Natural Nutmeg March 2024

We’re on the forefront of innovative treatment that is changing people’s lives.

We’ve harnessed the latest research on metabolism and energy in psychiatry and medicine, and pulled it into a completely personalized treatment to help you feel better, eat better, optimize your weight, and even taper off some of the medications that you’re on.

LETTER

Hey, I’m Dr. Diane!

Spring is just around the corner, and for many of us it’s a time to put our attention on spring cleaning—not just for our homes, but for our health. That’s why this issue is focused on longevity and extending our lifespan through adopting healthier lifestyles. There are so many ways to do this—eating healthier foods, starting an exercise program, meditation, spiritual pursuits, finding a purpose, detoxing, and just enjoying the simple things in life. You’ll find many fantastic articles in this issue, all about the secrets of longevity.

“If you Google ‘the secrets of centenarians,’ you’ll find that these people remain physically active, spend time in nature, have strong connections with family and friends, maintain low stress, and have positive mindsets.”

—Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD

It’s no surprise people are living longer in this country and all over the world. My mom, in fact, just turned 90 on January 31. She is still active (even after two hip replacements!), social, and sharp as a tack. You can’t get anything by her! Every day, you’ll find her with her pearls on, her hair styled, and her lipstick perfect. She makes me wonder what the future holds for those of us in our 50s and 60s and what our quality of life will be when we’re 90. That was one of the reasons I wanted to focus this issue on longevity. It’s not just about living longer—it’s about the quality of life in our 80s and 90s.

engaged as you possibly can. Wow—that might mean 40 more

If you Google “the secrets of centenarians,” you’ll find that these people remain physically active, spend time in nature, have strong connections with friends and family, maintain low stress in their lives, and have positive mindsets. I’m sure genetics plays a role as well—but it’s not the be-all, end-all to living a long and healthy life. Some centenarians said they didn’t retire until they were 99! I truly believe that if you love your work, you should stay engaged in it as long as you possibly can. Wow—that might mean 40 more years of Natural Nutmeg!

now on intermittent fasting and caloric reduction that efficient at maintenance and repair. Combining this with seems to be some of the key factors in increasing your

There is some cutting-edge research coming out now on intermittent fasting and caloric reduction that seems to be extending lifespan, reducing incidence of cancer and dementia, and making our cells more efficient at maintenance and repair. Combining this with meditation, stress reduction, and sleep improvement seems to be some of the key factors in increasing your longevity. I hope you enjoy all the fascinating articles on longevity and brain health in this issue!

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

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Lori Hubbard lori@naturalnutmeg.com

DESIGN DIRECTOR

Ashley Frament layout@naturalnutmeg.com

ADVISORY BOARD

Frank Aieta, ND

Adam Breiner, ND

Mark Breiner, DDS

Deanna M. Cherrone, MD

Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N.

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Natural Nutmeg is a free publication supported solely by our advertisers and distributed throughout Connecticut. Please call for a location near you. (860) 508-0894 or email to publisher@naturalnutmeg.com.

© 2007—24 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.

May/June

HAPPENINGS MARCH & APRIL 2024

Sunday, March 10

Spirit Voices: The Mysteries and Magic of North Asian Shamanism (Workshop, Ceremony, and Book Signing) with David Shi,1–5 pm $45

What is shamanism? This class explores the history and practice of shamanism. We will walk through the landscapes of North Asia—known as the “Cradle of Shamanism”— and the largely hidden and unfamiliar traditions of Turkic, Mongolic, and Tungusic shamanism, exploring the unique aspects of each tradition. Glastonbury, CT. Dan Lupacchino (Integrative Massage Works) https://www.integrativemassageworks.com/workshops-and-events

Sundays, March 10, April 14, and May 5

2nd Sundays Private Sessions with The Mystic Sisters, 10–2pm $99

Treatment with Audrey or Wendy is effective and transformational because of their warm, compassionate devotion to the energy world. Your session may include: Soul Activation, Trauma Release, Past Life Healing, Karmic Healing, Chakra Clearing, Inner Child Healing, Shamanic Energy, Divine Alignment, Galactic Origin Awakening, Ascension Guidance.

You also receive an hour in the EESystem and a private reiki/energy/reflexology treatment or a healing Akashic Recording Reading.

Sanare Wellness, 92 North Summit Street, Southington, Ct. 06489. 860-600-0106. kathy@sanare.life Website: sanare.life

Mondays, March 11 and April 8

Online Group Breathwork, 7:30pm

Experience a 60-minute breathwork session consisting of a grounding meditation followed by somatic release of stuck energy, stress, and tension through active breathing and ending with a closing meditation for rest and relaxation. No experience necessary!

Visit thesacredselfllc.com for more information and registration

Wednesdays, March 13 and April 10

Psychic/Spiritual Development, 6:30–8:30pm $25

($20 for those over 65 and veterans)

The Psychic/Spiritual Development Monthly Study Group Is meeting in-person again! (as well as Zoom). 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 second Wednesday of every month, unless otherwise noted.

Joyce St. Germaine, M. Ed., CHt., RYT-200. 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

Wednesdays, March 20 and April 17

Shamanism, 6:30–8:30pm $25

($20 for those over 65 and veterans)

The Shamanism Monthly Study Group is meeting in-person again! (as well as Zoom). 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 and 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.

Joyce St. Germaine, M. Ed., CHt., RYT-200. Join our email list and find detailed descriptions at thesacredjourney.biz

The Sacred Journey, 29 Davis Road, Burlington, CT 06013. Pre-registration required to save your in-person spot: 860.675.9706

Saturday, April 20

The Genius of Empathy: Igniting Your Healing Superpowers with Judith Orlo ,2–4 pm $35

Join Judith Orloff, MD, author of the new book, The Genius of Empathy, as she takes you beyond the typical definition of empathy to teach you how to empathize without over-giving or burning out. Drawing on insights from neuroscience, psychology, and energy medicine, Dr. Orloff will show you how to access your sensitivities, soothe your nervous system, and stop absorbing the emotions of others. Empathy is a healing act, whether you’re on the giving or receiving end. It is an alive healing energy that is medicine for your mind, body, and soul and will illuminate every aspect of your life.

Learn more and sign up for Dr. Orlo ’s online webinar about empathic healing techniques at http://tinyurl.com/geniusofempathy

www.naturalnutmeg.com

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.

The Power That Made the Body Heals

the Body

Health starts within your cells. A high electrical charge in your cells leads you to experience health, while a low electrical charge leads you to experience disease. One of the main intentions of The Energy Enhancement System (EE) is to charge the cells based on the principle that we interact with the energetic resonance of our environment. When you spend enough time in an environment charged at 70–90 millivolts, your cells will begin to assimilate and sync to their optimal charge levels, allowing the body to heal itself.

The EE System generates multiple bioactive, regenerative energy fields—including scalar waves and biophotons—that assist your body’s ability to repair and heal itself. Biophotons are light particles generated and emitted by a biological system. As cells become charged with this energy, they release toxins. Research shows that exposure to scalar fields can promote the repair of DNA.

This incredible technology gives our bodies the ultimate support for improving circulation, oxygenation, and increasing cellular energy. At optimum energy levels (higher frequencies), the body can begin rejuvenating and recalibrating itself back to homeostasis.

Scalar energy is formed when two identical frequencies come from opposite directions together and collide, creating a static energy field. Unlike sound or light waves, scalar waves carry out transmissions of energy without decaying over distance or time. Scalar energy is highly effective because human cells have a crystalline structure that holds energy. When a human cell is operating at maximum potential, it holds an energy charge between 70–90 millivolts. The potential for disease occurs when millivolts drop below this ideal range.

When you sit in an EE session, scalar waves move through the cell, exciting and recharging it. A recharged cell will release toxins into the bloodstream that can then be released through detoxification. Research shows that exposure to scalar fields can help repair damaged DNA and assist in neutralizing harmful, human-made electromagnetic frequencies.

Contact kathy@sanare.life and visit: sanare.life to learn more. See ad on Back Cover >

The Genius of Empathy by Judith Orloff, MD (foreword by The Dali Lama)

According to New York Times bestselling psychiatrist Judith Orloff, MD, empathy is a superpower that can transform your life, your relationships, and the world. In her new book, The Genius of Empathy, Dr. Orloff shows readers how to ignite and embody the emotional intelligence of empathy as a daily healing practice.

The Genius of Empathy shows readers ways to tap into the gift of their sensitivities without being drained. You will learn to soothe your nervous system and stop absorbing others’ emotions. It’s a practical, action-driven guide for highly sensitive people and for those who want to develop empathy as a healing skill.

The book is divided into three sections. It begins with the magic of empathy to find greater self-love and healing–including from trauma. Subsequent chapters teach you how to apply empathy to your relationships, communities, and the world. Exploring each chapter’s practices, you’ll learn the art of empathic listening, how to stop overthinking, and the importance of setting healthy boundaries and showing loving detachment to prevent overwhelm and compassion fatigue.

Throughout the book, psychiatrist and empath Dr. Orloff uses insights from neuroscience, psychology, and energy medicine to teach readers how to use and amplify their empathy without feeling overwhelmed. You’ll learn:

•Your most comfortable empathy style

•Techniques to enhance self-empathy and healthy giving

•How to stop overthinking to prevent empathy burnout

•How to set healthy boundaries in relationships, including if you are a caregiver

•How to use empathic communication and leadership skills at work and in your personal life

•How to show empathy for others even when you don’t like them or agree with them

•How to recognize and protect yourself from people with “empathydeficient disorder,” such as narcissists, sociopaths, and bullies

Each chapter has compelling anecdotes of how Dr. Orloff’s patients enhanced their lives with this book’s techniques. “Cultivating empathy is a kind of peaceful warrior training,” says Dr. Orloff. “You will learn to be both strong and loving, neither a pushover nor rigid. Wherever you are in your life, this book can meet you there and lift you higher.”

Reviewed by Ronald Alexander, PhD, author of Core Creativity

Judith Orlo , MD, is a New York Times bestselling author with the upcoming book The Genius of Empathy: Practical Skills to Heal Yourself, Your Relationships, and the World (with a foreword by the Dalai Lama). She has also written The Empath’s Survival Guide and Thriving as an Empath, which o ers daily self-care tools for sensitive people. She integrates the pearls of conventional medicine with cuttingedge knowledge of intuition, empathy, energy medicine, and spirituality. Dr. Orlo specializes in treating empaths and highly sensitive people in her private practice and online internationally. Her work has been featured on The Today Show, CNN, Oprah Magazine, the New York Times, and USA Today. Dr. Orlo has spoken at Google-LA, TEDx U.S., and TEDx Asia. More information about Dr. Orlo ’s Empathy Training Programs for businesses, The Empath’s Survival Guide Online Course, and speaking schedule can be found at www.drjudithorlo .com. See ad on page 11 >

CT’s Top Naturopathic Physicians

Naturopathic medicine as primary health care emphasizes prevention and selfhealing through the use of natural therapies. Naturopathic doctors are primary care physicians, licensed to practice in Connecticut, who blend centuries-old knowledge, a philosophy that nature is the most effective healer, and current research on health and human systems. They have attended a four-year naturopathic medical school, are clinically trained, and work in all aspects of family health—from pediatric to geriatric care.

Naturopathic diagnosis focuses on identifying underlying causes of disease, and therapies are supported by research drawn from peer-reviewed journals from many disciplines, including naturopathic medicine, conventional medicine, European complementary medicine, clinical nutrition, homeopathy, psychology, and spirituality.

Soleil Acupuncture + Naturopathic Wellness

10Best Naturopathic Physician

It is said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over again and expecting different results. But yet...isn’t this what we’re experiencing with medicine today, and every day? Why would we expect differently if the answer to our problems is the same? Much like generational trauma, it isn’t until the cycle is broken that we experience real change and true healing.

Most would say 2020 was a crazy time to open a brick and mortar clinic, but for Dr. Lyndsey Maher, it was the perfect time to pickup where medicine had been falling short: preventing those who weren’t already in the hospital from ending up there. Hailing from a family of problemsolvers, action-takers, and overall doers, she knew the only way to make an impact was to create a solution to the problem at hand, and so, Soleil Acupuncture and Naturopathic Wellness (aka Soleil) was born!

In a reactive world, the Soleil team believes the best form of medicine is the proactive kind, and they live by this mantra daily—both in their personal lives and inside the walls of their beautiful colonial-style Hamden, CT-based clinic. Having each been plagued with their own unique

health ailments, the team empowered and emboldened themselves to find a solution and would like to show others the way.

Soleil initially began as a cousin-duo of nurse practitioner, Christina Lakomski, specializing in IV nutrient therapy and naturopathic doctor/master’s of acupuncture, Dr. Lyndsey Maher. After two-and-a-half years, they expanded their clinical team in January 2023 to include another naturopathic doctor, Dr. Alyssa DeSena, who also provides craniosacral therapy.

Our team of fierce and courageous women doesn’t just extend to our clinical team, but our administrative crew as well. Without the front-of-house support from Pam Jarrin and Meghan Lind, the rest wouldn’t matter. We endeavor to always welcome you wholeheartedly, put on a smiling face, listen to your concerns (regardless of the day’s appointment topic), and make you feel better than when you walked into our clinic.

Soleil Acupuncture and Naturopathic Wellness is located at 2661 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT. They can be reached at 203.871.3262 or admin@soleilholistic.com.

Dr. Nicole Klughers, ND, PharmD, MSAc

10Best Naturopathic Physician & Holistic Weight Loss

Dr. Klughers is a licensed naturopathic physician, former pharmacist, and wellness educator. As a pharmacist, Dr. Klughers observed the limitations of conventional medicine in its ability to offer long-term, sustainable solutions for chronic health concerns. Oftentimes, patients could only take a medication for so long before another health condition, complication or side effect developed.

As a naturopathic physician, Dr. Klughers is often called a health detective, as her approach involves listening attentively to clues and utilizing detailed testing to investigate and find the culprit. Solving the case, she offers all-natural solutions to restore optimal health. If you’re like most of her patients, you are seeking an alternative or complement to conventional medicine. You want to get to the root cause of your health issues rather than take medications for the rest of your life. You prefer to live a life of wellness.

Her practice at Vis Wellness Center has helped many people just like you by treating their symptoms on a deep, core level that produces lasting healing and transformation. She understands that wellness is so much more than the absence of disease. Your health is the most precious asset you have. There’s nothing more important than getting proactive about your health, investing in your well-being, and choosing a lifestyle that allows your body to be a symbol of longevity and vitality.

Dr. Klughers provides care to individuals of all ages and all levels of wellness and helps people with health issues such as: fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, weight gain, thyroid disorders, digestive issues, autoimmune disorders, insomnia, hormonal imbalances, infertility, menopause, migraines, chronic stress, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Longevity Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

By Dr. Thea Marx, ND

Drawn-out

“Without adequate water, your brain, which is 75% water, loses its ability to operate efficiently, impairing memory, critical thinking, and focus. “

—Dr. Thea Marx, ND

protocols need not apply! The keys to longevity are everyday, accessible habits that can add years to your life and keep your brain functioning at its highest level. When thinking about the primary target areas, the following five appear to dominate: exercise, diet, hydration, sleep, and stress reduction.

