Natural Nutmeg March 2022 by Natural Nutmeg Magazine/Essential Naples Magazine

March/April 2022

EBRATIN

16 YEARS

U B OF LISHIN

Transform YourselfStarting With Your Health Jane Grant, RDN, CD-N

Essential Oils Basics: Time-Tested Natural Therapies Erika Dworkin, BCHN®

It’s Time to Give Acupuncture a Try Matt Maneggia, LAc

With Every Meal You’re Preventing DiseaseOr Feeding It April Beaman, RDH, CTT

To Dairy or Not to Dairy Kimberly A. Lawrence

The Anatomy of a Healthy Diet Frank Aieta, ND

Health + When Your Body

Talks, LISTEN! > 12

+ Reduce Chronic Pain with CBD > 14

Finance + Transform Your

Financial Fitness > 18 + Ask Dana! > 34

Relationships + How Can You Transform

Relationships? > 10 + The Healing of Trauma > 28

Purpose + Dr. Di’s Corner > 9 + The Resiliency of Spirit > 42

You LOVE

Natural Nutmeg Now YOU can join me, and the best of the Natural Nutmeg community’s new, exclusive, shared membership experience!

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CONTENTS

March/April 2022

Feature

LETTER

BUZZ Add Yourself to Your Spring Cleaning Plan Services for Spiritual Growth and Personal Discovery: Now in Bethany, CT Live Your Life of Joy Looking to Flourish in Your Career? Your Dentist Is the First Stop for Whole-Body Health Explore Your Energies with Monthly Study Groups

HAPPENINGS

DR. DI’S CORNER

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

By Matt Maneggia, LAc

30 Transform Yourself— Starting with Your Health By Jane Grant, RDN, CD-N

Finance

Health

18 Transform Your Financial Fitness Regimen

12 When Your Body Talks, LISTEN!

By Caroline Wetzel, CFP®, CDFA®, AWMA®

34 Ask Dana! How to Plan for the Retirement You Deserve By Dana R. Mascalo, CFP®, RLP®, AAMS®, C(k)P®

By Sharon Sklar

14 Reduce Chronic Pain with CBD By Lori Emelander

15 Essential Oils Basics: A Look at These Time-Tested, Natural Therapies By Erika Dworkin, BCHN®

Relationships 28 The Healing of Trauma as a Path to Individual—and Even World—Peace By Rabbi Donna Berman, PhD

Purpose 42 The Resiliency of Spirit By Lauri Ingram

24 The Anatomy of a Healthy Diet By Frank Aieta, ND

26 With Every Meal You’re Preventing Disease—Or Feeding It By April Beaman, RDH, CTT

37 To Dairy or Not to Dairy— That Is the Question By Kimberly A. Lawrence

38 Prevent and Treat Inflammation—Naturally By Donna Bunte, MSOM, LAc

3 2022 MARCH / APRIL

Departments

20 It’s Time to Give Acupuncture a Try

NATURAL Nutmeg

LETTER NATURAL Nutmeg MARCH / APRIL 2022

Hey, I’m Dr. Diane!

“We are all craving connection, community, and experiences more than ever before. Join me in The Essential Experience and get more of what you love from Natural Nutmeg!” —Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD

’ve been thinking a lot over the last two years about how to better support our tribe of holistic practitioners and readers. I kept asking myself, “What are people craving?” “What am I craving?” These words kept popping up for me: connection, bonding, community, experiences, engagement. It’s no secret that as humans, we need our people (and you’ve likely been missing friends, family, and colleagues through the pandemic), but there is some surprising new research on just how much you may be craving relationships. A new study from MIT finds that the longings we feel during this kind of social isolation share a neural basis with the food cravings we feel when hungry. “People who are forced to be isolated crave social interactions similarly to the way a hungry person craves food. Positive social interactions are a basic human need, and acute loneliness is an aversive state that motivates people to repair what is lacking, similar to hunger,” says Rebecca Saxe, the John W. Jarve Professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at MIT. In other words, our need for people is hardwired. I believe the lack of connection we’ve all experienced throughout the pandemic has affected our ability to think positively. I know for a while it definitely affected me that way! I started thinking about what types of activities and events brought me the most happiness and fulfillment. What could I create for our Natural Nutmeg tribe, beyond the print magazine, that would offer the connection, community, and experiences we are all craving right now? And with that, I’m excited to announce the launch of “The Essential Experience”! You LOVE Natural Nutmeg—now —now you can be a part of our exclusive membership experience, coming May 1, 2022. Here are the details: • Talk to the Expert—Live —Live monthly and interactive Q&A Zoom calls with our Holistic Practitioners • Member Discounts—Exclusive —Exclusive products and discounts on services with our advertisers • The Essential Experience Box—Filled —Filled with eco-friendly local products shipped to you • VIP Event Pass—Invitation —Invitation to exclusive in-person events throughout the year • Dr. Diane’s Positive Inspirations— Mindset/manifestation mini podcasts sent to you daily • Free Webinars—Classes —Classes on natural medicine, holistic lifestyle, and more Please join me in this exclusive experience offered at an introductory rate to a limited number of Natural Nutmeg readers! $20/month; offer valid until May 1 at www.naturalnutmeg.com. If, like me and so many others over the past couple of years, you have been feeling your hardwired need for human interaction, connection, and a sense of community more than ever before, it is time to do something about it. Try The Essential Experience and see what we can do for you! Wishing you health and happiness,

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

Our 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/OWNER

Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD Diane@naturalnutmeg.com DIR. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/OWNER

Christopher Urso Curso@naturalnutmeg.com

Lori Emelander essentialeditorlori@gmail.com MARKETING DIRECTOR

Dr. Sonia Manganello sonia@naturalnutmeg.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR

May/June

November/December

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

• Natural Treatment for Diabetes • Remedies for Boosting Immunity

July/August

2023 10BEST/ Essential Living Guide

• Natural Remedies to Improve Sleep • Reducing Anxiety in Children

• Alternative Treatments for Stress • Healthy Brain Function

September/October • Healthy Aging Guide • The New Anti-Cancer Treatments

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

Jim Nissen jim@commandshiftoption.com

layout@naturalnutmeg.com ADVISORY BOARD

Frank Aieta, ND Adam Breiner, ND Mark Breiner, DDS Deanna M. Cherrone, MD Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. Steven R. Frank

Do You Need In-Depth Nutrition Guidance?

Recapture Your Health With A Therapeutic Lifestyle Change Program • • • • • •

DISTRIBUTION

Greater Hartford and surrounding counties, please contact Natural Nutmeg. FFC—Tom Cossuto, Man In Motion, LLC In keeping with our concern for the environment, Essential Naples is proudly printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks. Natural Nutmeg is a free publication supported solely by our advertisers and distributed throughout Connecticut. Please call for a location near you. (860) 508-0894 or email to publisher@naturalnutmeg.com. © 2007—22 by Natural Nutmeg, LLC. All rights reserved. Parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, with permission. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your feedback.

Education Empowerment Better Choices Better Lifestyle Disease Prevention Longer Life

Erika Dworkin, BCHN®

Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®

• Voted a Natural Nutmeg 10Best in 2019 & 2020

Former Owner of Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe

Contact me for personalized, compassionate help with a wide range of health issues: edworkin@cthealthshop.com | (860) 646-8178 < PAGE XX “Article Name” BY DR < PAGE 15 “Essential Oil Basics: Time-Tested Natural Therapies” BY ERIKA DWORKIN, BCHN®

2022 MARCH / APRIL

DESIGN DIRECTOR

Ashley Frament

NATURAL Nutmeg

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

H e r e ’s W h a t Natural Nutmeg Has in Store for 2022!

BUZZ NATURAL Nutmeg

Add Yourself to Your Spring Cleaning Plan

MARCH / APRIL 2022

ow is the time of year we start planning the deep cleaning in our homes—washing winter away and preparing for sunshine, open windows, and fresh air. Spring is the perfect time to cleanse ourselves as well, since bitter greens, which help the liver remove toxins, are just sprouting. Those toxic substances can be found in pesticides on our produce, in the water, in animal products, preservatives, cleaning products, and beauty products, and can cause a variety of health issues such as headaches, weight gain, insomnia, poor skin, allergies, lowered immunity, digestive issues, joint pain, and fatigue. One of the biggest causes of toxicity is from a diet of sugar and refined carbohydrates. Cleaning up our systems will help us feel more clear-headed, energized, and calm and will also help us lose weight, sleep better, and feel motivated. And on top of all that, you will create new, health-centered habits to help you maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Spring cleaning should not only be for your home—you should do a deep clean of yourself and start fresh as well! Join Donna Bunte Whole Health for her spring cleanse to detox the liver and digestive system, March 21 through April 10. Email Donna for more info: health@donnabunte.com. Donna Bunte, MSOM, L.Ac., of Donna Bunte Whole Health can be reached at her office at 203.698.0793, cell at 203.253.9885, or email health@donnabunte.com. Visit www.donnabunte. com and find her on Facebook at facebook. com/donnabuntewholehealth and Instagram at instagram.com/donnabuntewholehealth/. See ad on page 35 >

Services for Spiritual Growth and Personal Discovery Now in Bethany, CT

ffering services in spiritual mentoring and coaching, crystal dreaming, and crystal, light, and color therapy, Rev. Lauri Ingram’s offerings are a unique combination of services to accompany you on your life’s journey. Ordained at One Spirit Interfaith Seminary in New York City (2019) and certified in their Interspiritual Counseling program (2021), Lauri brings a perspective of someone who balances a lengthy corporate business career with many years of deep, spiritual searching. Lauri guides her clients through the most difficult of life’s questions with love, compassion, and ease, always confident that the divine is speaking to each of us in every moment. Through personal services and workshops, Lauri offers opportunities for spacious reflection, spiritual exploration, and energy balancing. Services include: • Spiritual Mentoring and Coaching: Explore your relationship with the divine and deepen your connection to your inner spirit and your true, authentic nature. Available by phone, in person, or via Zoom. • Crystal Dreaming and Etheric Crystal, Light, and Color Energy Balancing: Using the energetic power of crystals, these therapies balance your energy centers and bring you on a journey, connecting you with your higher self and often receiving answers to the questions that are currently most important to you. • Cosmic Smashbooking: A creative, intent-driven, and fun journaling practice to dive into the wisdom that resides within. No art experience needed for this joyful and healing practice. • Life Ceremonies: Designed just for you, Rev. Lauri offers wedding officiant services as well as memorial services, baby naming and blessings, and can custom create a ceremony for various life events and milestones.

You can find out more about Lauri Ingram’s services at www. lauriingram.com. Her office is located at 696 Amity Road, Unit B-1 in Bethany, Connecticut, and she can be reached at 203.435.5650 or at lauri@lauriingram.com. See ad on page 27 >

Live Your Life of Joy

Kimberly Lawrence was tired of going from doctor to doctor, seeking resolution of chronic pain, illness, and allergies, when she decided to be trained at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in 2005. Having healed herself naturally, she now helps clients transform their lives. Call or text 860.951.1533 for a complimentary consultation and visit www. positivelybalancedfive.com. See ad on page 29 >

7 2022 MARCH / APRIL

re you feeling a void in your life? Do you feel, at times, that you do not have control of your life? Are you stressed or anxious about where your life is heading? Do you recognize that you are trying to fill that void with excessive online time, shopping, food, alcohol, or other less-than-healthy activities? Positively Balanced can help you stop the cycle, end the behaviors that are keeping you from feeling happy and fulfilled, and help you move into a life full of joy and contentment. To live a life of joy and contentment, we must be able to get into the flow of life. We do this by finding our purpose in life. When we are not in the flow, we often turn to quick fixes like food, alcohol, drugs, or excessive social media to disconnect and ignore what is really going on in our lives. As a Health and Life Coach, Kimberly can help you recognize why you are not living your purpose or living in flow, then help to change your perspective so you can take specific action to become empowered, in control, and balanced once again. It is a process of self-discovery, and it’s not so easy for us to do on our own. When you work with Kimberly at Positively Balanced, you get to the root of the discontentment quickly, so you are able to process in a safe space and move forward with positivity and power.

NATURAL Nutmeg

Discover the procedure that Targets Fat Loss and Increases Muscle Mass with EMSCULPT NEO

Get the million dollar body you have always wanted with EMSCULPT NEO Call for Special Spring Promo 475-221-1000 www.sculptedwellness.com SCULPTED WELLNESS • 501 Kings Hwy E. Fairfield, CT

BUZZ

HAPPENINGS MARCH & APRIL 2022 Tuesday, March 15

Saturday, March 19

Sunday, April 3

Wednesday, April 20

Introductory Workshop— Human Relations Training Program: 7pm FREE. This intensive, months-long program will help you clear old patterns and beliefs that are no longer useful, get in touch with your innate knowing, gain a deeper understanding of yourself and others, and come more fully alive. Virtual attendance: Register at www.hartfordfamilyinstitute.com/hrp-intro/.

Transitions: A four-week journey into spring. 3pm–4:30pm Through Saturday, April 9, $149 for this four-week series. Create space for the changing season through the creation of a Cosmic Smashbook, a spiritual art journaling practice. Includes a complementary one-hour spiritual mentorship session and curated gift box. Attend in person in Bethany or join virtually. Contact Lauri at lauri@lauriingram.com or 203.435.5650 or visit www.lauriingram.com/ live-events for more information.

