Natural Nutmeg December 10Best 2021 by Natural Nutmeg Magazine/Essential Naples Magazine

December 2021

Natural Nutmeg Connecticut’s Resource for Essential Living

10BEST awards Did Acetaminophen Cause the Autism Epidemic? Jared M. Skowron, ND Healing from the Pain of Unexpected Loss James W. Osborne, MS, LPC Dive into Change! Sharon Sklar Massage Therapy Is Proven to Boost Immunity Kristina Mozzicato, LMT, BCTMB

Erectile Dysfunction and Heart Health Jennifer Dubicki, LAc, and Gigi Adduci

10BEST Awards & 2022 Essential Living Guide www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Office space for therapists and wellness practitioners West Hartford, CT

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HolisticTherapies & Treatments Getting to the root cause of symptoms, mentally, physically and spiritually Build your immune system in our salt rooms, offering grade air in negative air technology.

See our full list of offerings at

www.NaturalSaltHealing.com Natt ural Na uralS S al altt Healing 787 Main Street S. Woodbury | 203.586.1172

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Dr. Aieta & Dr. Hayden Help You Break Through Fat Loss Blocks Who This Ebook is For:

• People who have fought fad diets, only to be disappointed • People who want to learn about holistic medicine and tips for permanent weight loss • People who are ready to take control of their bodies and finally feel good

This Ebook helps you:

• Decipher the culprits that are blocking your progress so you can reach the balance YOUR body needs to drop fat, raise energy levels, and handle stress

Dr. Frank Aieta, ND & Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD Authors

Text: WEIGHTLOSSPUZZLE to 44222 and receive our favorite low-carb recipes and meal planner

• Put the power of your mind behind your success • Piece your own puzzle together without expensive doctor visits that insurance doesn’t cover • Pull all aspects of YOU into your view so you can understand and alter behaviors that are keeping you in a cyclical pattern of weight loss and gain

Buy for $14.95 at http://weightlosspuzzlesolved.com/

In This Issue 7 15 38

Business Spotlights

Feel Good about Your Finances Go Ceramic! Benefits of Nonmetal Implants Krithika Jayaprakash, DDS, FAGD, NMD, IBDM

Massage Therapy Is Proven to Boost Immunity Kristina Mozzicato, LMT, BCTMB

10BEST Awards

Caroline Wetzel, CFP®, CDFA®, AWMA®

In Every Issue

Healing from the Pain of Unexpected Loss

Did Acetaminophen Cause the Autism Epidemic? Jared Skowron, ND

Dive into Change!

Hungry for Answers: An Inner Journey

6 THE BUZZ 57 COMMUNITY

RESOURCE GUIDE

Sharon Sklar

Robin Clare

Erectile Dysfunction and Heart Health Jennifer Dubicki, LAc, and Gigi Adduci

The Foundation of Self-Trust Sydni Marmor, LPC Find more articles and

James W. Osborne, MS, LPC

search our web archive at naturalnutmeg.com

Natural Nutmeg Thanks You! We created this resource guide to use throughout 2022, and we thank our readers for supporting these wonderful local businesses, now more than ever.

46 www.NaturalNutmeg.com

BIOMAGNETISM for Lyme Disease

Vast Variety of Vegetarian, Vegan & Gluten-Free Items

Hartney Chiropractic Care Center Dr. Carrie Hartney has been serving Berlin, CT for over 25 Years Certified Lyme Magnetic Practitioner Trained in Biomagnetic Therapy with Dr. Louis Garcia

Natural Groceries Vitamins • Herbs Bakery & Deli Prepared Food to Go Catering Bulk Foods

Trained and Certified in Acupuncture Extensive Knowledge in Diet and Functional Nutrition

I have been seen by Carrie for biomagnetic treatment for Lyme disease for the past few years and I think she is a truly compassionate and knowledgeable healer. In a short time after I started seeing her, I began to see marked improvements in my health and functioning. I think of Carrie more like a miracle worker because I got my life back thanks to her! -Daisy M

379 Whalley Ave, New Haven (plenty of free parking)

203-787-1055

www.eotwm.com

3 Webster Square Rd Berlin, CT

hartneychiropractic.com

860-828-5503

Founded in 1977

2022 Is Around the Corner! Here’s What Natural Nutmeg Has in Store

January/February

May/June

September/October

• Virtual/Outdoor Training for Weight Loss • Natural Ways to Boost Fertility

• Remedies for Prevention of Lyme Disease • Hormone and Fertility Health for Men/Women

• Healthy Aging Guide • The New Anti-Cancer Treatments

March/April

July/August

• Nutrition for Chronic Conditions • CBD Therapy

• Natural Remedies to Improve Sleep • Reducing Anxiety in Children

November/December • Natural Treatment for Diabetes • Remedies for Boosting Immunity

Natural Nutmeg • 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2022

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

10BEST Awards/2023 Essential Living Guide • Alternative Treatments for Stress • Healthy Brain Function

PUBLISHER'SLETTER

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 Dr. Sonia Manganello sonia@naturalnutmeg.com DESIGN DIRECTOR Ashley Frament layout@naturalnutmeg.com EDITOR Lori Emelander essentialeditorlori@gmail.com ADVISORY BOARD Frank Aieta, ND Adam Breiner, ND Mark Breiner, DDS Deanna M. Cherrone, MD Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. Steven R. Frank

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

nother year has flown by—I think this one went faster than ever! Many of our holistic businesses are still struggling with all of the changes we’ve been through, but I really feel we’ve turned the corner. Although some of our 10BEST winners from previous years have closed, I’m seeing many new healthy living entrepreneurs pop up. Many holistic business owners are telling me they are booked out for months—it seems more and more people are looking for holistic alternatives, which means this industry is just starting to boom! On that note, we’re excited to showcase our 4th annual 2021 10BEST Winners! We are proud to be the first readernominated awards exclusively for the holistic business community in Connecticut. It was so amazing to see many practitioners and businesses win for a fourth year and to see many new faces as well! Not only does this issue include 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 2022. We’re so proud of our 10BEST awards because it brings massive awareness throughout the state for holistic businesses and practitioners as well as for Natural Nutmeg, and we receive amazing feedback from the winners and readers. Many new business owners in categories such as 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 fascinating articles we have on the autism epidemic, stress reduction, and immune support. We hope you enjoy, and let us know what you think of our 10BEST/Essential Living Guide issue! In Health and Happiness,

Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD Publisher & Owner, ELM Publishing

Natural Nutmeg Magazine naturalnutmeg.com

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. © 2007–21 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.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

THE BUZZ

Are You Ready for Change?

e are constantly in a state of change. Whether through the change in seasons or through milestones in life, as spiritual beings we are always evolving, healing, and learning more about ourselves as we traverse the seasons of our lives. But are we ever truly ready? Do we try to control what life is throwing at us, or do we lean into the change? Uncertainty and feeling out of control can throw us off balance. We all have the inner resources to navigate the rapids, to enjoy the flowing river, to refresh when our waters are low. Tapping into those resources are part of the spiritual journey we are all on. Regardless of our beliefs, our inner compass keeps us moving. I have found that I thrive in change. As I look back through my life and the challenging and unexpected curves I have encountered, I realize each has propelled me in a direction that has brought me closer to living authentically. It is not always easy, though, to trust that the universe, the divine, is indeed right there with us. However, through my own practices I gain comfort (and even a bit of excitement) when change is upon me. My intuition, that connection with my spirit, is my guide and trusted advisor. When I look back at my life, I see that everything I have experienced has led me to where I am today. From a child who loved to create, play, and imagine to an adult who has experienced deep loss and challenges, I have become a healer who accompanies and coaches others through sacred listening, color, crystals, and creative play. Even now I am on the precipice of major life decisions that may be frightening, but as a friend recently told me, “Courage is fear that has said a prayer.”

Lauri Ingram, ordained by One Spirit Interfaith Seminary and a certified Interspiritual Counselor, currently offers in-person spiritual coaching and creativity sessions at her North Haven office, as well as by phone and Zoom. You can learn more about Lauri at www.lauriingram.com, email her at lauri@lauriingram.com, or call 203.435.5650.

Are you SICK from feeling SICK TIRED of being TIRED Do you go from Here to There with NO Results at all? IMAGINE the possibilities of a machine that provides detailed information on your Cellular Health ~

IMAGINE receiving answers to many years of Health Issues ~

This is possible with the Bio-Tracker system which Bear Walker, Holistic Practitioner helped develop in a project at NASA!

The Bio-Tracker checks the following.... Endocrine System Sinus Circulatory System Stomach Body Organs Fibrous Tissue Inhale Allergies Joints Spleen Carbohydrate Metabolism

Adrenal Glands Thyroid Glands Pituitary Gland Throat Ears Small Intestines Large Intestines Ileocecal Valve Lungs Ess. Fatty Acids Skin

Nervous System Lymph System Liver Heart Gallbladder Urinary Bladder Pancreas Kidney Food Allergies Reproductive System

....and much more if needed!

Metals ~ Chemicals ~ Bacteria ~ Viruses ~ Hormones ~ Neurotransmitters Mold ~ Vitamins ~ Minerals ~ Candida ~ ATP ~ GeoPathic Stress etc.

~ Bear Walker ~ Holistic Practitioner

3 Waterville Road Farmington, CT 06032

Office visits by appointment only

860-384-1527

www.circleofhealthonline.com

Natural Nutmeg • 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2022

Business Spotlight Act Natural Health & Wellness West Hartford Acupuncture

est Hartford Acupuncture has provided safe and expert wellness services for over a decade, including effective pain relief, fertility and pregnancy support, acupuncture, massage, and naturopathic medicine. We are open six days and four nights a week, and we accept insurance whenever possible to make your natural health accessible and affordable. Why are you passionate about your specialty? Acupuncture changed my life! In college I had two serious bouts of depression, and acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine effectively snapped me out of it without the use of drugs. My senior year I was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy (facial paralysis) caused from chronic undiagnosed Lyme disease. The Bell’s palsy was cured with acupuncture and years later a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, massage, and exercise cured my chronic Lyme disease symptoms as well. Tell us about the best memory you have as a holistic practitioner. There are so many; this is an incredibly rewarding field. Last week I picked up the phone and a patient was thanking me for changing her mental state the previous day. She had come to see me tearful and depressed, and called to tell me that she felt like she had been rewired during our session and felt happy and alive. Doing fertility work is incredibly rewarding; seeing the babies after they’re born is amazing. What do you like most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg? This magazine has a wonderful following and has brought many interesting and like-minded people together in our office and at events.

West Hartford Acupuncture, West Hartford, CT 203.856.8309 • WHAcupuncture.com

Center for Holistic Healthcare

tarted in June 2020 by Alina Schneider, APRN, who has trained under naturopaths over the last several years, the team now includes Dr. Jennifer Letitia, MD, a functional medicine physician, and Bob Robles, an acupuncturist. Our team works together and strives to uncover the root causes of illness, seeking to address mind, body, and psyche in a patient’s path to health and wellness. What sets you apart from other practitioners/businesses in the holistic field? We offer traditional primary care services for patients of all ages, such as annual physical exams and sick visits, innovative services such as IV vitamin therapy, bioidentical hormone therapy, microneedling, neurofeedback, infrared light therapy, and platelet-rich plasma procedures. Ketamine and Spravato treatments are offered for patients struggling with treatment-resistant depression and other mental health concerns. Our team of expert providers recognize that each individual is unique. Utilizing a combination of conventional, integrative, and natural therapies, including supplements and herbal remedies, we aim to serve the entire person. Whether it be menopausal complaints, struggles with depression or anxiety, or concerns with Lyme disease, our team of providers are dedicated to empowering patients on their path to health and wellness. What plans do you have for the future for your practice? We are continuing to grow, doubling our square footage in 2021. We have very recently started offering neurofeedback and do accept insurance for treatments. Additionally, we have purchased a contour light device that uses infrared and LED light technology to decrease inflammation and promote healthy metabolism.

Center for Holistic Healthcare, Glastonbury, CT 860.430.5300 • ctrforholistichealthcare.com

ommunity need is one of the main reasons Pam Pinto opened the doors of Act Natural Health & Wellness in Torrington over seven years ago and just launched a second location in Wolcott. Pam strives to provide access to organic and clean food and to local producers throughout the community. Why are you passionate about your specialty? Act Natural Health & Wellness was born of one woman’s passion to live a healthy life in today’s lessthan-healthy world. Influenced by her husband’s cancer diagnosis in 1989 and her own diagnosis of fibromyalgia in 2003, Pam found herself unhappy with the way conventional medicine was unable to treat her condition. With the introduction of a naturopath, acupuncturist, massage therapist, and homeopathic doctor, these modalities changed her life for the better. What sets you apart from other health food stores? To supplement proper nutrition, Act Natural Health & Wellness carries a wide variety of pharmaceutical grade supplements, homeopathic remedies, herbs, CBD, and many retail brands of vitamins and supplements. Tell us about your best memory about being a holistic practitioner. Over the years, I have worked with so many clients and customers, which has created wonderful memories of those who have improved their health and their lives by taking control of how they choose to care for their body and their minds. I have seen short- and long-term transformations, confirming my belief that one can heal with God’s medicine.

Act Natural Health & Wellness, Torrington and Wolcott, CT 860.482.8477 (Torrington) • 203.879.4774 (Wolcott) actnaturalhealth.com

Hartford Family Institute Hartford Family Institute provides a range of therapies and services: acupuncture, addiction, anxiety, Ayurveda, anger, conflict resolution, depression, eating disorders, energy healing, physical pain, PTSD, relationships and family, yoga, and much more. What sets you apart from other holistic psychotherapy centers? In addition to psychotherapy services, HFI offers in-person and virtual training programs that include certifications; advanced psychotherapy training for established counselors, therapists, healers, and practitioners in the healing arts; a master’s degree; and a renowned human relations training program. Established in 1969, Hartford Family Institute’s Center for Healing Arts consists of five core partners, three associates, and numerous independent practitioners. We are a community of psychotherapists, energy healers, and other healing arts practitioners who share a joint vision about counseling, psychotherapy, and healing. Why are you passionate about your specialty? We are all healers at heart. Our heart and spirit want to lead us on a path to wholeness. On the way to wholeness, we are being invited by our innate deeper place of wisdom to heal our emotional and physical wounds. This path brings us home to ourselves and when we are at home with ourselves, we can more effectively aid in our client’s healing. The psychotherapy created and practiced at HFI is a combination of indepth body emotional work, energy healing, shamanic spiritual healing, and trauma work called HFI body-centered psychotherapy. Our partners are the authors of several publications, including What To Do Until Enlightenment, Healing Ourselves…Healing the Earth, Roads Back In Time: Seeing the Invisible and Healing the Impossible, and Transforming Relationships: Come As You Are.

Hartford Family Institute, West Hartford, CT 860.236.6009 • HartfordFamilyInstitute.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Business Spotlight Nicole Klughers, ND, PharmD, MSAc Vis Wellness Center

s 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 individuals to identify and address the root cause of their health concerns. In other words, I serve as a “health detective” who will thoroughly investigate to find the culprit of any symptoms. I provide care to all ages and address a wide range of acute and chronic concerns, including digestive problems, weight gain, chronic fatigue, allergies, autoimmunity, hair loss, thyroid disorders, infertility, hormonal imbalances, hot flashes, skin conditions, anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic pain, headaches, and many other symptoms that fit no recognized diagnosis. As a foundation of treatment, I use food as medicine and develop personalized nutrition plans based on each person’s blood type, food sensitivities, genetics, and health goals. Herbal medicine, nutritional supplements, acupuncture, mindfulness, motivation, and movement are some additional common, natural approaches used in my practice. Why are you passionate about your specialty? While working as a pharmacist, I observed the limitations of conventional medicine in its ability to offer long-term, healing solutions. Oftentimes, patients could only take a medication for so long before another health condition, complication, or side effect developed. I knew there had to be a better way for me to provide “health” care to my community, and I realized that many people weren’t satisfied with the idea of relying on drugs for the rest of their lives. Experienced in a variety of healthcare settings, I now practice as an integrative, naturopathic physician. Human beings are incredibly complex and my commitment is to be as thorough as possible in every visit, dedicating 60 to 90 minutes per appointment, allowing for each individual to be fully understood and ask plenty of questions without feeling rushed. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner or business owner. I’m often presented with complicated and chronic unsolved health mysteries from individuals who have not found relief elsewhere. These patients often come to my practice after seeing multiple practitioners or specialists, yet still feel there are aspects of their health going unaddressed. These patients feel there are overlooked connections between a variety of their ailments. The best memories and most rewarding part of being a naturopathic physician is helping thes individuals find answers. What plans do you have for the future for your practice/business? I am passionately committed, now more than ever, to support people in staying well. The word “doctor” is derived from the Latin word “docere,” meaning “to teach.” I plan to fully embody being a doctor as a teacher. In an effort to educate and empower our growing community, every month I’ll continue to provide free wellness programs. Over the last six years, I’ve taught these classes in person; these offerings will now be held online and available to all. Although the majority of my visits currently take place in person, video appointments are available.

Dr. Nicole Klughers, ND, PharmD, MSAc Vis Wellness Center, Rocky Hill, CT/Virtual 234.2.ACU.DOC • Info@DrNicoleKlughers.com DrNicoleKlughers.com

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. 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. 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 26 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. 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 MSOM, L.Ac. • Donna Bunte Whole Health Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Licensed Acupuncturist, Chinese Medical Practitioner Stamford, CT • 203.253.9885 health@donnabunte.com • donnabunte.com

Circle of Health

erving and caring for clients since 2007, Circle of Health is a holistic wellness center featuring Bear Walker, PhD, a holistic practitioner of over 30 years who specializes in cellular health and overall wellbeing. Programs and protocols are always tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field? Circle of Health combines the use of modern technology with a timehonored, 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, which can be a unique and effective alternative for those experiencing symptoms of TBI, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and more. 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 serious processes and a light-hearted approach that ultimately creates significant shifts in the healing process. 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 are memories that continues to build upon themselves. Many thanks to everyone we’ve had and will have the opportunity to work with as they change their lives!

Circle of Health/Bear Walker, PhD Farmington, CT • 860.384.1527 • circleofhealth.com 8

Natural Nutmeg • 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2022

Dr. Krithika Jayaprakash (Dr. Jay) DDS, FAGD, NMD, IBDM Dr. Jay Family Dental

r. Jay is a biological dentist whose main focus is treating patients with an integrative approach. She is a Board Certified naturopathic dentist from American Academy of Integrative Medicine and Dentistry. She also earned a Fellowship Award from American Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) and is among 6% of the dentists in the country who have been granted this award. She has the latest state-of-the-art technology in her office, which she implements with a holistic and safe approach to offer the best care for every individual. Why are you passionate about your specialty? Oral health plays a big part in whole-body wellness. The health of your teeth and associated tissues affects the wellness of your entire body, so they need to be level and in good health. When we do not take care of oral health, we could end up with deteriorating overall health. I feel as a biological dentist I can offer a broader spectrum of treatment including, but not limited to, using biocompatible materials, laser technology, and ozone therapy; placing ceramic implants and crowns; treating children for sleep disorders, tied tongue issues, breathing problems, and treating the source of crowded, misaligned teeth; and treating adults with oral appliances for sleep apnea and TMJ issues. Passion and years of educaiton are required to provide comprehensive care for every patient. I do not want to be thought of merely as a tooth mechanic, but as an integrative practitioner focusing on improving whole body health through oral health. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. Patients who have travelled from other states, including Florida and New York, to receive care at our practice. It made me realize that the services I offer is truly helping people, and it gave me such a deep sense of professional satisfaction and gratitude. What plans do you have for the future for your practice? I want to establish a practice offering comprehensive care for patients integrated with other holistic practitioners in the community. What do you like the most about being part of Natural Nutmeg? When I graduated from dental school, I had no knowledge that the holistic world existed in this country. It took a lot of effort on my part to find this world. Natural Nutmeg makes it so easy for me to communicate and educate like-minded people, and I love being part of this community. Tell us something not many people know about you. I have a passion to learn advances in dentistry. There was a time when I was doing continuing education courses every weekend for three years without a break, traveling to every state. I had to stop myself when I realized I could not pack everything within a specific time; rather, this is a journey of lifetime learning.

Dr. Krithika Jayaprakash, DDS • Dr. Jay Family Dental Vernon, CT • 860.875.3349 • drjaydental.com

Lam Yoga

AM Yoga is a boutique studio set in the artist’s wing of a riverside mill building. We offer all-levels vinyasa flow and restorative practice, workshops, and private lessons. LAM also holds special events that connect us to our community, including retreats to exotic locations, and yoga at our local brewery. Why are you passionate about your specialty—why did you want to become a holistic practitioner/business owner? I’m Jen Dankosky, the owner and founder of LAM Yoga (RYT 500). I have been practicing for many years on my own and with wonderful teachers. My path took me to the beautiful Sanctuary Yoga studio in downtown Torrington. There, I learned from thoughtful mentors about connecting breath and movement, about blending the spiritual and the physical, and about how to use yoga to “get grounded.” What sets you apart from other practitioners/businesses in the holistic field? Getting grounded. All it takes are those first steps into LAM Yoga and you will feel nurtured and taken care of. LAM is an inviting boutique studio located in an artist’s space, drawing in a diverse group of people of all levels and all abilities. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never done yoga—the goal is to connect breath and movement, mind, body, and senses. At LAM, we understand life is about balance—about allowing yourself breathing space on your mat but also time to have fun. Every practice, every breath is a chance to start again.