Easier said than done, right? Wrong!

How Much Exercise?

Exercising is paramount to maintaining health. But how much do you need to do to extend your life? A 2022 Harvard study followed subjects for thirty years and found that those who doubled the exercise time recommended by government guidelines lowered their mortality risk by 31%! This means that spending 150–600 minutes a week—that’s as little as thirty minutes every day—of vigorous or moderate physical activity, or a combination of both, can extend your life.

This physical activity doesn’t have to be laborious, either—it can be fun, with activities such as light bicycle rides, badminton, tennis, basketball, or soccer.

To Eat or Not to Eat

Food is the scaffolding for the building, repair, and survival of humans on a daily basis. Not any old food will do on your quest to live longer—a

balanced diet with clean protein, unrefined carbohydrates, and good fats is key!

1. Ensure at least 1.2 grams of protein for every kg of ideal body weight. Protein is essential to maintain and repair cells. It should be organic, non-GMO, grass-fed, or wild-caught, and tailored to your blood type.

2. Focus your carbohydrate consumption on whole organic grains and avoid refined carbs, such as bakery goods, white bread, and sugar. Carbohydrates are essential for energy production and good digestion but should never dominate your diet.

3. As for fats, ditch the plant oils like canola and sa ower, opting instead for olive oil, butter, ghee, and nut oils such as walnut and sesame. Fats are essential for proper brain function as they help transmit signals and keep the brain free of cellular debris, which can compromise clear thinking and lead to brain fog.

The Science Is Definitive: Those Who Habitually Sleep 7–8 Hours a Night Live Longer

The rule of thumb is to sleep at least seven hours, not exceeding nine; too little and too much sleep are equally harmful. The best way to find the sweet spot for you is to make it a habit and optimize the environment.

Establish a bedtime routine: drink a cup of chamomile tea, read, write down thoughts ruminating in your head, turn off the TV at least an hour before bed, and stay off your phone. Make sure the room is cool—at a maximum of 70 degrees—or consider a hot shower or bath before bed to allow for your body’s natural cooling down process while you doze off into dreamland.

Probably the Most Underutilized Tool in Your Toolbox: Hydration

The Institute of Medicine recommends thirteen eight-ounce cups of water for adult males and nine eight-ounce cups for adult females. Without adequate water, your brain, which is 75% water, loses its ability to operate efficiently, impairing memory, critical thinking, and focus. Why? Because it throws off the delicate balance in brain cells where water is responsible for transporting essential nutrients and oxygen, removing toxins and waste, and ensuring neurogenesis—the creation of new neurons.

“Just Stop Being Stressed”—

Like

It’s So Easy

Chronic stress reduces longevity by causing our telomeres to shorten. Telomeres protect the ends of our chromosomes; therefore, the shorter they are, the shorter our lives are. Stress also causes inflammation, which drives oxidative stress— similar to your bumper rusting—and causes the degeneration of cells.

Just take a few minutes out of each day to be in nature without a cell phone, and if warm enough, place bare feet on the ground. When noticing impending stress or increased anxiety, consider just breathing—taking ten deep breaths each day, inhaling through your nose, and exhaling through your mouth. These simple practices can help the nervous system know everything is okay, and the body will follow suit.

Dr. Thea Marx, ND, is a CT-licensed naturopathic physician practicing at Soleil Acupuncture + Naturopathic Wellness in Hamden, focusing on nutrigenomic treatment of a broad range of health concerns and diseases. She provides care to patients who experience ADHD, anxiety, depression, MS, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, cardiovascular issues, as well as other medical concerns. If you would like to work with Dr. Marx, visit www. soleilholistic.com or call 203.871.3262.

See ad on page 15 >

Conscious Creations Healing Center

Regular classes on Spiritual Growth & Development

Meditation & Mindfulness Training

Reiki and Intuitive Development

Energetic Reiki Healing • Some Crystals & Books

Intuitive SOUL Readings

Carolyn Coleridge, LCSW

Psychotherapist, Intuitive and Healer for 29 years.

Bloomfield, CT • 323-782-9085 • www.intuitivesoulhealing.com

Exercise for Dementia Prevention

By Dr. Michael Kane, ND

In“The slow, flowing movements of Tai Chi require concentration and coordination, providing a gentle yet effective workout for the brain…. In addition to its physical benefits, Tai Chi can reduce stress, which is

crucial for maintaining optimal brain health.”

—Dr. Michael Kane, ND

working with a number of patients concerned about optimizing brain health in the hopes of reducing their cognitive decline, I let them know that any successful program must include both physical and brain exercise. If you have seen the debilitating impact of dementia on a loved one (my dear mother was one), you become determined to do what you can to avoid a similar fate.

While there is currently no cure for dementia, research suggests that a combination of physical and mental exercises can play a crucial role in preventing cognitive decline and promoting overall brain health. In this article, we will explore the benefits of exercise, both physical and mental, in dementia prevention and discuss recommendations for a holistic approach to cognitive well-being.

Physical Exercise and Dementia Prevention

Regular physical exercise has been shown to positively impact brain health and can significantly reduce the risk of dementia. Engaging in aerobic activities such as walking, jogging, or swimming helps improve blood flow to the brain, promoting the growth of new neurons and enhancing overall cognitive function.

Recommendations for physical exercise include at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, coupled with strength training exercises at least two days a week. However, it’s essential to customize exercise routines based on individual fitness levels and health conditions.

Cross-Midline Exercises and Integration of Brain Hemispheres

Cross-midline exercises are particularly beneficial for promoting communication between the brain’s hemispheres. These exercises involve movements that cross the imaginary line running down the center of the body, facilitating coordination and integration of both sides of the brain. Activities like cross-crawl exercises, where opposite hand and knee are brought together, can enhance neural connections and contribute to better cognitive function. I will often walk sideways in the pool, making sure to have my legs cross my midline.

Tai Chi: A Mind-Body Exercise for Brain Health

Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, offers a unique combination of physical exercise and mindfulness. Studies have shown that practicing Tai Chi not only improves balance and flexibility but also enhances cognitive abilities. The slow, flowing movements of Tai Chi require concentration and coordination, providing a gentle yet effective workout for the brain.

In addition to its physical benefits, Tai Chi can reduce stress, which is crucial for maintaining optimal brain health. Integrating Tai Chi into a regular exercise routine can contribute significantly to dementia prevention.

Mental Exercise for Cognitive Stimulation

In addition to physical exercise, mental stimulation is crucial for maintaining cognitive health. Engaging in activities that challenge the brain, such as puzzles, games, and learning new skills, can help build cognitive reserves and delay the onset of dementia.

The best mental exercises for cognitive stimulation include:

1. Puzzle-solving: Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and jigsaw puzzles can stimulate different areas of the brain, enhancing memory and problem-solving skills.

2. Learning a new language or musical instrument: Taking on the challenge of learning a new language or playing a musical instrument not only provides mental stimulation but also promotes neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections.

3. Online brain training platforms: Websites like Lumosity and Brain HQ offer a variety of cognitive training games designed to challenge memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. These platforms provide personalized exercises based on individual performance, making them a convenient tool for cognitive stimulation.

Combining physical and mental exercises is vital to a comprehensive approach to preventing dementia and maintaining cognitive health. Regular physical activity, cross mid-line exercises, Tai Chi, and engaging in mentally stimulating activities all contribute to building cognitive reserves and promoting overall well-being. Embracing new challenges, such as learning a new language or playing a musical instrument, and incorporating brain training games from platforms like Lumosity and Brain HQ can further enhance cognitive stimulation. By adopting a holistic lifestyle that prioritizes both physical and mental health, individuals can take proactive steps toward dementia prevention and enjoy a higher quality of life as they age.

Dr. Michael Kane is a Naturopathic Physician at the Connecticut Center for Natural Health in Middletown. A graduate of Bastyr University in Washington State, Michael continually learns from his patients and takes the art of listening very seriously. Connecticut Center For Natural Health is located at 210 S. Main St. Visit yournaturalhealth.com or call 860.347.8600. See ad on page 45 >

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Holy Cow! I just finished a session with Jacqueline Kane & my mind is blown! This is such powerful healing that everything has shifted for me. I can’t recommend Jacqueline enough.

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Pain is a warning sign that something needs to be resolved.

Constant low back means your sacral chakra is not in balance. An imbalanced sacral chakra is the result of suppressed emotions, feelings and desires. It can also mean you may have had sexual trauma and resist intimacy.

My 4 Weeks to A Happy Low Back program will get to the root cause of your pain.

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Call Jacqueline at 860-307-0232 to book your appointment

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Weight Loss: It’s Not About the Food

By Marcel Touponse

T“The focus is always on diet and exercise. We begin by making a plan. No sugar, no simple carbs, nothing fried, juicing, fasting, walking, running, lifting…. Here’s the thing, though—it’s not the food. It’s never the food. It’s our associations with the foods we eat that drive our eating habits.”

—Marcel Touponse

he holidays are past, winter will soon become spring, and for those who haven’t done so already, it’s time to completely flip out about taking most of your clothes off in public in a few months! The freedom of sweaters and sweatpants yields to the unnerving vulnerability of warm-weather attire, exposed limbs and midriffs, and the dreadful possibility that some maniac may ask you to swim.

And right on cue, here come the discounted gym membership commercials, the fad diets, and the quick-fix promises we see every January. While balancing on one leg with a lemon in each hand and facing west has led to no weight loss whatsoever, it has led to a series of deep conversations with my wife.

Turning Our Food Associations on Their Heads

There’s a reason that billions in profits are forecasted annually for the weight loss industry. Some of us are pinioned between our emotional associations surrounding food and our vanity. But why does this continue to happen to us every single year? We all recognize the pattern, right?

Wrong. The focus is always on diet and exercise. We begin by making a plan. No sugar, no simple carbs, nothing fried, juicing, fasting, walking, running, lifting…. Here’s the thing, though—it’s not the food. It’s never the food. It’s our associations with the foods we eat that drive our eating habits.

So, how do we change these associations? It’s a complex issue, but at its core, it’s about changing neural pathways and developing new responses to the same triggers. Hypnotherapy is the best and safest tool on the market, bar none.

Hypnotherapy WORKS!

OK, I know—here we go again, right? Another hypnotherapist promising to effortlessly wash away years of indulgence with a few simple words. What’s better than that? I’ll sit in a comfortable recliner for a bit, have a few pearls of wisdom uploaded into the old noggin, and then I’ll emerge, craving celery juice and crunches! If only. Yes, there are hypnotherapy-based seminars that promise quick results, saying that after just four hours, you’ll walk out hating pizza and French fries. These seminars can be effective for some, but most people who lose more than thirty pounds in this manner gain it all back—and more—within the next two years. After interviewing dozens of attendees and facilitators of seminars, the consensus is that clients need to drive the effort behind the transformation. This is the only way to ensure a lasting change.

First, we need to kick that deprivation mindset to the curb. Hypnotherapy makes it easier to feel the freedom of a lifestyle based on caring for ourselves in both body and mind. Yes, you may lose most of your jarred queso dip, but the increased energy, vitality, and confidence you’ll gain is incredibly empowering.

But H.O.W. Does It Work?

At Blackbird Hypnosis, we use a system that we’ve come to call H.O.W. (Hypnotherapy Over Weight). Eight weekly sessions cover causality, meals, and movement/exercise, all supported by a CMHt. There’s a monthly group available, whether you’re enrolled in H.O.W. or not. I ask for commitment, I expect my clients to do the homework, and I support all their efforts with tailored suggestions designed to instill joy and confidence.

The synergy of hypnotic suggestion and the personal empowerment of clients manifesting a healthy lifestyle creates a team. Witnessing this transformative process is humbling. Watching people take personal ownership of their well-being and thrive, seeing the physical metamorphosis, it’s simply awe-inspiring.

Yes, I’m biased, but I’ve also had the privilege of watching people stand up and change. Through hypnotherapy, I have the honor of helping them along the way. And yes, part of this is effortless—the support of your subconscious mind. Once hypnotherapy unlocks and harnesses this power, it’s automatic. Your tendencies change, your decisions change, and then, your life will change.

Marcel Touponse is a Hypnotherapist, Sound Healer, Life Coach, and Tarot Reader. He co-owns The Blackbird House in Old Wethersfield and operates Blackbird Hypnosis. Marcel’s goal is to assist you in “becoming aligned with your mind.” He offers regular workshops on Self-Hypnosis and is available for small and large group tarot readings.

Erin Touponse is a Mystic Healing Reiki, is a Reiki Master/Teacher, Hypnotherapist, Pranic Healer, Tarot Scholar, and student of Shamanic studies. She is co-owner of The Blackbird House in Old Wethersfield and author of Soul’s Journey—A Practical Guide to Reading the Tarot. Her goal is to help you “awaken your inner healer.” Erin offers classes including Reiki, Tarot, and Master Healer Workshops. See ad on page 19 >

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The Brain–Mouth Connection: 6 Systemic Implications

By Dr. Mark A. Breiner, DDS

W“Adding fluoride to the drinking water is not suitable for people, but it’s good for drug companies.

The

Fluoride Action Network

is in a lawsuit with the EPA concerning fluoride and its effects by placing it in our water supplies.”

—Dr. Mark A. Breiner, DDS

hat happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about our mouths. In this article, we will cover systemic implications of dental health that focus on the effect on one’s brain.

1. The so-called silver fillings are approximately 50% mercury. This mercury comes off the fillings as a vapor, its most dangerous form. The Mercury goes to every cell, bypassing the blood-brain barrier directly to your brain. Remember the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland? Mercury was used in making felt hats in the 19th century, and many workers developed neurological symptoms, thus the term “mad as a hatter.” Mercury is a highly potent neurological poison, and the fact that mercury fillings are still used, I feel, is criminal. A word of caution: If you want to remove your mercury fillings, make sure someone does it with the knowledge to do it safely and correctly.

2. The CDC estimates that about 47% of adults 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease, and for people 65 years old and up, the percentage is approximately 70%. A large number of studies have shown that a person is at higher risk of heart disease, respiratory illness, stroke, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease if they have periodontal disease. This is why good home care is critical and why we take a plaque sample from under the gums and look at it under the microscope. Things are not always as

they seem; sometimes, the gums can appear healthy, but the plaque sample shows otherwise. Large numbers of bacteria, especially of the wrong variety, may be evident, thus alerting us to potential problems. I’ll never forget a patient who could no longer run his business because of his mental incapacity. His daughter was now running the company and brought him in for examination. He presented with severe periodontal disease. With a whole-body approach that addressed the unhealthy situation in his mouth, his cognitive ability was restarted, and he resumed control of his business.

