Natural Nutmeg March 2016

March 2016

Natural Nutmeg Connecticut's Resource For Essential Living

How Our Mythology Influences Our Immune System Natalie Griffin Making Moments Count: How to Recognize and Claim Your Life Purpose Deb Elbaum, MD, CPCC, ACC Making Your Own Homemade Broth Julie Wern Autism Spectrum Disorders: Gut-Based Interventions Jessica Pizano I Have Learned Much from Footprints Bernie Siegel, MD Experience Light, Peace and Beauty at The Jenks House B&B Diane Hayden, PhD www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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You Deserve...

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Juliette's LifesPath™ philosophy stands on the notion that you deserve soul luxury. Get to the bottom of your limiting beliefs and the reason you haven't gotten to your pinnacle yet. Become who you know you are already - fully aligned inside and out.

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Contact Juliette at 203.305.8091 or juliette@juliettetaylor.com

Live your passion, power, and purpose.

Juliette is a Certified Life Coach, motivational speaker, published author and the creator of the LifesPath™ system to finding health, happiness, and love. She has guided her clients to breakthrough their blocks, dispel limiting beliefs, and find their core to live lives they love absolutely.

Juliette believes that you don't need to wait until you (retire, get kids into college, get the kids out of college, receive your bonus, find the time to...) to start living a life you love. Take the jump TODAY!

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Natural Nutmeg - March 2016

Don’t Miss Our Upcoming Issues April Environmental Allergies & Food Sensitivities May Mindfulness for Busy Moms June Stress Reduction for Men July Overvacation Syndrome August Metabolic Exercise September Childhood Vaccinations October Overtreatment of Breast Cancer November Holiday Eating Strategies December Sleep Hygiene

Natural Nutmeg Wants You! We are seeking a positive, enthusiastic, highly professional, goal-oriented marketing representative in Fairfield County, CT. The candidate will be responsible for networking, generating leads and consultative sales in the healthcare, hospitality, restaurant and retail industries.

Candidate should be able to work both independently and on a collaborative team, and be self-motivated.

Opportunities to develop marketing strategies and promotions.

If you have a willingness to actively contribute to a team environment and a passion for marketing, please send your cover letter and resume to

Dr. Diane Hayden at diane@naturalnutmeg.com

Could One Conversation Change Your Life?

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

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

25 Bailey Road, Suite 5 Avon, CT 06001

www.fittoyouct.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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In This Issue 10

22

Jump into Spring with Frittata Muffins!

Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD, PT, IM, C

11

Chinese Medicine and Today’s Immune System Issues

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28

How Bacteria Keep You Well Ashley Burkman, ND

16

Ask Dr. Jeff! Your Veterinary Homeopath Jeff Feinman, VMD, CVH

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How Our Mythology Influences Our Immune System Natalie Griffin

24 4

Natural Nutmeg - March 2016

8 The BUZZ 32 HAPPENINGS

Deb Elbaum, MD, CPCC, ACC

29

Julie Wern

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Making Moments Count: How to Recognize and Claim Your Life Purpose Blue Ridge Mountains and Wine at Banner Elk Winery & Villa Diane Hayden, PhD

Making Your Own Homemade Broth

In Every Issue

Jessica Pizano

Laura Mignosa

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Autism Spectrum Disorders: Gut-Based Interventions

Experience Light, Peace and Beauty at The Jenks House B&B Diane Hayden, PhD

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Vegas Style Luxury at the Peppermill Resort in Reno Diane Hayden, PhD

34 RESOURCES 37 BERNIE

Partner with

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Find out what they are when you work with the Natural Nutmeg team of marketing experts.

Like our Facebook page to connect with other Natural Nutmeg readers, and find exclusive content from your favorite local resource.

Visit facebook.com/ naturalnutmegmagazine

Book a partnership package by March 31st with Natural Nutmeg and receive: •Full day image consulting/business building retreat with Dr. Diane and the NN team of image/practice building consultants •Initial practice/business assessment •Two 60-minute sessions of monthly support (practice development, marketing, social media, writing, and coaching,)

Contact Dr. Diane Hayden Publisher@naturalnutmeg.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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PUBLISHER'SLETTER

S

pring is just around the corner and for many of us it’s a time to do some spring cleaning. Whenever I’m cleaning things out or rearranging things in my home, I like to keep in mind the ancient Chinese secrets of feng shui that have been used successfully for centuries to improve health, wealth and happiness. Feng shui is the act of purposefully arranging things around you to gain positive results, from furniture to art to your toothbrush, believe it or not!

According to feng shui, everything that happens in life can be categorized into nine life situations, which are spatially represented by areas in your living quarters. This is called a bagua and it includes: prosperity, fame & reputation, relationships & love, family, health, creativity & children, skills & knowledge, career, people & travel. The bagua is essentially layed over the frame of your house or dwelling with the main door of the house corresponding to a particular side of the bagua. This is how you determine what each corner or area of your home represents.

Next, determine which of these areas you are unsatisfied in currently, vs. trying to tackle them all at once. Then, focus on those specific areas to shift the energy in your home and your life. You should also make a note of what is working to determine if unknowingly you have already properly placed things according to feng shui principles. Then using things such as color, shapes and textures to represent the five elements of fire, metal, water, wood and earth you will be able to balance your life and have your home work for you in generating positive energy. You must also set the intention that the elements work for you in a particular area.

Just to give you some immediate insight into one of the areas, I’ll choose prosperity. If you are standing at your front door looking into the house, the prosperity section is the furthest left back corner of the home. Immediate action items for bringing prosperity into your life include: cleaning this section of the home well, removing broken items, using purple, green and gold colors, round-leaved plants.

Things you would not want in your prosperity section: trash cans, toilets, dead or fake plants, fireplaces, dust or broken items.

There are many informative books on feng shui, but my favorite is “Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life,” by Karen Rauch Carter. She takes what can be a very complicated subject and makes it easy to read, understand and apply. I hope this inspires you to do some spring cleaning!

In Health and Happiness,

O

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

PUBLISHER Dr. Diane Hayden Publisher@naturalnutmeg.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deb Percival Deb@naturalnutmeg.com ADVERTISING advertising@naturalnutmeg.com DIR. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Christopher Urso Curso@naturalnutmeg.com MARKETING DIRECTOR Jane Beup Jane@naturalnutmeg.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashley Frament layout@naturalnutmeg.com ADVISORY BOARD Ann Aresco, N.D. Deanna M. Cherrone, MD Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. (Pend.)

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

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Natural Nutmeg Magazine

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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. © 2007-15 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.

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Natural Nutmeg - March 2016

A New Book Collaboration by Nutmeg Creative NOW Available For Purchase

http://naturalnutmeg.com/coaching-for-powerful-change “We can all benefit from the wisdom of life coaches which can guide us through the difficulties of life but we need to show up for practice. The experience and information shared by the coaches who authored this book makes it an excellent resource for us all as we experience the various tests that life presents us with. Have the courage to learn from their wisdom, pass the tests and be a survivor rather than have to learn from your personal disasters.” ~ Bernie Siegel, MD, author of A Book of Miracles and The Art of Healing

COACHING FOR POWERFUL CHANGE The Keys To Unlocking Personal And Professional Transformation

Compiled by Diane E. Hayden, PhD Foreword by Kelley Biskupiak, MA, CPCC Deb Elbaum, MD, CPCC, ACC

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THE BUZZ Teacher Training Open House

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oin us for an informational session on our Yoga Alliance 200 and 500 hour Yoga Teacher Training programs! Sessions are held on Monday or Tuesday evenings, between 5:00 - 8:00pm. Take a tour of the studio, optional free yoga class, and have all of your questions answered.

Must call or email to pre-register: 860.657.9545 or info@sacredriversyoga.com. 28 Main Street, East Hartford.

See ad on page 36.

Monthly Global Healing Meditations Hosted in New Milford

G

lobal Healing Meditations focus on sending healing energy to those who need it around the globe. Each class we’ll focus on one particular cause that will generally be chosen by a prominent issue in the news. The goal is to help raise the energy and help those in need heal on a deeper, spiritual level. These meditations provide a way for those who wish to help, with an alternative, meaningful outlet in which they can do so. Past meditations have focused on the ocean, those who have been negatively impacted by improper gun use in America, Paris and the Syrian crisis.

We will meet on the fourth Monday of each month from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Enchanted Realms off 202 in the Northville section of New Milford. Donation of $5 suggested. For more information regarding the upcoming cause please go to www.facebook.com/ AncientLunaHealing. Please send any inquiries to info@ancientlunahealing.com.

ProNatural Physicians Group Welcomes Dr. Marla Colburn

D

r. Colburn provides chiropractic care to all patients regardless of age and specializes in maternal health and pediatrics. She utilizes multiple types of safe and gentle techniques in order to treat her patients’ conditions effectively and often utilizes several techniques in one treatment. Each patient is treated as an individual and receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and conditions. Dr. Colburn provides a gentle yet effective way of treating specific conditions, focusing not on force but appropriate technique. She continues to work with her patients after their pain is alleviated to advise them on how they can take preventive care measures into their own hands.

Dr. Colburn received her doctorate from the University of Bridgeport in 2002. She completed her Diplomate in Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics (DICCP) in 2008 through the International Chiropractic Association, which is an extensive 3 year program focusing on pediatrics and maternal health. She is very excited to be joining the talented and diverse crew at ProNatural Physicians Group.

Dr. Colburn accepts insurance and is accepting new patients. Call ProNatural Physicians Group at 860-829-0707 to schedule an appointment. Or visit www.pronaturalphysicians.com for more details.

ProNatural Physicians is a one-of-its-kind integrative medical practice easily accessible in central Connecticut at 120 Webster Square Road, Berlin. See ad on page 20.

Meditation led by Alexandra Catchpole, Reiki Master and Shamanic Practitioner, owner of Ancient Luna Healing and Director of the Housatonic Natural Wellness Fair. When: The fourth Monday of each month from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

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Natural Nutmeg - March 2016

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Jump into Spring with Frittata Muffins!

By Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD, PT, IMT, C

A

s March begins and Spring is on its way, the weather is slowly warming up and the days are getting longer.

But it’s still a little cold. And we still yearn for warmer foods. Here is a great breakfast recipe where you can mix and match some of the ingredients with fresh spring vegetables!

This recipe is also gluten free, dairy free, and paleo friendly… and can be made ahead of time for a quick breakfast or easy on-the-go, protein-filled snack.

Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD, PT, IMT,C is the President and Owner of Integrative Wellness and Physical Therapy in Bloomfield, CT, a wellness center specializing in holistic Physical Therapy, Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT), and nutritional wellness. Dr. Connell-Giammatteo is a Physical Therapist and Certified Integrative Manual Therapist. Dr. Connell-Giammatteo was Dean of the Connecticut School of Integrative Manual Therapy (CSIMT) for multiple years. She has taught courses in Integrative Manual Therapy nationally and internationally for over 15 years. Dr. Connell-Giammatteo is also a local of this community and has been living in the Greater Hartford area for many years, where she integrates a healthy lifestyle at home with her wonderful family. See ad on pages 15 and 17. .

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Natural Nutmeg - March 2016

Frittata Muffins Serves 1 Ingredients: • 8 eggs, beaten • ¼ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped • 1 tbs olive oil • ½ onion, chopped • 1 box fresh baby spinach • 1 tbs chopped parsley • ¼ tsp paprika • 1 tsp sea salt • ½ tsp cracked pepper 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit 2. Caramelize onions on stove in pan with olive oil and set aside to cool 3. Steam spinach in vegetable or chicken broth, then set aside to cool 4. Once cooked spinach is cooled, then squeeze out all liquid from cooked spinach by folding spinach over itself in colander and pressing onto it with spatula to push liquid out 5. Grease muffin tin well with oil or place paper muffin cups in muffin tin 6. Mix all ingredients together in mixing bowl 7. Pour into muffin tin (can use small ladle) 8. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes 9. Check for doneness 10. Enjoy warm or cold!