LAM Yoga Hurley Business Park, New Hartford, CT 860.978.1657 • lamyoga.com

Milford Med Spa

ook Natural, Feel Beautiful! Dr. Courtney Holmes, DNP, APRN, is a Board Certified adult nurse practitioner, medical director, and sole injector at Milford Med Spa. Services include auricular and facial acupuncture, microneedling, threads, neuromodulators, and dermal fillers. Courtney also owns Holistic Healing Partners, LLC, where she and colleague Diana Greenia, APRN, provide mental healthcare with medication, acupuncture, and natural supplements. Why are you passionate about your specialty? My passion is providing LGBTQ+ affirming care using a combination of Eastern and Western medicines. My goal is to be the go-to provider in the area for gender-affirming, non-surgical facial masculinizing and feminizing treatments. I saw the struggle of my transgender family and friends in trying to find an LGBTQ+ affirming mental health prescriber, so we responded by going into private practice to care for this population. After experiencing the benefit of auricular acupuncture for myself, I knew this was an effective treatment modality for mental health. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. My best memories are the radiant faces of my clients after experiencing the benefits of our treatments, whether that be for mental health or cosmetics. Their inner beauty shines through! What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg? I love connecting with clients who share the same treatment goals as I do, which is to look natural and feel beautiful!

Milford Med Spa, Dr. Courtney Holmes, DNP, APRN Milford, CT • 203.701.6161 • MilfordMedSpa.com

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Business Spotlight

Abundant Health Massage Therapy & Wellness

ince 2009, Kristina Mozzicato, LMT, BCTMB, has provided customized, quality massage sessions to her clients. In addition to Swedish and deep tissue massage, she offers Reiki, Himalayan salt stone massage, cupping, MediCupping™, and facial cupping. 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 drug-free alternative for relaxation and pain relief. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field? I am Board Certified through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), and I hold certifications in cupping, MediCupping, and facial cupping. I have found that combining cupping with massage yields superior results when it concerns relaxation and pain. Cupping is like a deep tissue massage and works to “unstick” the fascia layer, as well as helping 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. Another service that I offer is facial cupping—a vacuum therapy that helps to firm the skin, diminish fine lines and wrinkles, stimulates collagen production, and eases sinus congestion. This treatment is a wonderful non-invasive alternative. Contrary to popular belief, the facial cups do not leave any cupping marks on the face. I am also trained in the Body Contouring Cocoon, which addresses solid bloat and cellulite by detoxifying lymph congestion. What can clients expect from working with you? 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. Clients can expect to feel the results of a quality, therapeutic session. What plans do you have for the future for your practice? I am currently pursuing my certification in holistic nutrition and am looking forward to offering coaching sessions to my clients. What do you like the most about being part of Natural Nutmeg? Natural Nutmeg is a reputable local publication that is comprised of professional holistic practitioners. The educational articles are a great resource for its readers. I consider it a compliment when new clients tell me that they enjoy reading my articles and decide to book a massage session with me.

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

Natural Nutmeg • 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2022

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 illness. 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.” 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. 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. 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 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 FDA-cleared Class II for the treatment of pain, and 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; 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

Caroline Wetzel, CFP®, CDFA®, AWMA® Procyon Advisors, 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. 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 Advisors, 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 • Confidence around what they can influence 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 trade-offs 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® ProcyonAdvisors, LLC, Shelton, CT 475.232.2713 • procyonpartners.net/team/caroline-wetzel

Dr. Antonio Reale, ND/The Herbal Room

he Herbal Room functions as a full-service naturopathic wellness clinic, offering medical visits along with nutritional counseling and massage therapy. A well-stocked dispensary of herbal tinctures allows for more personalized style of medicine, bringing the feel of a traditional style apothecary to Old Wethersfield. The Herbal Room recently opened a satellite location in Darien, where Dr. Reale sees patients three days a week, by appointment. What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field? While I see and treat a variety of conditions, from hormonal imbalances and pain management to supportive care for cancer, I’ve centered my practice around the treatment of gastrointestinal and mental/mood disorders, especially anxiety and panic. Most naturopaths would agree that gastrointestinal health is essential to overall wellness and I believe that proper digestion and GI function are key components to optimal health. While the two may seem like different conditions, mental health can greatly affect gastrointestinal function. New research continues to teach us the importance of GI health in maintaining and supporting healthy mood. I’m grateful to have enough face time with patients to discuss these areas in depth, even as part of a greater conversation on other conditions. In some cases I treat using herbal tinctures, which allows for a personalized approach to care because I’m able to tailor the formula to match a patient’s needs. What do you like best about being a part of Natural Nutmeg? I enjoy being a part of Natural Nutmeg’s community because there are many moving parts to optimal health and it’s exciting to see the different modalities come together, especially at a time when we need it most!

The Herbal Room, Wethersfield, CT 860.257.7210 and Darien, CT 475.977.1661 theherbal-room.com

Vitalized Performance Group

PG Waves is a holistic practice that offers acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, naturopathic medicine, and GAINSWave therapy (shockwave treatment for erectile dysfunction, Peyronies’ disease, scar tissue, and pain management). We offer affordable programs that integrate holistic modalities to treat, prevent, and heal the root cause of our patients’/clients’ ailments. Handicap accessible, VPG Waves has several spa-like services with an inviting atmosphere. What sets you apart from other holistic centers? Jen Dubicki and I [Gigi Adduci] are survivors of past debilitating and deadly disease, and we both used a variety of holistic treatments as part of our recovery. A clinic like VPG Waves, which has different holistic modalities and is truly collaborative on each patient under one roof, would have been ideal during our healing. This is how I came up with the idea for our practice. Jen is a master of acupuncture and an herbalist and has spent time working in China. Gigi is certified as an integrative health coach and patient navigator by the Graduate Institute, located in Bethany, CT. Gigi is a colon hydrotherapist trained on the open system, The LIBBE, and is also trained in emotional freedom technique (EFT) and stress coaching. Many times, as part of the thorough holistic healing process that we offer, we will recommend patients/clients see other holistic practitioners in our state or even NY or MA, and we have many patients that come from out of town. Olga Klein, also a colon hydrotherapist and integrative nutritional coach, has recently joined our practice, and Dr. Sparks is our naturopathic physician and acupuncturist. It takes a team of healthcare providers to address the root cause of illness, so we can work closely with the patient’s/client’s doctors if they wish. Patients who choose to do our packages get special pricing on combined services. We offer in-house payment plans, because everyone deserves high-quality healthcare. We are grateful for all our clients and patients and are truly honored to serve our communities. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner or business owner. Gigi: When the doors finally opened. We gutted the old lawyer’s office and it took one year to complete a full remodel. My husband, Phil, and his friend James built it. It truly was a labor of love. What a proud moment for all of us, and a dream come true. Jen: I think I can speak for all practitioners when we see our chronically ill patients heal and be able to live life fully again. I love my job. What plans do you have for the future for your practice/business? We are considering being a LIBBE/open system school. Today we are the only open system colonic place in CT. Our goal is to make holistic care mainstream. Naturopaths, acupuncturists, and colon hydrotherapists should be in every hospital and every medical doctor’s office. We believe achieving true health takes a team of providers. Healthcare needs an upgrade, and we are ready to help with the change.

Vitalized Performance Group, Glastonbury, CT 860.800.6775 • VPGwaves.com

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Business Spotlight

Coastal Natural Medicine, LLC

Sacred Rivers Yoga

acred Rivers Yoga, formed in 2003, is currently offering yoga classes and yoga teacher training in a virtual format. We would like to thank our loyal members, students, and faculty for their presence, dedication, persistence, and flexibility as we navigate these current times. We gave up our “brick and mortar” physical space due to consequences of COVID-19. Why are you passionate about your specialty? I have been passionate about sharing the gifts of yoga—the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health benefits that yoga provides—since experiencing it personally from a young age and observing others who have reaped the rewards and positive results of yoga. It has been gratifying to see how yoga truly is for every body. Yoga serves you wherever you are, providing tools for self-exploration and inquiry. I believe the gifts of yoga can be so beneficial for the current times. What sets Sacred Rivers Yoga apart? Yoga for Every Body. We opened in 2003 and we were the first Yoga Alliance Registered School in CT. We offer yoga therapy classes and have received a grant from the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation for many years. We also currently offer Y4C—yoga classes for those with a cancer diagnosis. We have offered everything from chair yoga to cardiac yoga programs, prenatal, seniors, arthritis, back issues, athletes, from yoga therapy to power and vinyasa yoga. Our mission is to create sacred space, a sanctuary for the soul to recognize our oneness and to support each other on our personal paths of self discovery and growth. Learn to listen to inner wisdom. In this modern world of energetic chaos we invite you to breathe, find stillness, and connect within. What is the best memory you have about being a holistic business owner? After 19 years, I have many great memories and it would be difficult to narrow it down to just one. However, there has been a common theme. It is gratifying and humbling to watch yoga ripple out to so many markets, venues, workplaces, schools, and hospitals as our students graduate and share the teachings of yoga. I have heard so many heartfelt stories from yoga students as well as yoga teacher training students. Many say that yoga “saved their life” in one way or another, and all are grateful for the many benefits of yoga. This is so touching to me and reminds me of why I continue to “hold the space.”

Sacred Rivers Yoga and Allied Health Therapies Virtual/Online • 860.657.9545 sacredriversyoga.com

oastal Naturopathic Medicine is a premiere naturopathic practice serving Fairfield County, the tristate area, and patients 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. Why are you passionate about naturopathic medicine? 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. 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 in spite of my 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. 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. This is what makes naturopathic medicine different. Helping patients reach their highest potential—those are the stories that touch my soul. What plans do you have for the future for your practice? Moving back to my home state of Connecticut 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 to 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. 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 2022

Dr. Eilis Philpott, PhD

r. Eilis Philpott owns and operates Soul Healing Journey, LLC, and the Academy for Soul Healing. Soul Healing Journey offers soul-level healing, working with clients to remove obstacles that prevent full expression of their authentic selves. The Academy offers training for those who want to further develop their connection with energy work. Why are you passionate about your specialty? I have worked in the healing arena for over 25 years and have numerous trainings and life experiences to bring to every session and training. I personally overcame a very difficult and traumatic childhood, which culminated in severe depression and anxiety. I was able to use the skills I learned to heal, and I feel so passionate about supporting others on their individual journey. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. I have many memories that mean a lot to me, including the numerous clients who have achieved their goals and dreams and gone on to live more fulfilling lives. One particularly special memory is from when the first-ever “Year of Healing” was completed. Each participant committed to be in partnership with themselves in sacred ceremony. It was beautiful. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg? I love being part of Natural Nutmeg because there are so many opportunities available to me to connect with so many readers. I have written a few articles along with advertising in the magazine, and have also been part of some podcasts and especially love the interviews (chats) with Diane.

Soul Healing Journey, LLC, Academy for Soul Healing Fairfield, CT/Virtual • 203.767.5954 soulhealingjourney.com • academyforsoulhealing.com

Cindy Wechsler, APRN, CPNP

indy Wechsler, APRN, certified mental wellness coach, holistic health coach, and certified educator of infant massage, recognized the need for a more integrative approach to healthcare and works with families to determine the root cause of any condition, Cindy believes in educating on natural options for common childhood conditions, especially digestive issues, ADHD, anxiety, and behavior. Why are you passionate about your specialty? I graduated from Yale University School of Nursing over 30 years ago with the determination to keep kids healthy. I came to realize that the health of our pediatric population was declining, and I knew there had to be a better way. As a nurse practitioner, certified mental wellness coach, holistic health coach, and certified educator of infant massage, I learned the impact that lifestyle, genetics, and environment have on our health. Through my own journey of healing, resolving my lifelong allergies, food sensitivities, asthma, IBS, sleep issues, and chronic pain, I knew that focusing on root cause was the answer. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. The gratitude I regularly get from patients for listening to them, hearing them, working collaboratively with them, spending the time with them, and having them tell me their results using natural solutions. What do you like most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg? Being part of a community of like-minded people. Natural Nutmeg is a great resource to those looking for a more integrative approach to their healthcare.

Cindy Wechsler APRN, CPNP 203.916.4600 • shalvaclinic.org 203.671.3630 • proactivepeds.com

James Osborne, MS, LPC, BCPC ProNatural Wellness Group

am a licensed professional counselor with over 40 years of experience as a psychotherapist, clinical director, clinical supervisor, trainer, and consultant trained in Gestalt therapy, Jungian psychology, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and EMDR. I work primarily with individual adults treating trauma, loss/grief, and co-occurring disorders. I am also a Viet Nam Era veteran. Why are you passionate about your specialty? When I returned to college in 1971 after serving in the Army, I majored in philosophy with an emphasis in the classics, existentialism, and the work of William James. In 1976, I entered a two-year Gestalt therapy program, graduating in 1978. My own personal work was Jungian, and I began blending my approach to therapy in terms of experiential and cognitive work. My initial work/training were in-patient psych and substance abuse, and I have been blessed to have had many great mentors over the years. Additionally, I taught at the New England Institute of Addiction Studies, where new therapists and students studying to become therapists would ask me, “what is our job?” My response then, as it is now: we are forest rangers. People get lost or stuck in the woods and call out for help. We meet them where they are, check they are physically safe, determine if they need acute medical care, ask them where they want to go and how they want to get there. We assess people for their skills, teach them what they need to know, or refer them to someone with the expertise they need. We help them practice the skills, walk with them on their path for a while, and then say goodbye. If they get lost again or need help, they call out. It might be us, or someone else, that will meet them. I see my role as assisting people to gain a clear understanding of what is important to them, of what they value, helping them align what they say they value and how they live their lives. If these are not consistent, something needs to change—either the behavior or the said belief system. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. I have had the honor of witnessing individuals who have sustained traumatic or unexpected losses to rediscover meaning and purpose in their lives and to re-engage in relationships with others—rebuilding their lives. What plans do you have for the future for your practice/business? The practice has been reorganized at a new location: 1265 Berlin Turnpike, Unit B, in Berlin. I will continue to see patients and am in the process of writing a book on transcending traumatic/unexpected loss.

James Osborne, MS, LPC, BCPC, ProNatural Wellness Group Berlin, CT • 860.829.0707 • pronaturalwellness.com

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

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Business Spotlight Dr. Kevin Norige, DMD, FICD South Windsor Smiles

r. Norige and his team strive to give you the best and latest dental care in our office. Our focus is your overall health, beginning with the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums. There are many links between your oral health and your overall health. For example, periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, can nearly double the risk of having a heart attack! Gum disease can also increase your risk for stroke, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and even the common cold and flu. Why are you passionate about your specialty? As the owner of South Windsor Smiles, I would like to thank the readers of Natural Nutmeg magazine for again choosing our dental practice as a “10Best” business. Over the past 40 years, South Windsor Smiles has maintained its twofold mission: “Healthy Smile, Healthier Life” and “Helping people become the healthiest, most fulfilled versions of themselves.” Our vision has never wavered: “Deliver complete health through dentistry to an increasing number of people by always providing an exceptional, patient-centered experience.” What sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic field? We are more than merely a “drill-and-scrape” operation. Through our care, we also help maintain improvement in the areas of cardiovascular health, sleep, resistance to dementia due to aging, management of type two diabetes, nutrition and hydration, and so on. We are also active in our community, participating in annual food drives and hat and mitten drives, in addition to outreach for oral health education to local day cares, elementary schools, high schools, and adult community groups. South Windsor Smiles practices complete health dentistry, because there are many links between your oral health and your overall health. You expect us to evaluate your oral health each visit as we measure your gums, check your jaw mobility, and take a tooth-by-tooth tour of your mouth. But you are more than a mouth. We can help you to achieve and maintain better overall health by offering you three quick and painless tests including, a blood pressure test, an insulin resistance check, and a sleep apnea evaluation. Our hygiene department is among the area’s best in revitalizing and maintaining gum health. Dr. Norige is renowned for offering gentle, thorough, and attentive care that can calm the nerves of the most dental-phobic patient.

Kevin Norige, DMD, FICD, South Windsor Smiles South Windsor, CT • 860.644.0113 southwindsorsmiles.com

Leighanne Champion Coaching, LLC

f you believe that personal development and growth is what life is about, 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 best version of yourself, you are ready to go. 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 them) so they can create amazing results in their lives. It is the most important thing we will ever do in our lives, and ironically, our traditional education does not teach it. What sets you apart from other practitioners in your field? As a coach, I provide my clients with the newest and most powerful tools and support, remaining 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. Tell us about 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 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.

Leighanne Champion Coaching, LLC New Canaan, CT • 203.505.5571 leighannechampioncoaching.com

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. Why did you want to become a holistic practitioner? 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. 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, and valuable time can be lost using a “watch and wait” approach. Whether or not conception is the goal, reproductive concerns must be treated due to the overall impact on total health. My treatment process involves using functional medicine diagnostics, addressing nutrient deficiencies, uncovering latent chronic disease, and reviewing internal/external environmental factors that prevent fertility optimization. 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 but 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

Natural Nutmeg • 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2022

4th Annual 10BEST WINNERS Congratulations to our 10BEST Winners!

elcome to the fourth 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 and practitioners, and we have received amazing feedback from the winners and readers. Many new business owners in categories including Natural Product Companies, Spas, and Farm-to-Table restaurants said they had 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

10BEST WINNERS

Acupuncture/Traditional Chinese Medicine Dr. Artemis Morris, ND, LAc Artemis Wellness Center Connecticut Family Acupuncture Glastonbury and Storrs, CT 860.633.6022 CTfamilyacupuncture.com Over 14 years in practice. Specializing in chronic pain, women's health and fertility, stress, anxiety and other inflammatory conditions. Most insurances accepted, now including Husky. Highly trained, experienced, and compassionate acupuncturists licensed by the CT Department of Public Health.

Chi Healing Center Canton, CT • 860.352.8902 chihealingcenter.com We provide a comprehensive mind-body approach to healing. Inspired by the sage doctors of ancient China, we seek to discover the root cause of your condition and apply the best clinical methods to help you recover and heal.

Jennifer Dubicki, LAc Vitalized Performance Group Glastonbury, CT • 860.800.6775 VPGwaves.com VPG Waves is a holistic practice that offers acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, naturopathic medicine, and GAINSWave therapy (shockwave treatment for erectile dysfunction, Peyronies’ disease, scar tissue, and pain management). We offer affordable programs that integrate holistic modalities to treat, prevent, and heal the root cause of our patients’/clients’ ailments. Handicap accessible.

Milford, CT • Artemiswellnesscenter.com Drartemis.com

Traver Garrity Acupuncture Storrs and Cromwell, CT • 860.995.0317 acupuncture@travergarrity.com travergarrity.com Traver specializes in acupuncture, cupping, and tuina to treat chronic pain, sports injuries, migraines, stress/anxiety, and more. Her practice stands out for the one-on-one attention each patient receives during their individually tailored treatments.

Elena Sokolova, ND Fairfield, CT

West Hartford Acupuncture West Hartford, CT • 860.503.3676 whacupuncture.com For over a decade, West Hartford Acupuncture’s award-winning, highly trained team has provided excellent acupuncture services to the Greater Hartford community. Accepting many insurances, open 6 days a week, and now offering Thai massage and naturopathic appointments.

Natural Nutmeg • 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2022

Dr. Artemis Morris is a seasoned naturopathic physician, licensed acupuncturist, professor of nutrition, researcher, author, public speaker, and the co-academic director of the Integrative Health and Healing Program at The Graduate Institute. Artemis Wellness Center specializes in holistic primary care, chronic disease, and women’s health and wellness using acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, nutrition, and nutritional supplements.

Dr. Diana Zitserman, ND, LAc Southington, Glastonbury, and West Hartford • 215.896.6132 drdzitserman@gmail.com thrivecenterforhealth.com Dr. Diana Zitserman specializes in Whole Person Wellness to treat conditions of chronic pain, stress, digestive disorder, hormonal change, mood imbalance, and much more. Her practice focuses on guided nutrition, supplementation, lifestyle counseling, and acupuncture. Offering community and private-based acupuncture, as well as at-home visits by appointment only.

10BEST WINNERS

Chiropractic Physician Dr. Rick Araya, DC

Dr. Matt Meyers, DC

West Hartford, CT

Westport, CT

Dr. Jessica Tagliarini, DC Tagliarini Chiropractic

Dr. Suzanne Chester, DC

Dr. Greg Sabatino, DC

Simsbury, CT

West Hartford, CT • 860.236.2225 tagchiro.com

Milford, CT

Dr. Mark Chudy, DC

Dr. Joanne Santiago, DC

Rocky Hill, CT

Avon, CT

Dr. Nick Damato, DC Damato Chiropractic Center of Glastonbury

Dr. Jason Sousa, DC PROhealth Chiropractic Center

Glastonbury, CT • 860.410.4488 dccglastonbury.com

South Windsor, CT • 860.432.7432 prohealthchiropracticcenter.com

Drs. Jessica and John Tagliarini have been at the forefront of chiropractic care in Greater Hartford since 2006, with a reputation for excellence in family wellness. From treating athletes to pregnant clients to rehabilitation patients, their quality care is customized to meet individual needs at all stages of life.

Damato Chiropractic Center of Glastonbury helps you and your family take the first step toward 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. 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, CT

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10BEST WINNERS

Energy Healer Dr. Synthia Andrews, ND Andrews Healing Arts, LLC Guilford, CT • 203.453.4377 synthiaandrews@gmail.com andrewshealingarts.com Synthia Andrews is a naturopathic doctor and energy intuitive. Her current focus is helping professional bodyworkers fine tune their energy skills, and she also offers energy classes for non-professionals. Now, more than ever, everyone needs their innate healing skills. Upcoming classes forming in February 2022.

Balance Within You Litchfield, CT

Cheryl Case Virtual

Robin H. Clare West Hartford, CT • 860.833.9670 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 supports others through her Hungry for Answers proprietary method. Robin is a bestselling spiritual self-help author, podcaster, life coach, writing coach, energy healer, and recovery professional. www.clare-ity.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. He is also IET® master instructor trainer, medicinal aromatherapist, and intuitive coach.