3. Fluoride is a toxic poison. Fluoride should not be added to our drinking water. This is mass drugging without any scientific justification. How do you justify giving the same dose of any drug to an infant as to a two-hundredpound man? Supposedly, this drug is given to reduce tooth decay; however, it has never been shown that fluoride in drinking water has that effect! However, it does have other effects, one of them being lowering a person’s IQ. Hundreds of studies give testament to this. If it has this effect on the mind, what else can it do? If one investigates the homeopathic Materia Medica, which shows the symptoms related to fluoride, mentally, there is indifference to one’s spouse and children as well as depression and sadness. Adding fluoride to the drinking water is not suitable for people, but it’s good for drug companies. The Fluoride

Action Network is in a lawsuit with the EPA concerning fluoride and its effects by placing it in our water supplies. It is amazing how our government, which supposedly works for us, will do everything it can to block getting the truth out!

4. Electrical currents in the mouth can affect the brain. When you place different metals in the mouth, you create a battery. Mercury fillings are 50% mercury; the other half is copper, tin, zinc, and silver. Now, place titanium implants and crowns made of various metals such as gold and nickel into the mouth with mercury fillings, and you have a sea of electrical currents. Sometimes, these currents are enough to interfere with brain activity. After removing their mercury fillings, patients often comment that things look brighter, their mood is better, and they can think more clearly.

5. Root-canalled teeth can have a myriad of adverse systemic effects. One of the effects is on the nervous system. A root canal is a chronically infected dead tooth that contains potent toxins that can affect any susceptible organ or tissue. Studies conducted over 25 years by Dr. Weston Price showed that rootcanalled teeth affected the nervous system. Among the effects were paralysis and interference in mental activity.

6. Every tooth is on an acupuncture meridian and relates to different organs and tissues. Thus, a problem in a tooth’s brain function can have adverse consequences. For example, the upper wisdom tooth relates to the pituitary gland. If this tooth is impacted, it may negatively affect the pituitary gland, causing hormonal problems and thus affecting one’s mood.

This article helps us understand how intimately the mouth is related to proper brain function. The above topics would need a much lengthier article to fully explore their effect on the brain and all the other relationships to one’s health.

You can learn more about these topics by using the search bar at WholeBodyDenistry.com.

Mark A. Breiner, DDS, is a leading authority and pioneer in holistic dentistry. He is the author of the popular consumer education book Whole-Body Dentistry, a guide to the “dental connection” to whole-body wellness, available on Amazon. With more than 40 years of experience, Dr. Breiner has helped patients from across the US and other countries attain a higher overall dental health and general well-being. He is in private practice in Fairfield, CT. Call 203.371.0300 to schedule an appointment or visit www.wholebodydentistry.com. See ad on page 27 >

Sun Do Wellness

Unlocking 10 Secrets of Longevity

By April Beaman, RDH, CTT

I“By embracing a health-focused approach that encompasses nutrition, physical activity, emotional wellness, and proactive healthcare, individuals can unlock the secrets of longevity.”

—April Beaman, RDH, CTT

n the pursuit of a fulfilling and vibrant life, longevity is a profound goal. Beyond the chronological count of years, true longevity encompasses the art of aging gracefully, with vitality, resilience, and optimal health. Here, we’ll explore longevity from a health perspective, unraveling the secrets and offering practical recommendations to enhance and extend the quality of life.

1. Rethinking Longevity: Beyond the Conventional

Longevity, often measured in years, should not be confined to mere numbers. True longevity encapsulates the quality of life, incorporating physical vibrancy, mental sharpness, and emotional resilience. In our quest for extended vitality, it’s imperative to explore alternative approaches that complement conventional health strategies.

2. Alternative Nutrition: Fueling Your Body for Longevity

Dietary choices play a pivotal role in shaping our health. Exploring alternative nutrition involves embracing a more plant-based diet, incorporating superfoods, and considering nutritional supplements. The anti-inflammatory properties of certain foods contribute to longevity, promoting overall health and resilience against chronic diseases.

3. Intermittent Fasting: Harnessing the Power of Timed Eating

Intermittent fasting, an alternative nutritional practice that aligns with the body’s natural rhythms, is gaining attention for its potential

longevity benefits. This approach involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting, allowing the body to undergo processes like autophagy, which contribute to cellular repair and overall well-being.

4. Holistic Exercise Practices: Moving Beyond the Gym

Conventional exercise routines often center around the gym, but alternative practices like tai chi, yoga, and qigong offer holistic approaches to physical well-being. These mindful movement practices not only enhance flexibility and strength but also contribute to mental clarity and emotional balance, fostering a more comprehensive sense of longevity.

5. Mind-Body Practices: Nurturing Your Emotional Landscape

Alternative mind-body practices such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, and meditation provide avenues for emotional well-being. These practices go beyond conventional mental health approaches, offering alternative modalities to reduce stress, improve mood, and cultivate emotional resilience— a cornerstone of a longevity-focused lifestyle.

6. Quality Sleep as an Alternative Health Elixir

Alternative approaches to optimizing sleep delve into practices such as sleep hygiene, herbal remedies, and relaxation techniques. Integrating these alternative strategies into your sleep routine enhances the regenerative power of rest, contributing to overall health and longevity.

7. Avoiding Harmful Substances: An Alternative Lifestyle Choice

Choosing an alternative lifestyle involves avoiding harmful substances that accelerate aging. Steering clear of excessive alcohol, tobacco, and processed foods fosters a clean and detoxifying approach to longevity, promoting a healthier body and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

8. Proactive Healthcare:

Thermography as an Innovative Ally

Alternative health assessments embrace innovative tools like thermography, a non-invasive imaging technique that detects subtle temperature variations in the body. This alternative to traditional screening methods offers a comprehensive view of your health, particularly in areas like breast health and inflammation detection. Thermography empowers individuals with early insights, enabling proactive steps toward optimal well-being.

9. Blending Conventional and Alternative Practices

Adopting an integrative healthcare model combines the best of conventional and alternative practices, acknowledging the merits of evidence-based medicine while embracing alternative modalities that align with individual preferences and beliefs.

10.

Cultivating Resilience and Purpose: Keys to a Fulfilling Longevity

Alternative approaches to longevity focus on cultivating resilience and purpose. Engaging in activities that bring joy, pursuing passions, and fostering meaningful connections contribute to a fulfilling life, strengthening your mental and emotional well-being—integral components of longevity.

Longevity is not merely the result of chance but a reflection of conscious choices and holistic well-being. Embracing a health-focused approach that encompasses nutrition, physical activity, emotional wellness, and proactive healthcare can unlock the secrets of longevity. A longer, healthier life involves a balance of mind, body, and spirit. Each deliberate choice can pave the way for a future that is not just long but profoundly fulfilling and rich with well-lived moments.

April Beaman, RDH, CTT, a certified medical thermographer acknowledged by the Professional Academy of Clinical Thermology and a professional member of Breast Thermography International, boasts over 15 years of experience in healthcare. Specializing in medical thermal imaging and wellness support, she is the founder of CT Thermography, based in Farmington, with additional satellite offices spanning Connecticut and Massachusetts. For inquiries or appointments, contact her at 860.415.1150 or visit CTThermography.com. See ad on page 47 >

•

•

Do We Have a Vibrational Connection With the Universe?

By Charleen K. Miele, LPC

Ilove“We are a culture that has become greatly disconnected from our bodies. I believe yoga is a practice about the constant conversation between the body and the mind.”

—Charleen K. Miele, LPC

to read. A lot. I protect my morning routine pretty fiercely, and it always consists of a nice hot cup of coffee, a good book, and my journal. In addition to books, I am also a fan of a few podcasts. I have been bringing podcasts into my morning routine when I’m between books. This morning, the topic of the interview I was listening to was abundance, vibrational energy, and the Universe…all topics I love reading about, talking about, and listening to what others have to share about them.

In this interview, the interviewee discussed something I try to work on with my clients. She used an example to introduce the concept, and as a musician, it resonated with me deeply. She was talking about the fact that we need to put out to the Universe (I could also say to God, but for simplicity’s sake, I will continue to use the Universe here) what we desire or are trying to create. A visual she used to support this was one of two guitars. She explained that if you put two guitars in the same room and pluck a particular string on one, that same string on the other guitar will vibrate. It picks up on the vibration and joins with it. It works the same for us. We are one guitar; the Universe is another. Pretty amazing.

Extending Our Energy

I am not suggesting that we control the Universe and it does what we tell it to, but I am saying that the Universe will respond to us with the same energy we are putting out. Consider this: If you wanted to redecorate and design your kitchen, you wouldn’t hire the contractor and simply say, “I would like a new kitchen, please.” You would tell them what colors you want, what style you want, and so on. They would need a direction to create the kitchen of your dreams. We take things like decorating our homes pretty seriously—but do we take the direction and creation of our lives as seriously? Do we put as much time into designing our lives and our dreams as we do our kitchens? Maybe it seems like the two are not related at all, but I believe they are.

When we want to create certain things in our lives, such as financial abundance, healthy relationships, fun, adventure, and the like, we have to let the Universe know what we are trying to create. We have to pluck the string on our inner guitar! If there is one thing I am sure of, it is that we live in a benevolent Universe. Another way of expressing that is, “God wants great things for us.” The Creative Source, responsible for all living things, wants to support us in our creations as well. However, we have to do our part, just like we would do with the kitchen contractor. In other words, we have to pluck our string.

But What Does It Mean to Pluck Our String?

If we want joy, we have to extend the energy and vibration of joy. If we want love, we have to extend the energy and vibration of love! If we want abundance, we have to extend the energy and vibration of abundance. If we are not feeling abundant in a particular area of our life (finances seem to fit this category for many), we start with something we do feel abundant in. Perhaps we feel abundant joy or kindness, humor or peace. We feel that energy of abundance and let the Universe know that what we desire is more of that in other areas of our lives, such as our finances. If we have abundant love for our pets or our friends or family members and are seeking a life partner, we connect with the vibration of abundant love we have, and we let the Universe know that what we desire is more of that in the form of a life partner. We have to make choices that support the dream we are trying to create and vibrate at that level of energy.

We live in a benevolent Universe, and I know God wants great things for us all. We will be supported in the good and positive things we want to manifest. The great composer of life is just waiting for each of us to pluck our string of choice. Once we do, that music will travel and connect with the same note that is already part of the great Creator’s symphony. What note will you play? The choice is yours!

Charleen K. Miele, LPC , is a Licensed Professional Counselor who started her journey as a teacher, church music director, and fitness instructor. Charleen works with clients both in person and via telehealth and has recently added Trauma Informed Breathwork to her work. She offers her clients the opportunity to experience IFS and/or breathwork through in-person and online sessions and is currently offering group breathwork sessions online and will be hosting workshops and group sessions in person in the new year. Life coaching and spiritual life coaching, including breathwork and IFS work, are also available both as individual sessions and as packages of two, four, or six sessions. Charleen will soon be offering self-paced online courses as well as interactive groups that will meet for a series of weeks and will include lectures, discussions, journaling, and experiential somatic work through breathing and movement. Visit thesacredselfllc.com. Contact Charleen at thesacredselfllc@gmail.com or call 860.614.8382. Located at 171 Market Square #102, Newington, CT. See ad on page 33 >

The Gift of SelfEmpathy: An Interview With Dr. Judith Orloff

By Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD

“Learn the basic skills of finding balance, selfcare, developing intuition, and reading energy— to sense who is positive to be around and who isn’t good for you. Part of your job in this lifetime is to develop your intuition and learn to express it with sensitivity but not overshare.”

—Dr. Judith Orloff

Last month, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Judith Orloff, New York Times bestselling author, seasoned psychiatrist, and highly attuned empath, to discuss her new book, The Genius of Empathy. This book is so empowering and enlightening about empathy that the Dalai Lama himself wrote the foreword. Dr. Orloff will take you on a fascinating journey about what it means to be an empath and, more importantly, how, as an empath, you must learn to channel that empathy to various parts of yourself to truly heal.

DH: Why did you write The Genius of Empathy?

JO: I wrote this book at this particular time in history to show how empathy is a healing tool and how to use this energy to tap into it to heal our bodies, relationships, and the world. The book offers practical strategies to create a loving relationship with yourself. In a time when so many people are suffering from anxiety and fear, empathy for self softens the struggle and quiets the unkind voices for you to refriend yourself.

DH: How can you be empathic in this hard world and not take on the stress of it but still be in empathic power?

JO: You can be empathic by realizing it’s not your job to fix anyone or take on the world’s pain. Empaths want to help people heal, but they often become so overwhelmed they shut down. Some empaths eventually give up on other humans and surround themselves with animals. They don’t even want to go outside, so they don’t have to interact with the real world. I don’t want people to go in that direction. I want to give people strategies, teach

them how to set boundaries and help them understand they don’t have to be empathic with everyone. I teach people how to develop their spiritual side by protecting it, even if they’re involved with many people who are suffering. If this is the case, the best thing to do is send others a burst of supportive, loving energy from your heart rather than worrying about them. When you worry, both people suffer. Learn the basic skills of finding balance, self-care, developing intuition, and reading energy—to sense who is positive to be around and who isn’t good for you. Part of your job in this lifetime is to develop your intuition and learn to express it with sensitivity but not overshare.

DH: As a psychiatrist, how do you combine your empath skills with traditional science?

JO: It’s what I do every day in my private practice. I combine medical knowledge with intuition and empathic skills—the linear mind with the nonlinear mind. I’m able to listen from both places, which is an unbelievable skill. I was never taught to do this in medical school. I developed this trait after I finished my residency at UCLA from a spiritual teacher who was Daoist. I educate my patients about harmonizing with nature, reacting with empathy, and recognizing their trigger points. Integration is key for me.

DH: What are the gifts and challenges of being an empath?

JO: Some gifts are intuition, depth, the ability to connect with people and love, to be a loving partner and friend, and to have a deep connection to spirituality and the desire to help people and the world.

The biggest challenge is that most empaths are emotional sponges; they take on the stress of others and the world. This affects people negatively, and I’ve seen patients develop mystery symptoms, heart disease, and back problems. Empaths and all sensitive people tend to somaticize, which converts anxiety into physical symptoms. This happens when emotions go into the body. In The Genius of Empathy, I teach people how to release emotions from the body.

DH: How is empathy a healing force to tap into?

JO: Empathy opens up the power of love in your body so you can learn to channel that loving, kind energy toward yourself for physical healing. If you have pain, go into meditation and focus on heart energy, and picture it going to that part of your body that is in distress. You can learn to direct that empathy to various parts of yourself that will help heal your emotions. If you’re suffering, lost, or no one understands you, if you’re overwhelmed—if you connect to your heart and consciously direct that loving, empathic energy to parts of you that are hurting, it will transform and heal you. You have to try it as it’s an experiential truth. Keep breathing out other people’s stress so it doesn’t come into your body.