Chinese Medicine and Today’s Immune System Issues

by Laura Mignosa

M

ore and more diseases have been found to be related to the immune system today. The term “immune system” has to be borrowed from Western medicine. A new term for the immune system had to be created. With this new term, the inconvenience in language, when describing the immune system in traditional Chinese medicine, would be avoided.

and functioning, this will be much easier. If the body is taxed by stresses, illnesses, or malnutrition, it will be harder. Thus, in Chinese medicine, the focus is not always on strengthening the immune system (or Nei Wei Qi) specifically, but rather the whole body to allow the immune system to function optimally.

Nei Wei Qi (internal defensive Qi) is that word. It comes from the understanding that the body is nourished by acquired nutrients from the foods we eat and the air we breathe.

To keep us healthy inside and out, we need first and foremost to have a proper diet and emotions in order to obtain any benefits.

Having successfully accomplished that, here are some amazing herbs to boost the entire body and immune system.

We also have something called Wei Qi. It is the basic ability of our bodies to push out external pathogens that invade us (known in Western medicine as colds, flu, allergies, or anything that disrupts the continuous flow of Qi within our system).

The key to gaining results through these herbs is by finding the proper herb(s) to match your body or constitution. When in doubt always contact a professional Chinese Medical practitioner to help you do this.

A common formula for Wei Qi Deficiency or anyone who gets impacted by pathogens more than 5 times a year, is called Jade Screen. It is aptly named as you can almost visualize the body covered in jade and making it difficult for anything to penetrate its mantle. Protection from nature’s elements in extremes such as Wind, Cold, Heat, Dampness & Dryness and other factors are ways our Wei Qi gets disrupted.

Below are 3 herbs that can be combined in a formula or used as an extract or tea. Many mushrooms like Reishi, Himamatsumake and Chaga are also excellent in helping us stay well.

Nei Wei Qi is very different from Wei Qi and that needs to be understood. We need both to be strong, functioning, adjusted humans. The three functions of Nei Wei Qi are defense, surveillance and tolerance.

Defense means that Nei Wei Qi recognizes, mobilizes, attacks and eliminates things such as pathogens, microbes, vaccines and toxins. When Nei Wei Qi is deficient, the body suffers from infections.

Surveillance refers to Nei Wei Qi attacking and eliminating cancer cells. When Nei Wei Qi is deficient, the chance of tumor development is high.

Tolerance means that Nei Wei Qi can recognize and differentiate the foreign from the self. If the foreign is attacked, then the self is preserved by Nei Wei Qi. When tolerance is disturbed, Nei Wei Qi will act against the self and cause autoimmune diseases (as seen by Western medicine).

Today, by combining modern science with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Chinese scientists have found many herbs that regulate immune functions.

Boosting the immune system refers to allowing the immune system cells to readily do their job. If the body is perfectly healthy

Astragalus Root (Radix Astragali, Huang Qi, 黄芪): Astragalus Root is one of the best herbs to bolster the ability of the immune system to function. This herb would be best used for patients who have slightly weaker bodies and get sick easily or have trouble with digestion or breathing.

Asian Ginseng (Chinese/Korean Ginseng, Panax Araliaceae, Ren Shen, 人参): There are actually over 30 different species of Ginseng, and the Asian Ginseng is the most widely known. It is not to be used in healthy individuals for an extended length of time. It is a hot herb and people who should be taking Asian Ginseng have more cold-type bodies, possibly with cold hands and feet and suffer from fatigue (Yang Deficiency).

American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius, Xi Yang Shen, 西洋參): The other widely used species of ginseng is the American form.

Similar to the Asian form, it has a strong action of boosting the immune system. People who have a dry mouth/throat, are thirsty and feel weak will find this helpful as it generates fluids and is often used to help with Menopausal issues (Yin Deficiency).

Laura Mignosa is a Certified Chinese Herbologist and Director of the Ct. Institute for Herbal Studies for 23 years. She offers an annual study on Traditional Chinese Herbology beginning March, 2016.

It is a year-long certification course and is taught to many holistic practitioners who want a different way to treat and see the body according to a 5000 year old tradition of health. Please call for information at 860-826-2705 or visit her website, CTherbschool.com or at Lauramignosa5 on Facebook. Appointments for Care are always available at the school. See ad on page 36. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Making Your Own Homemade Broth

By Julie Wern

B

roth is an undeniably key staple in cooking. Yet many folks are intimidated by the prospect of making it. However, homemade broth is one of the simplest, healthiest, tastiest, and economical ways to enhance soups, sauces, stews, chilis, casseroles, braises and even stir-fries.

Homemade broth has many benefits over purchased broth. You have complete control over the type and quality of vegetables and bones that go in the broth, where they come from, how old they are, and how they were grown/processed. Further, you can cook the broth for as long as desired, manipulating the ultimate nutrient content according to your goals. Homemade broth also contains no added preservatives or sugars, colorings, MSG, or excess salt.

Making homemade broth also allows one to tailor flavorings to the ultimate finished product, such as adding ginger root for Asian style broth. Finally, homemade broth is more economical as one can use vegetable and bone scraps to make it, significantly reducing overall waste and contributing to cost reduction.

I find that making a vegetable or simple bone stock has different cooking requirements than making a true bone broth. Bone broth needs to simmer at least 12 hours (and up to 24) to extract sufficient gelatin and minerals from the bones. Because of its high nutrient content, true bone broth is believed to aid digestion, heal gut issues, and improve nail, hair, bone, skin and joint health. However, simple broths or stocks have less of these benefits but require less cooking time. When cooked too long, some vegetables lose nutrient potency and can add bitter or off flavors. So I am separating the preparation of simple broth and bone broth in order to highlight this difference.

General Tips for Making Simple Broth • Save most vegetable scraps meant for the garbage or compost pile in a large re-sealable plastic baggie stored in the freezer. Add to it as you cook. When the baggie is full, place contents in a stockpot or Crockpot and add enough water to cover.

• Add a few peppercorns and/or a small amount of herbs (like thyme or parsley) or dried herbs tied in cheesecloth.

• If desired, add additional complementary veggies to round out the flavor (celery, carrot, onion, tomato, turnip, and mushrooms are especially good) • For Crockpot, turn on low and cook for 6-12 hours. For stovetop, bring to a low simmer and cook, uncovered, for 2-3 hours.

• Sieve out solids using a fine mesh strainer (use them now for compost). Let broth cool, then portion and freeze, or use within 5 days.

• Non-waxy and non-bitter scraps work best and can include onion skins (great for color), garlic and garlic skin, bell pepper scraps (avoid seeds), Kohlrabi or cabbage stems, stems from greens (beware of beet and red chard greens which may color the broth), winter and summer squash ends and peels, tomato ends/seeds/ 12

Natural Nutmeg - March 2016

pulp, carrot and parsnip ends and peels, asparagus or green bean ends, choi stems and greens, cauliflower leaves and cores, mushroom stems, and broccoli stems. Sparingly use strongly flavored vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage as they can overpower the taste. Avoid waxy vegetables (cucumbers), bitter seeds and pits or highly bitter greens, and beet scraps. Leave out potato skins as they add a starchy element.

• Wash all vegetables (even the onions) before you peel or de-stem them if you are planning to store them for broth. You don’t want any sand or dirt in your broth!!

• Add bones to make your desired flavored broth. Raw or cooked bones (like cooked chicken carcasses) work equally well. I also often add chicken necks, giblets, or wings for added flavor. For a make-your-own seafood broth, add in shrimp shells, lobster shells, and/or fish bones. For a rich beef broth, roast your bones in a 350- degree oven for about 30 minutes prior to adding them to the stock pot to get a good caramelized flavor.

• When adding bones for broth, add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to help extract maximum amounts of minerals from the bones.

• The longer the mix cooks, the more bitter the flavors can be depending upon your particular vegetable mix, so for crockpot cooking, time it so that you turn on the Crockpot right before bed and sieve out the solids right when you get up in the morning.

Tips for Making True Bone Broth • Place cooked or raw bones in pot, add water to cover by an inch or two (it will significantly reduce while cooking), and stir in two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Bring to a low simmer and cook, uncovered, for 10 hours. Add vegetable scraps and additional seasonings and cook for 2-4 more hours. Strain, portion and store as indicated above. You may cook the vegetables together with the bones for the full 12 hours, but I would not recommend including cabbage, broccoli, or bitter greens in the vegetable mix in order to avoid strong or overly bitter flavors).

• Do not cook at a rapid boil. This causes the broth to become cloudy. Also, periodically skim off any foam that forms on the surface of the broth as it can contribute off flavors.

• Beef knuckle bones or other bones that contain large amounts of collagen make the best bone broth. Ask your butcher to hold some aside.

• If possible, buy organic, grass fed bones, or wild bones. If you can’t find them locally, they can be ordered online.

• Bone broth should congeal upon refrigeration. This is an indication that significant healthy gelatin has been extracted. If your broth is not gelatinous, try using different bones, adding more bones, or increasing cooking time. I find that chicken and seafood broths do not become gelatinous, most likely due to low amounts of collagen and gelatin in the bones.

Other tips • Make broth once a week to keep a steady supply on hand. If your freezer bag isn’t completely full, simply add to it two to four large whole carrots, an onion cut in half, and two to four stalks of celery.

• Use homemade broth instead of water to cook rice and other grains. This adds flavor and added nutrients to your finished dish.

• Hold off on salting the broth until you make a specific dish so that you can control the ultimate amount of sodium in your dishes.

• Use plenty of onion skins for a pleasant, deeply colored broth.

• Make note of vegetable combinations or amounts that particularly appeal to you.

For example, I do not like large quantities of asparagus but love tons of mushroom stems in a single batch of broth.

• Meat eaters may want to make true bone broth whenever possible to maximize nutrient content.

Julie Wern is a psychologist turned stay-at-home-mom turned caterer. She is currently in training at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition to become a Nutrition and Wellness coach. She is the author of Holcomb Farm CSA’s Simply Fresh blog (http://holcombfarm.org/blog)and currently teaches cooking and cookie decorating classes. Contact Julie at jwern@comcast.net for comments and inquiries.

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13

How Bacteria Keep You Well

By Ashley Burkman ND

P

robiotics are healthy bacteria and yeast that reside on and in our bodies. They outnumber our own cell count 10:1! With so many bacteria living off of us, what do we gain? A healthy immune system.

What is the Immune System?

There is a large network of cells, organs and body tissues that work to patrol the body and defend against “foreign invaders.” Some of our first lines of defense include the skin, sinuses and airways and our digestive tract. All parts of the body that are exposed to the external environment are the first point of entry for invaders to enter our system. The digestive tract, when you think about it, really is part of our external environment as food and drink we take in from outside of the body enter in via the digestive tract.

In addition to physical barriers, healthy normal probiotic flora take up space on our skin, in our digestive tracts, pretty much everywhere and while fighting for their own survival, they crowd out space for unhealthy bugs that attempt to take residence. When our probiotic flora is depressed due to antibiotic use, poor diet habits or chronic stress, we are more susceptible to infection and illness.

How to Improve and Preserve Immune Supporting Probiotics 1. Diet - Improving diet and exercise habits can change the terrain of the healthy flora that we host. Diets high in sugar tend to stun and reduce the number of healthy probiotic flora and actually feed pathogenic bacteria, especially yeast. It has been speculated that the probiotic makeup of the gut will play a role in what foods we tend to crave. An unhealthy inflammatory gut tends to crave sugar and carbs as the flora residing in that environment needs this to survive. These bugs are smart and try to con us into perpetuating their survival by enhancing these cravings. A healthy balanced digestive tract tends to have less sugar cravings and is happy on a high fiber diet rich in prebiotics.