Mystic Healing Reiki Erin Touponse Old Wethersfield, CT • 845.568.7891 mystichealingreiki@gmail.com mystichealingreiki.com Erin at Mystic Healing Reiki is a Reiki master/ teacher, intuitive hypnotherapist and Tarot reader/teacher. With a focus on “Awakening Your Inner Healer,” Erin offers a wide range of healing modalities including Reiki, guided journey, past-life regression, Tarot readings, and healing ceremony. She offers both Reiki and Tarot classes monthly.

Dr. Eilis Philpott Soul Healing Journey, LLC/ Academy for Soul Healing Fairfield, CT/Virtual via Zoom 203.767.5954 eilis@soulhealingjourney.com soulhealingjourney.com Dr. Eilis Philpott, owner of Soul Healing Journey and the Academy for Soul Healing, has been a master healer and teacher for 25 years. She offers soullevel healing as well as training for those who wish to pursue their own journey in the healing arts.

Natural Nutmeg • 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2022

Anna Pizzoferrato Reiki With Trust, LLC reikiwithtrust.com auroramisticadistancehealing.com AnnaRosaEnergyArtist.com Anna Rosa, aka Anna Pizzoferrato, has been offering remote distance healing services since 2001. She is an Usui, Shamballa, Kundalini, and Karuna® Reiki master and has a registered modality called Aurora Mistica®. She is also a biologist and enjoys designing energycharged products.

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., 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, including sound, color, journeying, ceremony, yoga, energetic cord-cutting, direct energy channeling, and gemstone/crystal therapies. She also has advanced training in soul retrieval, spirit detachment, and extraction. Energy healing modalities may be combined as each situation requires. Sessions in person or remotely via Zoom.

10BEST WINNERS

Esthetician/Holistic & Organic Spa Illumina Skin Care Massage Simsbury, CT • 860.323.3660 Illuminaskincaremassage.com

A Touch of Bliss West Hartford, CT • 860.712.7313 atouchofblissorganicspa.com Indulge yourself in holistic services guaranteed to rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul and improve your mental and physical health. Experience organic European facials, unique massages combined with cutting-edge technology such as microcurrent face lift, HydraFacial MD, and infrared sauna blanket. We believe in results! It’s your time to receive “a touch of bliss”!

Asana Organic Skin & Beauty Glastonbury, CT • 860.382.6625 asanaorganicskin.com Offering a comprehensive collection of treatments and beauty services to bring tranquility and relaxation into your life. Our dream is to share with YOU our love of organic beauty, wellness, and Eastern traditions through eclectic, authentic services, utilizing safe and effective skin care and makeup products.

Our day spa is Farmington Valley’s hidden treasure. Lilian Freire, LE/LMT, offers a variety of services to improve health, beauty, and relaxation. Illumina Skin Care Massage was created as a way to make people feel great inside and out while illuminating themselves with an excellent pampering experience catered to their individual needs, so they can walk away feeling completely refreshed.

Nova Spa Rocky Hill, CT • 860.257.1004 novasparockyhill.com Mariola has delivered exceptional therapies to her clients for the past 20 years in a tranquil and serene environment. Nova Spa offers many styles and techniques that are sure to satisfy your desires, including the gentle touch of a Swedish massage, deep tissue therapy, or the warmth of hot stones to soothe your mind, body, and spirit. Natural and organic products.

Imagine Float

Salt of the Earth Sanctuary

Avon, CT • 860.255.7771 contactus@imaginefloat.com imaginefloat.com

Woodbury, CT • 203.586.1172 soteswoodburyct@gmail.com naturalsalthealing.com

Imagine Float is a peaceful escape from the chaos of your daily life with floatation therapy, cryotherapy, infrared sauna, and compression therapy. When used in synergy, these therapies have endless physical and mental well-being benefits. Make a renewed commitment to achieving inner peace, a physical awakening, and reclaim your best life!

Book one of our state-of-the-art salt rooms that use 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, and stress and pain relief. Call us today for an appointment.

Green Lotus Salon and Wellness Cromwell, CT

SOMA Farmington, CT

Just Be East Hartford, CT info@justbethejourney.com justbethejourney.com We are helping solve the chronic stress epidemic by supporting those who are seeking a way to restore their wellness and find benefit in unique healing services. Be it from the luxury of our spa treatments or the simple care of the relaxing foot infusion soaks, you will find what you need for self-care at Just Be. Your path to restorative wellness through unique healing services and enlightenment is here.

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, and a full-service hair salon.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

10BEST WINNERS

Farm-to-Table/Gluten-Free Restaurant/Bakery Dee’s One Smart Cookie Allergen Free Bakery Glastonbury, CT • 860.633.8000 deesonesmartcookie.com

Greenhouse Tavern & Café

Popover Bistro & Bakery

Burlington, CT

Simsbury, CT

Little Oak Café

Pure Love Bakery

Canton, CT

Avon, CT

Make It GF, LLC

Shayna B’s By the Sea

Divine Treasures LLC

Canton, CT

Westbrook, CT

Manchester, CT

Marketplace Kitchen

Three Girls Vegan Creamery

Avon, CT

Guilford, CT

Organic Product/ Landscaping Company Aurora Naturals

Drumroll Coffee Roasters

Go Organic

Online

Wethersfield, CT

Thompson, CT

Austin Bracelet Company

Harrington’s Organic Land Care

Online

Bloomfield, CT

cinder + salt Southington and Middletown, CT 860.788.3784 hello@cinderandsalt.com cinderandsalt.com cinder + salt is an eco-friendly clothing brand specializing in casual apparel for guys, ladies, and kiddos. All of our original designs are silk-screened by hand in our zero-waste printshop, using reclaimed inks and solar power. At cinder + salt, we’re on a mission to spread eco-optimism through various eco-initiatives and playful design.

Kelman Landscaping Farm to Bath South Glastonbury, CT/Virtual 860.266.5682 • info@farmtobath.com farmtobath.com Brenda Sullivan, herbalist and owner of Farm to Bath, creates herbal bath and body products using herbs grown in our gardens, lavender being the primary crop. Brenda loves learning about the medicinal health benefits of herbs, because it guarantees she is using the highest-quality ingredients in her products.

Natural Nutmeg • 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2022

Manchester, CT

Treefort Naturals Soap Company Online

Wild Moon Liqueurs by Hartford Flavor Company Hartford, CT

10BEST WINNERS

Health Food Store .

Act Natural Health & Wellness Torrington, CT • 860.482.8477 Wolcott, CT • 203.879.4774 actnaturalhealth.com Always seeking to grow unique opportunities, Act Natural Health & Wellness in Torrington offers an Organic Produce/Meat Buy Club where members can pre-order at 10–15% above wholesale prices. Act Natural Health & Wellness in Torrington and Wolcott will now be home to the offices of Dr. Heather Veronesi, ND.

Chamomille Natural Foods Danbury, CT

Edge of the Woods Market

It’s Only Natural

New Haven, CT 203.787.1055 eotwm.com

New Morning Market

Middletown, CT

Woodbury, CT

Edge of the Woods is a family-owned vegetarian marketplace for over 40 years, featuring fresh produce, groceries, bulk nuts/grains, ground coffee, and an impressive Vitamin Shop. The Kitchen & Bakery area features a juice bar, sandwiches, wraps, and prepared foods, along with freshly-made breads, cakes, pies, pastries, and more!

Rooted Market

Essential Health Market

Granby, CT

West Hartford, CT

Thyme & Season Natural Market

Winsted, CT

ShopRite of Canton at the Shops of Farmington Valley Canton, CT

Sweet Beet

Hamden, CT

Physical Therapy/Personal Training Brian Cusano Against the Grain Fitness Glastonbury, CT • 860.478.0283 atgfitness1@gmail.com againstthegrainfitness.com

BodyFit Physical Therapy Cindy Langer MSPT, FMS, FCS, CMCP

Crescent Moon Care

Canton CT • 860.507.7365 bodyfitphysicaltherapy.com cindy@bodyfitphysicaltherapy.com

Crescent Moon Care is a family-centered physical therapy practice specializing in pediatric and adult patients. All sessions are 1:1, with no overlap between clients. Janell Tartaglia, owner and primary therapist, is Board Certified in pediatrics and has extensive experience in adult orthopedic and neurological conditions as well. Insurance accepted.

We are a personal and semi-private training studio that provides our members with physical freedom, strength, and knowledge through purposeful functional training. We utilize the safest, most effective techniques to design training programs for our members and athletes that provide noticeable and consistent results and fun, positive experiences.

We get you back to the active lifestyle you desire by helping you recover from injury quickly, without prolonged rest and medications. We can do this by focusing on YOU for 100% of our time together, with our comprehensive, one-on-one, hands-on 60-minute sessions. We get results even if you’ve had physical therapy before!

Canton Physical Therapy

Platinum Fitness

Canton, CT

Danbury, CT

Magna PT & Sports Medicine

Spargo Physical Therapy

Avon, CT

Bristol, CT

ML Fitness

Valley Fitness

Manchester, CT

Unionville, CT

Canton, CT • 203.788.0009 crescentmooncare@gmail.com crescentmooncare.com

Ignite Fitness West Hartford, CT/Virtual 860.479.1833 • ignitefitnessct.com Ignite Fitness is West Hartford’s premier personal training facility, located just south of West Hartford Center. Services include private and semi-private training, metabolic classes, and club access. All of our “members” are clients, creating an ideal experience in a clean, spacious environment that is both individualized and socially motivating.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

10BEST WINNERS

Holistic Center/School Academy for Soul Healing Eilis Philpott Fairfield, CT/Virtual via Zoom 203.767.5954 eilis@soulhealingjourney.com academyforsoulhealing.com

The Graduate Institute Bethany, CT

Center for Holistic Healthcare

Dr. Eilis Philpott, the owner of Soul Healing Journey and the Academy for Soul Healing, has been a master healer and teacher for 25 years. She offers soul-level healing as well as training for those who wish to pursue their own journey in the healing arts.

Glastonbury, CT • 860.430.5300 ctrforholistichealthcare.com

Bridge Healing Arts Center (BHAC)

Circle of Health

Farmington, CT • 860.404.2578 bridgeHAC.com The Bridge Healing Arts Center 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 well over 60 practitioners who provide a variety of holistic modalities to the community.

The Center offers integrative and functional medicine for the entire family. We emphasize a holistic, patient-centered approach to care. Practitioners include Alina Schneider, APRN, Jennifer Letitia, MD (functional medicine physician with a special interest in mold and Lyme) and Bob Robles, LAc. Treatment offerings include acupuncture, neurofeedback, platelet-rich plasma procedures, soundwave technology for joint/ tissue healing and infrared light therapy.

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 specifically tailored to an individual’s needs.

Goodwin University East Hartford, CT

Holistic Health & Healing Center East Haven, CT

Natural Nutmeg • 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2022

The Red Barn in Durham, LLC New Earth Holistic Therapies and Art Center Durham, CT • 860.559.6151 theredbarnindurham.com Founded in 2018 by Janice Juliano, MSW, LCSW, The Red Barn in Durham provides mind-body-spirit-heart-based services for children and adults. The Red Barn has nearly 20 experienced practitioners as well as a store and salt cave. We work collaboratively to provide a healing environment, both inside The Barn and in our backyard classroom.

Vitalized Performance Group Glastonbury, CT • 860.800.6775 VPGwaves.com

VPG Waves is a holistic practice that offers acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, naturopathic medicine, and GAINSWave therapy (shockwave treatment for erectile dysfunction, Peyronies’ disease, scar tissue, and pain management). We offer affordable programs that integrate holistic modalities to treat, prevent, and heal the root cause of our patients’/clients’ ailments. Handicap accessible.

10BEST WINNERS

Holistic Pediatrician Dr. Rosanne Demanski, ND West Hartford, CT

Dr. Nicole Kerr, ND Wallingford, CT • 203.265.0459 fertilityoasis.com At Fertility Oasis, Dr. Kerr teaches her patients the importance of preconception care and about all treatment options available to couples struggling to conceive. Male and female infertility factors are addressed to offer comprehensive fertility for her patients.

Dr. Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP New England Center for Health Wilton, CT • 203.834.2813 drohara.com Dr. Nancy O’Hara is a board certified Pediatrician. Dr. O’Hara entered general private practice in 1993, and in 1998 began her consultative, integrative practice solely for children with special needs. Since 1999, she has dedicated her practice to the integrative and holistic care of children with neurodevelopment disorders, ADHD, PANDAS/PANS, OCD, Lyme, and autistic spectrum disorder. She is a leader in the training of clinicians, both in the US and abroad.

Lara O’Neil APRN, CPNP Thrive Center for Health

Dr. Jaquel Patterson, ND

Glastonbury, CT • 860.200.8268 thrivecenterforhealth.com

Dr. Robin Russell Natural Pediatric Medicine, LLC

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, IBCLC International Certified Lactation Consultant, FIG Health Glastonbury, CT • 860.375.5088 info@fighealthcg.com • fighealthcg.com FIG Health is a wellness network with multi-specialty doctors across various modalities of health, from traditional allopathic to naturopathic medicine. We offer premium health and wellness to women and children via our innovative concierge model. Pediatric, women’s health, and lactation services are offered, and our doctors and services are always available.

Dr. Stephanie Preston, ND JenteelNature Health

Fairfield, CT

New Hartford, CT • 860.909.1082 NaturalPediatricMedicineLLC.com Dr. Robin Russell has been providing natural pediatric and women’s health care since 2005. She focuses on wellness visits and provides care for acute illnesses such as ear infections, coughs, and colds/flus. She also provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for many health conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety/ depression, autism, and eczema using diet, nutrition, and botanical medicines.

Dr. Jared Skowron, 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 2021 and 2020 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!

Virtual/Telemedicine • 203.806.5152 admin@jenteelnature.com jenteelnature.com Dr. Stephanie Preston is a naturopathic physician and loving mother who treats a variety of pediatric and adult conditions, including early childhood health, ADD/ ADHD and spectrum disorders, prenatal/ postpartum care, and digestive disorders. Book your appointment with her today at JenteelNature Health, which specializes in women's health and fertility.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

10BEST WINNERS

Holistic Psychotherapy/ LCSW/Counseling Dr. Kathleen Cairns, Psy.D

Growing Well Counseling

West Hartford, CT

Tolland, CT

Mary Anne Costerella, MA, LADC Integrative Psychotherapist/ Spiritual Scientist 860.918.3949 • maryannecosterella.com Mary Anne Costerella is the owner of METAPHYSICALLY SPEAKING: Your Birthday is MY BUSINESS! As a licensed integrative psychotherapist and spiritual scientist, I weave four ancient wisdoms—astrology, numerology, cardology, and personology— with contemporary psychology to heal your relationships, trauma, and karma and help you successfully live your purpose.

Enlightenment Counseling Center

James Osborne, MS, LPC, BCPC ProNatural Wellness Group Berlin, CT • 860.829.0707 pronaturalwellness.com

Janice Leiper, LCSW Stamford, CT

Sydni Marmor, LPC

West Hartford, CT • 860.729.3284 enlightenmentcenterllc@gmail.com enlightenmentcenterct.com

Milford and West Hartford, CT 203.610.9729 gatherandbecome.com

An eclectic team of psychotherapists who specialize in treating PTSD and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and addictive behaviors. Jenny Alzate, CIMHP, LPC, and Nicole Archer, LPC, seasoned clinicians with years of experience working within the mental health system in Connecticut, started the ECC to offer integrative psychotherapy services to all people, all colors, with all different belief systems.

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 selves.

Natural Nutmeg • 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2022

James Osborne is a licensed professional counselor with over 40 years of experience as a psychotherapist, clinical director, clinical supervisor, trainer, and consultant trained in Gestalt therapy, Jungian psychology, Motivational Interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and EMDR. I work primarily with individual adults treating trauma, loss/grief, and co-occurring disorders. I am also a Viet Nam Era veteran.

Dr. Jennifer Jondreau Thompson, PhD Canton, CT

Tides of Mind Counseling Waterbury, CT

10BEST WINNERS

Holistic Weight Loss Center Dr. Adam Breiner, ND Whole-Body Medicine, LLC Fairfield, CT • 203.371.8258 ext. 2 info@wholebodymed.com wholebodymed.com Dr. Breiner combines cutting-edge science and holistic medicine to correct underlying imbalances and address issues that may interfere with the body’s ability to heal and even to lose weight. Metabolic testing, food allergy and sensitivity testing, hormone assessment, and pinpointing nutrient imbalances are fundamental for weight loss. EMSCULPT NEO, a non-surgical FDA-cleared device to build and strengthen muscle while simultaneously burning fat, is one of many methods and tools used in Dr. Briener’s clinic to help clients achieve success.

Connecticut Natural Medicine Ellington, CT

Sheree Wujtewicz Holistic Nutritionist Uncasville, CT

Joann Dunsing Hypnosis

Dr. Jared Skowron, ND

Milford, CT • 203.907.7710 joanndunsing.com

Wallingford, CT • 203.265.0444 SpectrumAwakening.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 that excess weight mentally, emotionally, and physically. Please, call me for your complimentary phone consultation. Live in office or via Zoom.

Spectrum Awakening is Connecticut’s leading natural medicine clinic for autism, ADHD, and anxiety. Dr. Jared Skowron is Natural Nutmeg’s 2021 and 2020 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. Nicole Klughers, ND, PharmD, MSAc Vis Wellness Center Rocky Hill, CT/Virtual • 234.2.ACU.DOC Info@DrNicoleKlughers.com 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 confidence. Formerly a pharmacist, Dr. Nicole serves as your “health detective” by listening attentively and utilizing detailed testing to address the root cause of weight gain.

Dr. Artemis Morris, ND, LAc Artemis Wellness Center Milford, CT • Artemiswellnesscenter.com Drartemis.com Dr. Artemis Morris is a seasoned naturopathic physician, licensed acupuncturist, professor of nutrition, researcher, author, public speaker, and the co-academic director of the Integrative Health and Healing Program at The Graduate Institute. Artemis Wellness Center specializes in holistic primary care, chronic disease, and women’s health and wellness using acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, nutrition, and nutritional supplements.

Amanda Swan, APRN Swan Integrative Health and Wellness Glastonbury, CT • 860.325.2679 swanintegrative.com At Swan Integrative Health and Wellness, we take an integrative/functional medicine approach to finding the root cause of your symptoms so you can heal from the inside out! We see adults and children and accept most major insurance carriers.

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, enableing 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.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

10BEST WINNERS

Hypnotherapy Diane Bahr-Groth, CH, TFT-Adv Mind Body Transformation Hypnosis Center

Joann Dunsing Hypnosis

Eaglemoon Raes, LLC

Milford, CT • 203.907.7710 joanndunsing.com

CT and Worldwide via Zoom 203.595.0110 mindbodytransformation.com

I am passionate about giving you the experience of moving through your blocks with gentle heart felt hypnosis. I’d be happy to answer any questions in a complimentary phone consultation. Live in the office or via Zoom or FaceTime.

Offices east and west of the river 860.402.8116 eaglemoon.raes@icloud.com eaglemoon-raes.com

Diane, a registered consulting hypnotist with 30 years of experience, has developed a unique, relaxing, effective system of therapeutic techniques for complementary healthcare that can elicit immediate results easily. Hypnosis and thought field therapy can create natural, positive changes for weight loss, stress, trauma, pain management, insomnia, smoking, and fears.

Jan Bartrop-Babbitt Avon.CT/Worldwide via Zoom

Melissa Conkling, CH Worldwide via Zoom • 860.428.0222 melissa@connecticuthypnosis.com MelissaConkling.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.

Online

Eaglemoon has a passion for helping teens navigate the “choppy waters” they may encounter along their journey. Her intention is to help raise happy and healthy children of the world using hypnosis, spiritual mentoring, customized subliminal hypnosis audio programs, and more.

Mind Matters Hypnosis

Michele P. Rousseau, MA, CH

Guilford and West Hartford, CT Remote

Middletown, CT/Virtual via Skype 860.704.9054 mprousseau@sbcglobal.net micheleprousseau.com

Megan Moriarty

Natural Nutmeg • 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2022

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 in-person or Zoom session includes client self-hypnosis instruction for continued self-empowerment and well-being. Joyce has advanced training in psychospiritual therapies, specializing in past-life regression and higher self-hypnosis.

10BEST WINNERS

Integrative APRN/Nursing Kendra Becker-Musante, MS, ND, FNP, BC

Lara O’Neil APRN, CPNP Thrive Center for Health

Waterford, CT

Glastonbury, CT • 860.200.8268 thrivecenterforhealth.com

Joy Herbst, MSN, APRN/FNP-C, CPC New England Center for Health Wilton, CT Women’s Community Wellness Center Fairfield, CT Joyherbst.com • wcwcct.com Joy Herbst MSN, NP-C, is an AANP Board Certified family nurse practitioner, sober coach, movement and meditation teacher, and mother. Her journey into integrative health, sober coaching, and functional medicine intensified as she sought to support her own health and that of her young sons. Joy is an ardent advocate of holistic methods to support the body’s innate ability to heal.

Dr. Courtney Holmes, DNP, APRN Milford Med Spa Milford, CT • 203.701.6161 milfordmedspa.com Look Natural, Feel Beautiful! Courtney applies eastern and western medicine to provide holistic LGBTQ+ affirming care. Services include auricular and facial acupuncture, microneedling, threads, neuromodulators, and dermal fillers. Courtney also owns Holistic Healing Partners, LLC, where she and Diana Greenia, APRN provide mental healthcare with medication, acupuncture, and natural supplements.

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 Center for Holistic Healthcare Glastonbury, CT • 860.430.5300 ctrforholistichealthcare.com Alina Schneider, APRN is a board-certified family nurse practitioner who opened the Center for Holistic Healthcare in June of 2020. The Center offers integrative and functional medicine treatments for the entire family. We emphasize a holistic, patient-centered approach to care. Treatment offerings include: vitamin IVs, neurofeedback, platelet-rich plasma therapies, soundwave technology for joint/ tissue healing and infrared light therapy.

