialize in different modalities and pride ourselves and fitting the right therapist for every client.

Sharon Sklar Rolfing® West Hartford, CT 860.561.4337 SharonSklarRolfing @gmail.com sharonsklarrolfing.com Rolfing®- The Art and Science of Body Change. A dynamic 10 session bodywork series that eases pain, improves movement and restructures your body when you feel “out of whack”. Both a hands-on and educational approach, this work re-establishes natural order and balance after life’s injuries, stress and accidents. Since 1981.

Kure Spa Norwalk, CT 203.857.1500 kure-spa.com

The Spa at Litchfield Hills

Valley Spirit Wellness Center

Washington Depot, CT 860.619.2788 valleyspiritcoop.com

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2021

Litchfield, CT • 860.567.8575 litchfield-spa.com

Dr. Frank Aieta, ND West Hartford, CT 860.232.9662 draieta.com Dr. Aieta is a board certified and licensed Naturopathic physician and has been in private practice for close to two decades. He specializes in clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture and natural hormone balancing. He also co-authored the extremely popular e-book: weightlosspuzzlesolved.com

Dr. Adam Breiner, ND Fairfield, CT 203.371.8258 WholeBodyMed.com Focusing on brain health and Lyme Disease, Dr. Adam Breiner offers cutting-edge therapies that include Hyperbaric Oxygen, Neurocognitive Therapies including sophisticated brain-imaging equipment to evaluate brain injuries and brainwave patterns associated with Metabolic Imbalances, Infections, and Allergies. Conditions treated include Concussions, TBI’s, Stroke, PTSD, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression and more.

Dr. Kathryn Firisin, ND, MSPT Coastal Natural Medicine Southport, CT 475.999.2032 info@coastal naturalmedicine.com coastalnaturalmedicine.com Dr. Firisin is an expert in natural medicine with over 20 years of experience in health care. With individualized treatment she builds lasting relationships with her patients to help them along their healing journey. Dr. Firisin specializes in gut healing and chronic conditions using a breadth of treatments to stimulate your vitality and facilitate healing.

10BEST Naturopathic Physician Dr. Nicole Klughers, ND Vis Wellness Center Rocky Hill & TeleMedicine 234-2-ACU-DOC DrNicoleKlughers.com Dr. Nicole Klughers offers all-natural solutions to restore optimal health and help individuals reclaim a life of energy, balance, and joy. Formerly a pharmacist, Dr. Nicole serves as a “holistic health detective” by listening attentively and utilizing detailed testing to identify and address the root cause of any health concern.

Dr. Artemis Morris, ND, LAc Artemis Wellness Center Milford, CT 203.783.9802 drartemis.com artemiswellnesscenter.com Dr. Artemis Morris is a seasoned Naturopathic Physician, Licensed Acupuncturist, researcher, author, public speaker, and the academic director of the Integrative Health and Healing Program at The Graduate Institute. Artemis Wellness Center specializes in women’s health and wellness using Acupuncture, Craniosacral therapy, nutrition, and a holistic approach to addressing the cause of dis-ease. She is the author of the book A Naturopathic Doctor's Guide to Wellness for Immune Support and The Anti-inflammation Diet for Dummies available on Amazon.

Dr. Michelle J Pouliot, ND New Hartford Naturopathic Health Center, LLC New Hartford, CT 860.238.7983 nhc536@yahoo.com drpouliot.com Dr. Pouliot has been in practice for 28 years. Therapies often involve botanical medicines, vitamins, minerals, diet and life style strategies. She provides annual physicals & gynecological care. Her specialties include cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine and gynecological/hormones/sexual health, as well as autoimmune conditions.

Dr. Antonio Reale, ND The Herbal Room Wethersfield & Middlebury, CT 860.257.7210 theherbal-room.com Dr. Antonio Reale, ND, MS is a naturopathic physician, nutritionist, and founder of The Herbal Room, a naturopathic wellness center in Wethersfield, CT, specializing in botanical tinctures and personalized herbal medicine. With a full in-house dispensary, Dr. Reale prescribes herbal formulas uniquely tailored to each patient's condition. Dr. Reale also sees patients weekly at a satellite clinic in Middlebury.

Dr. Veena Verma-Dzik, ND Insight Counseling Ridgefield, CT 203.247.9496 fairfieldnaturopathichealth. com Dr. Veena Verma-Dzik, ND, FIAMA is a board-certified Naturopathic Physician and certified medical acupuncturist who is highly experienced in treating acute and chronic health conditions. Dr. Verma received her doctorate from the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine and received further training and certification in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, MTHFR, and Lyme Disease.

Dr. Yvette Whitton, ND Madison, CT 203.421.2597 adonaiohw.com

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Brigitta Jansen, MS, Certified Nutritionist Guilford, CT • 917.975.1784 info@jansennutrition.com jansennutrition.com

Ellen Metzger MS, RD-N Nutrition and Wellness Consulting LLC Glastonbury, CT 860.659.4656 EMetzgerRD@me.com NutritionandWellnessLLC. com

10BEST Nutrition/RD Gina Barbetta, MS, RD, CDN Nourish by Gina Durham, CT & virtual visits 203.206.3873 nourishbygina.com Gina is a Registered Dietitian - Nutritionist with over 25 years experience providing pediatric and adult nutrition care for gut health, digestive disorders, pre-diabetes/insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular health, pediatrics and integrative nutrition. Gina is a certified trained Crohn's Disease Exclusion Diet (CDED) expert. She treats her clients holistically by using an integrative personalized approach to nutrition and health.

Kathy Beach, MS, NBC-HWC Collinsville, CT 860.463.7179 kathybeach@integrative healthmanagement.org integrativehealth management.org

Manchester, West Hartford, & Stonington, CT 860.533.0179 ctnaturalhealth.com Integrative medicine with an entire team for the entire family. Board certified Primary care, Naturopathic medicine, Acupuncture, Osteopathic medicine. In network with most private insurances, including most Medicare advantage. Thanks to our community, colleagues and patients for honoring us as Top docs! We are truly grateful.

Erika Dworkin, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® Manchester, CT 860.646.8178 cthealthshop.com

Kathy is a national board-certified health coach specializing in cancer wellness coaching. Are you confused about nutrition and lifestyle info for cancer survivors? It does not have to be that way! E-mail me for my free Rainbow Evaluation to see if you are getting all of the micronutrients you need.

Erika Dworkin owns the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe, a 10BEST Health Food Store trusted since 1956. Through education, she empowers her customers to make the decisions that best enable them to maximize their well-being and longevity. She offers private nutrition consultations and speaks regularly about various health topics.

Donna Bunte, MSOM, LAc. Whole Health

Jane Grant, RD, CD-N Grant’s Nutrition Wellness

Stamford, CT 203.253.9885 health@donnabunte.com donnabunte.com At Donna Bunte Whole Health, I help people become well by looking at the whole picture and finding the cause of the problem. I work in partnership with the patient to bring the body into balance using the tools of Chinese diagnosis, acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, lifestyle changes, as well as qigong and meditation. 32

Collaborative Natural Health Partners

Berlin, CT 860.357.2282 grantj@grantsnutrition.com grantsnutrition.com

Jane is trained in integrative and functional nutrition utilizing a personalized, holistic approach to chronic disease and weight management. Integrative and functional nutrition combines the very best of modern science, clinical wisdom, and integrative therapies to address the root cause of disease and promote abundant health. Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2021

Ellen is a Registered Dietitan - Nutritionist, with a Masters in Clinical Nutrition. She provides an integrative and functional approach to Medical Nutrition Therapy, educating and empowering clients to take control of their health. Gastrointestinal issues are a primary area of focus, however being a Wellness Advocate, she addresses nutrition, movement, sleep, behavioral change/ mindset and self-care as fundamental tools in healing, health and well-being.

Cathy Snyder, MS, CNS Naturopathic Family Medicine and Nutrition Center, LLC Trumbull, CT 203.371.1021 office@drnataliecolicci.com drnataliecolicci.com/ At NFMNC, our individualized, whole body approach sets us apart. With a foundation that prioritizes nutrition and mind-body connection, our team of providers collaborates, pooling our years of clinical experience to focus on your wellbeing. Give us a call to see how our team can support your health goals.

10BEST Yoga/Pilates/Barre Studio Hartford Sweat Hartford, CT 860.461.0910 tory@hartfordsweat.net" hartfordsweat.net

Be Yoga Avon, CT • 860.930.1311 kristin@beyogainavon.com beyogainavon.com Be.Yoga is a welcoming, joyful space with teachers who love sharing Yoga of varying styles & levels. Each January, Kristin Cork leads a customized 100 Hr Yoga Immersion “Be.Within” & a 200 hr YTT “Teaching from Within”. Love travel? Join our International Yoga Retreats offered 3 times a year!

Bloom Yoga Southington, CT 860.620.4530 bloomyogafitness.com

Alan Franzi, MS, C-IAYT, PAS Creative Edge Yoga, LLC Guilford, CT • 203.488.1700 alan@creativeedgeyoga.com creativeedgeyoga.com

Sacred Rivers Yoga East Hartford, CT 860.657.9545 sacredriversyoga.com

Change your life or find a home to develop your practice! Hartford Sweat is consistently rated best in Hartford with over 40 classes 7 days a week for all levels including Bikram, Power, Yin, Restorative, Yoga Sculpt, Barre, and Zumba. Easy access in downtown Hartford for local and nearby residents.

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

LAM Yoga

Ten Summit Yoga

Hurley Business Park New Hartford, CT 860.978.1657 jen@lamyoga.com lamyoga.com

East Hampton, CT 860.262.0248 tensummityoga.com

Sanctuary Power Yoga Torrington, CT 860.496.1500 sanctuarypoweryoga.com

West Hartford Yoga West Hartford, CT 860.953.9642 westhartfordyoga.com

Starr Mill Yoga Middletown, CT 860.740.4939 starrmillyoga.com

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Business Spotlight Dana Mascalo, CFP®, RLP®, AAMS®, C(k)P®

ana R. Mascalo is a Registered Life Planner® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM practitioner with a holistic approach. Financial Life Planners help their clients discover and articulate their most essential goals in life and work with them to cultivate the financial conditions necessary to live the life of their dreams. 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty? The connection with clients and ability to make a difference in their life is part of my inspirational fire. After many years in the financial planning industry, I chose to pursue the Registered Life Planner (RLP®) designation from George Kinder – the father of the life planning movement where financial advising changes lives. This is where the magic happened. By combining life planning with traditional financial planning and investment advice, I’m able to connect with clients on a deeper level and inspire them to identify and pursue their dreams. Once we find and light their fire, their financial resources can be aligned with what is most important and fulfilling in their life. 2. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field? There aren’t very many life planners who are also financial advisors. There are also not many financial advisors that approach financial planning the way a Registered Life Planner® does. The combination of the two offers clients something unique and powerful. 3. What types of services do you offer? Our team at TrinityPoint Wealth, an independent, registered investment advisory firm, provides customized financial solutions and planning for individuals, families, retirement plans and institutions. We are fiduciaries, first and foremost. Everything is customized based on the needs of each individual or client. We advise on retirement, investments, estate planning, social security planning, charitable giving, and more. We also craft retirement plans for companies and small businesses. 4. What can clients expect from working with you? A customized experience and an opportunity to connect with a financial partner on a deeper, more meaningful level. 5. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg? I’m so grateful to be a part of our inspiring and supportive holistic community. It warms my heart to see so many practitioners doing amazing work for others – each in their own special way.

Dana Mascalo CFP®, RLP®, AAMS®, C(k)P® Managing Partner, TrinityPoint Wealth, Milford, CT 203.693.8521 • trinitypointwealth.com

Insight Counseling, LLC Dr. Veena Verma-Dzik, ND

nsight Counseling, LLC is a group of highly dedicated and passionate physicians, therapists and counselors who serve patients with care and are highly effective and responsive. We successfully treat anxiety, depression, relationship issues, substance abuse, and all other emotional challenges. We have an outstanding Naturopathic Physician on our team who works in collaboration with our therapists and physicians to treat mental health disorders, along with Lyme and co-infections, allergies, women’s health, ADHD, autism, gastrointestinal conditions, pain and more. 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty? It has always been a focus of mine to find out the true cause of a patient’s health concern. In order to do this, all it takes is time to compassionately listen to what is going on with a person, how they are feeling, what their needs are, and how and when everything began for them. Illnesses do not happen overnight. They develop after some time from either an unknown pre-existing condition or a traumatic experience. I personally have lived through a time when I was suffering from anxiety, depression and GI issues. One symptom was always treated separate from the other. No one ever pulled the pieces together, related them to each other, or asked me what was going on in my life that was causing me these ailments. It was up to me to get myself back to health. I took a step back and evaluated all that was going on for me environmentally, with my diet, and hormonally, and was able to make the changes necessary to re-establish my health. It is through my own personal learning experiences that I am able to help others get better. This is my passion; finding out why people are experiencing pain and other symptoms, knowing that everything they are experiencing is all connected. People need to know that they are being heard and supported and have someone on their side to help them get their lives back. 2. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. As a physician, I am so fortunate to have many memories and continue to make memories of the joy and relief my patients experience after seeing me. Their smiles truly fill my heart. All I ever wanted to do was help others and bring joy back into their lives and I have been successfully able to do so. 3. What plans do you have for the future for your practice? In the future, I plan on continuing what I am doing by being a support system for my patients, getting them through some of their most difficult times in life and helping them regain their health and lives. 4. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg? I love being a part of Natural Nutmeg, sharing my knowledge with the community and educating people on how they can embrace their health and have happy, fulfilling lives.

Insight Counseling, LLC, Dr. Veena Verma-Dzik, ND Ridgefield, CT • 203.431.9726 insightcounselingllc.com

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Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2021

Dr. Mark Breiner, DDS

r. Mark Breiner, DDS, treats patients for a myriad of dental concerns including Aesthetics, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, Sleep Breathing Disorders, Mercury Toxicity, hidden infections from Cavitations, dead teeth and root canals. 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty? I am passionate about what I do because of the considerable improvement in my patient’s health that I see when using a whole-body paradigm approach to patient care. 2. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic dental field? Recognizing the physical and energetic relationship of the mouth to the rest of the body and how to incorporate this into patient care. Addressing problems in the mouth and all its related structures are central to achieving optimal health and should be part of every holistic practitioner’s treatment plan. 3. What can patients expect from working with you? Using a combination of conventional and nonconventional dentistry along with an energetic paradigm, testing, and treatment, patients can expect to see an improvement in overall wellbeing. 4. Do you have any new therapies? I am excited to have trained in Biomagnetic Pair Therapy. Like many modern medical discoveries and technologies, the space program was the genesis of Biomagnetism. Biomagnetism helps to restore the body’s homeostasis so that the body can begin to heal itself. Another new technology now offered in our practice is a wearable and treatable FDA Class II cleared device for pain. This amazing technology not only provides microcurrent frequencies for pain but provides frequencies of well-being and balance. You can experience both of these unique services at either our dental or medical divisions.