DH: Why do you think empathy is a superpower?

JO: Empathy is the one force that can change our world. Empaths and sensitive, caring people are emissaries for spreading empathy instead of narcissism, egotism, and self-absorption. Empaths have a greater connection to the world; they see the planet in totality and feel how interconnected we all are.

DH: How can you empathize without taking on the stress of others?

JO: A few important ways I discuss in the book include setting boundaries, learning to say a firm no kindly, shielding yourself with light around your body to keep out an energy you’re uncomfortable with, meditating, and breathing. Create a sacred space in your office or at home with candles and flowers as a meditation room. Shift out of your mind and into your empathic heart. If you can’t sit, a walking meditation is an excellent way to be in nature and feel connected to your body. Being around animals can help bring you into a meditative state. Go slow with the practice of empathy—the slower you go, the better. It’s not something you do fast or force yourself to do. If you feel attracted to this, then it’s for you.

Empathy helps you let go of resentments that make you age faster, gain weight, and develop chronic disease. Letting go of resentments is challenging because the ego gets involved when people

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“Letting go of resentments is challenging because the ego gets involved when people

hurt you. I’m not saying forgive the troubling act, but forgive the person for being emotionally wounded themselves or for having “empathy deficient disorder,” such as narcissism, that hurt you. You don’t forgive the horrible act, but you forgive the woundedness that motivated it. This detaches you from the person who hurt you, so you’re not energetically bound to them. Resentment binds you to the person because they inhabit the psychic space in your mind, which forges an invisible bond between you. You don’t even have to think about them; you just have to learn the lesson they taught you. This helps heal trauma and lets you focus on the present and the future. If you have too many resentments, they will clog your mind and energy field. Take the time to deal with your feelings—you can’t do this overnight. It often takes time to let go of the resentment.

being emotionally themselves or for deficient disorder,” such as narcissism,

DH: What are some practical empathy techniques to heal your life and relationships?

JO: Listen to someone without interrupting; only bring up one issue at a time. Hear a person out; hear their perspective. Have empathy for yourself. Recognize when someone has empathy deficient disorder—part of empathy for yourself means realizing other’s limitations. They are never going to give you what you want even though they claim to be able to. Self-empathy is cutting the cord and letting them go. Empathy for self means being attracted to people who can reciprocate your caring. Know what you want from relationships, ask for it, and know when someone can’t give to you. If I can leave your readers with one piece of advice, it’s to go slow with the healing power of empathy. Practice one empathy-in-action tool a day from the book. Realize what an incredibly beautiful thing it is to show empathy.

Judith Orloff, MD, is a psychiatrist, an empath, and author of the new book The Genius of Empathy, which offers powerful skills to tap into empathy as a daily healing practice in your life and relationships. She also wrote The Empath’s Survival Guide and Thriving as an Empath. Dr. Orloff is a New York Times bestselling author and a UCLA clinical faculty member. She synthesizes the pearls of conventional medicine with cutting-edge knowledge of intuition, energy, and spirituality. Dr. Orloff specializes in treating highly sensitive people in her private practice. She has been featured on The Today Show, CNN, Oprah Magazine, and the New York Times. Learn more about Dr. Orloff’s book tour dates/talks, her free Empath Support Newsletter, empaths and empathy at www.drjudithorloff.com. See ad on page 11 >

Health

There is increasing focus on longevity and anti-aging in our society—but what if these could be improved simply by living? Instead of investing in therapies to prevent or even reverse aging, what if we lived a lifestyle that resulted in longevity and slowed the aging process in our body and especially our brain?

A key to longevity and anti-aging is an active lifestyle that incorporates normal body movement. Our bodies are not designed to sit and/or stay indoors all day—we are designed for movement. When movement decreases, organ tissue and body tissue degenerate and break down.

Movement Is Medicine

When we cultivate a lifestyle of movement, our bodies respond with slower aging and healthier tissue and organ function, including brain function. The brain is like a muscle—the more we use it, challenge it, and train it, the longer it will remain healthy.

Preventing tissue degeneration is easier than trying to reverse it. Research shows that we can decrease the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s—and, in some cases, prevent it—by living a lifestyle that facilitates healthy brain tissue and reduces the risk of brain tissue degeneration. This includes eating healthy, staying active and social, limiting alcohol consumption, not smoking, exercising your brain, and limiting environmental exposure to pollutants.

Movement and prevention are key. If you are already experiencing signs and symptoms of cognitive decline, there are ways to support your body’s regenerative processes through nutrition, targeted nutrients, and lifestyle adjustments.

What Can I Do if I’m Experiencing Cognitive Decline?

Nutrition

• Avoid refined sugar and processed foods: Saturated and trans fats increase oxidative stress in the body, which causes inflammation. The inflammatory process in the body contributes to the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s, among other diseases. This

How Your Lifestyle Affects Longevity

includes heavy dairy, fast foods, junk foods, sweets, high sodium, and anything that comes in a cellophane bag or box.

• Foods to include into your daily diet: Fish, poultry, beans, nuts, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, and non-starchy vegetables—such as foods you would find in a Mediterranean diet.

Targeted Nutrients (not an exhaustive list)

• Alpha lipoic acid: May relieve age-related cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative disease, improving memory and mood.

• Bocopa: Improves cognitive function and lowers rates of anxiety and depression.

• Boswellia: Supports a healthy inflammatory response.

• Carnitine: Slows cognitive decline.

• Choline: Improves cognitive function.

• Citrulline: Improves memory in early-stage Alzheimer’s and improves cognitive function.

• Grape seed extract: Reduces neurotoxicity and improves memory and cognitive function.

Treatments

• Hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment: Increases cognitive function and slows the progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s by providing increased oxygen to the brain tissue.

• IV glutathione: Glutathione is depleted in the hippocampus in people with Alzheimer’s and decreased cognitive function, hence the need for supplementation.

Lifestyle

• Movement is medicine. Cultivate a lifestyle of movement by using stairs when possible; maintain a small garden either outside or inside in containers.

• Socialize in ways that incorporate movement. Try bowling, dancing, hiking, kayaking, or anything else that connects you with other people that involves the exercise of natural movement. Exercise does not have to be at a gym five days a week—unless that’s what you enjoy!

By Dr. Korene Varano, ND, RN

“Research has shown that we can decrease the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s— and, in some cases, prevent it—by living a lifestyle that facilitates healthy brain tissue and reduces the risk of brain tissue degeneration.”

—Dr. Korene Varano, ND, RN

Dr. Korene Varano is a board certified and licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) and Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of Connecticut. She specializes in oncology and alternative cancer therapeutics. Her care focuses on building hope, strength, and courage with each patient and family member she encounters. For more information, please contact Dr. Varano at Roots Natural Medical Center, 106Rt 66, Columbia, CT 06237, call 860.471.1434, or visit us on our website at www.rootsmedicalcenter.com.

See ad on page 21 >

Increased Fertility Through Acupuncture!

By Dr. Nicole Kerr, ND, LAc

D“Acupuncture has been shown to treat infertility by improving ovarian, follicular, and testicular function, increasing blood flow to the endometrium, helping to thicken the lining, reducing uterine tube spasms, and balancing sex and stress hormones….

When used in combination with advanced reproductive technologies, acupuncture has shown an increased success rate of up to 60%.”

— Dr. Nicole Kerr, ND, LAc

ifficulty in conceiving is on the rise. Advanced reproductive technologies (ART)— such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro insemination (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI)—are being suggested for younger and younger couples. The degree of intervention increases from IUI to IMSI. The use of these technologies is appealing to one in five couples struggling to take a baby home after a year of trying to conceive (TTC), though financially unattainable for many to pursue.

If trends continue as they have, infertility will be experienced by up to 7.7 million American women in 2025, up from 5.1 million in 1995; it is extrapolated that sperm counts for Western men will hit zero in 2045. This means the median sperm count will be zero, indicating that about 50% of men will not produce sperm, and the other 50% will have very low counts. The median sperm count is 47 million per milliliter, down from 99 million per milliliter in 1973. It has been shown that when counts are below 40 million per milliliter, it takes longer to conceive, and greater than 20 million motile sperm is best for natural conception.

With these alarming predictions of reproductive health decline, how can a couple improve their chances of conception without expensive and invasive procedures? Acupuncture!

Acupuncture, Really?!

Yes! Acupuncture, the practice of inserting ultra-thin needles into specific points along energy channels on the body, has been in practice for centuries. These channels are in both the exterior and interior of the body. When specific points are stimulated, body functions can be regulated. Everything from heart rate to hormone production can be regulated by acupuncture.

Acupuncturists select unique points for individual treatments from ten questions that identify how energy functions in the body, feeling six pulse points on the wrists, and looking at the tongue. These three simple tools (listening, looking, and feeling) have offered adequate information for over 3,000 years to allow successful treatments of numerous ailments, including lack of conception. Balancing the body’s energy flow allows acupuncture to successfully correct unwanted symptoms.

Acupuncture and Fertility

Acupuncture treats undesirable symptom patterns, not labeled disease states. For example, if diagnosed with anovulation (the absence of ovulation), an acupuncturist would focus on the energy system supporting the ability to ovulate— not the lab test saying you are progesterone deficient or have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Symptom patterns allow the practitioner to address the overall flow and quality of energy throughout the body, not just focus on one dysfunctional system away from the uniqueness of the rest of your body. Continuing with the example, if you are not ovulating, you could have a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis of blood deficiency or blood stagnation with phlegm. Both patterns can cause the absence of a period, though treating these patterns with acupuncture would be quite different.

Acupuncture has been shown to treat infertility by improving ovarian, follicular, and testicular function, increasing blood flow to the endometrium, thickening the uterine lining, reducing uterine tube spasms, and balancing sex and stress hormones. Fertility conditions treated with acupuncture include recurrent pregnancy loss, PCOS, luteal phase defect, elevated FSH, sperm abnormalities, thyroid disease, and stress. When used in combination with ART, acupuncture has shown an increased success rate of up to 60%.

Treatments: When, and How Often?

Acupuncture is best done over a period of time with more than one or two treatments. It is most effective for patients to have acupuncture for 3–4 months while trying to conceive, whether naturally or with ART. Though studies show improvements in outcomes when acupuncture treatments are performed immediately before and after IVF transfer, employing acupuncture prior to the day of transfer is a better approach. Balancing energy in the body is a process that cannot be accomplished in one or two treatments; therefore, using acupuncture as a complementary treatment to IVF is best started a few months before a transfer cycle.

Eggs and sperm develop to mature form over three months; therefore, having acupuncture during this development improves the overall function, health, and quality of the egg and sperm that will develop into your baby. Female partners are encouraged to have treatments during the follicular and luteal phases to allow the most benefit in balancing the energy changes throughout the month. Male partners are encouraged to have acupuncture as well, especially if stress is contributing to poor sperm analysis parameters.

Once pregnancy occurs, acupuncture through the first trimester is helpful to prevent miscarriage. It is suggested to continue acupuncture through at least the week of previous pregnancy loss if miscarriage is a concern. Acupuncture in early pregnancy can reduce symptoms, including nausea, insomnia, fatigue, constipation, and more. Acupuncture is considered safe throughout the entire pregnancy and can help turn a breech baby or initiate labor in post-due date pregnancies.

As a safe, effective, long-standing therapy, acupuncture can help couples improve their pregnancy outcome, overall health, and the health of their baby. If you are just starting to embark on the journey of becoming a parent or have been through all the ART services without success, consider acupuncture to reduce your time to pregnancy and improve the success rate of your pregnancy.

Dr. Nicole Kerr, ND, LAc, operates an all-natural fertility clinic in Wallingford, CT, Fertility Oasis.

At Fertility Oasis, Dr. Kerr teaches her patients the importance of preconception care and all treatment options available to couples struggling to conceive. Male and female infertility factors are addressed by Dr. Kerr to offer comprehensive fertility care to her patients. Fertility Oasis, 857 N Main St Ext Suite 1, Wallingford CT, 203.265.0459. www.fertilityoasis.com. See ad on page 29 >

Taking a Bite Out of Food Sensitivity and Intolerance

By Erika Dworkin, BCHN®

Do you suffer from a range of undiagnosed symptoms that feel like a complete mystery?

The Short-Term Traditional Approach

“Food intolerances are estimated to affect up to 20% of the population, but complete understanding of diagnosis and management is complicated, given presentation and non-immunological mechanisms associated vary greatly.”

—Food Intolerances, Nutrients. 2019 Jul; 11(7): 1684.

Has it become your norm to suffer painful or uncomfortable intestines, joints, or muscles, headaches, brain fog, asthma, rashes, depression, irritability, or cold-like or other challenges? Food sensitivity or intolerance may be at least one of the culprits.

Food Allergy vs. Sensitivity vs. Intolerance

Although the terms food allergy, sensitivity, and intolerance are frequently used interchangeably, they are different and may call for different treatments. While the table on page 30 sheds some light on their differences, making sense of any form of food reaction can be complicated and generally requires guidance, ideally from an experienced holistic practitioner. For example, the underlying cause of your food sensitivity or intolerance may be menopause, adrenal dysfunction, an autoimmune condition, a hidden viral infection, or a bacterial infection such as a systemic overgrowth of yeast (candidiasis) or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). See chart on page 30.

Conventional practitioners tend to prescribe over-the-counter antihistamines, antidiarrheals, antacids, and laxatives for food sensitivity and intolerance. Though these remedies may provide temporary, intermittent symptom relief, the traditional approach generally does not target the underlying root causes of symptoms.

The Sustainable Holistic Approach

Holistic approaches to food sensitivity and intolerance tend to delve deeper than conventional treatments. Incorporating wellness practices such as food avoidance, mindful eating, stress management, and other supportive lifestyle adjustments can lay the foundation for sustainable well-being.

Try an Elimination Diet and Food Avoidance

A thirty-day elimination diet can allow your body to detoxify from trigger foods and permit their identification. Following the guidance of your practitioner, you would eliminate the most common problem foods and beverages (wheat/ gluten, dairy, soy, corn, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, caffeine, foods high in fermentable

carbohydrates) and replace them with non-trigger choices. You would then gradually add back the eliminated foods one by one and journal their effects.

While following an elimination diet, it is also generally best to avoid inflammation-inducing saturated, hydrogenated, and trans fats (beef, pork, lamb, duck), GMOs, alcohol, MSG, dyes and chemical additives, and especially sugar/simple carbohydrates.

Once you determine your trigger foods, you will focus on avoiding them altogether. Even minute amounts can cause symptoms.

Address Potential Adrenal Fatigue

Since adrenal fatigue is a well-known cause of food sensitivity and intolerance, finding natural ways to support the adrenal glands can go a long way to addressing your food reactions. When there is a poor adrenal response, the adrenal glands can’t produce enough cortisol to suppress inflammation and food reactions. This can result in the common symptoms noted in the below table. (See more on adrenal fatigue in my article, “Fatigued? Boost Your Energy Naturally and Safely” at naturalnutmeg.com.)