Spring Restoration: A yoga nidra, restorative yoga, and sound event. 4pm–5:30pm $30. Deep relaxation and healing through restorative yoga, yoga nidra, and gentle sound healing with Lauri Ingram and Julie Bailis of Mountain View Wellness. Attend in person at Mountain View Wellness in Hamden. Contact Lauri at lauri@lauriingram.com or 203.435.5650 or visit www.lauriingram.com for more information.

Shamanism, 6:30pm–8:30pm The Shamanism Monthly Study Group is meeting in-person again (as well as via Zoom)! $25 ($20 for those over 65 and for veterans). New members are welcome; no experience needed! In this group, you will develop an understanding of cross-cultural shamanism, the importance of ceremony, and become adept at journeying into non-ordinary reality. You will work with animal allies and spirit helpers, ancestors, and elemental energies. All dedicated and compassionate people who wish to initiate positive change in the world are invited. We will meet on the third Wednesday of every month (unless otherwise noted). Join our email list and find detailed descriptions at www.thesacredjourney.biz. The Sacred Journey, 29 Davis Road, Burlington, CT, 06013. Pre-registration required to save your in-person spot: 860.675.9706.

NATURAL Nutmeg

Wednesday, March 16

MARCH / APRIL 2022

March 21 through April 10 Spring Cleanse: Join Donna for her spring cleanse to detox the liver and digestive system. Spring is the perfect time to cleanse since bitter greens, which help the liver remove toxins, are just sprouting. Cleaning up your system helps you feel more clear-headed, energized, and calm and will also help you lose weight, sleep better, and feel motivated. And on top of all that, you will create new, health-centered habits to help you maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Email Donna for more info: health@donnabunte.com.

Have a Happening?

Wednesday, April 13 Psychic/Spiritual Development with Joyce St. Germaine, M. Ed., CHt., RYT-200. 6:30pm–8:30pm The Psychic/Spiritual Development Monthly Study Group is meeting in-person again (as well as via Zoom)! $25 ($20 for those over 65 and for veterans) New members welcome! There is a strong connection between spiritual growth and psychic development. Every session starts with a positive, light-filling exercise and includes topics such as palmistry, oracle cards, pendulums, remote viewing, and spirit guides. Reclaim your natural gifts, assist others, and live your life more joyfully! We will meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month (unless otherwise noted). Join our email list and find detailed descriptions at www.thesacredjourney.biz. The Sacred Journey, 29 Davis Road, Burlington, CT, 06013. Pre-registration required to save your in-person spot: 860.675.9706.

www

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Do you have an event (virtual or live) that you want Natural Nutmeg readers to know about? Reach out to us at calendar@naturalnutmeg.com for information on listing your event and sponsorships. Event listings are in print and online. We also accept classified listings.

Dr. DI’ss CORNER Centers For Dental Medicine Saving Lives One Smile at a Time :

Why Dr Steven Hinchey?

Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD, is an entrepreneur, mindset warrior, perspective shifter and unshakable optimist. She started a health and wellness publishing business (Natural Nutmeg & Essential Living Maine Magazines, ELM Publishing) with nothing more than passion, a laptop and a dream, and has created a socially conscious print and digital platform that has touched thousands of people in the last 16 years.

Both he and his staff

Listen to YOU - Non judgmental assessments - Respect for you and your time Are concerned about YOU - Mercury free dental treatment - Mercury safe dental conditions - Mercury removal and detoxification - Biocompatible dental materials - Minimally invasive procedures - Implant tooth replacement - Same day non-metal crowns We want to help YOU get healthy - Financial Flexibility Steven F Hinchey, DMD

860-633-6518 www.dochincheydmd.com

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9 2022 MARCH / APRIL

really applied myself to focusing on what I did want! As I thought back over my life, I realized that I’d been creating my reality since about the age of 14, I just didn’t realize that’s what I was doing. When I was in 8th grade, I really liked this boy and every night I would imagine him asking me to this upcoming dance. I would visualize him calling me on the phone, what he would say, how excited I would be, what it would be like to be at the dance with him. I was creating in my mind a crystal-clear picture of this possible reality. The important thing was, I actually believed it was possible. Well, you can guess what happened. A week before the dance, he called and asked me to go. It played out exactly as I had imagined. Belief is a powerful thing that can work for you, or against you. You can reach your wildest dreams if you believe you can, or you can remain stuck in the same old routine, feeling unsatisfied and unfulfilled. If your mind is powerful enough to cause death, what wonderful, amazing things can you do with it in this life?

NATURAL Nutmeg

’m currently reading a thought-provoking book by Dr. Joe Dispenza, You Are The Placebo. Here’s just a snippet: “Is it possible to heal by thought alone—without drugs or surgery? There are numerous documented cases of those who reversed cancer, heart disease, depression and others who made amazing changes in their careers, relationships and families—just with the power of the mind.” I truly believe we haven’t even come close to harnessing this power. As long as I can remember, I’ve been insatiably curious about the way people think and how it shapes their lives. As an exercise physiologist, I’d spent years trying to educate people on how to change their bodies. I taught them the right kind of exercise to do, the right way to eat…the list goes on and on. While most people will lose weight, the percentage of people who keep that weight off permanently is slim. I finally realized that making a change in your life has nothing to do with how much knowledge you have about how to make that change. In the end, there is only one thing that matters. If you think you can make a change, that is the only way you’ll make it. It starts with a thought. After I got over that shock, I learned something so valuable— If I could create an unwanted reality, I most certainly could create a desired reality. If I was this good at creating what I didn’t want, imagine what I could create if I

BUZZ

Your Dentist Is the First Stop for Whole-Body Health

Looking to Flourish in Your Career?

NATURAL Nutmeg

MARCH / APRIL 2022

ife can sometimes be an uphill battle filled with emotional twists and turns. It can bring many wonderful moments of love, passion, and kindness, but also difficult moments of grief, loss, hardship, and regret. Perhaps you find yourself walking the Earth feeling vacant inside, powerless to achieve your dreams and make meaningful connections with the people you love. You may find yourself bumping up against emotional, psychological, and spiritual barriers, unable to move past the blocks that have kept you from finding happiness in your relationships, career, and personal life. You might have sought inspiration from motivational speakers or even tried individual therapy, but still have not found a sense of completeness. You may desperately long to transform from the center of your heart, body, mind, and soul, but may not know how to achieve the profound change you’re seeking. Perhaps you are a manager or entrepreneur who wants to learn the art of conflict resolution so you can improve the workplace dynamic. You may want to undergo the same psychological training that therapists receive in order to learn more about human relationships and become a more effective communicator. Perhaps you’re deeply passionate about becoming the best leader you can be and want to make meaningful changes at work that will not only help your business’s bottom line but will also help you grow as a person. Whether you are hoping to flourish in your career or personal life, the Hartford Family Institute’s (HFI) Human Relations Training Program can offer you a unique understanding of the mental, emotional, and energetic systems of the body, how those systems work either for us or against us, and how to use those systems to achieve growth on multiple levels. HFI is now offering a FREE Virtual Introductory Workshop for their Human Relations Training Program on Tuesday, March 15, at 7:00 pm. Register at www.hartfordfamilyinstitute.com/hrp-intro/.

Located in West Hartford, Hartford Family Institute is a psychotherapy institute that has been providing exceptional outpatient psychotherapy treatment and in-depth body psychotherapy training programs worldwide since 1969. Visit hartfordfamilyinstitute.com for more information. See ad on page 35 >

Want more BUZZ?

www

Checkout www.naturalnutmeg.com RELATIONSHIPS

How Can You Transform Your Relationships? David Gilroy, Psy.D., LPC

FINANCE

Phones & Finances: Making the Smart Call Caroline Wetzel, CFP®, CDFA®, AWMA®

ver the past few decades, the role of your dentist has changed from merely fixing your teeth and gums to becoming a vital partner in assessing not only your oral health, but also, thanks to the aptly named oral-systemic connection, as the first observer of unhealthy changes involving your cardiovascular system, lungs, and brain. And since most people see their dentist more regularly than their primary care physician, going to the dentist may be the best way to improve your overall wellness and decrease healthcare costs. Your dental professional uses relatively non-invasive observations to determine the presence of health or the severity of disease. Over the years, the dental industry has developed an improved array of tests to not only gauge the relative severity of a disease process, but also to screen for the presence of disease and the potential that an individual will exhibit symptoms of disease. A physical evaluation can be performed to look for signs of disease or dysfunction, including evaluating blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature; taking high speed digital x-rays and digital photographs; and measuring the gums using a periodontal probe. Based on an evaluation of the data from the measurements, your dentist can now use more specialized tests to diagnose and more effectively treat your dental disease or refer you to your physician for management of your medical disease. For these reasons and many more, regularly seeing your dentist is now more important than ever. The use of modern, science-based testing is changing the way modern dentistry not only makes healthy smiles, but also creates healthier lives. Kevin H. Norige, DMD, is the founder and chief dentist at South Windsor Smiles, a private dental practice that focuses on oral health as part of the whole-body system. For 35 years he has worked with patients to achieve a healthy mouth and live a healthier life. Call 860.288.2111 or www.SouthWindsorSmiles.com. See ad on back cover >

Sacred Rivers Yoga Center

Explore Your Energies with Monthly Study Groups

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

Phone or video appts. available and your first consultation is complimentary!

Natural

Nutmeg 10BESTof Magazine

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

Readers’ Choice

AWARDS

WINNER 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021

NATURAL NUTMEG MAGAZINE’S SELECTION METHODOLOGY WAS CONDUCTED THROUGH PUBLIC SOURCES, INCLUDING SUBSCRIBERS WHO NOMINATED CANDIDATES TO VARIOUS CATEGORIES BASED ON NO OTHER SPECIFIC CRITERIA OTHER THAN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. FULL LISTS OF NOMINEES WERE THEN VOTED ON BY SUBSCRIBERS, AGAIN BASED ON NO OTHER SPECIFIC CRITERIA. RANKINGS ARE SOLELY BASED ON THE NUMBER OF VOTES RECEIVED. THE NATURAL NUTMEG MAGAZINE’S 10BEST AWARD RECOGNITION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED BY A CLIENT OR A PROSPECTIVE CLIENT AS A GUARANTEE THAT HE/SHE WILL EXPERIENCE A CERTAIN LEVEL OF RESULTS IF TRINITYPOINT WEALTH OR ANY OF ITS INVESTMENT ADVISOR REPRESENTATIVES ARE ENGAGED; NOR SHOULD IT BE CONSTRUED AS A CURRENT OR PAST ENDORSEMENT OF TRINITYPOINT WEALTH BY ANY OF ITS CLIENTS. INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE IS NOT A CRITERION FOR THE RECOGNITION AND THE RECOGNITION IS NOT INDICATIVE OF TRINITYPOINT WEALTH’S FUTURE PERFORMANCE. TRINITYPOINT WEALTH DID NOT PAY A FEE FOR THIS RECOGNITION. THE INCLUSION OF A 10BEST AWARD ON THE NATURAL NUTMEG MAGAZINE’S LIST SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS AN ENDORSEMENT OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISORY REPRESENTATIVE BY NATURAL NUTMEG MAGAZINE. THE AWARD DOES NOT EVALUATE THE QUALITY OF SERVICE PROVIDED AND THE INVESTMENT ADVISOR REPRESENTATIVE MAY HAVE HAD UNFAVORABLE RATINGS. WORKING WITH A 10BEST AWARD WINNER OR ANY INVESTMENT ADVISOR REPRESENTATIVE IS NO GUARANTEE AS TO FUTURE INVESTMENT SUCCESS.

< PAGE 34 “Ask Dana! How to Plan for the Retirement You Deserve” BY DANA R. MASCALO, CFP®

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11 2022 MARCH / APRIL

Joyce St. Germaine, M. Ed., CHt., RYT-200 is a Spiritual Counselor, Certified Shamanic and Shapeshifting Practitioner, Certified Hypnotherapist, Mentor, Registered Yoga Teacher, and Artist. She hosts and produces The Sacred Journey TV show and officiates nature-based weddings and ceremonies as a CT Justice of the Peace. Joyce is a multi-award-winning educator who honors the unlimited potential of the student/ teacher relationship and embraces life-long learning. Owner and director of The Sacred Journey Center for Spiritual Studies in Burlington, CT, Joyce offers private sessions, workshops for adults and children, and international and US retreats including Costa Rica, Belize, Sedona, Santa Fe, and Taos. She can be reached at 860.675.9706, jsgermaine@aol.com, or www.thesacredjourney.biz. See ad on page 13 >

Considering retirement? Ask Dana and the team at TrinityPoint how to make it happen.