Mark A. Breiner, DDS, FAGD, FIAOMT • Fairfield, CT 203.371.0300 ext.1 • WholeBodyDentistry.com

Dr. Michelle Pouliot, ND

r. Pouliot has been in practice for 29 years. Therapies often involve botanical medicines, vitamins, minerals, diet and lifestyle strategies. She provides annual physicals gynecological care. Her specialties include cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine and gynecological/hormones/sexual health, as well as autoimmune conditions. 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty? I am dedicated to empowering my patients to achieve the good health and vitality they are seeking to live the life they want. Though my specialties include cardiology concerns, digestive issues such as IBS and SIBO, gynecology, hormone balancing, and sexual health; I’ve worked with many patients, women and men, with other health conditions. Patients may have the same diagnosis, but 29 years of experience has taught me, the journey to health is unique to each individual. 2. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field? I’ve designed my solo practice so I always have an hour available for each patient visit and take the time to review their chart before I see them. I schedule open time every office day to be available for phone calls. I often request past medical records and spend hours of out of office time researching, coordinating with their other physicians, ordering appropriate labs and tests and creating individual achievable treatment plans. Patients always get copies of their reports which we review. Thankfully, my patients want to be informed and involved, which I believe, is self-empowering and therapeutic. 3. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. The most fulfilling moments with my patients occur when we’ve discovered a cause for their health challenge, and together we create a plan that inspires hope and move them towards healing.

Dr. Michelle J Pouliot, ND New Hartford Naturopathic Health Center, LLC New Hartford, CT • 860.238.7983 • drpouliot.com

The Center for Holistic Healthcare

he Center for Holistic Healthcare strives to provide the most effective and patient-centered integrative and functional medicine experience for patients. Started by Alina Schneider, a nurse practitioner with several years of training with local naturopaths, the practice has quickly grown to include another nurse practitioner, Meghan Chafee, as well as a business manager and health coach, Sara Miller and our team of nurses. Alina, Meghan, and the team work together to uncover the root causes of illness and seek to address mind, body, and psyche in a patient’s path to health and wellness. 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty? Alina and fellow nurse practitioner Meghan Chafee recognize that each individual is unique. Utilizing a combination of conventional, integrative, and natural therapies including supplements and herbal remedies, Alina and her team aim to serve the entire person. Whether it be menopausal complaints, struggles with depression or anxiety, or concerns with Lyme disease, the team of nurse practitioners and nurses are dedicated to empowering patients on their path to health and wellness. Indeed, this mind-body-spirit philosophy is what drew Alina and Meghan to the field of nursing in the first place. “The nursing tradition has always recognized that health is not simply the absence of disease, but rather a complex interplay between several factors in our lives, whether it’s the foods we eat, or our social supports, or our underlying physiology,” says Meghan. “If we only focus on treating a patient’s symptoms, without recognizing the whole person behind the symptoms, we may end up doing more harm than good." 2. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field? In addition to offering traditional primary care services for patients of all ages such as annual physical exams and sick visits, the Center for Holistic Healthcare provides innovative services such as IV vitamin therapy, bio-identical hormone therapy, micro-needling, and platelet-rich plasma procedures, including the celebrity favorite, the Vampire Facial. Alina has a special interest in integrative mental health practices, while Meghan’s interests include women’s health. The Center for Holistic Healthcare also provides ketamine and Spravato treatments for patients struggling with treatment-resistant depression and other mental health concerns. 3. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. Starting my own business and opening in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a certain degree of trepidation. However, despite that, or perhaps because if it, the practice grew quickly enough that by October when Meghan joined me, we were able to bring on additional nursing staff, as well as partner with other local business to offer our services! 4. What plans do you have for the future for your practice? New ventures include offering vitamin shots, peptides and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments in partnership with local salons. As always, we continue to research new and innovative methods to offer our patients the most effective ways to achieve physical and emotional health. We are hoping to open a second location in 2021!

Alina Schneider, APRN Center for Holistic Healthcare Glastonbury, CT • alina@ctrforholistichealthcare 860.430.5300 • ctrforholistichealthcare.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Business Spotlight

Collaborative Natural Health Partners

Connecticut Family Acupuncture

pecializing in chronic pain and other inflammatory conditions. Most insurances accepted. Highly-trained and experienced acupuncturists licensed by the CT Department of Public Health. 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty? Being in practice for over 13 years, we’ve just seen so many people have such amazing, almost miraculous results with acupuncture. We all got into this field out of a desire to help people achieve better health and wellbeing naturally, and it’s just so rewarding to be able to do this for a living! 2. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field? We are leaders in working with our patients’ insurance to get them the highest degree of coverage possible. We pride ourselves on our ability to “cross the aisle” and work with the conventional medical community collaboratively in the best interest of our patients. 3. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. There are hundreds of patient success stories that always bring us a great deal of joy and gratitude. Looking back to the days leading up to my acupuncture license arriving from the CT Department of Public Health, all that excitement and anticipation to get started on this career after 4 years of grad school was a pretty magical time! 4. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg? Natural Nutmeg is an incredibly valuable resource for our community. There is so much interest in natural and holistic medicine, but people don’t know where to turn for reputable information, products or services. Natural Nutmeg offers these “seekers” an honest, trustworthy information source to help them get a foot in the door of exploring holistic care.

Connecticut Family Acupuncture Glastonbury & Coventry, CT 860.633.6022 • CTfamilyacupuncture.com

ollaborative Natural Health Partners (CNHP) is a new model of healthcare combining primary care with integrative medicine to offer a “best of both worlds” approach. Our physicians use functional medicine and other natural modalities to help nurture wellness and prevention for all ages. 1. What sets CNHP apart from other practices in the holistic field? Patients at our practice don’t just have a doctor, they have a team. We have physicians who have come together from around the country working together daily to optimize their patients’ health. We are committed to helping our patients thrive and become empowered with their health. Our teamwork translates into more resources for our patients; easy access to their doctor through our online portal, classes from cooking to managing Lyme disease, easy access to therapies like community acupuncture, IV nutrients, and vitamin shots as well as compounded medications like LDN and bioidentical hormones, discounted specialty testing and connections to our local hospital and specialists that allow our physicians to advocate for their patients in a profound and unique way. 2. Tell us about the best memory you have about being holistic practitioners. Sharing the joys and sorrows of life with our patients has been a beautiful piece of being their physicians. The therapeutic bond truly goes both ways. During the beginning of the pandemic our patients brought us food, masks, and notes of gratitude. Restaurants sent over meals. Our team was overwhelmed by the support and so full of gratitude during a time where we were all stressed and a bit scared. 3. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg? Our mission is to serve and support our community through excellence in care and education. Natural Nutmeg has been a wonderful way to stay connected to our patient base and help support those community members unable or not ready to be connected with us.

Collaborative Natural Health Partners Manchester, West Hartford, Stonington, CT 860.533.0179 • ctnaturalhealth.com

PROHealth Chiropractic Center Dr. Jason Sousa, DC

r. Jason Sousa and his amazing team have a special focus on spinal correction to help gain and sustain your health. Dr. Sousa has been part of the USA Olympic Wellness Advisory Council and is certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association to provide specific chiropractic care for both children and pregnant women. 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty? The PROHealth Team is passionate about the chiropractic care we deliver because we’re able to help hundreds of people each week regain one of their greatest assets, their health. It’s our clinical expertise, training, techniques, and passion to help people that people notice the moment they walk into our door. 2. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field? If you’re looking for an amazing experience from the time you open our doors and throughout care, look no further. Our office is family oriented, high energy, positive, motivating, and supportive in helping you reach your health care goals. 3. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. One of the greatest blessings I have had as a chiropractor was being able to check and adjust my son Luca hours after birth and seeing him grow into a healthy, amazing kid. 4. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg? The thing I like most about being part of Natural Nutmeg is that it has pulled a variety of holistic practitioners together to help serve the wellbeing of the community.

PROHealth Chiropractic Center, South Windsor, CT 860.432.7432 • PROHealthCT@gmail.com prohealthchiropracticcenter.com 36

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2021

April Beaman, RDH, CTT founder and Certified Thermographic technician of CT Thermography

T Thermography specializes in Medical Thermal Imaging also known as Thermography. Breast Thermography is a compression and radiation-free screening tool that’s used to monitor breast health to detect physiological changes that may be early warning signs of a disease process. CT Thermography’s focus is on providing the highest quality thermal imaging and individualized care for our clients. As a Certified Thermographic technician, I help empower women to take a proactive approach following their thermography screening for optimal breast health. 1. Why are you passionate about your specialty? I am passionate about informing women that Breast Thermography exists! I became a Certified Thermographic technician because I’ve had girlfriends diagnosed with cancer in their 30’s after finding a breast lump. Unfortunately, there isn’t a routine breast screening that is advised for women under age 40. There are also women who have inconclusive mammograms or dense breast tissue where mammography is known to be less effective. In my opinion Breast Thermography can help fill the void for younger women and can also provide valuable information pertaining to one’s breast health, at any age. 2. What sets you apart from other businesses in the holistic field? What sets CT Thermography apart is our high-quality imaging. The value thermal imaging brings to our clients and referring practitioners is a visual record of inflammation or excessive heat in the body which helps to pinpoint areas of concern. Everyone has a unique thermal “fingerprint”. When these images are monitored over time, we can accurately see recent changes to those thermal patterns reflective of a physiological process. By adding full body thermography to your health practice, you can help take the guesswork out of diagnostics. 3. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. One memory that stands out is my first client that was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer following a baseline thermogram and biopsy, just 2 weeks after having her annual mammogram. As she states, “Breast thermography saved my life by finding something mammography did not.” Knowing the value of Breast Thermography, I am reminded of this memory each time a client walks into my office. 4. What plans do you have for the future for your practice? CT Thermography is a relatively new and growing practice. In addition to our main center located in Farmington, we recently opened a satellite office in Glastonbury. In the future, we look forward to opening more offices throughout Connecticut, as more women are searching out Breast Thermography because of its many benefits. 5. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg? We are proud to be a part of Natural Nutmeg and the ever-growing community of like-minded holistic health practitioners. As a publication, Natural Nutmeg is an incredible resource for those looking for reputable businesses, services and practitioners alike. Combined with informational packed editorials and Diane’s Podcasts you have a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips and we are thrilled to take part in that!

April Beaman, RDH, CTT founder and Certified Thermographic technician of CT Thermography Farmington & Glastonbury, CT 860.415.1150 • ctthermography.com

The Spa at Litchfield Hills

he Spa at Litchfield Hills offers massage, manicure, pedicure, skincare and stress reduction. 1. What are your favorite treatments? Our favorite treatments at The Spa this winter for stress reduction and immune prevention are lava or cryo shell massages, manicures, and pedicures. These hot and cold therapy services are the perfect treatment to relax and also help boost your immune system, especially during the winter months. We can all use a health and healing boost with cold and flu season just around the corner. 2. Tell us about some of the treatments? During the cryo shell massage, we use hot lava shells or cold glacial shells to massage the muscles which instantly soothe aches and pains. The shells are crafted with real seashells and porcelain to glide smoothly over the skin during the massage. These special shells with the combined massage techniques stimulate the muscles and skin allowing them to reap some incredible health benefits. The benefits of cryotherapy treatments include increasing circulation, reducing inflammation, and boosting collagen production which ultimately improves elasticity in the skin. The lava shells have impressive health benefits too. These include relaxing sore muscles, reducing swelling, and promoting skin regeneration by transferring calcium ions directly from the heated shells to your skin. 3. Why should readers visit The Spa? These treatments and taking care of your body in general are cumulative, so you will see and feel results with each treatment leading to a healthier immune system and a happier mind. Spa treatments are not just about the physical service, but also giving yourself a short time to truly relax and be at ease. Even if you’re not able to make it to The Spa, it’s important to treat yourself at home in some kind of way. For hot and cold therapy treatments at home, we love wrapping a hot towel or heat wrap around sore muscles, or laying with a frozen migraine mask for a few minutes. Shop our boutique for some at-home self-care products and treatments! We’re so excited to be offering these amazing hot and cold therapy treatments with the shells at The Spa since they’re such a great tool for skincare, bodywork, and stress reduction. We hope you all love them too! We want to thank you for nominating us as winners in Natural Nutmeg’s 10BEST 2020 Reader Nominated Awards for Massage Therapy/Bodywork and Esthetician/Holistic Spa. We’re so grateful for your support!

The Spa at Litchfield Hills, Litchfield, CT 860.567.8575 • litchfield-spa.com

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Listen to Your Wise Inner Voice By JoJo Keane

ere you ashamed of your parents? I wanted to ask my mom that question, but I couldn’t because that would be confessing that  I was ashamed of her. Feeling shame feels... shameful. Why did that feeling come up? Was it my fault I felt ashamed of her? Or was it put on me? Could she help me with this darkest and most sticky emotion?  The other reason I couldn’t ask her was because she was dead, and the way she died was the reason. She died when I was 8, leaving 4 daughters and a husband. I was the youngest. My three big sisters and my Dad protected me and filled in the gaping void the best they could. But this was the late 70’s. Access to positivity was not filling up our social media feeds. I was also fine, mostly. Sad at times, especially around mother’s events at school but I had care and love. I made it through grammar school, high school, college, got a  job and had a career I loved. I traveled. I found love and fell hard. Phil and I got married and got pregnant within 2 years of meeting. No shotgun was involved! I wanted this. I went from focused go-getter girl to I want to have a baby, now! This kind of love had been missing from my life. When I bumped into it, in that lower Westside bar, everything became

crystal clear. Like the muse, an artist needs to create. His love woke up and inspired a whole new me, it was otherworldly. I had told him about my mother’s suicide but he was one of a literal handful of people I shared this with. It was only shared with people who had earned the privilege. I had to feel safe around you first.  Later I went to a psychic who told me my mother likes Phil. A message from a stranger, blurting that out. Well, I took it as a sign. Holding in shame to me feels like swimming in a tar pit with rocks in your pockets. You have to fight hard to not get sucked under. You can only keep fighting for so long. When the comfort and unconditional love found me, it was like I found a whole part of my being I didn’t know existed. Like one of those dreams where you find that a large wing exists in your house or apartment. I found my healing way through motherhood, art, dance, and mystical healing. As I unpacked my past I am often reminded of what happened that day my mom died. She had come to me and given me a message. One that was revealed to me in meditation. It took only a couple of decades to decipher! My journey can never be exactly duplicated, it taught me to listen to nature and teachers, but mostly to listen to my wise inner voice. The biggest teachers were the most difficult ones. The ones that cause

Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2021

shame. Like my mom. She didn’t die to teach me a lesson but I did learn from her. My work is me sharing me. My joy and my shame. It shows up like a labyrinth walk, paving the path as I go. Labyrinth, a single path to center, not a maze with options. We are each walking our own labyrinth guided by teachers, spirits, and nature. Unpacking our treasures and sharing our shame is sharing the wealth and the way.  Here now as I breathe, I am grateful for all of you that I share this journey with. Submitted by JoJo Keane, energy healer, mind/body/ spirit Coach and yoga-healer teacher. JoJo is also a motivational speaker, writer and leads workshops in energy healing, yoga/dance and movement. JoJo is a master teacher, using Quantum Healing a multidisciplinary technique she created and customizes for you. Releasing held patterns in your mind and body that have created ruts or trauma loops. With her support she helps you shift the energy in your body/brain/ home. From the practical to the magical, her approach is intuitive and creative. She has helped thousands of adolescents, women and men get unstuck from trauma to recovery. Come and start your journey back to an inspired joy-filled life.www. Inspiredsoul.net, keane.jojo@gmail.com 203.994.2834