Diet also plays a role in digestive pH. Certain probiotic flora reside in the stomach, a fairly acidic pH, while others survive in the small and large intestine where the pH is more basic. Probiotics have not only adapted to live in the various terrains of the body, they thrive. They even play a role in maintaining the appropriate pH of the area they reside in. This is important not only for their survival but to reduce the risk of other bacteria, virus or yeast being able to take hold that prefer a more neutral pH to survive.

2. Reduce Stress - Stress increases inflammation in the body.

Cortisol, the bodies’ stress hormone, is the fight or flight get out of danger signal to the body. When this hormone is chronically elevated the immune system is continually on alert, wearing it out making it less effective. It has been found that with reduced numbers of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract, blood markers of inflammation, including CRP seem to increase. High inflammation markers have been linked with a depressed immune system. Additionally, probiotic supplementation has been shown to increase white blood cell counts, thereby improving immune defenses.

3. Vaccination Potentiation - As we age, so does our immune system. It is known that the very young and old are more susceptible to infection and illness. This is one of the major reasons vaccinations are encouraged in these two populations to offer additional immune support against common illness. Countless research has found that elderly individuals do not harness as much protection after a vaccination as younger individuals do. Research has shown improved immune protection against the flu after the administration of flu vaccine in addition to probiotic supplementation in nursing home residents. Therefore, probiotic supplementation could be a consideration to improve an aging immune system’s response to vaccine.

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Natural Nutmeg - March 2016

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Should I Be Taking Probiotics?

Supplements of any kind should have warrant. Depending on an individual’s health status, current diet regimen and medication prescriptions, probiotic supplementation will vary. Telling someone to take a probiotic is like telling someone to take an antibiotic. You would never be told to take whatever you want for as long as you want with no guidance and the same is for probiotics. That being said probiotics are generally safe for most individuals.

Digestive analysis can help to determine what specific probiotic flora you lack and provides a road map for which strains should be supplemented. It is always a good idea to cut back on sugar and stress and to eat foods that are naturally rich in these immune boosting probiotics. Consider speaking with a naturopathic physician to pinpoint the most appropriate way to boost your immune system, and how to best use these probiotic flora to your advantage.

Dr. Ashley Burkman ND is a licensed naturopathic physician at Connecticut Natural Health Specialists, LLC, in Manchester, Connecticut.

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15

Ask Dr. Jeff!

Your Veterinary Homeopath

By Jeff Feinman, VMD, CVH

I

’m honored and excited to be here to answer all of your natural and holistic veterinary care questions! Many of the readers of this magazine have already adopted a holistic lifestyle. You might have even seen the voluminous and expanding research that living more naturally promotes a longer and happier life. Unfortunately though, reliable natural, holistic veterinary information can be hard to find. For example: is “people food” safe to feed to your dog or cat? Do I need to vaccinate my pets? If so, is it better for me to do it every 3 years rather than annually? Is it normal for my cat to drink water?

there may be an energetic imbalance that can be corrected homeopathically. In order to determine the appropriate homeopathic medicine to use however, the diarrhea will need to be individualized.

This may seem “gross” but is extremely important and one way that homeopathy differs from conventional treatment. Characterization of diarrhea includes aspects like is it soft formed, pudding or watery stool? Color, odor? Is there straining to defecate before, during or after the stool? Any accidents in the house or urgency otherwise?

Mucus, blood, undigested food in the stool, etc. A vet homeopath can use these details to determine energetic treatments that can resolve the problem. Once and for all!

Every month I invite you to submit your holistic veterinary care questions directly to me at drjeff@certifiedvethomeopath.com or post on Facebook: http://facebook.com/drfeinman or Twitter: twitter.com/drjeff_feinman

Jeff in Woodstock wonders: “My symptoms are being treated by a homeopath. He’s helping me a lot. But when I asked my regular vet about homeopathic treatment for my cat he said that kitties don’t have symptoms and therefore homeopathy can’t work for them. I’m confused.”

Ally from Stockbridge, MA writes: “We have been reading about raw food feeding. We eat all organic. But buying organic meats for our dog and cat would be very costly. Does their food have to be organic?”

I get asked this question a lot Ally, so thanks for bringing it up. The way I see it is that any fresh food is better than processed.

Period. Sure, organic is best, but not essential. The freshest food may be that available from the local farmer down the road or in the next town. Even if they are not certified organic. Doing so may just be too expensive for them. Yet their chickens may be free to roam and not treated with antibiotics, hormones or fed GMO corn. For example, the Maine company ReelRaw sources from high quality local farms. They may not be organic, but the food is fresh and high quality. You can learn more about them and order by going to http:// reelraw.com If you use the promotional code Jeff15 at checkout, you’ll receive a 15% discount on your first order (I have no other official affiliation with this company). You can also find more on raw food feeding here: http://bit.ly/22SKu9r Rob in Stamford asks: “My young GoldenDoodle seems healthy but gets diarrhea every few weeks. He has had multiple stool tests and deworming, now what?”

Hi Rob. What and how are you feeding Rob? Do you feed a fresh variety (usually best)? If so, are the loose stools associated with any particular food? In lieu of a trigger for the stool abnormalities, 16

Natural Nutmeg - March 2016

Great name Jeff! Seriously though, technically your veterinarian is correct. I believe he is referring to the literal definition of a “symptom”. Since non-verbal animals and pre-verbal kids are not able to subjectively describe what they feel in their body, changes are called objective “signs” not subjective symptoms. However, veterinary homeopaths consider all patients as sentient beings whether they speak or not so we call any observed change a symptom. Thousands of companion animal guardians will attest that veterinary homeopathy works quite well. No matter what one chooses to call the observed physiologic changes! In fact, homeopathic treatment is more effective for many dis-eases than conventional therapy in my experience. Unfortunately, for various reasons, there aren’t nearly as many randomized control studies for homeopathic treatment as there are for drug therapy.

Carol from Essex asks: “I’d like to start taking a more active role in my Poodle’s healthcare as she gets older. What do you think is a good way to do this?”

Fantastic Carol. You have one lucky pup! The very best way to monitor and help her as she ages is to start keeping a journal of her signs and symptoms. My friend and colleague Dr. Christina Chambreau has a wonderful little book called the “Healthy Animal’s Journal” that will show you how. As an added bonus, she helps teach you the early warning signs of dis-ease and how to differentiate common from normal symptoms. She and I do a weekly free video chat that can teach you even more. They are live Thursday’s at 2pm. Sign up for one or watch the recording at: blab.im/drjeff_feinman

For many other answers and to join Dr. Jeff’s holistic pet care community at:http:// www.homevet.com/join-our-holistic-petcare-community More of your questions are answered at: http://bit.ly/1LHfVqX

Please send your questions to Dr. Jeff at drjeff@certifiedvethomeopath.com For many other answers and to join Dr. Jeff’s holistic pet care community at: http://bit.ly/1LCbIGo .

More of your questions are answered at: http://bit.ly/GXmLYA. Dr. Jeff is a University of Pennsylvania 1981 molecular biology and 1985 veterinary graduate. His research in Penn’s medical school and veterinary Department of Medical Genetics led to a varied interest in aging, endocrinological and other metabolic diseases. From academia he interned at Boston’s Angell Memorial Animal hospital.

His clinical experience there led to a desire to integrate high tech medicine with a more holistic approach to the individual. In the mid-nineties, his continued clinical research in holistic medicine. This led him to study homeopathy and became the first certified veterinary homeopath (CVH) in Connecticut. In addition to helping his patients, Dr Jeff’s passion is helping pet guardians learn about holistic veterinary medicine and homeopathy. See ad on page 10.

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17

How Our Mythology Influences Our Immune System

By Natalie Griffin

A

utoimmune Disease (AD) is an illusive, painful and sometimes deadly force moving through our modern culture. It affects over 23 million people in the U.S., compared to the 9 million affected by cancer and the 22 million affected by heart disease. This disease affects women with a ration of 10:1. Despite the annual U.S. health care costs of $100 billion, many of the 24 - 80 different autoimmune diseases have no cure.

Maddening Lists AD is essentially the activation of the body’s immune system against itself. And despite the astronomical numbers of people affected by the disease, researchers do not have a clear answer for what turns the body against itself or how to cure the many diseases associated with AD.

Once upon a time there was a man and woman. They lived in peace and harmony in the Garden. They talked to God, plants and animals and lived at peace with Mother Earth. They loved and enjoyed the beautiful pleasures of the Garden without shame. In every flower, animal and in each other, they recognized the Divine.

Then Eve got curious and some bad things happened. Our Father (The Divine Masculine) yelled, cursed us and banished us.

Finally, he abandoned us, and took flight to the sky (heaven).

Our Mother (The Garden/Earth) was also cursed and became scary and bad and a place filled with temptation. She was now a “dark” temptress who also left us all alone in this scary world. And then we covered up ourselves out of shame and guilt.

In the world of AD there are many lists. There is a list of “possible causes” including genetics. But even with genetics as the sited origin of your disease, there is no clear correlation to getting the same autoimmune disease as your parents or siblings. Other possible causes for AD include environmental factors (another long and random list) such as gluten, silica, hair dye, dairy, soy, corn, wheat, workplace chemicals, insufficient Omega 3, dust, stress, and the list goes on.

Living with this cultural myth sets three primordial fears in motion which inform our body that we are in danger.

The list of symptoms is equally unnerving and random. Fatigue, depression, muscle pain, weakness, rashes, low-grade fever, weight loss, weight gain, tingling in hands, dry eyes, hair loss, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, miscarriages, and mood swings.

We are then separated from our spiritual father, God, who once talked with us. Ultimately, we are spiritually orphaned and malnourished children who no longer feel safe because we no longer belong to heaven or to earth and are all alone.

For treatment, the list includes everything from a complete “reboot” of the immune system using bone marrow transplants and chemotherapy, to brushing your teeth more regularly, using a netipot, ingesting more Omega 3, and going gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. The endless and seemingly random list can send a person running around in circles looking for a cure to the chronic pain of living their life.

Primordial Fear #2: Starving As abandoned children, there is a very old part of our brain that gets triggered into fight or flight because there might not be enough for all of us to survive. Ironically, many of us truly are starving for spiritual and physical nourishment. As the religious structures that once held us are called into question for exclusive and even illegal practices, many of us are searching for a spiritual home.

In light of the lack of conclusive scientific data surrounding AD, turning to our ancestral mythology might provide additional insight into its root causes. Because at the heart of the disease is the rejection of self, our collective mythology can provide some insight into its origin. This self rejection sends the body into high-alert and burns out the endocrine system which weakens the immune system.

Physically, much of the food we digest is not born of organic soil, sunlight and water, but instead, over processed and filled with chemicals. This further activates the part of our brain that governs fight or flight because even though we are eating, our bodies are starving for nutrients. Thus leaving our body and soul malnourished.

The Original Disconnection Our cultural mythology begins with the legend of the Garden of Eden. The Garden Story has a strong and subtle influence on our experience of self-rejection. Even if we did not grow up in a religious tradition, this story and its values has made its way into our language, advertising and thoughts. Stripping the story down to its essential elements and examining it as piece of writing from an important historical time, the abbreviated story might go a bit like this: 18

Natural Nutmeg - March 2016

Primordial Fear #1: Being Alone I could spend hours deconstructing the symbolism in this story, but fundamentally, the retelling illustrates a devastating separation.

We are separated from our spiritual mother, Earth, who once nourished us.

You are smart and may be thinking, “This is just a story. And on top of that, in the story there are options and choices available that enable one to transcend suffering and achieve forgiveness and salvation.” On one level, this is correct. However, on a deeper level, energetically sensitive people have been carrying these burdens without direct awareness. As a result, the fear response in the body has been on high alert, pumping cortisol and adrenaline into the system for decades.

Energetically, fear robs our system of vital energy. If you have ever had to pull a few stressful all-nighters in a row and survived simply through large doses of caffeine, then you might recognize that strung out, exhausted, disconnected feeling that comes from the massive doses of cortisol and the adrenal glands pumping in high alert.

