Natural Nutmeg May 2015 by Natural Nutmeg Magazine/Essential Naples Magazine

May/June 2015

Natural Nutmeg Connecticut's Resource For Essential Living

Why Have I Lost Interest in Sex? Diane Hayden, PhD and Deanna Cherrone, MD Bored or Unfulfilled by Your Current Job or Career? Lisa Zaccheo Body and Soul Bernie Siegel, MD

Libido-Beyond Hormones Tonya Pasternak, ND Creating a Conscious Relationship with Your Partner Kristen Werblow, M.A.

Sex, Money, and… Retirement: How to Thrive in the Second Half of Your Marriage Lawrence Ford www.NaturalNutmeg.com

BREAKTHROUGH TO YOU • Smash the (wrong) beliefs about who you are and what you deserve • Set up spiritual routines that keep you content, happy and fulﬁlled so you love every moment of your life • Learn to easily eat intuitively so you release toxins and unwanted weight that keep your drive low When you perform at the peak, physically, emotionally, ﬁnancially, and spiritually, NOTHING stands in your way. Schedule a Discovery Session NOW! Book the Triple Play Package for just $1997* *Includes 1-hour medical & health assessment with a medical intuitive ($225 value).

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Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2015

Juliette Storch www.juliettestorch.com

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In This Issue 12 14

Libido-Beyond Hormones Tonya Pasternak, ND

Nurturing Your Relationship While Being a Working Mom Robin Russell, ND

Bored or Unfulfilled by Your Current Job or Career? Lisa Zaccheo

Soul Retrieval: Reclaiming Personal Power Through Shamanic Healing Jessica C. Hunter

Pelvic Pain and Manual Therapy Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD, PT, IMT,C

Kristen Werblow, M.A.

7 The BUZZ 8 NUTMEG NUGGETS

Life Off the Mat: Living a Life 36 HAPPENINGS of Excellence and Purpose in Five Simple Steps 39 RESOURCES Elizabeth Aleksinas

An American Revelation: Nutritional Supplements – Not All Are Created Equally Summer McAllister, ND and Ann Aresco, ND

Does All Disease Start in the Mouth? Mark A. Breiner, DDS

Maintaining and Strengthening Relationships During Infertility Treatment

Are You Suffering with Pelvic Pain? Patricia D. Almeida, BSN

Sex, Money, and… Retirement: How to Thrive in the Second Half of Your Marriage

26 Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2015

In Every Issue

Lawrence Ford

Why Have I Lost Interest in Sex? Diane Hayden, PhD and Deanna Cherrone, MD

Melissa Kelleher, LCSW

Creating a Conscious Relationship with Your Partner

42 BERNIE

Don’t Miss Our Upcoming Issues

June Digital Issue: Men’s Health July Print Issue: Metabolic Exercise Aug Digital Issue: Natural Therapies for Kids Sept Print Issue: Epigenetics Oct Print Issue: Breast Health beyond Cancer Nov Print Issue: Lifestyle Syndrome Dec Digital Issue: Depression/SAD

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PUBLISHER'SLETTER

ave you noticed that time seems to go by faster and faster? Some people say it’s just a fact of life that as you get older time goes by faster and it happens because we have more responsibilities, families to take care of, jobs and careers and less free time overall. I would have agreed with that a number of years ago when I was a kid and time definitely passed more slowly. But ask any child nowadays if time passes slowly and you will get a drastically different response than if you had asked this question of a child growing up in the 70s or 80s. Even kids feel like they have no time in this day and age. So, what’s happening across all ages, genders and ethnicities that is making us all feel like we are constantly chasing time. The fact is time is speeding up. Part of the experience is due to our rapid technology and that we live in a society that demands and usually receives instant gratification. Due to distraction, repetition, and routine, the recent past offers less memorable content to reflect upon and thus appears shortened. When consulting the calendar we therefore notice the days flying by. I think it’s especially a concern for many women as we try to balance home, work and personal lives. So, as we approach another Mother’s Day, and whether you are a Mom or not, please try to take some time for yourself. Here are some simple tips to help you stay focused and improve your time management skills: 1. Find time each day to meditate and be still. Even if it’s only a five minute walk outdoors in nature or five minutes in a quiet space in your home. 2. Find one thing you can do each day for thirty minutes to an hour to relieve stress. It could be exercise, yoga, listening to music, soaking in the tub, reading a book or whatever works for you. 3. At least once a year, go on a silent retreat. Time will come to a standstill during this time. 4. Take time at the beginning of each week to organize and plan your goals and tasks for the week. A Sunday afternoon or evening can be perfect for this and starting the week off organized will do wonders in reducing your stress. 5. Start saying “NO” to what you don’t want to do and “YES” to things you do want to do. And stop feeling guilty about either. Life is short and time is speeding up, stop doing things you don’t like to do because you feel obligated or think you have to do them.

In health and happiness,

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

PUBLISHER Dr. Diane Hayden Publisher@naturalnutmeg.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deb Percival Deb@naturalnutmeg.com ADVERTISING advertising@naturalnutmeg.com DIR. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Christopher Urso Curso@naturalnutmeg.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashley Frament layout@naturalnutmeg.com ADVISORY BOARD Ann Aresco, N.D. Deanna M. Cherrone, MD Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. (Pend.) Debra Gibson, ND Lauren Young, ND Kenneth Hoffman, LAc, CCH Vicki Kobliner, MS, RD, CD-N Paul Tortland, DO DISTRIBUTION Greater Hartford and surrounding counties, please contact Natural Nutmeg. FFC - Tom Cossuto, Man In Motion, LLC

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© 2007-15 by Natural Nutmeg, LLC. All rights reserved. Parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that permission be obtained in writing. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the ar ticles and adver tisements, nor are we responsible for the products and ser vices adver tised. We welcome your feedback.

Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2015

In keeping with our concern for the environment, Natural Nutmeg is proudly printed on recycled paper with soy based inks.

THE BUZZ Mercier Therapy™ Now Available at the Lotus Center in Avon, CT

omen in Connecticut now have an alternative to surgery and medications to deal with pelvic health concerns and infertility. Mercier Therapy ™ is a visceral manipulation therapy that offers such an alternative. It is an all natural approach to help address the symptoms and health concerns of women dealing with pelvic pain, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, dysmenorrhea, menopause symptoms, painful intercourse, sexual abuse trauma, scarring or adhesions after pelvic surgery and fertility challenges. Mercier Therapy ™ is being offered exclusively at the Lotus Center in Avon, a wellness center specializing in fertility, pregnancy & women’s health. For more information call the office (860) 987-3823 or visit the website www.lotuscenter-llc.com. See ad on page 14.

Lovingkindness: A Workshop at West Hartford Yoga With Sharon Salzberg on June 20th

est Hartford Yoga welcomes back Sharon Salzberg for a workshop entitled Lovingkindness. Lovingkindness is a meditation that cultivates our natural capacity for an open and loving heart. It is traditionally offered with meditations that enrich compassion, and joy in the happiness of others, and also deepen our own sense of peace. Sharon Salzberg will introduce these teachings and support us in our own experience and cultivation of these qualities through direct instruction and guided meditation using classical techniques in a modern idiom. This workshop is suitable for both new and experienced meditators. Sharon Salzberg is a meditation teacher and author. She has studied and practiced meditation throughout India and Southeast Asia since 1971. She is the cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Barre, Massachusetts, and has played a crucial role in bringing Eastern meditation practices to the West. She is the author of nine books including Lovingkindness, the NY Times best seller Real Happiness, and Real Happiness at Work, and A Heart as Wide as the World. Saturday, June 20th, 1 – 5 pm $60 registration required West Hartford Yoga, 23 Brook Street, West Hartford, CT www.westhartfordyoga.com; 860 953 9642. See ad on page 3 & 19.

“Fertility: The Shared Journey with Mercier Therapy” Film Screening on Saturday, May 2nd

atty Almeida from The Lotus Center will doing a screening of “Fertility: The Shared Journey with Mercier Therapy” on Saturday, May 2nd at 10am at Criterion cinemas at Blue Back square in West Hartford. The film documents a gentle approach to overcoming fertility challenges. See ad on page 14.

Help Create a Healthy Baby with Traditional Chinese Medicine

CM practitioners treat infertility by getting to the deeper, underlying root of the disharmony instead of treating the most apparent problem(s). Chinese herbalists believe that the foundation is most important in a “home” or body. Therefore, we strive to balance the “foundation” of that body/home. Once the foundation of the body is healthy and Qi (life energy) flows freely, that Qi should be able to correct the problem of infertility on its own. However, modern life sometimes complicates this basic function and we need to get back to the basics in order to create a life. First, ovulatory issues can be addressed with herbal formulas to balance hormones when ovarian failure is due to hormonal issues. These herbs are especially helpful for older women who have mysterious unknown causes of infertility. Herbal formulas can also address structural issues leading to infertility such as scar tissue blockage in the fallopian tube, fibroids in the uterus, or endometriosis in women. For men, Chinese herbs are used to increase sperm counts and improve the motility of sperm for improved rates of conception. It is also important to realize that after birth, all women will become depleted and it is a good idea to seek help for the mood swings, fatigue and other disharmonies associated with birthing. Chinese Medicine is distinctly equipped to address these symptoms and can help in great ways to restore health and balance to most postpartum issues. Laura Mignosa is a Certified Chinese Herbologist and director of the Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies for over 2 decades. Please call the school at 860-826-2705 or visit our website www.ctherbschool.com for more information on this clinically based program of wellness. See ad below.

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Nutmeg “Nuggets” Menopause and Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement

Is Keratosis Pilaris the Reason for Your Itchy, Dry Skin?

tarting as early as the late thirties, a woman’s levels of estrogens and progesterone gradually decline. This “peri-menopausal” period can start up to ten years prior to actual menopause, when the menstrual periods cease, which usually occurs in the late forties to early fifties. Some women notice few, if any symptoms, until one day their period simply stops and they have no further problems. Other women have severe and troubling symptoms for many years that can lead them on a roller coaster of emotions, physical problems, medications, and even surgery. Women may report changes in their mood, energy level, and sexual desire, and often experience fatigue, memory loss, hot flashes, and night sweats. Menopause is a natural event in a woman’s life and not something to be afraid or ashamed of. Natural hormonal replacement can help to maintain a sense of wellbeing, prevent troublesome menopausal symptoms that may interfere with a smooth transition, and support feeling healthy for many years.

eratosis Pilaris is a common skin condition faced by people of all ages but mostly prevalent in children and young adults. There are various signs to look out for when determining if Keratosis is a problem for you or your loved one. The condition is generally recognized when a person experiences red or whitecolored rough patches and small acne-like bumps on their skin. The effected areas are usually on the arms, thighs, cheeks and buttocks. Although in most cases, it doesn’t cause itching or pain, it can be extremely frustrating and it is important that you or your loved one speak to a professional about treatment options and self-care methods.

Why should a woman take hormonal replacement therapy? Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy can help in the following areas: Prevention and treatment of menopausal symptoms, Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, Prevention of memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease, Prevention of cardiovascular disease and stroke and Prevention and treatment of adult onset diabetes mellitus. By the year 2000, there will be 20 million menopausal women who will be facing these choices. With the current life expectancy of 80 years, women can expect to live 30 or more years in the postmenopausal stage of life. Of the more than 16 million women currently past menopause, only about half start hormone replacement therapy and only about half of those stick with it. Many drop out because of side effects or fear of cancer, not knowing that they have other alternatives. Greater awareness and assertiveness about your health, becoming a more informed healthcare consumer and asking questions, taking the initiative in making preventive choices, and becoming an active participant in your healthcare empowers you to find the unique solutions that are best suited to you. Robban Sica, MD received her doctorate from the Medical College of Ohio. Her background study includes holistic medicine, anti-aging, natural hormone replacement and endocrine problems, nutrition/vitamin supplementation including natural alternatives to medication, allergies, and environmental medicine, heavy metal toxicity using natural and chelation therapy, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and treatment of chronic illnesses. www.centerforhealingarts.com See ad on page 31.

Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2015

What are ways to treat Keratosis Pilaris? Keratosis is caused by a build-up of keratin, which blocks the opening of the hair follicle. There is no universal treatment for Keratosis, but there are measures you can take to alleviate and prevent the condition from worsening. Most treatments focus on softening the skin’s keratin deposits, these treatments include topical exfoliants, topical retinoids and laser therapy. In addition to treatment, you must practice self-care measures which consist of avoiding vigorous scrubbing and skin irritation, consistently using lotions and creams to ensure proper moisturizing (especially in the winter months), using a humidifier in your home and trying urea and lactic acid-based products. Submitted by Donyelle McBride, Trichologist. US Trichology Institute Board Member. For more information, visit www.mcbridehair.com or call (860)985-2081

Natural Nutmeg Wants You! We are seeking a positive, enthusiastic, highly professional, goal-oriented marketing representative in Connecticut. The candidate will be responsible for networking, generating leads and consultative sales in the healthcare, hospitality, restaurant and retail industries. Candidate should be able to work both independently and on a collaborative team, and be self-motivated. Opportunities to develop marketing strategies and promotions. If you have a willingness to actively contribute to a team environment and a passion for marketing, please send your cover letter and resume to Dr. Diane Hayden at diane@naturalnutmeg.com

Healthy Sex Includes Protection From a Toxic Bed

Correct the Damage Done by Sitting with Posture6

oing au naturel in bed— in the purest sense possible, with an organic mattress and all-natural sheets— should be included in the modern definition of safe sex. After all, having a healthy sex life includes being protected from disease, and the intimate exposure to toxins emitted from a conventional bed and bedding has been linked to serious health issues, from asthma to cancer, as well as reproductive challenges.

eginning at birth, we intuitively know about natural movement and begin to develop the musculature to propel us upward and outward into the world. We spend the first months creating the natural curves of our spine that we need for longevity. But as soon as we start to explore our surroundings, we unconsciously start to develop bad habits due to environmental and technological body positioning, such as being plopped in front of a television, playing video games, sitting at a desk at school, driving in a car, sitting in front of a computer at work. We have the opportunity to sit just about anywhere and when there’s no place to sit, we might question why and even become offended. We sit so much that we compromise the four natural curves in our spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral) and unknowingly begin to develop poor posture.

The Clean Bedroom’s Top 4 Reasons to Go Au Naturel in Bed 1. Avoid a Toxic Nightmare: Conventional mattresses contain oil-based foams, chemical flame retardants, and synthetics like formaldehyde and boric acid, and conventional sheets are treated with stain protection—good health is at risk through upclose-and-personal exposure to these toxins. 2. Sleep with Mother Nature: Organic mattresses use earth- and body-friendly materials, like all-natural latex and wool—both are natural defenses against mold and mites, offer good heat-regulating properties, and repel moisture; in addition, wool is a natural flame retardant. 3. Make a Good Investment: Organic mattresses are available at all price points and typically outlast synthetic counterparts by many years—organic latex, for instance, is the longest-lasting mattress material; plus, it doesn’t slowly lose its shape over time like synthetic foam mattresses. 4. Make It “Our” Way: Many organic mattresses are customizable so that both sides match the individual sleeper’s preferred level of firmness; if there is a change in the preference, most organic mattresses can be taken apart to adjust the level of firmness. There’s nothing sexier—and safer!—than being truly au naturel in bed. Chris Chamberlin is co-founder of The Clean Bedroom (thecleanbedroom.com). Now in its 10th year, The Clean Bedroom is the country’s premier resource for allergy-free, eco-friendly mattresses, bedding and accessories. Customers can test-drive (or test-nap!) an organic mattress at The Clean Bedroom’s sleep showrooms in Portland, ME, Kittery, ME, Wellesley, MA, Greenwich, CT, New York, NY, Brooklyn, NY and Santa Monica, CA; its Austin, TX location is re-opening soon as The Clean Bedroom & Home.