Diet Can Make a Difference for Irritable Bowel Syndrome By Gina Barbetta, MS, RD, CD-N

ne in ten people suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic condition with symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating and distention, excessive gas, and diarrhea and/or constipation. Although the cause of IBS is unknown, it is recognized that the enteric nervous system (ENS), a complex nervous system that controls the gut, has an intricate role. When the ENS does not function properly, it can cause extrasensitive nerve response in the gut, known as visceral hypersensitivity and/or disturbances in how food travels though the gut. Genetics, gut infections, psychological factors, stress, and dysbiosis; an abnormal balance of gut bacteria, are all known to contribute to the development of IBS. Certain foods, beverages, irregular eating, overeating, nicotine and alcohol use can worsen symptoms. Treatments for IBS IBS is treated with diet, lifestyle modifications, medications and psychological therapies. Although limited in effectiveness, medication may play a role in the treatment

of symptoms associated with IBS. Yoga, clinical hypnosis, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are effective psychological approaches for reducing symptoms in those with and without stress induced IBS. Incorporating healthy nutrition and lifestyle choices are the first steps towards managing IBS. Smoking cessation, limiting alcohol and caffeine, along with exercise are lifestyle changes with positive impact for IBS sufferers. A balanced diet void of known food triggers and limited in processed and high fat foods is advised. Eliminating beverages with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) such as soda and apple juice/cider containing naturally occurring sugar alcohols are key dietary interventions. Establishing a regular eating pattern with small frequent meals and snacks is recommended. These mini meals should be rich in natural fiber and accompanied with adequate fluids. Meals should be consumed slowly and mindfully in a low stress environment. The FODMAP Diet If adequate symptom relief is not achieved with the previously described first

line interventions, a trial of the low FODMAP diet is appropriate. Developed specifically for the management of IBS, FODMAP is a collective term for short-chain carbohydrates that are incompletely absorbed in the small intestine. The acronym stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, And Polyols (FODMAP). Fermentable refers to the process through which gut bacteria breakdown undigested carbohydrates to produce gas in your intestines leading to abdominal discomfort. Oligosaccharides are made of fructans and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS). Fructans are found in wheat, rye, onion and garlic. GOS are in legumes and pulses. Disaccharides refers to carbohydrates composed of two sugars. Many people are intolerant to lactose, a common disaccharide found in dairy products. Monosaccharides are simple sugars such as fructose and glucose. Fructose is absorbed optimally in the presence of enough glucose. Consuming foods that are high in fructose but low in glucose (for example, honey, apples and high-fructose corn syrups) can cause www.NaturalNutmeg.com

fructose malabsorption. Lastly, polyols are naturally occurring sugar alcohols (example, sorbitol and mannitol) that are found in some fruits and vegetables. They are manufactured and used as artificial sweeteners and are in all sugar-free chewing gum mints and some sugar-free candies, medications and toothpaste.

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FODMAPs have been identified as some of the most important dietary triggers in those with IBS. In clinical trials, over 75% of people with chronic digestive symptoms gain significant relief by reducing their intake of FODMAPs. It is important to note that the diet is intended for short term use. Strict avoidance of all FODMAPs are recommended for six to eight weeks followed by a systematic reintroduction of foods. The prescription and education of a low FODMAP diet should be done in conjunction with an expert Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist who can review your symptoms, personalize diet choices and provide guidance for food reintroduction. Gina Barbetta, MS, RD, CD-N is a Registered Dietitian – Nutritionist with over 25 years of experience in pediatric and adult nutrition therapy. She is the owner of Nourish by Gina, LLC. For further information call 203.206.3873. Telehealth Available. Most insurances accepted.

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Natural Nutmeg - 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2021

Stress Reduction 101

By Sharon Sklar

n my youth, I remember feeling so stressed I could not breathe. Feeling so stressed I could not think, sleep or eat. My heart felt like a brick, my head hurt and my shoulders were up around my ears with tension. I’m not sure if it is just stress management skills that developed or if age mellows us out, but that doesn’t happen anymore. We are all having some sort of COVID stress; months of somewhat isolated lives, no getting together with friends. Trips to the store are something we now plan and think about with organization. I am fully aware of people who stand too close in a line and of crowds gathering. This is our daily stress. We are learning to cope and live with it, adjust to it and it has become “normal” after all these months. My clients are showing up with stressed bodies which play out as stiff or painful backs, hips and/or shoulders. Some are coming in with headaches and prob-

lems with sleeping through the night. New clients arrive with a list of similar issues but not quite understanding that their problems could be very related to their structure and their body’s inability to get to neutral which lets stress pass through. We all have to be concerned with our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems at this point in time. A quick explanation. Someone cuts you off in your car and you narrowly escape a collision. Your heart rate speeds up, you blast the horn, you might mouth off. That is your sympathetic nervous system charging you through. Your parasympathetic nervous system’s job is to rise up, lower the charge and bring you back to neutral off-setting the upset. If we go through enough stress and trauma and our systems are not engaged to balance each other out, we mount up with stress. Remember years ago, when people went “postal”? That expression came from a few postal workers who had mounting stress

and without a way to lower that stress, started shooting everyone around them. The job of the parasympathetic nervous system is to bring you back to a normal level. Stressful things happen, we respond, we get over it and the day goes on. It is our job during this chronically stressful time to do our best to stay calm. There are ways to strengthen our parasympathetics, doing yoga; getting bodywork; using a flotation tank; deep, conscious breathing; and plenty of sleep to name a few things. What we need to do is find that stress-lowering ability to have life coming at us, but the capacity to bring ourselves back to center and move beyond. The best way to release stress is to develop an attitude of moving through it instead of going around it. The only way out is through. Identifying what is really going on is crucial. Is it family stress? Is it job related? Is it socially induced? Is it due to an illness or pain? Is it COVID related, a www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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change in routine, isolation and/or depression? Try turning off the television, turn off the music and stop all the distractions. We want to avoid the discomfort and numb out on media, being busy, and keeping socially active, when what we really need is silence that could bring the answers.

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When you feel the tension rising from your stressful situation, a few things can really help. Bodywork, yoga, flotation tanks, deep breathing techniques and meditation are helpful. I love to take a dance break. Record some great tunes that inspire you to get up and move. Turn on the music and dance for even two or three minutes. It is a great way to get yourself out of the moment and feel your body. That will help to ground you and shift your level. Another thing to try is to get outside and be in nature. Negative ions are molecules floating in the air and atmosphere that have been charged with electricity. They are naturally created by moving water like rain showers, crashing waves and even fountains. Negative ions are also formed by plants, sunlight and wind. Research confirms that exposure to negative ions has a positive effect on cognitive performance, increased psychological health, productivity, overall well-being, stress reduction and boosting the immune system. With all that documentation the message is clear, get outside. Take a walk, go for a run, do some gardening, take a drive to the shore or a hike to a waterfall. You are in charge to make a change. Stress is an inevitable part of life. With the right tools we can shift gears and overcome a lot of it. Dance, walk, kayak, enjoy the rain, float, get great bodywork. Get up, move more and know that your stress will change with time. Take charge and take great care of yourself. Sharon Sklar is in her 40th year of private practice as a Certified Advanced Rolfer. State licensed and the only Rolfer in Central CT, Sharon works with direct manipulation of the soft tissue of the body and movement re-education over a ten-session series to help her clients feel freer, get more balanced and reduce chronic pain. Great for athletes, children and adults recovering from stress, injuries and the traumas of life. Call 860.561.4337 for more info or to schedule a consultation. SharonSklarRolfing.com. See ad on page 45.

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The Truth About What Causes Autism

By Jared M. Skowron, ND

utism is the fastest growing medical condition in our children today. From 2002 to 2016 the rates practically tripled. Approximately 17% of children have a developmental disability, based on CDC data. Therapies and treatments have improved to help these children speak, socialize, learn, and eventually recover; however, the most controversial part of autism isn’t the treatments, it’s the cause. The Cause of Autism Identifying and treating the cause of disease is one of medicine’s most important breakthroughs. Treating anything else (a symptom) is a band-aid, whether it is ibuprofen to relieve the headache from drinking too much or the cholesterol medicine to prevent the clots from eating fast food every day. These are band-aids that do not treat the cause of the illness, but rather help the patient make it to the next day. If the treatments are stopped, the condition returns. That is, unless the cause of the disease is treated. If you have strep throat, antibiotics will cure. If you have diabetes from a poor diet, a better diet will cure. Once the cause is known, a treatment that targets the cause is the most effective. Here lies the problem with autism, the cause is the controversy. (I have created an in-depth 2.5 hour free course for those of you interested in all of the science. Instructions are at the end of the article).

How Does Autism Occur? Let’s take a look at how autism occurs. There are two distinct presentations of autism. The less common (approximately 5% of children in my clinic) are born with a genetic condition that mimics autism. This could be Fragile X, a genetic micro deletion or duplication, or a genetic mutation condition such as Charge syndrome. There are a multitude of these genetic conditions that some children are born with and they eventually get diagnosed, usually through the school system as having autism. The actual genetic condition isn’t known until thorough genetic testing is performed (which sadly is very under performed by physicians). These children are born slow to develop. They often don’t talk until age 4 or 5 and improve slowly with speech and occupational therapies. If your child or a child you know seems to be developmentally delayed from birth, then genetic testing including CMA and WES should be performed. (CMA genetic test looks for missing or extra pieces of DNA. The WES test looks for genes that aren’t functioning.) Now, that’s only 5% of children diagnosed with autism. What about the other 95%? These children have regressive autism. Regressive autism is when an infant is developing normally, making eye contact with you, babbling, potentially saying ‘mama’ or ‘dada’, and then one day it

all disappears. No talking. No eye contact. This regression of development usually occurs between the ages of 12 - 18 months. Why is there a controversy about this regression? Parents try to identify a cause. What happened on the day that I lost my child? Hundreds of thousands of families believe they lost their child around the time of a visit to their pediatrician. Whenever there is blame, there is controversy. Pediatricians would never do anything to purposefully harm a child, so why do parents believe that their child regressed near that time? The answer is in the science. More and more research is being published to identify the cause of the regression. What we now need to do is share this science with others; other families, other pediatricians, and other policy makers. Our ultimate goal is to help those with autism and prevent other children from getting autism. To make that change will require a change in our beliefs. To paraphrase Einstein, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” To paraphrase Yoda, “You must unlearn what you have learned.” The focus of research identifying the cause of developmental regression of autism revolves around two topics, toxicity of aluminum and toxicity of acetaminophen.

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Toxicity of Aluminum

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If you visit the CDC’s website, they have a 300-page publication reviewing the toxicology of aluminum. It is a brain and lung toxin. It is known to cause brain damage and learning/memory problems. In fact, in the medical specialty of kidney dialysis (filtering toxins out of the body when the kidney cannot), comprised mostly of older people with kidney damage, there is a medical condition called Dialysis Dementia where patients on dialysis quickly slip into an “Alzheimer’s” presentation with acute memory loss and cognitive loss. This has been researched since the 1980’s to be associated with aluminum toxicity. We know aluminum toxicity can cause brain damage, cognitive and memory problems in older people, so let’s look at the research of aluminum toxicity with children. Except that it hasn’t been performed yet. In the CDC’s own Aluminum Toxicology manual, it states that no research has been performed to confirm aluminum is safe in children. Let’s say that again. Aluminum causes brain damage. Fact. Aluminum is known to cause cognitive problems in adults with kidney disease. Fact. Autism is a medical condition of brain disease, memory and cognition problems. Fact. Science has not studied the safety of aluminum in children. Fact. Pediatricians give children aluminum on a regular basis. Fact. The more aluminum that children have received over the past few decades matches with the increased rates of autism. Fact. Why not research the safety of aluminum in children? The CDC did publish a study in 2004 and one of the lead CDC scientists of that study went to Congress as a Whistle Blower to admit that the research group falsified the data to create results that were NOT accurate, but that the CDC wanted. Falsifying research about our children’s safety? Why would the CDC do that? I wish I had the answers for you. Let’s fast forward to the present. More scientists are performing animal studies confirming the brain and neurological toxicity of aluminum in animals. Brain damage, memory problems, cognitive problems, mood problems, and motor problems are all associated with aluminum in these animal studies. What about human studies? Here’s the trick. Studies that test the safety of these aluminum containing medications use the aluminum as the placebo instead of saline. So, when the study is performed, side effects of the

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medication match the side effects of the ‘placebo’ (which is a known brain toxin). The study on the surface seems to prove that the medication is safe. Sadly, these research tricks are used to sell more medications at the exchange of your child’s health. Our interest is only the health and safety of children. We call on the pharmaceutical industry to remove toxins and harmful substances from all medications! Toxicity of Acetaminophen I’m a huge fan of the TV show Scrubs. In the first episode, a new doctor asked the supervising doctor, “What’s the dose of Tylenol for this patient?” The supervising doctor said, “Grab a handful and throw it at her. Whatever lands in her mouth is the right dose!” This is a perfect example of how the marketing of Tylenol (acetaminophen) has swarmed humanity. Acetaminophen must be perfectly safe, pediatricians recommend it for my child! Well, guess what. It’s not perfectly safe. Every hospital has an emergency protocol for acetaminophen poisoning. They know it’s toxic and they know the antidote. In fact, a new acetaminophen IV (intravenous) medication contains the antidote. Why would you give your child a medication that is so poisonous that it contains its own antidote? Millions of people take acetaminophen and don’t seem to have a problem. But, millions of people eat peanuts and still some are individually sensitive and can die from ingesting them due to a severe allergy. Similarly, with acetaminophen, everyone is genetically different. Some children are extremely sensitive to the toxicity of acetaminophen. A landmark research study from scientists of Harvard and Duke published a study in 2017 associating acetaminophen and the start of autism regression. More and more research is finding that acetaminophen toxicity is part of the puzzle of the start of autism. Not every medication is safe for everyone, there are genetic differences between us all. (I reached out to Johnson & Johnson, the makers of Tylenol, to share their research data confirming the safety of Tylenol in children. They sent me a form letter back. This form letter is included in my free course.) Autism is a Growing Epidemic Autism is a growing epidemic and the fastest growing medical condition in our children. Almost 1 in 5 children have a developmental disability. Some children are born delayed. They take years to talk, play, make eye contact, and most of these chil-

dren have a genetic condition that mimics the symptoms of autism and get diagnosed with autism, but honestly, the treatments aren’t very successful for them. If your child has this story, I encourage you to talk with a geneticist or neurologist about genetic testing: CMA and WES. Autism regression around 12-18 months of age is a much more common story. Your child was saying some words, playing with you, making eye contact, and then it all disappeared. This can be a combination of aluminum and acetaminophen toxicity. The taking of these two substances on the same day coordinates with the immediate loss of skills for hundreds of thousands of children. This story is the story of hundreds of thousands of families.

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If this is your story, now you understand why this happened. My initial goal is to ask the pharmaceutical companies to continue to pursue the most effective and safe medications for our children. We are constantly learning and we should be constantly improving. If a medication used in the past is now found to be harmful, then change it. Pharmaceutical companies should not continue selling these medications and harming more children because “that’s what we’ve always used or always done”. Medicine needs constant research and improvements. Our secondary goal is to help those who currently struggle with autism. Our clinic is Connecticut’s leading Natural Medicine Clinic that has been helping children with autism recover for almost twenty years.

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Want to learn more? Watch my free course, “The Story of Autism”. All of the scientific research studies are downloadable in the course so you can read them and make your own decision. The course includes interviews with the leading researchers and pediatricians that are in the trenches trying to change things for the better to help our children and to reverse our autism epidemic.