Primordial Fear #3: It’s All Our Fault Perhaps the most insidious of the primordial fears that originates in The Garden is that on a deep level, we think we blew it.

Especially women. (Dang apple...) Again our smart minds can clearly say, “I’m a feminist! I know I deserve equal rights and can bench press my boyfriend! There is no way this is MY fault.” And this is why this hidden fear is so dangerous and directly related to autoimmune disease.

There is a deep part of our brain that feels guilty. Although we can’t figure out why, the guilt is a constant presence for many. I have many clients who come into my office fully accomplished, beautiful, powerful and yet there is an irrational, primordial belief hidden in their psyche that is devastating to the immune system.

“I am never going to be enough,” or its evil sister, “I don’t deserve to really live.”

Most of the time, these beliefs are not active beliefs. An active belief along these lines might cause suicidal thoughts, cutting or other visibly self destructive behavior where emergency psychological or even medical intervention is necessary.

But many of us are processing the guilt and shame of these beliefs without any awareness. These hidden beliefs affect our vitality and behavior in subtle ways like choosing jobs or relationships that are emotionally or mentally harmful, addiction or three-day Netflix binges and yes, even Autoimmune Disease.

To hold the belief that one doesn’t deserve to live is the mind turning against the body. This makes coming fully alive difficult.

The mind that harbors these hidden beliefs will often flood the system with variations on the theme of self-loathing or at a minimum, self-rejection. For example, “I’m too stupid to get a better job,” or “It is selfish of me to want to make my dreams come alive.”

At the risk of sounding like Yoda, the simplified pathway looks like this: Beliefs lead to thoughts.

Thoughts lead to emotions.

Emotions lead to biological and energetic responses in the body.

When the mind turns on the body, the body is a quick follower and the cells designed to protect us from outside harm are forced to protect us from the inside harm we are causing with our thoughts. Finally, our immune system begins to destroy the body.

How Energy Healing Can Help In the hands of a well trained shaman or energy healer, you will explore and identify the hidden beliefs causing the commotion.

As the belief is brought to consciousness, the thoughts, emotions, biological and energetic responses associated with that belief come to light. Shamans call this process Tracking the Origin.

After the hidden/harmful belief and its associated energy is found, the shaman will check to see which chakras are trying to process and clear the heavy energetic residue from the heavy emotions. Shame, Guilt, Fear and Anger are some of the heaviest energies in the body and must be cleared from the mind by healing the belief. The heavy emotional energy and fear must also be cleared from the emotions through release.

Finally, the heavy energy must be cleared from the chakras and meridians.

Shamans work in the mental, emotional, physical and energetic bodies to help you create optimal health. For autoimmune related illnesses, several sessions are required to address the many layers of belief, emotion and heavy energy. This deep clearing with changes to your thoughts, language patterns and behaviors can create amazing results.

Self Healing 1. Thank the illness or trouble you are having - this softens the energy and reminds you that it is energy and it has come to teach you something, like how to love yourself.

Start by loving this part of yourself. The part with the disorder.

2. Ask the body for forgiveness for your harsh thoughts and let your body know you are making a change.

3. Make the changes necessary in your thoughts. In your actions.

4. Choose thoughts and actions that nourish your body and connect you to Spirit.

Natalie Griffin is a life artist, international spiritual teacher, author and rock and roll star (at least in her own mind). She is the founder

Ron D’Amico, LLC

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19

of Naughty Shaman, home of the Dharma School. Dharma School helps students identify their Soul’s Truth and release the fear holding them back from stepping into their Calling.

As the Director of Executive Development at a Fortune 100 Company, her thoughts on leadership were published in the Harvard Business Review on Leadership. Still, something was missing. After a series of life changing events, concluding with her mother’s death, she couldn’t deny her Soul’s Calling any longer and started a high velocity journey inward.

She studied with and worked for Alberto Villoldo. was initiated by the Q’ero Shamans of Peru on the sacred mountain of the Undomesticatable Feminine Life-Force. Now she is able to coach and support leaders on the deeper level that she always craved. 860-430-1788.

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21

Autism Spectrum Disorders: Gut-Based Interventions

By Jessica Pizano

A

ccording to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) the prevalence of autism is now 1 in 68. This is a 119.4% increase over the rate of 1 in 150 that was estimated in 2000. In fact, according to the Autism Society 1% of the population falls on the autism spectrum. Autism is not one specific disease, but rather a spectrum (Autism Spectrum disorder—ASD) of developmental disabilities thought to be caused by differences in the brain. Included conditions include autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome.

While researchers and doctors have not reached consensus on the cause of these disorders, links have been found to genetics, environmental issues, autoimmune disease, etc. Generally development of autism occurs before the age of three and lasts for a lifetime. Some children actually appear to regress suddenly while others seem to have signs of this condition from birth. Some of the signs and symptoms of ASD include: • Not responding to their name before their first birthday • Not playing “pretend” games by 18 months • Avoiding eye contact/preferring time alone • Inability to understand other people’s feelings or talk about their own feelings • Delayed speech and language skills • Inability to deal with change • Obsessive interests • Flapping their hands, rocking their body or spinning in circles • Sensory disorders

body attacks gluten damaging the small intestine. Celiac disease is quite prevalent in those on the spectrum. Even more importantly it is the cause of gluten sensitivity (often IgG mediated rather than an IgE allergy) which may cause digestive complaints, mood disorders, movement disorders, cerebellar disease, migraines, and cognitive impairment. Gluten is found in wheat, spelt, kamut, rye, barley, and often contaminates oats. It may also be found hidden in modified food starch, food emulsifiers, food stabilizers, artificial food coloring, malt, dextrins and soy sauce.

Beyond immune reactions to gluten, it also contains a substance called gluteomorphin. This is a morphine-like substance that stimulates the opioid receptors in the brain. This makes gluten containing foods highly addictive and sedating. Since those with ASD are known to avoid eating a varied diet in favor of consuming a few favorites, gluteomorphins are often a part of this issue. Parents often note that the first few weeks of removing gluten from the diet that the child gets worse. They are hard to control and feel awful. Mistakingly, they will often put gluten back into the diet not realizing that what they are actually seeing is the symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

Similarly, dairy contains caseomorphins, which has the same effect.

Avoidance of gluten and dairy can be extremely helpful for those with ASD. The earlier this is removed from the diet, the better off the child will be and the easier it will be on the parents.

Gluten and Dairy Of all of the gastrointestinal solutions provided for ASD, none is as common as recommendations for a gluten free, dairy/casein free diet. Gluten and dairy are often thought to be triggers for autoimmunity.

Dysbiosis Dysbiosis, a term meaning an imbalance of bacteria in the body, is another common problem in those with ASD. Dysbiosis generally refers to gut-based microbial imbalances and can cause a host of digestive issues including increased amounts of pathogenic yeast, viruses, bacteria, and parasites and decreased amounts of beneficial bacteria. Clostridia infections are also quiet high and produce a toxin that can cause autistic-like symptoms. Other common infections include Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Proteus, Staphylococcus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Dysbiosis is marked by increased permeability of the intestines commonly referred to leaky gut syndrome. This can cause malabsorption, increasing food sensitivities, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, acid reflux, irritability and frequent infections. A stool test to look at levels of both pathogenic and beneficial organisms, presence of sufficient digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid (HCL), and other digestive markers may be helpful in allowing a practitioner to create a comprehensive gut repair program. Typical interventions may include antimicrobials, pre- and probiotics, digestive enzymes, HCL, L-glutamine, butyrate, slippery elm, marshmallow root, and an elimination diet or food sensitivity testing.

Gluten is highly connected to neurological dysfunction and neurological autoimmunity. The protein found in wheat, gluten is responsible for Celiac disease, an autoimmune disease where the

Candida and Oxalates Candida is a type of yeast that is generally found in low levels in the body. Given the right circumstances (such as after antibiotic

One often overlooked piece of the autism puzzle is the host of gut-based issues these individuals face. For many who are nonverbal, they are not even able to communicate these issues with their parents, caregivers and doctors. Even those who can communicate may not be able to express their issues clearly enough. It is important to understand that the brain, which is clearly problematic for those with ASD, is quite important for gastrointestinal function. It controls the movement of food through the digestive track, regulates the release of digestive enzymes, and controls parts of the autonomic nervous system that delivers blood carrying oxygen and nutrients to the intestines. With that in mind, I’d like to share some of the many gut-based issues those on the ASD spectrum may face.

22

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use), it often can overgrow causing a myriad of symptoms including inability to focus, poor memory, brain fog, irritability, dizziness, depression, panic attacks, fatigue, hyperactivity, cravings for sweets, poor coordination, hives, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, fungal infections of the nails and skin, acid reflux, bloating, flatulence, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, stomach cramps, indigestion, burping, mucus in stools, hemorrhoids, anal itching, thrush, cough, mucus, sore throat, sinus congestion, post-nasal drip, flu-like symptoms, sinusitis, asthma, itchy eyes, sensitivity to light, ear infections, food sensitivities, chemical sensitivities, weight gain or loss, headaches, and achiness. Typically, Candida will overgrow in the intestinal track making the best way to test for it a stool test. Though, metabolites for candida may also be found in the urine and can therefore be detected with a urinary organic acids test looking at arabinose levels.

Avoidance of sugars, refined carbohydrates, high glycemic fruits, and excessive dietary carbohydrates is necessary to help decrease levels of Candida. Dietary changes alone, however, are rarely enough. A comprehensive program including probiotics, Candida-degrading enzymes, and anti-fungals (natural or prescription) can help to fight this yeast infection. Not only can Candida cause issues due to the infection, it can also cause antibodies to be formed. In those with autoimmune predisposition (common in ASD), the body may then react to body tissues that have similar amino acid (protein) makeup.

This includes the brain, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, thymus, and liver.

Candida also produces oxalates, an anti-nutrient that may bind minerals and has been implicated in some cases of kidney stones. Oxalates are also made by the body and found in the diet. Dietary sources of oxalates include spinach, beets, chocolate, soy, peanuts, wheat bran, tea, cashews, pecans, almonds, berries, rhubarb, Swiss chard, sweet potatoes, black pepper, and other foods. Oxalate elevation may cause joint pain, sandy stools, oxidative stress, decreased levels of the anti-oxidant glutathione, decreased mineral absorption, leaky gut syndrome, behavioral issues, eye pain, anemia, and immunosuppresion. Decreasing (but not entirely avoiding) dietary oxalates can be helpful. Supplementing with vitamin B6, calcium and magnesium citrate, zinc, n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), liposomal glutathione, and antioxidants may help improve oxalate metabolism. Probiotics, including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis create enzymes that help degrade oxalates. Oxalate levels may

be checked by using a urinary organic acids test through the Great Plains Laboratory.

Sulfur Metabolism Issues Many with ASD also possess a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) to CBS C699T, an enzyme involved in sulfur metabolism. SNPs are common changes in genes where one genetic building block is exchanged for another often causing variation in various metabolic processes. In the case of the CBS SNP, it causes sulfur to move quickly through the pathway causing sulfur overload. Many with this issue find that they are less tolerant to high sulfur foods including meats, eggs, onions, garlic, broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, collard greens, and other dark green vegetables. This can cause diarrhea, increased ammonia levels (which is neurotoxic), decreased production of the antioxidant glutathione, vitamin B6 deficiency (which can then cause decreased levels of brain chemicals including serotonin and dopamine), and depletion of the mineral molybdenum. For those who have this SNP, which may be identified using testing through 23andme.com, consuming a reduced sulfur diet for a few days followed by a slow reintroduction of sulfur can help find the child’s tolerance level. Supplementation with liposomal glutathione is important for helping decrease oxidative stress in this population.