Sitting in an unnatural position causes damage to the natural curvature the spine. Posture6 provides a simple way for us to heal ourselves. The unique functionality of the Posture6 improves our well-being and our life by: • Realigning our spine and encouraging upright posture • Relieving stress on our back, neck, and spine • Repairing old, chronic back problems and beginning new movement habits • Restoring, rehabilitating, and developing muscles with more efficient and functional movement • Retraining our back with the development of new muscle strength and skills • Reviving our life and taking charge of our surroundings with this new knowledge of movement J. Brendan Ammann is the creator of the Posture6. A licensed massage therapist since 2004, Brendan Ammann combines a degree in mechanical engineering with training in gymnastics, kettlebell, Olympic lifting and a first degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. For 12 years, he has been working with people who have had chronic body problems. Brendan had been searching for the Posture6 ever since a childhood injury left him with a lifetime of chronic neck and back pain. Now that he has experienced the benefits and convenience of wearing the Posture6, he knows it will help others as well.Please visit www.posture6.com. See ad on page 13.

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Nutmeg “Nuggets” Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones… Or, Make Them Strong and Healthy

es, sounds outlandish. If it really does work, why didn’t someone start doing it a long time ago? It turns out that they did. And, they happened to be some of the most skilled, fit and agile athletes in history. Asian mind-body masters, the legendary Shaolin monks and nuns, discovered that their bones grew much stronger with self-applied tapping. They used ironwood sticks and even bags of stones to repeatedly tap their own arms, legs and torsos. Tapping generated healthy bone tissues and marrow cells for injury prevention when they needed to use martial arts for selfdefense. Research proves that tennis players have forty percent more bone density in the dominant playing arm. Recurrent striking activities, vibrations and brisk impacts are proven to strengthen bones and fortify connective tissues. Osteotap ProactiveHealth program sequences build bone vitality with gentle rattan and brisk bamboo reed tappers. Laterally directed self-applied tapping regenerates bone more effectively than repeated harsh pounding of weight-bearing exercises. Tapping creates site-specific improvements of compact and spongy bone tissues in hips and forearms. Osteotap benefits are enhanced with ‘Silken Strength’ moves for agility and healthy connective tissues. Stressmanagement with mindful ‘Move-Breathe-Smile’ rhythmic breathing provides a complete evidence-based ProactiveHealth program for mind-body fitness. Training and Certification is available for Osteotap ProactiveHealth Coaches who learn to lead joyful evidence-based activities to build bone vitality, prevent illness and alleviate chronic conditions. ProactiveHealth Collaborative located at SunDo Center, 45 South Main, Suite 90, West Hartford. CT www.proactivehealthlearning.com 860-578-2465 osteotap@gmail.com See ad on page 33.

Natural Pediatric Medicine, LLC Specializing in Women and Children • Services Provided: Wellness Visits and Annual Exams, Vaccine Counseling • Common Pediatric Conditions Treated: Cold/Flu, Ear Infections, Reflux/GERD, Eczema, Allergies/Asthma, Autism Spectrum Disorder • Common Women’s Health Conditions Treated: Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Depression, Anxiety, IBS, Infertility • Nutritional, botanical and homeopathic supplements • Child friendly formulations like liquid, chewable, and powders for an easier delivery system “I absolutely love what I do. It is an honor to be able to provide families with a natural approach to raising children. I had the luxury of raising both of my children from birth with Naturopathic care and am honored to be able to offer that choice to the families in my home state as well.”

Dr. Robin Russell Natural Pediatric Medicine, LLC 176 Ashley Falls Road Canaan, CT 06018

Phone - 860.453.4090 Fax - 860.453.4191 http://www.naturalpediatricmedicinellc.com

Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2015

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On...Nutrition & Reflux in Children... “No infant or child need suffer with painful reflux. Safe and natural options exist.”

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Specializing in Women’s Health Wellness • Gynecology • Obstetrics

Our holistic approach to women’s health is designed to appeal to each patient’s physical, emotional and spiritual balance. We invite you to visit our uniquely designed and operated medical practice because we’re confident that upon arrival and throughout your treatment, you will find our facility soothing, comfortable and technologically advanced. Our skilled team of professionals can respond to whatever you need to help you feel better, look good and live to your fullest potential.

Contact Dr. Diane Hayden Publisher@naturalnutmeg.com

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South Windsor (860)648-2748 ~ West Hartford (860)231-1644 Enfield (860)231-1644 www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Libido - Beyond Hormones

By Dr. Tonya Pasternak

exual health is often overlooked in medical settings. While many doctors and patients realize the importance of discussing mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing, sexuality is frequently neglected. However, studies show that up to 43% of people have unsatisfactory sex lives. One of the most common reasons for this, for both men and women, is a low sex drive, aka low libido. Because sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone are key components of sexual health and reproduction, it can be easy to blame them as the cause of libido issues. While this can be the case, hormones are not the ‘be all end all’ players when it comes to a healthy sex drive. There are many other factors that play a part, and if libido is an issue, your physician can help you explore the various potential causes. Depression While physical pleasure is an obvious component of a healthy sex drive, the psychological aspect should not be underestimated. If an individual is having any sort of mood disorders, such as depression, it can be nearly impossible for the body to become aroused.

Fatigue While it may seem overly simplified, low energy is another very common cause of decreased libido. In such a case, a person may either not think about sex, or may think about it, but lack the energy to act upon such thoughts. Although some level of fatigue is common in many people, this degree may indicate an underlying condition. Conditions to consider include thyroid disease, anemia, malnutrition, and various infections like mono or Lyme disease. Discovering the cause of fatigue is key, and correcting it can help a person regain stamina in the bedroom. Physical Deconditioning In today’s society, it is very common for people to have stagnant lifestyles. People spend large amounts of time being stationary and not enough time being physically active. Stagnation within the body causes people to have low energy, discomfort within the body, and decreased motivation. Exercise leads to increased energy, uplifted mood, a better perception of body image, and increased blood flow, all of which are beneficial for libido. Pain

Laboratory testing can be done to see if there is an underlying condition that can alter mood, such as anemia, thyroid disorders, or nutritional deficiencies. Neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin are commonly low in people with depression, so looking for such chemical imbalances would provide a clear identification of depression. Stress Stress also plays a role in sexual desire. When we do not have an outlet to relieve stress, it can have serious consequences on health, low libido being one potential outcome. When people are under high amounts of stress they often produce excess cortisol, known as the stress hormone. This overproduction can cause imbalances in sex hormones, leading to a lower sex drive. Testing can be done to identify if stress and increased cortisol are contributing to libido issues. If so, stress reduction techniques, counseling, body work and supplementation are all potential options for treatment used by naturopathic doctors.

Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2015

Pain can affect us throughout our entire body and in very specific ways. It can be musculoskeletal or neurological, but can also be more internal, such as with the reproductive organs. A person experiencing pain, regardless of the type or location, reduces the desire for physical contact. Pain is your body’s way of announcing a problem, and it will commonly continue to be damaging if not addressed. By performing blood work, physical exams, or imaging techniques, we can begin to help pinpoint the source of your pain and start corrective treatments. Reducing pain will often allow a person to gain their lives back, and continue doing the activities that once brought them joy. Because sexual health plays such a huge role in a person’s quality of life, it is important to treat libido with just as much significance as other aspects of your health. Don’t be afraid to speak with your doctor about your sex drive, and to work with him or her to help create wellness and strength throughout the entire body. Dr. Tonya Pasternak is a board certified naturopathic physician with a family practice in Manchester, CT at Connecticut Natural Health Specialists. All of the physicians are in-network providers for most insurance companies. For appointments or more information, please call (860)533-0179 or visit ctnaturalhealth.com. See ad on page 5.

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Nurturing Your Relationship While Being a Working Mom By Dr. Robin Russell

ne of the most challenging jobs in the world is being a mom. Factor in being a working mom and that job just got a little harder. It’s easy to lose yourself when you are spread thin between motherhood and your career. Relationships with your partner can take a backseat to these two roles. Relationships should be a priority, as they provide mental and emotional support that can help you successfully manage your other important roles. Nurturing oneself oftentimes is as important as nurturing your relationship, so that you can optimally balance being a mom and a wife, and having a career. Address Health Concerns with your Doctor When you don’t feel well, it is very difficult to do any job—especially parenting. It is not uncommon to feel tired, sad, anxious, and/ or stressed, and to not sleep well. Most of the time, the causes can be identified (hormone imbalance, thyroid, adrenal fatigue, nutritional deficiencies, GI flora imbalance, poor diet, etc.) and are treated appropriately. “Me Time” “Me Time” becomes a thing of the past upon the birth of your first child. It is a natural instinct to put our children first, and as healthy as that is, we also have to remember that we need to be emotionally healthy in order to be able to give 100%. A good place to start thinking about “Me Time” is to go back to the time before the baby was born, and recall things you used to do that made you feel good. Was it spending a couple of hours snowboarding? Jogging down a trail? Hiking? Meditating? Taking a dance or yoga class? Taking a bath with essential oils? “Me Time” can help nurture both your emotional and spiritual inner self. Connect and Maintain Friendships Outside of your Relationship Friendships from high-school, college, and work tend to fall by the wayside after marriage and kids. Reconnecting with friends can be a very uplifting and purposeful endeavor. Friendships can help increase your sense of belonging and purpose, boost your happiness and reduce your stress, and improve your self-confidence and self-worth. Show Affection for One Another Think back to when you and your partner first started dating. Do you remember holding hands in the car? Do you remember kissing at that party? Do you remember hugging every time you saw each other? Showing affection for one another is just as important now as when it was when you started dating. Your partner needs to know that they are loved and desired. It is also important that you show affection for one another in front of your children so that they grow up seeing signs of love between their parents. 14

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Love, Romance, and Intimacy At the end of a long day you probably want nothing more than to curl up on the couch under the fleece blanket and watch some Home and Garden or Food Network TV. While this may be true on most days, try and schedule a time to become intimate with your partner where you both might not be so tired; perhaps a Saturday night while the children are asleep, or a weekday while they are at school/ daycare. Laugh Together A good sense of humor in a relationship can go a long way. Laughter can benefit your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Where an opportunity exists to make your partner laugh, take it! You don’t need to be a comedian to elicit a laugh in someone; you can easily get your partner to laugh just by tickling them! Dr. Robin Russell is a Naturopathic Doctor specializing in Pediatrics and Women’s Health. She is Owner and a Physician at Natural Pediatric Medicine, LLC in Canaan, CT. Dr. Russell is also an Adjunct Faculty at the University of Bridgeport in their Masters of Nutrition program. She is a Board Member of the Connecticut Naturopathic Physicians Association as well as a Member of the Pediatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Dr. Russell graduated from Bastyr University in 2005 and opened her practice in the Seattle area later that same year. After practicing Primary Care in WA for almost eight years, Dr. Russell and her husband decided to return to CT to raise their children near family. See ad on page 10.

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Bored or Unfulfilled by Your Current Job or Career? By Lisa Zaccheo

ow do you define fulfillment in a career? Are you happy climbing the corporate ladder? Are you fulfilled by income, benefits, opportunities to travel, or the ability to work from home? For most of us, feeling a sense of fulfillment through work involves following a path that utilizes our strengths, which are in line with our passions, holds purpose, and often provides some sort of contribution to others or to the world as a whole. If you’re bored or unfulfilled, please know that you’re not alone, and know that you are not as trapped as your fear-based mind wants you to think you are. Don’t Sell Your Soul! I personally spent almost 20 years in an industry and career that others envied, and yet I was totally unfulfilled because I knew that I wasn’t doing what I was meant to be doing, and I didn’t feel like I was making a contribution. I was not leading a purposeful life, and although I made more money than I knew what to do with, got to travel all over the country and work with some great people, I was not happy and no matter how much I tried to talk myself into how great my career was, my spirit just wasn’t buying it. I finally got to a breaking point. My job took all of my time. I was neglecting my relationships with friends and family, I was mentally and emotionally burnt out, and my physical health was failing. I distinctly remember a pivotal moment when I said to myself, “If I continue with this, I’ll be selling my soul.” How can we put a price on our soul and our soul’s happiness? I realized that, contrary to what I’d always been taught, financial security did not equal happiness, and that I needed to do something that fed me instead of just my wallet. It was in that moment that I got determined to find a different and better way. Maybe that’s the place you’re in right now. Help from the Universe Once I made the decision that my current job was no longer an option, the

universe got on board and started providing clear guidance and direction. Not the direction I would have expected, and not the solution that I ever would have come up with, but very loud and clear direction nonetheless. It was that direction that prompted me to explore hypnosis. As the daughter of a doctor and an accountant, hypnosis was decidedly out of the family box. In fact, I’m pretty sure my parents thought I had gone over the deep end when I told them that I was headed in that direction, but I held fast, followed my path and am beyond happy that I did. I was an extremely skeptical student and questioned pretty much everything that came out of my instructor’s mouth. Thankfully, he had the patience of a saint, and the more I questioned, the more my life-long questions were answered. Then, when I experienced hypnosis for myself, I was blown away by its power, couldn’t figure out why someone hadn’t told me about it sooner, and have been happily exploring the wonders of hypnosis ever since.

I feel eternally grateful that I have found my calling and am excited to share my passion and knowledge with you. If this article has sparked a flame of curiosity in you, come experience it for yourself and then decide whether you want to learn to share it with others. In the meantime, block out June 20th – June 27th on your calendar. Lisa Zaccheo’s next training session begins June 20th. She has trained more than 80 students in hypnosis over the last 6 years. She is a Board Certified Hypnotist, Instructor, and Speaker and is the owner of Mind Matters Hypnosis Center with locations in Avon, North Branford and Guilford. For more information, visit MindMattersHypnosis.com or call 860-693-6448. See ad on this page, and page 25.