NATURAL Nutmeg

he Sacred Journey Center for Spiritual Studies is pleased to offer monthly study groups, both in-person and via Zoom, for anyone who wishes to explore and understand their energies and natural gifts and open themselves to spirit and light. The Psychic/Spiritual Development Monthly Study Group meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month (unless noted otherwise). There is a strong connection between spiritual growth and psychic development. Every session starts with a positive, light-filling exercise and includes topics such as palmistry, oracle cards, pendulums, remote viewing, and spirit guides. Reclaim your natural gifts, assist others, and live your life more joyfully! In the Shamanism Monthly Study Group, you will develop an understanding of cross-cultural shamanism, the importance of ceremony, and become adept at journeying into non-ordinary reality. You will work with animal allies and spirit helpers, ancestors, and elemental energies. All dedicated and compassionate people who wish to initiate positive change in the world are invited. This group will meet on the third Wednesday of every month (unless noted otherwise). New members are always welcome! Each session is $25 ($20 for those over 65 and for veterans) and pre-registration is required to save your in-person spot: 860.675.9706. Join our email list and find detailed descriptions at www. thesacredjourney.biz. We look forward to seeing you there!

NATURAL Nutmeg

Health

When Your Body Talks,

LISTEN!

12 MARCH / APRIL 2022

By Sharon Sklar

“Don’t ignore the issues at hand because they don’t really go away—they are just driven deeper and will resurface sometime later, becoming chronic pain.” —Sharon Sklar

here was a very loud bang that scared my seven-year-old dog, causing him to jump up and over, landing on my new puppy, who screeched and ran around my feet, tangling my ankles with his leash. I fell to the ground on my right knee and onto my right hip, like a sack of rocks, onto the hard pavement. People ran over to me to help as I lay on the sidewalk in West Hartford Center. As they helped me up, I got myself centered and continued our little walk. I felt okay, with just a bruise on my right knee, and basically forgot the incident. About five or six weeks later, I woke up with severe pain in my right hip and was nearly unable to bear any weight on my right side. I couldn’t walk or stand, so I did some stretches and managed to get upright. The next few days were filled with hip pain, limping, and soreness all over my body. I am not a person who experiences daily pain in my body and generally feel rather well, but I had to acknowledge that I was feeling rather out of sorts. I was very confused—what had happened seemingly overnight?! Putting lotion on my legs after a shower, I saw the slight leftover bruise on my right knee which

had faded over time. It hit me—the fall I had taken a month and a half before had finally, acutely, made me aware that something was wrong. Something had gotten seriously out of whack when my right knee slammed into the sidewalk and then my right hip hit as well. As a Rolfer who works with many clients who suffer from old falls and injuries that they never addressed, I admit I felt a bit stupid. The fatigue I had been feeling I believed was due to the change of seasons, or the stressors in my life piling up, or not getting enough rest. The truth uncovered was that for six weeks, I walked around with my body slowly shifting until that morning, when it became loud and intolerable. Being the only Rolfer in Central Connecticut and not being able to work on myself, I had to rely on other allied professionals. My massage therapist friend tried to help me; I got a bit better but kept sliding back into pain. My weekly five-mile hikes with my dogs became harder and I was sore and in pain some—if not most—of the time. How can people live like this, I wondered? Pain reaches into every moment and every movement. During a wellness exam, I asked my doctor to send me for physical therapy with a PT I really

love, respect, and admire. So far, I have only had a consultation with her and am doing a few things to help me through until we start our sessions in a couple of weeks. I feel blessed to have these incredible women on my team and blessed to have a strong, healthy body that will recover. I only wish I could clone myself because as a Rolfer, I know just where to go and just what to do to make myself feel better. But I must rely on others to help me get back into balance. But what about those who don’t know where their pain comes from, or who to go to address their situation?

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Sharon Sklar is in her 41st year of private practice as a Certified Advanced Rolfer. State licensed and the only Rolfer in Central CT, Sharon works with direct manipulation of the soft tissue of the body and movement re-education over a ten-session series to help her clients feel freer, get more balanced, and reduce chronic pain. Great for athletes, children, and adults recovering from the stress, injuries, or traumas of life. Inquiries are encouraged! Call 860.561.4337 for more info or to schedule a consultation. www. SharonSklarRolfing.com.

Do You Love Your Breasts? NATURAL Nutmeg

The message to those reading this: Don’t ignore the issues at hand because they don’t really go away—they are just driven deeper and will resurface sometime later, becoming chronic pain. As with me, I have felt tired and achy, but that was really my body calling for help. We so often ignore those signs, sometimes for years, and then it can be too late. If this pain in my hip were to continue for a long time, I would eventually need a hip replacement as the space deep in my socket would become too narrow. Thankfully, I know about this and can do something to help myself. Therefore, I urge you to take a good look at what ails you and take some time to explore your options. In my work as a Rolfer, the body is seen as an aggregate of blocks that are out of balance—some are forward, some are back, some are twisted. We feel all that, but don’t know what good feels like! Over the ten sessions of Rolfing, we work all the connective tissue or soft tissue—the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia—to rebalance the segments of the body. When we are stacked up, we feel strong and organized and have the ability to move with ease. That sounds so good to me—I can’t wait to get back there!

Health

Reduce Chronic Pain with CBD

NATURAL Nutmeg

By Lori Emelander

MARCH / APRIL 2022

“Coupling the localized relief provided by CBD lotions, oils, and creams with massage therapy is the natural next step toward helping alleviate chronic pain.” —Lori Emelander

f you have been paying attention over the past year or so, you have probably noticed that CBD products are becoming more and more prevalent. Numerous studies have been performed over recent years that indicate that the usage and efficacy of CBD are incredibly far-reaching—products containing CBD are being used to treat conditions such as epilepsy, opioid addiction, PTSD, diabetes, arthritis, mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, and neurological issues. CBD can be found in everything from calming dog treats to heart health supplements. Perhaps most commonly, though, is the use of CBD to help alleviate otherwise unmanageable pain.

In addition to having regular massage sessions using CBD treatment, you should also practice at-home care between appointments. Work with a licensed massage therapist to determine a treatment regimen that will work best for you, both at your treatment center and at home. A good massage therapist will provide you with an individualized plan for treatment for massage therapy as well as the tools you need to care for yourself at home, so you don’t need to suffer between sessions.

Help Manage Your Pain with CBD Topicals

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The trickiest part of starting your new CBD + massage therapy treatment protocol may be finding the right massage therapist to help you. Don’t just pick a random name from your Google search What Does CBD Do? results—it is important to do your research to Without diving too deeply into specifics of the ensure you’ll be receiving the best possible care science behind CBD’s efficacy, it is helpful to for your needs. understand that CBD interacts naturally with The Spa at Litchfield Hills offers an exceptionally our endocannabinoid system, which impacts our popular and effective Cause+Medic CBD Massage. sleep, mood, memory, movement, appetite, and Offered as a 50- or 80-minute treatment, this pain receptors. It is also important to note that massage features Cause+Medic’s CBD Massage unlike its cannabis counterpart, THC, CBD is not Cream and a concentrated CBD Pain Cream to help psychoactive—meaning you will not experience an altered mental state (in other words, you won’t relieve inflammation, stiff joints, aches, and pains in targeted areas. Our team of licensed massage feel “high”) from using CBD products. therapists works with each guest to curate both a CBD pain treatments come in many forms—in long-term treatment plan and at-home regimen to capsules, liquids, oral sprays, even in food and drink. One method, though, may be superior to oth- fit their unique self-care goals. The Spa at Litchfield ers in terms of fast, effective relief: topical applica- Hills also has this line available in their boutique, so guests can continue treatment with CBD products at tions such as body creams and lotions. The reason home after their spa service. for this is simple, really—when applied topically, If you’ve been living with chronic pain, combining the active ingredients in CBD are localized to the area of pain, thereby quickly concentrating on that the effects of CBD treatment with the power of regular massage therapy could be the answer you’ve been specific location rather than slowly being diluted searching for to help alleviate your discomfort. • as it spreads throughout the body. Coupling the localized relief provided by CBD lotions, oils, and creams with massage therapy is the natural next step toward helping alleviate chronic pain. However, it is important to work with a licensed massage therapist who understands both how CBD works in the body as well as how to apply it during massage for the most effective results.

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Health

Essential Oils Basics:

A Look at These Time-Tested, Natural Therapies

The Power of Essential Oils

Essential oils have been used for their healing and aromatic properties in many cultures since as early as 3000 B.C. As extracted volatile, aromatic compounds from plant flowers, bark, leaves, resin, seeds, roots, or pith, EOs support human healing via the same active botanical constituents that function as the life force of their plants of origin. Extensive lab and clinical studies have shown that their fat solubility, coupled with the small molecular size of their active compounds, enable EOs to work efficiently and powerfully (they are 50–100 times stronger than herbs) by easily passing through cell membranes and skin layers, into the bloodstream, and even across the blood–brain barrier. EOs have been valued for their wide-ranging properties due to their ability to support cells, even those that are physiologically compromised by poor nutrition or environmental threats. They can detoxify, protect/strengthen/restore, uplift/ energize, warm/soothe, and harmonize the body, mind, and spirit.

Selection and Safe Use

Since all essential oils are not created equal, it is first critical to ensure that you are using the highest-quality brand available to produce the desired therapeutic effects. Various factors influence quality, such as: 1. Sourcing: Origin soil exposed to toxic chemicals affects plant chemistry (look for certified organic or better-thanorganic); farmers must grow only the desired species of each plant and allow plants to mature properly. 2. Processing: Essential oils should be extracted slowly and gently, ideally by hydro- or steam-distillation or cold-pressing, without toxic solvents or chemicals. 3. Third-party testing: Every batch should be tested and certified as pure and guaranteed to have the same therapeutic potency and constituents from batch to batch, without synthetic additives. Once you have selected a brand that offers high quality EOs, you can begin to explore using them aromatically (in a diffuser or specially designed humidifier), topically, and/or internally. While EOs can be used safely in all three of these ways, there are certain reasons for caution to consider: 1. Labeling: Since not all brands, oils, or oil blends are manufactured for internal use, confirm that the label indicates clearly what uses are recommended.

“Essential oils… are prescribed for a variety of health problems by traditional systems of medicine all over the world. Various pharmaceutical and biological activities, like antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antimutagenic, antidiabetic, antiviral, antiinﬂammatory, and antiprotozoal properties, are assigned to them.” —A status review on the medicinal properties of essential oils, Industrial Crops and Products

15 2022 MARCH / APRIL

ave you been hearing all the chatter lately about the positive impact of essential oils (EOs) on well-being, but are not sure where to begin to become a healer in your own home? Keep reading for some EO evidence-based basics to help you get started.

NATURAL Nutmeg

By Erika Dworkin, BCHN®

NATURAL Nutmeg

MARCH / APRIL 2022

Dosing: Consuming EOs can call for more precision and proper dosing may need to take into consideration the individual’s weight, specific health condition, symptoms, and the established medical goal (this is a good reason to consume them pre-dosed in soft gels). Prescription drugs: Specific oils may interact with medications regardless of how they are used (for example, antidepressants should not be combined with chamomile, clove, blue tansy, sage, holy basil, bay, cinnamon leaf, or Melissa). Babies/children: While children often appreciate and respond well to EOs, to prevent adverse reactions be mindful of the dose, dilution, location of application, and suitability of the oil applied. Pets: Veterinarians that recommend EOs indicate that many are safe to use with pets; ideally, let pets self-select—give them the ability to leave a room when desired, mix oils with carrier oils (fractionated coconut, almond, jojoba) to prevent skin irritation, and carefully limit doses. Oils to avoid or use cautiously with pets: birch, tea tree, wintergreen, oregano, cassia, cinnamon, clove, rosemary, thyme.

Some Indicated Symptoms andConditions

The available essential oils, the different ways each can be used individually or in blends, and

the vast number of physical and emotional health conditions they have been reported or scientifically proven to address are all too numerous to address here. This is just a sampling of the science-based ways to address the symptoms of some common issues: • Anxiety/Stress/Sleep. Essential oils that can help reduce stress/anxiety very often can also address insomnia. The authors of one systematic review concluded that lavender, bergamot, and wild orange effectively soothe anxiety. In a 2020 animal study, researchers stated that topical vetiver is useful for anxiety and depression, reduces cortisol hormone levels, and is comparable to diazepam when applied in a 30%-concentration balm. • Depression. The researchers of one animal study concluded that clary sage oil could be developed as a therapeutic agent for patients with depression and that its antidepressant-like effect is closely associated with enhancement of dopamine activity. Just last year, one study recognized that frankincense, viewed as the “king of oils,” has been considered an anti-inflammatory agent potentially useful in the treatment of specific neuroimmune system disorders, and concluded that attribute makes it an effective agent against depression. • Digestion. Numerous studies support the use of various essential oils (peppermint, ginger, fennel, anise, and cinnamon bark) for a variety of digestive issues, including constipation, diarrhea, IBS, and parasites.

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NATURAL Nutmeg

• Immunity. Scientists recognize that many essential oils are antiviral (lavender, thyme, peppermint), antibacterial (eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint, orange), and antifungal (oregano, cinnamon, citronella, geranium, lemongrass, orange, patchouli). The first papers on the anticancer activity of essential oils were published in the 1960s and, as of 2014, over 500 papers have been published. • Weight Management. Essential oils can help increase metabolism (grapefruit, lemon), curb food cravings (grapefruit, cinnamon), combat water retention, diabetes, and obesity (juniper, sage, lemon), address cellulite, and enhance a workout (a combination of wild orange/peppermint/clove/rosemary). Although essential oils can provide an immediate, convenient, inexpensive way to attend to multiple ailments, it would be wise to consider consulting a holistic practitioner for essential oil guidance when facing a serious acute or chronic condition.