Conclusion While by no means a comprehensive list of gastrointestinal issues associated with ASD, my goal is to provide a starting place for parents of children on the spectrum. It is essential to find a functional doctor or nutritionist to help guide you through testing and setting up a program to improve the gastrointestinal health of your child. For some children we can see drastic changes, not just in the gut but in their behaviors. For others, it may only provide relief for digestive symptoms. Regardless, it will certainly help improve the child’s health and therefore their wellbeing.

Jessica Pizano is the owner of Fit to You, LLC, which offers clinical nutrition and nutrigenomic counseling, as well as personalized training programs. Her concentrations include genetics and nutrigenomics, general health and fitness, weight loss, food allergies/sensitivities, autoimmune disease, mast cell activation disorders, autism spectrum disorders, mood disorders, post-rehabilitative work, training/nutrition for medical conditions, obesity intervention, pre- and post-natal exercise and nutrition, and Pilates.

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trition that emphasizes functional medicine at the University of Bridgeport. She is continuing her studies at Maryland University of Integrative Health where she is pursuing a doctor of clinical nutrition. Currently, Jessica practices nutrition counseling, nutrigenomics, and personal training in her studio in Avon. She may be contacted at (860) 3217234 or online at www.fittoyouct.com. See ad on page 3.

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23

Making Moments Count: How to Recognize and Claim Your Life Purpose

By Deb Elbaum, MD, CPCC, ACC An excerpt from the new book, “Coaching for Powerful Change”, see ad on page 7 to purchase.

“Living on purpose means being mindful, thoughtful, and conscious of what I am doing each day. It feels good.”

After I graduated from medical school, I began my training to become a physician. I had always wanted to help others, and I believed this was the way I would do it. Soon after I began the training, I realized that despite my desire to connect with patients, the daily work was not for me. I dreaded emergencies, couldn’t wait to leave after each shift, and developed an ulcer. I quit and entered a professional hibernation. For the next few years, I raised my children. I loved being with them, but always at the back of my mind was the thought, “Is this all there is?”-Deb, age 45, coach

“It’s being intentional and looking back at the end of each day and not feeling wasteful.”

Here’s what I believe: that you matter, and that you can contribute meaningfully to the people and world around you in a unique way. In other words, you have a purpose. Given that you are living and that you have a purpose, it seems reasonable to claim that you have a “life purpose.”

“If I am living on purpose by being fulfilled in this moment, then I am living my life purpose.”

Interestingly, though, most of the people I talk with don’t initially relate to the term “life purpose.” They believe that life purpose is a specific career or a lofty accomplishment that one aspires to achieve. When I interview people and ask them what life purpose means, they say: “That’s a loaded question. I think I’m a good person, but I don’t have a life purpose.”

“It’s too big. It’s not relatable.”

“I don’t feel yet like I am living my life purpose. I feel like it is somewhere ‘out there’. I imagine that when I find my life purpose, things will be easy.”

“It makes me think of a big accomplishment that is unattainable, like curing cancer.”

After I ask people about their life purpose, I ask them about the phrase “living on purpose.” People usually quickly respond, saying, “Oh, that is different.” In contrast to life purpose, they see living on purpose as a reason one does certain daily activities. It involves connecting with the meaning in life, whether at a job or volunteer position, with family or friends. When asked to define this phrase, people say: “Living on purpose means something active, living moment by moment. It is in my grasp.”

“It is being mindful and present, and interacting with people in that way.”

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Here’s what you need to know, though: life purpose and living on purpose are absolutely connected. You can’t have one without the other. They are both about you and how you interact with the world each day and during the years of your life. In fact, when I later question people about how life purpose and living on purpose are connected, they come to see a connection. They say:

“Living on purpose adds up to the sum of my life purpose.”

“I can’t do one without the other. If I am not mindful and living on purpose, then I am not living my life purpose.”

“By verbalizing and vocalizing my life purpose, it allows me to live on purpose.”

In this chapter, we will explore life purpose, what it means, how you can connect with your purpose, and how you can find more purpose in your daily life. My wish for you is that, by the end of this chapter, you will be able to answer the question, “How am I living purposefully today?”

You’ll notice that I use the terms life purpose and living on purpose interchangeably in this chapter. That’s a deliberate choice, to remind you that when you live on purpose, you are living your life purpose.

When you live on purpose, you are living your life purpose.

What Does “Life Purpose” Mean, Anyway?

Life purpose is living in a way that feels alive, exciting, and meaningful. It means having a sense of your unique gifts and using them in a way that positively affects the people and world around you.

Life purpose is not a specific achievement or career title; it is also not one single thing. Life purpose is multidimensional and multi-faceted, similar to a diamond that has many sides. All of the sides of the diamond matter, as they all contribute to its brilliance.

You can have a purpose professionally and within your family, as purpose is about your way of interacting with the world.

Life purpose can also evolve over time.

Although aspects of your life purpose might be constant, the entirety of your life purpose can and will shift over time. As we continue to fine-tune our strengths and add to our knowledge about ourselves, what we enjoy, and what we are good at, our life purpose will deepen and become clearer.

A person’s life purpose is also different than a life goal. Here’s an example. Suppose your friend has been talking about climbing a mountain her whole life. You might wonder, “Wouldn’t that be considered a life purpose?”

Although an impressive accomplishment, climbing that mountain would be a life goal. Life goals are often aligned with a person’s life purpose and stem naturally when people live on purpose. Rather than achieving a goal, however, life purpose is how you live in the world. For instance, this woman’s life purpose might be championing others to take on challenges, being a passionate athlete, or advocating for the environment.

• Are happier • Are excited about our work • Balance work and family life better • Are kinder and more compassionate with ourselves and others When we don’t have a sense of purpose in what we are doing, and when we feel like what we are doing is pointless or unappreciated, we often: • Feel resentful or depressed • Are less compassionate with ourselves and others • Spend a lot of time thinking about the past or worrying about the future • Engage in mind-numbing activities, such as watching TV and surfing the internet • Close ourselves off emotionally When you have purpose in your life, you are more likely to feel happier and kinder to yourself and others.

Tools To Clarify Your Purpose Now that we have talked about why purpose matters, it’s time to start recognizing and claiming your life purpose. To help my clients get started, I like to use the Detective Approach. You know how detectives are really curious? It’s time for you to get curious about your own life.

First, find a comfortable place where you can sit and write. You can write your answers in this book, in a journal, on your phone, or on your computer. You are going to play the role of detective and get curious about your life and what makes you tick.

Most importantly, you are going to do this without judgment. This bears repeating: YOU NOT ALLOWED TO JUDGE YOURSELF DURING THESE EXERCISES! Ask yourself the following questions one at a time and write down your answers: • When was a recent time that I felt excited and passionate about what I was doing?

My life purpose right now is to help people feel well and tap into their ability to heal themselves. My clients go out into the world as a beacon of health and happiness and inspire others. There’s a trickle-down effect as their friends and family see that being healthy and happy is an option.

- Ann, age 47, Holistic Health and Wellness Coach Why Talk About Life Purpose?

Recognizing and connecting with the purpose in your life is critical. Let’s face it, many things in today’s world are scary, overwhelming, and downright depressing.

When you feel lost or unsure, your purpose can guide you. Knowing what drives you and what matters most can help you make choices about work, family, and life that are right for you.

You can think of your purpose like a hand-held metal detector you might see people using at a beach or in the woods to scan for objects buried under the ground.

Just like a metal detector points you to possible buried treasure, your internal purpose guides you to conversations, activities, and work that are most meaningful to you.

When we have a sense of purpose in what we are doing or how we are being with others, we: • Feel like our lives have more meaning and direction

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• What was I doing?

• What part of this was most meaningful to me?

• What was the impact I had on the people or world around me?

• When I wake up in the morning, what I am excited to do?

• When does time seem to fly for me?

• What have I created in my life that I am proud of?

Great job! You are off to a solid start. After you have interviewed yourself, it is time to interview other people. Just like real detectives interview witnesses to get their points of view, you will get some different perspectives about your life.

Choose one or two people who know you well and with whom you would feel comfortable talking about these things. Call them or meet with them and ask the following questions. Be sure to write down the answers. Ask them: • When do you see me being most excited and happy?

• What have I done that you admire?

• What do you appreciate about me?

I left a job that was not life-giving for me and decided to take some time as a stay-at-home parent after having my first child. I am still on a journey to find out what my life purpose is.

To figure it out, I use logic and facts, and I also listen to what my gut tells me. As I think about decisions I’m making or try new things, I ask myself, “Does this fit you? Is this who you are?”

-Lora, age 37, Stay-At-Home Parent Claiming Your Purpose It’s time to review the information you have gathered from your investigating and imagining. Let’s pretend all of this material you’ve gathered is “data.” Just like scientists, let’s review what you wrote down to see what jumps out at you.

• What patterns do you see in your data?

• What words came up over and over?

• What have you learned about what makes you feel purposeful?

Now, summarize your findings and fill in the following statement: I feel the most present, happy, excited, fulfilled, and purposeful when I ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬______________________.

I started living life on purpose by being intentional…intentional with my words, with the food I was eating, with my relationships, and with exercise. By being intentional, I am present, and am much less likely to over-glorify the past or overanalyze the future. When I feel my thoughts start to spiral out of control, I capture that thought and replace it with one focusing on what I am grateful for right now in this moment.

-Elizabeth, age 25, Graduate Student and Fitness Instructor Now What?

Hopefully by now you’ve learned something about your purpose…what lights you up and how you find meaning in your everyday life. You might be wondering, “What now?”

First, keep refining your purpose. Remember when I said that your purpose is constantly evolving? Action helps you find new things that you enjoy and are good at. A former client of mine said, “It’s tough to figure out life by thinking. You need to dabble and become active to find out what you are passionate about.” I completely agree! We learn about ourselves by stepping out of our comfort 26

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zone and trying new things.

How to put this into action: Give yourself permission to try something completely new. You might sign up for a class that sounds interesting, start a blog and write your first blog post, volunteer in your community, or tag along with a friend to his or her favorite activity.

You can hold yourself accountable by choosing a date to complete this new thing by, and writing it in your calendar. Then, DO IT, have fun, and see what you learn about yourself.

Give yourself permission to try something completely new to learn more about you.

Second, connect with the purpose in your day-to-day life. You can find purpose in your daily life, in the work and activities you do already. All this requires is that you be mindful and intentional. It requires you to pause and take stock during the day, to look at your life from a new perspective.

For example, let’s say that genuine connections with others fill you with purpose. Where are the connections that you can deepen in your everyday life?

How to put this into action: Every day, whether at work, or with family and friends, make an effort to pause a few times during the day. Look up from what you are doing and ask yourself, “How am I living purposefully right now?”

You might want to incorporate a daily practice of connecting with your purpose. Before you go to bed each night, ask yourself, “What’s one way that I lived on purpose today?”

Ask yourself every day, “How did I live on purpose today?”

My Hope for You It is my hope that you will grow to be more connected to the purpose in your life, and, consequently, to the thought that you matter deeply in this world. I believe that as you live more purposefully every day, you will feel happier, more fulfilled, and more connected to the people around you.

Living on purpose will create new pathways for your life that you haven’t yet imagined. Purposeful living opens up your thinking to new ideas, new things to try, and new ways to be. And even though I don’t know exactly what your future holds, I do know that when you consciously choose to claim the purpose in your life, exciting possibilities will open up. Enjoy the journey, as you see where your purpose takes you.

After I left medicine, I built a career as a freelance writer. The work was fine, but it was not fulfilling. Eventually, I decided it was time to find more meaning in my life. A coach whom I admired encouraged me to sign up for coaching training. After the first weekend of classes, I was transformed. I reconnected with my desire to deeply connect with others. I learned that I am passionate about helping others recognize and harness their strengths. Now, every time I coach a client, I am living my life purpose. -Deb, age 45, Coach Deb Elbaum, MD, CPCC, ACC is a certified career and life coach who works with professionals who are navigating career transition or growing their business, women who are reentering the workforce,

and individuals who are seeking more purpose in life. Before becoming a coach, Deb was trained as a physician and worked as a medical writer for organizations including UpToDate® and the Massachusetts Medical Society. Having successfully managed her own professional transitions, she brings enthusiasm and focus to her clients as they envision, clarify, and achieve their goals.