Learning Hypnosis Helps on Many Levels Fast forward through 13 years of private practice and thousands of clients. I’ve refined my skills and now know that it’s critically important to train others, as that’s the only way that the power of this healing modality is going to gain critical mass. It’s important that more people learn and apply hypnosis, because, in my admittedly biased opinion, it’s one of the most naturally powerful tools available today. The foundation of my 100-hour Certification Course is based on the National Guild of Hypnotists curriculum, which I’ve enriched with all that I’ve learned through study and experience. What if you could clear all the fears that are holding you back, let your gifts shine, access your true happiness and then help others do the same? What if you could create not only a great living, but also a great life? How amazing would your life be? www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Soul Retrieval: Reclaiming Personal Power Through Shamanic Healing By Jessica C. Hunter “It is our birthright to fully express our Souls. Life without meaning equals despair. It is time for all to collect back our lost pieces and remember why we were born into this world. Then, we are truly healed and can live our lives in harmony and help others do the same.” -Sandra Ingerman, Soul Retrieval: Mending the Fragmented Self

hamanic healing is the oldest form of holistic healing, practiced for thousands of years amongst various cultures. It focuses on working with the invisible – the spiritual and energetic world – to create a bridge of balance and harmony in the physical world. In traditional cultures, the Shaman, also known as the medicine man or woman, is the channel to the spirit world and the physical world for healing the community, on both a global and individual level. This ancient practice continues to thrive today and is becoming increasingly popular through work provided by modern shamanic practitioners. One of the most profound and healing shamanic techniques is that of soul retrieval. A soul retrieval is a shamanic healing technique that restores balance, harmony, and personal power to an individual. Shamanic teachings suggest that as we progress through transitions, traumas, or significant life events, a piece of our soul essence (also known as a soul part) may leave the physical body and return to the spirit world. The soul part leaves the physical body as a form of self preservation and protection of itself; if the body is imbalanced on a physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual level, the soul essence is affected and not in alignment with the body, resulting in partial soul loss. It is possible, and very common, to have more than one soul part leave the body throughout life’s journey. The catalyst for imbalance is usually the event that initiates this process, such as a life transition, significant change, or trauma. Giving away one’s personal power to another is also a catalyst for soul loss. Individuals who experience depression, addictions, grief, or a sense of emptiness or incompleteness, are usually candidates for soul retrieval work. Soul loss can also be connected to a positive transition; it is not always associated with negative events. The soul part that transitions back to the spirit world returns there seeking healing, protection, and safety. Sometimes, it returns for a purpose of learning a lesson or life skill. When the soul part is ready to be reunited with the body, and the physical body is ready to reclaim it, it can be re-integrated through a soul retrieval.

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Some examples of soul loss are the following: if an individual is in a relationship that has a power struggle and is not balanced, soul loss can occur. The individual who is always giving to the one who is taking in this type of relationship is actually also giving a piece of his/ her power/ soul essence away. Sometimes this is done consciously, and sometimes unconsciously. Either way, the effects can be felt – you may feel mentally or emotionally drained, fatigued, or depressed. This is an example of giving your power away. Another example of soul loss is exhibited with grief. When an individual grieves another, they are going through a normal process; however, unresolved grief, or extremely deep grief, can cause a soul part to leave the individual and in some cases, join their loved one in the spirit world. The individual misses their loved one so much that they cannot bear to be without them and accept the transition, and they lose a piece of themselves in the process. That piece is not meant to be in the spirit world with the loved one, it is meant to be in their physical body at that time; the time will eventually come when they fully transition and can join their loved ones in whole soul. In these cases, the grief process can be even more difficult with the soul loss, and the grieving individual may not be able to move forward due to losing this soul part; the soul loss can actually hinder the healing process. Today, soul retrievals are facilitated by trained shamanic practitioners to restore balance and healing. As the soul part and the physical body both need to be in alignment for the healing to be successful, the practitioner must obtain permission to do the healing from their spirit teachers prior to doing the healing work. Permission truly happens between the soul part and the receiver; the practitioner is the intermediary. If permission is granted, the practitioner can access the soul part through a shamanic journey. The practitioner’s spirit teacher shows them where the part is located and which part is ready to return. The practitioner may see a symbol of the soul part, or they may see an exact visualization of the part at the time of the soul loss – right down to the clothes they were wearing, style of their hair or location in the physical world. Spirit teachers are significant guides that are accessed in shamanic training and apprenticeship. A deep relationship is developed over a period of many years with them; this relationship is crucial for the practitioner to be able to perform advanced shamanic healing work such as soul retrieval, and should absolutely never be attempted on anyone without proper formal training over a period of years.

Every soul retrieval is unique. The soul part that returns is the part that is ready to re-integrate at the time of the healing by its own free will. The practitioner does not have any say in which part is to be returned; they simply are the channel that facilitates the healing by the spirits. When a soul retrieval is done correctly and ethically, the part then receives a cleansing, blessing, and healing from the spirit teacher before the practitioner re-integrates it into the body. This is done to ensure that no soul part comes back damaged, negative, or broken. The individual can now welcome and reclaim a piece of their personal power and life essence where it truly belongs. Soul retrievals can provide tremendous healing and transformation for the receiver. Some individuals feel fully empowered after a soul retrieval; some feel whole and ‘home’ again. Others are able to move forward where before they described themselves as ‘stuck.’ It is also possible for individuals to experience emotions or memories from the time of soul loss upon completion of the healing. These memories and emotions can range from positive to negative. It all depends on which event, transition, or change the soul loss was originally connected to. Some individuals do not remember the exact event of the soul loss, and some feel nothing. All of it is part of the healing process and moving towards complete balance and wellness. Whatever the experience, it is important for the receiver to fully embrace what the spirits have provided in the healing, to integrate it within and into their life, to fully complete the retrieval and move towards a new level of healing. Soul retrievals enable individuals to heal through a divine connection, while empowering them to participate in their own healing process. It is a powerful and transformational shamanic healing that truly embraces and encourages empowerment for reclaiming personal power. Jessica Hunter is a Shamanic Practitioner and Shamanic Medium, Ordained Minister with Circle of the Sacred Earth, Reiki Master Teacher, Crystal Healing Practitioner, Empath, and Spiritual Teacher. For more information, visit www.hunterhealinghands.com. See ad on page 41.

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Pelvic Pain and Manual Therapy By Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD, PT, IMT,C

o you suffer from pelvic pain? Is it chronic or does it just present when you are performing certain activities, such as riding a bicycle or having sex? Is it difficult to sit for long periods of time, like at a movie or at work? Pelvic pain can be debilitating. Imagine not being able to perform the most basic and mundane activities, such as sitting, and how that would affect your life. Experienced by 25% of Women in the US The incidence of pelvic pain and pelvic floor disorders is rising. According to the National Institutes of Health, roughly one quarter of US women are affected by pelvic floor disorders. One study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2008, showed that the frequency of pelvic floor disorders increases with age, affecting more than 40 percent of women between 60 and 79 years of age, and about 50 percent of women 80 years and older. Injuries Must be Considered In traditional physical therapy settings, pelvic pain is generally regarded as a muscle problem, where pelvic muscles are in a state of spasm and tension, leading to pain. What often is not considered is the person’s potential trauma history, such as a car accident or sports injury. Imagine being in a car accident. The impact can contribute to our spine and pelvis being out of alignment. It is important to note that our pelvic muscles attach to our pelvis and skeleton. The result of the pelvis and spine being moved out of alignment (because of the force of the collision) can be strain in the pelvic muscles.

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The muscles cannot relax until the spine is back in alignment. Manual Therapy is a tool that can successfully restore pelvic and spinal alignment, thereby reducing pelvic pain. Gentle Therapy that Corrects the Cause Manual Therapy is a hands-on approach that is practiced by many physical therapists and massage therapists. A particular advanced form of Manual Therapy is Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT). Integrative Manual Therapy is a gentle type of treatment that can identify underlying reasons for pain. IMT practitioners look at the ability of the joints to move, for example, the low back and pelvis. They also assess the alignment of the joints. Gentle techniques are used to improve mobility and alignment. IMT therapists assess the tension of the fascia in the low back and pelvis to determine areas of compression. Assessment goes beyond the joints and includes soft tissue, to find possible underlying contributors to pain. IMT is beneficial in creating a more neutral alignment in the low back and pelvis, to support reduction and elimination of pain. Keep in mind that even minor falls can cause the pelvis to shift out of alignment. Some of the pelvic muscles are positioned in a sling-like arrangement in the pelvis from one side to the other. Let’s say you slip on the ice and fall on your butt; it is unlikely that you land perfectly in the middle. Very likely, one side hits the ground first. This force can cause the pelvis to shift, creating pelvic and low back pain. By using IMT, we can create healthier balance between the two sides of the pelvis and restore alignment, thereby reducing pelvic pain.

Sneezing and Stress Incontinence Some women suffer from stress incontinence when they sneeze. The pelvic muscles in this sling-like formation have a distinct right side and left side. One side can go into spasm secondary to a fall or other physical trauma, while the opposite side is not in spasm. In the center of these two muscles is the sphincter that allows urine out of the bladder. When there is an imbalance between the two sides of the pelvic muscles, the sphincter can be affected, contributing to stress incontinence. By restoring alignment of the pelvis, and by focusing IMT on the pelvic muscles to reduce the spasm, pressure is taken off of the sphincter and urinary function is improved. Strengthening the Immune System In addition to a physical trauma, some people have histories of women’s or men’s health issues in the pelvis. Many of these types of issues, such as bladder and bowel dysfunction, can be inflammatory and are often accompanied by pelvic pain. The inflammation and toxicity in the pelvis can affect the strength of the pelvic bones, especially the sitting bones, which can lead to pain. In addition to correcting the alignment of the pelvis and low back, it is often beneficial to focus IMT on strengthening the immune system and promoting circulation and drainage to and from the pelvis. This can create more strength in the pelvic bones and help to relieve symptoms brought on with different activities. Dietary Changes are Another Option In addition to IMT as a tool to restore pelvic alignment and reduce pelvic pain, making some basic dietary changes is

another option that may help to improve pelvic pain. When pelvic pain is an issue, there is the possibility that it is caused by inflammation throughout the pelvic region, creating difficulty for the individual organs to function optimally. Pelvic inflammation can lead to multiple challenges, including suboptimal bowel and bladder function, PMS and menstrual irregularities, and more. By switching to a diet that avoids inflammatory foods, the pelvic inflammation can be reduced. One inflammatory food is gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and often, oat. When gluten is ingested, it can increase inflammation in the body. Eliminating gluten completely from the diet can promote overall health for many people and help to restore normal pelvic function and reduce chronic pain. Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD, PT, IMT,C is the President and Owner of Integrative Wellness and Physical Therapy in Bloomfield, CT, a wellness center specializing in holistic Physical Therapy, Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT), and nutritional wellness. Dr. Connell-Giammatteo is a Physical Therapist and Certified Integrative Manual Therapist. She has been practicing in the field of IMT for over 15 years. Dr. Connell-Giammatteo is a graduate of the Institute of Functional Medicine’s program “Applying Functional Medicine into Clinical Practice” focusing on nutritional wellness. She has written many articles on the subjects of IMT, healthy living, natural parenting, and nutritional wellness. She has been living in the Greater Hartford area for many years, where she integrates a healthy lifestyle at home with her wonderful family. See ad on page 21.

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Maintaining and Strengthening Relationships During Infertility Treatment By Melissa Kelleher, LCSW

s the saying goes, marriage takes work. In fact, all relationships are work, but in truth it is the external factors that test our most precious ties. For couples who are struggling with infertility, going through treatment can be one of the most stressful periods of their relationship. Based on a review of the literature on the psychological aspects of in vitro fertilization (IVF), IVF is physically and emotionally stressful for women and their partners; depression and anxiety are the most common psychological reactions to treatment (Eugster and Vingerhoets, 1999). Dealing with the Emotional Toll The stress of infertility affects the dynamic of any couple’s relationship, and it can also affect a couple’s ability to stay in treatment until they are able to start a family. The leading cause of couples terminating fertility treatment is the emotional toll it takes. Several studies have indicated that a significant number of patients drop out of infertility treatment programs voluntarily, not for financial reasons or on the advice of their doctors. Many patients seeking help with infertility drop out due to the “emotional cost” (Gleicher N, et al. 1996). As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), I meet with patients to help them develop stress management skills that will assist them on their path to starting a family, as well as to maintain a healthy relationship. To counter the psychological effects of infertility treatment, I encourage my patients to maintain open communication and to find tools that minimize stress. This can be accomplished by learning about the mind-body connection, and by eliciting the relaxation response, which is capable of counteracting the physical toll of stress on the body. It also gives patients a way to feel more in control during their treatment. Mind-Body Connection When a person is under pressure, the body experiences a physiological or ‘fight or flight response.’ During this period, the brain is unable to tell the difference between physical danger and psychological stress and causes the body’s functions to speed up, tense and become very alert. The average American has approximately 50 responses a day to stress. In the short-term, this stress can lead to insomnia, headaches, back pain, stomach issues, and an increase in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. In the long-term, excessive stress has a cumulative effect and will lead to high blood pres20

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sure, suppression of the immune system, anxiety, depression, and anger-management issues. Patients can utilize mind-body techniques to reverse the affects of stress on the body. By training their minds to be more ‘fit,’ patients experience an immediate sense of relief. This effect deepens over time. Patients who practice mind-body exercises every day for about 15 to 20 minutes achieve long-term improvements in how their bodies handle stress. This is called the ‘carryover effect.’ In a review of literature on psychosocial interventions for infertility, educational groups that emphasized knowledge and skills training (i.e. relaxation training) within a supportive group environment were found to be most effective (Boivin 2003). There are several different kinds of mind-body exercises, and I encourage my patients to find what works best for them. Every person has an individual preference, much like having a wide selection of ice creams to choose from. Some exercises can be done individually, while others can be done as a couple. I see the strongest results in patients who practice a combination of individual and couple exercises. Mind-Body for the Individual I like to think of utilizing mind-body techniques as a form of mental maintenance. For fertility patients, incorporating these techniques into their daily life can improve their treatment experience and the results. A review of psychological interventions to reduce stress related to IVF have concluded that they are generally effective, and that there is ample preliminary evidence that psychological distress can impact fertility, and thus IVF outcome (Campagne, 2006). Breathing techniques, body scans and self-guided meditation are examples of ways to elicit the relaxation response. They take only minutes yet they have an immediate physiological effect on the body, its stress hormone production and long-term effects of stress by-products, such as high blood pressure. There are several smartphone applications that can assist in mind-body practices; one that I recommend to patients is “Headspace.” In addition to these exercises, there has been a lot of recent discussion in the media about practicing Mindfulness. This is less about an exercise with a definitive start and end point, and more

about shifting a person’s perspective. This daily practice helps patients’ focus and appreciate the here and now, instead of becoming preoccupied with the past and the future. For an infertility patient, this means letting go of past experiences (e.g., a negative pregnancy test) as well as future expectations (e.g., tomorrow’s embryo transfer) that prevent you from enjoying the present moment. I encourage my patients to imagine putting their thoughts about their infertility treatments away in a box, for a little while, and practicing Mindfulness or “being in the moment” 15 minutes a day. As Jon Kabat-Zinn puts it, Mindfulness is the “direct opposite of taking life for granted.” By learning to live in the moment, patients can promote peace and stillness within.

Melissa Kelleher, LCSW works with couples and individuals at Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT), giving them the tools to emotionally handle their fertility challenges and make related decisions. Melissa earned her Master’s in Social Work from New York University and she graduated cum laude from State University of New York at Albany. She has been working as a Master Level Social Worker (MSW) since 1997, and earned her LCSW from New York State in 2006 (when it was first offered) and from Connecticut in 2013. Melissa has trained under Alice D. Domar, PhD, a pioneer in the application of mind-body medicine to men’s and women’s health issues. See ad on page 35.