See this full article online at www.naturalnutmeg. com. Submitted by Erika Dworkin, BCHN (Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®), former owner of the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe in Manchester, CT (www.cthealthshop.com), which operated for 65 years, and a Natural Nutmeg Magazine Readers 10Best Nutritionist (2019–2021). Erika is available for nutrition consultations and public speaking engagements in person or on Zoom. She can be contacted by phone at 860.646.8178, or by email at edworkin@vitathena.com. (Ask her about her FREE 20-Minute Wellness Assessments and FREE Essential Oil Chats!) All statements in this article are practiceor science-based and references are available upon request. The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, are for educational purposes only, and are not intended to take the place of a physician’s advice. The products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

17 2022 MARCH / APRIL

Erika Dworkin, Board Certified in holistic nutrition, is the former owner of the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe in Manchester, CT (cthealthshop.com), which operated for 65 years. Erika is available for nutrition consultations and to speak to groups, in person or on Zoom. She can be contacted by phone at 860.646.8178, or by email at edworkin@vitathena.com. Ask her about her FREE 20-Minute Wellness Assessments and FREE Essential Oil Chats! All statements in this article are practice- or scientific-evidence-based and references are available upon request. See ad on page 5 >

< PAGE 24 “The Anatomy of a Healthy Diet” BY DR. FRANK AIETA, ND

Finance

Transform Your

Financial Fitness Regimen

NATURAL Nutmeg

By Caroline Wetzel, CFP®, CDFA®, AWMA®

MARCH / APRIL 2022

“We want you to have the confidence that your financial fitness regimen is robust and resilient, serving you now and over the long term, as life inevitably changes.” —Caroline Wetzel, CFP®, CDFA®, AWMA®

hen did you last take a leap and try something new and it paid off for you? Have you done it recently with your finances? Late last year, I confided in a dear friend that I was concerned about my physical health. Her compassionate response and what followed positively changed my life. It also inspired me to share the experience with others. I hope that through this metaphor, you will see that you can transform your financial fitness regimen and optimize your financial health.

Finding What Works for You

After I told my friend, Jessica*, that I was struggling to stick to a workout routine, she encouraged me to join her for a class at the exercise studio she went to daily. My first visit would be free, and Jessica would connect me with all the right people to help the experience go as smoothly as possible. Similarly, many new clients that engage me are referrals from existing clients; in fact, many existing clients introduce family members and close friends to me as prospective clients. Just as I had experience with multiple exercise routines and was not satisfied, many prospective clients have worked with financial advisors and are looking for something more in a new, exclusive advisory relationship. In the same way that Jessica shared her positive experience with me and connected me with the right people at her exercise studio, many satisfied clients encourage their loved ones to have a complementary consultation with me and initiate virtual introductions between us.

Dare to Be Different

My experiences with the exercise studio were different from my interactions with other fitness facilities. There was an established process to sign up for classes, a consistent structure around how each class would start and end, and all

participants could access metrics around their physical exertion following each class. While the processes were standardized, there were various instructors with different styles and both the workouts and music changed daily. I liked the consistent and predictable administrative framework and appreciated both the dynamic exercise activities and specialized attention from the coaches when needed. In fact, I valued it so much I joined the studio. New clients describe their experiences with our team as different, too. Many clients have volunteered that they feel “heard and understood” when sharing their financial goals with me. Other clients appreciate our turnaround time responding to their questions. When meetings moved from in-person to virtual in early 2020, many clients were pleased that our team complemented regularly scheduled client conversations over Zoom with new webinars and ad hoc newsletters on timely topics. Often, clients’ collaboration with me begins with a complimentary thirty-minute financial consultation. In preparation for the discussion, prospective clients share information about their finances and answers to questions like: • What do you like about your finances? • What do you not like about your finances? • How would you like your finances to be different? • What questions are on your mind? When clients like this experience and decide to work with my team, we guide the clients through an established onboarding process that we customize for their specific situation. It generally includes: • Understanding their financial needs, wants, and wishes • Identifying risks to their current approach to their finances • Creating structured, yet flexible, financial plans for realizing their dreams

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• Determining how much risk they need to take in their investments to achieve their goals • Designing and implementing a coordinated investment strategy Over time, we also: • Provide scheduled and ad hoc financial advice • Deliver performance reports • Fine tune the clients’ strategies as their needs change and market conditions demand • Collaborate with clients, their attorneys, and CPAs to provide coordinated care for their finances

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Caroline Wetzel is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP®) and Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor with Procyon Advisors LLC. Procyon Advisors, LLC is a registered investment advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). This article is provided for informational purposes and may also include opinions and forward-looking statements which may not come to pass. Information is at a point in time and subject to change. Procyon Advisors, LLC does not provide tax or legal advice. https://www.procyonpartners.net/team/ caroline-wetzel/ See ad on page 31 >

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*Jessica is a pseudonym. Her name has been changed and some details generalized for this article.

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Switching to the new exercise studio has paid off; I am now stronger and happier than I was before making the move. It did take time for me to get used to the new processes and make going to the studio routine. Whenever I had questions, the staff was professional and eager to help. And now, I have confidence that I am doing what I can to be active, and I have engaged professionals that I trust to help me stay on track today and over time. Similarly, clients have shared that they experience peace of mind when they engage my fiduciary team. It may take a little time to get used to each other, understand our respective styles, and make conversations about your financial routine. However, my team and I care about you, and we are passionate about providing clear, accurate, and relevant financial advice you can use. We want you to have the confidence that your financial fitness regimen is robust and resilient, serving you now and over the long term, as life inevitably changes. Ready to transform your financial fitness regimen? Ask me for a complimentary consultation.

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NATURAL Nutmeg

Feature

It’s Time to

Give Acupuncture a Try

MARCH / APRIL 2022

By Matt Maneggia, LAc

“Essentially, acupuncture is encouraging the body to function as optimally as possible and when that happens, it is easier to see how all things in our bodies are connected.” —Matt Maneggia, LAc

s an element of the ancient practice of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been used for thousands of years for a variety of reasons, from rebalancing the flow of energy to the treatment of pain. Almost since the advent of traditional Western medicine, the practice of acupuncture—put simply, inserting very thin needles in strategic areas on the body—for treatment has been dismissed as ineffective pseudoscience. However, due to its proven ability to reduce pain, treat depression and anxiety, and improve overall health, the acceptance and embrace of acupuncture within conventional medicine has grown by leaps and bounds in conventional medicine today. Inserting acupuncture needles at very specific points on the body kicks off a cascade of physiological, biochemical processes that essentially sends signals through the central nervous system (CNS) to corresponding organs and systems. This process was originally described by Traditional Chinese medicine as enhancing the flow of life force, or qi, through internal pathways to improve health. And while the concept of qi may be met with resistance among many in Western medicine, more and more research is coming out showing that, when applied

properly, acupuncture is a safe, valid, and effective method of decreasing inflammation and the many health issues it causes.

Get That Blood Pumping

During experiments, Harvard researchers found that acupuncture activates different nerve pathways that can suppress inflammation, depending on where, when, and how it is used. However, there really is no simple explanation for how acupuncture works—there are innumerable things happening behind the scenes internally in response to having all these tiny foreign objects inside the skin. Therefore, it is perhaps easiest to boil it down to blood flow—in particular, the quality and quantity of blood flow. Acupuncture improves blood flow quality by helping your body produce substances vital to your good health (anti-inflammatory substances, immune cells, endorphins to block pain receptors, etc.) and getting those substances pumping into the bloodstream. And because blood flow has been constricted in areas of chronic pain or dysfunction in the body, the quantity of blood flow is therefore improved as well, in that acupuncture also dilates tiny blood vessels, helping to deliver

those vital substances in areas where they need to go. In other words, the main job of acupuncture is, in essence, awakening and alerting the body to help it remember the areas that it has been neglecting, and to reestablish and maintain healthy blood flow to those areas.

Inflammation as Culprit, Acupuncture as Cure?

In terms of understanding how acupuncture helps improve overall, whole-body health, we can begin with how it treats localized issues as a foundation. Acupuncture sends signals through the peripheral nervous system into the central nervous system and the brain, which then sends signals to all the other systems (circulatory, endocrine, reproductive, digestive, etc.). Essentially, acupuncture is encouraging the body to function as optimally as possible and when that happens, it is easier to see how all things in our bodies are connected. For example, I may have a patient come to me for knee pain and even though we’re principally treating for that knee pain, after a few treatments they’ll say things like, “you know, I’m feeling really good overall…. I’m sleeping better, my wife says I’m more pleasant to be around, and even though the stress in my life hasn’t changed,

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Many, if not most, chronic conditions trace back to inflammation as their source, and this is where acupuncture really rises to the occasion, typically achieving the best results with issues that are due to some sort of inflammation that conventional medicine doesn’t understand and/ or isn’t helping with. As is blatantly obvious from our addiction to pain medications, conventional medicine doesn’t have all that much luck with chronic pain. Fortunately, acupuncture excels at treating chronic pain—this is what has brought it to prominence in the West over the past few decades and is still what most people know and use it for. There has also been a great deal of success using acupuncture for treatment of other long-term, chronic inflammatory conditions such as seasonal allergies, digestive issues, fibromyalgia, chronic Lyme disease, and so on. Research has shown that there is also an inflammatory component to conditions such as depression and anxiety, which can also be treated very effectively with acupuncture. Additionally, we know acupuncture has a strong effect on the part of the brain that controls the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, actively cooling off the fight-or-flight response (sympathetic) and stimulating the rest and digest aspect (parasympathetic).

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I find it just rolling off my back more and more.” Or that same knee-pain patient will come back in after their annual physical and say, “Hey, did you do something for my cholesterol or my blood pressure? Because I haven’t changed anything, but my doc says they’re improving.” And my response is always the same: “No, not specifically, but it’s likely a side effect of acupuncture to get your body humming along as well as it can.” Such positive side effects lead naturally to the more “energetic” effects of acupuncture—those historically “mysterious” and “out there” effects that, though once widely questioned, are now becoming more accepted into the mainstream. There is no denying that there are also ethereal and spiritual effects of acupuncture, and even that idea fits into the concept of circulation in the body, that qi, or life force, actually circulates in the bloodstream—so we can’t really treat something physically without realizing some mental/emotional/spiritual effects as well.

I Wish I’d Tried This First!

Although treatment via acupuncture is effective in many health-related issues, it is not recommended to use acupuncture in place of conventional medicine altogether. When I first started practicing, patients would tell me they had mentioned to their doctor that they were seeing me, only to be met with a roll of the eyes and a pat on the head, condescendingly sending the message, “whatever you think will make you feel better.” Then, a few years ago, when we began to realize we were in the midst of an opioid epidemic, we began to get a lot of referrals from doctors with patients suffering from pain-related issues. These days, we have doctors sending us patients for a wide range of maladies, including many with chronic conditions who aren’t responding well to conventional treatments. Very often, acupuncture is the one thing that finally helps those patients. The effects acupuncture can have on your health—whether localized pain or whole-body health—are undeniable. Living with chronic pain does not have to be your only option. At Connecticut Family Acupuncture, we can treat your chronic pain and help you get back on your way to being your best self. The statement, “I wish I’d tried this first!” has been heard countless times in our clinic, and it’s a wonderful feeling as an acupuncturist to be on our way to being fully recognized and accepted into the mainstream of medicine.

Moving into the Mainstream

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Matt Maneggia, LAc, is a licensed acupuncturist and the founder of Connecticut Family Acupuncture with offices in Glastonbury and Storrs. As a board member of the CT Society of Acupuncturists, Matt advocates for increased access to acupuncture through insurance coverage and the integration of acupuncture into the mainstream healthcare system. He can be contacted through his website at www.CTfamilyacupuncture. com or via the main office at 860.633.6022.

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NATURAL Nutmeg

In a recent article from Northwestern Health Sciences University, Jessica Frier, DAOM, L.Ac., states, “People are complex, and that’s why I think it’s great when patients can be looked at through different healthcare lenses. An acupuncturist is going to approach a patient’s health and well-being differently than a conventional healthcare provider.” A conventional medical doctor may focus more on managing a patient’s symptoms from a biomedical perspective, but according to Frier, although that approach may sometimes be necessary, it can also leave patients feeling like they don’t have much say in their healthcare. “An acupuncturist can balance the situation by guiding a patient’s own ability to help heal and regulate the body,” says Frier. “That’s why I think having both perspectives is so valuable.” This combined effort between conventional Western and Traditional Chinese medicine in treating and perhaps preventing chronic health issues is a conversation we will continue to have much more often in the coming days, months, and years. And hopefully, we will very soon be seeing even more regularly the move from that theoretical conversation into the actual practice of including acupuncture as treatment for a variety of chronic health conditions. During a month-long internship in China as part of my graduate program in acupuncture, seeing how seamlessly integrated acupuncture is into their healthcare system—patients in fully modern hospitals, hooked up to IV drips and all sorts of monitors, with the supervising physician sending down a “prescription” for acupuncture, and the acupuncturist running right up to the room to treat the patient—I expect we will see that type of integration in our country in the not-too-distant future. This should be the future of medicine, and I believe we will all be better—and healthier—for it.