In addition to being a coach, writer, speaker, wife, and mother, Deb is a Founding Fellow at the Harvard Medical School-affiliated Institute of Coaching, a nonprofit organization dedicated to furthering quality research on coaching. She is also a coach and workshop presenter for the Institute for Career Transitions at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, an organization supporting long-term unemployed individuals. Her bachelor’s degree in psychology is from Harvard University, her MD degree is from the University of Pennsylvania, and her coaching training and certification is from the Coaches Training Institute.

She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three children, ages 18, 15, and 9. Learn more about Deb at www.DebElbaum.com or email: Deb@DebElbaum.com.

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Blue Ridge Mountains and Wine at Banner Elk Winery & Villa

By Diane Hayden, PhD estled in the awe inspiring majestic Blue Ridge Mountains stands North Carolina High Country’s original winery. In 2006, the age-old tradition of winemaking made its debut in the region with the establishment of Banner Elk Winery & Villa, the first commercial winery built in Avery and Watauga counties.

Banner Elk wines pay tribute to the rugged mountain landscape and capture the delicate nuance and subtle flavors of the fruit.

N

The Villa is an elegant Bed & Breakfast that offers an idyllic setting, luxurious accommodations, and unrivaled service for discerning travelers. When you walk through the doors of the Villa you are greeted with Tuscan inspired themes and a gorgeous fireplace.

There are eight beautifully appointed suites to choose from, two with private fireplaces. Each features a king or queen-sized bed with luxurious linens and abundant pillows, private jacuzzi tubs, and thick plush robes. Breathtaking mountain views from every window beckon you to come explore the High Country.

We stayed in the Zindandel Suite which has its own entrance from an outdoor terrace and overlooks the trout pond, winery, and Blue Ridge Mountains.

The French doors welcome the “outside in” and open onto the semi-private lower terrace. We loved the double chaise lounge where you can enjoy a glass of wine on in your own secret garden.

Decorated in soothing colors with red and green accents, the furniture has an eclectic tropical feeling.

You’ll awaken to a complimentary chef-prepared breakfast that you can have on the veranda or large round dining table. After breakfast, stroll through the luscious gardens or journey up the mountain to the upper vineyard for an awe inspiring view of the expansive Blue Ridge Mountains!

As a guest you receive a complimentary wine tasting, so you won’t want to miss heading over to the Banner Elk Winery right on property. Banner Elk Winery processes their own as well as other locally grown grapes into prize winning wines. They continue to lead the region’s commercial wine industry by providing guidance and encouragement to other local farms who are following their lead in planting vineyards with new French-American and American varieties of grapes.

Awards received include two Gold Medals at the 2013 International Eastern Wine Competition for the 2011 Banner Elk Red and 28

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2011 Marechal Foch. The Banner Elk White received a Gold Medal in the “Other Whites” division at the 2012 NextGen Wine Competition in California, and the only Gold in this division.

Whether you are interested in a wine tasting, learning more about the art and science of winemaking, or just relaxing with a glass of wine, don’t miss a visit to the Banner Elk Winery & Villa.

While you’re in Banner Elk, you must dine at Artisanal! The setting is gorgeous in what feels like an old horse barn. Sit outside if the weather allows near the creek and waterfalls. The interior has high ceilings, a horse made of wood, and a cozy bar area with plush couches.

Before you even start your meal, you’re served the most amazing warm yeast rolls served in a skillet with salted butter. To die for!

You can order the tasting menu or off the regular dining menu. To start we had the Ricotta Gnocchi with Spring Vegetables and the Blue Crab Beignets with pickled veggies. For entrees, we had the Sitka Sound Halibut with smoked cauliflower, trumpet mushrooms and Brussels sprouts and the Butter Steak with local blue potato and mushroom gastrique. They will also do wine pairings and their wine list is outstanding.

Don’t miss these two gems in Banner Elk. Visit www.bannerelkwinery.com and www.artisanalnc.com.

Submitted by Dr. Diane Hayden.

Experience Light, Peace and Beauty at The Jenks House B&B

By Diane Hayden, PhD n my opinion, Jacksonville, Florida is one of the best kept secrets in this country. It has just about everything you could possibly imagine…without the huge crowds you’ll find at that place with the mouse about a couple hours south. Whether you’re in the mood for relaxing on stretches of stunning beaches, paddling through nature-filled waterways, or experiencing great food and nightlife downtown, there’s plenty to do for families, couples, nature-lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

I

Beyond the majestic skyline of downtown you’ll find quaint riverfront streets, lined with boutiques, live music venues, Bed & Breakfasts and sidewalk cafes. The beauty of being in Jacksonville, is that within minutes you can travel to a new and exciting area! Along with hip urban spots, Jacksonville boasts acres of breathtaking, totally undeveloped natural landscape - a true paradise for hiking, camping, and water activities.

We were lucky enough to stay in the Jenks House Bed & Breakfast in a quiet neighborhood minutes from downtown. Built in 1925 in the Prairie School style for the Marjorie and Thomas Jenks family, The Jenks House is a taste of old Florida. In 32 years of residence and restoration, Ila Rae and Tom Merten have preserved original features of the Jenks home including some of the Jenks family furniture.

Additional furnishings include mission and early art deco pieces.

Upon entering Jenks House you immediately feel like you’ve come home. With only two rooms, it is quaint and intimate and a perfect place for a romantic getaway. If you’ve never stayed at a B&B before because you’re hesitant about wanting to “commune” – this would be the place to test the waters to see if you might like it.

The Mission Room was absolutely lovely. From the handmade cedar chest that graced Grandma’s dressing room, to the lovely pastel on the north wall and luxury sheets and bedding, it felt like the room was lovingly prepared just for us. We loved the barley twist gate-leg table and cane back, queen size bed and the large, attached private bath with shower even had the original porcelain plumbing fixtures.

Or you can stay in the Live Oak Room with a hand-carved Italian Art Deco queen bed made up with luxury linen and topped with seventy-year-old homespun French linen. There is a beautiful tiger oak armoire to hang your clothes in and an Art Deco slant-front

desk. The room also has an attached private bath with a bathtub and shower with original porcelain plumbing fixtures.

Breakfast at the Jenks House is an experience not to be missed!

We enjoyed grilled fresh pineapple with locally grown papaya or you might be delighted to have local grapefruit that is grown only 7 blocks away! Next was a Baked Omelette with spinach and cheddar and herbs grown in the backyard. They also offered just squeezed Florida orange juice and home roasted, Fair-trade Organic Coffee. If the season is right, the juice may have come from the organically grown citrus trees right outside the kitchen door.

And fresh vegetables and fruits from the garden are served as often as possible. You can’t get more local and fresh than that!

The Jenks House Bed and Breakfast was one of the first establishments to earn the Florida Green Lodging certification, although they have been “green” for more than thirty years. The Merten’s have a solar hot water heater from 1978 and a cistern of 5 tanks to collect over 1300 gallons of rainwater runoff.

While you’re in Jacksonville, don’t miss the opportunity to dine at Black Sheep and the Blind Rabbit. Black Sheep has an incredible rooftop dining and bar area that is amazing for views.

Visit www.thejenkshouse.com and www.blacksheep5points. com and www.theblindrabbitwhiskeybar.com.

Submitted by Dr. Diane Hayden. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Vegas Style Luxury at the Peppermill Resort in Reno

By Diane Hayden, PhD

I

f it weren’t for this beautiful resort, I would probably never have made it to Reno, Nevada – known as The Biggest Little City in the World, which is displayed in the famous arch over Virginia Street. The Peppermill Reno is a hotel worthy of taking up residence on the Vegas strip, however, it’s a lone jewel in the city of Reno and was chosen as the most outstanding Reno gaming/hotel property by Casino Player and Nevada magazines. In 2005, the Peppermill Reno invested $300 million in a Tuscan-themed expansion and the property is just stunning.

Immediately upon walking into the lobby, you experience a fusion of old-world hotel style with contemporary luxury amenities.

We stayed in the gorgeous Tuscany Tower and from the outside the tower is a modern glass structure, reflecting sun and sky. But from the inside, it reflects the classic style of Tuscan luxury…warm colors evoke rolling green and umber Italian hillsides. You’ll literally feel like you just stepped into a palatial Tuscan villa.

With sweeping views of Reno’s cityscape and the breathtaking Sierras, the suite combined old-world splendor with sophistication.

Hand-painted Italian art and private foyers provided an elegant, personal space. Each of the hotel rooms and suites feature comfortable accommodations and luxurious bedding with custom-made plush double-pillow-top mattresses and 42” wall-mounted LCD high-def televisions.

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But wait until you see the bathroom! Spacious and elegant, the marble bathroom showcased his and hers sinks, a European soaking tub and separate marble enclosed shower with dual showerheads. And of course, being ecofriendly, they provide all natural and organic toiletries.

We dined at Bimini Steakhouse, which is one of many restaurants right on property. Intimate, yet open spaces provide spectacular views of the pools and gardens as you dine in the surrounds of a virtual aquarium. Rich Koa wood, marble tables and a lush tropical feel evoke feelings of far away destinations. Of course, being at a steakhouse, we ordered the filet mignon, which you could have dry aged on the bone for 32 days in a climate-controlled room with Himalayan salt. It was absolutely delicious.

You also won’t want to miss a spa experience at Spa Toscana which is a 43,000 sq. ft. sanctuary of luxury and tranquility. There are 24 treatment rooms offering Vichy & body treatments, massage, bronzing and skincare. Even better than that were the Gentlemen and Ladies Ritual rooms with hot & cold plunge pools, cascading deluge showers, eucalyptus steam and cedar wood saunas! Few spas I’ve been to have had such indulgences!

You’ll also find high definition plasma TVs with SoSound acoustic resonance therapy in each room indulging the senses of sight and sound. And they even have what they call “experience showers” that envelope the body with a choreography of color, light and sound. The spa also offers a complete selection of natural bath and body products.

Visit the stunning Caldarium featuring the indoor pool, sun deck and Secret Garden. Natural light, soothing baths, cascading waterfalls and peaceful sanctuaries set the tone for a spa journey focusing on holistic rejuvenation and renewal. I could spend days here!

The Peppermill Reno is truly a spot not to be missed if you find yourself in Reno. They even have an electric vehicle charging station – now how’s that for ecofriendly!

Submitted by Dr. Diane Hayden.

For more information, visit https://www.peppermillreno.com.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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HAPPENINGS

March 2016

Loss, Grief and the Gift of Mandala Also 3/5 and 3/6. $290 single occupancy, $230 double; $115 commuters. The weekend will include input, quiet reflection time, mandala making, personal sharing and ritual.Mercy by the Sea in Madison, CT www.mercybythesea.org or 203-245-0401

front doors, first impressions, pathways, color, lighting, and sound can all help shift the energy around money. Participants should bring in photographs that include a close-up view of their front door and a view of the same door from the street. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, March 5th

Wednesday, March 9th

The Art of Patient Acceptance: Letting go of Anger and Frustration with Resident Teacher, Eve Arias, 10am-1pm at Odiyana Kadampa Buddhist Center. Anger is one of the most common and destructive delusions, and it afflicts our mind almost every day at some level. In this course, we will learn about the nature of anger and how to manage it through engaging in simple meditation techniques and practical methods in daily life. This course will include guided meditations, special advice and time for discussion and Q & A. Everyone welcome! Course cost: $25, membership discounts may apply. Space is limited. To preregister contact: info@odiyana.org or 860-266-6041. www.meditationinconnecticut.org No one turned away for lack of funds.Odiyana Center is a non-profit organization.