Mind-Body for Couples I find that the most effective adaptation of the mind-body approach starts with the individual and moves to the couple. Like a couple who chooses to lose weight together through improved diet and exercise habits, mind-body approach works best when a patient has the support of her partner. Mind-body exercises can help a couple to improve their communication and manage their stress together. Rather than allowing infertility to become all-encompassing, I encourage my patients to recapture joy. If it is hard to do that, I ask my patients to make a list of 20 things that make them happy and find a way to incorporate them into their day and/ or their week. They should find something they enjoy doing together. It is important for couples to laugh together and have fun, to live in that moment, even when infertility is taking its toll. Couples can support each other by practicing mind-body techniques together. They can take a yoga class, do a guided meditation or even take a mindful walk together. They can also seek out support groups or counseling. For patients who are struggling with their emotions during this time, this can have significant benefits. These are safe environments where patients can share their thoughts, fears, anxieties, and disappointments. They take comfort in knowing they are not alone; after all, one in six couples experiences infertility. They may find a way to articulate their feelings. These sessions also can be a way to address emotions with a finite start and finish; allowing couples to discuss their feelings without letting those feelings encroach on every moment of the day. Lastly, I suggest resources and reading to patients. Alice Domar, a thought-leader in using mind-body connection to improve fertility, has written Healing Mind, Healthy Women. One of her ideas for improving communication and the tone of couples’ conversations is through “new and good.” For example, when a couple comes home at the end of the day, they each share one new item and one piece of good news from their days. By restructuring their thoughts into something positive, they are changing the way they communicate and interact. Infertility Patients are More than their Diagnosis. An infertility diagnosis and going through treatment can be one of the most stressful experiences a couple will endure together. But it does not have to define them. It can be a learning experience with lasting benefits. By overcoming these challenges, you can learn how to cope with stress and better yet, your relationship can become even stronger.

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Sex, Money, and… Retirement: How to Thrive in the Second Half of Your Marriage By Lawrence Ford ne day we wake up and say, “Where did the time go?” The kids are off and we are retired. Waking up and entering the stage of retirement in a conscious way can make the difference between surviving and thriving for couples during the second half of your life.

We have all heard it before, and perhaps even experienced firsthand the two top killers of a marriage… sex and money. But what does retirement have to do with healthy relationships? It turns out that moving into the stage of retirement can have a significant effect on your relationship. The National Center of Health Statistics reports that during 1981 to 1991, there was a 16 percent increase in the divorce rate among couples who have been married 30 or more years. Marriage after retirement can be a difficult time for many couples. Life’s Transitions Look back at your life for a minute and think about those “big” transitions like being born, getting dropped off for school for the first time, your first sleepover, your first bus ride to school, your first date, graduation from high school or college, your first job, having a child, getting divorced/remarried, health/psychological challenges, loss of someone close, children off to school, retirement, and of course the preparation for that last big final transition, the death of your body. From a spiritual perspective, life’s transitions are all simply life’s way of “waking us” – giving us the opportunity to remember why we are alive and to bust through the blocks that hold us back from fully being ourselves. Because we have been through so much at this point of our lives we would hope that we have learned from all of these past life experiences that put us through initiations, but for many of us we are numb to the events and consequently when we enter into the retirement initiation we are no more prepared than when we were hopping on the bus on our way to first grade. I sat down with Christine Ragusa, a licensed marriage and family therapist working out of Gulf Stream Center for Health and Wealth. Christine has nearly twenty years of counseling experience working with couples and observing couples as they go through life’s challenges and transitions. I was curious about her perspective as couples went through retirement. 22

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1. Intimacy: For some of us, just the thought of being together 24/7 can send shivers down our spine…how sad is that? Chris Ragusa says, “Retirement brings a couple into incredibly close quarters, and you can find yourself staring across the kitchen table at your partner with little to say. Often through necessity your lives have become separate, you sleepwalk through many years and next thing you know the two of you are by yourselves again. Becoming intimate may take practice, and not just sexually. Behaviors you have found in your spouse as slightly annoying during the “busy” years may grow into an ugly monster in retirement if you are not careful. The little things like leaving the toothpaste top off can create a wedge that becomes a silent cavern by the time you finally slow down and look at each other again. Lack of intimacy is the number one killer of a happy retirement.” Tip: Remember when you were on your first date and you were both nervous? It was exciting and terrifying because it was all new. Have some fun and admit to yourself that in some way this next stage of your life is similar. You may think you know each other but chances are a lot has happened over the years that you have both missed. Enter this time like you are starting over. You know how we say if I could just go back to another time in the past knowing what I know now? How different it would be because I have learned so much and am so much wiser? Well here is your chance. Begin dating again. Coming from this perspective can seem a little strange but it will break the ice and ease the tension. Talk about it this time. Laugh joke and be raw. Everyone goes through it. Choose to be conscious going through it, it can change the game. 2. Communication As the years slip by we become unconscious of this increasing ability to know each other so well that our non-verbal communication often says more than our words. Not being aware and honest about this is where the trouble starts. Ragusa says, “Couples start to mind read without accuracy and because they think they know exactly what the other is thinking, they think they don’t need to confirm their assumptions with their partner, (mainly because they don’t think they are assumptions at all). Thinking we know everything that the other person is thinking and not being conscious of our self-imposed mind reading capabilities is killer number 2 of a happy retirement.”

Tip: Talk about the non-verbal dance that you both do and start by verbalizing what your assumptions are to the other partner. Let the other partner react and respond to the accuracy. The key here is trust and that demands that both are honest with their responses and surrender to the old game of having to be right. 3. Personal Growth “This is a biggie,” says Ragusa. “In retirement all of a sudden you come together again and have a good look at each other after the long haul of raising kids, losing ourselves in our work, and the busyness of life. When you first met it felt like your heads were in the stars; at the doorstep of retirement it can feel like you are on different planets. Now what? Who are you? Who am I? It is not uncommon for people to define their identity through their jobs and because of this retirement can bring a loss of identity. The value of work for many is more than financial compensation. Work frequently is a source of self-esteem and purpose. So when we enter into retirement it can mean that a big part of our identity is left behind with our employer.” To the conscious person there are two really positive things about this situation: 1. Like all worthy initiations in life we need to first lose ourselves before we can find ourselves. So retirement can be a great opportunity to grow and move through old blocks and deeper into your authentic life. 2. There is no one who knows our “stuff” or who can push our buttons better than our partner. For the unconscious person the partner can simply seem like a nag or pain in the ass. For the conscious person, marital issues can be seen as mirrors for our own work. Although it can be hard to swallow at times, our partner is our most powerful teacher. And in retirement our teacher is ever present. Tip: Notice what ticks you off the most. What does your partner do that always pushes your buttons? Next time it happens look inside yourself. Examine how it makes you feel and ask what it is trying to teach you. Consider a tune up session; a coaching session with a qualified retirement couples coach or even a shaman. 4. Financial Entering into the stage of retirement can increase the tension around money. Life is changing and so will your spending. Will I outlast my money? How and where should I have my retirement money invested? How long will I live? What about the inevitable health care issues? These are all things that

if not addressed can begin to erode your fun in retirement and eventually begin to put a wedge in the relationship. Tip: Successful retirement planning is having a sound financial plan of estate investments and good health benefits. Retirement planning should include couples discussing their relationship, and what each expectation is regarding their retirement years. Create a living plan either with an online do it yourself tool or with a qualified financial advisor. Plan, but don’t hold on to a rigid budget. Entering into the unknown of retirement will only guarantee one thing, change and the unexpected. Allow your plan to bob and weave with your life and consider a financial coach that is qualified to address retirement income planning. Watch out for falling into the idea that the way you invested while you were working is automatically good for you during retirement. Chances are it could be a costly mistake. Discuss the investments with your partner and decide who will continue to take charge and if working with an advisor (or new advisor) needs to be considered. Get all of your “stuff” in one place. I was at my dad’s house the other day and I looked into the corner of his office at an old briefcase that I recalled him carrying to work many many years ago and said, “What’s that?” He responded that it is the “death bag”. As a practical scientist and a great sense of humor my dad is more prepared than most. Lawrence Ford is a Registered Representative of INVEST Financial Corporation (INVEST), member FINRA/SIPC. All expressions of opinion in this commentary reflect the opinions of the author and not necessarily those of INVEST. This commentary does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any security. INVEST does not offer tax and/or legal advice and it is strongly recommended you consult with your legal or tax professional for guidance on your particular situation. INVEST offers securities and is not affiliated with Conscious Capital Wealth Management, LLC.

Connecticut resident Lawrence Ford was dubbed the “Shaman of Wall Street” by the Washington Post – he lives in “both worlds”, the modern world of business and the ancient world of wisdom. At Conscious Capital Wealth Management (formerly Ford Financial Group) has helped over 5,000 people with their investment needs since 1989, and as a Shaman Larry helps people wake up and remember they are here for a reason. Lawrence can be reached at: www.consciouscapitalwm.com - Lford@consciouscapitlawm.com - 860-659-8299 AND at www.larryford.org. See ad on page 41.

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Creating a Conscious Relationship with Your Partner By Kristen Werblow, M.A. s there a formula for success in relationships? Have you ever wondered how some couples sustain healthy, happy, loving relationships while others seem to struggle?

When two individuals agree to specific conscious-minded practices, their relationship can thrive. Imagine this: Two people begin a relationship. They are dancing in the ‘honeymoon’ state of new love. Since they both experienced a few breakups in the past, they decide to work on creating a conscious-minded relationship this time. What this means is that they will make an effort to listen to one another, focus on solutions instead of problems, see opportunities during times of struggle, and most importantly, strive to maintain balance and well-being in their own lives apart from each other. The results of these intentions enable them to experience a relationship that is unlike any other. This means that when relationship ‘problems’ arise, they look at them from a different perspective, which allows for a beautiful and very different unfolding in the relationship. Is there a formula for success in relationships that some know and some do not? The answer is YES. Try using the 5-Step Formula below and experience it for yourself. Five-Step Formula For Success Within Healthy Relationships 1.Stay Balanced If we desire happiness, balance, and love within an intimate relationship then we must embody that within ourselves first. Maintaining a state of balance within means nourishing and nurturing the body, mind, and spirit. This includes staying positive and understanding that our thoughts and emotions have a huge impact on our life experience. It means embodying physical health through eating well and exercising. Last, and most important, it means cultivating a connection to the divine presence that resides within us all, through meditation or other mindful practices. This practice will allow us to stay more grounded in a state of love and compassion rather than frustration 24

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and anger even during the most difficult times. In this balanced state, our heightened awareness helps us to deflect any stress or negative energy that we face in our interactions with others. 2. Be an Active Listener Most of us simply want to be heard, yet often have a hard time listening to others. Instead of listening, some people defend their point of view in their own mind or even interrupt their partner mid-sentence. Does this sound familiar? Have you ever had a partner approach you with an issue and you started defending yourself before s/he even finished speaking? If this is the case, then it is imperative to practice active listening. When two individuals remember (or at least one remembers and reminds the other) that active listening is the key here, miracles can occur. Disagreements won’t grow into arguments, because the speaker has been able to fully express him/ herself and feels that s/he has been heard. Active listening is respecting your partner’s need to talk while listening patiently and putting your own thoughts, reactions, advice or defenses on hold. 3. Acknowledge and Validate Others’ Feelings Once the speaker has expressed his/ her feelings, it is essential that the listener acknowledge that s/he has heard the speaker’s feelings and now validates that those feelings are real. This important step can often make all the difference during times of struggle in a relationship. We need to be able to express our feelings, and we need to know that our feelings have been heard. Instead of trying to defend yourself, try this first. Example: It is completely understandable that you feel (disappointed, angry, resentful; name the emotion) because (I forgot to call you as promised; name what the other person is upset about). Sometimes this simple acknowledgement is all that the speaker is seeking. We need to be validated by our loved ones and accepted for who we are. And we need to be able to offer the same to them. Potential arguments or disruptions are often avoided when this simple practice takes place.

4. Maintain Power over your State of Being No one can make us feel a certain way. The way we react to others and the way their words affect us is ultimately in our control. In balanced individuals, there is a knowing and a fundamental sense of peace that resides within, which is stronger than any negative emotion we encounter. When we lose this sense of self, we give this power away and allow others to have control over our state of being. Once we realize that we have control over our own thoughts and reactions to the world around us, we become empowered. This powerful practice takes mental and emotional discipline, but it is well worth the work. In my practice as a life coach, I have seen individuals carry hard feelings toward their partners or loved ones for days, months, and even years. Many times, the person who ‘caused’ this suffering is not aware of the consequence of his/ her actions, while the other continues to suffer by mulling over the situation again and again. In essence, the individual who caused the pain is in complete control due to the fact that s/he is taking over the other individual’s thoughts and emotions in a negative way.

ceive.” In regard to relationships, this is an essential practice. If you think about how you would like to be treated if the roles in a given situation were to be reversed, a different outcome can occur. Each of us deserves to have a healthy, happy, loving relationship with another. We are all capable of loving, and we all deserve to be loved.

When we ask ourselves, “How would I feel if I were in his/her shoes?” we are focusing on the other, listening to what is being said, and putting ourselves in the other’s place, rather than reacting in ways that do not help. Deepak Chopra speaks of an important universal law: “Give what you want to re-

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The 5-Step Formula for Success offers each of us the opportunity to turn desire into reality. Conscious practice of these intentions can bring our relationships to a new level. As we grow and evolve, our relationships thrive. Give it a try and watch a beautiful unfolding of your relationship with your partner. Kristen Werblow, M.A. is a Certified Life Coach. To understand exactly how to create a conscious relationship with your partner, contact Kristen at: Kristen@balancedlivingnow.com, visit her website at www.balancedlivingnow.com or call 860-707-0908. See ad on page 41.

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In order to maintain control over our own emotional state, it is imperative for us to develop and practice various methods that will strengthen our connection to our own inner power. Meditation, spending time in nature, reading inspiring articles and books, watching inspirational films, spending time with conscious-minded individuals, and simply taking frequent deep slow breaths can assist in this process. 5. See Yourself in the Other Person We are all interconnected. What this means is that we all experience love, forgiveness, compassion, anger, frustration, and conflict at various points in time. When we are able to step back from a difficult situation with a heightened consciousness, we are empowered to see ourselves in the other person. This can assist us in understanding our partner’s perspective on the issue and an important shift in the situation can occur.

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Why Have I Lost Interest in Sex? By Diane Hayden, PhD and Deanna Cherrone, MD sat down with Dr. Deanna Cherrone, founder of Natural Health & Healing in West Hartford, who has been studying and practicing functional medicine for over 9 years. I wanted to have a frank conversation on a topic all too familiar for many of us…SEX…or more specifically, the lack of it!

Dr. H: Dr. Cherrone, why is it that so many women lose interest in sex after they have been married for awhile, have children, and hit midlife? Dr. C: Let’s say that you are a woman in her mid-to-late forties and you have it all…the perfect partner, wonderful kids, an exciting career, a beautiful home, financial stability…and NO interest in having sex. In fact, not only do you have no interest, you are so exhausted at the end of the day, it’s the furthest thing from your mind. It takes a lot of energy and work to maintain the perfect partner, family, career, and home. In fact, it takes so much energy that if you’ve been running full speed since you were about 25 years old and now it’s almost 25 years later – guess what…you hit the wall. Dr. H: That sounds like just about every woman I know! We are so consumed with creating the perfect life, we don’t realize the impact it has on our health. Dr. C: That’s my point exactly. I have many patients who come in complaining that they are so exhausted they can barely get out of bed in the morning and no amount of sleep seems to help.