Miriam Schwartz, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, Revolution Integrative Health Farmington, CT

Amanda Swan, APRN Swan Integrative Health and Wellness Glastonbury • 860.325.2679 swanintegrative.com At Swan Integrative Health and Wellness, we take an integrative/functional medicine approach to finding the root cause of your symptoms so you can heal from the inside out! We see adults and children and accept most major insurance carriers.

Cindy Wechsler, APRN, CPNP Westport, CT/Virtual/Telehealth 203.916.4600 • shalvaclinic.org 203.671.3630 • proactivepeds.com Cindy Wechsler, APRN has been practicing for over 30 years. Cindy is passionate about educating parents on natural options for digestive issues, ADHD, anxiety, behavior issues, and other common childhood conditions. Her specialized practice offers alternative treatment options to prescription and over-the-counter medications by determining the root cause of the presenting symptom(s).

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

10BEST WINNERS

Integrative MD/Dentist/ Functional Medicine April Beaman, RDH, CTT CT Thermography Farmington and Glastonbury, CT 860.415.1150 • ctthermography.com CT Thermography specializes in medical thermal imaging. Breast thermography is a compression and radiationfree screening tool 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. Mark A. Breiner, DDS, FAGD, FIAOMT Whole Body Dentistry Fairfield, CT • 203.371.0300 WholeBodyDentistry.com Dr. Breiner treats patients for many dental concerns, including aesthetics, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, sleep breathing disorders, mercury toxicity, and hidden infections from cavitations, dead teeth, and root canals. “If you have unexplained symptoms that won’t go away no matter what you do, the answer could be in your mouth,” states Dr. Breiner.

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.

Dr. Steven F Hinchey, DMD South Glastonbury, CT • 860.633.6518 drhinch@agd.org • dochincheydmd.com As we look to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it is important to manage the things that you can control and get help for those things that you have trouble managing. Oral health is easy to manage when you understand why. We can show you how—like managing a garden. How is your oral ecology?

Dr. Krithika Jayaprakash, DDS Dr. Jay Family Dental Vernon, CT • 860.875.3349 drjaydental.com Dr. Jay is a biological/holistic dentist whose main focus is treating patients with an integrative approach. She is a Board Certified naturopathic dentist from American Academy of Integrative Medicine and Dentistry. She has the latest state-of the art technology in her office, which she implements with a holistic and safe approach to offer the best care for every individual.

Dr. Kevin Norige, DMD, FICD South Windsor Smiles South Windsor, CT • 860.644.0113 southwindsorsmiles.com Dr. Norige and his team strive to give you the best and latest dental care. Our focus is your overall health, beginning with the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums. There are many links between your oral health and your overall health—gum disease can increase your risk for stroke, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and even the common cold and flu.

Dr. Tamara Sachs, MD Functional Medicine & Integrative Care, LLC New Milford, CT • 860.354.3304 tsachsmd.com

Personalized Medical Care Drs. Chi Kim, MD & Deb Keightley, MD

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.

Canton, CT • 860.352.8265 Drchikim.com

Dr. Henry C. Sobo, MD

Natural Nutmeg • 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2022

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. Dr. Sobo offers eight loss programs, IV vitamins, allergy evaluation and desensitization, stem cell treatments, bioidentical hormone replacement, PRP, and more.

10BEST WINNERS

Life/Business/Finance/Health Coach Dr. Kim Andrews, PhD, LPC

Robin H. Clare

Dr. Sonia Manganello,

Manchester, CT/Virtual • 860.977.4418 kim@drkimandrews.com drkimandrews.com

West Hartford, CT • 860.833.9670 Robin@clare-ity.com • clare-ity.com

Manchester, CT/Virtual • 860.966.8747 soniamanganello.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 supports others through her Hungry for Answers proprietary method. Robin is a bestselling spiritual self-help author, podcaster, life coach, writing coach, energy healer, and recovery professional. www.clare-ity.com

Dr. Sonia Manganello is a certified integrative nutrition health coach, life coach, and spiritual coach, as well as a metaphysician and interfaith minister. She is the author of the Amazon Bestseller, The Perseverance Diet: 12 Steps to Mind Body Nutrition, teacher, successful entrepreneur, and motivational speaker.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unfulfilled? I provide a supportive setting where you can explore soul-level issues that impact how you are living your life. My approach is unique and respects each individual’s healing process. I can help you align your mental, emotional, and physical self with your soul’s truth.

Lois Grasso Barrett Andover, CT / Virtual • 860.796.1480 loisgrasso333@gmail.com LoisGrasso.com Lois has been helping to empower adults and children to take charge of feelings and make healthy choices since 2001. She applies intuition, unconditional acceptance, and a masterful blend of holistic modalities including transformational breathing, EFT/ tapping, restorative practices, magic button mindfulness to help clients heal the past, enjoy the present, and create a healthy future. No mask/vax required.

Leighanne Champion Coaching LLC New Canaan, CT • 203.505.5571 LeighanneChampion4@gmail.com LeighanneChampionCoaching.com Leighanne’s coaching work spans far beyond the scope of her many clients. A motivational speaker and producer/ host of the Champion Your Life podcast, Leighanne encourages her listeners to truly pay attention to the life they are creating. Her mission is to help others switch on their unique light so that they can live life to its fullest potential.

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.

Gina Raposa Johnson Westbrook, CT / Virtual • 860.573.4590 gina@ginajohnson.com ginajohnson.com Gina Raposa Johnson is a holistic business coach and connector extraordinaire. As a former chef, Gina takes a non-conventional approach to coaching, working alongside her clients and helping them to reignite the spark in themselves and in their business. She specializes in working with entrepreneurs and start-ups to develop strategies for acquiring new business, building momentum, and leading them to success.

Ellen Palmer Wellness Avon, CT

Dana Mascalo CFP®, RLP®, AAMS®, C(k)P® Managing Partner TrinityPoint Wealth Milford, CT • 203.693.8521 dana@trinitypointwealth.com trinitypointwealth.com Experience truly holistic financial planning! Dana and the team at TrinityPoint Wealth are fiduciaries who assist individuals and small business owners with holistic financial planning, investments, stock options, retirement and estate planning, insurance, and more. Let us help you align your financial life with what matters most to you.

Caroline Wetzel, CFP®, CDFA®, AWMA® Procyon Advisors, LLC Shelton, CT • 475.232.2713 cwetzel@procyonpartners.net procyonpartners.net/team/caroline-wetzel/ Clients seeking peace of mind with their finances trust Caroline and her fiduciary team to listen to what is important and advise them on their choices. Clients experience financial confidence and optimize their financial health through comprehensive financial planning and strategic investment management services offered by Caroline and her colleagues.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

10BEST WINNERS

Massage Therapy/Body Work Abundant Health Massage Therapy & Wellness Farmington, CT • 860.778.0315 info@abundanthealthct.com abundanthealthct.com Kristina Mozzicato is Board Certified in therapeutic massage and bodywork by the NCBTMB and has been practicing massage since 2009. She provides professional, therapeutic, customized sessions. In addition to massage, Kristina offers cupping, MediCupping, body contouring, facial cupping rejuvenation, Himalayan salt stone massage, and Reiki. Convenient online booking is available.

Balance Massage Therapy Newington, CT

Del Soul Spa Newington, CT

Glastonbury Massage Center, LLC Glastonbury, CT

Karma Massage LLC New Hartford, CT • 860.693.8316 KarmaMassageLLC@hotmail.com KarmaMassageLLC.com Owners Kirby Poirier and Jen Davenport are long-time, local LMTs. In this quaint, unique studio, they offer Ayurvedic and traditional massage by appointment only. Nestled in New Hartford, you’ll find the perfect place to rejuvenate your body and soul.

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. He is also IET® master instructor trainer, medicinal aromatherapist, and intuitive coach. https://www.facebook.com/ IntegrativeMassageWorks/

Wendy Peyton, LMT Deby Van Ohlen, LMT Nurturing Hands, LLC West Hartford, CT • 860.570.0268 nurturinghandsllc.com Nurturing Hands, LLC, provides therapeutic massage and spa treatments with the goals of wellness, muscle vitality, and pain relief. With 70+ years in practice, we are able to address specific conditions such as sciatica, anxiety, plantar fasciitis, and so on; encourage deep relaxation; and customize and integrate different techniques and modalities to provide the optimal session for you.

Natural Nutmeg • 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2022

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, stresses, or accidents. Since 1981.

10BEST WINNERS

Naturopathic Physician Dr. Frank Aieta, ND West Hartford, CT • 860.232.9662 draieta.com Dr. Frank Aieta has 20 years of experience helping patients uncover and treat acute and chronic illness by supporting the body’s inherent ability to heal itself. He has received advanced training in physical medicine, spinal manipulation, acupuncture, clinical nutrition, environmental medicine, homeopathy, and bioidentical hormone replacement. His eBook, Taking Back Your Health Through Individualized WellnessBased, Naturopathic Medicine, is now available. Draieta.com/ebook

Dr. Adam Breiner, ND Whole Body Medicine, LLC

Dr. Nicole Klughers, ND, PharmD, MSAc Vis Wellness Center

Dr. Michelle J Pouliot, ND New Hartford Naturopathic Health Center LLC

Rocky Hill, CT/Virtual • 234.2.ACU.DOC Info@DrNicoleKlughers.com DrNicoleKlughers.com

New Hartford, CT • 860.238.7983 drpouliot.com

Dr. Artemis Morris, ND, LAc Artemis Wellness Center

Fairfield, CT • 203.371.8258 WholeBodyMed.com

Milford, CT Artemiswellnesscenter.com Drartemis.com

Dr. Breiner combines cutting-edge science and holistic medicine to correct underlying imbalances and address issues that may interfere with the body’s healing ability—offering hyperbaric oxygen, energy medicine, biomagnetism, IV therapy, and neurotherapies. Conditions treated include Lyme disease, immune disorders, allergies, pain, neurologic conditions, stroke, concussion, ADD/ ADHD, depression, and sleep disorders.

Dr. Natalie Colicci, ND Trumbull, CT

Dr. Jennifer Pierre, ND, MPH JenteelNature Health

Dr. Katy Firisin, ND, MSPT Coastal Natural Medicine

New Haven, CT • 203.806.5152 JenteelNature.com

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 vitality and facilitate healing.

Dr. Jennifer Pierre is a naturopathic physician and public health professional with nearly 20 years of healthcare experience. The founder of JenteelNature Health, Dr. Pierre’s specialty is women’s health, using an integrative approach to treat thyroid disease, fibroids, hormonal imbalances, and infertility. Her book Pathways to HerRise is available now.

Dr. Pouliot has been in practice for 30 years. Therapies often involve botanical medicines, vitamins, minerals, diet, and lifestyle strategies. She provides annual physicals, including gynecological care. Her specialties include cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, and gynecological/hormones/sexual health, and autoimmune conditions.

Dr. Antonio Reale, ND Wethersfield, CT • 860.257.7210 Darien, CT • 475.977.1661 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 Darien.

Dr. Tara Tranguch, ND Woodbury, CT • 203.707.1163 drtaratranguch.com hello@drtaratranguch.com Personalized health care for men, women, and children that is effective and transformative. Dr. Tranguch is a licensed naturopathic physician focused on preventive care, digestion, and environmental medicine. Specialized treatments include nutrigenomics, homeopathy, craniosacral therapy, and hydrotherapy. Experience health care that offers vitalism and joy. In-person and telehealth appointments available.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

10BEST WINNERS

Nutrition/RD Gina Barbetta, MS, RD, CDN Nourish by Gina Middletown, CT • 203.206.3873 nourishbygina.com Gina is a highly trained and experienced registered dietitian/nutritionist with over 25 years of experience in providing pediatric and adult nutrition care. She treats her clients holistically by using an integrative personalized approach to nutrition and health. Her specialty areas include digestive disorders, cardiometabolic disease, pediatrics, and integrative nutrition. This is Gina’s second year as a recipient of the 10BEST Nutrition/RD award.

Kathy Beach, MS, NBC-HWC

Donna Bunte Whole Health Donna Bunte MSOM, L.Ac.

Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, licensed acupuncturist, and Chinese medical practitioner. 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, and lifestyle changes, as well as qigong and meditation.

Collinsville, CT • 860.463.7179 kathybeach@ integrativehealthmanagement.org integrativehealthmanagement.org

Sarah Farid-Chaudhry, MS, CNS, CDN, CLT

Kathy is a national Board Certified health coach specializing in cancer wellness coaching. Are you confused about nutrition and lifestyle information for cancer risk reduction? It doesn’t have to be that way! Email me for my free Cancer Risk Reduction Evaluation to assess your current risk and see the areas that need attention.

Erika Dworkin, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition Vitathena Wellness

Shana Griffin, RDN, CD-N, IFNCP

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Integrative Functional Nutrition Practitioner

Windsor, CT

South Glastonbury, CT • 860.646.8178 edworkin@vitathena.com vitathena.com Through education, Erika 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.

Canton, CT

Shoshana Levinson Storrs, CT

Natural Nutmeg • 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2022

Jane Grant, RD CD-N Grant’s Nutrition Wellness Berlin, CT • 860.357.2282 grantj@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.

Joan Palmer, MS Granby, CT The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition 860.764.9070 tiosn.com Joan is passionate about making the connections between deep, resilient health and the health of soil, plants, animals, and the environment. She is the founder and director of The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition, an innovative model for nutrition education. Joan holds a MS in human nutrition and is a certified family/ community herbalist.

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 for our patients, pooling our years of clinical experience to focus on your well-being. Give us a call to see how our team can support your health goals.

10BEST WINNERS

Yoga/Pilates/Barre Studio

barre 44 Danielle Srb Avon, CT • 860.967.4140 barre44.com At barre 44, we believe in whole body health and creating a community that is committed to educating our clients to lead a healthy, well balanced life. barre 44's customized studio setting provides a more personalized experience than a typical gym or health club. Each client receives the attention and focus they deserve to achieve or exceed their fitness goals. And right now, new clients can come in for a free trial class!

Be.Yoga Avon, CT and abroad • 860.930.1311 kristin@beyogainavon.com beyogainavon.com Be.Yoga meets you where you are, specializing with individualized private instruction. Founder Kristin Cork leads three unique, customized cultural yoga retreats each year. She also leads a 10person, 100-hour immersion and 200-hour yoga teacher training each September, weaving her 20+ years of teaching Vinyasa, yin, and chair yoga. Be.Yoga’s focus is to bring us home, closer to ourselves.

Fierce Movement Yoga Burlington, CT

Leslie Gordon Yoga

Sacred Rivers Yoga

Virtual via Zoom • 860.970.4944 lesliegordonyoga.com

Virtual • 860.657.9545 sacredriversyoga.com

I have been teaching yoga for 20 years and am deeply committed to bringing yoga to those who have always felt like it was just not for them. Yoga is for everybody and every body, and you can do it. I will help you. Join our growing community on Zoom!

Paula Scopino, E-RYT 500 hour, C-IAYT, CT, licensed LMT, YACEP, is the owner/ director of Sacred Rivers Yoga. Sacred Rivers Yoga, formed in 2003, is currently offering yoga classes and yoga teacher training in a virtual format. We would like to thank our loyal members, students, and faculty for their presence, dedication, persistence, and flexibility as we navigate these current times.

Hartford Sweat Downtown Hartford, CT • 860.499.4978 hartfordsweat.net A yoga and fitness studio serving the greater Hartford area, bringing life, health, and vitality to the urban and business community. Through private, group, and business packages, our teachers add to your life with a full range of yoga and fitness with gentle, yin, power, Bikram, HIIT, barre, Zumba, and more.

Sanctuary Power Yoga

LAM Yoga

Starr Mill Yoga

Hurley Business Park, New Hartford, CT 860.978.1657 • lamyoga.com

Middletown, CT

LAM Yoga is a boutique studio set in the artist’s wing of a riverside mill building. We offer all-levels vinyasa flow and restorative practice, workshops, and private lessons. LAM also holds special events that connect us to our community, including retreats to exotic locations and yoga at our local brewery.

Torrington, CT/Virtual via Zoom 860.496.1500 sanctuarypoweryoga.com Sanctuary Power Yoga is built on accessibility and community. We believe this yoga is for everybody, regardless of your prior experience with yoga, sports, or the gym. We invite you to join us for class, to breathe and move and experience the transformative power of this practice for yourself.

West Hartford Yoga West Hartford, CT • 860.953.9642 westhartfordyoga.com West Hartford Yoga (WHY) is a locally owned studio that welcomes all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. We provide in-studio and virtual classes—including power, all levels, restorative, yin, and gentle—as well as chair yoga, workshops, intro series, and trainings. WHY is grateful for the continued support of our community.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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

ana R. Mascalo is a Registered Life Planner® and Certified Financial PlannerTM practitioner with a holistic approach to retirement and financial planning, wealth management, investments, and more. She is one of the managing partners with TrinityPoint Wealth, a Connecticut-based RIA that offers fiduciary advice and a unique, customized experience for clients. 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. 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. I’ll also add that being able to simplify a complex topic like financial planning or investment strategy into concepts that are easy to understand for clients is extremely rewarding. Once we have a chance to work together, clients seem to light up as they begin to feel more educated and aware of their financial life. They feel grateful to have someone with financial expertise in their corner, and it warms my heart to be able to inspire this feeling in others. 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. What types of services do you offer? At TrinityPoint Wealth, we are fiduciaries, first and foremost. Our solutions are customized based on the needs of each individual or client. We advise on retirement, investments, stock options, estate planning, social security planning, charitable giving, tax strategy, insurance, and more. We work with individuals and families, institutions, and we design and craft retirement plans for small business owners and companies. What can clients expect from working with you? A unique, personalized experience and an opportunity to connect with a financial partner on a deeper, more meaningful level. 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

Erika Dworkin, BCHN Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®

owned the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe, nutrition specialists trusted since 1956, for 12 years. As I develop the hybrid online/in-person successor to my shoppe, Vitathena Wellness, I am continuing to offer private consultations to empower my clients through lifestyle and dietary changes to address a wide range of health issues, including pain and inflammation, systemic yeast overgrowth, obesity, hormonal imbalances, stress/anxiety, and depression. I have started offering doTERRA essential oils as an additional powerful healing option as well as online access to professionalsonly supplements dispensaries. I envision offering free nutrition information during office hours in Manchester, private label supplements, and access to The Avatar Course, a highly effective self-empowerment program. Why are you passionate about your specialty? Throughout my life, I witnessed people healing from tailored holistic regimens. I care deeply about the general well-being of the members of our greater community. 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, a well-respected healer, I offer highly accessible, personalized, evidence-based guidance, much of which has been time-tested in my father’s practice. What is the best memory you have about being a holistic nutritionist? I have helped thousands live more vibrantly, so it is difficult to select only one. It was gratifying to learn that one client reported that her cancerous lesion had disappeared, and another informed me that he no longer had Barrett’s esophagus, often a precursor to esophageal cancer.

Erika Dworkin, BCHN®, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition Vitathena Wellness, Generations of Holistic Guidance 860.646.8178 • edworkin@vitathena.com

Tara Tranguch, ND

r. Tara Tranguch offers personalized, naturopathic health care for men, women, and children that is effective and transformative. Her focus is on preventive care, gastrointestinal complaints, autoimmunity, and environmental medicine. Specialized treatments include nutrigenomics, homeopathy, craniosacral therapy, and hydrotherapy. Why are you passionate about your specialty? Naturopathic medicine is based on the laws of nature (i.e., science), and these laws are absolute. They do not change based on market trends or politics. True healing is only possible when it is based on the laws of nature. I am passionate about being a naturopathic doctor because I believe it is the truest and most efficacious approach to health care. For hundreds of years, naturopathic medicine has offered people a successful path toward health. It is so important to make this form of health care better known to all and to ensure it stays available. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. I always wanted to be the local doctor in my town, and being based in Woodbury is wonderful. My best memories are of patients calling to tell me they feel amazing, then referring family members and neighbors to me. When one person’s health improves, this good health contagion spreads to everyone in their community. One story was relayed to me of two families getting together and enjoying a kale salad because Dr. Tara recommended more greens to both families. Contributing to the better health of my community warms my heart.

Tara Tranguch, ND, Woodbury, CT 203.707.1163 • drtaratranguch.com hello@drtaratranguch.com 34

Natural Nutmeg • 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2022

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. Why are you passionate about your specialty? I am passionate about what I do because of the considerable improvement in my patients’ health that I see when using a whole-body paradigm approach to patient care. 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. 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 well-being. 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, which 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 30 years. Therapies often involve botanical medicines, vitamins, minerals, diet, and lifestyle strategies. She provides annual physicals and gynecological care, and her specialties include cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, and gynecological/hormones/ sexual health, as well as autoimmune conditions. Why are you passionate about your specialty? I am dedicated to empowering my patients to achieve the good health and vitality they are seeking so they can 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—both women and men—with other health conditions. Patients may have the same diagnosis, but 30 years of experience has taught me that the journey to health is unique to each individual. 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.