Consider Taking Other Dietary Supplements for Symptoms

Food can do a lot, but for many, food alone can’t do enough. Limited space allows for only a brief discussion of just a few of the numerous natural options that can help you cope better with food reactions.

• Adrenal Gland Support: Dietary supplements that combat adrenal fatigue include isotonic nicotinamide riboside (NR, a B-vitamin precursor to NAD+, a coenzyme that is involved in the creation of energy from food; shown to suppress histamine production and anaphylactic responses in mice), adrenal glandular extract, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), and adaptogenic herbs.

• Antihistamines: Vitamin C, stinging nettles, and flavonoids have been proven to have antihistamine and anti-inflammatory activity. Flavonoids are plant-made chemicals with potent antioxidant activity found in many foods (vegetables, nuts, seeds, wine, tea, fruits). This nutrient category includes:

1. OPCs—Provided in abundance by standardized French maritime pine bark (pycnogenol), red wine, bilberry, and grape seed extracts; also proven in my clinical practice to be effective in isotonic form against food sensitivity; and

2. Quercetin (ideally, with bromelain)— Especially effective against respiratory ailments; found in many vegetables and fruits.

Allergy

Triggers an immune response that causes mast cells to produce histamine

Can be life-threatening

Usually not dose-dependent

Sensitivity

Thought to result from an immune reaction driven by antibodies di erent from those involved in food allergy, with other cell-mediated reactions

Not life-threatening

Can be dose-dependent

Intolerance

Does not trigger an immune response

Not life-threatening

Often dose-dependent

Can impact all organ systemsCan impact multiple organ systemsThought to impact only the digestive tract

Much less common than sensitivity and intolerance

Cause: Proteins or substances bound to proteins

Reaction Time: Usually within seconds or minutes after contact with food; rarely after 24 hours

Common Symptoms: Anaphylaxis; itching; burning; swelling; runny nose; rash; hives; nausea/vomiting; breathing di culties

Testing: Tests from a physician may provide information about potentially dangerous foods (IgE antibody)

“The lack of reliable diagnostic biomarkers for all food intolerances results in an inability to target specific foods in the individual. As such, a trial-anderror approach is used, whereby suspected food constituents are reduced for a short period and then re-challenged to assess response.”

—Food Intolerances, Nutrients. 2019 Jul; 11(7): 1684.

Very common

Causes: Mechanisms not fully understood

Reaction Time: May not occur immediately; can be di cult to trace to a specific food or ingredient

Wide Range of Symptoms (all can be subtle): Inflammation/pain; fatigue; digestive distress; joint issues; brain fog; migraines/headaches; muscle tension/ spasms; irritability; insomnia; depression

Testing: Home tests are not reliable; holistic practitioners often rely on diagnostic tests

•Digestive Aids: When taken in the right dose and at the right time, these supplements can support the intestines:

1. DGLandd-Limonene—Natural antacids; the latter promotes healthy peristalsis

2. HomeopathicBelladonna6X Inhibits diarrhea

3. DigestiveEnzymes—Help the intestines break down foods when enzymes are naturally lacking

4. AloeJuice—Antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory

5. Probiotics—Since gastrointestinal conditions (celiac disease, IBD/Crohn’s/ ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis) can make you more prone to food sensitivities, fortifying your intestines with probiotics could substantially reduce your suffering, antibiotics, prednisone, oral contraceptives, and cortisol-generating stress can also readily cause intestinal flora imbalances (each person requires a different combination and potency, depending on their health concern)

If you’d like personalized guidance and support for your food sensitivities and intolerances, please reach out for guidance through vitathenawellness. com or text EMPOWERME to 202.270.5612.

Very common

Causes: Body lacks enzymes required to break down natural components of any macronutrient (lactose, fructose, ca eine); food additives/ dyes/preservatives (sulfites; toxins)

Reaction Time: Possibly immediate, but more likely within 12–24 hours from ingestion

Usual Digestive Symptoms: Bloating; gas; constipation; diarrhea; intestinal pain; red, itchy skin; headache/migraine

Testing: Reliable tests are not considered to be available; elimination diet with journaling is the usual approach + (IgG, IgA, IgE antibodies)

Submitted by Erika Dworkin, BCHN, Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Dietary Supplements Specialist, Intuitive Wellness Guide, and former owner of the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe in Manchester, CT, which operated for 65 years. See this full article online at www.naturalnutmeg.com. To read more about using a therapeutic diet and dietary supplements to cope with menopausal digestive and other changes, click here to ask for Erika’s FREE ebook, The 5 Essential Steps to Mapping Your Path to Midlife & Menopause Empowerment, and click here to read her chapter in the collaborative experiential Amazon bestseller, The Energy Medicine Solution: Mind Blowing Results to Live Your Extraordinary Life. All statements in this article are practice- or scientific evidence-based, and references are available upon request. The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, are solely for educational purposes, and are not intended to take the place of a physician’s advice. Erika is available for nutrition consultations and to speak to groups, in person or via Telehealth or Zoom. She can be contacted by phone at 860.646.8178 or by email at edworkin@vitathena.com. Office Hours By Request. Visit www.vitathenawellness. com to request a 20-Minute Wellness Assessment. See ad on page 21 >

A Different Way to Look at Eating Healthfully

By Dr. Kevin H. Norige, DMD

Tomost of us, eating healthfully is interpreted from a negative point of view:

• What shouldn’t I eat?

• Does it contain allergens like gluten, lactose, eggs, or soy?

• How do I reduce saturated fats?

• How can I eliminate highly processed foods?

• Why must I always count calories; how can I reduce my salt intake?

• Is there too much sugar or artificial sweetener in the food item?

• I shouldn’t overeat, especially before bedtime.

The negative aspects of healthful eating continue to dominate with each new pronouncement from the medical community. It’s little wonder why, in an environment of plenty, so many suffer from various versions of malnutrition and other eating-related systemic disorders—restriction after restriction after restriction, deprive, deprive, deprive.

Let’s take a different view—a positive view. Let’s give our body what it needs and wants. Each individual has unique requirements to allow them to become and continue to be the best version of themselves. Important dietary components aren’t

worth compromising by applying a “one-sizefits-all” mentality or the latest dietary fad craze. We need to focus on the types, varieties, and quantities of nutritious foods that will provide the greatest individual benefits for your healthy living. This allows you, as an individual, to do more of the things you want to do without restrictions, regardless of your age. We must also be in tune with the experience of eating, not just mechanically putting “stuff” into our mouths.

Healthful eating is more than just the simple action of cramming something claiming to be food into our mouths. Healthy eating is the term we use to describe the deliberate orchestrated fueling of the physical, mental, and spiritual parameters required for optimal health and well-being. As you walk down the aisles of your favorite food store, you are assailed by products clamoring to satisfy the appetite of our eyes and emotional comfort rather than truly delivering a mindful array of delicious and nutritious foods. You must be alert and prioritize what you need and want for your optimal health. Enjoy the pleasure and rewards of the experience of healthful eating.

“Each individual has unique requirements to allow them to become and continue to be the best version of themselves.

Important dietary components aren’t worth compromising by applying a “one-size-fits-all” mentality or the latest dietary fad craze.”

—Dr. Kevin H. Norige, DMD

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 healthy mouths and live healthier lives. Call 860.288.2111 or visit SouthWindsorSmiles.com. See ad on page 19 >

A Holistic Approach to Longevity and Brain Health

By Michele Beaule, Owner of Imagine Float

R“The brain, a muscle requiring rest, undergoes essential restorative processes during sleep, from repair to growth. Despite

numerous factors contributing to compromised sleep, prioritizing good sleep hygiene, a consistent sleep schedule, and creating a conducive sleep environment is crucial.”

—Michele Beaule

aise your hand if you want to live as well as possible for as long as possible! We all do here at Imagine Float. Our quest for longevity, which includes optimal brain health, always takes center stage. As we age, the desire to not only live longer but also maintain our cognitive abilities becomes increasingly important. Read on as we explore longevity and brain health while uncovering actionable takeaways and lifestyle choices to help you live your very best life!

Understanding Longevity

Longevity is not merely about extending the number of years we live but enhancing the quality of those years. It encompasses a holistic approach that addresses physical health, mental well-being, and emotional resilience. Scientific research has uncovered various factors that contribute to longevity, many of which are intricately linked to maintaining a healthy brain.

Muscle Mass and Longevity

One of the cornerstones of longevity is weight-bearing exercise. As we age, we gradually lose muscle mass and strength, which is characterized as sarcopenia. This loss of muscle mass and strength begins as early as your 30s. Even more importantly, this process accelerates between the ages of 65 and 80. Each decade, we may lose as much as 8% of our muscle mass. Why is this important to longevity? Muscle mass not only helps us to maintain a healthy weight, but it also creates functional strength. Functional strength keeps us mobile, independent, and active, increasing our health span while reducing the risk of chronic disease.

Think about it: Can you get up and out of a chair without using your arms? Can you carry your groceries in from the car without much effort? While these appear simple tasks, they keep us independent and are critical to keeping us healthy. While getting to the gym and lifting heavy things every day

is vital to regaining that muscle mass, sometimes we need a helping hand. That’s why we love our EMSCULPT NEO® so much. It’s a game changer in the pursuit of muscle tone. In just thirty-minute sessions, this technology comfortably and non-invasively increases muscle tone by 25%, outpacing time and encouraging a proactive approach to aging.

Mindful Practices and Stress Reduction

Chronic stress accelerates premature aging and cognitive decline, making stress management crucial. While mindful practices such as meditation, yoga, and float therapy offer effective stress relief, some struggle to incorporate these practices into their daily lives because we’ve normalized the chaos and overstimulation in our day-to-day lives.

Recognizing this, we have introduced BrainTap®—a headset and app combination that uses four key elements to increase your brain fitness in just a twenty-minute session. You wear the headset/visor combination and let the ten-cycle holographic music, guided visualization, binaural beats, and isochronic tones take over. It requires no preparation and no effort and not only helps reduce the physiological impact of stress but also promotes neuroplasticity— the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize itself. While we love combining BrainTap® with our other services, it is just as powerful when used on its own if all you have is twenty minutes to spare.

Good, Quality Sleep Doesn’t Necessarily Mean More

Sleep is often underestimated in its role in longevity and brain health. Not necessarily more sleep, but good, quality sleep. The brain, a muscle requiring rest, undergoes essential restorative processes during sleep, from repair to growth. Despite numerous factors contributing to compromised sleep, prioritizing good sleep hygiene, a consistent sleep schedule, and creating a conducive sleep environment is crucial.

I know this is easier said than done. But if I told you this lack of good quality sleep has been linked to an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, would you pay more attention? Remember, these intentional shifts in lifestyle are FREE to all and offer immense rewards for overall well-being. To level up your deep sleep, our BrainTap® headset/app combination includes programs that allow you to experience thought processes that deliver the deepest states of relaxation and promote healthy, high-quality sleep!

Social Connections

True social interaction is often missing amid the rise of remote work and virtual meetings. We are inherently social creatures, and maintaining strong social connections is crucial in promoting longevity. At Imagine Float, we recognize the value of social connections that are an inherent part of our services. Clients are encouraged to stay and interact for as long as they like, creating an atmosphere that fosters physical and emotional well-being.

The Role of Genetics and Epigenetics

While genetics lay the foundation for our health, emerging data on epigenetics emphasizes how lifestyle choices can influence genetic predispositions. So why not make positive lifestyle choices, continuing to become more in tune with your holistic body’s needs and seek therapies that complement your lifestyle choices? If we can positively impact our longevity and brain health destiny, why not?!

Our lifestyle choices are the most significant contributors to our longevity. Regular weight-bearing exercise, stress management, quality sleep, social connections, and epigenetics collectively contribute to living as well as possible for as long as possible. Longevity and brain health are interconnected, and our day-to-day choices significantly shape our destinies. Call Imagine Float at 860.255.7771 or go to our website, ImagineFloat.com, to learn how you can increase your longevity and brain health.

Imagine Float is a locally owned, award-winning, woman-owned wellness center in Avon, CT. We offer several innovative healing therapies that, when used in synergy, have endless benefits for your physical and mental well-being. Our services and advice are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. A number of our services are not evaluated and/or approved by the FDA. We are not, nor do we claim to be, medical professionals and our therapies cannot guarantee results. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Our EMSCULPT NEO service is specifically managed and performed by our Medical Director, Karen Myrick, APRN, following Karen’s guidance. See ad on page 17 >

Charleen

Touchpoints 180TM: Ketosis for Mental Health

By Dr. Lori Calabrese, MD

Idon’t want medication.” Sound familiar?

Sometimes, you or someone you love has developed symptoms that seem to stack up, such as anxiety, depression, brain fog, obsessive thinking, and impulsivity. It can feel like you’re a mess, and you can find yourself hauling around diagnoses like generalized anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, or OCD.

Maybe you’re asking, “Will I ever get well?” or “Why is my body against me?” Maybe you wish there were something that could actually help your brain heal itself.

There is. It’s called metabolic psychiatry, and we’re on the leading edge of it with neuroscience breakthroughs, real-world results, and research we’ve presented and published that shows you can dramatically improve your brain health and restore your brain, mind, and spirit. It’s the key to getting you to your best self.

Food as Medicine for Metabolic Illness

Metabolism is at the center of everything your brain and body do, and the most critical parts of your metabolism are your mitochondria—the little energy wheelhouses in each brain cell and in every other cell everywhere else in your body. When they’re not functioning optimally, you can develop a cluster of mind and body symptoms that worsen over time. Depression, anxiety, irritability, impulsivity, brain fog, memory loss, tiredness, sleeping trouble, weight gain, high blood pressure, prediabetes, inflammatory bowel, and joint conditions.

Brain health starts with metabolic health. We’re here to show you that you have the power to change your mind and your metabolism with a powerful and evidence-based real treatment: a carefully formulated, personalized ketogenic diet. The science behind a therapeutic ketogenic diet is all about brain energy. Real food. Lasting change.

Metabolic Illness Has Crescendoed in the 21st Century—and So Have Psychiatric Symptoms

Processed, high-carbohydrate foods full of sugars and seed oils reduce the energy your brain cells have to work with because glucose can be an inefficient form of fuel if it can’t get into them quickly and when needed. And when mitochondria can’t get the fuel/energy they need, that’s when the trouble starts.

Metabolic psychiatry can turn that around. Metabolic psychiatry is where we use our deep psychiatric expertise, metabolic mastery, and approach to nutritional ketosis as a transformative treatment to restore brain energy. It is a profound intervention that has been shown to stop psychosis, put bipolar into remission, tamp down anxiety, and produce clear thinking. It’s so much more than just a keto diet. When brain cells have fast, consistent energy, they can thrive and bring a sense of well-being

“When you consider the striking impact that therapeutic nutritional ketosis could have in your brain, you can see why medically supervised ketogenic treatment in psychiatry is so much more than just a keto diet— it’s a profound intervention. It has been shown to stop psychosis, put bipolar disorder into remission, tamp down anxiety,

and produce clear thinking.”