Dr. H: What is actually happening physiologically? Dr. C: I’ll briefly describe some of the changes that occur. The body releases cortisol in response to stress. Cortisol release allows the body to maintain a steady supply of glucose so that you can fight or flee. It’s a very primal response. Having high cortisol circulating throughout the body has negative impacts and delicate hormone balances are disrupted. Levels of progesterone drop because it is needed to make more and more cortisol. There is lowered production of DHEA, testosterone and estrogen because everything is being shunted to make more cortisol to deal with the stress. We may also see rises in cholesterol because cholesterol is the building block needed to make hormones in the body. Levels rise because the body is producing more cholesterol to make more of the hormones that are being depleted due to stress. It’s a vicious cycle. Dr. H: So it sounds like the root cause is our crazy and hectic lifestyles? Dr. C: Absolutely. The first thing I look at with a patient is their lifestyle. I want to know what they are eating, are they exercising, how much sleep are they getting, their exposure to toxins and plastics, do they smoke, do they have nutritional deficiencies and, of course, how much stress they have in their lives. The reason lifestyle is so important is that all of this can contribute to hormone imbalance. And, it is something we have control over and can change.

Dr. H: Let’s talk about what’s going on for these women. Dr. C: When you constantly push yourself to do more and more, without paying attention to the signs that you may be overdoing it, you can develop a state of chronic stress. We are designed to deal with stress for short periods of time but then immediately go back into a relaxed state. This can happen over and over, like the fight or flight response in the animal kingdom. Unfortunately, in our current society many of us are forced into, or choose, situations of chronic long-term stress with no relaxation or down time. We can deal with this for awhile, but over time our body moves from a state of alarm into adaptation and then finally, exhaustion. Dr. H: Normally when we adapt to something that’s a good thing, but not in this case, right? Dr. C: Exactly. Adaptation to chronic stress is the last place you want to be and can lead to multiple chronic diseases and eventually, death. 26

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Dr. H: I know many women must feel even more overwhelmed when they see how many things can be affecting their hormone balance and health. Even trying to eat healthier can be a huge undertaking – buying organic, antibiotic and hormone free food; meal planning and preparation; getting the right balance of carbs, fat and protein; having healthy snacks on hand, it never ends. Then we have to worry about getting enough exercise and sleep and I can’t even think about what toxins I may be exposed to?!? Dr. C: Yes – many people come in to see me and they know what they need to do but just can’t do it. The overwhelm almost paralyzes them. So what can we do? Let’s start with baby steps. If you need guidance, I recommend that you find a functional medicine practitioner to talk to about therapeutic lifestyle changes, and to do some initial testing to identify any hormonal and nutritional deficiencies. They may also get you started on some baseline bioidentical hormone replacement depending on your hormone levels and symptoms. It can do wonders for mood, energy levels and

libido. One very important thing I tell my patients to do is to find a way to implement some daily stress reduction techniques immediately. It doesn’t matter how healthy you are eating and exercising if you can’t begin to reduce stress levels. Some techniques I commonly suggest are the following: 1. Find 5-10 minutes per day to sit quietly and clear your mind. You don’t have to meditate 30 minutes to an hour a day to get the benefits. A good time to do this is first thing in the morning or at the end of the day…or both! 2. Re-engage in a hobby that you love – find something that you can get lost in for an hour or so. 3. Get a massage, take a salt bath, go to the spa and pamper yourself. 4. Connect with nature – in the woods, at the beach, on a mountain. 5. Start a gratefulness practice – write down one thing each day that you are grateful for. 6. Manifest your perfect day. Remember thoughts can become things. Dr. H: These are great ideas – I want to start them all right now! But I won’t do that, as I know it will just increase my stress level! What about some basic supplements that one can take for stress reduction? Dr. C: I typically don’t like to make supplement recommendations without seeing a patient first, but taking 1000-3000mg Vitamin C, 500-1000mg B5 and a daily dose of magnesium can help with stress. Vitamin C and B5 are very important for adrenal health and magnesium is a “relaxing” mineral in the body. Dr. H: What other recommendations would you make as far as sleep, eating healthier, exercising and exposure to environmental toxins? Dr. C: I tell all my patients to eat real food from nature as much as possible. That means organic, pesticide-free, non-GMO fruits and vegetables; antibiotic and hormone-free lean proteins like wild, smaller species of fish, pasture-raised chicken and turkey, 100% grass fed and grass finished beef; and healthy fats from nuts, seeds, extra virgin olive oil, butter, avocado and pastureraised eggs. Basically, shop the perimeter of your grocery store - with the exception of the aisles where you find healthy oils and vinegars. You need to avoid anything packaged, boxed, and processed. This means bread, pasta, cereal, pancakes, waffles, crackers, cookies and desserts, even if homemade, should be eliminated. As for exercise – I tell women to find something they enjoy doing. I prefer a combination of HIIT (high intensity interval training), strength training, and stretching like yoga or Pilates. But I love to play tennis and even though that is a long duration sport, I won’t give it up because it gives me so much joy. We also need to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Sleep is the best way to rebuild your adrenal reserves and sleeping between 7am and 9am is the most restorative for the adrenal glands. Dr. H: So…the big question…if we are able to get our lifestyles in check, will our libido return?

laxed, we should have an increased interest in sex with our partner. Sometimes we may need to add hormone replacement to help with vaginal dryness. However, there are so many factors at play for women when it comes to sexual interest and enjoyment that may have nothing to do with our physical bodies. I believe there’s a big psychological component as well – women need to be connected to their partner, intellectually stimulated, and feel that their lifestyles and hopes and dreams are aligned. There may be years of resentment and bitter feelings that have built up that need to be healed before both partners can feel safe in being intimate with each other. Like so many things in life, addressing the mental and emotional aspects often can lead to answers. Dr. H: Now that’s definitely another topic for our next article! Deanna M. Cherrone, M.D. is the director and founder of Natural Health & Healing, LLC in West Hartford, CT, a Functional Medicine practice that provides patients with a guided approach and individualized treatment plan on how to optimize health. Upon completing her residency at UCONN Medical Center and receiving board certification in Internal Medicine, she worked as an Emergency Room physician. She is certified in NLP – Neurolinguistic Programming, Therapeutic Lifestyle Change, Quantum Biofeedback and is also a certified Dream Coach Group Leader. She is currently in the process of receiving her certifications in Clinical Nutrition and Mind Body Medicine. Areas of focus in her practice include Therapeutic Lifestyle Change, Nutrition, Bio-identical Hormone Replacement - BHRT, Nutritional Supplementation, Detoxification, Exercise, Sleep, Allergies and Food Sensitivities, Adrenal Fatigue, Thyroid Disease and Stress Reduction Techniques. See ad on back cover.

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Life Off the Mat

Living a Life of Excellence and Purpose in Five Simple Steps

By: Elizabeth Aleksinas

hhh…the sweet aroma of incense fills my senses and my soul. The worries of the day begin to fade. The warm candlelit room deeply calms me and the soft, peaceful, voice of the teacher draws me into a deep state of relaxation and bliss and finally, I am home. Home on my yoga mat, away from the fast-paced, plugged-in world, where I normally, or perhaps abnormally, dwell. My body is comfortable here; my mind at ease. We move gently from one asana to another and I am transformed. Transported to a place where all is well. Class seems to magically fly by. I reluctantly roll up my mat and vow to return as often as I can! Now begins, ‘real’ life, off my mat, a deliberate day-by-day, moment-bymoment, quest to live a life of excellence and purpose. Five Simple Steps to Living a Life of Excellence and Purpose…Off the Mat. 1. Discovering Mindfulness Mindfulness is a deliberate, on purpose practice to connect with yourself and others on a deep, physical, emotional, and spiritual way. Mindfulness is centuries old, and has been adopted from the Buddhist practices of meditation. The main goal or purpose of mindfulness is to be in the present moment at all times. When you are deeply mindful there is no judgment of others or yourself. It is freedom! It’s important to practice mindfulness each day, moment by moment. Why? It is an on-purpose way of redirecting your thoughts and not allowing precious moments of your life to slip away. Mindfulness leads to a life of excellence and purpose. It helps you be aware of the moments of your life, good or bad, light or dark, happy or sad. Just simply being aware 28

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and mindful of what you eat, think and say will change your health and well-being. Being aware of how you spend your time and with whom dramatically impacts body, mind and spirit. However, mindlessness is where most of us invest our time. Arriving at a destination and not knowing how we arrived, overeating and not remembering what or if we ate, and so on, are results of mindlessness. Living this way will ultimately lead to a less than par life. Spend a few moments each day quietly sitting, focusing on your breath, clearing your mind, and setting an intention to live in-the-moment, even if just for today! This simple step, just five minutes a day, will help guide you toward a more mindful way of living. 2. Discipline “It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action and discipline that enabled us to follow through.” Zig Ziglar. This simple phrase explains clearly why discipline is a crucial step. Creating a schedule or plan each day will help you to stay on course and begin to change the abnormal pattern of your life. Discipline is defined as “to bring to a state of order.” Antonyms to discipline are agitation, chaos, disorder, and negligence. Creating goals or priorities each day may help resume order in your life. Sticking to your plan is important if you want to experience great results. Don’t be over zealous with your list, just make it simple. How do you wish to live your life—in chaos or order? It is really up to you! 3. Live without Fear Fear is often described as False Evidence Appearing Real. Fear is a deeply

paralyzing emotion. We spend so much of our lives being afraid. Afraid to step out of our comfortable box, afraid to say something wrong, afraid to offend, and afraid of what other people will think or say. We bombard our days and nights with endless news programs that are full of fear based stories. Our day is on fear overload. Fear will ultimately immobilize us and send us into withdrawal. Perhaps creating a fearless mantra, to ease some of the toxic effects of fear, will help. Some mantra examples might be, “I am not afraid,” “No fear,” “I release all fear.” Create your own fearless mantra. Be a warrior and fight for your life! Repeat your mantra several times each day. Say it out loud, in the car, before bed, when you rise, or silently at your desk! Writing the mantra on several notes and arranging them throughout your home, office, or on your computer screen will remind you daily to be fearless! 4. Acceptance “Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.” Albert Einstein This is the big one! Learning to accept where you are and who you are is the glue that will bring all the other steps together. Please do not interpret acceptance for giving up or giving in. Acceptance is an action step; a call-to-action to appreciate where you are in your life, to determine how and where you want to go, to define your dreams and desires, and to enumerate the steps to accomplish your dreams and desires. Before moving forward to there, you must first genuinely feel happy, here. To become your true authentic self, try repeating the Serenity Prayer each night before bed, allowing pure acceptance to flow.

5. Gratitude Being grateful is kryptonite to negative feelings and emotions. We must learn to be grateful not only for the joyful times in our life but also the difficult times. It is in those times of trial we learn, stretch and grow. A perfect plan to invite gratefulness into your life is to help someone else. Just a simple note in the mail—not an email or text, but an actual hand-written note can make someone’s day. Smile to at least three people each day! Be creative, think of something fun. Spreading kindness to others will fill your life with gratitude. Life off-the-mat is a deliberate journey. It is truly a lifelong journey, filled with parttime turbulence and part-time joy. I hope by adapting just these five simple steps, you will be inspired, and ultimately create a life of excellence and purpose, on or off your mat!

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Namaste, all is well. Elizabeth Aleksinas, Owner of Bramasole Wellness Center, is a Certified Personal Fitness Coach, Yoga Teacher and Healer. She teaches one on one Meditation Training and Reiki Certification. Located in Morris CT, she may be reached at 860-567-0219. info@bramasolewellness.com www.bramasolewellness.com.

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An American Revelation:

Nutritional Supplements – Not All Are Created Equally By: Summer McAllister, ND and Ann Aresco, ND

n the last few weeks, the New York State Attorney General issued cease and desist letters to GNC, Target, Walgreens and Walmart, requiring them to pull store-brand nutritional supplements from their shelves (specifically herbals), based on the results of DNA testing of the ingredients. The products tested included Echinacea, garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, saw palmetto, St. John’s Wort and valerian.

Third Party Quality Testing Product testing conducted by an outside, reliable source can ensure the quality of the product and also the consistency of ethical manufacturing practices. Supplements should be tested for heavy metals, pesticides and the bioavailability of the herb, vitamin or supplement.

Shopping for supplements can be an overwhelming experience. Every grocery store, box store and chain has aisles of supplements, herbs and vitamins overflowing from their shelves. How do you pick what you need? Many people feel comfortable with familiar company brands, generic store brands, or names they’ve heard on TV ads. Price is also a factor in buying decisions. This is why so many consumers assumed that they could trust their neighborhood Target or pharmacy. But unless you have a specific recommendation from a health care provider, it becomes a game of luck to pick a supplement that will be useful.

How to Purchase Quality Supplements Where you purchase your supplements is important. Recent reports have shown that many websites sell counterfeit products with labels that appear to be authentic, but with a different product.

When purchasing a supplement, there are three properties to check for: purity, potency and third-party quality testing. Purity Good quality supplements don’t have dyes, fillers, glues, artificial sugars, and hydrogenated oils. Some manufacturers add these ingredients to keep production costs down, but unfortunately they can be a source of allergies for people. Most people are trying to avoid these fillers in their diet—they certainly don’t want to find them in a supplement they’re consuming to improve their overall health. Potency We expect that the supplement we’re purchasing will actually help the health condition that we’re looking to improve. Many supplement companies have found that marketing campaigns are much cheaper than using good quality ingredients. Manufacturers may use forms of the nutrient that are old, inactive or poorly absorbable, in efforts to make a cheaper product. The most common tactic among less-savory brands is to use a low dose of a particular nutrient per capsule. Sometimes the dose is so low that if you added up the total milligrams in the whole bottle, you still would not get what you actually need.

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A patient here at ProNatural Physicians Group recently refilled a supplement online after having purchased the original product from our office. She noticed that while the original product was a capsule with a white powder, the one she bought online was a capsule with black “gook” in it. This is very dangerous—never take a supplement if you don’t know for certain where it came from. Even large sites like Amazon are not supplement companies; they simply list items on their site and orders are sent all over the world to be filled and sent to the customer. You truly have no way of knowing where the supplements came from. Most legitimate supplement vendors do not sell through these websites. Another factor to be aware of is that some retailers do not store heat-sensitive supplements at appropriate temperatures, so the product becomes inactive. The safest way to ensure that you are taking a quality product is to have specific recommendations from a trusted healthcare provider such as your Naturopathic Physician. It is best to seek advice from an ND who specializes in using natural therapies as medicine, as they have the most up-to-date information about which supplements are worth your time and money. Your healthcare provider can recommend the best supplements, herbs or vitamins that will be designed for your unique health concerns, saving you from wasting money on products that aren’t appropriate.