Healing in Harmony Night.

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. FREE. Stop by the center for a FREE healing service. Participants will sit individually with a healer and receive an 8 – 10 minute healing. No reservation required. You will be served in the order in which you enter the center. The healing services are offered one night each month. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. For more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Friday, March 4th –

Sunday, March 6th Reiki I with Christine Cartwright.

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. $130.00. Attune to the universal energy in this Level I Usui Reiki class.

Participants will learn traditional hand positions, how to give a full body session and receive attunements to the universal Reiki energy for selfhealing and healing others. Participants receive a manual, book and certificate. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Tuesday, March 8th The Nuts and Bolts of Spirituality: A monthly group for Men with Ken Freschi.

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. $15.00. Join Ken Freschi each month in this spirituality group just for men.

Meet with like-minded individuals to discuss a variety of life and spiritual topics. Ken’s book, Our Walk to Eternity, will be used as a guideline for the group and aid in exploring the human journey and the lessons we are here to learn.

Open for all levels of spiritual seekers. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Feng Shui Fit: Wealth, Money and Opportunity with Pat McGrath. 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $35.00.

Feng Shui principles can help unblock the flow in our spaces and prepare us to welcome in new opportunities. In this class we will learn how

32 Natural NaturalNutmeg Nutmeg March - March2016 2016

Friday, March 11th Meet your Angels and Guides with Priscilla Bengtson. 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. $50.00. Receiving spiritual guidance is easier when you understand who you are connecting with. During this workshop you will learn about your primary spiritual guides and guardian angels. Through meditation, we will meet them and receive information from them on how they would like to work with you. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, March 12th Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory & Terminology Course. Also March 13 & 19,20 (Two Sat & Sun). (May be a Stand Alone Class).

9:30 - 4:30 PM. $469.00 *Pre-requisite for Chinese Herbology Program ~ This is a powerful course for anyone interested in the Differential Diagnosis of Traditional Chinese Medicine and it’s uses today.Through recognition of patterns, TCM describes disharmonies without diagnosing disease. This course also serves as the foundation on which our Chinese Herbology Intensive is built upon. All our courses are taught with an emphasis on clinical diagnosis as practiced in China today. Laura Mignosa, NCCH, Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies 912 Corbin Avenue (Route 372) New Britain. 860826-2705 CTHerbschool.com Facebook: Laura Mignosa5 Psychic Saturday. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. $25.00 for a 20-minute reading. Receive a private reading to connect you to guidance from your angels, spirit guides and loved ones. Check the web site for Readers. Pre-scheduling is highly recommended. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center,

99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To pre-schedule an appointment, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Sunday, March 13th Women’s Empowerment Meditation. 10:00 a.m.

– 12:00 noon. $25.00. This guided meditation is specifically designed to the energy of the group.

We invite in our angels and guides to help us release those things that keep us stuck. The energy of the group helps us to release those things that no longer serve our highest good and allow us to live an empowered life. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury.

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

Integrated Energy Therapy (IET), Advanced Level with Dan Lupacchino and Christine Cartwright.

9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. $215.00. The Advanced training includes attunement to the Advanced IET® energy ray which unlocks the 5th DNA pair and activates the energy of your soul’s purpose; the ability to do a “Soul Star” clearing to activate your soul’s purpose; use of the Heartnet process to manifest your dreams; use of the powerful energy wave technique to clear resistance; how to build Heartbeams to anchor angelic energy into the Earth. Fully illustrated training guide and certificate provided. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

IN-2-IT KIDS: Creative Crystals with Lily Holcomb. 12:30 p.m. – 2:00p.m. $35.00. For children ages 7-12. Crystals can create healing, empowerment and positive energy within. Children will explore crystals using their many senses to identify qualities and characteristics that make them feel good! A short guided meditation will be an integral part of the class. A small sample stone will be included in the cost of this workshop. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

Monday, March 14th An IET® Steps to Transformation Workshop: How to Achieve True Forgiveness with Jennifer Johnson. 6:30 p.m. – 8:30p.m. $45.00. With the help of the IET® Healing Angels, learn the angelic definition of forgiveness as channeled by Angel Ariel, and enhance your understanding of how you energetically hold on to judgement. Through the IET® Forgiveness Process, clear the energy of your anger and resentments, heighten your ability to forgive, and open your heart’s capacity to love gracefully and completely. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury.

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

Tuesday, March 15th Mother Mary: Queen of the Angels with Christine Cartwright. 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. $35.00. Learn about Mother Mary and discover the many ways in which she is protecting, healing, and guiding us all. We will then explore the origins and symbolism of The Miraculous Medal, ending the evening with a meditative journey to connect with the Queen of the Angels for our own personal guidance and healing. Participants receive a Miraculous Medal to take home with them. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Student Reader’s Night. 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

FREE. Have a reading from one of our gifted student readers. Don’t let the word student confuse you as they are well versed in the art of message delivery. These nights allow them to practice their mediumship, tarot or angel reading skills and for you to receive guidance. Sessions are 15-minutes each. No appointments. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury.

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

Thursday, March 17th Essential Essences for Everyday Healing 7:00-8:30 hosted by Naughty Shaman.

Join Nicole Lewis, a certified Medicinal Aromatherapist to learn about the healing properties of Rhododendron. She will discuss the ways this plant essence works to support us on a daily basis and how to apply the essence for the soothing of the mind, body, and spirit. Each participant will receive a sample of the essence. naughtyshaman. com 860-430-1788.

Friday, March 18th Gallery Night with Priscilla Bengtson. 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $45.00. Join us for an intimate evening of experiencing intuitive readings with medium Priscilla Bengtson. Priscilla is a certified Angel Therapy Practitioner®, Medium and Psychic Intuitive who connects with angels, spirit guides and those who have crossed over. Readings will be done gallery-style with Priscilla providing messages to the audience as they come through to her. The group is kept small so that everyone receives guidance. Seating is limited and preregistration is required. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury.

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

Tuesday, March 22nd Dare to be Different with Priscilla Bengtson.

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $45.00. Are you feeling stuck? Challenge yourself to make radical changes in the way you respond to life. Understand why you are stuck, why you stay there and how to get unstuck. Insanity is making the same decisions and expecting different results. Attend this workshop and dare to be different! Held at The

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

Wednesday, March 23rd Sacred Copal Meditation with Dan Lupacchino.

7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $40.00. Join Dan for a night of working with the amazing and aromatic powers of Copal. We will explore its history and the various spiritual and medicinal uses of this resin/incense. We will be using its essence form to connect deeply in meditation with this amazing plant spirit. This class uses scented items. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Sunday, March 27th Shamanic Book Club - 6:00-7:15.

There are so many “readers” in our community!

Join Sarah E. Carey for monthly book club to unite us over mindful words. We come together in ceremonial discussion led by Sarah E. Carey, a lover of literature and shamanic thinking. This month’s book is A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course In Miracles by Marianne Williamson. naughtyshaman.com 860-430-1788.

Tuesday, March 29th Introduction to Integrated Energy Therapy (IET®) Information Night – IET® Master Instructors.

7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. FREE. Explore the opportunity to learn how to heal with the Angels. Join IET® Master Instructors Chris Cartwright, Jennifer Johnson and Dan Lupacchino for an informative evening into the world of IET®. Participants will learn a brief history of the development of IET and its many uses in healing. Learn a Heart-Link process to connect with these amazing angels.

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

Wednesday, March 30th Home Message Circle. 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $20.00. The session is open to anyone who wishes to practice their mediumship message delivery in a group. Your ability doesn’t matter as we are all here to get some practice and learn from each other. A group facilitator will help you stay on track with your message if needed. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com

Friday, April 1st Jaguar Path : Condor Medicine 6:00-8:30 with Ray Crist. Join us in enlivening the spirit through Condor Medicine. Explore deeply within and change patterns in the subconscious through the practice of shamanic journeying. You will explore a unique journey to find your power animal, ally, and guides. In this workshop you will also

practice a seeing exercise to awaken your ability to see and read energy. naughtyshaman.com 860430-1788.

Saturday, April 2nd Awakening the Chakras though Mindful Yoga 9:30 – 3:30 $75 This day will provide an introduction to the seven primary chakras or spiritual energy centers within the body. All levels of yoga experience welcome. Mercy by the Sea in Madison, CT www.mercybythesea.org or 203245-0401

ONGOING Mondays Sound Healing Concerts, 6:30-8:00pm. These healing events will have a blend of channeled messages, energy work, voice, Alchemy Crystal Bowls, brass bowls and gongs to create the necessary environment to support an evening of transformation. All of these tools will be chosen in advance based on the energetics and the requirements of the group for that evening. Each Concert will be unique and will be an environment full of potential to heal, change and grow on many levels. Fee: $25 Call 860-358-9272 or email info.rondamico@ gmail.com to reserve your spot.

Tuesdays Cranial Sacral Study Group, 7:00-9:00pm. Joe Belanger, PT, has created this ongoing study group as a way to further support practitioners of cranial technique after their cranial class(es) have finished.

This group is designed to answer any questions you may have as well as review, re-learn and practice whatever is helpful to you. No one gets quizzed on what they know or don’t know. The focus is to embody helping someone heal using Cranial Sacral Therapy versus just trying to get rid of their symptoms. Location: Ron D’Amico, LLC, Center for Integrative Healing and Education, 595 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Portland, CT. Fee: $20. To register, call 860.316.5604 or email joeb.pt@snet.n Mindful Self-Compassion Workshop. Tuesdays, 1/26-3/22, 10-12:00 PM for 9 weeks. Learn how to be less critical of yourself, handle emotions with more ease and deal with relationships more effectively. Co-led: Angela Mazur, LCSW, LLC & Cynthia Glasser, LCSW. Fee: $475, most insurance accepted. Farmington location. Please call 860676-1193 or email mindfulscway@gmail.com.

Wednesdays The Feldenkrais Method ®Awareness Through Movement® Classes with Karen Emerick, A powerful way to eliminate stress and pain while dramatically increasing flexibility. Through stress and injury we develop habitually chronic tight muscles and stiff joints leaving us feeling older than we are. Through slow, deceptively simple and ingeniously designed movements done on the floor, these chronic old patterns ingrained

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HAPPENINGS in our body melt away, leaving relaxed muscles, improved coordination and balance and an effortless sense of movement. Glastonbury, 10:15am – 11:30am, $15, drop-ins $20. Register: 860-6337667.

Shamanic Theory- 7:00-8:00 March 2nd-23rd hosted by Naughty Shaman. Join Nicole Lewis exploring shamanic practices and teachers. You will be able to compare and contrast various methods to develop your unique medicine. A key element of shamanism is honoring those teachers who came before us. You will be exposed to teachers to serve as a launch pad for discussion of shamanic concepts and how they apply to your life. naughtyshaman.com 860-430-1788 Stones - 7:00-8:30 April 6th-27th Hosted by Naughty Shaman. For a shaman, every stone is sacred. Each stone was once at the bottom of the sea and a part of the highest mountain.

For this reason, stones are used in healing and ceremony. Join Beth Reel and learn how to use the natural tools of the Earth of remove heavy energy from the body, reduce fear, and anchor new destinies.naughtyshaman.com 860-430-1788.