—Dr. Lori Calabrese, MD

and calm. Joy and energy replace misery. Brain fog evaporates. Irritability is silenced. Response to trauma dampens. You gain the power to live a full and rewarding life. Metabolic psychiatry is a sophisticated treatment to restore mental health by focusing on brain health and mitochondrial health.

Fundamentally, the brain is an energy-demanding organ—more than any other part of your body. With a therapeutic ketogenic diet individualized for your unique mental and medical needs, we can get your body to transition into nutritional ketosis. This not only changes your metabolism, but it also changes your brain chemistry in a most significant, elegant way: optimizing brain energy, neurotransmitters, signaling agents, and sirtuins and turning on DNA expression to refine mechanisms that enhance neuronal survival and promote longevity. It can also tamp down anxiety, mood swings, and rage like nobody’s business.

Remission, freedom, and health that can be real and sustained. Music to your ears?

Perfect Fuel—24/7

The kind of energy swap we’re talking about in your mitochondria reduces systemic inflammation throughout your body, which reduces neuroinflammation—the inflammation deep within and around brain cells.

That’s critically important because neuroinflammation triggers dendritic pruning and a host of psychiatric conditions and plays a role in the development of progressive neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, and multiple sclerosis.

When you consider the striking impact that therapeutic nutritional ketosis could have in your brain, you can see why medically supervised ketogenic treatment in psychiatry is so much more than just a keto diet—it’s a profound intervention. It has been shown to stop psychosis, put bipolar disorder into remission, tamp down anxiety, and produce clear thinking. In our practice, it’s a targeted treatment, a medical prescription that involves not just food but learning, community-building, and so much more.

What’s the Deal with Mitochondria?

In our first-of-its-kind program, Touchpoints 180TM, we focus specifically on developing therapeutic nutritional ketosis to treat depression, anxiety, and other brain disorders. We focus on energizing your spirit, changing your mind, and restoring your brain health.

More than 100 years of science, patient outcomes, and elegant, randomized clinical trials

prove that a properly formulated ketogenic diet can so balance the brain that it stops seizures in their tracks. Up to 60% of patients with intractable seizures see their seizures completely stop with a ketogenic diet.

Why Is This Important?

There is no other intervention, diet, or psychiatric treatment so safe and effective that it can actually stop seizures, tamp down misfiring (that we also see in anxiety, rage, and impulsivity), and nourish, regulate, and restore balance in the brain. Nothing so safe has been used in infants, children, and adults with striking efficacy. It can be and has been used long-term. It should become part of the standard of care in psychiatry.

It’s become our standard of care.

When your body generates a certain level of ketones consistently, your mitochondria adapt to run on ketones instead of glucose. And the more they do, the more they proliferate—more powerhouses!—the more they begin transcribing new code from their mitochondrial DNA. What does new code mean for your future? New opportunities, a new path, a new narrative—that starts on a cellular level.

This is how your present changes your future and how you can change the trajectory of your own life. Enhancing mitochondrial DNA expression can change your brain for the better and your future for the better. You have the power to do all that— from your own kitchen.

We show you how.

Touchpoints 180™

At Innovative Psychiatry, we offer our ground-breaking Touchpoints 180—individualized treatment tailored to your needs, likes, speed, symptoms, and necessary support with dozens of touchpoints to help you do a 180. And set to optimize your unique brain, mind, and body—taking into account the experiences you’ve had along the way. There’s nothing like it anywhere. And we support your transformation with frequent follow-ups, drop-in virtual groups, friends and family support, digital tools, meticulous monitoring, a book club, and nature walks.

When you work with us, you’ll know we don’t just talk—we walk the walk right alongside you. Join us for your best life yet.

Lori Calabrese, MD, is a Hopkins and Harvard-trained psychiatrist specializing in metabolic psychiatry. She offers novel advanced treatments for psychiatric conditions at her practice, Innovative Psychiatry, in South Windsor, CT. Her Metabolic Psychiatry practice provides a comprehensive treatment path with ketogenic and low-carb interventions through Touchpoints 180TM. 1330 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, CT 06074. For more information, call 860.648.9755 or visit loricalabresemd.com.

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ADAM BREINER, ND DAVID JOHNSTON, DO DAVID BRADY, ND, CCN

ELENA SOKOLOVA, ND JOHN

Discover the Power of Intuition with Agnes Daddona

By Lori Hubbard

I“Our intuition speaks in a quiet voice, and it rarely calls for attention.

It is loving. It is a gentle, kind nudge toward peacefulness, positivity, and warmth. With intuition, you just “know” something. This is the reason it’s so often ignored or misunderstood.”

—Agnes Daddona, MA, Intuitive Counseling

ntuition, often called our “inner knowing” or “gut feeling,” is a profound sense that transcends logic and reasoning. From the lens of a spiritual healer, intuition is seen as a heightened awareness and connection to the universal energy that flows through all living things. It is the subtle guidance from the divine, a compass that directs us toward paths aligned with our highest purpose.

Agnes, a psychic/medium, counselor, and spiritual healer, can provide direction toward discovering your destined divine path.

Benefits of Using Intuition

Embracing and harnessing the power of intuition offers a myriad of benefits for individuals on their spiritual journey. It serves as a beacon of wisdom, helping to navigate life’s complexities with clarity and confidence. By tapping into intuition, one can access insights beyond the surface, which fosters a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Intuition vs. Ego

Agnes relies on her intuition to facilitate profound readings and healing experiences, acting as a conduit for divine energy to flow through and bring about clarity and transformative change. She empowers and teaches her clients how to develop and trust their intuition, the voice of the soul and their divine support—not their fearful ego—to improve their lives.

Distinguishing between intuition and the ego is crucial in harnessing this spiritual gift. While

intuition guides us with a sense of peace and alignment, the ego tends to be driven by fear, attachment, and personal desires.

Our intuition speaks in a quiet voice, and it rarely calls for attention. It is loving. It is a gentle, kind nudge toward peacefulness, positivity, and warmth. With intuition, you just “know” something. This is the reason it’s so often ignored or misunderstood. Nor does intuition always tell us what we want to hear—it tells us what we need to hear. Listening to that quiet voice makes life happier and more fulfilled.

On the other hand, the ego is that part of us that wants to keep us safe at all costs. It creates beliefs that lead us to always play safe and stay in our comfort zones. It lives in constant fear: fear of getting hurt, fear of rejection, fear of the past repeating itself.

As a psychic/medium, healer, and counselor, Agnes always emphasizes the importance of quieting the ego’s noisy influence to allow pure, intuitive guidance to emerge. Through this discernment, her clients can make decisions that align with their soul’s purpose, fostering growth and spiritual evolution.

Getting Confirmation That Your Intuition Is Working

Confirmation of the accuracy of intuition often comes through signs, dreams, and synchronicities. In the realm of spiritual healing, these manifestations are the universe’s way of affirming that you are on the right path. Paying attention to recurring symbols, vivid dreams, and meaningful coincidences serves as

validation that your intuition is attuned to the divine frequencies guiding you toward spiritual growth. Reading these signs can be challenging, though. Agnes acts as the channel to discern and translate these symbols into personal meaning.

Develop Your Intuition with Agnes, Psychic/Medium, Counselor, and Spiritual Healer

A seasoned spiritual teacher, Agnes offers guidance on cultivating and enhancing your intuition. Through practices like meditation, energy healing, and intuitive exercises, Agnes helps her clients attune themselves to the subtle energies that govern the universe. By fostering a deeper connection to their own intuition, Agnes empowers seekers to navigate life’s challenges with grace and purpose.

Intuition is a transformative force that connects individuals to their higher selves and the divine. By embracing intuition, understanding its benefits, and discerning it from the ego, one can unlock a profound source of guidance on their spiritual journey.

Confirmation through signs and synchronicities further validates the authenticity of this inner wisdom, while Agnes offers valuable tools to nurture and develop the innate intuitive capabilities within each of us.

Agnes can help you activate your intuition, open your third eye, raise your energy, and connect to your angels. If you are ready to take the next step to unleash the power of your intuition, release fear, invite new opportunities, and make better decisions in romance, your career, finances, health, family, and virtually every other central area of your life, contact Agnes. She is passionate about helping you manifest your dreams and a better life.

Agnes Daddona, MA, Intuitive Counseling, is one of New England’s best Psychic/Mediums and Spiritual Healers. The gift of intuition runs in her family for generations. For over 20 years, Agnes has worked with thousands of people worldwide through Psychic Readings, Mediumship, Channeling Angels, Counseling, Healing, and Teaching in English and Polish. Agnes has transformed many people’s lives to meet their dreams. She continues to solve the most challenging issues when no one else can help. To book your Intuitive Reading, contact Agnes at www.AgnesDaddona.com, email at agnes@IntuitiveCounselingllc.com, or call 860.941.2667.

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Are you from feeling SICK SICK TIRED of being TIRED Do you go from to Here There with at all? NO Results

IMAGINE the possibilities of a machine that provides detailed information on your Cellular Health ~ receiving answers to many years of Health Issues ~ IMAGINE

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

The Bio-Tracker checks the following....

Adrenal Glands

Thyroid Glands

Pituitary Gland

Throat

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Small Intestines

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Ess. Fatty Acids

Skin

Endocrine System Nervous System

Sinus

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Stomach

Body Organs

Fibrous Tissue

Inhale Allergies

Lymph System

Heart Liver Joints

Spleen

Gallbladder

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Reproductive System Carbohydrate Metabolism

....and much more if needed!

Metals ~ Chemicals ~ Bacteria ~ Viruses ~ Hormones ~ Neurotransmitters

3 Waterville Road

Farmington, CT 06032

~ Bear Walker ~ Holistic Practitioner

Office visits by appointment only

860-384-1527

www.circleofhealthonline.com

Purpose

Unveiling the Power of Affirmations

By Ray Beyor

A“Positive affirmations about future values impact our brain, lighting up key areas related to self-reflection and decision-making.

Importantly, this brain activity predicts positive changes in physical activity, suggesting that affirming positive future goals influences healthy behaviors.”

—Ray Beyor

ffirmations, often seen as positive statements, are potent tools that intertwine science and personal experience, creating a ripple effect in the universe. Our thoughts initiate mirrored effects, shaping our reality. This exploration delves into the dance of neuroscience, quantum physics, and the transformative steps within the Confidence Toolkit for People Pleasers, my creation of scientific and personal exploration born from my journey overcoming depression, toxic employment, and coming out as polyamorous.

Affirmations Affect: Neuroplasticity, Quantum Physics, and Well-Being

Our mental and physical well-being is profoundly influenced by our thoughts. Brain scans in “Affirmations and the Brain” from the National Center for Biotechnology Information reveal that positive affirmations about future values impact our brain, lighting up key areas related to self-reflection and decision-making. This brain activity predicts positive changes in physical activity, suggesting that affirming positive future goals influences healthy behaviors. Affective neuroscience, exploring the link between positive and negative emotions, molds our overall well-being. Brainfutures.org’s “Neuroplasticity 101” states that intentional, repetitive changes in thought can reshape our brains and transform our responses and lives, regardless of age.

Delving Into the Quantum Realm

In the quantum realm, the Positive Affirmations Center outlines the law of attraction, mirroring the transformative steps in the Confidence Toolkit. The law suggests that focusing thoughts and energy on a specific goal emits signals—vibrational frequencies summoning corresponding

experiences. This aligns seamlessly with the Toolkit’s foundational step—finding your focus.

Crafting a Quantum Affirmation in The Confidence Toolkit

The Confidence Toolkit for People Pleasers includes a three-step process called “FPS to Affirming You”:

1. Focus: What Do You Want to Accomplish? Defining your present into future focus initiates an energetic exchange with the universe, becoming a magnetic force attracting corresponding experiences into your life.

Example: “Fostering deeper connections in personal relationships by openly expressing feelings aligns with my goal of helping others navigate relationships effectively.”

2. Purpose: How Important Is It to You and Why? Understanding the purpose shapes outcomes akin to the observer effect in quantum physics. Using value words that evoke a strong feeling to your “why” is crucial.

Example: “Cultivating honest communication is vital for building trust, intimacy, and fostering mutual understanding. This commitment serves my larger purpose of helping others enhance their relationship dynamics.”

3. Specific: What Are You Willing to Do, and How Will You Know You Are There? Getting granular about actions and success indicators guides actions, creating a positive connection with the universe.

Example: “Committing to the TriForce of Communication tool, I will initiate open conversations with my partner twice a week, deepening our connection. When my relationships reflect that they feel more seen, heard, and understood, I’ll know I’ve achieved authenticity.”

4.Refocus/Redirect: Enhancingthe Power ofAffirmations. An additional step involves refocus/redirect, mirroring the quantum principle of letting go of negative thoughts. When encountering negativity, replace it with positive counterparts, thereby altering the vibrational frequency you emit. Redirection can be a powerful tool when using present gratitude statements.

Examples: Negative: “You can’t change; you’re just like this.” Positive Replacement: “I have the power to change and evolve. Every day is a new opportunity to grow and become a better version of myself.” Refocus: “What is most important to me right now is that I am gaining skill by learning the TriForce Communication so that I can use it with my loved ones and later with my clients. I will ask myself, ‘what do I want at this moment’ every time I have a negative thought to redirect myself.”

A Personal Journey:

The Birth of the Confidence Toolkit

Traversing the tumultuous terrain of depression, toxic employment, and coming out as polyamorous, affirmations became beacons of hope. It wasn’t a mystical concept but a skill that demanded practice, leading to the birth of the Confidence Toolkit for People Pleasers. This holistic approach I created, grounded in scientific understanding and personal experience, serves as a guide. Affirmations, in this journey, transformed from mere words into energetic catalysts, shaping the quantum field of energy that molds our reality. Each affirmation, like brushstrokes on a canvas, became a powerful force shaping the masterpiece of my existence.

Embark on Your Journey:

Download the Confidence Toolkit Today! Ready to tap into the transformative power of affirmations? Download your free Confidence Toolkit for People Pleasers found at reneebeyor. com/free-resources. Begin your journey toward authentic connections, purposeful actions, and a positive, vibrant life!

Ray Beyor, owner of RAY Life Coaching, provides her clients with resources and practices that clarify their values, set steps toward their purpose, and master confidence while facing fears with patience, compassion, and accountability. Ray’s training in attachment theory, codependency, yoga, meditation, polyamory, consent work, dance, and astrology guides her clients into their authentic and abundant selves. To learn more, please visit www.reneebeyor.com, call 860.966.5677, or email ray@reneebeyor.com. See ad on page 29 >

The Science Behind Repairing Your Skin

“For an anti-aging skin cream to penetrate deep, interact with your cells, and begin to rebuild the critical brick and mortar of your skin, it must be able to penetrate the layers of the epidermis with powerful nutrients coming from carefully selected ingredients.”