What’s the American Revelation? The American Revelation is a series of articles about the various ways that patients and consumers are becoming part of the healthcare solution, by first becoming aware of the existing problems. In our history books, the orignal American Revolution was the result of a series of social, political, and intellectual transformations in society, government and ways of thinking.Today, these same concepts reflect the changes, growth, and evolution of health care. About ProNatural Physicians Group To learn more about naturopathic medicine, or to find a licensed naturopathic doctor, visit www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com. ProNatural Physicians Group NDs are providers for most major insurance carriers. ProNatural Physicians Group, www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com, ProNaturalPhysicians@comcast. net, 860-505-0702, 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037. See ad on page 17.

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Does All Disease Start in the Mouth? By: Mark A. Breiner, DDS here are certain bugs or bacteria in the mouth that are always associated with periodontal disease. To differentiate the ‘bugs’ in my patients’ mouths as well as to monitor and assess their periodontal health, I screen for infection with the use of a microscope. A sample of plaque from under a patient’s gums is viewed at a magnification of 400x. There is a difference between a healthy sample and non-healthy sample. If the plaque sample is not good, future samples can be viewed to monitor treatment progress.

Oil Pulling One of the treatments that I have found efficacious is oil pulling. A number of years ago I read a short paragraph about the benefits of orally swishing with a tablespoon of safflower oil for 15 to 30 minutes per day. I had some patients who had persistent infections; I told them to try using the safflower oil swish. In most of these cases I observed a positive effect. Does All Disease Start in the Mouth? Recently, I have seen more talk about oil pulling, so I decided to look more deeply into this matter. I did an internet search and also purchased a book called Oil Pulling Therapy by Dr. Bruce Fife. Dr. Fife gives an overview of holistic dentistry and stresses the importance of dental health to systemic health. He discusses mercury fillings, fluoride, root canals, and periodontal disease; he builds the premise that all disease starts in the mouth. This being the case, treatment, which addresses the bacterial levels and infections in the mouth, is extremely important. His solution is oil pulling. Ayurveda – An Ancient Healing Practice Oil pulling was discussed more than 2000 years ago in Ayurvedic medical texts, as a way of cleansing the mouth and helping general health. A contemporary Ayurvedic physician, Dr. F. Karach, brought this ancient healing method into modern times in the early 1990s. He said, “…most different diseases could be totally cured without medicines or surgery. With pulling oil treatment I have cured my chronic blood disease with which I suffered for 15 years. It healed in 3 days an acute arthritis which made me lay in bed. Pulling Oil heals headaches, bronchitis, tooth pain, throm32

Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2015

bosis, eczema, ulcers and diseases of stomach, intestines, heart, blood, kidney, liver, lungs and woman’s diseases. It heals diseases of nerves, paralysis, encephalitis, and chronic sleeplessness. It prevents the growth of malignant tumors, cuts and heals them.” A Success Story Soon thereafter, a retired military officer in India, named Tummala Koteswara Rao, became aware of Dr. Karach’s paper. Tummala had suffered from allergic sneezing for 43 years and from asthma for two decades, and he said, “I tried many methods but could not get cured. I was still looking for a solution. It was at that time I got the article by Dr. Karach who proposed ‘pulling oil’ treatment with sunflower oil as a cure for all diseases. It was during the last week of December 1992 and I started practicing since 3 Jan 1993. My wife and I have been practicing Oil Pulling for over 14 years. After practicing OP for over a year, at the age of 63 I have been cured of allergic sneezing of four decades, asthma of two decades, sleeplessness, palpitation, allergies due to food items, smells, digestive problems and my wife at 56 cured of over two decades old migraine (headache), three decades old varicose veins, arthritis, blood pressure, and many other minor ailments. We were suffering from the above diseases for many years obtaining temporary relief from different systems of medical treatment.” People Report Improvements and Cures In his zeal to make more people aware of this wonderful healing modality, Rao ended up with a weekly newspaper column about oil pulling. Over the years he received many testimonials on the benefits of this technique. People reported improvements and cures with almost every disease known, including diabetes, cancer, arthritis, digestive problems, eczema, sinusitis, allergies, infections, fibromyalgia, gum disease, tooth decay and general aches and pains. There have been studies done in India verifying these results. Dentally, there have been studies showing the positive effects of oil pulling on plaque and gingivitis. First Thing in the Morning From what I have read it seems that most recommend doing oil

pulling on an empty stomach first thing in the morning when the bacterial level in the mouth is highest. Take 2 to 3 teaspoons of oil into your mouth and pull and push and suck the oil through your teeth. Do this continually for 15 to 20 minutes. After this amount of time expectorate the oil; do not swallow. Thoroughly rinse your mouth. If you cannot do this continually for 15 to 20 minutes, expectorate, take more oil and continue. Dr. Karach recommended using sunflower oil. Ayurvedic writings discuss sesame oil. Today many people recommend coconut oil. It seems that any oil will work because it is the interaction of the oil with bacteria that is important. According to Dr. Fife, the oil is attracted to the fatty membranes of the bacteria like a magnet. It is the reduction of the bacterial population in the mouth that results in the positive effects of oil pulling. 89% of Readers Report Cures Is it possible that something so simple can have such a broad positive affect? The newspaper carrying Col. Rao’s column asked readers who had tried oil pulling to participate in the survey. Out of 1041 respondents, 89% reported being completely cured of one or more diseases! Considering that there are no adverse side effects outside of a short-term healing crisis, I certainly would recommend trying oil pulling. I would ask those of you who do try it to let me know your results. For over 30 years, Mark A. Breiner, DDS, a pioneer and recognized authority in the field of biological dentistry, has helped patients from around the globe find solutions to baffling, unresolved health problems. In this award-winning book, Whole-Body Dentistry: A Complete Guide to Understanding the Impact of Dentistry on Total Health, Dr. Breiner provides readers with the knowledge to take charge of their health, make better-informed treatment decisions, and identify the right questions to ask their dentist or health care practitioner. Dr. Breiner is a practicing dentist in Fairfield, CT. Visit www.wholebodydentistry.com. 203-371-0300. See ad on page 31.

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Are You Suffering with Pelvic Pain? By Patricia D. Almeida, BSN

very day thousands of women are dealing with chronic pelvic pain. It can be debilitating and difficult to handle on a daily basis. Pelvic pain can occur within the female reproductive organs and also the organs or structures in the surrounding area such as the urinary bladder, bowels, ligaments and muscles. Women who have dealt with any of the following may have pelvic pain:

dysfunction. The philosophy of visceral manipulation is that an organ in good health has good movement. These gentle manipulations can potentially improve the health within the female pelvis by optimizing mobility and function of organs. Mercier Therapy ™ is done externally through the abdomen and focused specifically on the female reproductive organs and their surrounding structures.

• Pelvic surgery of any kind such as: C/Section, laparoscopy, laparotomy, D&C, LEEP, abortion, hysterectomy • Vaginal childbirth • Amenorrhea (lack of period) • Dysmenorrhea (painful periods) • Sexual abuse trauma • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) • Scar tissue from past sexually transmitted diseases or IUD’s • Urinary tract or yeast infection • Endometriosis • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Mercier Therapy ™ not only helps with pelvic pain but has also been shown to help those with fertility challenges. In September 2012, Dr. Jennifer Merciér, a pioneer in women’s health and fertility care, completed a four year evidence-based study that demonstrated an 83% success rate of pregnancy within one year of finishing. The results of her study was published in the Spring 2013 Midwifery Today journal and was presented at the 2013 World Congress of Low Back and Pelvic Pain. She developed The Shared Journey Fertility Program™ which is a gentle and effective approach to conception. It is designed to help you become an integral part of the healing process and on your journey to a healthy pregnancy. The program is purely holistic in nature and does not require the use of medications or surgical procedure. It includes Mercièr Therapy™ to address adhesions, scar tissue and the malalignment of the reproductive organs while increasing blood flow and circulation to the pelvic floor.

According to CDC reports, 5 million women in the US have endometriosis, 1 out of every 10-15 have PCOS, 5% have been treated for PID in their lifetime and 6.7 million women ages 15-44 have impaired fecundity (impaired ability to get pregnant or carry a baby to term). Pelvic pain can be due to scaring and adhesions in and around the reproductive organs. This can cause not only pain but also decrease your likelihood of getting pregnant. There are alternatives to medications and surgery. There is an all natural approach that may help called Mercier Therapy™. Mercier Therapy™ is a visceral manipulation program that was created by Dr. Jennifer Merciér, PhD, naturopathic doctor and midwife in an attempt to help women. It has been utilized by women seeking relief from symptoms caused by dysmenorrhea(painful period), endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, menopause, sexual abuse trauma, painful intercourse, scarring or adhesions from previous pelvic surgery or past sexually transmitted diseases, fertility challenges and for pelvic organ health and wellbeing. What is visceral manipulation? Visceral manipulation used in Mercier Therapy™ is based on the work of French Osteopath Jean-Pierre Barral. It is a therapeutic approach to relieving abnormal tissue tensions and adhesions of and around organs thereby promoting and improving function. Adhesions can form between organs and surrounding tissues and therefore their function will become altered. Altered function creates organ

Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2015

It also includes books, supplements, instruction/education of ovulation and fertility signs and a year of counseling and consultations. It can be used as a stand alone program or as an adjunct to medically assisted reproductive technologies. As a stand alone program, women may start The Shared Journey Fertility Program™ anytime. Those doing IVF or IUI should plan to begin this pelvic therapy program prior to the start of the stimulated cycle. During the sessions the practitioner works to create balance and mobility in pelvic organs and surrounding ligaments and musculature. The first session provides tangible results. Jennifer Merciér has also published a book on Mercier Therapy™ entitled “Women’s Optimal Pelvic Health” and has a documentary film “Fertility The Shared Journey With Mercier Therapy™” The goal of Mercier Therapy™ is that women of all ages from teens through menopause can have an all natural approach to help deal with a multitude of issues regarding pelvic health.

Patricia D. Almeida is the owner of Lotus Center LLC a wellness center specializing in fertility, pregnancy & women’s health. She received her Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and her license in massage therapy (LMT) and has been practicing as a registered nurse and massage therapist caring for the needs of women and their children for 20 years. She also worked as a SAFE nurse caring for the victims of sexual abuse. She is an educator, herbalist, aromatherapist and the only Certified Mercier Therapist in Connecticut and Massachusetts having trained directly with Jennifer Merciér. For more information contact the Lotus CenterLlc for Fertility, Pregnancy & Women’s Health located in old Avon Village at 45 East Main St. Avon, CT 06001, call the office (860)987-3823 or visit the website www.Lotuscenter-llc.com. See ad on page 14.

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HAPPENINGS Friday, May 1st Walk this Way! with Priscilla Bengtson. 12:05 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. FREE. Walking is an everyday occurrence so why would we need to learn how to do it? When you take walking to a higher level for fitness, there are certain subtleties that can help you become more efficient at calorie burning and muscle use. During this workshop, you will learn three levels of walking skills, breathing techniques, proper posture and foot alignment. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, May 2nd Soul Star Clearing & Activation with Jo Homar. 10am – 2pm. $50 This is for those who want to activate their full potential. These 30 minute private sessions are designed to help you remember as well as clear the way to live your soul’s mission. The sessions begin with determining the area of focus followed by the use of Guidance From Above Empowerment Cards to support your intention. You relax and sit back while I connect with angels, guides, and ascended masters while working in the spiritual layer of your human energy field to activate creativity in your eighth chakra (soul star). As I connect with your higher self, the process will clear karmic residue, uncover spiritual gifts and help you learn your soul’s purpose. To register call (860) 202-8269 or visit www.bountifulblessingsct.com.

Sunday, May 3rd Women’s Empowerment Meditation. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. $25.00. This guided meditation is specifically designed to the energy of the group. We invite in our angels and guides to help us release those things that keep us stuck. The energy of the group helps us to release those things that no longer serve our highest good and allow us to live an empowered life. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Monday, May 4th Military Healing Monday with Jo Homar. 5pm – 7pm. FREE. This monthly healing service is for men & women who are serving, who have served, and for their family members. The sessions are for 10 minutes and attendees will be served in the order of arrival. Held the first Monday of every month at Bountiful Blessings, LLC, 1177 Silas Deane Highway, 3rd Floor, Wethersfield. For information call 860.202.8269 or visit www.bountifulblessingsct.com.

Tuesday, May 5th Elemental Meditation with Christine Cartwright and Dan Lupacchino. 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $35.00. Take a journey to the healing realms

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May 2015 of plant and stone. In this class you will connect with a particular crystal and essential essence and learn about their healing properties, medicinal uses, spiritual qualities and everyday uses for incorporating their spiritual medicines into your lives. Class finishes with a meditation. Each participant will receive a small sample of the essence and a stone to take home with them. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, May 6th Introduction to Numerology with Diane Bellfy. 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $35.00. Numerology is the study of the meaning of numbers. By examining the meaning of important numbers, such as your birth date and those associated with your name, you can gain a better understanding of yourself, your strengths and your weaknesses. Participants will learn the meaning of numbers, review what the core numbers are in a numerological profile and calculate the most important number: your Life Path. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Thursday, May 7th Whole Woman Homeopathy: Free Talk at Thyme & Season, 7pm, with Dr. Louise Sanchione. Still suffering from recurring UTIs, PMS every month, bacterial vaginosis, peri-menopausal symptoms of hot flashes or other women’s health challenges? Get a boost. Break the cycle. Thyme & Season, 3040 Whitney Av, Rt. 10, Mt. Carmel section of Hamden 06518. 1 mile south Sleeping Giant/QU; 1.5 m north Hamden Town Hall; ¼ m north of end of Rt 40 connector from I-91 exit 10. 203-407-8128 x2. No reservation, 20% coupon to all.

Friday, May 8th Meet your Angels and Guides with Priscilla Bengtson. 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. $50.00. Receiving spiritual guidance is easier when you understand who you are connecting with. During this workshop you will learn about your primary spiritual guides and guardian angels. Through meditation, we will meet them and receive information from them on how they would like to work with you. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, May 9th Free Community Acupuncture with Dr. Kara Burkhart, 1:00 – 2:30 pm, West Hartford Yoga, 23 Brook St, West Hartford, CT 06110 Call (860) 953-9642 for more information. Psychic Saturday. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. $25.00 for a 20-minute reading. Receive a private reading to connect you to guidance from your angels, spirit guides and loved ones. Check the web site

for Readers. Pre-scheduling is highly recommended. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To pre-schedule an appointment, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com. Reiki I with Christine Cartwright. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. $130.00. Attune to the universal energy in this Level I Usui Reiki class. Participants will learn traditional hand positions, how to give a full body session and receive attunements to the universal Reiki energy for selfhealing and healing others. Participants receive a manual, book and certificate. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com. Reiki I Certification with Jo Homar. 10am – 2pm. $130. Attune to the universal energy in this Level I Usui Reiki class. Participants will learn traditional hand positions, how to give a full body session and receive attunements to the universal Reiki energy for self-healing and healing others. Participants receive a manual, book and certificate. Held at Bountiful Blessings, LLC, 1177 Silas Deane Highway, 3rd Floor, Wethersfield. To register call 860.202.8269 or visit www.bountifulblessingsct.com.