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Get More than Money: Get Peace of Mind By Caroline Wetzel, CFP®, CDFA®, AWMA®

ave you ever craved “something more” and gotten it? Theresa and Colin did. They wanted “something more than just returns” when it came to their money. After they chose my team to be their fiduciary financial advisors, they got peace of mind. As an accomplished couple in their 60s, Theresa and Colin already had enjoyed an exciting and fulfilling life before we started working together. They had lived and worked overseas, raised three independent children, and recently downsized their family home. A team of brokers at a well-known company had managed their investments for years and due to the size of their accounts, Theresa and Colin thought that they were “all set” with their finances. And then, life happened.

Right around the time that Theresa and Colin began learning more about what my team and I do, they began noticing things changing around them. Loved ones battled health conditions that threatened their independence. Married friends were becoming single due to graying divorce and death. Theresa and Colin began to ask themselves, what is next for us? Are we living the life we want? Seeking answers, Theresa and Colin left their brokerage advisory team and began working with my team. We talked about what they were seeing. They shared what kept them awake at night. They described the legacy that they wanted to leave to loved ones and their community. They sought a more purpose-filled life and wanted their financial decisions to align with their vision.

Theresa and Colin trusted me to listen to what was important to them and advise them on their financial choices. I used financial planning to help them determine that they would like to relocate to a more tax-friendly state. We simplified their financial life by consolidating and coordinating Theresa and Colin’s investment accounts according to their goals. Through our conversations, Colin shared that socially responsible investing was important to him, so we fine-tuned his portfolio positions. With inputs from different insurance specialists, I facilitated reviews of Theresa and Colin’s existing life and long-term care insurance policies and provided them independent perspectives. I also liaised with Theresa and Colin’s accountant and attorney to ensure that the financial plan-

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ning and investment approach we implemented integrated smoothly with their tax and estate plans. Every three months Theresa, Colin and I have a ZOOM. They share what is new and different in their lives and I update them on what we are doing with their investment accounts and why. Then we discuss their financial plan and (potential) updates. Through these regular conversations, Theresa and Colin continue to experience clarity, comfort, and confidence with their finances and life. Have the events of 2020 prompted you to want “something more”? Are you asking new questions of yourself around your life and your finances? If you, like Theresa and Colin, aspire for “something more than just returns” from a fiduciary team of financial professionals, I am right here. It would be a privilege and a pleasure to have a complimentary consultation.

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* Theresa and Colin are pseudonyms. The clients’ names have been changed and some details generalized for this article. Caroline Wetzel is one of Natural Nutmeg’s 10Best Winners for Business/Life Coach. Caroline is a Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP®) and Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor with Procyon Private Wealth Partners, LLC. Procyon Private Wealth Partners, LLC and Procyon Institutional Partners, LLC (collectively “Procyon Partners”) are registered investment advisors with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). This article is provided for informational purposes only and for the intended recipient[s] only. This article may also include opinions and forward-looking statements which may not come to pass. Information is at a point in time and subject to change. Procyon Partners does not provide tax or legal advice. See ad on page 40 and spotlight on page 11.

2020 Hindsight as Foresight By Pat Heavren

can’t remember how far back our family adopted the old British tradition of opening Christmas crackers when sitting down for our holiday meal. The festive poppers usually contain a colored tissuepaper crown and a small toy and are sold in novelty stores. In spite of the fact that the kids are now adults, we still eat wearing these silly regal hats every year. In 2014, the cracker took on a new meaning for me as, of all things, a divination tool. That was the year everyone around the table opened their popper to discover that each Christmas cracker had been packed by the manufacturer with the same plastic toy houses in different colors. In the mysterious moment where intuition and divination intersect and with no plans to leave the house we’d lived in for sixteen years, I immediately knew a move was ahead. By the following Christmas, all eight people (who lived in four different homes at the time) had changed their residences. Can a Pier One novelty product predict the future like tarot cards or an I-Ching reading? What is it with our fascination with wanting foresight and trying to make sense of things in hindsight? Before this, we’d never received the same toy in our cracker/poppers. They seemed about as significant as the prizes buried in the sugar-laden cereals I ate as a kid. More interesting, was the fact that

the tiny light-blue house that dropped onto my fine-china dinner plate in 2014 looked exactly like a small painting a student had given me nine months earlier to celebrate a nature-based healing workshop I offered for the first time from my home office. He’d given it to me knowing how travel weary I was after many years teaching on the road. My blue toy house was also a replica of what appeared in the sky and clouds over my head during a vision-quest exercise in the Andes of Peru that same autumn. My guides on that trip were indigenous wisdom keepers who live in mountains they consider hallowed and are said to open the vision of visiting pilgrims. Their ancestors established villages there at high elevation after fleeing their homes in the Sacred Valley, escaping the Spanish conquistadors who arrived to decimate their culture with their greed for gold. The diseases the Europeans carried to the South American people tore through their tribes like an epidemic. In the years since 2014, my family has playfully mocked what I’ve come to make of our Christmas ritual. Their teasing hasn’t foiled my anticipation for seeing what pops out of the cracker each year, whether its source is meaningless chance, mere entertainment, or a play of consciousness and meaning-making that helps ease the human angst of uncertainty that is simply a part of all of our lives.

Enter December 2019. My Christmas cracker prize last year was a tiny book of numbers, a game called “The Mystery Calculator.” Of course, at the time, I had no idea of the symbolic blend of coincidental foresight and sardonic humor the message held as 2020 unfolded, the year no one could have predicted. Nothing has been business as usual. We’ve been encouraged by circumstance to seek the shelter of our homes, not from epidemic, but pandemic. We’ve experienced a mountainous divided-nation rather than a unifying divine-nation. We continue to flee a plethora of these and more threats at the threshold of the twenty-first year of the twenty-first century. With varying degrees of ease and/or dis-ease, we’ve learned what it’s like to live immersed in uncertainty.

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Or is it that everything has always been uncertain and we’ve simply convinced ourselves the opposite is true? Only the Mystery Calculator knows for sure! The famous phrase, “Hindsight is 20/20,” suggests things are clearer or more obvious when remembered than at the time they take place. When looking back, we assemble lists of lessons learned, appreciations and/or regrets, and perhaps even an occasional eureka moment of insight that invites a whole new way of thinking and ushers in a refreshed reality for the future. For me, 2020 has been a year of facing mystery, uncertainty, and one highly destructive storm and befriending all the surprises, even when deeply disturbing. It’s been a time of leaving no stones unturned, while being equally aware of the immovable rocks that dot the landscape of my life like an obstacle course and choosing to use them as stepping stones in my failure to lift them up, turn them over, or cast them aside. In hindsight, I get to decide the story I tell about 2020. It’s best I make it a good one. That is the best predictive influence I have in the face of any unknowable future and in the uncertain months of 2021 that lie ahead. As for the Mystery Calculator birthed by a Christmas cracker? I discovered recently while examining it more closely that the Mystery Calculator is actually a mathematical party trick. The purveyor of the game accurately “predicts” a number that a player chooses (and keeps secret) from a set of six cards with numbers printed on them in a seeming random order. Revealed in hindsight, to player and purveyor, is that the Mystery Calculator creates predictable outcomes for the party pilgrim and foresight seeker one hundred percent of the time. Pat Heavren is a life coach, mediator, and educator who is passionate about supporting individuals, couples and groups to ﬂourish by aligning with the wisdom of the natural world. She is the author of Magic in Plain Sight: When Acceptance is the Healing and is former senior teaching faculty with the Four Winds Society, an international school of neo-shamanism and energy medicine. Pat has led workshops across the U.S., Canada and Latin America and works worldwide with clients via telephone and Zoom from her Woodbridge, CT, office. She can be reached at www.livingsource.us and 203.444.4424 for appointments. See her ad on page 54 for Natural Nutmeg readers only.

Gaining Control Over Your Stressed Brain By Veena Verma-Dzik, ND, FIAMA

ompletely frantic and beside herself, a young mother of two came to see me for fatigue. Once she sat down with me, the floodgates opened and she admitted to being completely burnt out, exhausted from juggling her daily routines along with her obligations to her family, and unable to get a hold of her emotions. She was having trouble keeping calm with her kids, sleeping, and remembering little details about her day. After spending a great deal of time listening to her, not only did I prescribe her some supplements to help her manage the stress and fatigue she was overwhelmed by, but we agreed she needed to come up with a plan where she could carve in some self-healing time. After two weeks, she came back with a huge smile on her face and a great sense of calm. She was so relieved by the turn around in her memory and fatigue and how much her mood had improved. She got herself back to where she always remembered herself being the happiest. Experiencing stress at times is not necessarily a bad thing. We all need a bit of adrenalin to get us going, to motivate us in completing a task. For some of us, this small burst drives us to success. It is a different story when life stressors become overwhelming. Issues at home, financial strains, dealing

with loss, or a state of affairs that’s beyond our control can all lead to the accumulation of cortisol to take over our nervous system and impact our overall health. The worst type of life stress is one that we feel we either have no ability to influence or control, or when we believe we cannot influence our sense of well-being and safety. Even as a healthcare expert, I have been in this situation many times. I have experienced many of the most common stressful life events, including moments of such extreme stress where I could not remember where I was going or what I was doing. I would misplace my keys and find cereal I placed in the refrigerator instead of the pantry. I would find myself driving to places I had been to countless times before, and all of a sudden not realize where I was going. The stress became so intense that it affected my ability to think clearly. I recall where my memory declined so much that I truly became full of fear. At this point the stress was toxic, and was giving me what I call Cortisol Brain. Studies have shown that women struggle with stress more than men. Millennials and Generation Xers are reporting a great deal of stress, and those who struggle with their identity and face discrimination and social biases are afflicted by an enormous amount of stress.

Our Brains Under Stress When stress occurs the emotional center of the brain, the amygdala, sends a signal to the hypothalamus, the command center of our brain. A signal is then sent to the adrenal glands to activate the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis. Once activated, a series of hormones is released to create the stress response. As we all know, cortisol is our greatest stress managing hormone. Cortisol serves its purpose in a healthy, natural way by helping metabolize glucose, controlling blood pressure and, of course, aiding in our “fight, flight or freeze” response. Over periods of chronic stress, the fight, flight or freeze response cannot turn off. This causes a downward spiral in your health, leading to anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, heart disease, digestive issues, and memory impairment. In terms of the health of our brains, studies show that under chronic stress and elevated cortisol the volume of our brain decreases in size. In other words, our brains actually shrink! We may not even realize the progression of this physical toll on our bodies and brain health. However, there are solutions.

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What Can We Do to Manage Stress and Protect Our Cognitive Health? Although most stressful events are more than likely out of our control, we do have the strength and capability of grasping control of our mental and cognitive health. There are many supplements that are supported by research that have been shown to be extremely helpful in the health of our brains and managing stress.

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Let’s take a look at some for cognitive health. When it comes to anti-aging from a cognitive perspective, I not only take these myself, but recommend them to my patients. Turmeric. This is one of my favorite spices and supplements to take. I tell my patients that if they are going to take only one supplement, take turmeric. There are thousands of replicated studies on turmeric. It has received a great deal of credit for its many benefits and is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. The main active constituent in turmeric, curcumin, is highly recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, antimicrobial, and anti-tumor activities. The effect of curcumin on the brain is that it increases a hormone called Brain Derived Growth Factor, which helps improve memory and is beneficial in neurodegenerative diseases. Ashwagandha. “The scripture of longevity,” the supplement Ashwagandha, is another one that I take daily. I especially love Ashwagandha because it is not only beneficial for cognitive health, but it is an adaptogen which balances cortisol and helps our bodies adapt to stress. It balances the activity of the adrenal glands and the thyroid. It further provides benefits to the immune system, improves memory, boosts stamina, and alleviates anxiety. The effects of Ashwagandha improve many aspects of our health.

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L-theanine. An amino acid found in green tea, L-theanine, has been shown to be useful for both anxiety and memory. Randomized, controlled trials and crossover studies have presented evidence that l-theanine is beneficial in reducing anxiety and in improving memory and attention. Furthermore, it decreases high levels of cortisol associated with stress. I prescribe teas frequently in my practice. They’re safe and easy to take for children, adolescents and adults. They are especially useful for people who are very sensitive when they take medications or herbal medicine. I advise my patients who use teas to start off with one bag in a cup of

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water and then slowly increase it to as many as three bags until they feel relief. Some great teas are lemon balm, passionflower, gotu kola, and rose tea, all of which wonderfully help ease anxiety and stress. Everything I mentioned so far are all great ways to address an imbalance in cortisol to preserve our cognitive health when faced with stressful situations. I tell my patients that you can take as many pills as you want, whether it’s pharmaceutical or natural, but you have to work on your lifestyle. Practicing stress management daily is key to living a healthy life, physically and mentally. Incorporating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet along with daily exercise are the foundation. As most of you know, exercise can be more if not equally effective as anti-anxiety pills. It’s important to take the time to just quiet the brain through meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, or even listening to relaxing music or a podcast. There is an art that I am obsessed with lately called niksen. It is an art practiced in the Dutch culture that simply involves nothing. It is the art of doing nothing. In our culture, it is highly underrated, but all humans need quiet, down-time to de-stress! Laughter is another natural way to alleviate stress and release those feel good hormones. A hearty laugh lowers blood pressure and is equivalent to 15 minutes of physical activity! Next time you’re feeling stressed, have a laugh or do niksen. Dr. Veena Verma-Dzik, ND, FIAMA Naturopathic Doctor for Insight Counseling is boardcertified and a certified medical acupuncturist who is highly experienced in treating acute and chronic health conditions. Dr. Verma received her doctorate from the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine. Some of her specialties include women’s health, ADD/ADHD, GI conditions, MTHFR, Lyme disease and co-infections, mood imbalances, allergies, fatigue, and hormonal imbalances. Each patient she sees receives personalized, individual care involving research-based treatments and therapies from her own clinical experience and success. The therapies she prescribes include herbal medicine, nutritional therapeutics, homeopathic medicine, low dose immunotherapy, and acupuncture. When it comes to diagnosing, Dr. Verma uses in-depth functional laboratory testing and analysis and takes the time to listen to her patients. See ad on page 6 and spotlight on page 34.

The Future is Holistic! By Bruce Cryer, President, The Graduate Institute

wenty years into its role as the leading accredited institution for holistic studies on the East Coast, The Graduate Institute has charted a unique course in higher education. Our mission is to provide transformative education based on an integrative and holistic perspective designed to enable students to reach their full potential both professionally and personally. Our renowned Masters and Certificate programs offer a new model for education which is steeped in a holistic worldview, seeing individuals, communities, families, organizations, and countries as whole integrated interrelated systems, a view which is increasingly relevant for the uncertain, worrying COVID-dominated times we live in. Having joined the Institute just in June of this year, I have been impressed by the depth, experience and richness of our faculty which is comprised of world class scholars in the fields of Integrative Medicine, Consciousness Studies, Organizational Leadership, Ecotherapy, Learning and Thinking, Positive Psychology, Creative Writing and Storytelling; to name a few. Our distinguished faculty provides not only professional expertise, deep knowledge, and wisdom, but they also provide essential input in the review of academic standards, programs, research, future planning, degrees and certification.

tient and the healing process, he is known for his best-selling book Love, Medicine and Miracles. Dr. Artemis Morris, ND, LAc is a Naturopathic Physician, Licensed Acupuncturist, professor of nutrition, researcher, author, and public speaker. Dr. Artemis has been an educator for over a decade and is the author of A Naturopathic Doctor’s Guide to Wellness for Immune Support. C. Norman Shealy, MD, PhD is the founder and first President of American Holistic Medical Association and an accomplished neurosurgeon, a pioneer in pain medicine and energy medicine, and is the inventor of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, spinal cord stimulation and radio-frequency ablation for back pain. He has lectured worldwide and has appeared on numerous TV programs including Oprah, Good Morning America and The Today Show, and is the author of 23 books. Caroline Myss is a world-renowned intuitive and respected lecturer in the field of health, intuition and contemporary spirituality and author of several New York Times best sellers.