The Enlightenment Counseling Center

nlightenment Counseling Center was cofounded by Jenny Alzate, CIMHP, LPC, and Nicole Archer, LPC. Jenny is a bilingual certified integrative psychotherapist and primarily focuses on trauma work. Jenny is trained in mind-body medicine, energy medicine, and Reiki. Being a hispanic clinician, Jenny also concentrates on working with immigrant and first-generation individuals who are faced with many stressors and traumas that are associated with the process of acculturation. Nicole concentrates on peri- and postpartum depression and anxiety. Her overall focus is on empowering women in mind, body, and spirit. She uses a variety of cognitive and behavioral therapies to rebuild self-esteem and self-worth in women diagnosed with PTSD, depression, or anxiety. Why are you passionate about your specialty? We are not only seasoned clinicians but have a lot of passion about being leaders, supervisors, business women, and educators. We want to inspire black and brown clinicians, and women in general, to know that they too can make their dreams come true. We feel that true empowerment is about helping people see and know their self worth, to love all of their parts, to use thoughts to manifest what they want, and that how they feel is the determinant of what they attract. This is the foundation of healing. Healing from her own childhood trauma, Jenny understands how it shapes and controls one’s life until you’re ready to take your power back. Using holistic modalities such as meditation, yoga, mindfulness, somatic work, and energy medicine has allowed Jenny to get back into full alignment of who she really is. This is her inspiration every day to continue doing this work and inviting like-minded clinicians to join the group practice. “It’s a blessing to have a career where you not only help others, but you also grow and expand yourself.” What sets them apart is the humble, grounded, heart-based lens in which they view their roles as clinicians and as owners of the ECC. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. The best memory of being a holistic practitioner was when we celebrated Global Wellness Day in June 2018. We put on an event with an array of practitioners and we connected with our community. We meditated together and declared clear intentions toward ourselves and Mother Earth. It was beautiful, powerful, and transformative. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg? Jenny and Nicole believe that there is so much power in collective energy. Being a part of Natural Nutmeg magazine facilitates a connection to our community and other holistic practitioners like ourselves. We are grateful to be a part of this community.

The Enlightenment Counseling Center, West Hartford, CT 860.729.3284 • enlightenmentcenterct.com

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

Business Spotlight Robin H. Clare, MBA

Connecticut Family Acupuncture

ighly-trained, experienced, and compassionate acupuncturists licensed by the CT Department of Public Health and specializing in chronic pain and other inflammatory conditions. Most insurances accepted, now including Husky. Why are you passionate about your specialty? Being in practice for over 14 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! 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. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. We’ve heard countless 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! 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 and Storrs, CT 860.633.6022 • CTfamilyacupuncture.com

hatever stage you are on the spiritual, recovery, and wellness journey, you are most likely hungry for answers in your life. In my business, I provide you with multiple ways and sources to find the Clare-ity that you are looking for to see more love, joy, peace, and abundance in your life. Why are you passionate about your specialty? I was so hungry for answers in my journey with OCD food disorder and bulimia that I wrote my bestselling spiritual book, Feast & Famine: Healing Addiction with Grace. I love to support others to heal from their trauma patterns through recovery life coaching and writing coaching. I am also the host of the podcast, Hungry for Answers: From Recovery to Your Ultimate Life. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. I love to see the relief on my clients’ faces when they understand their divine destiny as defined by their Soul for this incarnation. This simple understanding makes all the good, the bad, and the ugly experiences in their lives more tolerable. From this knowledge point, we work together to determine how they can live in alignment with their Soul. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg? I enjoy being a part of Natural Nutmeg for the following reasons: the professional energy of the publishing team, the beautiful layout of the magazine, and knowing that I am reaching a larger audience with my wisdom.

Clare-ity, West Hartford 860.833.9670 • clare-ity.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. 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 that people notice the moment they walk through our door. 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. 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. 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 well-being of the community.

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

Natural Nutmeg • 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2022

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 and aid in the detection of physiological changes that may be early warning signs of a disease or cancerous 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. 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 30s 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 whom 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. 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” and when these images are monitored over time, we can accurately see 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. Tell us about the best memory you have about being a holistic practitioner. One memory that stands out is my first client who was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer following a baseline thermogram and biopsy, just two 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. 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’ve added two satellite offices— in Glastonbury, CT, and Hadley, MA. We are currently working on expanding our satellite offices throughout Connecticut, as more women are searching out breast thermography due its many benefits. What do you like the most about being a part of Natural Nutmeg? We are proud to be 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. Combined with informational packed editorials and Dr. Diane’s podcasts, you have a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips and we are thrilled to take part in that!

The Spa at Litchfield Hills

he Spa at Litchfield Hills offers massage, manicure, pedicure, skin care, and stress reduction. What are your favorite treatments? Our new favorite treatment is the OSEA Organic Spa Facial! This luxurious 50-minute spa facial is result-driven and features a custom regimen from the OSEA skin care product line. This clean beauty skin care treatment is gluten-free, climate neutral, vegan, and cruelty-free. It’s the perfect service to pamper yourself with, especially during the winter months to keep your skin healthy and glowing. Tell us about some of the treatments. During the OSEA Organic Spa Facial, our skilled estheticians pamper you with steam, hot towels, a relaxing arm and hand massage, and a customized service. Each treatment plan is uniquely crafted to meet your own individual skin care needs to replenish your skin and give it a healthy glow. In addition, we’ve also added an OSEA Vagus Nerve Massage to our treatment menu. This wellness treatment will activate and balance your vagus nerve to ease stress, regulate digestion, and improve sleep quality. Why should readers visit The Spa? The Spa at Litchfield Hills is a woman-owned and women-run business that truly believes in the importance of self-care. It is the perfect place to start achieving your individual self-care goals for wellness and beauty. Wellness 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 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. You can balance your vagus nerve right at home with the OSEA Vagus Nerve Oil and its accompanying step-by-step ritual guide. Shop our boutique for this amazing product and other at-home self-care products and treatments. We’re so excited to be offering these new clean beauty, health, and wellness options, and we hope you all love them as much as we do! Thank you so much for voting for us as Natural Nutmeg’s 10BEST 2021 Reader Nominated Awards for Massage Therapy/Bodywork and Holistic Spa. We’re so grateful for your support and to share in your wellness journey!

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

April Beaman, RDH, CTT founder and Certified Thermographic technician of CT Thermography Farmington and Glastonbury, CT, Hadley, MA 860.415.1150 • info@ctthermography ctthermography.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Feel Good about Your Finances with Fiduciary Advising Focused on You By Caroline Wetzel, CFP®, CDFA®, AWMA®

ou know that incredible feeling of relief and hope you feel when something important in your life is finally taken care of? Working with my fiduciary team can bring you that same peace of mind regarding your financial planning. Here is one couple’s story that illustrates how working with our team can provide you with that comforting wave of relief that comes with knowing you are financially secure. Planning Your Financial Future Melissa and Mike are in their early 60s. Lifelong savers who had lived within their means for decades, Melissa and Mike had built up substantial assets through deliberate choices over time. When we first met, Mike had already retired from a successful career in business, and Melissa wanted to retire from her medical career. However, Melissa worried about how things like longevity, inflation, and deteriorating health could erode the strong financial foundation she and Mike had created. While Melissa and Mike had worked with a couple of stockbrokers for years on their investments, decisions such as when Melissa should retire, which Social Security

claims strategy made the most sense for them given Mike’s pension, and whether they could be more tax-efficient with their finances were topics that Melissa and Mike hadn’t discussed with their money managers.

I understand what is most important to our clients and bring to them the many and varied capabilities of our experienced, nimble firm to develop their financial plan, manage their investments, and provide ongoing advice with their best interest as our top priority. “Quite honestly,” Melissa said, “I don’t want to talk with them about these things. They’re not fiduciaries or financial planners.” Mike added, “Don’t get us wrong. They’ve done a good job investing our money. It’s just that now we both need something more than returns. We need to know that the right people are thinking about our different financial opportunities so that we don’t have to. What does working with your team look like?”

Natural Nutmeg • 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2022

I shared with Melissa and Mike that when clients work with me, they benefit from a fiduciary team of financial professionals with different skill sets who share a passion for their success. Through Melissa and Mike’s conversations with me, I understand what is most important to them and bring to them the many and varied capabilities of our experienced, nimble firm to develop their financial plan, manage their investments, and provide ongoing advice with their best interest as our top priority. Coordinated Care to Cover All Bases My training has been primarily in financial planning; some teammates have specialized in investing and others focus on account administration. When required, our team partners with third parties, including carefully vetted investment managers, independent insurance brokers, and clients’ attorneys and tax preparers, to deliver financial plans that align to their estate plans. Melissa and Mike welcomed this coordinated care around their finances. Within weeks, they transferred their investments to our management, and we began our collaboration.

Today, Melissa and Mike are both happily retired. Every three months, I invite Melissa and Mike to a “quarterly checkpoint”—time dedicated to discussing their finances. During our most recent conversation, Melissa volunteered, “I am so glad we started working with your team. It feels so good to know we’re doing what we can with people that we trust.” If you crave peace of mind when it comes to your finances, my fiduciary team and I are right here for you. *Melissa and Mike are pseudonyms. The clients’ names have been changed and some details generalized for this article.

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Caroline Wetzel is one of Natural Nutmeg’s 10Best Winners for Life/Business/ Finance/Health 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. https://www.procyonpartners.net. See ad on page 42.

The Journey from Presence to Essence Come, sister, take my hand as we journey together back to your true essential nature. The time is now to heal our deep hearts, our lifelong trauma and our collective wounds. This journey takes courage, patience, presence and someone who has walked the way before you to gently guide you back home to your essence.

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Go Ceramic! Benefits of Nonmetal Implants By Krithika Jayaprakash DDS, FAGD, NMD, IBDM

lacing ceramic implants is one of my passions in dentistry, partially because implants are the best choice to replace missing teeth. There are different material options in implants: titanium implants and ceramic implants. Metal Mouth Titanium implants are made of not only titanium, but rather an alloy of metals. Some of the metals in the alloy are beryllium, aluminum, vanadium, iron, nickel, lead, zinc, chromium, copper, palladium, and manganese. No implant is purely titanium, and not every titanium implant has every metal listed above—it varies upon the brand of the implant company. Most holistic patients and other earth- and health-conscious families prefer nonmetals in their body. I understand and empathize with them: in dental school, we were taught about galvanism and galvanic current—the generation of electricity by dissimilar metals in a moist environment, such as the mouth. This causes an electric current to pass through the mouth, commonly called battery mouth. So when you have different metals in your mouth, such as gold fillings, silver fillings (called amalgam, which is actually a combination of different metal alloys), and metal implants, you have a constant electric current passing in your mouth. The Safety of Ceramics Ceramic implants are extremely biocompatible and are inert, meaning they do not conduct electricity. Ceramic implants come as one-piece or two-piece implants. Two-piece implants have a post that connects the implant in your jaw to the crown outside the gums—so there are actually three pieces involved: the implant, abutment, and crown. At Dr. Jay Family Dental, we prefer the one-piece implant; specifically, we use the Ceraroot implant. We have state-of-the-art technology, where we take a cone beam

computer tomography (CBCT) of the jaw to measure the width, height, and density of jawbone. The cone beam has ultralow dose radiation—a very minimal dose—and is extremely safe. Once we take the CBCT, the procedure is planned with great precision, considering the inclination of the implant and the depth it needs to be placed. The surgical guide, which controls the precise placement of the implant, is then printed.

Taking care of the teeth we have and replacing those we have lost is extremely vital for oral health harmony. Next, we draw the patient’s blood and place it in a centrifuge for 3000 rpm for 10 minutes, generating platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). PRF is comprised of leukocytes (white blood cells that fight infection), platelets (which form blood clots to help stop bleeding), fibrin (a protein that forms a mesh to bind all the components of the clot together), cytokines (proteins that have anti-inflammatory property), and stem cells (cells that convert into any type of cell needed by the body and that help in tissue regeneration and wound healing). PRF is an amazing technology that helps in wound healing, and the best part is that it comes from the patient’s own blood. If patients have less bone density, we also use biomimetic bone Cerasorb (phase B-tricalcium phosphate bone) to graft the site, forming a scaffold upon which to form bone, and the scaffold will eventually become resorbed. In addition to PRF, we use ozone therapy in our dental office. Ozone has been used in the medical and dental fields for more than 20 years and at Dr. Jay Dental, we have a special ozone generator specifically used in dentistry. Ozone therapy modulates immunity, has antiinflammatory properties, and kills invading bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

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Since Ceraroot implants are one-piece implants, the abutment is attached directly to the implant. The unified structure of abutment and implant gives it more strength and more protection from bacteria. And since it is biocompatible, the gingiva heals very quickly and thoroughly. Once healing takes place I prepare the abutment for a crown, do an intraoral scan, design the crown, and mill it right in the office. Throughout the implant procedure, high-end technology is used with a holistic approach. Same-Day Results Ceramic implants can be placed two ways. The preferred method is immediate placement, where the tooth is extracted and a special type of laser (a Fotona laser) is used to clean and debride the socket of abscess and any infected tissue. The implant is placed on the same day, using our PRF and ozone technologies. The second, less appealing method is to extract the tooth, graft bone to the extraction site, and then wait 4 to 5 months before placing the implant. In addition to the extraction and implant placement being done all on the same day, the advantage of immediate placement with ceramic implant is preservation of bone. For patients who have extreme allergies and need to check for the compatibility of the implant, we have a disc sample of Ceraroot, and testing can be done right in the lab to make sure the ceramic implant is compatible. When we lose teeth, bone gets resorbed into our bodies—we call this atrophy. This causes imbalances in adjacent teeth. Taking care of the teeth we have and replacing those we have lost is extremely vital for oral health harmony. Dr. Krithika Jayaprakash DDS, FAGD, NMD, IBDM. Naturopathic dentist specializing in ceramic implants and all your dental needs. To learn more about ceramic implants, visit our website at www.drjaydental.com/ ceramic-implants. Dr. Jay Dental, 170 Union St., Vernon, CT 06066. 860.875.3349. drjaydental.com. See ad on page 42.

Massage Therapy Is Proven to Boost Immunity and More

By Kristina Mozzicato, LMT, BCTMB

n the May/June issue of Natural Nutmeg magazine, I wrote about embracing massage therapy as part of your self-care plan, rather than thinking of massage as a luxury. In addition to improving stress and sleep and reducing muscle knots, there are a myriad of other benefits afforded by receiving massage therapy. Massage for Back Pain One of the most common complaints from clients is living with low back pain, which can have a variety of causes. Prolonged sitting can cause pain or weakness in the low back and gluteal muscles. According to David Nation, MD, a board-certified vascular surgeon in Austin, TX, “Over the long term, a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the build-up of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to heart disease or peripheral vascular disease.” If you are working from home (as an increasing number of people have been, over the last two years), work at an office desk job, or drive for a living, it is important to take periodic breaks to stretch and walk. Of course, regular exercise will not only help strengthen the muscles that support the back, but also decrease your chances of heart disease. Likewise, therapeutic massage can not only decrease muscular pain and tension, but also increase local blood circulation. Another cause of low back pain is scoliosis. Many people with this condition regularly seek chiropractic care, which can

help with the pain. Again, these clients can also benefit from massage therapy. Scoliosis can have a variety of causes; however, in many cases, what maintains the spinal curve are hypertonic (extra tight) muscles that are pulling on the spine. On the other side of the spinal curve are much weaker muscles. Using massage cupping techniques, in due time, a scoliosis curve can actually improve.

Swedish massage not only caused a decrease in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, but also caused a notable decrease in most cytokines produced by stimulated white blood cells Massage for Carpal Tunnel Working at a computer all day can also increase the chance of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. This can be attributed to improper use of a computer mouse and occurs when the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed and irritated, resulting in numbness and tingling in the hands. To avoid developing carpal tunnel syndrome, it is a good idea to keep your wrist flat while using a mouse. If you do develop

this condition, massage therapy can help decrease symptoms by working on the surrounding muscles and decompressing the medial nerve. Massage for Migraine Another little-known benefit of massage therapy is relieving tension headaches and migraines and decreasing their frequency. According to a study reported by the National Institutes of Health, subjects received 30-minute massages of the cranial and neck muscles, twice a week, for four weeks, and the results were remarkable: participants experienced reduced severity and frequency of their tension headaches. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, “In a randomized, controlled trial of massage therapy as a treatment for migraine, participants either received no massage or two 30-minute traditional massages for five weeks. Before and after each session, each participant’s heart rate, anxiety level, and salivary cortisol were measured. The massage group reported a decrease in the frequency of migraine attacks compared to the control group. Heart rates, anxiety level, and salivary cortisol levels also decreased by the end of each massage session.” Bruxism (excessive grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw) can also result in headaches. Many of my clients who experience bruxism have benefited from receiving massage to the muscles of the www.NaturalNutmeg.com

jaw, increasing blood flow and decreasing muscle tightness and thereby decreasing these types of headaches. Massage for Immunity

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Clarity. Comfort. Confidence. Call me for more information (475) 232 – 2713 Advisory Services are offered through Procyon Private Wealth Partners, LLC., a registered investment advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Caroline Wetzel, CFP®, CDFA®, AWMA® Procyon Partners Vice President | Private Wealth Advisor

LOOKING FOR A BOARD CERTIFIED NATUROPATHIC DENTIST? Dr. Jay specializes in biological and holistic dentistry, ceramic implants, same day ceramic crowns and all your dental needs.

DR. KRITHIKA JAYAPRAKASH DDS, FAGD, NMD, IBDM

• Biological and Holistic Dentistry • Ceramic Implants • Ceramic Crowns • Laser Therapy for Snoring • Ozone Therapy • Myobrace and ALF for Kids • Non-Surgical Therapy for Gums

WE CARE FOR YOUR SMILE CALL 860.875.3349 170 Union St., Vernon, CT 06066 drjaydental.com

Proven solutions using acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutrition to heal the whole person. Specializing in Women’s Health & Nutrition 203/698-0793 health@donnabunte.com www.donnabunte.com

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Massage therapy has been proven to boost immunity as well. According to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, researchers in Cedars-Sinai’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences reported that people who receive massage therapy experience measurable changes in their body’s immune response. This study is widely believed to be the first systematic study of a larger group of participants. According to Mark Rapaport, MD, chairman of the department, “People often seek out massage as part of a healthy lifestyle but there hasn’t been much physiological proof of the body’s heightened immune response following massage until now.” In the study, 29 subjects received 45 minutes of Swedish massage. Blood samples were collected before and after the massage sessions, and it was noted that the subjects experienced significant changes in lymphocytes (white blood cells that play a large role in defending the body from disease). Swedish massage not only caused a decrease in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, but also caused a notable decrease in most cytokines produced by stimulated white blood cells. According to Dr. Rapaport, “More research is ahead of us, but it appears that a single massage may deliver a measurable benefit.” These benefits of massage are just some of the lesser known but equally important advantages that have been documented through research—further evidence that massage should be considered a necessity for good health, rather than an indulgence in luxury. Kristina Mozzicato is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Board Certified in therapeutic massage and bodywork by the NCBTMB. A 2009 graduate of the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy, she is also certified in Cupping and ACE MediCupping™. Kristina is the owner of Abundant Health Massage Therapy & Wellness in Farmington, CT and was named a Natural Nutmeg Magazine 10Best Award recipient in the category of Massage and Bodywork. For more information and convenient online booking, please visit www.abundanthealthct.com. See ad on page 55.

Healing from the Pain of Unexpected Loss By James W. Osborne, MS, LPC

n the more than 40 years I have been a practicing psychotherapist, I have worked with many people who have experienced unexpected/traumatic loss, including combat veterans, first responders, family members of homicide victims, people experiencing the unexpected death of a loved one, and those suffering physical disfigurement and/or mental anguish. In nearly all cases I have found some common threads that help people to mend the tears to their psyches and souls. Acknowledging the New Reality An important first step to healing following an unexpected loss is acknowledging the event and its significance—moving from “I can’t believe this” and “this did not happen” to “I know that this is a new reality.” Key in making this shift is the awareness and acceptance that life is transitory. It is important that one stay grounded and in the present. As Bessel van der Kolk has stated, “Trauma treatment is about helping people to be here now, to tolerate what they feel right in the present.” Initially, a person may experience hurt, anger, and a sense of loss: “why did this happen to me?” or “this is unfair.” Acknowledging that life is transitory and

fragile helps us to put into perspective that death and tragedy are parts of life. This effort at detachment is not to minimize the event or how we experience the event; rather, it is to place the loss more directly

What happened is not about us but about the loss of the other, and we must find meaningful ways to honor the person—both publicly and privately—and to allow their memory to carry on in the present. into focus. What happened is not about us but about the loss of the other, and we must find meaningful ways to honor the person—both publicly and privately—and to allow their memory to carry on in the present. Ritual and cultural traditions can assist with this—recognizing and honoring what our loved one wanted as ritual is paramount. For example, a person may relay a desire to be cremated or buried in a certain manner and the family will ignore

those wishes because they do not approve. Such behavior is inconsistent with honoring the person and is therefore ultimately counterproductive to the healing process. Acknowledge Their Importance The second thread in healing is gratitude. Being thankful, grateful, and appreciative of the role the person has played in your life allows us to find ways to carry that person forward with us. Recognizing and embracing how their presence has helped define the person you are now and how you relate to others in the world keeps their positive influence alive. By expressing your gratitude and love for the person, in public and private, you keep their memory vibrant and influential. For example, a former mentor of mine had a remarkable intervention for me. He would be instructing me on a topic or skill set and I would say “I know, I know,” at which point he would slap me in the back of the head, like a Zen master, and say, “to know and not to do, is not to know.” I often relate that story and its value to people I work with and as a result, I am honoring my mentor. He lives on in my life, awareness, actions, and now in the lives of my friends, colleagues, students, and clients. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Confront—and Have Compassion for— Your Feelings

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So how do we deal with our feelings in the face of sudden loss? First, we bring awareness to them and name them. This awareness has many facets—there is the awareness that life is transitory, everything changes. We are born, live and die. That is our nature, our time is limited and not guaranteed, and we must recognize and accept this as fact. We also must be aware that life is experienced in the present moment—not in the past or future. In our awareness of what we are feeling, it is important to follow what those feelings point to. Are we dealing with blame, shame, or guilt? What purpose do these feelings serve? It is important to dialogue with those feelings using journaling, having a gestalt-type discussion, or through meditation. Once we have named the feelings and practice some self-compassion, we can align those feelings with our values and worldview. The next step is to ask ourselves, in consideration of our own mortality, “what do I want to leave behind in terms of influence? What difference do I make in this life and to others? How, in my current or present actions, do I represent my values, awareness, and insights?” The answers to these questions and to our self-analysis lie in compassion for ourselves and others. It requires that we engage in every moment with mindfulness and awareness and that we reach out to those that are important to us. We reengage with loved ones and friends that we may have lost touch with. We refocus on the importance of engagement in each moment with meaning, compassion, and love. Because, as Ram Dass said, “We’re all just walking each other home.” James W. Osborne, MS, LPC, has been one of Natural Nutmeg’s 10Best Winners for Holistic Psychotherapy/LCSW/ Counseling every year since 2018. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 40 years of clinical experience. He employs mindfulness, Jungian psychology, gestalt psychology, ACT, EMDR, and value-based techniques unique to the individual to support positive health changes. His undergraduate degree is in philosophy, and he views psychotherapy as philosophy in action. You can contact James at ProNatural Wellness Group in Berlin, CT, at 860.829.0707. See ad on page 53.