Health

The Anatomy of a

Healthy Diet

NATURAL Nutmeg

By Frank Aieta, ND

MARCH / APRIL 2022

“Since fat is clearly an excellent fuel source, the big question is: if fats don’t make us fat, what in our diet does?” —Frank Aieta, ND

iet has an enormous impact on our overall health yet choosing the right one for you can be an overwhelming task, even with proper guidance. Before recommending a specific diet for a patient, I will first and foremost take their complete history, including their current complaints and concerns, and perform a focused physical exam. This provides me a portion of the person’s health “story.” I will ask what specific areas of their health they feel they need to work on—do they feel like they need to lose weight? If so, how much? Are they dealing with chronic symptoms they feel may be related specifically to their diet? Do they have a family history of diabetes or heart disease, and do they want to know what they can do from a natural perspective to fend these conditions off? To get patients on the proper track to determining which diet or types of foods are best for them, one of the first lab tests I recommend is a food sensitivity test; in particular, I like to use a F.I.T. Test, or food inflammation test. The five most common food sensitivities that I see in my practice are the following: 1. Cow’s milk 2. Corn 3. Egg whites 4. Gluten 5. Whole wheat Unfortunately, most conventional doctors are unaware of or do not typically use this test, so you’ll need to work with a holistically oriented practitioner to have it performed. And thankfully, you don’t need to worry if there isn’t a practitioner in your area— many providers are now working remotely and can see individuals regardless of location.

Fats Don’t Make Us Fat?

Most of the general population considers a diet that is low in fat to be a healthy one. If you walk into any conventional grocery store in the country, you will see the words “low fat” plastered on labels as an appealing selling point. For more than half a century this is what we have

been persistently taught, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. The consumption of dietary fat has never been the culprit in why we gain excess fat or become unhealthy. As humans, we have been eating all kinds of fat for more than two million years. Our brains are composed of fat, it’s the preferred fuel of the human heart, and it is an essential component of the cell membranes in the body. Omega-fats, especially omega-3s, are essential to our diet. The steroid hormones in our bodies that, among other things, are vital to our ability to maintain proper weight also rely on adequate dietary fat and cholesterol. Additionally, fat also plays a key role in the proper functioning of our immune system. The saturated and unsaturated fats in our diet consist of two substances bound together: glycerol and fatty acids. During digestion, they are separated, and each follows a different path. Glycerol is easily metabolized and used to make glucose; fatty acids are carried to tissues throughout your body where they help build cell walls, produce hormones, and digest fat-soluble nutrients. Fatty acids can be converted into another substance called acetyl CoA, which is used to create energy. Since fat is clearly an excellent fuel source, the big question is: if fats don’t make us fat, what in our diet does?

Consuming in Excess

Many people mistakenly think that the fat that we consume in our diets is immediately stored as body fat—but that’s not actually what happens. Our bodies first need to take what they need from the macronutrients (fats, proteins, and carbohydrates) we consume before they are physically stored. And the body will only choose to physically store macronutrients when they are consumed in excess, which is determined when a nutrient is no longer needed for immediate energy, reproductive purposes, or for structure and repair. Fat and protein are both used extensively in the body for countless functions and structures. When we eat either fat or protein, the body essentially looks

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around to see if it could be used to rebuild, replenish, or regenerate us in some way. The hormone leptin is like our body’s fat sensor and is one of the most powerful hormones in the human body. Leptin signals to the brain that we have plenty of fuel coming in from the diet in the form of dietary fat and plenty of fuel on board to burn, helping reduce appetite and kick up the metabolism. Only if there is over and above what is needed structurally does the body seek to convert and store the rest. Carbohydrates (sugar and starch), on the other hand, make up only about 1% of our actual physical structure, so every single molecule of glucose that is consumed that isn’t needed for anaerobic (quick burst energy) is essentially considered excess and is either stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles or converted by the liver into triglycerides and sent off to become that unwanted body fat. Chronic elevations of sugar in our bloodstream can eventually cause major damage to our arteries and cells as well. The body naturally wants to maintain the lowest amount of blood sugar necessary to meet our essential demands. The consumption of dietary fat is very self-limiting since it’s the one macronutrient that can truly satisfy the appetite. Our brain actually looks for fat to be satisfied. Our ancestors relied upon fat as a means for survival. Anyone that has consumed a particularly fat-rich meal knows they are left not wanting to eat for many hours afterward. When you think about it, people don’t binge on higher fat foods. We don’t generally see people over-consuming avocados, butter, coconut oil, or heavy cream, all of which are very rich and, subsequently, very self-limiting. People do, however, regularly binge on cookies, chips, candy, dessert, crackers, bread, and other forms of starch and sugar, which stimulates massive amounts of insulin that in turn stores it all as excess body fat. One of the most important actions we can take to improve or maintain our health is to consume a proper diet, which looks different for every individual. Finding a diet that works for you should start with consulting a professional who understands not only the anatomy of a healthy diet and how nutrients work in our bodies, but also how to create a plan designed specifically for you.

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Health

With Every Meal You’re

Preventing Disease— Or Feeding It

NATURAL Nutmeg

By April Beaman, RDH, CTT

MARCH / APRIL 2022

“While there is no food, exercise, or action plan that can guarantee pristine breast health and completely eradicate disease, there are ways to nudge the odds in your favor to help decrease the risk.” —April Beaman, RDH, CTT

ou have more than likely heard the expression, “you are what you eat.” When considering your nutrition, you probably think about weight (as you should); however, eating an intentional, mindful, nutrient-dense diet should also be about prevention. With every meal, you’re either preventing disease or feeding it. In fact, one of the mightiest weapons in the fight against chronic illness and diseases such as breast cancer may just be the fork! Eating for whole-body health is first and foremost, but it is important to know that food can play a key role in reducing the risk of breast cancer. While science suggests a healthful, plantbased diet can decrease the risk of breast cancer by up to two-thirds, certain foods stand out among the others for better breast health.

Fill Your Plate with Breast-Healthy Foods

Here’s a breakdown of a few foods best for breast health: • Spinach and other leafy greens such as kale, chard, arugula, etc., are incredibly rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants. They also serve as natural sources of glucosinolates, which studies show may work to inactivate carcinogens and help reprogram cancer cells to die off. Additionally, these greens are low in calories and sodium, two things you want to look out for when eating for breast health. • Blueberries are considered a superfood because they’re high in disease-fighting antioxidants known as polyphenols, which may help destroy cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact. When it comes to fruit, stick to mostly berries—they’re filled with antioxidants and they’re the lowest in sugar, which is an important factor in cancer prevention. Don’t just stop with blueberries, though—other excellent berry options include raspberries, strawberries, cherries, and goji berries.

• Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables are high in sulforaphane, which may help reduce the spread and recurrence of breast cancer stem cells. Cruciferous vegetables also contain a phenol called indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which supports healthy estrogen metabolism and helps to maintain an optimal balance of estrogen(s). In addition to broccoli, other great choices are cauliflower, bok choy, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. • Walnuts are a superb food for breast health! They are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids, along with alpha linolenic acid polyphenols, carotenoids, melatonin, and other antioxidants—twenty-three, in fact. Researchers agree that walnut-rich diets suppress the growth and development of breast tumors and may reduce the risk of breast cancer as well as colorectal cancer. • Mushrooms also deserve a place of honor when it comes to reducing breast cancer risk. They have been shown to inhibit aromatase, an enzyme that produces estrogen. Since most breast cancer cells are sensitive to estrogen, daily consumption of mushrooms may help lessen the risk by reducing the amount of estrogen the breast tissue is exposed to. Very few foods are aromatase-inhibitors, making mushrooms a unique anticancer power food! Go ahead and add mushrooms—such as cremini, shiitake, oyster, portabella, and maitake— to the top of your grocery list. • Avocados are rich in micronutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, folate, and potassium, and are also high in fiber and packed with healthy fats. Research has shown since avocados are rich in phytochemicals, they may play an important role in the inhibition of cancer cell growth. • Sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants, including beta-carotene, which offers protection against free radical damage. An animal study

found that compounds in sweet potato can have potential anti-tumor effects and may inhibit metastasis of breast cancer. • Turmeric is considered one of the most powerful foods for breast health due to its active ingredient, curcumin. This compound has been found to decrease tumor size and fight breast cancer. According to research, curcumin modulates breast carcinogenesis through its effects on cell cycle and proliferation, apoptosis, senescence, cancer spread, and angiogenesis. • Extra virgin olive oil, considered the mother of all oils, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Researchers believe that the consumption of olive oil as part of the Mediterranean diet contributes to its beneficial effects of cancer prevention.

Make the Right Choices

While there is no food, exercise, or action plan that can guarantee pristine breast health and completely eradicate disease, there are ways to nudge the odds in your favor to help decrease the risk. One way to assess and monitor breast health is by using thermography as a regular screening method. This screening tool is an excellent way to track changes (good or bad) with breast health and empower your journey toward whole-body health. To learn more about thermography, visit our website: ctthermography.com.

April Beaman, RDH, CTT, is a medical thermographer certified by the Professional Academy of Clinical Thermology and a professional member of Breast Thermography International. Beaman has worked in the wellness industry for over 15 years and provides thermography screenings and wellness support for both men and women of all ages. She is the owner of CT Thermography located in Farmington, with satellite offices in Glastonbury, CT, and Hadley MA. Connect at 860.415.1150 or CTThermography.com. See ad on page 13 >

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Regular Screenings for Breast Health

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In addition to eating a nutritious diet full of foods that benefit breast health, there are other factors that are important for cancer prevention: • Choose organic • Opt for natural sweeteners vs. processed sugar • Limit alcohol • Avoid conventional dairy • Reduce toxic exposure • Exercise regularly • Maintain a healthy weight • Get 7–8 hours of sleep

Purpose

The Healing of Trauma as a Path to Individual—and Even World—Peace By Rabbi Donna Berman, PhD, Director of the Human Relations Program at Hartford Family Institute NATURAL Nutmeg

MARCH / APRIL 2022

28 “We have the power to downshift—to calm and comfort ourselves and, therefore, to find peace for ourselves—and I don’t think it’s hyperbole to suggest that from there, peace for the planet as well.” —Rabbi Donna Berman, PhD

have studied body-centered Gestalt therapy at Hartford Family Institute for the past 21 years and in that time I have learned many things, though perhaps none more important than this: Nothing can happen in therapy until a client can at least touch into the feeling of safety. Why is this true? Without a feeling of safety, we remain in fight, flight, freeze, or shut down. In other words, we remain in places of protection, of vigilance, places in which we cannot let our guard down to be open and connect. While our ability to fight, flee, freeze, or shut down serves an important purpose in the midst of danger, if our nervous system gets stuck in the “on position” as a result of trauma, our ability to experience life on its deepest level becomes diminished. Essentially, there are three parts to our autonomic nervous system: shut down, the oldest part, clocking in at 500 million years old; the fight, flight, or freeze response, coming in at 400 million years old; and the newcomer on the scene, the part that creates a feeling of well-being, only 200 million years old. While the oldest parts are reptilian, the youngest part is mammalian. The older parts are about protection, the newer part is about connection. When we can calm the nervous system down, our pre-frontal cortex (as opposed to our “fire alarm” amygdala that ignites our reptilian responses) comes on-line and we are able to relax as we take in the world around us with curiosity and delight.

Is Unhealed Trauma the Real Public Health Crisis?

Dr. Nadine Burke-Harris is the co-founder of the Adverse Childhood Experiences Project in San Francisco. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

are defined as “preventable, traumatic early experiences ranging from exposure to violence, poverty, and neglect to physical, emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse.” Dr. Burke-Harris realized that trauma causes more than psychological and emotional damage; it also makes children more prone to diseases like asthma and diabetes. There is an ACEs risk assessment that is eye-opening to take. It helps us identify and recognize our own experiences of trauma as well as see the impact of our behaviors on our children and those around us, i.e., how we can cause trauma to others. The implications of all this are immense. We are hearing it said that racism and gun violence are public health crises. What if these public health crises both result from unhealed trauma? What if the growing political polarization and villanization of “the other” it entails is a result of unhealed trauma? What if nationalism and white supremacy are public health issues, a result of unhealed trauma? What if the inclination to jettison democracy for fascism is a public health issue and a result of unhealed trauma? The good news is that if this is so, then the path to healing is clear: We must help people process and integrate their trauma.

Unintegrated Trauma Manifesting as Racism?

The work of psychotherapist Resmaa Menakem is extremely helpful here. In his book, My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies, Menakem argues that unintegrated trauma is the basis for police violence against black and brown bodies. It is a result of the trauma officers experience on the job, witnessing death and destruction on a

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Menakem is telling us that our nervous systems are like a manual transmission in a car. We have the power to downshift—to calm and comfort ourselves and, therefore, to find peace for ourselves—and I don’t think it’s hyperbole to suggest that from there, peace for the planet as well. What I learned at Hartford Family Institute is true—it all boils down to safety. If we can find a sense of safety within ourselves by regulating our nervous systems, we can create a ripple effect of safety for everyone. It is from that place that the flourishing of mind, body, and imagination occurs and abundance for all becomes possible. This, it seems to me, is the vital work we are called to do in this urgent hour.

