40 minute read
Business Spotlights
West Hartford Acupuncture
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.
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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 fi eld. 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 offi ce and at events.
West Hartford Acupuncture, West Hartford, CT 203.856.8309 • WHAcupuncture.com
Center for Holistic Healthcare
Started 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 fi eld?
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 infl ammation and promote healthy metabolism.
Center for Holistic Healthcare, Glastonbury, CT 860.430.5300 • ctrforholistichealthcare.com
Community 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. Infl uenced by her husband’s cancer diagnosis in 1989 and her own diagnosis of fi bromyalgia 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, confi rming 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, confl ict 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 certifi cations; 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 fi ve 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.
As a licensed naturopathic physician, acupuncture specialist, former pharmacist, and wellness educator, I offer all-natural solutions to restore optimal health and help individuals reclaim a life of energy, balance, and joy. By listening closely to your story and utilizing detailed testing, I work with 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 fi nd 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 fl ashes, skin conditions, anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic pain, headaches, and many other symptoms that fi t 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 satisfi ed 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 fi nd 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
At Donna Bunte Whole Health, I help people become well by looking at the whole picture and fi nding 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 fi eld?
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 fi nd what will be the best treatment plan for each individual client, whether it is nutritional changes, acupuncture, meditation or lifestyle modifi cations.
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 fi eld!
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
Serving 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 fi eld?
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 offi ce’s equipment. We maintain a large inventory of high-quality homeopathic and herbal remedies and dietary supplements. Pulsed electromagnetic fi eld (PEMF) and infrared sauna therapies are available. We’re also the fi rst 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 signifi cant 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 satisfi ed 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
Dr. Krithika Jayaprakash (Dr. Jay) DDS, FAGD, NMD, IBDM Dr. Jay Family Dental
Dr. Jay is a biological dentist whose main focus is treating patients with an integrative approach. She is a Board Certifi ed 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 offi ce, 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 fi nd 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 specifi c 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
LAM Yoga is a boutique studio set in the artist’s wing of a riverside mill building. We offer all-levels vinyasa fl ow 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 fi eld?
Getting grounded. All it takes are those fi rst 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
Look Natural, Feel Beautiful! Dr. Courtney Holmes, DNP, APRN, is a Board Certifi ed adult nurse practitioner, medical director, and sole injector at Milford Med Spa. Services include auricular and facial acupuncture, microneedling, threads, neuromodulators, and dermal fi llers. 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+ affi rming care using a combination of Eastern and Western medicines. My goal is to be the go-to provider in the area for gender-affi rming, non-surgical facial masculinizing and feminizing treatments. I saw the struggle of my transgender family and friends in trying to fi nd an LGBTQ+ affi rming mental health prescriber, so we responded by going into private practice to care for this population. After experiencing the benefi t 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 benefi ts 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
Abundant Health Massage Therapy & Wellness
Since 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 fi eld?
I am Board Certifi ed through the National Certifi cation Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), and I hold certifi cations 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 fi rm the skin, diminish fi ne 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 certifi cation 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
Dr. Adam Breiner
Dr. 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 fi eld?
In addition to naturopathic care for many health concerns, our clinic offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy, neurofi eld therapy, neurobiofeedback, and patented traumatic brain injury protocols. I have had the privilege of working with some of the pioneers in these fi elds. 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 diffi cult Lyme disease cases, including neurologic Lyme.
Are you able to provide telemedicine for your patients?
In this challenging time, many patients fi nd 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-offi ce 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 offi ce; some may take the device home or purchase one for continued sessions.
Adam Breiner, ND, Fairfi eld, CT 203.371.8258 Ext 2 • info@wholebodymed.com wholebodymed.com
Clients seeking more than just returns from their money trust me to listen to what is important to them and advise them on their fi nancial choices. I offer clients a safe space, free of judgment, to talk about their fears and dreams, and we use fi nancial planning to facilitate peace of mind.
Why are you passionate about your specialty and what sets you apart from other practitioners in the holistic fi eld?
When multiple miscarriages and alopecia areata universalis painfully changed my life, my husband and I used fi nancial planning to exert control and positively infl uence 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 Certifi ed Financial PlannerTM and joined Procyon Advisors, an independent fi duciary team. Daily, I use my own personal health experiences as professional inspiration to help clients optimize their fi nancial health by experiencing three Cs: • Clarity around what they are doing • Comfort around why they are doing it • Confi dence around what they can infl uence
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 fi duciary 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 fi nances 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
The 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 Wethersfi eld. 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 fi eld?
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,
Wethersfi eld, CT 860.257.7210 and Darien, CT 475.977.1661 theherbal-room.com
Vitalized Performance Group
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, 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 certifi ed 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 fi nally opened. We gutted the old lawyer’s offi ce 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 offi ce. 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
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 fl exibility 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 benefi ts 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 benefi cial for the current times.
What sets Sacred Rivers Yoga apart?
Yoga for Every Body. We opened in 2003 and we were the fi rst 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, fi nd 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 diffi cult 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 benefi ts 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
Coastal Natural Medicine, LLC
Coastal Naturopathic Medicine is a premiere naturopathic practice serving Fairfi eld 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 fi eld, 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 fi nally 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 fi nd 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
Dr. 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 diffi cult 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 fulfi lling lives. One particularly special memory is from when the fi rst-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 Fairfi eld, CT/Virtual • 203.767.5954 soulhealingjourney.com • academyforsoulhealing.com
Cindy Wechsler, APRN, CPNP
Cindy Wechsler, APRN, certifi ed mental wellness coach, holistic health coach, and certifi ed 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, certifi ed mental wellness coach, holistic health coach, and certifi ed 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
Iam 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.
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
Dr. Kevin Norige, DMD, FICD South Windsor Smiles
Dr. Norige and his team strive to give you the best and latest dental care in our offi ce. 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 fl u.
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 fulfi lled 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 fi eld?
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
If you believe that personal development and growth is what life is about, you’ve found the right coach. Life can be challenging, and quick fi xes 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 fi eld?
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 certifi cation 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 fi rmly 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
JenteelNature 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 fi broids 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 defi ciencies, 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!