—Richard Fanelli

By Richard Fanelli

If you think this is just another article about skin care…think again!

Hundreds of articles are written every year about anti-aging skin care and what happens when you apply a skin cream. Most articles are either so vague or so scientific that you wonder why you wasted your time reading them.

Although the skin rejuvenation process is very scientific, I will break it down for you so you will never forget how your skin’s rejuvenation process works—you will have an a-ha moment!

Under a microscope, the rejuvenation process is absolutely amazing. What causes aging skin to rejuvenate? How does it work? Or does it?

Take a look at the image of the skin on the following page. The epidermis as a whole contains five layers of skin. As you can see, the top surface layer is called the stratum corneum and goes five layers down. The bottom layer is called the basal cell layer; this is the deepest portion of the epidermis.

Here Comes the Analogy…

Deep inside your epidermis are cells and fatty lipids. This is considered the brick-and-mortar/concrete of your skin. The fatty lipids are the (mortar/ concrete) that hold the cells (the bricks) together. It creates skin that is strong, hydrated, and soft. It has the natural moisturizers in and keeps bacteria and environmental chemicals out.

The stronger the brick-and-mortar, the healthier your skin can look. Your skin can look tighter, which means less noticeable wrinkles, less sagging skin, and so on. However, as you age, your skin takes a beating, just like the brick wall, damaging the mortar and loosening the bricks. When you look in the mirror, you notice things are breaking up, cracking, and falling apart.

Of course, aging causes your skin to break down, along with exposure to UV radiation, pollution,

gravity, and chemical creams. You can see how a very old brick wall looks compared to a professionally repaired one. It takes some time, but there is a huge difference, right?

But what specifically has to happen on a scientific level to repair skin? For an anti-aging skin cream to penetrate deep, interact with your cells, and begin to rebuild the critical brick and mortar of your skin, it must be able to penetrate the layers of the epidermis with powerful nutrients coming from carefully selected ingredients.

How Can This Be Accomplished?

You must have specific, nutrient-dense, botanical compounds with low molecular weight (tiny molecules). The molecules of these oils and compounds must be smaller than skin molecules to penetrate the skin deeply.

It’s all about the Dalton…. But what is a Dalton?

A Dalton isa scientific unit for molecular weight used to measure the size of molecules in skincare ingredients. The rule says thatonly tiny molecules, less than 500 Daltons, are able to penetrate healthy skin deeply. However, according to Dr. J of medicallyno-nonsense, “Most ingredients in cosmetics cannot penetrate the skin. Manufacturers need to consider the 500-Dalton rule. It is futile to spend so much money on manufacturing a product if one does not keep in mind its effectiveness in penetrating the layers of the skin.”

Many skin cream companies ignore the 500Daltonrule, and the so-called “cream” just sits on top of your skin. That would be like painting a brick wall to avoid repairing it. Nothing substantial gets accomplished, and the brick and mortar just gets weaker and weaker. Deceptive marketing makes you think you’re buying a great product. Be careful!

Unfortunately, many companies have found a way to make chemicals penetrate your skin by

using ethanol, which increases the risk of causing skin irritation and dryness. How ironic. It’s important to check your labels!

Formulating a true anti-aging skin cream is no easy task. The selected ingredients must be from potent organic sources. They must molecularly penetrate deep and interact with your skin’s epidermal cellular network, providing the necessary proteins and critical nutrients to create healthy, strong cells (bricks) and healthy, strong lipids (mortar/cement). Then, and only then, can you expect optimal skin rejuvenation and skin cream you know is working and can comfortably invest in.

Castor Oil? Really?

An example of a compound/oil that not only penetrates deep into the layers of your skin but can also pull all the ingredients associated with it deep into your skin is a particular type of castor oil. It’s not the same castor oil sweet ole grandma used, though—this particular castor oil was discovered and researched by a naturopathic doctor who has used it clinically since 2007.

The immense skin-penetrating power of this castor oil cannot be overstated. After a lengthy discussion with this naturopathic doctor, I decided to use this castor oil in my Immortal Opulence Anti-Aging Skin Cream, which includes twenty-eight rare ingredients, to achieve that deep skin penetration needed to achieve optimal skin rejuvenation. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of how the “right” skin cream works to rebuild, repair, and optimize your skin to youthful levels. And since you’re already here, why not take a quick look? Visit www.MyImmortalOpulence.com.

Richard Fanelli is a relentless anti-aging researcher and professionally trained skin care formulator. His anti-aging skin cream, Immortal Opulence, was awarded best-in-category two years in a row by Natural Nutmeg readers. He resides in Connecticut. Visit www.MyImmortalOpulence.com to learn more.See ad on page 35 >

James W. Osborne, MS, LPC Counseling Services

Centers For Dental Medicine

SavingLivesOne SmileataTime

We want to help YOU get healthy

Why Dr StevenHinchey?

Both he and his staff Listen to YOU

• Non judgmental assessments

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Are concerned about YOU

• Mercury free dental treatment

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• Mercury removal and detoxification

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• Minimally invasive procedures

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We Offer Financial Flexibility

Expect the Unexpected— Expect Miracles!

“Somehow, many of us are not taught to dream big and pursue what we want. Or perhaps we’re unsure of what we wish to strive for…. I urge you to find some quiet time to experience your next dream and to dream big. Expect miracles!”

—Sharon Sklar, BFA, LMT, CAR

By Sharon Sklar, BFA, LMT, CAR

During a recent deep cleaning and purging moment, I realized the sofa in my Rolfing® waiting room looked tired and screamed to be replaced. I had not noticed it before, but that day, just as clear as day, I knew I couldn’t wait another second to replace it.

I wasn’t thinking about the time it would take to find the proper replacement or the money and the wait involved. I needed it, and I needed it now . How did I not see it before? Did others notice it looked worn? Was this once-perfect sofa now destined to be free to the first person to appear with a truck?

Is It Really That Difficult?

I started the search for my new sofa and quickly realized it might be a larger task than expected. Stores that sell in-stock merchandise that can be delivered in two days sell trendy colors that were not in my color palette. Ordering a new sofa in the right color, size, and fabric could take up to twelve weeks—that felt like an eternity. Another issue was that a lot of new furniture was not the size I needed. It needed to replace what I had and not precipitate a drastic redo of the entire space.

But Wait…A Miracle?!

The fourth store I went to was the most unexpected and magical place. The salespeople at the first three stores I visited tried to talk me into a larger piece that did not fit my needs. The colors were all wrong, and I was led to believe I wanted something that did not exist; that is, until I happened to see this store that I had never seen before as I was driving home from a disappointing shopping experience at two stores I regularly saw advertised.

The salesman was polite and showed me what I was looking for within a minute. When I asked about the other colors it came in, he pointed to a

wall of fabric that took up an eight-foot span and was three layers high. Within seconds, we found the color that blended perfectly with the pillow I had brought in, and within ten minutes, I signed the contract and gave my deposit. I would have my ideal sofa manufactured and delivered within thirty days.

You Do NOT Have to Settle

Previous salespeople had led me to believe that what I wanted was a tough ask and that I would need to settle. That was a familiar old feeling in my life—that I would need to settle. Somehow, my hopes and dreams were too unusual, too specific, or that I was asking for the moon.

Years ago, an old boyfriend told me that my chances of getting married were almost nil if I didn’t stay with him. A then-recent Harvard study had declared that single women in their thirties had nearly as much chance of marrying as getting struck by lightning. I took my chances, left the relationship, and questioned if settling just to have that “married” label was the right direction anyway.

I did not settle back then, and I did not settle for a too-large and wrong-color sofa in December. Where is the possibility of a miracle? Are hopes dashed because we give in too soon?

Manifest Your Destiny

Six years ago, I tripped and fell down the stairs, popping two tendons off the bone in my right shoulder. I needed surgery and lots of physical therapy and endured relentless pain for months. Others who had similar surgeries told me I would not heal fully and that I would get used to the limitations and discomfort. Ugh.

I refused to accept that future and worked to create the future I wanted—a fully restored shoulder with freedom of movement, no pain,

and full function. February 28, 2018, marked the last time I RAN down the stairs without holding on to the railing and the last time I moved that quickly without caring for my safety. I did not settle for less than what I wanted—and I now have a wonderful, pain-free, fully rotational shoulder. You can see the theme here!

Dream Big!

Somehow, many of us are not taught to dream big and pursue what we want. Or perhaps we’re unsure of what we wish to strive for. I remember the drizzly, cool day in 1977 when I had my second of ten Rolfing® sessions. In a blessed and insightful moment, I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. The clarity just arrived and bonked me over the head. It’s good that I was quiet enough to listen to the “knowing.”

I dreamt big and pursued my passion. Having a conversation with my parents that I was moving to Colorado to study Rolfing® was filled with questions, doubts, and finally, acceptance. I saw my end game and had to go through the steps to get there. I am now in my forty-third year of practice, and I love every day I get to provoke and witness change in my clients.

I urge you to find some quiet time to experience your next dream and to dream big. Expect miracles! I have a new dream, which I will share with you when I have more time to let it perk, resonate, and find resolution. It came to me as I began purging and cleaning out my spaces throughout my home and office. Just as clear as the need for a new sofa was evident, this is the next clear step in my world and personal evolution.

Be open to your next chapter—to finding it and allowing it to appear in the quieter times set aside for you. No one can find it but you. There are seeds planted and hints given— we only need to be still enough and open enough to listen. Have fun on your journey.

Sharon Sklar is in her 43rd year of private practice as a Certified Advanced Rolfer. She has been voted one of Natural Nutmeg’s 10BEST Bodyworkers for the last five years. 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! State Licensed. Call 860.561.4337 for more info or to schedule a consultation. www.SharonSklarRolfing.com See ad on page 47 >

Unleashing Your Body’s Innate Healing Power for Chronic Conditions

“Think of chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation as your body getting ‘stuck,’ much like the spinning wheel on your computer screen when the processor gets ‘stuck’ and can’t work efficiently.

Often, the solution is to hold Ctrl+Alt+Delete on your keyboard. Metaphorically, this is like what the TruDose is doing for your body!”

—Dr. Adam Breiner, ND

By Dr. Adam Breiner, ND

Amid the myriad health challenges, a groundbreaking regenerative therapy called TruDose emerges as a beacon of hope. Here, we’ll explore some inspiring stories of individuals who have been profoundly impacted by this state-of-theart regenerative technology and then learn what TruDose is all about.

Their Stories

• Meet Aimee, a resilient forty-eight-year-old mother of three who grappled with a myriad of health issues for over 25 years, including Lyme disease, Bartonella, Babesia, mold toxicity, mast-cell disorder, POTS syndrome, Hashimoto’s thyroid disease, and Epstein-Barr infections. Despite years of treatments, Aimee found herself bedridden and losing hope. When she learned about TruDose, the idea behind it resonated with her, prompting her to try it. Miraculously, after just one treatment, Aimee started to witness improvements and regained a sense of hope. A year and a half later, she is not only free from her health issues but has also overcome lifelong learning disabilities.

• Seventeen-year-old Steven faced the challenges of autism, grappling not only with cognitive impairments but also severe social anxiety that confined him to his room. Enter TruDose. Over six months, Steven underwent a remarkable transformation. Cognitive abilities soared, social anxieties dissipated, and a newfound zest for life emerged. Steven learned to drive, embraced the joy of friendships, and reclaimed a sense of normalcy. His nineyear-old sister, Melanie, also diagnosed with

Autism, experienced a parallel journey. Struggling with reading at a first-grade level and navigating social interactions, Melanie underwent TruDose treatments that propelled her reading skills to grade level. She conquered social interaction challenges, finding her voice and no longer requiring speech therapy.

• Tim, a fifty-seven-year-old feeling the weight of age—thinning hair, depleted energy, and hormonal imbalances—turned to TruDose for a rejuvenating solution. The transformation was profound. Tim’s hair regrew, energy levels and hormones found equilibrium, and the specter of erectile dysfunction faded away. TruDose became an integral part of Tim’s health and wellness regimen.

• In the realm of education, ten-year-old Aaron faced the hurdles of dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Despite attending a specialized school for learning disabilities, his parents sought a natural solution to complement his education. TruDose entered the picture, and the results were astonishing. Aaron displayed marked improvements in attention and reading skills after just one treatment, prompting his teachers to express interest in the potential benefits of TruDose for other students facing similar challenges.

These transformative stories merely scratch the surface of the myriad cases where TruDose regenerative technology has played a pivotal role. The diverse range of conditions it addresses is extensive, leaving many intrigued about the workings of TruDose and its ability to tackle diverse health challenges.

So, What Is TruDose?

What is TruDose, and how does it alleviate such a wide array of health issues? At its core, TruDose taps into the power of the body’s platelets, delivering a specific dose tailored to the unique requirements of each health challenge.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) has been known in medicine for decades, traditionally used to help with orthopedic injuries, such as tendon or muscle injuries that never healed properly, as well as helping with hair growth and sexual wellness (known as the P-shot and O-shot). And while there are successful cases, results seem inconsistent in the medical literature.

Tapley Holland, a seasoned expert in PRP and bone marrow stem cells, identified a critical gap in the traditional approaches. Recognizing that a one-size-fits-all platelet dosage might not address the individual variations in patients’ biochemical makeup or diverse medical conditions, he pioneered and patented the TruDose Regenerative Technology System. This system assesses the patient’s platelet count, and AI software calculates the precise blood volume required for an optimal concentrated therapeutic platelet dosage. The individualized PRP is then reintroduced into the patient intravenously and/or to a targeted area, initiating a healing cascade that addresses chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation.

But how do platelets, primarily thought of in their role with clotting, trigger such a profound healing response? The answer lies in the intricate role platelets play beyond clotting. According to a published article by Li et al., titled “Platelets as Autonomous Drones for Hemostatic and Immune Surveillance,” platelets serve as integral components of the immune system, identifying pathogens and directing healing throughout the body. Moreover, platelets house vast amounts of neurotransmitters, including 90% of the body’s serotonin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), essential for nerve growth.

A Delicate Balance

Understanding the dynamic balance among platelets, red blood cells, white blood cells, stem cells, and other cell types in the body is crucial. A significant shift in this delicate balance, as facilitated by TruDose’s high platelet dosage, prompts the body to recalibrate.

Think of chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation as your body getting “stuck,” much like the spinning wheel on your computer screen when the processor gets “stuck” and can’t work efficiently. Often, the solution is to hold Ctrl+Alt+Delete on your keyboard. Metaphorically, this is like what the TruDose is doing for your body! TruDose acts as the body’s reset button.

The recalibration that occurs prompts the body’s natural healing processes, addressing a myriad of conditions, from chronic bacterial and viral infections like Lyme disease to autoimmune diseases, vascular inflammation as seen in Long-COVID, resolution of chronic injuries (such as strokes and traumatic brain injuries), and stimulation of neuronal and blood vessel growth in conditions like autism, dyslexia, and ADHD, among others.