Meet the Faculty:

Brian Luke Seaward, PhD is a bestselling author and renowned international expert in stress management and mindbody-spirit healing. He is also an acclaimed photographer.

Dr. Bernie Siegel, MD is an internationally recognized expert in the field of cancer treatment and complementary, holistic medicine. A retired Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital pediatric surgeon, who writes on the relationship between the pa-

Joan Palmer, MS has a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and is founder of The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition. Joan teaches the health benefits of using real food, environment, and herbs to find the path back to health.

Accredited Master of Arts Degrees & Certificate Programs Integrative Health & Healing examines health, wellness and illness from a holistic perspective; comparing, connecting and integrating conventional, alternative and complementary approaches to promoting wellness, prevention and healing. This program offers a unique opportunity to study the best of Eastern and Western medicine, healing modalities and psychology in an interactive learning environment, providing not only current scientific knowledge but also experience and practice of many healing techniques focused on treating the whole person. Students who are health professionals learn and apply integrative models and methodologies to their work. Non-medical students develop a better understanding of integrative models and treatments for personal use. Graduates are able to incorporate complementary and alternative therapies into their professional and personal lives. The curriculum includes Holistic Stress Management, Nutrition, Sound and Art Therapies, Naturopathic, Chinese, Ayurveda and Energy Medicine. Learning and Thinking embraces a philosophy of education rooted in relationship, holism, and meaning. This program is predicated on establishing a New Culture of Learning that develops the knowledge, skills, competencies, and imagination for a world in constant flux. Towards this end, the program nurtures the emergence of a collegial learning community dedicated to co-creating new meaning within a constructivist and transdisciplinary context.

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Consciousness Studies and Transpersonal Psychology explores the nature, role, and development of human consciousness and transpersonal phenomena. What makes this program unique is that we have holistically integrated different perspectives into the coursework, psychological and spiritual, western and eastern, epistemological and clinical. Creative Writing and Storytelling allows you to create compelling written work through study with bestselling authors, professional editors, award-winning storytellers, acclaimed literary critics and renowned scholars. Plus, students in this program gain access to TGI’s Publishing Center to help you get your book published. Coaching with Spirit teaches you to become an effective coach by learning a transformative way of being while in relationship with others. This program is approved by the International Coach Federation. Bruce Cryer, President of The Graduate Institute in CT, has been involved in holistic studies personally and professionally for more than 40 years. In his career, he has worn many hats and explored many professional passions, always driven by a desire to learn how people can live more efficiently, effectively and coherently. He began as a singer/ dancer/actor in New York, including two years in The Fantasticks, the world’s longest running musical. Bruce has been adjunct professor at Stanford University since 1997 teaching on stress, performance, emotional intelligence, resilience and creativity. He was named CEO of HeartMath in 2000, having helped launch the HeartMath Institute with founder Doc Childre in 1991. He recently released Renaissance Human, an album of original songs co-created with the Brothers Koren. To learn about The Graduate Institute’s other programs, visit our website: Learn.edu or call 203.874.4252. See ad on page 58.

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DIY Tips to Relieve Stress By Mary Tracey, ND, MSAOM

f you’re reading this, please, take a pause, and do this body scan. Let your shoulders drop, sit- up straight, unclench your hands and jaw. Take a deep breath! The year 2020 has been particularly rough for many. It is as if the world has been in a collective brace since life seemed to have come to an abrupt stop just as the year began. The stress many people face on a daily basis seems to have been compounded by current events. Many Americans and people across the world are having to deal with issues relating to the recent COVID-19 public health emergency, including political unrest, financial distress, job loss and the loss of loved ones. If there was ever a time to highlight the effects stress has on the body, it is now. The Epidemic of Stress According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Occupational Health and Safety news, stress accounts for approximately 75-90% of all doctor’s visits! In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the whole person is considered and the root cause and diagnosis of stress varies according to the individual. However, a common side effect stress brings, according to TCM, is inhibition of the free flow of Qi or energy throughout the body’s various channels and organs. When the Qi is stagnated or blocked, it can manifest as many physical complaints including, but not limited to, headache, back pain, digestive complaints, sleep problems, and fatigue.

TCM & Acupuncture Relieves Stress Traditional Chinese Medicine has many modalities that can help relieve stress and bring the body into balance including herbology, acupuncture, cupping, guasha, and tuina massage. One or several of these methods of treatment may be employed by a TCM practitioner in order to relieve stress and bring the body into balance. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine, hair-like metal needles into the surface of the skin at specific points. Points are chosen according to the presentation of the individual and the practitioners in-depth evaluation. From a Western medical perspective, studies have shown acupuncture to increase heart rate variability, release pain relieving endorphins, and modulate the stress hormone cortisol. Treatments are usually 30 minutes and many people leave feeling a deep sense of relaxation. Acupuncture treatments are painless, affordable, accessible and extremely effective. Acupressure for Self-Care Acupressure is a beneficial self-care tool that can be done from the comfort of your home to harness the power of TCM. Try the points as outlined below for some stress relief. Points may feel tender, hold each for about 2-3 minutes, with strong, yet gentle pressure. This method is great to pair with essential oils and deep breathing.

Yintang: “Third Eye” • Location: In the center of the two eyebrows. • Indication: Anxiety, Insomnia, Pain and Headache Ren 17: “Sea of Tranquility” • Location: Middle of sternum, midway between the breasts. • Indication: Anxiety, Nervousness, Opens the Chest Large Intestine 4: “The Great Letting Go” • Location: Find the V formed by the index finger and the thumb. This point is located in the muscle belly. • Indication: Anxiety, Mental Suppression, Releases Tension • Caution: Avoid in pregnancy. Liver 3: “Happy Calm” • Location: At the end of the valley between the big toe and the second toe. • Indication: Stress, Insomnia, Fear, Anger • Caution: Avoid in pregnancy. Dr. Mary Tracey, N.D., MSAOM, sees patients in both West Hartford and Manchester, Connecticut at Collaborative Natural Health Partners. She is an in-network provider for most insurance companies and is accepting new patients. For more information or questions, please call 860.533.0179 or visit ctnaturalhealth.com. See ad on page 54 and spotlight on page 36.. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

12 Tips to Boost Your Immune System By Donna Bunte, MSOM, LAc.

an we actually “boost” our immune system? We don’t want a weak immune response but we also don’t want an overactive response either. What we want is balance. So, how do we do that? Here are the most important things we need to do to get healthy and stay there.

1 Get enough sleep, the body restores while sleeping. a diet high in fruits and vegetables, 2 Eat they are filled with antioxidants and vitamins.

Vitamin C. Many studies show that getting enough vitamin C which is found in many fruits and veggies can help.

added sugars, artificial sweeteners, 3 Limit processed foods, trans fats, and refined

Zinc. Zinc is found in red meat, poultry, nuts, beans, and whole grains. Zinc picolinate is the best absorbed in supplement form.

carbohydrates which can cause inflammation, yeast, and lead to weight gain. more healthy fats like those in 4 Eat salmon, olive oil and avocado which decrease inflammation. more fermented foods like 5 Eat Kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, or kefir, or take a probiotic supplement.

6 Get moderate exercise. 7 Stay hydrated. 8 Manage stress. Meditate, do qigong, tai chi or yoga. acupuncture. Many studies have shown 9 Get that it can relieve stress and boost immunity. 10 Maintain a healthy weight. 11 Don’t smoke. 12 If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. 56

In addition, there is research to show that certain supplements and herbs may help to fight off infection and stay healthy.

Vitamin D. Most of the world is vitamin D deficient, especially where it is cold and dark for half the year and if you use sunblock which will block out vitamin D production in our skin.

Omega 3’s. This fatty acid is found in fish oil mostly but also in nuts and seeds such as flaxseed, chia seeds and walnuts as well as flaxseed oil, and soybean oil. Omega 3’s help in many ways to keep us healthy such as lowering inflammation and reducing cardiovascular disease, which in turn will help us to stay healthy. Elderberry. This berry has shown in studies to reduce symptoms of viral respiratory infections. Echinacea. This plant has been used for over a thousand years to help fight pathogens and keep people healthy. Not all echinacea are the same though. They must have 2 types of echinacea and must contain high amounts of alkylamides. Mushrooms. Certain types of mushrooms such as maitake, reishi, shitake, lion’s mane, turkey tail, and chaga are powerhouses for managing inflammation, stress, treating cancer and boosting immunity. There are other herbs that have been shown to help people stay healthy especially Chinese and Ayurvedic formulas which should be obtained from your healthcare practitioner or herbalist. Live a clean life as much as you can, wash your hands and keep calm (meditate) and carry on. Donna Bunte, MSOM, L.Ac. has been helping people get and stay healthy since 1995 when she started her practice in natural medicine. She is a Chinese medical practitioner and offers acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary counseling and qigong teaching as well as being an integrative nutrition health coach. Donna’s focus is on finding the cause of her patient’s issues and helping them to find the most natural way to get healthy. See spotlight on page 8.

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Silent Problems in Your Jaw

By Mark A. Breiner, DDS, FAGD, FIAOMT

any patients come to see me because they are concerned that they may have a cavitation. A cavitation is an area in the bone that is dead or dying and is caused by trauma, infections, and decreased blood supply to the area. Although commonly found in the jawbone, cavitations can occur in any bone in the body. The most common site is the wisdom tooth area where teeth have been extracted. Jawbone cavitations, recognized as far back as the 1800s, go by several names, such as Neuralgia Inducing Cavitational Osteonecrosis (NICO), Jaw Osteomyelitis, or Jaw Ostitis. These lesions characteristically are not painful, tender, or inflamed, and thus often go undetected. However, these lesions are like cesspools and they become filled with bacteria and their associated toxins and have even been shown to store mercury. Toxins from Cavitations Cavitations can cause many systemic problems far from the resident site. That’s why I like to call them SICO lesions or Sickness Inducing Cavitational Osteonecrosis, which better indicates the power these cavitations can have over the general health of the patient. Dr. Boyd Haley, former Head of Chemistry at the University of Kentucky, has shown that toxins from cavitations are more potent than botulinum! Because cavitations can be so toxic (just like root canals), they have been associated with many different symptoms or diseases. Some examples are angina, arthritis, asthma, colitis, eczema, hypertension, migraines, and other pain syndromes such as trigeminal neuralgia. All teeth are on acupuncture meridians and relate to different organs, tissues, vertebrae, and muscles. Most jaw cavitations are in the wisdom tooth area and this area relates to the heart meridian. Many years ago, I developed a heart arrhythmia which did not correct with vitamin and mineral supplementation. Upon energetic testing, I discovered a single cavitation in the area where an oral surgeon had removed my wisdom tooth twenty years prior! The subsequent resolution of the cavitation cured my arrhythmia and it has never come back.

How Can Cavitations Be Detected? Sometimes a cavitation can be seen on an X-ray, as the bone will not look normal or will appear as absent. 3D CAT scans are helpful; however, I find the best way to detect cavitations is with energetic testing such as with EAV (Electroacupuncture According to Voll). Do All Cavitations Need Treatment? I believe that almost everyone has a cavitation somewhere. These can occur in any bone, especially in the jawbones; thus, many holistic dentists perform a lot of cavitational surgery. However, if the cavitations do not show a deleterious systemic effect upon testing with EAV, I do not treat it surgically. I find that in most instances, I can avoid surgery by treating the whole patient. By “treating the whole patient,” I mean treating the patient on the physical and nonphysical level (visit our website wholebodymed. com to learn more about the physical and nonphysical level in the post “You Look Like an Egg to Me”). By eliminating patients’ toxins and treating them in a whole-body manner to improve their entire immune system, and with ozone injections into cavitational sites, I find that I can usually avoid surgery. Treating in this manner also prevents multiple cavitational surgeries. I have seen patients with two, three, or four cavitational surgeries and still have a cavitation present. This occurs because the whole patient was not treated before the first surgery or subsequent surgeries to ensure success. During cavitation surgery, the dentist can do everything correctly, but if the patient’s terrain is not healthy, they will not heal well. When a person has pain and a cavitation is detected, often injecting a few drops of anesthetic into the cavitation site will immediately remove the pain, thus “proving” the relationship. For example, Sophie had terrible head pain. After seeing many different doctors and having all sorts of scans and tests, there was still no definitive diagnosis. Not wanting to stay on drugs to control the pain, Sophie continued her journey until she found me. I injected www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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a few drops of anesthetic into the bone where I had detected a cavitation and instantly the pain vanished. After treating Sophie with ozone injections into the cavitation and improving her overall health, she was off all medications and was pain-free in a few months. What’s interesting to note is that the ozone gas follows the infection, and often, as in this case, as I injected the ozone gas into the cavitation, Sophie could feel the gas spread to the painful area of her head. As things improved, Sophie no longer felt the spreading of the gas. The extent of spread diminished until it was all gone. Whether treating cavitations or any other health problem, a whole-body approach is essential to a successful outcome. Mark A. Breiner, DDS, FAGD, FIAOMT is a pioneer and recognized authority in the field of biological and holistic dentistry. He is the author of Whole-Body Dentistry®: A Complete Guide to Understanding the Impact of Dentistry on Total Health. Dr. Breiner practices dentistry in Fairfield, Connecticut. For further information visit www.wholebodydentistry.com. Or call 203.371.0300 ext.1. See ad on page 48 and spotlight on page 35.

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The Future of Health is HOLISTIC. Enrollment is still open for Fall Programs – Contact us for Fall 2020 & Spring 2021 Master of Arts Degrees and Certificate Programs • Integrative Health & Healing • Consciousness Studies & Transpersonal Psychology • Coaching with Spirit Masters and Graduate Certificate Programs in Education, Health, Psychology, Writing, and Leadership. The Graduate Institute promotes an Integrative and Holistic Worldview through the study of Health, Wellness, Education and Personal and Professional Transformation. The Graduate Institute is fully licensed, chartered, and accredited by the State of Connecticut, Office of Higher Education.* Virtual & Affordable • One Weekend Per Month • Transformative Cohort Style Education Visit our website for free events and educational webinars as well as one-on-one consultations:

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How COVID Has Changed Yoga and Fitness By Tory Brogan, Owner, Hartford Sweat

n March, the fitness world changed abruptly. With health, wellness, and safety at the forefront of all our minds, fitness centers and gyms closed, yoga studios closed, and it was a new world. What followed was accelerated learning about how we each stay physically distanced without being socially distanced, understanding what ways people want to move and stay mentally balanced. Health and wellbeing are now more important than ever and the connection between physical health, mental health, and emotional well-being has only been underscored as we go through a roller coaster of lockdowns, work from home, business closings, and so many life changes.

already in motion has now grown to draw in a digital revolution that has spread to local studios. Data across the industry shows while total numbers are down, studio loyalty is up, with smaller classes and nearly all active boutique studios livestream to your home with the local instructors that you already know.