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regular basis, which can cause officers’ nervous systems to register black and brown bodies as a threat that must be addressed in the most aggressive ways. Menakem argues that white people’s racism is a matter of the unintegrated trauma from the brutality and torture of the Middle Ages that is handed down through the generations. The trauma that brown and black bodies experience is a result of the history and ongoing legacy of slavery. Knowing that any encounter with the police might result in incarceration or even death, that any encounter with a white person might involve an insult, a humiliation, or an act of violence creates stress that diminishes quality of life and health and well-being in very real and frightening ways. For Menakem, all three groups—white people, the police, and black and brown people—are suffering from trauma that has not been addressed that, then, creates a cycle of more pain and more trauma for everyone. Thankfully, Menakem offers simple exercises we can do when we find ourselves in stressful circumstances, exercises that can keep us from acting out our trauma on others. What if these exercises became an essential component in the training of police officers, teachers, parents, and children?

Feature

Transform Yourself— NATURAL Nutmeg

Starting with Your Health

By Jane Grant, RDN, CD-N

MARCH / APRIL 2022

30 “Emsculpt Neo can be a game changer for many people because of its dual approach to body contouring, allowing you to work on several goals at once.” —Jane Grant, RDN, CD-N

re you struggling with getting rid of unwanted fat and building a stronger body? More people today are struggling with obesity and/or sarcopenia, an accelerated loss of muscle mass that puts you at high risk for falls, losing your independence and mortality from years of inactivity. No matter how much you improve your diet or exercise, it can be hard to shift stubborn pockets of fat or build muscle. For many people, these life-altering issues can lower confidence, destroy motivation, and lead to depression. Thankfully, a new treatment is available. Debuting in October of 2020, Emsculpt Neo is a non-surgical procedure that works by heating stubborn fat cells so they can be naturally expelled by your body while simultaneously stimulating and contracting muscle fibers. When incorporated alongside a healthy diet and an exercise regimen, Emsculpt Neo is the perfect treatment for removing fat permanently while gaining muscle.

It’s a Game Changer

Are you thinking, “This sounds too good to be true? How is this even possible?” The Emsculpt Neo is currently the only FDA-cleared treatment that simultaneously builds muscle and burns fat, combining a radio frequency (RF) energy with a high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy that bypasses the brain. The HIFEM stimulates close to 95% of the muscle fibers, instigating

powerful contractions, known as supramaximal contractions, that work the muscle far more intensely than what is achievable during voluntary exercise. Clinical studies have shown that Emsculpt Neo treatment results in dramatic changes to the physique—on average, individuals experienced a 25% increase in muscle, 30% decrease in fat, including up to 16% of visceral fat (the fat stored deep in the abdomen, around abdominal organs including the liver and intestines). These numbers are the equivalent to 12–16 weeks of intense workouts. Emsculpt Neo can be a game changer for many people because of its dual approach to body contouring, allowing you to work on several goals at once. Most people see full results within three months of their treatment, though as with any body-shaping treatment, individual experiences may vary. One of the main health benefits of Emsculpt Neo is strengthening your core, improving sarcopenia and diastasis—abdominal wall muscle separation that commonly happens after pregnancy. Improving your core strength can help reduce lower back pain and provide better balance and stability, whether on the playing field or in daily activities. Most physical activities, whether it’s climbing stairs or going hiking, depends on stable core muscles. Weak core muscles can often lead to fatigue, reduced endurance, and increase in injury.

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Choose Foods That Help Prevent Fat

To help significantly decrease the risk of disease, combine the health benefits of Emsculpt Neo with a healthy diet that includes foods that can help prevent new fat cells from developing. According to studies, these foods can directly impact body composition and play a role in reducing visceral fat tissue: 1. Omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish has been shown to benefit body fat composition

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Another main health benefit that can be achieved with the Emsculpt Neo is the reduction in body fat, including visceral fat. The radio frequency (RF) delivers thermal energy to the tissue, warming up the muscles while heating fat cells to about 110 degrees. Within minutes, fat cells begin to die and melt down, undergoing lipolysis (fat cell death). The heating also causes the skin to tighten, which can be effective in treating loose skin from weight loss or pregnancy. After treatment, the melted fat cells are collected by the lymphatic system—part of the body’s natural detox process—and flushed out of the body over several weeks. Once fat cells are excreted from the body, they cannot grow back. This leads to a permanent reduction in fat. Visceral fat surrounds the abdominal organs, putting you at high risk for chronic health problems such as heart disease, obesity, Alzheimer’s, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and high cholesterol. High visceral fat levels contribute to creating proteins that inflame body tissues and organs and narrow blood vessels, which can result to high blood pressure.

Get Peace of Mind

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When you include high-quality proteins (such as grass fed, organic, or local meat and poultry and wild-caught fish) in your diet during and after treatment, you can maximize your results. Protein is the main nutrient to muscle building and development, muscle structure, and contracting abilities—and the more muscle you can build the higher your metabolism will be, resulting in an increase in fat breakdown. Ensuring your diet has adequate amounts of protein also helps reduce hunger, especially when eaten at breakfast. Traditional starch-and-sugar combo breakfast foods, such as muffins or sweetened cereal, can cause a rapid rise and fall in blood sugar, resulting in hard-to-resist sugar cravings throughout the day. Protein also helps to repair tissues—a process at which our bodies are constantly working—and makes the antibodies to help us recover from a cold or illness. However, protein is not a storable energy like carbohydrates and fats. To ensure you are consuming enough protein, you must make sure you’re having it with every meal.

Feature

NATURAL Nutmeg

MARCH / APRIL 2022

through various mechanisms such as improving insulin sensitivity and combating inflammation. Good sources of fatty fish include salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel. Research shows that the specific type of fat in coconut oil, medium-chain triglycerides, can significantly decrease the total amount of fat stored by the body. Unrefined, organic coconut oil is the preferred choice. Eating more beans may help decrease the total accumulation of visceral fat. Beans are a great source of prebiotic soluble fiber, which can be metabolized and turned into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by the healthy microbes in our gut. Studies have linked SCFAs to a decrease in visceral fat. Some studies have shown that consistent intake of yogurt decreased the amount of fat tissue stored in the abdomen. The probiotic effect of yogurt was enough to improve body fat in the midsection of the participants who ate yogurt frequently. Be sure to choose a yogurt that doesn’t have added sugars. Studies have found a high-protein, lowglycemic breakfast contributed to participants reducing their visceral fat when swapping a carb for a lower glycemic choice, such as a healthy protein/fat combination. The researchers also noted that body fat can be redistributed, even if the scale doesn’t budge.

Drink Water—and Plenty of It

The radio frequency (RF) energy during an Emsculpt Neo treatment feeds off water within the body, which helps to flush out toxins, which will be excreted through sweat and urine. To maximize the benefits of the natural detox process, drinking adequate amounts of water before and after is essential. But we want to make sure we are drinking pure water—most tap water is far from pure, containing a vast array of disinfection byproducts, chemicals, heavy metals, pharmaceutical drugs, and fluoride. Unfortunately, many bottle waters are simple tap water. In general, when drinking poor quality water, your mind and body can’t function properly. Drinking adequate amounts of pure water has many health benefits, including creating saliva, which is needed to start the digestive process by breaking down food, keeping the mouth healthy, and preventing constipation. The entire digestive system is dependent on water; it also regulates body temperature through sweating and lubricates joints, tissues, and the spinal cord, which is important to maintain flexibility. Not only that, but water helps dissolve vitamins and minerals for better

absorption as well. Staying well hydrated may also help with weight loss because it provides volume to the stomach. The stomach doesn’t recognize calories, only volume—a benefit that can help reduce your overall caloric intake. Additionally, because water carries nutrients and oxygen through the entire body, proper hydration helps increase blood oxygen circulation. Research has also shown not drinking enough water can impact our focus, alertness, short term memory, and may cause fatigue and confusion. Clearly, consuming enough water daily is crucial. You may have to be mindful about drinking enough water in the beginning, but after a while it will become a new habit. Within a few weeks of drinking enough water, your body will let you know it wants more, as you will feel thirsty much more quickly than you did before. Your daily water intake should be half your body weight minus 20%, since we receive some water from the foods we eat.

Build More Muscle

Emsculpt Neo can also improve muscle tone. Our body loses 2–5% of our muscle mass every 10 years as part of the natural process of aging, with about 30% loss in one’s lifetime. According to clinical studies, new muscle fibers were being created to adapt to the stress of the powerful contractions in areas that were treated using Emsculpt Neo, which is beyond what is achieved in exercise alone. A typical workout at a gym only contracts about 35% of the muscle fibers, whereas Emsculpt Neo contracts 95% of muscle fibers. The HIFEM energy breaks down lactic acid, the cause of muscle soreness after exertion, which helps prevent any down time from exercising. Emsculpt Neo builds muscle and restores volume that has been naturally lost, which can be considered an anti-aging benefit. For some people, this can mean regaining their independence or prevent them from losing it. To help preserve the muscle you gained, it is highly recommended to follow through with an exercise plan or to increase physical activity after your treatment. For some of us, the thought of exercising is absolutely dreadful. But why? If you think about it, many of us don’t like to exercise because it feels difficult for us. In the beginning, it may be uncomfortable because we’re out of breath and our body isn’t as flexible, so it feels like we are trying to move dead weight. Depending on the exercise it may also make our limbs hurt and we really don’t feel better after. This is because in the beginning our body is unconditioned, and unfortunately, most of us quit before we can condition ourselves to actually enjoy the activity. After the Emsculpt Neo treatment, however, we start to feel stronger and exercising can potentially be easier. Depending on

our physical activity level prior to treatment we may still have some conditioning to do, but it gives us a huge advantage in overcoming the obstacles that prevent us from exercising in the first place. Physical activity promotes better sleep, builds self-esteem, and improves body image. It also stimulates various brain chemicals that result in feeling happier and more relaxed—and who doesn’t want that?

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33 2022 MARCH / APRIL

Jane Grant, RDN, CD-N, is a register dietitian since 2005 and has been trained in Integrative and Functional Nutrition to address the root cause of disease and help promote optimal health. Jane is the founder of Grant’s Nutrition and Wellness in Berlin, CT, and can be reached at 860.357.2282 or admin@grantsnutriton. com. Visit www.grantsnutrition.com, facebook.com/ grantsnutritionandwellness, and www.instagram. com/grantsnutritionandwellness.

"Matthew Maneggia provides excellent acupuncture treatment and care. My acupuncture treatments every 4 weeks have allowed me to be pain free... Anyone who is dealing with chronic systemic issues, I strongly encourage you to schedule an appointment with Matt." - Karen W.

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The typical treatment protocol of Emsculpt Neo consists of four sessions and they are 30 minutes each, with 7 to 10 days between each treatment. By the end of the treatment, you’re likely to look and feel notably stronger and more toned. Emsculpt Neo is ideal for most body types with BMIs up to 35. Anyone with a BMI over 35 would not be able to receive the full benefits. It is important to note that Emsculpt Neo is not a miracle cure and on its own it is not intended as a weight reduction protocol. Although many people have had excellent results with this treatment on its own by improving their overall appearance with more muscle tone, more sculpted physique, and firmer skin, it is equally important to address our mindset and behaviors for life-long results. Breaking the cycle of some old, unhealthy eating habits, like going back to the donut shop and grabbing a 300-calorie bagel and a 250-calorie latte or ordering out lunch because it’s easier than preparing it, will be rewarding in many ways. These fast-food habits are the reasons we look for alternative solutions to reverse the unpleasant consequences of our health. Grant’s Nutrition and Wellness offers personalized nutrition plans with our Emsculpt Neo packages to help lose weight, maximize fat loss, maximize muscle strength, boost results to transform overall health, and provide the tools needed for ongoing success. One of the biggest benefits of our Emsculpt Neo packages is that it boosts a person’s self-confidence because they feel stronger and healthier!

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Finance

Ask Dana!

How to Plan for the Retirement You Deserve

MARCH / APRIL 2022

34 “Whether you’ve been planning to finally learn how to scuba dive or settle into a fulltime grandparent role, you’ll need to financially plan for your free time regardless of what you choose to do with it. What you decide to do with your free time may change how you save for it.” —Dana R. Mascalo, CFP ®, RLP ®, AAMS ®, C(k)P ®

By Dana R. Mascalo, CFP®, RLP®, AAMS®, C(k)P®

f you’re already thinking about retirement (it’s never too soon!), you’re probably thinking about it in terms of the “end of” something. The satisfying end of a successful career. The ending of a busy routine. The final reward for a lifetime of work. However, while you may feel the urge to close the book on your career, retirement is simply a new chapter—a new beginning. And just as you’ve meticulously planned every career move, you’ll need to plan just as much for retirement—and that starts with having a clear vision for your post-career goals.