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Did Acetaminophen Cause the Autism Epidemic?

By Jared Skowron, ND

ediatrician: “Sure, give your child some Tylenol. It’s perfectly safe.”

Poison Control Line: “Your child took the whole bottle of Tylenol? Go immediately to the Emergency Room. They will have the antidote protocol.” These two statements seem totally opposite and contradictory. Is something for your child perfectly safe or does the hospital have an antidote protocol? As a parent myself, I sure would like to know that due diligence has been done to ensure that something I’m giving my child, something my pediatrician is recommending, is safe for my child to take. Beliefs Are Hard to Change The uncertainty surrounding these contradictory statements stems from science not knowing the extent of the harm

acetaminophen—the active ingredient in Tylenol and other over-the-counter painkillers—can cause. Even when more scientific research is published that shows acetaminophen might be causing autism, that science is often completely ignored. I believe this is due simply to human nature. Once we learn something and believe it, that belief is very hard to change. How hard was it for the masses to change the belief that the Earth is indeed round, not flat? How hard was it for our society to change from “4 out of 5 doctors recommend Marlboro cigarettes” to “The Surgeon General warns you that smoking may cause cancer”? How hard would it be to change your belief about last November’s presidential election? Regardless of what you believe, how much would it really take to change your mind?

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Acetaminophen and Autism My practice specializes in helping children recover from autism. I love my work because I get to help children and families have a better quality of life, and I am constantly learning new things. I remember the first time I heard about acetaminophen causing autism—I laughed out loud. Impossible! Insane! At that time, I believed that acetaminophen was safe and harmless… . So safe and harmless, in fact, that even an infant could take it. But then I started listening to science. It started in 2003, when a researcher from Utah State University published a study associating acetaminophen with the onset of regressive autism. First , let me explain how autism seems to occur. The majority of children with autism are not born with it. They lose their skills of language,

interaction, and eye contact, and possibly more basic function, around 12–18 months of age. There are many things happening in the growth and development of children during that time of their lives, so it’s hard to pinpoint one event as the cause of regression into autism. The scientific community, however, has been working for decades in an effort to discover what causes autism. During the vital stage of development taking place when your child is 12–18 months, your pediatrician typically recommends taking acetaminophen during and around your regular check-ups. Naval officer Stephen Schultz had a child who regressed into autism, and he believed it was due exclusively to acetaminophen toxicity. He wrote a book about his child’s regression and started publishing more research, including a 2008 survey of parents who believe that acetaminophen was a contributing factor for autism regression when given to young children, but that ibuprofen was not.

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The Science Behind the Statement The science supporting this idea has escalated considerably over the past five years. A surgeon from Japan researched the use of acetaminophen by pregnant women and showed that “prenatal acetaminophen was reported to be associated with asthma, lower performance intelligence quotient (IQ), shorter male infant anogenital distance (predicting poor male reproductive potential), autism spectrum disorder, neurodevelopmental problems (gross motor development, communication), attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder, poorer attention and executive function, and behavioral problems in childhood.”

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Additionally, a psychiatrist with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in Bangalore, India, states, “gestational exposure to acetaminophen (especially when the duration of exposure was 28 days or more) was associated with motor milestone delay, gross and fine motor impairments, communication impairment, impairments in internalizing and externalizing behaviors, and hyperactivity.” Even researchers from Johns Hopkins agree: “Cord biomarkers of fetal exposure to acetaminophen were associated with significantly increased risk of childhood ADHD and ASD [autism] in a dose-response fashion.” Furthermore, a compelling study written by Dr. William Parker from Duke, along with other researchers from Harvard, indicates that acetaminophen can cause autism, stating, “one explanation for the increased prevalence of autism is that increased exposure to acetaminophen, exacerbated by inflammation and oxidative stress, is neurotoxic in babies and small children. This view mandates extreme urgency in probing the long-term effects of acetaminophen use in babies and the possibility that many cases of infantile autism may actually be induced by acetaminophen exposure shortly after birth.” How many kids could really have been—and could still be—impacted by the use of acetaminophen? Many people will think, “my child had Tylenol and they don’t have autism.” That is great! However, when I eat peanuts, I’m fine, but someone with serious peanut allergy will suffer severely, perhaps even die, if they even touch one. All people are different—we all have different genetics and we are all predisposed to have certain health problems, including the ability to be harmed by acetaminophen. A 2020 study stated, “postnatal acetaminophen was estimated to be about 40% of the risk of [autism] among male children in the US.” Forty percent! Profits Before People?

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These examples are just a handful of the many studies that can be found when researching autism and acetaminophen. So, if the #science is starting to build, where are the safety studies for Tylenol? I reached out

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to Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturers of Tylenol (generic for acetaminophen) and asked them this question: If researchers from Johns Hopkins, Duke, and Harvard are saying your product causes autism, where are your safety studies proving otherwise? Their answer may surprise you. Acetaminophen is such an old drug that when it was developed, rigorous safety studies were not required to sell it. When those regulations were introduced, existing drugs, like acetaminophen, were “grandfathered” into effect, meaning that there has not been any research on the safety of acetaminophen in regard to developmental delays and autism. Frankly, I am not convinced they are interested in putting in much effort to confirm the safety of acetaminophen; “profits before people” seems to be the mantra. If they are interested in safety, I challenge them to perform a longterm acetaminophen safety trial. Where Do We Go from Here? Remember, beliefs are hard to change. Humans are habitual creatures, so when this science is brought to many pediatricians, they seem to ignore it and continue to prescribe acetaminophen—it’s what they have been doing for so long already. But if science is learning more, shouldn’t we as medical professionals adapt to new information? I firmly believe if we switched our children to ibuprofen instead of acetaminophen, or if we performed tests for genetic conditions (as we do with babies on day one of birth to identify PKU), then we can choose which children can handle potentially toxic drugs and which cannot. I believe we could cut new autism diagnoses by 50%. This is another challenge I have to our pediatric world. Do we practice preventive medicine? Or do we continue to give drugs with uncertain side effects and clean up the mess after, to the detriment of our children? Another important question is whether acetaminophen poisoning can be reversed. Luckily, the answer is yes! The antidote to acetaminophen poisoning is the amino acid cysteine, usually in the form of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). But how do

we know this? First, the administration of cysteine is the protocol in every emergency room across the world for acetaminophen poisoning. Additionally, a new acetaminophen intravenous drug contains both acetaminophen and cysteine—patients receive the medicine and the antidote at the same time. But while this seems like good preventive medicine, why would you need an antidote at all? Why wouldn’t science create safe drugs, and why approve a drug that is toxic in the first place? Preventative Measures and Long-Term Treatments Luckily, you can start helping your child today. The antidote—NAC—is currently available as an over-the-counter supplement. NAC is so powerful and effective, however, that at the time of this writing, Amazon has removed NAC from its website due to rumors that the FDA is considering reassigning NAC as a pharmaceutical only and removing it as an OTC supplement. While NAC is good to take the same day of acetaminophen as a preventative measure, if you have a child with autism and you noticed regression at the time of taking acetaminophen—and if you are starting to agree with scientists from Johns Hopkins, Duke, and Harvard—it is time to pursue a more involved treatment protocol to heal a damaged brain. With all of this important information, what should you do going forward? If you’re pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, you should avoid acetaminophen and/or have the testing performed to screen your genetic risks and predispositions for acetaminophen toxicity. If you have a young child, try administering ibuprofen instead of acetaminophen, or try other recommendations provided by your health care provider. If you currently have a child with autism, please get a complete biomedical evaluation from a MAPS doctor (these doctors have the most advanced knowledge in treating autism). Many recent, significant scientific studies are showing that we can help prevent and treat autism by eliminating the use of acetaminophen. It is time to start listening to this science.

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Dive into Change!

By Sharon Sklar

hange is everywhere—our shifting climate, the four seasons here in New England, our bodies as we age, our relationships. Change is inevitable. It has been said that the secret to living a good life is to accept change and adjust to it. Resisting change is like swimming against the tide—a lot of effort for very little outcome. And ultimately, change is good. Sometimes we are forced into change. Perhaps a test revealed a result that pushes us to a new way of living, or that once easy-to-climb hill now makes us breathe too heavily. Sometimes we just know deep inside that a shift is needed. Sigmund Freud said that pain is the body’s way of telling us something needs to change. We should all pay close attention to that. Committing to Change COVID has forced many of us to look more deeply at ourselves and our habits. I, for one, have become aware that I own too much stuff. I am drowning in clothes, shoes, books, and cluttered closets with various once-loved, now long-forgotten, objects. I promised myself last winter that I would lighten the load—it never happened. Now I am making that promise to myself again—this winter will see a change. I want to lighten my load; this stuff of life is

To move more easily, to be pain-free, and to live more fully are achievable goals for many people who seek out Rolfing. You can’t separate the body and the mind. When we feel better, we live better. pulling me down. There are so few things in life that I feel I have control over, but this is one of those things I can control. I am capable of change only if I am committed to being open to new results. In my work as a Rolfer, I help to provoke change in others—the kind of change that takes people from disorganization to order; from painful to pain free. It is the kind of change that people desire, the kind of change that alters lives. After forty years, that drive to help people own their ability to change is the light that keeps me going. Day after day, year after year, I help people realize their potential, but more importantly, they need to see the value in it for themselves. I am a committed partner, but the shift lies within each person. No one can make it happen for someone else.

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Embracing the Change I always tell myself that change is good. It is my mantra when there is too much going on in my own life. When dear friends moved away in June, I tried to tell myself it was a wonderful opportunity for them and knew we would stay in touch. When my beloved dog, Boscoboy, passed very suddenly this summer, I was thankful he didn’t suffer through possible surgeries and declining health. One of my gifts is that I can always see the bright side of things, but one thing I won’t tolerate is physical pain that I know I can address. When I fell down the stairs a few years ago and needed surgery to repair two tendons in my shoulder, I was determined to make a full recovery. I created the right team of trusted professionals who were in alignment with my goals— to recover fully and re-emerge better than ever. And we did it! That’s the same approach and attitude I take with my clients. Everyone has their own history and symptomology. We Rolfers see the body as an aggregate of blocks that are stacked unevenly—some are twisted, some are turned, some are too far backward or too far forward. This all creates a structural instability that makes it almost impossible to find balance and order. It does not allow for efficient movement; rather, it

creates strain patterns and stress to the entire structure of the body. The knee pain is related to the hip pain, which is related to the shoulder pain, which is related to those headaches. Everything within the body is in relationship to something else. Living Your Best Life The privilege of my job as a Rolfer is to help clients find their better selves through organization of their structure. To move more easily, to be pain-free, and to live more fully are achievable goals for many people who seek out Rolfing. You can’t separate the body and the mind. When we feel better, we live better.

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So this winter, when we are shut inside more, think of me cleaning out my closets, drawers, and other spaces that have collected all that stuff. I feel better when I am organized; I feel lighter and freer. We can’t wait for life to slow down a bit—carve out the time to produce some great results and change it up. Be the change for yourself! Dive into it. Change something that is in your way, something that stops you. Commit to shifting your attitude, your position, or yourself in some way. Change is good! Change is welcome! Change is powerful! Live your best life. Sharon Sklar is her 40th year of private practice as a Certified Advanced Rolfer®. State licensed and the only Rolfer in central Connecticut, 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 injuries, stress or the traumas of life. Call 860.561.4337 for more information. SharonSklarRolfing. com. See ad on page 47.

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Hungry for Answers: An Inner Journey By Robin Clare

hen I asked my inner guidance for the name of my podcast, the response I received was Hungry for Answers. “Yes!” I thought, “Hungry for Answers would be an appropriate name for a podcast hosted by someone in recovery from obsessive–compulsive food disorder and bulimia.” Over time, the idea of Hungry for Answers has expanded beyond an informative podcast to a commitment to a life well lived. Bring It On At the beginning of my spiritual journey, “Bring It On!” became my mantra, which led to nearly two decades of intense spiritual learning. It was only after understanding what was possible for my life that I considered coming into recovery. However, even my spiritual path was not yet enough to move from a 40-year addiction journey to long-term recovery. My hunger for answers about the trauma patterns that created my suffering (my ultimate addiction) led me to seek a mental health professional. I knew I had to examine and heal my trauma patterns to maintain long-term recovery. This hunger also led me to write my best-selling spiritual recovery book, Feast and Famine: Healing Addiction with Grace. Starving for Understanding While this deep healing work is difficult, it is incredibly gratifying—being hungry for answers has been the cornerstone of my 52

spiritual and recovery journey. As a spiritual author and teacher, it was not enough to look at my own life. Instead, I began to observe the answers other people are most hungry for in their lives, and it turns out we are all starved for essentially the same answers. From our health, relationships, work, family, and community to the state of our country, planet, and world, we are all starving for understanding. But if we live in a world with constant communication and a plethora of information, why are we still so hungry? The simple answer is that through outside sources (news outlets, social media, and the like), we are fed information to make us more afraid and needy when looking for answers. Be sure to vet the sources of information that you rely on for your personal and professional growth, as much of the data from these sources is based on political agenda, corporate money, and a desire to control the masses. For this reason, the best place to find the answers you are most hungry for is inside yourself. Surrender Your Suffering What does it really mean, though, to search inside yourself to find the answers? It begins with a genuine desire to surrender your suffering and receive the available grace. This grace arrives to you either directly, providing the answers, or perhaps someone is placed into your life who has the answers you seek.

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“We need to go inward instead of outward, and learn to trust our own inner guide, preserving our identity and finding the answers from within.” —Jane Fulton Alt You might be thinking, “Yes, bring on the grace!” But are you really ready to allow it into your life? This is an important question because there is a chance you are not truly prepared—due perhaps to identifying as the confused and lost person in your family or because unawareness serves as protection from the traumatic truth of your past and/or present existence—to receive the grace. Six Ways to Obtain Grace When you are truly ready to receive the grace in your life, here are six ways to obtain it: 1.

Engage in meaningful conversations with a mental health provider, life coach, clergy, or a trusted loved one.

Write down the healing inspiration you receive when you use the Write Recovery Method™.

Meditate or pray to quiet the mind and hear the inspiring answers in your heart.

Take a walk in nature and listen for the gift of healing from Mother Earth or your spirit animals.

Lose yourself in your favorite hobby and wait for the inspiration to come when you are focused on something you enjoy.

Relax in a bath or shower and allow the stress to leave and the answers to arrive.

Stay Hungry At the beginning of each episode of the Hungry for Answers podcast, I ask each recovery expert the same question: “Was there ever a time in your life when you were so hungry for answers but had no idea where those answers might come from?” Each guest responds with the same essential answer: “Yes, many times,” suggesting that being hungry for answers is vital to a positive lifestyle that enables you to heal and thrive. In my private practice, I witness many clients finding the courage to seek answers to their past experiences, enabling them

to live grounded in the present and hopeful for the future. It is important to know that you are never alone—you can reach out to others to help you find the answers, or search within your own heart and your spiritual connection. To help you on your journey, I offer a complimentary 30-minute session to guide you to discovering the answers you seek. Robin Clare’s path to fulfilling her Divine Destiny began by leaving her 25-year MBA business career and traveling the globe to study with spiritual masters. In order to open herself to her Divine gifts, Robin first had to reveal her deep secret of struggling for decades with food addiction and bulimia. Next, she dug deep into current and past lives to heal wounds that had blocked success and fed her active addiction. Her commitment to her destiny led her to live her most authentic life. Robin is a podcast host, best-selling author, life coach, speaker, and writing recovery coach. She has earned Natural Nutmeg’s 10Best Life/ Business Coaches and 10Best Energy 2017–2021. www.clare-ity.com. IG: @clareitybyrobin FB: @clareitywithrobin 860.833.9670.

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Erectile Dysfunction and Heart Health

By Jennifer Dubicki, LAc, and Gigi Adduci

ne of the most important elements in maintaining a healthy relationship is communication. And when the subject is erectile dysfunction (ED), it is vital to get past any awkward feelings and talk things over with your partner. ED is a problem with many solutions, and it is imperative that neither partner blames themselves—or the other. “Men with ED need to know that this isn’t their fault, and their partners need to know the same thing,” says Holly Richmond, Ph.D., a somatic psychologist and certified sex therapist. Erectile dysfunction is a warning sign that something more serious needs your attention. Many cardiologists agree that one of their primary purposes is helping arteries stay young to avoid more severe problems in the future. One method practitioners are using to combat the premature aging of arteries includes GAINSWave therapy—a non-invasive procedure that uses high-frequency shockwaves to enhance male sexual function, performance, and overall health, treating the root cause of ED by increasing blood flow; releasing growth factors in the tissue, forming new blood vessels; and breaking down micro-plaque. ED’s Cardiological Connection Within the inner lining of every artery, including the penile arteries, is a single layer of cells called the endothelium. It is estimated that if stretched out end to end, the endothelium would cover six to seven tennis courts of surface area! Certain lifestyle factors are known to harm the endothelium and its production of nitric oxide, including smoking, hypertension, diabetes, elevated lipids, and obesity, which instigates erectile and endothelial dysfunction. Smoking may be the worst of these factors. ED as a Cardiological Predictor Though not everyone’s ED is linked to heart issues, recent data indicates that identifying the combination of weak erections and another key indicator, such as the presence of diabetes, can very accurately predict future heart events like heart attacks or heart death—more so than inquiring about other factors such as smoking, blood pressure, or even family history of early heart disease. For example, if you are a man between the ages of 40–49

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Identifying the combination of weak erections and another key indicator, such as the presence of diabetes, can predict future heart events like heart attacks—more so than inquiring about other factors such as smoking, blood pressure, or even family history of early heart disease. without known heart disease but with erectile dysfunction, your risk of experiencing new heart events is roughly 50 times higher compared to men the same age not experiencing regular ED. As a basis of comparison, consider that smoking may raise the risk of similar events “only” threefold. Rarely in medicine is there ever a risk indicator this powerful, so it is always worth investigating if you or someone you love begins to suffer from regularly occurring ED. This is vital information that affords patients the time to identify, treat, and reverse arterial damage. Do yourself and your male partner a favor: share this information, teach more people about “survival of the firmest” (as it’s been called by Dr. Michael Greger), and enjoy a lifestyle that promotes arterial health, head to toe— and everywhere in between. Important Next Steps for ED Treatment If you have ED, you should see a physician, perhaps a cardiologist, and someone who will help you detect any associated problems early. In our VPG offices, patients with ED and no known heart issues receive instructions to address their diet, exercise, and stress management, guiding them to an artery-healthy lifestyle that promotes a strong heart and a strong erection. Blood pressure, weight, waist circumference, and lab tests including blood sugar, cholesterol and LDL particle numbers, hs-CRP, homocysteine, and lp(a) will be measured, and an EKG will be performed.

Generally, I recommend patients have a coronary artery calcium CT scan (CACS) at a local hospital, typically for less than $200. The CACS can pick up the presence of threatening heart artery disease in patients with ED years before the heart attack, stent, heart bypass, or sudden death. Test, don’t guess!

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Additional Treatment Options Are Available Vitalized Performance Group are fully trained and qualified to treat many health issues, including Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction—VPG Waves has even found studies on constipation linked to ED and incontinence. Every GAINSWave patient goes through a complete program: they visit with a naturopath, labs are performed, they have nutritional counseling and can work with a nutritional coach and have access to a stress coach as well. Because acupuncture has been treating blood flow, nerve problems, and ED for at least four thousand years, our patients also receive this ancient, effective treatment. We also include colon irrigation in their program—we have the LIBBE, an open system that seems to be more comfortable for men. If you know someone with erectile dysfunction, share this article and gently but firmly (remember, survival of the firmest) guide him to a doctor to get checked out. You might just save a life, not to mention help to restore sexual performance and joy to someone’s life.

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Read the entire article here: https://gainswave.com/blog/ed-is-awarning-sign/. Jennifer Dubicki, LAc, has over fourteen years of experience in Traditional Chinese Medicin, including acupuncture and herbology. She understands how to use food as therapy and uses other holistic modalities, including homeopathy, for treating the root cause of illness. Gigi Adduci is one of the owners of Vitalized Performance Group, located in Glastonbury, CT. She is a certified colon hydrotherapist, is trained in emotional freedom technique, and has her Certification in Integrative Health Coaching and Patient Navigation. She strongly believes it is vital to combine different modalities and healthcare treatments to achieve your best health—physically and emotionally. For more information visit www.vpgwaves.com

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The Foundation of Self-Trust

By Sydni Marmor, LPC

he concept of self-trust is the topic foremost on the minds of those who sit on my couch. Self-trust, in my opinion, is the foundation for starting any therapeutic journey because when we start therapy, we trust ourselves enough to know that we need change. As we explore our developed identity in therapy, we are invited to contemplate what flavor of self-trust we currently experience: is this flavor rooted in authentic expression, or is it rooted in conditioned beliefs and behaviors?