Sunday, May 10th Empowerment with Jo Homar. 10am – 11:30am. $20. This monthly workshop is geared towards empowering you to release and let go of all you no longer desire and to set your intentions to invite anew through the use of empowerment cards, the law of attraction, and meditation for connection with angels, guides, and ascended masters. Held the second Sunday of every month at Bountiful Blessings, LLC, 1177 Silas Deane Highway, 3rd Floor, Wethersfield. To register call 860.202.8269 or visit www.bountifulblessingsct.com.

Tuesday, May 12th Dare to be Different with Priscilla Bengtson. 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $45.00. Are you feeling stuck? Challenge yourself to make radical changes in the way you respond to life. Understand why you are stuck, why you stay there and how to get unstuck. Insanity is making the same decisions and expecting different results. Attend this workshop and dare to be different! Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, May 13th Healing in Harmony Night. 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. FREE. Stop by the center for a FREE healing service. Participants will sit individually with a healer and receive an 8 – 10 minute healing. No reservation required. You will be served in the order in which you enter the center. The healing services are offered one night each month. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. For more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Thursday, May 14th Minerals – Essential-But-Often-Depleted: Free Talk at Thyme & Season, 7pm with Dr. James Sensenig, ND. Think you can get all the nutrients your body needs from your food? Think again. Learn how trace minerals are essential to you health. Thyme & Season, 3040 Whitney Av, Rt. 10, Mt. Carmel section of Hamden 06518. 1 mile south Sleeping Giant/QU; 1.5 m north Hamden Town Hall; ¼ m north of end of Rt 40 connector from I-91 exit 10. 203-407-8128 x2. No reservation, 20% coupon to all.

Friday, May 15th Creating a Healthy Food Attitude with Priscilla Bengtson. 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. FREE. Let’s face it. The human body needs food for survival. However, as our emotionally charged life goes on, we often turn to food and create a relationship with it that is unhealthy. Learn to change your attitude toward food and enjoy eating healthier. Food samples and recipes that are easy to make, taste great and are healthier for you will be provided. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, May 16th Exploring Life after Life with Cheryl Chatfield. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. $80.00. A non-judgmental, non-fear-based, non-religious discussion of what happens after we die. Not about healing or helping the dying accept death, this workshop encourages the living to look at their views around passing and beyond. Participants are encouraged to interact and share their beliefs, experiences and fears. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com. FREE open house for Natural Nutmeg readers and health professionals.1 – 2pm. Explore benefits of collaboration on workshops and projects. Studio space available for your own proactive health workshops and miniseries. Learn how you can lead joyful evidence-based activities for illness prevention as an Osteotap Proactive Health Coach. www.proactivehealthlearning.com Please pre-register: 860-578-2465 osteotap@gmail. com Located at SunDo Center, 45 South Main, Suite 90, West Hartford, CT Free Intro to Yoga 1:00 – 2:00 pm, West Hartford Yoga, 23 Brook St, West Hartford, CT 06110 Call (860) 953-9642 for more information. Integrated Energy Therapy (IET®) Intermediate Level with Dan Lupacchino and Christine Cartwright. 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. $215.00. The Intermediate training includes attunement to Intermediate IET® energy ray that will activate the 3rd and 4th DNA pairs and will empower you to pull energy imprints out of the human energy field; learning to clear energy imprints resulting from past life karma; methods to “esoterically dowse” and interpret the blockages in the human energy field. Fully illustrated training guide and

certificate provided. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com. Psychic Readings with Jo Homar. 10:00am – 1pm. $20 for 15 minute or $40 for 30 minute private reading. Join us during our monthly Spiritual Guidance Saturday event to receive a mediumship reading. I will connect with angels, guides, ascended masters and loved ones in spirit to provide you with their messages. Pre-scheduling is available or walk-in. Whether you are new or familiar with the experience of receiving messages from spirit, this is an opportunity to connect at a reduced rate. Held the third Saturday of every month at Bountiful Blessings, LLC, 1177 Silas Deane Highway, 3rd Floor, Wethersfield. To pre-schedule an appointment call 860.202.8269 or visit www.bountifulblessingsct.com. ‘Our Mindful Moves’ with Osteotap for Bone Vitality. Also Saturday, June 6th. 11:30am – 1:00pm $25. Osteotap sequences build bone strength and vitality to alleviate osteoporosis with no impact on your joints. You will experience self-applied gentle and brisk tapping on sides of arm and leg bones. Gentle soft rattan and Brisk bamboo reed Osteotappers improve blood flow and provide laterally-directed pulsations for site-specific bone strengthening in hip joints.

Sunday, May 17th Flower Essences for People and Animals with Jennifer Johnson. 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. $65.00. Flowers, with their heavenly scents, stunning colors, natural essence and beauty, are able to offer an amazing healing energy that helps to balance and support our wellbeing, along with the well-being of our pets. This workshop will allow you to learn about and explore the amazing and gentle healing qualities of flower essences. You will learn about various flower essence combinations including, yet not limited to Bach’s, La Vie de la Rose and Hope Flower Farm flower essences. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Tuesday, May 19th Walk this Way! with Priscilla Bengtson. 6:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. FREE. Walking is an everyday occurrence so why would we need to learn how to do it? When you take walking to a higher level for fitness, there are certain subtleties that can help you become more efficient at calorie burning and muscle use. During this workshop, you will learn three levels of walking skills, breathing techniques, proper posture and foot alignment. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, May 20th What’s your body REALLY telling you? with Priscilla Bengtson. 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. $35.00. During this workshop we will explore your body alignment, daily habits, belief systems and

emotional triggers to see what may be the source of your pain and discomfort. Working with your energy centers, you will obtain a better understanding of your physical body, along with your body-mind and learn ways to renew your spirit, relax your mind and change your body. Dress comfortably and be ready to move. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Thursday, May 21st Concerned about Osteopenia? Free Talk at Thyme & Season, 7pm, Dr. Matthew Robinson, ND. Learn about osteopenia and bone health: how your health effects your bones and what the health of your bones can tell you about your body. Thyme & Season, 3040 Whitney Av, Rt. 10, Mt. Carmel section of Hamden 06518. 1 mile south Sleeping Giant/QU; 1.5 m north Hamden Town Hall; ¼ m north of end of Rt 40 connector from I-91 exit 10. 203-407-8128 x2. No reservation, 20% coupon to all.

Saturday, May 23rd Integrated Energy Therapy (IET®) Steps to Transformation with Jo Homar. 9am – 3pm. $245. I will teach you to establish your own energetic “Heartlink” connection with the energy of nine Healing Angels. Step 1: Heartlink with Your Angel; Step 2: Activate Your 12-Strand DNA; Step 3: Clear Your Karma with the Energy of Angels; Step 4: Achieve True Forgiveness; Step 5: Empower Your Heart; Step 6: Journey to a Future Lifetime; Step 7: Cut Your Cords of Codependency. Does not require any prior IET® experience. Held at Bountiful Blessings, LLC, 1177 Silas Deane Highway, 3rd Floor, Wethersfield. To register call 860.202.8269 or visit www.bountifulblessingsct. com. Chinese Herb Series with Laura Mignosa, NCCH. 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. $78.00. Also Saturday, May 30th and Saturday, June 6th. May 23: Introduction to Chinese Herbal Therapy. May 30: Chinese Herbs to Maintain and Regain Health. June 6: Chinese Herbs to Calm the Spirit. For more information, contact Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies, 912 Corbin Avenue (RT 372), New Britain, CT 06052. 860-826-2705 www. CTHerbschool.com Facebook: Lauramignosa5

Wednesday, May 27th Home Message Circle. 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $20.00. The session is open to anyone who wishes to practice their mediumship message delivery in a group. Your ability doesn’t matter as we are all here to get some practice and learn from each other. A group facilitator will help you stay on track with your message if needed. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Thursday, May 28th Joint Pain Slowing You down? Free Talk at Thyme & Season, 7pm, with Dr. Lindsay Chimileski, ND. Learn about Arthritis, Joint Pain & Inflammation— how inflammation can be controlled and what

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

HAPPENINGS steps you can take to maintain healthy joints. Thyme & Season, 3040 Whitney Av, Rt. 10, Mt. Carmel section of Hamden 06518. 1 mile south Sleeping Giant/QU; 1.5 m north Hamden Town Hall; ¼ m north of end of Rt 40 connector from I-91 exit 10. 203-407-8128 x2. No reservation, 20% coupon to all.

Friday, May 29th Three Years and Counting…Community Comes Together for Vinyasa in the Vineyard. Also every other Friday beginning May 29 through September 18 at Preston Ridge Vineyard, 100 Miller Road, Preston, CT from 5:30p-7:00p (weather permitting). $10/person and a portion of all proceeds with be directed to charities, as designated by the instructors or participants. In 2013, Preston Ridge Vineyard partnered with Cheryl Hughes to create this unique experience to help benefit local veteran yoga programs. Together with a group of dedicated yoga instructors, music donated by The Black Wolf Medicine Drum and Drummers, and an inherent passion to connect and support the community, Vinyasa in the Vineyard has steadily grown year after year with an increase in both participants and donations raising over $2500 last year for the Give Back Yoga Foundation. Contact Cara Sawyer for more information: cara@prestonridgevineyard.com , 100Miller Road, Preston, CT 860.383.4278

Saturday, May 30th Integrated Energy Therapy (IET®) Basic Level Certification with Jo Homar. 10am – 2pm. $195 Receive the Basic Level energy attunement that will permanently open your energy field to this energy ray. This attunement expands, realigns, and restructures the 1st pair (physical) and 2nd pair (emotional) of your 12-Strand DNA. Benefit your own self-healing and learn how to clear cellular memory. Fully illustrated training guide and certificate provided. Held at Bountiful Blessings, LLC, 1177 Silas Deane Highway, 3rd Floor, Wethersfield. To register call 860.202.8269 or visit www.bountifulblessingsct.com.

Sunday May 31st Health & Wellness Fair With Special Guest World renowned Herbalist and Author Susun Weed. 1-5 pm hosted by Nova Spa. Advanced tickets $65.00 at the event $75.00. The event will be held at the DeMaria Family Farm 1165 Edgewood Road Kensington Connecticut. Meet Susun Weed and learn the wise woman way. Also featuring: The Kushi Institute, Introduction to macrobiotics, Discerning Dietician discussion on GMO, XtoRays Thermal Imaging, Urban Oaks Organic Farm, Squeeze Me Smoothies & Juice Bar and more. Call for further details 860-9193860 or 860-257-1004. Metamorphosis: A Bereavement Group with Jennifer Johnson. 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. $10 donation will be given to Hospice. The purpose of this monthly group is to explore and understand the nature of loss, grief and recovery. It is for

May/June 2015 2015 Natural Nutmeg - May/June

anyone who has experienced a loss in their life. You will learn about various stages of grief, better understand how people uniquely experience grief and loss and explore supportive coping strategies. Facilitator Jennifer Johnson is a certified Death Midwife/Counselor. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com. The Soul Light Expo The Door Opener Magazine, Connecticut’s 29-year old guide to spirituality, holistic health, and metaphysics presents its Spring Soul Light Expo to be held at the gorgeous Aqua Turf Club in Southington, CT (one mile off 84 right in the center of the state). Watch for our full listing of vendor participants, speakers, and teacup raffle items on our website www.dooropenermagazine.com. Entrance Cost: $5. Held at Aqua Turf Club, 556 Mulberry Street, Southington, CT

Saturday, June 20th Hypnosis Certification Course. June 20th thru 27th. $2489. You have a strong desire to help others, but don’t always know how or sometimes your efforts fall flat. Not anymore. Become a Certified Hypnotist and learn one of the safest and most effective personal growth tools available today. You’ll feel an amazing sense of fulfillment while gaining supplemental income or a new career path. The course is a combination of 8 full days of in-person training, plus home and group study, and is taught by Lisa Zaccheo, MA, BCH, BC, the owner, lead hypnotist and hypnosis instructor at Mind Matters Hypnosis Centers. Call 860-693-6448 to see if you qualify or visit www.mindmattershypnosis.com for more information.

ONGOING Mondays Meditate Through The Madness. 6pm. Hosted by Torin Lee-Lewis. Call to confirm attendance 860467-6518. Fee: $10. Oneida Holistic Health Center 16 West Rd Marlborough, CT www.theocenter.net.

Tuesdays Acupuncture Happy Hours. 12-5pm. $30 minute sessions for $30.Community acupuncture in a small group setting. Dr. Miller uses points below the knees and elbows so just remove your shoes and socks, roll up your pant legs and sleeves and balance your body, mind and spirit. Call 860-4676518 or visit www.theocenter.net to reserve your spot. Oneida Holistic Health Center 16 West Rd Marlborough, CT. Circles of Belonging. 7-9 pm. $20 Love your body, know your mind, connect to spirit. Come discover what it means to care for your body in a healthy way, engage your mind through spirit, and align all three. BevAni Transformation, 381 Hubbard Street, Lower Level, Glastonbury, CT 06033 Beverley Blass and Anne Murphy 860-633-0030. Call to reserve a place.

Relaxation Break. 12-6pm. Treat yourself to a relaxing or therapeutic Chair Massage. $1 per min. You decide how long. Walk-ins welcomed. Reservations accepted. Call 860-467-651o or visit www. theocenter.net to reserve your spot. Oneida Holistic Health Center 16 West Rd Marlborough, CT. Women’s Empowerment Group. First Tuesday of Every Month. 6-7:20pm. Come gather with likeminded women who are motivated to raise their consciousness. Drawing from the law of attraction, mediation, and life coaching techniques, you will deepen your connection to who you truly are, experience powerful meditations, set intentions for your life, and evolve consciously. Limited seating. To register, please call: 860-707-0908 or email: kristen@balancedlivingnow.com 36 Chamberlain Highway, Berlin. 06037. $20, suggested donation

Wednesdays ‘Our Mindful Moves’ with Osteotap for Bone Vitality. 7:00 - 8:00pm $15 ‘Move-BreatheSmile’, Brush and Osteotap. Manage stress, Fortify connective tissues, Build bone vitality, Gain real health benefits proven by NIH research. All abilities welcome. Osteotap sequences build bone strength and vitality to alleviate osteoporosis with no impact on your joints. For more information and to register call 860-578-2465. Yoga Room, Malibu Fitness, 15 Executive Drive, Farmington, CT osteotap@gmail. com The Feldenkrais Method ®Awareness Through Movement® Classes with Karen Emerick, A powerful way to eliminate stress and pain while dramatically increasing flexibility. Through stress and injury we develop habitually chronic tight muscles and stiff joints leaving us feeling older than we are. Through slow, deceptively simple and ingeniously designed movements done on the floor, these chronic old patterns ingrained in our body melt away, leaving relaxed muscles, improved coordination and balance and an effortless sense of movement. Glastonbury, 10:15am – 11:30am, $15, drop-ins $20. Register: 860-633-7667. Coffee With The Coach. 7am. Facilitated by Life Coach Torin Lee-Lewis. Learn ways to handle stress, navigate change and make each day count. Refreshments provided. Please call 860-467-6518 to confirm attendance each week. Fee: $10 Oneida Holistic Health Center 16 West Rd Marlborough, CT. www.theocenter.net.