Focus on the Future

When it comes to retirement we may be tempted to focus on our free time, but that’s just one part of it. Whether you’re interested in traveling, seriously pursuing a hobby, spending more time with your loved ones, or simply looking forward to taking time to discover your post-career self, you’ll need to create a plan. Planning begins when you start thinking about the big picture. Before diving into the details, get a high-level sense of what you want your retirement to look like and how you might achieve it:

• Determine who your retirement income will need to support—a partner, a grandchild, or other loved ones • Take inventory of the lifestyle you have grown accustomed to • Create realistic savings goals for yourself • Find investment strategies that help you achieve those goals As you know, determining where to start can be difficult, especially when some of the factors feel unknown or uncertain. For example, you may still have decades before you retire and that means your interests could change. Will you still be interested in cooking? Will you still want to live in the city or state you’ve been calling home? What hobbies will 65-year-old you be interested in picking up? What habits will 65-year-old you have dropped? Are there grandchildren in your future? It can feel daunting to plan for someone you might not even know yet; however, you can help that person by asking the right questions now. A financial advisor can help you determine the following: • How much have you saved so far? • How much will you earn before retiring? • When should you start drawing from Social Security?

Proven solutions using acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutrition to heal the whole person. Specializing in Women’s Health & Nutrition 203/698-0793 health@donnabunte.com www.donnabunte.com < PAGE 38 “Prevent and Treat Inﬂammation—Naturally” BY DONNA BUNTE, MSOM, LAc

Join us for a free, virtual introductory session on March 15 at 7 PM Register at hartfordfamilyinstitute.com/hrp-intro (860) 236-6009 < PAGE 28 “The Healing of Trauma as a Path to Peace” BY RABBI DONNA BERMAN, PhD

It’s Never Too Late to Start

How to spend your time post-career might seem like a no-brainer. In fact, you’ve probably been thinking about what you’ll be doing or where you’ll be going for a long time. However, whether you’ve been planning to finally learn how to scuba dive or settle into a full-time grandparent role, you’ll need to financially plan for your free time regardless of what you choose to do with it. What you decide to do with your free time may change how you save for it. It should come as no surprise, but the earlier you start saving, the better. However, life doesn’t always

< PAGE 12 “When Your Body Talks, LISTEN!” BY SHARON SKLAR

35 2022 MARCH / APRIL

• How much will you need to sustain your desired lifestyle? • How can you maximize investment returns while minimizing risk and tax burdens? • How much will you need to cover medical expenses as you age? • Do you have other sources of retirement income to draw from? What are they? Again, these questions can be tricky, but the sooner you start planning, the easier they will be to answer. Trust us, your future self will appreciate your foresight.

Discover your own unique self with our 27-week Human Relations Program.

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go deep

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Finance

MARCH / APRIL 2022

“It should come as no surprise, but the earlier you start saving, the better. However, life doesn’t always work out according to plan. Odds are you’ve even experienced some setbacks or surprises yourself. Luckily, it’s never too late to change your habits.” —Dana R. Mascalo, CFP ®, RLP ®, AAMS ®, C(k)P ®

work out according to plan. Odds are you’ve even experienced some setbacks or surprises yourself. Luckily, it’s never too late to change your habits. Here are three ways you can start saving now: • Help Your Money Make Money: You may be familiar with the proverb, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” The same is true for putting money into your retirement fund. If you start saving today, you can rely on compound interest to help your money make money. Even if you haven’t been saving money before today, you can certainly start today, and it will make a difference. • Take Advantage of Your 401(k): The easiest way to start saving is by taking advantage of your employer-sponsored 401(k) plan. Even if your company does not match your monthly contribution, it’s important to invest in it by taking a small amount out of each paycheck and setting it aside. When you set this money aside, that can make a big difference over time as your investments increase in value or accrue interest. If your company does not offer a 401(k) or if you are self-employed, you will want to contribute to an IRA. The best part about saving through a 401(k) or IRA is that you can essentially “set it and forget it” by automating your contributions. While a financial advisor would recommend you set aside 10% of your pre-tax income, you can start with as little as 1% and increase your contribution as you build wealth. • Increase Your Income: Knowing your worth now can help you save for the life you want later. A simple way to increase your pay is to negotiate a raise or a better offer. You can also earn extra income through a “side hustle,” such as consulting or freelancing. All that extra income is savable income and can help increase your retirement fund. If you’re like most people thinking about retirement, you think about what you want to do, not what you want to leave behind. However, deciding

now on what kind of legacy you want to leave is the only way to ensure it will happen. Maybe you want to help pay for your grandchild’s college tuition or leave an inheritance to someone who’s made life special for you. Perhaps you’d like to gift your children their childhood home or set up an endowment fund for an organization that’s meant a lot to you. Whatever legacy you want to leave behind, it’s not something that just happens. It’s a decision you need to make and plan for to ensure the things you love are passed on the way you want them to be. Working with a financial advisor now can help you get to where you want to be later. Digging into your retirement goals, exploring saving strategies, and discovering investment opportunities are all things that the right advisor can help you do.

Dana R. Mascalo, CFP®, RLP®, AAMS®, C(k)P® , is a Managing Partner with TrinityPoint Wealth, an independent SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm in Milford, CT and Charlotte, NC. Dana advises high net worth clients with complex needs and is sought after by individuals, families, business owners and executives all over CT and the United States. Acting as their personal CFO, Dana looks at a client’s entire financial life with a visionary lens, advising on investment portfolios, retirement planning, stock options, life transitions, exit planning for business owners, customized advanced cash-flow planning and multi-generational wealth transfer strategies. Disclosure: This material is provided by TrinityPoint Wealth for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for personalized investment advice or as a recommendation of any particular security, strategy, or investment product. Facts presented have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, however, TrinityPoint Wealth cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information. TrinityPoint Wealth does not provide tax or legal advice. See ad on page 11 >

Want more LIFE ADVICE? Checkout www.naturalnutmeg.com PURPOSE

A Pivotal Life Changing Decision Eilis Philpott

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What Weighs Us Down Can Lighten Us Up Pat Heavren

www

To Dairy or Not to Dairy—

Health

That Is the Question

By Kimberly A. Lawrence, Health and Life Coach

airy from cow’s milk, or from other animals such as goats, remains a controversial topic regarding its contribution to chronic conditions. I am going to unravel the issues here as best I can to help you successfully move forward with your decision of whether to keep dairy in your daily life.

Yea or Nay to Dairy?

Work with a Health Coach

If you are suffering from any of the above-mentioned conditions and suspect that dairy may be a contributing factor, the first thing you must do is seek assistance from a naturopath/health coach team familiar with nutrition and its effects on our bodies. Together, this team can make a determination by conducting food sensitivity testing. Before making the decision to eliminate it entirely from your diet, they will assist you in developing an elimination diet to confirm that dairy is the culprit. If removal is necessary, your health coach will help you with non-dairy options and food alternatives to replace the vitamins and minerals you are no longer receiving from animal-based dairy products. A quality health coach will help you make a seamless transition to this new lifestyle, and you will be free of those ailments that have been wreaking havoc in your life. Kimberly Lawrence was tired of going from doctor to doctor, seeking resolution of chronic pain, illness, and allergies, when she decided to be trained at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in 2005. Having healed herself naturally, she now helps clients transform their lives. Call 860.951.1533 for a complimentary consultation and visit www.positivelybalancedfive.com. See ad on page 29 >

“A quality health coach will help you make a seamless transition to this new lifestyle, and you will be free of those ailments that have been wreaking havoc in your life.” —Kimberly A. Lawrence

37 2022 MARCH / APRIL

Unbeknownst to the general population, there are studies that have determined that most of us are, at the very least, sensitive to dairy products. There is a smaller group of us who are dairy allergic, which can be a life-threatening condition that must not be ignored. Asthma, for example, is one common ailment suffered by dairy-allergic individuals; however, you must keep in mind that this condition is not necessarily only linked to those who are dairy allergic. On the other hand, there is a percentage of us who can consume dairy products with little or no issue, enjoying the benefits of probiotics, vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates that dairy provides. Thankfully, for those who are dairy allergic, these can be supplemented or found in plenty of other foods that may be even more beneficial, as they have lower fat and less sugar: dark leafy greens, almonds, soy, and other fortified non-dairy products. If you find you frequently suffer from digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhea, nausea, heart burn, or constipation, or if you have skin issues such as eczema, hives, or acne, you may be dealing with dairy-related issues. Other frustrating conditions you might experience are sore throats, allergies, post-nasal drip, headaches, and excessive mucus production, which causes chronic ear

and sinus infections. In addition, excessive dairy consumption has also been linked to high blood pressure and heart disease, as fat content is high in most dairy products.

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Health

Prevent and Treat Inflammation— Naturally

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By Donna Bunte, MSOM, LAc

MARCH / APRIL 2022

C “It is important to educate the country, children and adults alike, on the harm of processed, refined, and junk foods and the importance of switching to a whole-food diet of fresh, organic foods when possible, as well as managing stress in our everyday lives.” —Donna Bunte, MSOM, LAc

hronic health issues seem to be continually on the rise in the U.S. In fact, the CDC indicates that 6 in 10 adults in the U.S. have at least one chronic disease, such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, chronic lung disease, stroke, and chronic kidney disease, among many others. And at the root of many of these diseases is a perhaps surprising culprit—inflammation, which results when the immune system is activated to attack foreign invaders in the body such as chemicals, pathogens, allergens, and inflammatory foods. It can also be a response to stress, which is increasingly common in our society and accounts in part for the rise in chronic health issues.

It Starts with Your Diet

This may come as a surprise, but your diet is likely the leading cause of inflammation. The American/western phenomenon of fast foods, eaten in places the world over, contains many of the foods and ingredients that cause inflammation. The worst culprits: • Sugar (including added sugar in foods) • Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pastries, white pasta, white rice • French fries and other fried foods • Soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages • Red meat (burgers, steaks) and processed meat (hot dogs, sausage) • Margarine, shortening, lard • Preservatives, chemicals, pesticides, possibly genetically modified foods (GMO) • Alcohol in excess

Manage Your Stress

Chronic stress is the other primary cause of inflammation. Although we generally aren’t in immediate danger when constantly reading our emails and checking social media, our bodies

respond to our busy lives of instant gratification and information at our fingertips by releasing cortisol—the stress hormone that helps send more energy to the large muscles by making more blood sugar while also narrowing the arteries, causing the blood to pump harder. Energy is diverted from non-essential functions like digestion and the immune system, inhibiting the production of insulin, which is needed to suppress inflammation. When this condition is sustained over time, it creates a chronic fight-or-flight response and in turn chronic inflammation, leading to the devastating diseases so prevalent in our society.

An Ounce of Prevention…

Simply by changing our diets and eating the right foods, we can help prevent inflammation and in turn the chronic diseases it causes. We must remove those culprit foods and add these whole, fresh foods to our daily diets: • Leafy green vegetables • Good fats like those found in olive oil and avocados • Nuts and seeds; raw, not roasted • Tomatoes • Wild-caught fatty fish like salmon, tuna, sardines • Fruits and berries like blueberries, oranges, grapefruit, apples • Squashes and sweet potatoes • Legumes such as chickpeas, beans, lentils • Whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, wild rice, farro There are certain meats, such as wild game and pasture raised, that can occasionally be eaten in small quantities. These are good sources of protein and vitamin B, which can be difficult

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Donna Bunte, MSOM, LAc, of Donna Bunte Whole Health can be reached at her office at 203.698.0793, cell at 203.253.9885, or email health@ donnabunte.com. Visit www.donnabunte.com and find her on Facebook at facebook.com/donnabuntewholehealth and Instagram at instagram.com/donnabuntewholehealth/. See ad on page 35 >

Book Your Appointment Online Kristina E. Mozzicato, LMT, BCTMB Certified Cupping & MedicuppingTM VOTED A 2020 & 2021 10BEST MASSAGE THERAPY PRACTITIONER

CT LICENSE #5956

3 Forest Park Drive, Farmington, CT • 860.778.0315 abundanthealthct

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Kristina E. Mozzicato, LMT, BCTMB, Certified Cupping & MedicuppingTM Therapist Board Certified, Licensed Massage Therapist and Owner

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DR. KRITHIKA JAYAPRAKASH DDS, FAGD, IBDM

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

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to get in a vegetarian diet. However, consumption must be limited, and it may be better to go without entirely if you don’t have access to wild or pasture raised. Factory farming, which uses corn and soy grown with pesticides, will create even more inflammation. You can also help treat inflammation by incorporating certain herbs into your diet or supplement regimen, including Boswellia (frankincense), turmeric, ginger, garlic, and cardamom, along with countless herbs used in Chinese medicine in different combinations, depending on where the inflammation is located. Unfortunately, many Americans may not be aware of how harmful our diets can be. It is important to educate the country, children and adults alike, on the harm of processed, refined, and junk foods and the importance of switching to a wholefood diet of fresh, organic foods when possible, as well as managing stress in our everyday lives. As a Chinese medical practitioner and integrative nutrition health coach, I have helped many clients manage their stress, diet, and health concerns using coaching, nutrition, herbal medicine, and mind–body techniques to reach their health goals. If you’re looking to make a change but don’t know where to begin, a nutritionist or health coach is an excellent place to start.