The yoga and fitness world went digital nearly overnight. Many studios have closed permanently, teachers displaced, and in-studio is still limited to 25% capacity in CT. But a newer revolution is emerging. Now we can meet you anywhere, anytime, through an explosion of livestream platforms, video on demand, FB, IG, more private sessions, with more than we ever thought possible. Quite unexpected, we find that the real change is that the industry became about the customer and how to meet you where you are at physically and emotionally. The side benefit is that location is no longer a barrier.

• Hybrid classes offer both in-person or livestream provide the ultimate flexibility to meet you where you are at.

Essentials that people sought out through yoga and fitness still remain unchanged with the presence of COVID, and in fact have only become more necessary to maintain a healthy and mindful lifestyle. In surveyed about the effects of yoga on emotional well-being, 86% report a reduction in stress as well as improved sense of mental wellness and clarity, 77% report being physically stronger, 80% of practitioners with prior back-pain report significant relief of symptoms. Over half of people engaged in regular fitness already worked out or practiced some form of on-line fitness at home, so this trend

An industry of phenomenal teachers for yoga and fitness is acquiring new skills and exploring new ways to engage through these digital platforms. With a totally new customer experience, the full digital service built on the studio environment in ways that are likely here to stay:

• On-demand content gives clients access to that favorite class and teacher and focused instructional content with local instructors that you know and that are immediately accessible. • Private sessions are offered person-to-person to anywhere in the world, quite literally. Form corrections can be observed through a well-placed camera to the trained eye, and teachers tap into your own awareness of the body when the teacher asks “how did that feel now?” The new growth of options provides a beautiful combination of familiar instructors, local community, and the convenience and diversity of digital offerings. So, if you are deciding best ways to stay active this winter, here are some pro-tips to engage with a local studio digital experience. 1. Turn on your video in group classes, even if to say hi, or a special request; while the instructor can give you shout-outs or spot helpful suggestions during a class. The real benefit we see is the inspiration and smiles that other people receive knowing they have company. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

2. Stream to your TV (e.g. chrome cast, Apple TV, firestick), along with any type of wireless ear-buds you will find can enhance your experience greatly. 3. Use a dedicated “space” for familiarity and you will find the routine gets much easier to maintain. Blankets in a yoga session, soup-cans or water bottles for weights work well for body-weight toning sessions with some light resistance. 4. We have seen many families enjoying a chance to work out together with yoga, dance, and just get the kids moving with you, trying new things. If you are looking for a studio home physically or virtually, at Hartford Sweat we have deployed a full-service digital offering for yoga, barre, Zumba, HIIT, and many more options to complement the in-studio experience with Hot Yoga. With high quality sound and video equipment, teachers livestream anywhere as long as there is an internet connection. If you are a business looking to provide support to your employees, we also have business packages available to support corporate wellness in the uncertain time of work-from-home and a new era in work-life-balance. Hartford Family Institute 17 South Highland St West Hartford, CT (860) 236-6009

Submitted by Tory Brogan, owner of Hartford Sweat Yoga & Fitness, located at 777 Main Street, Downtown Hartford. Do you have questions regarding yoga and fitness for your own health journey? Would you like further information about article references, or to explore related ideas, please contact Tory Brogan at tory@hartfordsweat.net.

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Dana Mascalo CFP®, RLP®, AAMS®, C(k)P®® Managing Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor 612 Wheelers Farms Road Milford, CT 06461 203.693.8521 • dana@trinitypointwealth.com linkedin.com/in/danamclaughlin1/

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Community Resources ACUPUNCTURE/ TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE Acupuncture of Greater Hartford Stan Baker, LAC 91 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06107 860.836.1068 acupuncturestanbaker.com Donna Bunte, MSOM, LAc. Whole Health Stamford, CT • 203.253.9885 health@donnabunte.com donnabunte.com At Donna Bunte Whole Health, I help people become well by looking at the whole picture and finding the cause of the problem. I work in partnership with the patient to bring the body into balance using the tools of Chinese diagnosis, acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, lifestyle changes, as well as qigong and meditation.

Connecticut Family Acupuncture

Glastonbury, & Coventry, CT 860.633.6022 • CTfamilyacupuncture.com Specializing in chronic pain and other inflammatory conditions. Most insurances accepted. Highly-trained and experienced acupuncturists licensed by the CT Department of Public Health. Jenny Fairservis L.Ac. Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Torrington, CT • 860.459.4833 Jenny@jennyyouracupuncturist.com jennyyouracupuncturist.com Using acupuncture and oriental medicine to help you heal in body, mind and spirit. Traver Garrity Acupuncture Storrs & Berlin, CT 860.995.0317 travergarrity.com Traver specializes in acupuncture, cupping and tunia to treat chronic pain, sports injuries, migraines, stress/anxiety and much more. Each treatment is specifically catered to each patient's needs to ensure the greatest outcome. Dr. Kenneth Hoffman, DACM, LAc. SOPHIA Natural Health Center Brookfield, CT 203.740.9300.• inm.center SOPHIA Natural Health Center is the largest natural health and wellness clinic in Connecticut, combining traditional healing arts of Chinese and Naturopathic Medicine with modern science. SOPHIA specializes in women’s health issues: hormone balancing, breast cancer prevention, Thermography, allergies, toxicity, chronic inflammation, pain and Lyme disease.

Artemis Morris, ND, LAc. Artemis Wellness Center Milford, CT • 203.783.9802 drartemis.com artemiswellnesscenter.com Dr. Artemis Morris is a seasoned Naturopathic Physician, Licensed Acupuncturist, researcher, author, public speaker, and the academic director of the Integrative Health and Healing Program at The Graduate Institute. Artemis Wellness Center specializes in women’s health and wellness using Acupuncture, Craniosacral therapy, nutrition, and a holistic approach to addressing the cause of dis-ease. She is the author of the book A Naturopathic Doctor's Guide to Wellness for Immune Support and The Anti-inflammation Diet for Dummies available on Amazon. Dr. Jennifer Pierre, ND, MPH JenteelNature Health New Haven, CT • 203.806.5152 DrJPierre.com As Founder and CEO of JenteelNature Health, Dr. Jennifer Pierre brings naturopathic medicine and public health together to manage her patients’ care. Her focus is women’s health, using a comprehensive approach to treat thyroid disease, fibroids, PCOS, hormonal imbalances and infertility.

CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN

Damato Chiropractic Center of Glastonbury Nick Damato, DC Glastonbury, CT • 860.410.4488 info@dccglastonbury.com • dccglastonbury.com Damato Chiropractic Center of Glastonbury helps you and your family take the first step towards better health and wellness. Our adjustments are designed to correct injuries and maintain the correction so your body can heal. In addition to excellent chiropractic care, we offer Massage Therapy and Whole-Body Cryotherapy. Dr. Stephen Karpenko, DC, AcCP Center for Natural Wellness Canton, CT • 860.693.0255 karpenkowellness.com At The Center for Natural Wellness, located in Canton, CT, Dr. Karpenko provides his patients with drug-free, non-surgical natural health care. This includes Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Nutritional Counseling and Applied Kinesiology. We offer a safe and nurturing environment for proper functional healing of chronic and acute conditions. Dr. Jason Sousa, DC PROhealth Chiropractic Center South Windsor, CT • 860.432.7432 prohealthchiropracticcenter.com Dr. Sousa and his amazing team have a special focus on spinal correction to help gain and sustain your health. Dr. Sousa has been part of the USA Olympic Wellness Advisory Council and is certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association to provide specific chiropractic care for both children and pregnant women.

Dr. Cheryl Vincent, DC Simsbury Chiropractic and Wellness Center Simsbury, CT • 860.651.3355 simsburychiro.com Our office provides whole body chiropractic care combined with state of the art exercise and rehabilitation techniques, massage therapy and custom foot orthotics. Functional medicine and acupuncture complete the circle of ALL natural health for the whole family. We have gratefully been serving the Farmington Valley and beyond since 1993.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY Karen Elizabeth Rowan, LMT, CST Simsbury, CT • 860.693.0680 karenerowan.com Karen has studied with internationally celebrated doctors and healers from around the world. She specializes in advanced CranioSacral Therapy, Somato Emotional Release, Samvahan Vibrational Healing, Spiritual Life Coaching and Feng Shui. Karen is one of only two people in the United States that holds an Advanced Certification in India's Ancient Art of Samvahan Vibrational Healing.

ENERGY HEALER Robin H. Clare, MBA West Hartford, CT • 860.232.3331 Robin@clare-ity.com • clare-ity.com During her 25-year MBA career, Robin yearned to live her authentic mission. Yet, she struggled with food addiction and bulimia. Now, in successful recovery, Robin created The Write Recovery Program. The program is designed to heal your suffering and inspire others through your writing. Robin is a best-selling spiritual self-help author, life coach, energy healer, and recovery professional. www.clare-ity.com. Agnes Daddona, MA Intuitive Counseling Holistic Spa Avon, CT• 860.941.2667 agnes@IntuitiveCounselingLLC.com IntuitiveCounselingLLC.com Agnes Daddona is an Intuitive Counselor, Healer, and Spiritual Teacher. She has been in a therapeutic setting and the healing arts for over 20 years and has assisted thousands of people worldwide. Her Holistic Spa offers Intuitive Readings, Life Coaching, Spiritual Healing, Angel Workshops, Crystal Bed, DNA Technology, and Aura Photography. JoJo Keane 203.994.2834 keane.jojo@gmail.com inspiredsoul.net JoJo is a motivational speaker, writer and leads workshops in energy healing, yoga/dance and movement. She helps you shift the energy in your body/brain/home. Join her in Dance/Movement on Youtube or Zoom. Get a consultation and sign up for a remote healing. She has helped thousands of adolescents, women and men get unstuck from trauma to recovery.

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Daniel Lupacchino, LMT, RMT, IET MI Integrative Massage Works Glastonbury, CT • 860.716.2740 integrativemassgeworks.com Dan Lupacchino has over 10 years experience in the field of holistic healing and wellness. As a Massage Therapist, Healer and Teacher, his goal is to help you live and feel the best you can be. He is also IET® Master Instructor Trainer, Medicinal Aromatherapist, and Intuitive Coach. Joyce St. Germaine, M.Ed., CHt., RYT-200 The Sacred Journey Burlington, CT • 860.675.9706 jsgermaine@aol.com • thesacredjourney.biz Joyce is highly trained and experienced in Cross-Cultural Shamanism and Energy Healing Modalities. Sound, color, journeying, ceremony, yoga, energetic cord-cutting, direct energy channeling, and gemstone/crystal therapies. Advanced training in Soul Retrieval, Spirit Detachment and Extraction. Energy Healing Modalities may be combined as each situation requires. Sessions in-person or remotely.

FITNESS/PERSONAL TRAINER Against The Grain Brian Cusano Glastonbury, CT • 860.478.0283 Atgfitness1@gmail.com Againstthegrainfitness.com We are a personal and semi-private training studio that provides our clients with physical freedom, strength and knowledge through purposeful functioning training. We utilize the safest and most effective exercises to design programs for our clients and athletes that provide noticeable and consistent results as well as fun, positive experiences.

ESTHETICIAN/HOLISTIC & ORGANIC SPA

GLUTEN FREE/NATURAL/ ORGANIC PRODUCTS

Imagine Float Avon, CT • 860.255.7771 imaginefloat.com IMAGINE FLOAT, is Greater Hartford's first and only wellness boutique offering floatation therapy, cryotherapy, infrared sauna and compression therapy. Our non-invasive services allow you to reach a new level of relaxation, lower cortisol levels, elevate your mood, reduce inflammation, promote muscle recovery, detoxify and boost your immune system.

Make It GF, LLC Canton, CT • 860.693.1300 makeitgf.com Make It GF makes gluten free pizza dough, crusts, flatbreads, breads, pastas, pierogi, ravioli, cookies, and more. Our shop is a dedicated gluten and nut free facility. We use simple ingredients and no chemical additives or preservatives. We sell retail, wholesale, and online at makeitgf.com.

Salt of the Earth Sanctuary Woodbury, CT 203.586.1172 soteswoodburyct@gmail.com naturalsalthealing.com Book one of our state of the art Salt Rooms using one of the most advanced air quality systems in the industry! Breathe in purity and clear your lungs. Experience respiratory relief while boosting the immune system and oxygenating your bloodstream. Other services offered such as massage or energy work address physical imbalances, lymphatic congestion, stress and pain relief. Call us today for an appointment.

Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe Manchester, CT • 860.646.8178 cthealthshop.com Nutrition specialists trusted since 1956. Making your healthy lifestyle affordable. Shop here. Feel better. Founded by Michael Dworkin, PD, CCN (Connecticut-Certified Clinical Nutritionist/Registered Pharmacist), we carry on his mission to educate our customers about nutrition & healthy lifestyle options. We offer over 7000 affordable healthy product choices, including organic produce.

SOMA Spa Farmington, CT 860.678.7880 • omsoma.com Our goal is to help you attain a deep connection, to plug in to your body and mind. At Soma, we don’t think of you as an appointment. We consider you our guest, entrusted with your care. We’re small enough to offer a warm boutique experience and yet our menu is extensive, specializing in massage, skincare and Ayurveda.

The Spa at Litchfield Hills Litchfield, CT • 860.567.8575 litchfield-spa.com

HEALTH FOOD STORE

HOLISTIC CENTER/SCHOOL Bridge Healing Arts Center (BHAC) Farmington, CT • 860.404.2578 bridgeHAC.com The Bridge Healing Arts Center was created to provide a wellness community for talented practitioners, thought leaders and clients, and customers who come together to learn how to live their best life physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We have well over 60 practitioners who provide a variety of holistic modalities to the community.

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Circle of Health Farmington, CT • 860.384.1527 circleofhealth.com Serving and caring for clients since 2007, Circle of Health is a holistic wellness center specializing in cellular health, neurological health and overall well-being. Utilizing unique technology, Bear Walker, PhD is able to provide immediate diagnostic findings and offer protocols and programs that are specifically tailored to an individual’s needs. Goodwin University East Hartford, CT goodwin.edu The Graduate Institute Bethany, CT • 203.874.4252 learn.edu The Graduate Institute offers Master of Arts Degrees and Certificate Programs. Currently, virtual classes are being offered for your safety. Our programs are geared for today’s world; just one weekend per month, affordable and transformative. An accredited, non-profit, Institution of higher education, The Graduate Institute is dedicated to making your educational experience life-transforming, based on an integrative and holistic perspective and specially designed to enable you to reach your full potential in your professional and personal life. The Red Barn in Durham, LLC New Earth Holistic Therapies and Art Center Durham, CT • 860.559.6151 theredbarnindurham.com The Red Barn in Durham provides holistic services for mind-body-spirit. Seasoned practitioners provide counseling and psychotherapy, energy work and various modalities for physical wellness. Art classes also being offered in our new Art Center. Visit the Borrowed Time Emporium and the Soulshine Salt Cavern at The Barn. Join our email list for ongoing classes. We adhere to CDC Covid guidelines.