When we take a deeper dive into the narratives that we have built about ourselves and how we live our lives, we start to question whether our instincts are truly in alignment with our authentic selves.

Our minds and personalities are shaped by our life experiences and therefore influence our day-to-day interactions and choices. Our jobs, partners, friends, hobbies, and communities are all influenced by how our experiences in and of the world have shaped us into being. Learning our own unique flavor of selftrust, therefore, can become a paradigm shift in our lives. When we take a deeper dive into the narratives that we have built about ourselves and how we live our lives, we start to question whether our instincts are truly in alignment with our authentic selves. As we ponder the difference between conditioned truth and authentic truth, we are invited into an opportunity to experience ourselves through this new lens.

selves from this perspective, we slowly reintroduce ourselves to our authentic identity. We learn what was conditioned from family or culture, friends or community, and partners or workplace. We develop the skills needed to discern what is authentically ours and what was conditioned. This is an opportunity to explore whether we want to keep our current perceptions or beliefs, or if we are ready to leave them behind as they no longer align with who we are or who we want to become. This process, although very slow, becomes the foundation for learning how to authentically trust ourselves.

What Is Your Truth? Discovering our authentic truth and developing self-trust is a process of working through our beliefs, actions, conditions, and behaviors by asking ourselves, “Why do I think this? Is this in alignment with who I am? Where did this belief come from? What is the story behind this?” When we take the time to explore our56

The joy of this process is that once we’ve built enough self-trust that we can be compassionately curious about who we are, we can then begin the journey of making mistakes. This is one of the messiest, yet most fun, parts of the therapeutic journey, as it requires a beginner’s mind, self-compassion, and a ton of bravery. As we begin to embody our most authentic self, we must go out into the world and experience it from this new lens and new perspective. This could mean trying new

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foods or activities, experiencing a new culture, setting boundaries, changing jobs, or ending relationships—the sky is the limit. But this part of the process requires us to put ourselves out there and try our new identity on. It is where we fine tune the parts of us coming into alignment and bring balance to who we truly are. Trying on Your Authentic Self In our journey of discovering our authentic self, we sometimes dance in the polarities of who we used to be and who we authentically are. The ultimate goal, therefore, is to try life on and see where we truly fall in our pendulum of self-identity. This experimentation allows life to be a playground for self-exploration so we can truly discover how we want to show up in the world. It requires us to give ourselves permission to make mistakes and continue to learn who we authentically are. Yes, there will be many mistakes and messes to clean up throughout this process, but trusting ourselves is an embodied experience—and the best way to embody self-trust is to go out into the world, taste all the flavors it has to offer, and see which pairings suit us best. Sydni Marmor, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor, Reiki master, and registered yoga teacher. She is passionate about working with female empowerment, self-identity exploration, creative expression, and mindfulness education. Outside of therapy, you can find her backpacking or journaling. You can learn more about her work at gatherandbecome.com.

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Connecticut Family Acupuncture Glastonbury and Storrs, CT 860.633.6022 • CTfamilyacupuncture.com Over 14 years in practice. Specializing in chronic pain, women’s health and fertility, stress, anxiety, and inflammatory conditions. Most insurances accepted, now including Husky. Highly trained, experienced, and compassionate acupuncturists licensed by the CT Department of Public Health. Donna Bunte 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, and lifestyle changes, as well as qigong and meditation. Chi Healing Center Canton, CT 860.352.8902 chihealingcenter.com We provide a comprehensive mind-body approach to healing. Inspired by the sage doctors of ancient China, we seek to discover the root cause of your condition and apply the best clinical methods to help you recover and heal. Jennifer Dubicki, LAc Vitalized Performance Group Glastonbury, CT • 860.800.6775 VPGwaves.com VPG Waves is a holistic practice that offers acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, naturopathic medicine, and GAINSWave therapy (shockwave treatment for erectile dysfunction, Peyronies’ disease, scar tissue, and pain management). We offer affordable programs that integrate holistic modalities to treat, prevent, and heal the root cause of our patients’/clients’ ailments. Handicap accessible.

Traver Garrity Acupuncture Storrs and Cromwell, CT 860.995.0317 acupuncture@travergarrity.com travergarrity.com Traver specializes in acupuncture, cupping, and tuina to treat chronic pain, sports injuries, migraines, stress/anxiety, and more. Her practice stands out for the one-on-one attention each patient receives during their individually tailored treatments.

Many Rivers Community Acupuncture Bloomfield, CT • 860.683.0011 manyriversacupuncture.com Many Rivers makes acupuncture affordable with a sliding scale of $20–$40 per treatment. We provide compassionate care in a welcoming environment. Our experienced acupuncturists use Balance Method acupuncture to treat musculoskeletal problems, internal disorders such as digestive and respiratory issues, and emotional issues including anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Dr. Artemis Morris, ND, LAc Artemis Wellness Center Milford, CT Artemiswellnesscenter.com Drartemis.com Dr. Artemis Morris is a seasoned naturopathic physician, licensed acupuncturist, professor of nutrition, researcher, author, public speaker, and the co-academic director of the Integrative Health and Healing Program at The Graduate Institute. Artemis Wellness Center specializes in holistic primary care, chronic disease, and women’s health and wellness using acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, nutrition, and nutritional supplements. Dr. Jennifer Pierre, ND, MPH JenteelNature Health New Haven, CT • 203.806.5152 JenteelNature.com JenteelNature Health provides women’s health/ fertility consultations, public health consulting, and corporate wellness. As founder and CEO, Dr. Jennifer Pierre blends naturopathic medicine and public health to manage her patients’ care. The team treats a variety of pediatric and adult conditions including ADD/ADHD, digestive disorders and autoimmune conditions.

West Hartford Acupuncture West Hartford, CT • 203.856.8309 WHAcupuncture.com West Hartford Acupuncture has provided safe and expert wellness services for over a decade, including effective pain relief, fertility and pregnancy support, acupuncture, massage, and naturopathic medicine. We are open six days and four nights a week, and we accept insurance whenever possible to make your natural health accessible and affordable.

BIOLOGICAL DENTIST Dr. Mark A. Breiner, DDS, FAGD, FIAOMT Whole Body Dentistry Fairfield, CT • 203.371.0300 WholeBodyDentistry.com Dr. Breiner treats patients for many dental concerns, including aesthetics, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, sleep breathing disorders, mercury toxicity, and hidden infections from cavitations, dead teeth, and root canals. “If you have unexplained symptoms that won’t go away no matter what you do, the answer could be in your mouth,” advises Dr. Breiner. Dr. Steven F Hinchey, DMD South Glastonbury, CT 860.633.6518 drhinch@agd.org dochincheydmd.com As we look to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it is important to manage the things that you can control and get help for those things that you have trouble managing. Oral health is easy to manage when you understand why. We can show you how—like managing a garden. How is your oral ecology? Dr. Krithika Jayaprakash, DDS Dr. Jay Family Dental Vernon, CT • 860.875.3349 drjaydental.com Dr. Jay is a biological/holistic dentist whose main focus is treating patients with an integrative approach. She is a Board Certified naturopathic dentist from American Academy of Integrative Medicine and Dentistry. She has the latest stateof the art technology in her office, which she implements with a holistic and safe approach to offer the best care for every individual. Kevin Norige, DMD, FICD South Windsor Smiles  South Windsor, CT • 860.644.0113  southwindsorsmiles.com Dr. Norige and his team strive to give you the best and latest dental care. Our focus is your overall health, beginning with the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums. There are many links between your oral health and your overall health—gum disease can increase your risk for stroke, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and even the common cold and flu.

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Community Resources CBD STORE

COLON HYDROTHERAPY

Nature’s Gifts 304 W Main St., Avon, CT 860.995.4444 naturesgifts-usa.com/ Nature’s Gifts is an independently owned family run CBD Store in Avon, CT. Stress, sleep, and pain solutions available. Our knowledgeable staff will happily guide you through our gummies, tinctures, capsules, topicals, and raw flower offerings to find the perfect CBD product for your needs. Don’t pay too much for your CBD—stop in, say hello, and let us help you feel like you again.

CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN

Vitalized Performance Group Glastonbury, CT • 860.800.6775 VPGwaves.com VPG Waves is a holistic practice that offers acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, naturopathic medicine, and GAINSWave therapy (shockwave treatment for erectile dysfunction, Peyronies’ disease, scar tissue, and pain management). We offer affordable programs that integrate holistic modalities to treat, prevent, and heal the root cause of our patients’/clients’ ailments. Handicap accessible.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY Dr. Nick Damato, DC Damato Chiropractic Center of Glastonbury Glastonbury, CT • 860.410.4488 dccglastonbury.com Damato Chiropractic Center of Glastonbury helps you and your family take the first step toward 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. 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. Jessica Tagliarini, DC Tagliarini Chiropractic West Hartford, CT • 860.236.2225 tagchiro.com Drs. Jessica and John Tagliarini have been at the forefront of chiropractic care in Greater Hartford since 2006, with a reputation for excellence in family wellness. From treating athletes to pregnant clients to rehabilitation patients, their quality care is customized to meet individual needs at all stages of life.

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 who holds an advanced certification in India’s ancient art of Samvahan vibrational healing.

ECOFRIENDLY CLOTHING cinder + salt Southington and Middletown, CT 860.788.3784 • hello@cinderandsalt.com cinderandsalt.com cinder + salt is an ecofriendly clothing brand specializing in casual apparel for guys, ladies, and kiddos. All of our original designs are silkscreened by hand in our zero-waste printshop, using reclaimed inks and solar power. At cinder + salt, we’re on a mission to spread eco-optimism through various eco-initiatives and playful design.

ENERGY HEALER Dr. Synthia Andrews, ND Andrews Healing Arts, LLC Guilford, CT • 203.453.4377 synthiaandrews@gmail.com andrewshealingarts.com Synthia Andrews is a naturopathic doctor and energy intuitive. Her current focus is helping professional bodyworkers fine tune their energy skills, and she also offers energy classes for nonprofessionals. Now more than ever, the innate healing skills of everyone are needed. Upcoming classes are forming in February 2022.

Natural Nutmeg • 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2022

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 supports others through her Hungry for Answers proprietary method. Robin is a best-selling spiritual self-help author, podcaster, life coach, writing coach, energy healer, and recovery professional. 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. He is also IET® master instructor trainer, medicinal aromatherapist, and intuitive coach.

Mystic Healing Reiki Erin Touponse Old Wethersfield, CT/Virtual 845.568.7891 mystichealingreiki@gmail.com mystichealingreiki.com

Erin at Mystic Healing Reiki is a Reiki master/ teacher, intuitive hypnotherapist and Tarot reader/ teacher. With a focus on “Awakening Your Inner Healer,” Erin offers a wide range of healing modalities including Reiki, guided journey, past-life regression, Tarot readings, and healing ceremony. She offers both Reiki and Tarot classes monthly. Dr. Eilis Philpott Soul Healing Journey, LLC/ Academy for Soul Healing Fairfield, CT/Virtual via Zoom 203.767.5954 Eilis@soulhealingjourney.com soulhealingjourney.com academyforsoulhealing.com Dr. Eilis Philpott, owner of Soul Healing Journey and the Academy for Soul Healing, has been a master healer and teacher for 25 years. She offers soul-level healing as well as training for those who wish to pursue their own journey in the healing arts.

Anna Pizzoferrato Reiki With Trust, LLC reikiwithtrust.com auroramisticadistancehealing.com AnnaRosaEnergyArtist.com

Anna Rosa, aka Anna Pizzoferrato, has been offering remote distance healing services since 2001. She is an Usui, Shamballa, Kundalini, and Karuna® Reiki master and has a registered modality called Aurora Mistica®. She is also a biologist and enjoys designing energycharged products.

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, including sound, color, journeying, ceremony, yoga, energetic cord-cutting, direct energy channeling, and gemstone/crystal therapies. She also has advanced training in soul retrieval, spirit detachment, and extraction. Energy healing modalities may be combined as each situation requires. Sessions in person or remotely via Zoom.

Imagine Float Avon, CT • 860.255.7771 contactus@imaginefloat.com imaginefloat.com Imagine Float is a peaceful escape from the chaos of your daily life with floatation therapy, cryotherapy, infrared sauna, and compression therapy. When used in synergy, these therapies have endless physical and mental well-being benefits. Make a renewed commitment to achieving inner peace, a physical awakening, and reclaim your best life!

ESTHETICIAN/HOLISTIC & ORGANIC SPA Just Be East Hartford, CT info@justbethejourney.com justbethejourney.com A Touch of Bliss West Hartford, CT • 860.712.7313 atouchofblissorganicspa.com Indulge yourself in holistic services guaranteed to rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul and improve your mental and physical health. Experience organic European facials, unique massages combined with cutting-edge technology such as microcurrent face lift, HydraFacial MD, and infrared sauna blanket. We believe in results! It’s your time to receive “a touch of bliss”!

We are helping solve the chronic stress epidemic by supporting those who are seeking a way to restore their wellness and find benefit in unique healing services. Be it from the luxury of our spa treatments or the simple care of the relaxing foot infusion soaks, you will find what you need for self-care at Just Be. Your path to restorative wellness through unique healing services and enlightenment is here.

Nova Spa Rocky Hill, CT • 860.463.7693 novasparockyhill.com Asana Organic Skin & Beauty Glastonbury, CT • 860.382.6625 asanaorganicskin.com Offering a comprehensive collection of treatments and beauty services to bring tranquility and relaxation into your life. Our dream is to share with you our love of organic beauty, wellness, and Eastern traditions through eclectic, authentic services, utilizing safe and effective skin care and makeup product.s

Nova Spa provides quality services in the most tranquil environment. Since our doors opened in 2011, we continue to build our reputation on providing exceptional services to all our clients. Our spa offers services ranging from organic facials, massage therapy, body scrubs, and thermography. Our licensed massage therapist and certified aesthetician would be happy to discuss what treatments would best suit your needs.

Illumina Skin Care Massage Simsbury, CT • 860.323.3660 Illuminaskincaremassage.com

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

The Spa at Litchfield Hills Litchfield, CT 860.567.8575 litchfield-spa.com The Spa at Litchfield Hills has provided worldclass 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, and a full-service hair salon.

FITNESS/PERSONAL TRAINING Brian Cusano Against the Grain Fitness Glastonbury, CT • 860.478.0283 atgfitness1@gmail.com againstthegrainfitness.com We are a personal and semi-private training studio that provides our members with physical freedom, strength, and knowledge through purposeful functional training. We utilize the safest, most effective techniques to design training programs for our members and athletes that provide noticeable and consistent results and fun, positive experiences.

Ignite Fitness Virtual/West Hartford, CT • 860.479.1833 ignitefitnessct.com Ignite Fitness is West Hartford’s premier personal training facility, located just south of West Hartford Center. Services include private and semi-private training, metabolic classes, and club access. All of our “members” are clients, creating an ideal experience in a clean, spacious environment that is both individualized and socially motivating.

HEALTH FOOD STORE

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Community Resources Edge of the Woods Market New Haven, CT 203.787.1055 eotwm.com Edge of the Woods is a family-owned vegetarian marketplace for over 40 years, featuring fresh produce, groceries, bulk nuts/ grains, ground coffee, and an impressive Vitamin Shop. The Kitchen & Bakery area features a juice bar, sandwiches, wraps, and prepared foods, along with freshly-made breads, cakes, pies, pastries, and more!

HERBAL BATH & BODY PRODUCTS Farm to Bath South Glastonbury, CT/ Virtual • 860.266.5682 info@farmtobath.com farmtobath.com/ Brenda Sullivan, herbalist and owner of Farm to Bath, creates herbal bath and body products using herbs grown in our gardens, lavender being her primary crop. She loves learning about the medicinal health benefits of herbs because it guarantees she is using the highest quality ingredients in her products.

Center for Holistic Healthcare Glastonbury, CT 860.430.5300 ctrforholistichealthcare.com The Center offers integrative and functional medicine for the entire family. We emphasize a holistic, patient-centered approach to care. Practitioners include Alina Schneider, APRN, Jennifer Letitia, MD (functional medicine physician with a special interest in mold and Lyme) and Bob Robles, LAc. Treatment offerings include acupuncture, neurofeedback, plateletrich plasma procedures, soundwave technology for joint/tissue healing and infrared light therapy. 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 specifically tailored to an individual’s needs.

HOLISTIC CENTER/SCHOOL Academy for Soul Healing Eilis Philpott Fairfield, CT/Virtual via Zoom 203.767.5954 eilis@soulhealingjourney.com academyforsoulhealing.com Dr. Eilis Philpott, owner of Soul Healing Journey and the Academy for Soul Healing, has been a master healer and teacher for 25 years. She offers soul-level healing as well as training for those who wish to pursue their own journey in the healing arts.

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, 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.

Just Be East Hartford, CT • info@justbethejourney.com justbethejourney.com We are helping solve the chronic stress epidemic by supporting those who are seeking a way to restore their wellness and find benefit in unique healing services. Be it from the luxury of our spa treatments or the simple care of the relaxing foot infusion soaks, you will find what you need for self-care at Just Be. Your path to restorative wellness through unique healing services and enlightenment is here. The Red Barn in Durham, LLC New Earth Holistic Therapies and Art Center Durham, CT • 860.559.6151 theredbarnindurham.com Founded in 2018 by Janice Juliano, MSW, LCSW, The Red Barn in Durham provides mind-bodyspirit-heart-based services for children and adults. The Red Barn has nearly 20 experienced practitioners as well as a store and salt cave. We work collaboratively to provide a healing environment, both inside The Barn and in our backyard classroom.

Natural Nutmeg • 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2022

HOLISTIC PEDIATRICIAN Dr. Nicole Kerr, ND Wallingford, CT 203.265.0459 fertilityoasis.com At Fertility Oasis, Dr. Kerr teaches her patients the importance of preconception care and about all treatment options available to couples struggling to conceive. Male and female infertility factors are addressed to offer comprehensive fertility for her patients. Dr. Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP New England Center for Health Wilton, CT 203.834.2813 drohara.com Dr. Nancy O’Hara is a board certified Pediatrician. Dr. O’Hara entered general private practice in 1993, and in 1998 began her consultative, integrative practice solely for children with special needs. Since 1999, she has dedicated her practice to the integrative and holistic care of children with neurodevelopment disorders, ADHD, PANDAS/PANS, OCD, Lyme, and autistic spectrum disorder. 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, IBCLC International Certified Lactation Consultant, FIG Health Glastonbury, CT • 860.375.5088 info@fighealthcg.com fighealthcg.com

FIG Health is a wellness network with multispecialty doctors across various modalities of health, from traditional allopathic to naturopathic medicine. We offer premium health and wellness to women and children via our innovative concierge model. Pediatric, women’s health, and lactation services are offered, and our doctors and services are always available. Dr. Stephanie Preston, ND JenteelNature Health Virtual/Telemedicine • 203.806.5152 admin@jenteelnature.com jenteelnature.com Dr. Stephanie Preston is a naturopathic physician and loving mother who treats a variety of pediatric and adult conditions, including early childhood health, ADD/ADHD and spectrum disorders, prenatal/postpartum care, and digestive disorders. Book your appointment with her today at JenteelNature Health, which specializes in women's health and fertility. Dr. Robin Russell Natural Pediatric Medicine, LLC New Hartford, CT 860.909.1082 NaturalPediatricMedicineLLC.com Dr. Robin Russell has been providing natural pediatric and women’s health care since 2005. She focuses on wellness visits and provides care for acute illnesses such as ear infections, coughs, and colds/flus. She also provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for many health conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety/depression, autism, and eczema using diet, nutrition, and botanical medicines. Dr. Jared Skowron, 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 2021 and 2020 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!

HOLISTIC PSYCHOTHERAPY/ LCSW/COUNSELING Mary Anne Costerella, MA, LADC Integrative Psychotherapist/ Spiritual Scientist 860.918.3949 maryannecosterella.com Mary Anne Costerella is the owner of METAPHYSICALLY SPEAKING: Your Birthday is MY BUSINESS! As a licensed integrative psychotherapist and spiritual scientist, I weave four ancient wisdoms—astrology, numerology, cardology, and personology—with contemporary psychology to heal your relationships, trauma, and karma and help you successfully live your purpose. Enlightenment Counseling Center West Hartford, CT 860.729.3284 enlightenmentcenterllc@gmail.com enlightenmentcenterct.com An eclectic team of psychotherapists who specialize in treating PTSD and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and addictive behaviors. Jenny Alzate, CIMHP, LPC, and Nicole Archer, LPC, seasoned clinicians with years of experience working within the mental health system in Connecticut, started the ECC to offer integrative psychotherapy services to all people, all colors, with all different belief systems.

Hartford Family Institute West Hartford, CT • 860.236.6009 info@hartfordfamilyinstitute.com hartfordfamilyinstitute.com Hartford Family Institute provides a range of therapies and services: acupuncture, addiction, anxiety, Ayurveda, anger, conflict resolution, depression, eating disorders, energy healing, physical pain, PTSD, relationships and family, yoga, and much more. Sydni Marmor, LPC Milford and West Hartford, CT 203.610.9729 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 selves.

James Osborne, MS, LPC, BCPC ProNatural Wellness Group Berlin, CT • 860.829.0707 pronaturalwellness.com James Osborne is a licensed professional counselor with over 40 years of experience as a psychotherapist, clinical director, clinical supervisor, trainer, and consultant trained in Gestalt therapy, Jungian psychology, Motivational Interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and EMDR. I work primarily with individual adults treating trauma, loss/grief, and co-occurring disorders. I am also a Viet Nam Era veteran.