Thursdays Healing Groups, 6:30-8:00pm. Ron D’Amico, Intuitive Healer, Spiritual Guide and Teacher, has created a class for people to experience healing in a group setting. These group healings are created to facilitate healing at the root level, whether physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual/karmic. Group dynamics are very powerful. Ron has created a way of tapping into this potential to channel this energy to increase changes exponentially. Each group is unique and is an expression of the people who attend that evening. Within the experiences you will find this is a journey to the Heart and Soul of you and a way of bringing yourself through your current and past challenges as well as opening doors to your higher potential. Fee: $25 Call 860358-9272 or email info.rondamico@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

Saturdays Homeopathic Study Group. 1:00 - 2:30PM. Third Saturdays. Come and learn the principles of homeopathy and how to use the homeopathic remedies for different acute conditions so you can treat yourself, family and friends. Small fee TBD for photocopying etc. Group Leader: Louise Sanchione, ND, CCH, MA, MS. Held at: CT Alliance to Advance Homeopathy, 299 Washington Ave. Suite 18S, Hamden, CT. Please RSVP your interest at connecuticuthomeopathy@gmail.com Mindful Self-Compassion Workshop. Saturdays, 2/6-4/2, 9:30-11:30 AM for 9 weeks. Learn how to be less critical of yourself, handle emotions with more ease and deal with relationships more effectively. Co-led: Theresa Nygren, LCSW & Angela Mazur, LCSW, LLC. Fee: $475, most insurance accepted. Farmington location. Please call 860-6761193, email mindfulscway@gmail.com

34 Natural NaturalNutmeg Nutmeg March - March2016 2016

CLASSIFIED Beautiful Office Space, Portland. Integrative healing center looking for holistic practitioners who have their own practice, interested in sharing space with other like-minded professionals.

Seeking naturopath, nutritionist, life coach, yoga therapist, acupuncturist, energy healer or other healing modality. Includes waiting room, internet and break room. Also available - 1000 sq ft class room space. Very accessible building, ample parking close to Rte 9 in Middletown area. www.rondamico.net Contact Angela at 860-358-9272 or info.rondamico@gmail.com

RESOURCES ACUPUNCTURE Mayflower Acupuncture, LLC Chinese Medicine services and herbs Steve Paine, OMD, L.Ac., Ginger Harris, L.Ac. 536 Hopmeadow Street. Simsbury, CT 06070 860-413-2118 • www.mayfloweracupuncture.com

CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY Holistic Family Medicine, Domenick J Masiello, DO Board Certified in Homeopathy, Osteopathic Manipulation and Family Practice.

Midtown Manhattan and Ridgefield, CT 212-688-4818, 203-826-3582. www.drmasiello.com

DENTISTRY Livingstone Dental Excellence Dr. Thomas Livingstone 3 Railroad St. North Canaan, CT 888-888-SMILE www.livingstonedentalexcellence.com See ad on page 27.

Dr. Steven Hinchey 2249 New London Turnpike South Glastonbury, CT. (860) 633-6518 www.dentistryfordiabetics.com/drhinchey See ad on page 21.

FINANCIAL PLANNING Conscious Capital Wealth Management, LLC Lawrence Ford 381 Hubbard St. ste. 300, Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860) 6598299 • Lford@consciouscapitalwm.com www.consciouscapitalwm.com See ad on page 36.

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

HOLISTIC CENTERS Integrative Wellness and Physical Therapy 35 Jerome Ave, Bloomfield, CT 06002 (860) 519-1916 info@IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com See ad on page 15 and 17.

Naughty Shaman Center for Shamanic Arts 2450 Main Street Glastonbury, CT 06232 naughtyshaman.com 860-430-1788.

See ad on page 23.

Ron D’Amico, LLC Center for Integrative Healing and Education 595 Main St., 2nd Floor, Portland, CT 860-358-9272 info@rondamico@gmail.com www.rondamico.net See ad on page 19.

HOMEOPATHY CT Alliance to Advance Homeopathy Awareness - Education - Consultations 299 Washington Ave., Suite 18S, Hamden, CT Contact: Louise Sanchione, CCH, ND, MA, MS Email: connecticuthomeopathy@gmail.com VM: 413-320-9158 (CT Based) Holistic Family Medicine, Domenick J Masiello, DO Board Certified in Homeopathy, Osteopathic Manipulation and Family Practice.

Midtown Manhattan and Ridgefield, CT 212-688-4818, 203-826-3582. www.drmasiello.com

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

Mind Matters Hypnosis Center Lisa Zaccheo, MA, BCH, BCI Board Certified Hypnotist & Instructor 12 Waterside Court, Avon, CT 06001 (860)693-6448 • MindMatters@comcast.net www.mindmattershypnosis.com See ad on page 27.

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

INTEGRATED MEDICINE ProNatural Physicians Group 120 Webster Sqr Rd.Berlin, CT 06037 (860) 829-0707 www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 20.

INTEGRATIVE APRN’S/ NURSE PRACTITIONERS ProNatural Physicians Group Lara O’Neil, Pediatric APRN Amanda Swan, Adult/Women’s Health APRN 120 Webster Square Road Berlin, CT 06037 860-829-0707 ProNaturalPhysicians@comcast.net See ad on page 20/

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

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

MEDITATION Odiyana Buddhist Center Meditation Classes For Everyone Avon, Branford, E.Hartford, Hartford, E.Longmeadow info@odiyana.org - 860-266-6041 meditationinconnecticut.org

Stacey Munro, N.D. Nature’s Helper Medical Clinic 340 Broad Street Ste.300, Windsor, CT 06095 info@natureshelpermedical.com www.natureshelpermedical.com 860-688-2275 The Wellness Institute Marvin Schweitzer, ND 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT (203) 847-2788 See ad on page 17.

West Hartford Naturopathic Medicine Frank Aieta, ND 301 N. Main St., West Hartford, CT (860) 232-9662 • www.DRAIETA.com See ad on page 21.

ProNatural Physicians Group Dr. Ann Aresco, Dr. Ann Aresco, Dr. Summer McAllister, Dr. Sarah Zambarano 120 Webster Sqr Rd.Berlin, CT 06037 P: 860-829-0707 - F: 860-829-0606 E: ProNaturalPhysicians@comcast.net www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 20.

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

See ad on page 36.

Dharma School - Energy Healing Certificate Naughty Shaman Center for Shamanic Arts 2450 Main Street Glastonbury, CT 06232 naughtyshaman.com 860-430-1788.

The Graduate Institute Mike Hayes, Director of Admissions & Recruitment.

(203) 874-4252 • www.learn.edu

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

(860)284-9730 • www.anewyouskincare.net Melissa@anewyouskincare.net See ad on page 21.

NUTRITION

THERMOGRAPHY

Holcare Nutrition Vicki Kobliner MS RD 3 Hollyhock Lane, Suite 2A, Wilton, CT 06897 203-834-9949 • www.holcarenutrition.com See ads on page 27.

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

(203) 740-9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.com

PHYSICIANS, M.D.

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

Visit our Facebook page! See ad on page 36.

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

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

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

PSYCHIATRY

CT Natural Health Specialists Dr. Lauren Young, Dr. Ashley Burkman, Dr. Tonya Pasternak and Dr Craig Fasullo 315 E. Center St., Manchester, CT 06040 (860) 533-0179 • www.ctnaturalhhealth.com See ad on page 13.

David London, MD 567 Vauxhall St. Ext. #218, Waterford, CT (860) 443-5822 - davidlondonmd.com

Debra Gibson, ND 100 Danbury Road, Ste. 102 Ridgefield, CT 06877 • (203)431-4443 See ad on page 3.

RESOURCES

YOGA / PILATES CENTERS

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

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

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

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Shoreline Physical Therapy ~ Since 1985 ~

Providing evidence based physical and occupational therapy for all ages.

Orthopedics • Pediatrics • Hands • Sports • Balance Neurologic • Urinary incontinence/pelvic pain

(860) 739-4497 131 Boston Post Rd, East Lyme Www.ShorelinePT.com

CITRUS ORGANICS & ESSENTIAL OILS Featuring Organic Way and Shear Miracle Organics Products

Contact Suzanne Pantano slpantano@comcast.net 860-693-4133 Free Your Head and the Beauty Products You Choose from Toxic Components

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

Music Jewelry Hazelden Books Angels & Fairies Books & Cards Teas & Herbs Journals Meditation CD’s Recovery Tokens & Gifts Aromatherapy Essential Oils 1414

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Natural Nutmeg - March 2016

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

BERNIE

By Bernie Siegel, MD

I Have Learned Much from Footprints

I

am sure most of you are aware of the story about the man who walked with God and there were, therefore, always two sets of footprints. At a time of great difficulty the man noticed only one set of footprints and complained to God that He was not there when he needed Him most, God replied, “I was carrying you during the difficult times and that is why there was only one set of footprints.”

On a personal level I have learned much from footprints.

One of my stranger habits is to enjoy jogging through cemeteries. I like to read the wisdom of the words on some stones and also notice the egotistical craziness of some people’s last words. What would you share with the world with your last breath and what words do you want on your headstone?

Well to get back to the point. One day after a big snowstorm I was jogging through the deep snow and really struggling to make my way. I realized how much of a struggle it was to have to make your own way with no plowed path or footsteps to follow. The next day it was much easier. The snow was still soft and my footprints were easy to follow.

Five days later the snow had frozen and the rigid ice made it dangerous for me to try and fit into the old footprints. I had to create a new path or risk breaking my ankles.

What I learned from all this is that at different times in my life I must make different choices. At times it is all right to be carried, at other times following in the footsteps of others is appropriate, at others to make your own way and at times it is proper to leave the old ways and start a fresh path. Your way is found by what feels right for you and not by looking for the easy way.

You must remember that if you constantly follow in the steps of others you will lose your way and life. Remember their way can at times endanger you and be the wrong way. So find your way and let them go theirs. True natives can be your guide when they have shared the same experience but be wise in choosing your guides and do not follow those who are not true guides and teachers but dictate their way to you. Follow their way and you will be lost forever.

For many, Dr. Bernard Siegel-or Bernie, as he prefers to becalledneeds no introduction. He has touched many lives all overthe Planet. In 1978, he reached a national and then international audience when he began talking about patient empowerment and the choice to live fully and die in peace. As a physician who has cared for and counseled innumerable people whose mortality has been threatened by illness, Bernie embraces a philosophy of living and dying that stands at the forefront of the medical ethics and spiritual issues our Society grapples with today. Read Bernie’s regular blog posts on his website where you will also find his books, articles, and CDs: http://www.berniesiegelmd. com.

Bernie currently holds a cancer support group the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of the month 6:30 to 8:30PM at Coachman’s Square at 21 Bradley Road, Woodbridge. If interested contact Lucille Ranciato: lranciato2@yahoo.com 203 288 2839; or Bernie: bugsyssiegel@sbcglobal.net.You can find Bernie’s books ad CDs at Wisdom of the Ages in Simsbury, Ct. See ad on page 36.

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WHY AN ORGANIC MATTRESS IS RIGHT FOR YOU

While we sleep, our immune system recovers and prepares for the day ahead. If your mattress is filled with airborne allergens and chemical toxins, your immune system will battle these rather than

repair itself. Regular bedding & mattresses are laden with polyurethane foam, toxic flame retardants, and water or stain resistant chemicals.

When we found out what was in our mattress, my husband said, ‘Every mother in the world should know what they are putting their child on at night.’ That was 2004, and the Clean Bedroom was born.

—Chris Chamberlin, Co-founder

FIND A HUGE SELECTION OF THE BEST ORGANIC MATTRESSES IN THE WORLD OMI

Savvy Rest

Oyasumi

WHY YOU SHOULD PURCHASE YOUR ORGANIC MATTRESS FROM THE CLEAN BEDROOM We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We research every brand we carry, testing the mattresses and bedding to be sure they meet our rigorous standards for purity and construction. Our extensive product knowledge helps you select the mattress and bedding that is right for you. Our prices are fair. We listen. We recommend. You decide.

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Natural Nutmeg - March 2016

Royal-Pedic

Green Sleep

TheCleanBedroom The Finest Organic Mattresses & Bedding in TM

the World, all in one place

Manhattan at 230 5th Ave | 212.889.1091 Brooklyn at 145 Montague St | 718.237.1092 Greenwich at 79 East Putnam Ave | 203.292.9275 www.thecleanbedroom.com

Deanna Cherrone, M.D.

Internal Medicine Functional Medicine practitioner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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