HOLISTIC DENTIST Dr. Mark A. Breiner, DDS, FAGD, FIAOMT Fairfield, CT • 203.371.0300 WholeBodyDentistry.com A recognized authority in the field of holistic dentistry, Dr. Breiner treats patients for a myriad of dental concerns including Sleep Breathing Disorders, TMD, Mercury Toxicity, hidden Infections from Cavitations and Root Canals. “If you have unexplained symptoms that won’t go away, the answer could be in your mouth.” Dr. Steven F Hinchey, DMD South Glastonbury • 860.633.6518 drhinch@agd.org • dochincheydmd.com Thank you to our wonderful patients who trusted our team to care for their improved oral health. Please let your family and friends know that a healthy disease-free mouth will help your overall health – it is all connected – the mouth and the body. And we can help you get there.

Dr. Yuriy May, DMD, NMD, AIAOMT Natural Dentistry Center Farmington, CT • 860.554.1130 naturaldentistrycenter.com Dr. Yuriy May, awarded Best Dentist in CT for the last 5 years, known as USA's top biological dentist, most notably for his exceptional zirconia (metal free) implant specialty and surgical specialization in Zirconia Dental Implants and Platelet Rich Fibrin Bone & Tissue Graft Regeneration Therapy. Minimally invasive laser therapy, root canal alternatives, ozone therapy, full mouth reconstruction.

HOLISTIC PEDIATRICIAN Collaborative Natural Health Partners Manchester, West Hartford, & Stonington, CT • 860.533.0179 ctnaturalhealth.com Integrative medicine with an entire team for the entire family. Board certified Primary care, Naturopathic medicine, Acupuncture, Osteopathic medicine. In network with most private insurances, including most Medicare advantage. Thanks to our community, colleagues and patients for honoring us as Top docs! We are truly grateful.

Spectrum Awakening Dr. Jared Skowron, ND & Dr. Nicole Kerr, ND Wallingford, CT• 203.265.0444 SpectrumAwakening.com Spectrum Awakening is Connecticut’s leading Natural Medicine Clinic for Autism, ADHD, and Anxiety. Dr. Jared Skowron is Natural Nutmeg’s 2020 and 2019 Reader’s Choice Best Holistic Pediatrician, and has spoken nationally with Jenny McCarthy, Temple Grandin, Erin Brokovich, and Robert Kennedy, Jr. Spectrum Awakening will help your child feel happier, healthier, and reach their full potential, naturally! Lara O'Neil APRN, CPNP Thrive Center for Health Glastonbury, CT 860.200.8268 thrivecenterforhealth.com Lara O’Neil, APRN specializes in pediatric primary care and combines traditional with integrative health care. It is her passion to treat children and adolescents with a holistic approach to healing, as she believes that the ideal model of good health addresses each family's physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

HOLISTIC PSYCHOTHERAPY/ LCSW/COUNSELING

Hartford Family Institute West Hartford, CT • 860.236.6009 info@hartfordfamilyinstitute.com hartfordfamilyinstitute.com

Sydni Marmor, LPC Guilford & West Hartford 203.910.9729 • gatherandbecome.com Self-compassion and creativity are the heart of my therapeutic practice. Through mindfulness practice and artistic exploration, I invite clients to step onto the limitless pathway of self-discovery with the permission to be exactly as they are without judgment. To discover and transform into their most authentic and vibrant self. James Osborne, MS, LPC, BCPC Berlin, CT • 860.836.9527 James Osborne is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Board Certified Professional Counselor, Board Certified PTSD Clinician and a Fellow in the American Psychotherapy Association with over 40 years of clinical experience. I am honored and grateful to receive this recognition for a fourth year. I thank all who have shared their lives and stories with me. Andrea Rudolph, LCSW Monroe & Fairfield, CT 203.257.1009 • inthespiritoflife.com Bringing a holistic and eclectic style, I offer psychotherapy, soul coaching & counseling as well as workshops, circles, and services to inspire growth and healing. With training as a social worker, chaplain, Interfaith Minister, yoga instructor and other modalities, I integrate traditional and non-traditional methods to facilitate self-awareness in a compassionate, non-judgmental way. Victoria Shaw, PhD, LPC Westport, CT • 203.254.3403 victoriashawpsychotherapy.com victoriashawintuitive.com Dr. Victoria Shaw is Licensed Professional Counselor and Spiritual Coach who combines her background and training in psychology and counseling with her intuitive gifts to help children, teens and adults heal, grow and realize their full potential. Dr. Shaw sees clients in person, by phone or via video.

HOLISTIC WEIGHT LOSS CENTER Collaborative Natural Health Partners Manchester, West Hartford, & Stonington • 860.533.0179 ctnaturalhealth.com Integrative medicine with an entire team for the entire family. Board certified Primary care, Naturopathic medicine, Acupuncture, Osteopathic medicine. In network with most private insurances, including most medicare advantage. Thanks to our community, colleagues and patients for honoring us as Top docs! We are truly grateful. Joann Dunsing Hypnosis Milford, CT • 203.907.7710 joanndunsing.com Want to experience firing and wiring the neurological pathways in your brain to actually think, act and feel like the lighter person you want to be? You can lose the excess weight mentally, emotionally and physically. Please, call me for your complimentary phone consultation. Live in office or via Zoom.

Dr. Nicole Klughers Vis Wellness Center Rocky Hill & TeleMedicine 234-2-ACU-DOC DrNicoleKlughers.com Dr. Nicole Klughers offers all-natural solutions to help individuals lose weight, restore optimal health, and reclaim a life of energy, balance, and joy. Formerly a pharmacist, Dr. Nicole serves as a “holistic health detective” by listening attentively and utilizing detailed testing to identify and address the root cause of weight gain. Dr. Artemis Morris, LAc., ND Artemis Wellness Center Milford, CT • 203.783.9802 drartemis.com artemiswellnesscenter.com Dr. Artemis Morris is a seasoned Naturopathic Physician, Licensed Acupuncturist, researcher, author, public speaker, and the academic director of the Integrative Health and Healing Program at The Graduate Institute. Artemis Wellness Center specializes in women’s health and wellness using Acupuncture, Craniosacral therapy, nutrition, and a holistic approach to addressing the cause of dis-ease. She is the author of the book A Naturopathic Doctor's Guide to Wellness for Immune Support and The Anti-inflammation Diet for Dummies available on Amazon. Amanda Swan, APRN Swan Integrative Health and Wellness Glastonbury, CT • 860.325.2679 swanintegrative.com We take a functional, integrative, and rootcause resolution approach to helping people heal so that they can live out their purpose and share their gifts with the world. We have a special focus on women’s health, hormones, thyroid health, and gut healing. Now accepting pediatric patients, too! Bear Walker, PhD, Holistic Practitioner Circle of Health Farmington, CT • 860.384.1527 circleofhealth.com Bear has specialized in the Bio-Tracker system for over 30 years. This enables him to accurately identify and measure the body’s imbalances. His vast knowledge of cellular health and Native American wisdom of treating the body as a whole (body, mind, emotion, spirit), puts Bear in a category all his own. Sheree Wujtewicz Holistic Nutritionist Uncasville, CT • 860.446.7400 holisticsheree.com Sheree is a holistic nutritionist and weight management specialist that supports clients through diet and lifestyle changes to not only optimize their weight, but to also to educate them on the importance of nutrition for overall wellness. Sheree offers appointments by phone or video to make scheduling even easier.

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HYPNOTHERAPY/HYPNOSIS Melissa Conkling Stamford, CT & Worldwide via Zoom 860.428.0222 melissa@connecticuthypnosis.com connecticuthypnosis.com As a hypnotist, I help people who are struggling with weight loss, stress, lack of motivation, careers, and so much more to build better habits, regain confidence, and overcome limiting beliefs and emotional blocks so they can achieve longterm success and live the authentic and joyful life they deserve. Joann Dunsing Hypnosis Milford, CT • 203.907.7710 joanndunsing.com Want to experience firing and wiring the neurological pathways in your brain to actually think, act and feel like the lighter person you want to be? You can lose the excess weight mentally, emotionally and physically. Please, call me for your complimentary phone consultation. Live in office or via Zoom. Michele P. Rousseau, MA, CH Middletown, CT • 860.704.9054 micheleprousseau.com Live your dreams! Restore your passion, confidence, and motivation; transform habits; achieve goals. Wake up each day to a life you are eager to live! Joyce St.Germaine, M.Ed., CHt., RYT-200 The Sacred Journey Burlington, CT • 860.675.9706 jsgermaine@aol.com thesacredjourney.biz Joyce is a Certified Hypnotherapist in private practice for over 25 years. She offers individualized private and group hypnotherapy sessions for adults and age appropriate sessions for children. Every session includes client self-hypnosis instruction for continued selfempowerment and wellbeing. Advanced training in Psychospiritual Therapies, specializing in Past Life Regression and Higher Self Hypnosis.

HOMEOPATHY Abby Beale, CCH RSHom(NA) Homeopathy Healings HomeopathyHealings@gmail.com HomeopathyHealings.com 413.426.1024 Want to get to the root cause of your chronic symptoms? Homeopathy can relieve the symptoms of depression, anxiety, women’s issues, headaches, digestive troubles, child behavior problems, and so much more. Contact Abby to see if homeopathic care is appropriate for you. Appts over Zoom and Skype possible.

INTEGRATIVE APRN/ NURSING Collaborative Natural Health Partners Manchester, West Hartford, & Stonington • 860.533.0179 ctnaturalhealth.com Integrative medicine with an entire team for the entire family. Board certified Primary care, Naturopathic medicine, Acupuncture, Osteopathic medicine. In network with most private insurances, including most medicare advantage. Thanks to our community, colleagues and patients for honoring us as Top docs! We are truly grateful.

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Lara O'Neil, APRN, CPNP Thrive Center for Health Glastonbury, CT • 860.200.8268 thrivecenterforhealth.com Lara O’Neil, APRN specializes in pediatric primary care and combines traditional with integrative health care. It is her passion to treat children and adolescents with a holistic approach to healing, as she believes that the ideal model of good health addresses each family's physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Alina Schneider, APRN The Connecticut Center for Health Glastonbury, CT alina@ctrforholistichealthcare.com ctrforholistichealthcare.com The Center for Holistic Healthcare strives to provide the most effective and patient-centered integrative and functional medicine experience for patients. Started by Alina Schneider, a nurse practitioner with several years of training with local naturopaths, the practice has quickly grown to include another nurse practitioner, Meghan Chafee, as well as a business manager and health coach, Sara Miller and our team of nurses. Amanda Swan, APRN Swan Integrative Health and Wellness Glastonbury, CT • 860.325.2679 swanintegrative.com We take a functional medicine, root-cause resolution approach to helping people heal so that they can live out their purpose and share their gifts with the world! We have a special focus on women’s health, hormones, thyroid health, and gut healing. Now accepting pediatric patients, too!

INTEGRATIVE MD/ FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE April Beaman, RDH, CTT CT Thermography Farmington & Glastonbury, CT 860.415.1150 • ctthermography.com CT Thermography specializes in Medical Thermal Imaging. Breast Thermography is a compression and radiation-free screening tool that’s used to monitor breast health to detect physiological changes that may be early warning signs of a disease process. As a Certified Thermographic technician, I help empower women to take a proactive approach following their thermography screening for optimal breast health. Dr. Deanna Cherrone, MD Natural Health and Healing West Hartford, CT • 860.677.4600 naturalhealthandhealing.net Understanding what motivates a patient and the obstacles that impede progress enables me to recommend individualized strategies for success. Applying biochemistry to each patient and seeing the positive results is extremely gratifying. I truly believe that Functional Medicine provides the necessary framework for how medicine is meant to be practiced.

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Dr. Chi Kim, MD Personalized Medical Care Canton, CT • 860.352.8265 Drchikim.com Personalized Medical Care opened its doors in January of 2017 to provide Direct Primary Care services with a Functional Medicine focus. We take the time to listen, work with the individual to identify root causes, then help guide the next steps towards health and healing. Dr. Deb Keightley, MD Personalized Medical Care Canton, CT • 860.352.8265 drdebkeightley@gmail.com Deb Keightley, MD is board certified in internal medicine and has completed her training and certification in functional medicine. By taking the time to get to know her patients and their individual needs, Dr. Keightley enjoys helping her patients achieve their health goals by identifying and treating their barriers to wellness. Dr. Tamara Sachs, MD Functional Medicine & Integrative Care, LLC New Milford, CT • 860.354.3304 tsachsmd.com Since 2003, Dr. Sachs prevents and treats all chronic conditions by uncovering and correcting their underlying root causes, while remaining respectful of the uniqueness and complexity that make us human. Dr. Sachs pulls together all your medical information to create your personalized health plan; addressing inflammation, digestion, diet and micro nutrition, toxicity and detoxification support, hormones, and sleep. Dr. Henry C. Sobo, MD Stamford, CT • 203.348.8805 drsobo.com Member American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Board Certified in Obesity Medicine. Dr. Sobo believes that the best of both medical and nutritional approaches to medical care is more effective than either approach alone. Weight Loss programs, IV Vitamins, Allergy evaluation and desensitization, Stem Cell treatments, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement, PRP.

LIFE/BUSINESS/HEALTH/ ORGANIZATIONAL COACH Leighanne Champion Coaching, LLC New Canaan, CT • 203.505.5571 leighannechampioncoaching.com If you believe that Personal Development and Growth is what life is about, then you've found the right Coach. Life can be challenging and quick fixes are just a band-aid. If you're looking for tools and personal support that will enable you to become the next best version of yourself, then you are ready to go. Robin H. Clare West Hartford, CT • 860.232.3331 Robin@clare-ity.com • clare-ity.com During her 25-year MBA career, Robin yearned to live her authentic mission. Yet, she struggled with food addiction and bulimia. Now, in successful recovery, Robin created The Write Recovery Program. The program is designed to heal your suffering and inspire others through your writing. Robin is a best-selling spiritual self-help author, life coach, energy healer, and recovery professional.

Dana Hilmer, CPC, CiPP Women’s Leadership & Personal Development Coach THRIVEitude, Inc. and Reinvention Hub, LLC Madison, CT • 203.645.9032 danahilmer.com • campreinvention.com Dana is a women’s leadership coach, reinvention expert, author and inspiring keynote speaker. She is the creator of the group coaching THRIVEcircle™ program and the co-creator of Camp Reinvention™, a membership program and community for people 50(ish)+ that dare to reimagine and create what is possible in their lives.

Insight Counseling, LLC Ridgefield, CT • 203.431.9726 insightcounselingllc.com Insight Counseling, LLC is a group of highly dedicated and passionate physicians, therapists and counselors who serve clients with care and are highly effective and responsive. We successfully treat anxiety, depression, relationship issues, substance abuse, and all other emotional challenges. Dana R. Mascalo, CFP®, RLP®, AAMS®, C(k)P®, TrinityPoint Wealth Milford, CT •.203.693.8521 trinitypointwealth.com With over 15 years of experience, Dana offers clients a rare combination of financial planning and life planning expertise. With a truly holistic financial planning approach, she helps clients plan for and enjoy retirement, manage their investments, assists with estate planning or the loss of a loved one, executive benefits, and much more. Stephanie Stanton High Vibe Chick Canaan, CT • 845.453.0800 info@HighVibeChick.com HighVibeChick.com I am a Visibility Coach for Intuitive Women. Through intensive mindset coaching and personal branding photography, I help my clients shine brighter in their businesses, attract soul sister clients and receive on the next level. Caroline Wetzel, CFP®, CDFA®, AWMA® Procyon Private Wealth Partners, LLC Shelton, CT • 475.232.2713 cwetzel@procyonpartners.net procyonpartners.net/team/caroline-wetzel/ Clients seeking more from life trust Caroline to listen to what is important to them and advise them on their financial choices. Caroline offers clients a safe space free of judgment to talk about their fears and dreams. Caroline uses financial planning to facilitate financial confidence and peace of mind.