HOLISTIC WEIGHT LOSS CENTER Dr. Adam Breiner, ND Whole-Body Medicine, LLC Fairfield, CT • 203.371.8258 ext 2 info@wholebodymed.com wholebodymed.com Dr. Breiner combines cutting-edge science and holistic medicine to correct underlying imbalances and address issues that may interfere with the body’s ability to heal and even to lose weight. Metabolic testing, food allergy and sensitivity testing, hormone assessment, and pinpointing nutrient imbalances are fundamental for weight loss. EMSCULPT NEO, a non-surgical FDA-cleared device to build and strengthen muscle while simultaneously burning fat, is one of many methods and tools used in Dr. Briener’s clinic to help clients achieve success. Dr. Natalie Colicci, ND, MS, CNS The Center for Naturopathic Medicine and Functional Nutrition Trumbull, CT • 203.371.1021 office@drnataliecolicci.com Drnataliecolicci.com Dr. Colicci is a licensed naturopathic physician and clinical nutritionist. Being fully integrative, her practice provides holistic care through combined decades of clinical experience. Individualized programs are designed to meet each patient’s needs through integrative medicine, nutrition, acupuncture, and chiropractic. Conditions treated include autoimmune disease and metabolic and endocrine disorders. 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 that excess weight mentally, emotionally, and physically. Please, call me for your complimentary phone consultation. Live in office or via Zoom.

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Community Resources Dr. Nicole Klughers, ND, PharmD, MSAc Vis Wellness Center Rocky Hill, CT/Virtual 234.2.ACU.DOC Info@DrNicoleKlughers.com 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 confidence. Formerly a pharmacist, Dr. Nicole serves as your “health detective” by listening attentively and utilizing detailed testing to address the root cause of weight gain. Dr. Artemis Morris, ND, LAc Artemis Wellness Center Milford, CT Artemiswellnesscenter.com Drartemis.com Dr. Artemis Morris is a seasoned naturopathic physician, licensed acupuncturist, professor of nutrition, researcher, author, public speaker, and the co-academic director of the Integrative Health and Healing Program at The Graduate Institute. Artemis Wellness Center specializes in holistic primary care, chronic disease, and women’s health and wellness using acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, nutrition, and nutritional supplements. Dr. Jared Skowron, 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 2021 and 2020 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 Swan Integrative Health and Wellness Glastonbury, CT 860.325.2679 swanintegrative.com At Swan Integrative Health and Wellness, we take an integrative/functional medicine approach to finding the root cause of your symptoms so you can heal from the inside out! We see adults and children and accept most major insurance carriers. 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, enableing 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.

HYPNOTHERAPY/HYPNOSIS Diane Bahr-Groth, CH, TFT-Adv Mind Body Transformation Hypnosis Center

CT and Worldwide via Zoom 203.595.0110 mindbodytransformation.com

Diane, a Registered Consulting Hypnotist with 30 years of experience, has developed a unique, relaxing, effective system of therapeutic techniques for complementary healthcare that can elicit immediate results easily. Hypnosis and Thought Field Therapy can create natural, positive changes for weight loss, stress, trauma, pain management, insomnia, smoking and fears. Melissa Conkling, CH Worldwide via Zoom 860.428.0222 melissa@connecticuthypnosis.com MelissaConkling.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 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.

Mystic Healing Reiki Erin Touponse Old Wethersfield, CT/Virtual 845.568.7891 mystichealingreiki@gmail.com mystichealingreiki.com

Erin at Mystic Healing Reiki is a Reiki master/ teacher, intuitive hypnotherapist and Tarot reader/ teacher. With a focus on “Awakening Your Inner Healer,” Erin offers a wide range of healing modalities including Reiki, guided journey, past-life regression, Tarot readings, and healing ceremony. She offers both Reiki and Tarot classes monthly. Eaglemoon Raes Offices east and west of the river 860.402.8116 eaglemoon.raes@icloud.com eaglemoon-raes.com Eaglemoon has a passion for helping teens navigate the “choppy waters” they may encounter along their journey. Her intention is to help raise happy and healthy children of the world using hypnosis, spiritual mentoring, customized subliminal hypnosis audio programs, and more.

Natural Nutmeg • 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2022

Michele P. Rousseau, MA, CH Middletown, CT/Virtual via Skype 860.704.9054 mprousseau@sbcglobal.net 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 in-person or Zoom session includes client self-hypnosis instruction for continued self-empowerment and well-being. Joyce has 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. Appointments over Zoom and Skype possible.

INTEGRATIVE APRN/ NURSING

Joy Herbst, MSN, APRN/FNP-C, CPC New England Center for Health Wilton, CT Women’s Community Wellness Center, Fairfield, CT Joyherbst.com • Wcwcct.com

Joy Herbst MSN, NP-C, is an AANP Board Certified family nurse practitioner, sober coach, movement and meditation teacher, and mother. Her journey into integrative health, sober coaching, and functional medicine intensified as she sought to support her own health and that of her young sons. Joy is an ardent advocate of holistic methods to support the body’s innate ability to heal.

Dr. Courtney Holmes, DNP, APRN Milford Med Spa Milford, CT • 203.701.6161 milfordmedspa.com Look Natural, Feel Beautiful! Courtney applies Eastern and Western medicine to provide holistic LGBTQ+ affirming care. Services include auricular and facial acupuncture, microneedling, threads, neuromodulators, and dermal fillers. Courtney also owns Holistic Healing Partners, LLC, where she and Diana Greenia, APRN provide mental healthcare with medication, acupuncture, and natural supplements. 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 Center for Holistic Healthcare Glastonbury, CT 860.430.5300 ctrforholistichealthcare.com Alina Schneider, APRN is a board-certified family nurse practitioner who opened the Center for Holistic Healthcare in June of 2020. The Center offers integrative and functional medicine treatments for the entire family. We emphasize a holistic, patient-centered approach to care. Treatment offerings include: vitamin IVs, neurofeedback, platelet-rich plasma therapies, soundwave technology for joint/tissue healing and infrared light therapy. Amanda Swan, APRN Swan Integrative Health and Wellness Glastonbury, CT • 860.325.2679 swanintegrative.com At Swan Integrative Health and Wellness, we take an integrative/functional medicine approach to finding the root cause of your symptoms so you can heal from the inside out! We see adults and children and accept most major insurance carriers. Cindy Wechsler APRN, CPNP Westport, CT/Virtual/Telehealth 203.916.4600 • shalvaclinic.org 203.671.3630 proactivepeds.com Cindy Wechsler, APRN has been practicing for over 30 years. Cindy is passionate about educating parents on natural options for digestive issues, ADHD, anxiety, behavior issues, and other common childhood conditions. Her specialized practice offers alternative treatment options to prescription and over-thecounter medications by determining the root cause of the presenting symptom(s).

INTEGRATIVE MD/ FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE April Beaman, RDH, CTT CT Thermography Farmington and Glastonbury, CT 860.415.1150 ctthermography.com CT Thermography specializes in medical thermal imaging. Breast thermography is a compression and radiation-free screening tool 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. Personalized Medical Care Drs. Chi Kim, MD and Deb Keightley, MD Canton, CT • 860.352.8265 Drchikim.com

Chi Kim, MD, and Deb Keightley, MD, integrate their years of experience in primary care with the functional medicine model to assist each individual in achieving his or her optimal health. They take the time necessary to develop a personalized plan and appropriate treatment options for each patient. 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 micronutrition, 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. Dr. Sobo offers eight loss programs, IV vitamins, allergy evaluation and desensitization, stem cell treatments, bioidentical hormone replacement, PRP, and more.

LIFE/BUSINESS/HEALTH/ FINANCE COACH Dr. Kim Andrews, PhD, LPC Manchester, CT/Virtual 860.977.4418 kim@drkimandrews.com drkimandrews.com Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unfulfilled? I provide a supportive setting where you can explore soul-level issues that impact how you are living your life. My approach is unique and respects each individual’s healing process. I can help you align your mental, emotional, and physical self with your soul’s truth. Lois Grasso Barrett Andover, CT / Virtual • 860.796.1480 loisgrasso333@gmail.com LoisGrasso.com Lois has been helping to empower adults and children to take charge of feelings and make healthy choices since 2001. She applies intuition, unconditional acceptance, and a masterful blend of holistic modalities including transformational breathing, EFT/tapping, restorative practices, magic button mindfulness to help clients heal the past, enjoy the present, and create a healthy future. No mask/vax required. Leighanne Champion Coaching LLC New Canaan, CT 203.505.5571 LeighanneChampion4@gmail.com LeighanneChampionCoaching.com Leighanne’s coaching work spans far beyond the scope of her many clients. A motivational speaker and producer/host of the Champion Your Life podcast, Leighanne encourages her listeners to truly pay attention to the life they are creating. Her mission is to help others switch on their unique light so that they can live life to its fullest potential. 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 supports others through her Hungry for Answers proprietary method. Robin is a bestselling spiritual self-help author, podcaster, life coach, writing coach, energy healer, and recovery professional.

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Community Resources Joann Dunsing Hypnosis

MASSAGE THERAPY/ BODYWORK

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. Gina Raposa Johnson

Westbrook, CT / Virtual

860.573.4590 gina@ginajohnson.com ginajohnson.com

Gina Raposa Johnson is a holistic business coach and connector extraordinaire. As a former chef, Gina takes a non-conventional approach to coaching, working alongside her clients, helping them to reignite the spark in themselves and in their business. She specializes in working with entrepreneurs and start-ups to develop strategies for acquiring new business, building momentum, and leading them to success. Dr. Sonia Manganello, D.M., D.D., CNC. Glastonbury, CT • 860.966.8747 soniamanganello.com Dr. Sonia Manganello is a certified integrative nutrition health coach, life coach, and spiritual coach, as well as a metaphysician and interfaith minister. She is the author of the Amazon Bestseller, The Perseverance Diet: 12 Steps to Mind Body Nutrition, teacher, successful entrepreneur, and motivational speaker. Dana Mascalo CFP , RLP , AAMS , C(k)P® Managing Partner TrinityPoint Wealth ®

Milford, CT • 203.693.8521 dana@trinitypointwealth.com trinitypointwealth.com

Experience truly holistic financial planning! Dana and the team at TrinityPoint Wealth are fiduciaries who assist individuals and small business owners with holistic financial planning, investments, stock options, retirement and estate planning, insurance, and more. Let us help you align your financial life with what matters most to you. Caroline Wetzel, CFP®, CDFA®, AWMA® Procyon Advisors, LLC Shelton, CT • 475.232.2713 cwetzel@procyonpartners.net procyonpartners.net/team/caroline-wetzel/

Abundant Health Massage Therapy & Wellness Farmington, CT • 860.778.0315 info@abundanthealthct.com abundanthealthct.com Kristina Mozzicato is Board Certified in therapeutic massage and bodywork by the NCBTMB and has been practicing massage since 2009. She provides professional, therapeutic, customized sessions. In addition to massage, Kristina offers cupping, MediCupping, body contouring, facial cupping rejuvenation, Himalayan salt stone massage, and Reiki. Convenient online booking is available. Karma Massage LLC New Hartford, CT • 860.693.8316 KarmaMassageLLC@hotmail.com KarmaMassageLLC.com Owners Kirby Poirier and Jen Davenport are long time and local LMTs. In this quaint, unique studio, they offer Ayurvedic and traditional massage by appointment only. Nestled in New Hartford, you’ll find the perfect place to rejuvenate your body and soul. 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. He is also IET® master instructor trainer, medicinal aromatherapist, and intuitive coach. https://www. facebook.com/IntegrativeMassageWorks/ Nurturing Hands, LLC Wendy Payton, LMT Deby Van Ohlen, LMT West Hartford, CT • 860.570.0268 nurturinghandsllc.com Nurturing Hands, LLC, provides therapeutic massage and spa treatments with the goals of wellness, muscle vitality, and pain relief. With 70+ years in practice, we are able to address specific conditions such as sciatica, anxiety, and plantar fasciitis; encourage deep relaxation; and customize and integrate different techniques and modalities to provide the optimal session for you.

Clients seeking peace of mind with their finances trust Caroline and her fiduciary team to listen to what is important and advise them on their choices. Clients experience financial confidence and optimize their financial health through comprehensive financial planning and strategic investment management services offered by Caroline and her colleagues.

Natural Nutmeg • 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2022

Simsbury Therapeutic Massage & Wellness Simsbury, CT • 860.651.2998 simsburymassage@gmail.com stmwellness.com At Simsbury Therapeutic Massage & Wellness, we have over a dozen therapists 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 on 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 worldclass 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, and a full-service hair salon.

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN Dr. Frank Aieta, ND West Hartford, CT 860.232.9662 draieta.com Dr. Frank Aieta has 20 years of experience helping patients uncover and treat acute and chronic illness by supporting the body’s inherent ability to heal itself. He has received advanced training in physical medicine, spinal manipulation, acupuncture, clinical nutrition, environmental medicine, homeopathy, and bioidentical hormone replacement. His eBook, Taking Back Your Health Through Individualized Wellness-Based, Naturopathic Medicine, is now available. Draieta.com/ebook Dr. Adam Breiner, ND Whole Body Medicine, LLC Fairfield, CT • 203.371.8258 WholeBodyMed.com Dr. Breiner combines cutting-edge science and holistic medicine to correct underlying imbalances and address issues that may interfere with the body’s healing ability— offering hyperbaric oxygen, energy medicine, biomagnetism, IV therapy, and neurotherapies. Conditions treated include Lyme disease, immune disorders, allergies, pain, neurologic conditions, stroke, concussion, ADD/ADHD, depression, and sleep disorders.

Dr. Natalie Colicci, ND, MS, CNS The Center for Naturopathic Medicine and Functional Nutrition Trumbull, CT • 203.371.1021 office@drnataliecolicci.com Drnataliecolicci.com Dr. Colicci is a licensed naturopathic physician and clinical nutritionist. Being fully integrative, her practice provides holistic care through combined decades of clinical experience. Individualized programs are designed to meet each patient’s needs through integrative medicine, nutrition, acupuncture, and chiropractic. Conditions treated include autoimmune disease and metabolic and endocrine disorders. Dr. Katy 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 inhealth 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 vitality and facilitate healing.

Dr. Nicole Klughers, ND, PharmD, MSAc – Vis Wellness Center Rocky Hill, CT/Virtual 234.2.ACU.DOC Info@DrNicoleKlughers.com 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 your “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 Artemiswellnesscenter.com Drartemis.com Dr. Artemis Morris is a seasoned naturopathic physician, licensed acupuncturist, professor of nutrition, researcher, author, public speaker, and the co-academic director of the Integrative Health and Healing Program at The Graduate Institute. Artemis Wellness Center specializes in holistic primary care, chronic disease, and women’s health and wellness using acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, nutrition, and nutritional supplements.

Dr. Jennifer Pierre, ND, MPH JenteelNature Health New Haven, CT • 203.806.5152 JenteelNature.com Dr. Jennifer Pierre is a naturopathic physician and public health professional with nearly 20 years of healthcare experience. The founder of JenteelNature Health, Dr. Pierre’s specialty is women’s health, using an integrative approach to treat thyroid disease, fibroids, hormonal imbalances, and infertility. Her book Pathways to HerRise is available now. Dr. Michelle J Pouliot, ND New Hartford Naturopathic Health Center LLC New Hartford, CT • 860.238.7983 drpouliot.com Dr. Pouliot has been in practice for 30 years. Therapies often involve botanical medicines, vitamins, minerals, diet, and lifestyle strategies. She provides annual physicals, including gynecological care. Her specialties include cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, and gynecological/hormones/sexual health, and autoimmune conditions. Dr. Antonio Reale, ND Wethersfield and Darien, 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 Darien. Dr. Tara Tranguch, ND Woodbury, CT • 203.707.1163 hello@drtaratranguch.com drtaratranguch.com Personalized health care for men, women, and children that is effective and transformative. Dr. Tranguch is a licensed naturopathic physician focused on preventive care, digestion, and environmental medicine. Specialized treatments include nutrigenomics, homeopathy, craniosacral therapy, and hydrotherapy. Experience health care that offers vitalism and joy. In-person and telehealth appointments available.

NUTRITION/RD Gina Barbetta, MS, RD, CDN Nourish by Gina Middletown, CT • 203.206.3873 nourishbygina.com Gina is a highly trained and experienced registered dietitian/nutritionist with over 25 years of experience in providing pediatric and adult nutrition care. She treats her clients holistically by using an integrative personalized approach to nutrition and health. Her specialty areas include digestive disorders, cardiometabolic disease, pediatrics, and integrative nutrition. This is Gina’s second year as a recipient of the 10BEST Nutrition/RD award. Kathy Beach, MS, NBC-HWC Collinsville, CT • 860.463.7179 kathybeach@ integrativehealthmanagement.org integrativehealthmanagement.org Kathy is a national Board Certified health coach specializing in cancer wellness coaching. Are you confused about nutrition and lifestyle information for cancer risk reduction? It doesn’t have to be that way! Email me for my free Cancer Risk Reduction Evaluation to assess your current risk and see the areas that need attention. Donna Bunte 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, and lifestyle changes, as well as qigong and meditation. Erika Dworkin, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition Vitathena Wellness South Glastonbury, CT 860.646.8178 edworkin@vitathena.com • vitathena.com Through education, Erika 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.

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Community Resources Joan Palmer, MS The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition Granby, CT • 860.764.9070 tiosn.com Joan is passionate about making the connections between deep, resilient health and the health of soil, plants, animals, and the environment. She is the founder and director of The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition, an innovative model for nutrition education. Joan holds a MS in human nutrition and is a certified family/community herbalist. 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 for our patients, pooling our years of clinical experience to focus on your well-being. Give us a call to see how our team can support your health goals.

PHYSICAL THERAPY Cindy Langer MSPT, FMS, FCS, CMCP BodyFit Physical Therapy Canton CT • 860.507.7365 bodyfitphysicaltherapy.com cindy@bodyfitphysicaltherapy.com We get you back to the active lifestyle you desire by helping you recover from injury quickly, without prolonged rest and medications. We can do this by focusing on YOU for 100% of our time together, with our comprehensive, one-on-one, hands-on 60-minute sessions. We get results even if you’ve had physical therapy before! Crescent Moon Care Canton, CT • 203.788.0009 crescentmooncare@gmail.com crescentmooncare.com Crescent Moon Care is a family-centered physical therapy practice specializing in pediatric and adult patients. All sessions are 1:1, with no overlap between clients. Janell Tartaglia, owner and primary therapist, is Board Certified in pediatrics and has extensive experience in adult orthopedic and neurological conditions as well. Insurance accepted.

REIKI/REFLEXOLOGY Anna Pizzoferrato Reiki With Trust, LLC reikiwithtrust.com auroramisticadistancehealing.com AnnaRosaEnergyArtist.com Anna Rosa, aka Anna Pizzoferrato, has been offering remote distance healing services since 2001. She is an Usui, Shamballa, Kundalini, and Karuna® Reiki master and has a registered modality called Aurora Mistica®. She is also a biologist and enjoys designing energy-charged products.

ROLFING 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, stresses, or accidents. Since 1981.

SPIRITUAL COMPANIONSHIP Lauri Ingram Hamden, CT • 203.435.5650 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.

YOGA/PILATES/ BARRE STUDIO barre44 Danielle Srb Avon, CT • 860.967.4140 barre44.com At barre 44, we believe in creating a community that is committed to educating our clients to lead a healthy, well-balanced life. barre 44’s customized studio setting provides a personalized experience where each client receives the attention and focus they deserve to achieve or exceed their fitness goals. Come try a free trial class for all new clients! Be.Yoga Avon, CT and abroad 860.930.1311 kristin@beyogainavon.com beyogainavon.com Be.Yoga meets you where you are, specializing with individualized private instruction. Founder Kristin Cork leads three unique, customized cultural yoga retreats each year. She also leads a 10-person, 100-hour immersion and 200-hour yoga teacher training each September, weaving her 20+ years of teaching Vinyasa, yin, and chair yoga. Be.Yoga’s focus is to bring us home, closer to ourselves. Leslie Gordon Yoga Virtual via Zoom 860.970.4944 lesliegordonyoga.com I have been teaching yoga for 20 years and am deeply committed to bringing yoga to those who have always felt like it was just not for them. Yoga is for every body and every body, and you can do it. I will help you. Join our growing community on Zoom!

Natural Nutmeg • 10BEST Awards/Essential Living Guide 2022

Hartford Sweat Downtown Hartford, CT 860.499.4978 hartfordsweat.net A yoga and fitness studio serving the greater Hartford area, bringing life, health, and vitality to the urban and business community. Through private, group, and business packages, our teachers add to your life with a full range of yoga and fitness with gentle, yin, power, Bikram, HIIT, barre, Zumba, and more. LAM Yoga Hurley Business Park, New Hartford, CT 860.978.1657 • lamyoga.com LAM Yoga is a boutique studio set in the artist’s wing of a riverside mill building. We offer alllevels vinyasa flow and restorative practice, workshops, and private lessons. LAM also holds special events that connect us to our community, including retreats to exotic locations and yoga at our local brewery. Sacred Rivers Yoga Virtual 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. Sacred Rivers Yoga, formed in 2003, is currently offering yoga classes and yoga teacher training in a virtual format. We would like to thank our loyal members, students, and faculty for their presence, dedication, persistence, and flexibility as we navigate these current times.

Sanctuary Power Yoga Torrington, CT/Virtual via Zoom 860.496.1500 • sanctuarypoweryoga.com Sanctuary Power Yoga is built on accessibility and community. We believe this yoga is for everybody, regardless of your prior experience with yoga, sports, or the gym. We invite you to join us for class, to breathe and move and experience the transformative power of this practice for yourself.

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DID YOU KNOW THAT

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Natural Nutmeg December 10Best 2021

Articles inside

COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE

The Foundation of Self-Trust

Erectile Dysfunction and Heart Health

Did Acetaminophen Cause the Autism Epidemic?

Dive into Change

Hungry for Answers An Inner Journey

Business Spotlights

Healing from the Pain of Unexpected Loss

Go Ceramic! Benefits of

Feel Good about Your Finances

THE BUZZ