TruDose at Whole-Body Health Center

The extensive list of conditions TruDose has successfully addressed continues to grow, with over 10,000 patients experiencing its transformative effects. The key to TruDose’s success lies in the concept of Vis Medicatrix Naturae the Healing Power of Nature. By harnessing the body’s innate ability to heal, TruDose stands as a natural ally in naturopathic medicine. When integrated with other naturopathic treatments and modalities, TruDose becomes a game-changer for those navigating health challenges or seeking to enhance overall health, wellness, and longevity.

At the Breiner Whole Body Health Center, we are excited to announce that we are the exclusive provider of TruDose in the area. Witness the remarkable results for yourself by visiting www.wholebodymed.com. As you explore, be sure to register for one of the free informational Zoom calls, providing an opportunity to learn more about TruDose and pose questions to the experts.

TruDose stands not just as a medical innovation but as a beacon of hope for those seeking a holistic approach to health and healing. Through individualized regenerative technology, it empowers the body to reset, recalibrate, and unleash its inherent capacity for renewal. As the testimonials and success stories continue to pour in, the promise of TruDose as a transformative force in the landscape of health and wellness becomes increasingly evident.

Dr. Adam Breiner, ND, practices naturopathic medicine at Whole-Body Medicine in Fairfield, CT. Patients from Connecticut and surrounding states seek his care for Lyme disease; brain injuries such as stroke, concussions, and TBI; and enhanced brain performance. Visit www.wholebodymed.com or to schedule an appointment, call 203.371.8258, ext. 2. See ad on page 37 >

COMMUNITY RESOURCES Local Experts In and Around Connecticut

ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture of Greater Hartford

Stan Baker, LAC West Hartford, CT 860.836.1068

acupuncturestanbaker.com

Dr. Aimee Montanaro, DTCM, L.Ac Integrity Acupuncture Shelton & Westport, CT • 203.429.4406 draimee@integrityacuct.com www.integrityacuct.com

Dr. Aimee Montanaro is an acupuncturist in Shelton & Westport, CT. She specializes in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which resolves acute and chronic concerns while simultaneously restoring the body’s functional & structural integrity. Dr. Montanaro’s approach is rooted in evidence-based and evidence-informed research. Her needle technique is gentle yet effective.

BIOMAGNETIC PAIR THERAPY

The BioSole, LLC 1176 Farmington Ave., Berlin, CT 06037 lisa@thebiosole.com • 860.840.7878 www.thebiosole.com

Biomagnetism uses the body’s natural process of healing to restore pH balance and achieve homeostasis. We believe illnesses and chronic conditions are often rooted in trauma and unaddressed emotional experiences. Conditions treated include Epstein-Barr Virus • Lyme Disease • Respiratory Viruses • Chronic Fatigue • Gastrointestinal • Fungus/Mold • Joint/Chronic Pain • Strep Strains • Skin/Eczema • Autoimmune/Neurological Disorders • Emotional Conflicts/Trauma • Sleep/ Anxiety • Endocrine/Hormonal Imbalances

BREATHWORK

The Sacred Self, LLC

Charleen K. Miele, LPC • Newington, CT 860.614.8382 • thesacredselfllc@gmail.com thesacredselfllc.com

Licensed Professional Counselor (IFS level 2 trained); Trauma Informed Breathwork Facilitator; Life, Spiritual Life, and Wellness Coach. Somatically release stored trauma and foster healing as you discover your sacred self within.

CBD STORE

Nature’s Gi s

304 W Main St., Avon, CT • 860.995.4444 naturesgi s-usa.com/

Nature’s Gifts is an independently owned, family run CBD Store in Avon, CT. Stress, sleep, and pain solutions available. Our knowledgeable staff will happily guide you through our 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

Beverley Blass Integrative Health

Hartford Family Institute • BeverleyBlass.com 17 S. Highland St., West Hartford, CT 860.206.1129 • BeverleyBlass@gmail.com

Beverley Blass is an integrative intuitive healer, offering bodycentered psychotherapy, soulcentered hypnotherapy, and colon hydrotherapy. She focuses on her client’s “whole body” experience— spiritual, physical, mental, emotional health, and healing—working with you to create an all-encompassing tapestry of transformation. In-person and online sessions.

Roots Natural Medical Center

Elizabeth Regal

Columbia, CT • 860.634.7523

sourcecolonhydrotherapy@gmail.com

Colon hydrotherapy promotes hydration of the colon and loosening of waste matter, assisting elimination by natural peristalsis of the colon. Our naturopathic medical center is offering colon hydrotherapy on our FDA-approved closed system device. Contact Elizabeth Regal, I-ACT certified colon hydrotherapist for an appointment.

Vitalized Performance Group

Glastonbury, CT • 860.800.6775

VPGwaves.com

VPG Waves offers an open system colonic on the LIBBE device, GAINS/Femi/AcuteWave treatments for head/face pain to toe pain, scar tissue, incontinence, and sexual wellness issues. We have ionic foot baths and biomat/infrared heat, cupping, naturopaths and acupuncture. Combining modalities for thorough healing is key!

CONSCIOUS MOVEMENT & DANCE

CT Conscious Movement

Katherine Allen & Lisa Galinski

Avon, CT • Azul Certified

Conscious Movement Teachers

CTConsciousMovement@gmail.com

www.CTConsciousMovement.com

Conscious Movement is a dynamic practice of free-form, intuitive dance that awakens your aliveness, clarity, expression and connection ~ an empowering body-centered practice of sacred remembering. We are passionate about offering a healing movement practice and building community. Join us for weekly movement classes and women’s embodiment circles in Avon, CT.

ENERGY HEALING

Jacqueline M. Kane

Low Back Pain Specialist and Master Energy Healer

111 Main St., Collinsville, CT • 860.307.0232

jacqueline@jacquelinemkane.com jacquelinemkane.com

Jacqueline facilitates deep healing of trauma, low back pain, and chronic conditions tied to limiting mindsets impacting health and wealth. Clients’ proven results are reclaimed energy, moving freely and powerfully, and manifesting their goals aligned with soul purpose. If you’re ready to reach your health and wealth goals, visit jacquelinemkane.com.

Sanaré Wellness, LLC

92 N. Summit St., Southington, CT 06489 kathy@sanare.life • 860.600.0106

www.Sanare.Life

The future of Energy Medicine is here! This 24-unit Energy Enhancement System creates multiple bioactive, regenerative energy fields, including scalar waves and biophotons, that can assist your body’s ability to repair and heal itself from disease. The body can become capable of rejuvenating and recalibrating itself back to homeostasis.

FINANCIAL PLANNING

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

Fax: 203.693.8524

dana@trinitypointwealth.com

HOLISTIC CENTER

The Blackbird House 146 Main St., Old Wethersfield, CT theblackbirdhousect@gmail.com

TheBlackbirdHouse.com • 860.416.3177

The Blackbird House

The Blackbird House is a Healing Center and Gift Shop located on Main Street in Old Wethersfield. We offer Reiki, Hypnotherapy, Pranic Healing, Massage Therapy, Tarot/Intuitive Readings and more. Our monthly schedule of events include Reiki and Tarot classes, Self Hypnosis, Sound Healing, and Intuitive Development Meetings. Visit us online to learn more.

HOLISTIC COUNSELING

James Osborne, MS, LPC, BCPC ProNatural Physicians Group, LLC Berlin, CT • 860.829.0707

pronaturalphysicians.com

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.

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.”

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. 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.

HOLISTIC/SHAMANIC PRACTITIONER

Lady Down the Lane

156 East Ave., 2nd Floor • Norwalk, CT 06851 475.301.4952 • ladydownthelane.com lydia@ladydownthelane.com

Lydia Remembrance is a holistic/ shamanic practitioner whose passion is to create a sacred space as you embark on your healing journey. Lydia is also a reiki master/teacher, holistic birth doula, master practitioner in quantum energy healing, and a quantum hypnotist. Lydia offers a complimentary strategy call, complemintary consultations are also available upon request and by appointment.

HOMEOPATHY

Abby Beale, CCH RSHom(NA) HomeopathyHealings@gmail.com HomeopathyHealings.com • 413.426.1024

Want to get to the root cause of your chronic symptoms? Homeopathy can relieve the symptoms of depression, anxiety, women’s issues, headaches, digestive troubles, child behavior problems, and so much more. Appointments possible over Zoom and Skype.

HYPNOTHERAPY

Beverley Blass Integrative Health

Hartford Family Institute • BeverleyBlass.com 17 S. Highland St., West Hartford, CT 06119 860.206.1129 • BeverleyBlass@gmail.com

Beverley Blass is an integrative intuitive healer, offering bodycentered psychotherapy, soulcentered hypnotherapy, and colon hydrotherapy. She focuses on her client’s “whole body” experience— spiritual, physical, mental, emotional health, and healing—working with you to create an all-encompassing tapestry of transformation. In-person and online sessions.

Michele P. Rousseau, MA, CH Middletown, CT • 860.704.9054 mprousseau@sbcglobal.net 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 respecting 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.

INTERIOR DESIGN

CMT Design Group

Carolyn Tierney • Simsbury, CT • carolyntierney.com

929.390.1742 • info@carolyntierney.com

CMT Design Group integrates beautiful design and interior style with health and wellness principles that matter to your family’s well-being. With over 20 years of experience focused on residential interior design and healthy, holistic living, our depth of industry knowledge enables us to create functional and stunning modern spaces where your family can thrive.

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.

MEDICAL CANNABIS bloomHigher

Stamford, CT • 203.751.1369

uzma@bloom-higher.com • bloom-higher.com

Uzma Zakir RPh, founder of bloomHigher consulting, is passionate about sharing her expertise on the healing benefits of cannabinoids. By combining current research, her experience in treating patients since 2015, and her pharmacy background, she has developed a unique approach for patient care and lectures extensively on best practices and cannabinoid science. Contact Uzma today to see if cannabis is the missing piece in your health and wellness journey.

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

Dr. Adam Breiner, ND Fairfield, CT • 203.371.8258

WholeBodyMed.com

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

Riverstone Naturopathic Health

63 West Street, Suite B1

Litchfield, CT • 860.361.9494

Christina Amicone, ND, is a naturopathic physician seeing patients at Riverstone Naturopathic Health in Litchfield, CT. Her focus is on oncology/cancer (including supportive therapies during conventional cancer treatments), naturopathic detoxification, gastrointestinal health (including IBS, IBD, and SIBO), women’s health (hormone imbalances, menstrual problems, and menopause), autoimmune diseases, and food sensitivities.

Roots Natural Medical Center

106 Route 66 East • Columbia, CT 06237 860.471.1434 • info@rootsmedicalcenter.com rootsmedicalcenter.com

Roots is a Naturopathic Medicinal Center that focuses on addressing foundational root causes to complex chronic disease. The goal of the clinic is to properly identify, diagnose and treat patients with unexplained chronic illnesses. Our services are individualized, and patient focused, as medicine should be.

Soleil Acupuncture and Naturopathic Wellness

2661 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT 203.871.3262 • admin@soleilholistic.com soleilholistic.com

Soleil is a holistic clinic specializing in integrative and functional medicine. We are pleased to offer IV and IM nutrient therapy, craniosacral therapy, and general and facial acupuncture, with our roots in naturopathic medicine. We are passionate about using our tools to get our patients feeling their best!

Vis Wellness Center, LLC

Dr. Nicole Klughers, ND, PharmD, MSAc Rocky Hill, CT & Virtual Visits (234) 2-ACU-DOC hello@drnicoleklughers.com

DrNicoleKlughers.com

West Hartford

Naturopathic Medicine

Frank Aieta, ND

301 N. Main St., West Hartford, CT 860.232.9662 • www.DRAIETA.com

NEUROFEEDBACK

Jake Williams, MA, LPC

Rocky Hill, CT • 860.208.6964

CT Neurohealth.com

Jake is an experienced therapist, neurofeedback provider, and cat lover. He has dedicated his life to helping people resolve traumatic experiences and overcome challenges created by focus or anxiety.

NUTRITION

Alison Birks, MS,(RH) AHG, CNS, CDN, Cert. Grief Educator Woodbury, CT • Alison.birks@gmail.com

Alisonbirks.com

Alison is an AHG Registered Herbalist, Certified Nutrition Specialist, and Grief Educator. She has been in practice since 1997. Her integrative remote healing practice specializes in grief support, nutrition for gastrointestinal, cardiometabolic, and reproductive health, food and mood, and nutritional genomics.

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.

Grant’s Nutrition & Wellness

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

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

ORGANIC PRODUCT CO. Farm to Bath

South Glastonbury, CT, and Virtual 860.266.5682 • info@farmtobath.com farmtobath.com

Brenda Sullivan, herbalist and maker of herbal products, uses lavender, one of her primary crops, to make natural soaps, soothing salves, aromatic oils and more. She loves knowing the medicinal benefits of herbs, because it ensures her recipes are made with only the best ingredients.

PSYCHIC/MEDIUM

Intuitive Counseling Holistic Spa

Agnes Daddona • 860.941.2667 Avon, CT • AgnesDaddona.com Agnes@intuitivecounselingllc.com

Agnes Daddona is one of the best Psychic/Mediums in New England. She is also a Counselor, Healer, and Spiritual Teacher. For more than 20 years, Agnes has worked with thousands of people across the world in both English and Polish. Her Holistic Spa in Avon, CT, is a one-stop shop and offers high vibrational healing for the mind, body, and soul.

REIKI

Be One with the Flow

Washington, New Preston, Litchfield awm440@hotmail.com • 802.780.7977

www.beoneflow.com

Ann Moureau is a Traditional Usui Reiki Master, offering Reiki classes, hands-on and distant treatment. Ann feels the flow of energy in her yoga, Ai Chi (in the water), and forest bathing classes. Ann has been on her holistic path for thirty-three years and loves to share her practices.

ROLFING®

Rolfing®—The Art and Science of Body Change

Sharon Sklar, BFA, LMT, 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.

SPAS/WELLNESS CENTERS

Imagine Float

290 West Main St., Avon 860.255.7771 • imaginefloat.com

THERMOGRAPHY

April Beaman, RDH, CTT

CT Thermography

Farmington and Glastonbury, CT 860.415.1150 • ctthermography.com

CT thermography specializes in medical thermal imaging. Breast thermography is a compression and radiation-free screening tool 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.

YOGA STUDIO

Sacred Rivers Yoga

East Hartford, CT • 860.657.9545 sacredriversyoga.com

Paula Scopino, E-RYT 500-Hour, C-IAYT, CT Licensed LMT, YACEP, is the owner/director of Sacred Rivers Yoga and Allied Health Therapies and “Sacred Rivers Yoga for Every Body,” a Yoga Alliance 200- and 500-hour registered school, as well as a member of IAYT (International Association of Yoga Therapy.)