MASSAGE THERAPY/ BODYWORK

Abundant Health Massage Therapy & Wellness Farmington, CT • 860.778.0315 abundanthealthct.com Kristina Mozzicato is Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork by the NCBTMB and has been practicing massage for the past 12 years. She provides professional, therapeutic, customized sessions. In addition to massage, she offers cupping, medicupping, body contouring, Himalayan salt stone massage, and Reiki sessions. Convenient Online Booking.

Glastonbury Massage Center, LLC Glastonbury, CT • 860.410.4490 info@glastonburymassage.com glastonburymassage.com Our team of licensed massage therapists are passionate about providing safe and effective massage therapy to help you perform and function better. Each massage is customized to meet the needs of our clients and may include: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Prenatal, Craniosacral, Trigger Point, Cupping Massage, Hot Stone, and Organic Facials! Healing Hands Massage of Hartford Hartford, CT • 860.499.0192 team@healinghandsmsg.com healinghandsmsg.com The team at Healing Hands Massage of Hartford are extremely honored and excited for our nomination as one of the 10BEST in massage and bodywork. We look forward to connecting with even more people through Natural Nutmeg, and introducing you to our customized massages and body contouring services. Karma Massage, LLC New Hartford, CT • 860.693.8316 KarmaMassageLLC@hotmail.com KarmaMassageLLC.com Kirby Poirier and Jen Davenport have cumulatively offered Licensed Massage Therapy for over 35 years. Both women in this unique & quaint studio offer over 17 different types of massage, and create monthly seasonal specials. You can reserve your appointment anytime on their website. Daniel Lupacchino, LMT, RMT, IET, MI Integrative Massage Works Glastonbury, CT • 860.716.2740 integrativemassageworks.com Dan Lupacchino has over 10 years experience in the field of holistic healing and wellness. As a Massage Therapist, Healer and Teacher, his goal is to help you live and feel the best you can be. He is also IET® Master Instructor Trainer, Medicinal Aromatherapist, and Intuitive Coach. Facebook.com/IntegrativeMassageWorks

Simsbury Therapeutic Massage Simsbury, CT • 860.651.2998 simsburymassage@gmail.com stmwellness.com At Simsbury Therapeutic Massage & Wellness we have over a dozen therapist on staff and are open seven days a week with convenient online booking. We have a variety of therapists who specialize in different modalities and pride ourselves and fitting the right therapist for every client. The Spa at Litchfield Hills Litchfield, CT • 860.567.8575 litchfield-spa.com The Spa at Litchfield Hills has provided world-class service to southern New England for over 10 years. Tucked away in the Litchfield Hills, the stylishly appointed facilities at the Spa include: facial and massage treatment rooms, a nail room featuring whirlpool shiatsu massage pedicure chairs, a full-service hair salon.

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN Dr. Frank Aieta, ND West Hartford, CT • 860.232.9662 draieta.com Dr. Aieta is a board certified and licensed Naturopathic physician and has been in private practice for close to two decades. He specializes in clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture and natural hormone balancing. He also co-authored the extremely popular e-book: weightlosspuzzlesolved.com Dr. Adam Breiner, ND Fairfield, CT • 203.371.8258 WholeBodyMed.com Focusing on brain health and Lyme Disease, Dr. Adam Breiner offers cutting-edge therapies that include Hyperbaric Oxygen, Neurocognitive Therapies including sophisticated brain-imaging equipment to evaluate brain injuries and brainwave patterns associated with Metabolic Imbalances, Infections, and Allergies. Conditions treated include Concussions, TBI’s, Stroke, PTSD, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression and more. Collaborative Natural Health Partners Manchester, West Hartford, & Stonington, CT • 860.533.0179 ctnaturalhealth.com Integrative medicine with an entire team for the entire family. Board certified Primary care, Naturopathic medicine, Acupuncture, Osteopathic medicine. In network with most private insurances, including most Medicare advantage. Thanks to our community, colleagues and patients for honoring us as Top docs! We are truly grateful. Dr. Kathryn Firisin, ND, MSPT Coastal Natural Medicine Southport, CT • 475.999.2032 info@coastalnaturalmedicine.com coastalnaturalmedicine.com Dr. Firisin is an expert in natural medicine with over 20 years of experience in health care. With individualized treatment she builds lasting relationships with her patients to help them along their healing journey. Dr. Firisin specializes in gut healing and chronic conditions using a breadth of treatments to stimulate your vitality and facilitate healing.

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Dr. Nicole Klughers, ND Vis Wellness Center Rocky Hill & TeleMedicine 234-2-ACU-DOC DrNicoleKlughers.com Dr. Nicole Klughers offers all-natural solutions to restore optimal health and help individuals reclaim a life of energy, balance, and joy. Formerly a pharmacist, Dr. Nicole serves as a “holistic health detective” by listening attentively and utilizing detailed testing to identify and address the root cause of any health concern. Dr. Artemis Morris, ND, LAc Artemis Wellness Center Milford, CT • 203.783.9802 drartemis.com artemiswellnesscenter.com Dr. Artemis Morris is a seasoned Naturopathic Physician, Licensed Acupuncturist, researcher, author, public speaker, and the academic director of the Integrative Health and Healing Program at The Graduate Institute. Artemis Wellness Center specializes in women’s health and wellness using Acupuncture, Craniosacral therapy, nutrition, and a holistic approach to addressing the cause of dis-ease. She is the author of the book A Naturopathic Doctor's Guide to Wellness for Immune Support and The Anti-inflammation Diet for Dummies available on Amazon. Dr. Michelle J Pouliot, ND New Hartford Naturopathic Health Center, LLC New Hartford, CT • 860.238.7983 nhc536@yahoo.com • drpouliot.com Dr. Pouliot has been in practice for 28 years. Therapies often involve botanical medicines, vitamins, minerals, diet and life style strategies. She provides annual physicals & gynecological care. Her specialties include cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine and gynecological/hormones/sexual health, as well as autoimmune conditions. Dr. Antonio Reale, ND The Herbal Room Wethersfield & Middlebury, CT 860.257.7210 • theherbal-room.com Dr. Antonio Reale, ND, MS is a naturopathic physician, nutritionist, and founder of The Herbal Room, a naturopathic wellness center in Wethersfield, CT, specializing in botanical tinctures and personalized herbal medicine. With a full in-house dispensary, Dr. Reale prescribes herbal formulas uniquely tailored to each patient's condition. Dr. Reale also sees patients weekly at a satellite clinic in Middlebury. Emerald City Health Associates Orange, CT • 203.693.1932 dr.corastover@protonmail.com Emeraldcityhealth.com Offering Naturopathic Telehealth services, to address your needs and concerns to get you back on track, regain health, and navigate the alternative therapies world. Some common concerns are women’s health, pediatric care/ wellbeing, anxiety, ADHD, thyroid, weight, digestive issues, fatigue and cardiovascular health.

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Dr. Veena Verma-Dzik, ND Insight Counseling Ridgefield, CT • 203.247.9496 fairfieldnaturopathichealth.com Dr. Veena Verma-Dzik, ND, FIAMA is a board-certified Naturopathic Physician and certified medical acupuncturist who is highly experienced in treating acute and chronic health conditions. Dr. Verma received her doctorate from the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine and received further training and certification in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, MTHFR, and Lyme Disease.

NUTRITION/RD Gina Barbetta, MS, RD, CDN Nourish by Gina Durham, CT & virtual visits 203.206.3873 • nourishbygina.com Gina is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over 25 years experience providing pediatric and adult nutrition care for gut health, digestive disorders, pre-diabetes/ insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular health, pediatrics and integrative nutrition. Gina is a certified trained Crohn's Disease Exclusion Diet (CDED) expert. She treats her clients holistically by using an integrative personalized approach to nutrition and health. Kathy Beach, MS, NBC-HWC Collinsville, CT • 860.463.7179 kathybeach@integrative healthmanagement.org integrativehealthmanagement.org Kathy is a national board-certified health coach specializing in cancer wellness coaching. Are you confused about nutrition and lifestyle info for cancer survivors? It does not have to be that way! E-mail me for my free Rainbow Evaluation to see if you are getting all of the micronutrients you need. Donna Bunte, MSOM, LAc. Whole Health Stamford, CT • 203.253.9885 health@donnabunte.com donnabunte.com At Donna Bunte Whole Health, I help people become well by looking at the whole picture and finding the cause of the problem. I work in partnership with the patient to bring the body into balance using the tools of Chinese diagnosis, acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, lifestyle changes, as well as qigong and meditation. Collaborative Natural Health Partners Manchester, West Hartford, & Stonington, CT • 860.533.0179 ctnaturalhealth.com Integrative medicine with an entire team for the entire family. Board certified Primary care, Naturopathic medicine, Acupuncture, Osteopathic medicine. In network with most private insurances, including most Medicare advantage. Thanks to our community, colleagues and patients for honoring us as Top docs! We are truly grateful.

Natural Awards/Essential Living Guide 2021 Natural Nutmeg Nutmeg -- 10BEST 10Best Resources Guide 2021

Erika Dworkin, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® Manchester, CT • 860.646.8178 cthealthshop.com Erika Dworkin owns the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe, a 10BEST Health Food Store trusted since 1956. Through education, she empowers her customers to make the decisions that best enable them to maximize their well-being and longevity. She offers private nutrition consultations and speaks regularly about various health topics. Jane Grant, RD, CD-N Grant’s Nutrition Wellness Berlin, CT • 860.357.2282 grantj@grantsnutrition.com grantsnutrition.com Jane is trained in integrative and functional nutrition utilizing a personalized, holistic approach to chronic disease and weight management. Integrative and functional nutrition combines the very best of modern science, clinical wisdom, and integrative therapies to address the root cause of disease and promote abundant health. Brigitta Jansen, MS, Certified Nutritionist Guilford, CT • 917.975.1784 info@jansennutrition.com jansennutrition.com Brigitta Jansen, MS, Certified Nutritionist, practices holistic nutrition. She aims to address the root cause of disease, often linked to gut health and resulting nutrient deficiencies. She develops personalized diet and supplement plans to support the body’s innate ability to heal itself and reach a healthy weight. Ellen Metzger MS, RD-N Nutrition and Wellness Consulting Glastonbury, CT • 860.659.4656 EMetzgerRD@me.com NutritionandWellnessLLC.com Ellen is a Registered Dietitan - Nutritionist, with a Masters in Clinical Nutrition. She provides an integrative and functional approach to Medical Nutrition Therapy, educating and empowering clients to take control of their health. Gastrointestinal issues are a primary area of focus, however being a Wellness Advocate, she addresses nutrition, movement, sleep, behavioral change/mindset and self-care as fundamental tools in healing, health and well-being. Dr. Artemis Morris, ND, LAc. Artemis Wellness Center Milford, CT • 203.783.9802 drartemis.com artemiswellnesscenter.com Dr. Artemis Morris is a seasoned Naturopathic Physician, Licensed Acupuncturist, researcher, author, public speaker, and the academic director of the Integrative Health and Healing Program at The Graduate Institute. Artemis Wellness Center specializes in women’s health and wellness using Acupuncture, Craniosacral therapy, nutrition, and a holistic approach to addressing the cause of dis-ease. She is the author of the book A Naturopathic Doctor's Guide to Wellness for Immune Support and The Anti-inflammation Diet for Dummies available on Amazon.

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Cathy Snyder, MS, CNS Naturopathic Family Medicine and Nutrition Center, LLC Trumbull, CT • 203.371.1021 office@drnataliecolicci.com drnataliecolicci.com/ At NFMNC, our individualized, whole body approach sets us apart. With a foundation that prioritizes nutrition and mind-body connection, our team of providers collaborates, pooling our years of clinical experience to focus on your wellbeing. Give us a call to see how our team can support your health goals.

REIKI/REFLEXOLOGY Anna Pizzoferrato Reiki With Trust, LLC Aurora Mistica Distance Healing AuroraMistica DistanceHealing.com I am Anna Rosa, aka Anna Pizzoferrato and have been offering remote distance healing services since 2001. I am a Usui, Shamballa, Kundalini and Karuna® Reiki Master. I have a registered modality called Aurora Mistica®. I am a Biologist and enjoy designing energy charged products. annarosaenergyartist.com

ROLFING® Sharon Sklar Rolfing West Hartford • 860.561.4337 sharonsklarrolfing.com Rolfing®- The Art and Science of Body Change. A dynamic 10 session bodywork series that eases pain, improves movement and restructures your body when you feel “out of whack”. Both a hands-on and educational approach, this work re-establishes natural order and balance after life’s injuries, stress and accidents. Since 1981. ®

SPIRITUAL COMPANIONSHIP Lauri Ingram Hamden, Connecticut • 203.435.5650 www.lauriingram.com Services available in person, and via zoom/skype. Lauri Ingram is an ordained interfaith/interspritual minister, offering spiritual counseling, Crystal Dreaming, Crystal Light and Color Therapy along with workshops and ministerial officiant services.

Sacred Song Reiki Wallingford, CT • 978.897.8846 SacredSongReiki@yahoo.com SacredSongReiki.com Reiki, Sound Healing, Reiki with Sound Healing, Meditation. Extremely effective for anxiety, difficulty sleeping, PTSD, chronic aches & pains, lowers blood pressure, boosts the immune system, along with releasing tension and creating feelings of peace, joy, confidence,

YOGA/PILATES/ BARRE STUDIO Be.Yoga Avon, CT • 860.930.1311 kristin@beyogainavon.com beyogainavon.com Be.Yoga is a welcoming, joyful space with teachers who love sharing Yoga of varying styles & levels. Each January, Kristin Cork leads a customized 100 Hr Yoga Immersion “Be. Within” & a 200 hr YTT “Teaching from Within”. Love travel? Join our International Yoga Retreats offered 3 times a year! Hartford Sweat Hartford, CT • 860.461.0910 tory@hartfordsweat.net hartfordsweat.net Change your life or find a home to develop your practice! Hartford Sweat is consistently rated best in Hartford with over 40 classes 7 days a week for all levels including Bikram, Power, Yin, Restorative, Yoga Sculpt, Barre, and Zumba. Easy access in downtown Hartford for local and nearby residents. Sacred Rivers Yoga East Hartford, CT • 860.657.9545 sacredriversyoga.com Paula Scopino, E-RYT 500 hour, C-IAYT, CT Licensed LMT, YACEP is the Owner/Director of Sacred Rivers Yoga and Allied Health Therapies and ‘Sacred Rivers Yoga for Every Body’, a Yoga Alliance 200 and 500 Hour Registered School, as well as a member of IAYT (International Association of Yoga Therapy.)

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Natural Nutmeg December 10Best 2020

Articles inside

COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE

DIY Tips to Relieve Stress

How COVID Has Changed Yoga and Fitness

Silent Problems in Your Jaw

The Future is Holistic

12 Tips to Boost Your Immune System

Gaining Control Over Your Stressed Brain

Listen to Your Wise Inner Voice

10BEST Awards

2020 Hindsight as Foresight

The Truth About What Causes Autism

Stress Reduction 101

Business Spotlights

Get More than Money Get Peace of Mind

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