IMAGINE FLOAT is Greater Hartford's only boutique float and wellness center offering floatation therapy, cryotherapy, infrared sauna and compression therapy. All services provide non-invasive therapies to heal your body, mind and soul. Relax, refresh and renew at IMAGINE FLOAT.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture of Greater Hartford Stan Baker, LAC 91 South Main St., West Hartford, CT 06107 860.836.1068 acupuncturestanbaker.com

CBD STORE Nature’s Gifts

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304 W Main St., Avon • 860.995.4444 naturesgifts-usa.com/

MARCH / APRIL 2022

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

COLON HYDROTHERAPY

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

FINANCIAL PLANNING Dana Mascalo CFP®, RLP®, AAMS®, C(k)P®

Managing Partner, TrinityPoint Wealth 612 Wheelers Farms Rd. Milford, CT Office: 203.693.8521 Fax: 203.693.8524 dana@trinitypointwealth.com See ad on page 11 >

Caroline Wetzel, CFP®, AWMA® Procyon Private Wealth Partners, LLC 1 Corporate Dr., Suite 225 Shelton,CT • 475.232.2713 cwetzel@procyonpartners.net www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-wetzel/ www.procyonpartners.net See ad on page 18 >

Local Experts In and Around Connecticut

HOLISTIC COUNSELING

HOMEOPATHY

ProNatural Physicians Group, LLC Berlin, CT • 860.829.0707 pronaturalphysicians.com

Homeopathy Healings HomeopathyHealings@gmail.com HomeopathyHealings.com • 413.426.1024

James Osborne is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Board Certified Professional Counselor, Board Certified PTSD Clinician, and a Fellow in the American Psychotherapy Association with over 40 years of clinical experience. See ad on page 31 >

Want to get to the root cause of your chronic symptoms? Homeopathy can relieve the symptoms of depression, anxiety, women’s issues, headaches, digestive troubles, child behavior problems, and so much more. Contact Abby to see if homeopathic care is appropriate for you. Appointments possible over Zoom and Skype.

James Osborne, MS, LPC, BCPC

HOLISTIC DENTISTRY

Dr. Mark A. Breiner, DDS, FAGD, FIAOMT Fairfield, CT • 203.371.0300 WholeBodyDentistry.com A recognized authority in the field of holistic dentistry, Dr. Breiner treats patients for a myriad of dental concerns including sleep breathing disorders, TMD, mercury toxicity, and hidden infections from cavitations and root canals. “If you have unexplained symptoms that won’t go away, the answer could be in your mouth.” See ad on page 13 >

Dr. Steven F Hinchey, DMD South Glastonbury • 860.633.6518 drhinch@agd.org • dochincheydmd.com Thank you to our wonderful patients who trust our team to care for their improved oral health. Please let your family and friends know that a healthy, disease-free mouth will help your overall health. It is all connected—the mouth and the body. And we can help you get there. See ad on page 9 >

Dr. Krithika Jayaprakash, DDS, FAGD, IBDM Dr. Jay Dental, 170 Union St. Vernon, CT 06066 860.875.3349 • drjaydental.com Dr. Jay is a naturopathic dentist specializing in all your dental needs, including ceramic implants, same-day ceramic crowns, laser dentistry, ALF orthodontics, Myobrace, ozone therapy, and non-surgical gum treatment. Dr. Jay has the latest in dental technology at her office. See ad on page 39 >

HOLISTIC PSYCHIATRY David London, MD

567 Vauxhall St. Ext, #218, Waterford, CT 06385 Ph: 860.443.5822 Fax: 860.444.0581 davidlondonmd.com

Abby Beale, CCH RSHom(NA)

HYPNOSIS

Joann Dunsing Hypnosis 204 Cherry St., Milford CT 06460 203.907.7710 • joanndunsing.com I am passionate about enabling you to get the changes you want! This is accomplished by empowering you through the skillful use of NLP (neuro-linguistic programming), EFT (emotional freedom techniques, also known as meridian tapping), and the relaxed, focused state of hypnosis.

Michele P. Rousseau, MA, CH

267 William St., Middletown, CT 06457 860.704.9054 • mprousseau@sbcglobal.net www.micheleprousseau.com

INTEGRATED MEDICINE Tamara Sachs, MD

Functional Medicine & Integrative Care LLC 15 Bennitt St., New Milford CT 860.354.3304 • tsachsmd.com Dr. Sachs prevents and treats chronic illness by uncovering and correcting the underlying root causes of your health concerns while remaining respectful of the uniqueness and complexity that make us human. She comprehensively and thoughtfully creates personalized plans explaining why and how each area of your healing will be addressed.

MASSAGE THERAPY

Abundant Health Massage Therapy & Wellness Farmington, CT • 860.778.0315 abundanthealthct.com Kristina Mozzicato is Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork by the NCBTMB and has been practicing massage for the past 12 years. She provides professional, therapeutic, customized sessions. In addition to massage, she offers cupping, medicupping, body contouring, Himalayan salt stone massage, and Reiki sessions. Convenient online booking. See ad on page 39 >

Grant’s Nutrition & Wellness

SPAS/WELLNESS CENTERS

Jane Grant, RD CD-N Berlin, CT • 860.357.2282 grantj@grantsnutrition.com grantsnutrition.com

Imagine Float

290 West Main St., Avon 860.255.7771 • imaginefloat.com See ad on page 39 >

Nurturing Hands, LLC, provides therapeutic massage and spa treatments with the goals of wellness, muscle vitality, and pain relief. With 70+ years in practice, we are able to address specific conditions such as sciatica, anxiety, and plantar fasciitis; encourage deep relaxation; and customize and integrate different techniques and modalities to provide the optimal session for you.

Jane is trained in integrative and functional nutrition utilizing a personalized, holistic approach to chronic disease and weight management. Integrative and functional nutrition combines the very best of modern science, clinical wisdom, and integrative therapies to address the root cause of disease and promote abundant health. See ad on page 21 >

SPIRITUAL COMPANIONSHIP

Dr. Adam Breiner, ND

Deanna M. Cherrone, MD 41 N. Main St., Ste 207, West Hartford, CT 860.677.4600 • naturalhealthandhealing.net

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NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE Fairfield, CT • 203.371.8258 WholeBodyMed.com

Dr. Marie Mammone, Dr. Renee Mammone, NDs, John Mammone, Licensed Acupuncturist 274 Silas Deane Hwy., Wethersfield, CT 06109 860.529.1200 • www.NAHcenter.com

West Hartford Naturopathic Medicine Frank Aieta, ND 301 N. Main St., West Hartford, CT 860.232.9662 • www.DRAIETA.com See ad on page 17 >

NUTRITION

Erika Dworkin, BCHN® Certified in Holistic Nutrition Vitathena Wellness South Glastonbury, CT • 860.646.8178 edworkin@vitathena.com • vitathena.com Through education, Erika empowers her customers to make the decisions that best enable them to maximize their well-being and longevity. She offers private nutrition consultations and speaks regularly about various health topics. See ad on page 5 >

Lauri Ingram is an ordained interfaith/ interspritual minister, offering spiritual counseling, crystal dreaming, crystal light, and color therapy, along with workshops and ministerial officiant services. See ad on page 27 >

PHYSICIANS, M.D.

Natural Health & Healing, LLC

Optimal Health Medical, LLC

THERMOGRAPHY

Henry C. Sobo, M.D. 111 High Ridge Rd., Stamford, CT 06905 203.348.8805 • www.drsobo.com Member, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Board Certified in obesity medicine, Dr. Sobo believes that the best of both medical and nutritional approaches to medical care is more effective than either approach alone. Dr. Sobo offers eight loss programs, IV vitamins, allergy evaluation and desensitization, stem cell treatments, bioidentical hormone replacement, PRP, and more. See ad on page 19 >

April Beaman, RDH, CTT CT Thermography

Rolfing®—The Art and Science of Body Change

YOGA STUDIO

ROLFING®

Sharon Sklar, BFA, MsT, Cert. Adv. Rolfer West Hartford • 860.561.4337 sharonsklarrolfing.com Rolfing®—The Art and Science of Body Change. A dynamic 10-session bodywork series that eases pain, improves movement, and restructures your body when you feel “out of whack.” A hands-on and educational approach that establishes order and balance after life’s injuries, stresses, and accidents. Since 1981. See ad on page 35 >

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Farmington and Glastonbury, CT 860.415.1150 • ctthermography.com CT thermography specializes in medical thermal imaging. Breast thermography is a compression and radiation-free screening tool that’s used to monitor breast health to detect physiological changes that may be early warning signs of a disease process. As a Certified Thermographic Technician, I help empower women to take a proactive approach following their thermography screening for optimal breast health. See ad on page 13 >

Sacred Rivers Yoga East Hartford, CT • 860.657.9545 sacredriversyoga.com Paula Scopino, E-RYT 500-Hour, C-IAYT, CT Licensed LMT, YACEP, is the owner/director of Sacred Rivers Yoga and Allied Health Therapies and “Sacred Rivers Yoga for Every Body,” a Yoga Alliance 200- and 500-hour registered school, as well as a member of IAYT (International Association of Yoga herapy.) See ad on page 11 >

We are seeking a positive, enthusiastic, goal-oriented advertising sales/marketing professional. Responsible for networking, generating leads, and consultative sales. Candidate should be self-motivated and be able to work on a collaborative team. Work from home opportunity and commission only.

Please send cover letter and resume to Dr. Diane Hayden at diane@ naturalnutmeg.com.

41 2022 MARCH / APRIL

Naturopathic & Acupuncture Health Center

Hamden, CT • 203.435.5650 www.lauriingram.com Services available in person, and via Zoom/Skype.

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Focusing on brain health and Lyme disease, Dr. Adam Breiner offers cutting-edge therapies that include hyperbaric oxygen, neurocognitive therapies, including sophisticated brain-imaging equipment to evaluate brain injuries and brainwave patterns associated with metabolic imbalances, infections, and allergies. Conditions treated include concussions, TBI, stroke, PTSD, ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, and more. See ad on page 22>

Lauri Ingram

Purpose

The Resiliency of Spirit NATURAL Nutmeg

By Lauri Ingram

MARCH / APRIL 2022

“I’ve come to believe that there is not always a reason for the hard times we face, but I do believe in those difficult moments there is help and hope.” —Lauri Ingram

here is no doubt the past two years have tested our resiliency in many ways. For some of us, resilience is not something we have taken time to ponder. Rather, we barrel through each day, each crisis, each challenge until slowly we find ourselves depleted, exhausted, anxious, and perhaps even hopeless. For myself, and for many of my clients, there has been a recurring theme in conversation, in contemplation, in journaling. Strength—strength of spirit, of navigating such challenging times during which many of our core beliefs and values are questioned, or even that we are questioning ourselves and the “why” of it all. In my heart, where my core essence, my spiritual self, resides, I can tap into a trust that all is well, that there is a divine spirit beyond what we can imagine or perceive—that is our beacon of hope. In my head, however, there is fear, there is anxiety, there is uncertainty. Being human, this is not surprising. As humans and also as spiritual beings, we walk in two worlds.

Navigating between Worlds

How do we navigate? How do we build and maintain a resilient spirit when we often feel knocked off our feet and uncertain? For each of us, we find

our own way that speaks to our soul, our divine light, our pure essence, and that brings us joy. For some of us it is in creating art, daily journaling, or a peaceful walk in nature. For others, it is prayer and contemplation, perhaps alone or in community. Finding what speaks and nourishes our souls provides an anchor point and helps us develop practices we can return to when we seek soul nourishment. Even more important is acknowledging and naming whatever we are feeling: fear, anger, disappointment, uncertainty, worry, loneliness. Acknowledging, naming, seeking someone to talk to, to share with, and to know we are never alone in how we are feeling can enable us to move through the emotions. Like crossing a small creek on a summer day, we can navigate the waters and reach the other side. We do not live our lives in full sun or full dark. Our lives are lived more often like the phases of the moon, always incorporating both shadow and light. I’ve come to believe that there is not always a reason for the hard times we face, but I do believe in those difficult moments there is help and hope, and I’ve made it my life’s work to help people find it. Even in darkness, there is still something whole and sacred in the world.

Through a 40-year corporate career and her own lengthy spiritual journey, Lauri is uniquely qualified to meet her clients wherever they may be in their journey. Perhaps seeking joy in the everyday or challenged by life transitions, Lauri creates a safe, compassionate, sacred space for her clients to explore life’s questions. Sessions are tailored for each client and whatever may arise in the moment as Lauri accompanies clients on a return to joy and completeness in their lives, connecting with their true, divine nature. Ordained by One Spirit Interfaith Seminary and as a certified Interspiritual Counselor, Lauri Ingram currently offers spiritual coaching and creativity sessions in person in her Bethany office, as well as by phone and Zoom. You can learn more about Lauri at www.lauriingram.com or contact her at lauri@lauriingram.com or 203.435.5650. See ad on page 27 >

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Articles inside

+ Reduce Chronic Pain with CBD

+ The Resiliency of Spirit

+ When Your Body Talks, LISTEN

Dr. Di’s Corner

+ The Healing of Trauma