Thursdays A Course in Waking. 7:00 – 8:30pm. For the majority of us, thinking about following our passions and dreams, doing something we love, and being true to ourselves, is a luxury we don’t think we have. Larry Ford, (A.K.A. The Shaman of Wall Street, and nationally recognized spiritual advisor, and facilitator) is on a mission to help people wake up and live life on purpose. You’re here for a Reason! And this course is designed from ancient wisdom technologies to help you wake up to that reality and begin to live your life on purpose.This is a six-week course/$275.00 - Starts 2/12/15 thru 3/19/15. The Gulf Stream Center for Health and Wealth, 381 Hubbard St, Glastonbury, CT. www.larryford.org. To register please call 860-659-8299

Fridays Relaxation Break, 10-6pm.Treat yourself to a relaxing or therapeutic Chair Massage. $1 per minute. You decide how long. Walk-ins welcomed. Reservations accepted. Call 860-467-651o or visit Oneida Holistic Health Center 16 West Rd Marlborough, CT.

Saturdays All Levels Yoga. 8-9:15am. A flowing practice to move energy and create alignment in the body. Come start your weekend with a class on the farm and enjoy a respite from the pace of life. You will leave ready to enjoy your weekend feeling renewed and at ease. $15 drop in. Hidden Acres Yoga, 114 East Street North Granby, CT (860) 371-5881, www.hiddenacresyoga.com. Ellington Farmers’ Market Saturdays May 9th - Oct. 17th. 9AM-12PM, Arbor Park, Main St., Ellington CT. Over 35 vendors in a quaint country setting. Weekly themes, entertainment and Kids Power of Produce Club. Visit www.ellingtonfarmersmarket.com for a complete list of vendors and schedule. Local and Fresh...Our Community at it’s Best! Get Your Toes Wet! 11- 3pm second Saturday’s every month $50 In a beautiful, accepting studio environment , express yourself visually using paint, collage and drawing materials. A spirit of playful abandon and exploration is invited. Mindfulness meditation, guided visualization, and breath awareness provide relaxation and present moment awareness, prior to creating. Letting go of the outcome, enjoy the journey of creating & build trust in your own unique intuitive voice. Discover the power of your innate visual language, and find nourishment for your soul. Facilitated by Elisabeth Moss BFA Certified Expressive Art Facilitator. To register Call 860-550-0882 12 Old Farms Rd. Avon, CT 06001 www.elisabethmoss.com Homeopathic Study Group. 1:00 - 2:30PM. Third Saturdays. Come and learn the principles of homeopathy and how to use the homeopathic remedies for different acute conditions so you can treat yourself, family and friends. Small fee TBD for photocopying etc. Group Leader: Louise Sanchione, ND, CCH, MA, MS. Held at: CT Alliance to Advance Homeopathy, 299 Washington Ave. Suite 18S, Hamden, CT. Please RSVP your interest at connecuticuthomeopathy@gmail.com

CLASSIFIED Beautiful new office space, West Hartford center. Looking for holistic practitioners who have their own practice, but who would like to share space with other like minded professionals. Massage therapist, energy healer, nutritionist, cranial sacral, or other healing modality welcome. Suite includes waiting room, internet access, copier, small break room. Ample parking. Building is accessible. Contact Elliott Strick 860-231-8459, www.elliottstrick.com. Email: elliottstricklmft@gmail.com

RESOURCES ACUPUNCTURE Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND, LAc. Dipl. NCCAOM 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037 860) 829-0707 • www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com. See ad on page 17. Mayflower Acupuncture, LLC Chinese Medicine services and herbs Steve Paine, OMD, L.Ac., Ginger Harris, L.Ac. 536 Hopmeadow Street. Simsbury, CT 06070 860-413-2118 • www.mayfloweracupuncture.com

ALLERGY TREATMENT Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037 860) 829-0707 www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 17.

ART

HEALTH FOOD STORES Parkade Health Shoppe Manchester Parkade, 378 West Middle Tpke, Manchester, CT • 860.646.8178 M-Sat 8am-9pm • Sun 9am-6pm See ad on page 13. Thyme and Season Natural Market 3040 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT 06518 www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com. Call 203.407.8128 for info. Our 17th Year! Open 7 days: M-F 8:00-7:30; Sat 9-7:30; Sun 10-6. One of the largest selections of natural, organic, non-GMO, gluten-free & vegan foods in the area- full grocery, produce, meats, H&B, baby, wellness vitamins & herbs. Pick up a healthy hot breakfast or lunch Mon-Sat: 4 entrees & 6 soups plus salads, sandwiches, wraps. Now offering Dinners-to-Go. And, check out our new sister store, The Common Bond Market, 40 Huntington St., Shelton. Now open 7 days, 203.513.8200. www.thecommondbondmarket.com. See ad on page 41.

HOLISTIC CENTERS

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

Integrative Wellness and Physical Therapy 35 Jerome Ave, Bloomfield, CT 06002 (860) 519-1916 info@IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com See ad on page 21.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY

HYPNOSIS

Beverley Blass, Just Be Centered Vice President, International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy [I-ACT] I-ACT Certified Instructor & Practitioner. In practice since 1984, NYC and CT. 381 Hubbard St., Lower Level, Glastonbury, CT 06033. 860-206-1129. Constance Jones - Colon Hydrotherapy Center for Progressive Therapies 192 Hartford Road, Manchester, CT 06040 860.287.4558. www.cleanmycolon.com

DENTISTRY The Canaan Gentle Dentle & Implant Center Dr. Thomas Livingstone 3 Railroad St. North Canaan, CT (860)824-0751 • www.livingstonedental.com See ad on page 29.

Diane Bahr-Groth, C. Hy., TFT, Dir. 1177 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT. (203)595-0110 • mindbodytransformation.com See ad on page 9. Mind Matters Hypnosis Center Lisa Zaccheo, MA, BCH, BCI Board Certified Hypnotist & Instructor 12 Waterside Court, Avon, CT 06001 (860)693-6448 • MindMatters@comcast.net www.mindmattershypnosis.com See ad on pages.15 and 25. Michele P. Rousseau, MA, CH 267 William Street, Middletown, CT 06457 860-704-9054 • mprousseau@sbcglobal.net www.micheleprousseau.com

INTEGRATIVE HOLISTIC PSYCHIATRY

Dr. Steven Hinchey 2249 New London Turnpike South Glastonbury, CT. (860) 633-6518 www.dentistryfordiabetics.com/drhinchey See ad on page 23.

David London, MD 567 Vauxhall St. Ext. #218, Waterford, CT (860) 443-5822 - davidlondonmd.com See ad on page 7.

FINANCIAL PLANNING

LIFE COACH

Conscious Capital Wealth Management, LLC Lawrence Ford 381 Hubbard St. ste. 300, Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860) 6598299 • Lford@consciouscapitalwm.com www.consciouscapitalwm.com See ad on page 41.

Balanced Living Now Kristen Werblow, M.A., CPC 36 Chamberlain Highway, Berlin, CT 06037 (860)707-0908 • kristen@balancedlivingnow.com www.balancedlivingnow.com See ad on page 41.

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RESOURCES Heart-Centered Awareness Coaching Beverley Blass & Anne Murphy, BevAni Transformation. 381 Hubbard St., Lower Level, Glastonbury, CT 06033. 203-558-5468.

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

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE CT Natural Health Specialists Lauren Young, ND, Ashley Burkman, ND, Tonya Pasternak, ND, Dr. Craig Fasullo. ND 315 E. Center St., Manchester, CT (860) 533-0179 • www.ctnaturalhhealth.com See ad on page 5. Debra Gibson, ND 100 Danbury Road, Ste. 102 Ridgefield, CT 06877 • (203)431-4443 See ad on page 5. Kensington Naturopathic Medical Center Dr. Ann Aresco 355 New Britain Rd, Kensington, CT (860) 829-0707 • drannaresco@comcast.net kensingtonnaturopathic.com See ad on page 17. Naturopathic & Acupuncture Health Center Dr. Marie Mammone, Dr. Renee Mammone, NDs John Mammone, Licensed Acupuncturist 274 Silas Deane Hwy., Wethersfield, CT 06109 (860)529-1200 • www.NAHcenter.com The Wellness Institute Marvin Schweitzer, ND 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT (203) 847-2788 See ad on page 35. West Hartford Naturopathic Medicine Frank Aieta, ND 301 N. Main St., West Hartford, CT (860) 232-9662 • www.DRAIETA.com See ad on page 31. ProNatural Physicians Group LLC 355 New Britain Road Kensington, CT 06037 • 860-505-0702 www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 17. ProNatural Members Dr. Ann Aresco 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037 P: 860-829-0707 • F: 860-829-0606 E: draresco@comcast.net • See ad on page 17.

40 Nutmeg 2015 40 Natural Natural NutmegMay/June - May/June 2015

Dr. Ginger Nash 260 Amity Rd. Woodbridge, CT 06525 203.777.7911 • Fax: 203.777.7796 drgingernash@gmail.com Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND, LAc. Dipl. NCCAOM 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, Ct. 06037. 860) 829-0707 www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 17.

NUTRITION Holcare Nutrition Vicki Kobliner MS RD 3 Hollyhock Lane, Suite 2A, Wilton, CT 06897 203-834-9949 • www.holcarenutrition.com See ads on page 11. Complimentary Nutrition Counseling. Thyme & Season Natural Market. Mon Fri 9 - 5 with Certified Nutrition Counselor Linda Myers. 3040 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Call 203.407.8128 x2. Email: Supplements.Thyme@gmail.com. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com. And, at our new sister store The Common Bond Market. Complimentary Nutrition Counseling Tues, Wed & Thurs 9–12 with Dr. Elise Panza, ND. 40 Huntington St., Shelton. 203-513-8200. TheCommonBondMarket.com.

PHYSICIANS, M.D. Natural Health & Healing, LLC Deanna M. Cherrone, MD 61 S. Main St, Ste 210, West Hartford, CT (860) 677-4600 • naturalhealthandhealing.net See ad on back cover. Optimal Health Medical, LLC Henry C. Sobo, M.D. 111 High Ridge Rd. ,Stamford, CT 06905 203-348-8805 • www.drsobo.com

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

SCHOOLS Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies LauraMignosa, NCCH 912 Corbin Ave, New Britain, CT 06052 (860) TCM-2705 • www.ctherbschool.com. See ad on page 7. The Graduate Institute Mike Hayes, Director of Admissions & Recruitment. (203) 874-4252 • www.learn.edu See ad on page 33.

SKINCARE Anew You Skincare & Wellness Center Melissa Martin, 16A Ensign Drive, Avon. (860)284-9730 • www.anewyouskincare.net Melissa@anewyouskincare.net See ad on page 11.

THERMOGRAPHY Sophia Natural Health Center 31 Old Route 7, Brookfield, CT 06804. (203) 740-9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.com X to Rays, LLC Suzanne Pyle, MS, CCT 35 Boston Street, Guilford, CT 866.986.7297 or 203.331.2878 www.xtorays.com • See ad on page 10.

WEIGHTLOSS HCG Weight Loss Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND, LAc. 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037 860) 829-0707 • www.pronaturalphysicians.com See ad on page 17.

YOGA / PILATES CENTERS Cyndi Roberts Yoga RYT-200, Certified Therapeutic & Prenatal Therapeutic, Gentle, or Prenatal Yoga. One-on-one yoga sessions. By appointment only. 1477 Park St, Suite 14, Hartford CT. www.yogawithcr.com Sacred Movement Yoga 10 Sims Road (Bishop’s Corner) West Hartford, Connecticut 06117 860.990.2555 • www.mysacredmovement.com. Visit our Facebook page! West Hartford Yoga 23 Brook Street, West Hartford, CT 06110 PH: 860.953.9642 • www.westhartfordyoga.com info@westhartfordyoga.com www.westhartfordyoga.com Offering 70 weekly classes See ad on pages 3 and 19.

        

  

                   

   

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BERNIE

By Bernie Siegel, MD

Body and Soul

ot too many years ago there were a series of conferences entitled, Body & Soul. I always felt people were more likely to bare their souls than their bodies and I did at least one presentation exposing parts of my body to make people aware of how they felt about their own bodies. It was interesting to have people, who I thought had nice looking bodies, come up and tell me I could do that because I looked good. It was sad to hear how they viewed themselves, versus how I saw them.

The first relates to your work and is MEASSAGE. It says to me that there is a message in our touch. In other words every massage carries a precious message. I was rereading The Anatomy of Love edited by Ashley Montagu in 1975 and again was so impressed by the power of touch to communicate love and how its absence led to an almost 100% mortality rate in orphanages of the last century when caregivers were fearful that their touch spread infections from infant to infant.

Today I feel much more strongly about getting in touch with and exposing our souls. We need to respond to our souls and live a soulful life. I can’t put into words how I would define soul but it contains our spirit and our deepest needs and meanings related to our life and how we live it. And too often we never speak about the needs and meanings until a crisis or disaster occurs to awaken us to life. I think we know when we are living a soulful life by how our bodies and particularly our hearts feel in relationship to what we are doing, thinking and feeling.

The next word is GGOD and to me that means doing Good things as our creator would want us to do them. In a sense, as they say, what is important is not to know God but to imitate God and when you do Ggod things you are doing just that.

I recently received a book from a therapist who is treating someone with what we commonly call multiple personality disorder. Jung discussed, and I am convinced, that we are all multiple personalities. I know, and so does my wife, from the way I behave that things come out of me that I cannot explain. As my wife says, “They come from God knows where.” So I fully accept that within me reside many individuals. Fortunately for me, because of how I was raised, the majority are nice guys who enjoy helping people. When you grow up with abuse there are many multiples who are the suffering child or vicious killer striking back at the painful world of their early life. I was wondering, when you massage people do you really know who you are massaging or which of the multiples needs the massage but doesn’t get it because a more aggressive personality wants it and takes over the body being massaged. I am not kidding when I say these things. I know from experience and reported cases that one personality can have allergies, diabetes, asthma and other afflictions within the same person and a shift to another personality eliminates the disease. Let me present you with some new words which may help you remember this message. I create these words regularly. I must admit that most of the time they come from accidents on the keyboard of my computer or some other personality doing the typing . 42

Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2015

Then there is LIOVE. For me that is living and loving. Those two things should never be separated but mankind is a problem due to its lack of completeness. Remember this is not about trying to be perfect but being complete. Again I would say that is soul work and when you are complete your life will be about living and loving. Then a bit of publicity for my book 365 Prescriptions For The Soul. It contains 365 messages similar in a sense to what I write here but at the end of each I place a SOULUTION. Not a solution which I see as something on a more practical level but a Soulution which will give you and your life deeper meaning and satisfy the feelings your heart and soul yearn for. When you find your Soulutions, spread the Meassage, do Ggod works and Liove, your body and soul will find atonement or as someone within me spells it; At One Ment with you know who. For many, Dr. Bernard Siegel-or Bernie, as he prefers to becalled-needs no introduction. He has touched many lives all overthe Planet. In 1978, he reached a national and then international audience when he began talking about patient empowerment and the choice to live fully and die in peace. As a physician who has cared for and counseled innumerable people whose mortality has been threatened by illness, Bernie embraces a philosophy of living and dying that stands at the forefront of the medical ethics and spiritual issues our Society grapples with today. Read Bernie’s regular blog posts on his website where you will also find his books, articles, and CDs: http://www.berniesiegelmd.com. See ad on page 41.

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Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2015