Natural Nutmeg May 2016 by Natural Nutmeg Magazine/Essential Naples Magazine

May/June 2016

Natural Nutmeg Connecticut's Resource For Essential Living

Healthy Eating for Busy Moms Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD, PT, IMT,C

The Power of Meditation and Mindfulness for Stressed Out Moms Lara O’Neil, APRN How I Lost My Passion in Life and Love & Exactly How I Got It Back Diane Hayden, PhD The Weight Loss Puzzle Finally Solved! Frank Aieta, ND Body and Soul Bernie Siegel, MD Trouble Getting Pregnant Again? Using Mind-Body Techniques for Secondary Infertility Melissa Kelleher, LCSW

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You Deserve...

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

You’re Ready to Find Your Truth. Contact Juliette at 203.305.8091 or juliette@juliettetaylor.com

Live your passion, power, and purpose.

Juliette is a Certified Life Coach, motivational speaker, published author and the creator of the LifesPath™ system to finding health, happiness, and love. She has guided her clients to breakthrough their blocks, dispel limiting beliefs, and find their core to live lives they love absolutely. Juliette believes that you don't need to wait until you (retire, get kids into college, get the kids out of college, receive your bonus, find the time to...) to start living a life you love. Take the jump TODAY!

Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2016

Don’t Miss Our Upcoming Issues June Stress Reduction for Men July Overvacation Syndrome August Metabolic Exercise September Childhood Vaccinations October Overtreatment of Breast Cancer November Holiday Eating Strategies December Sleep Hygiene

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

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Dr. Diane Hayden at diane@naturalnutmeg.com

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In This Issue 9

Spring for Dandelion Greens! Julie Wern

Skip Being the Good Mom and Get Naughty Natalie Griffin

Swimsuit Season is Almost Here…A Solution for Cellulite Melissa Martin Wallace

Trouble Getting Pregnant Again? Using Mind-Body Techniques for Secondary Infertility Melissa Kelleher, LCSW

Avoiding Exercise – What’s Your Excuse?

Healthy Eating for Busy Moms

The Power of Meditation and Mindfulness for Stressed Out Moms

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

Lara O’Neil, APRN

Women’s Health: A Matter of the Heart Kenneth R Hoffman, D.Ac, L.Ac CCH

How I Lost My Passion in Life and Love & Exactly How I Got It Back Diane Hayden, PhD

Peaceful, Ecofriendly Retreat at The Colonnade Hotel in Boston Diane Hayden, PhD

Tonya Pasternak, ND

The Weight Loss Puzzle Finally Solved! Frank Aieta, ND

Natural Relief from Constipation Michael Dworkin, PD, CCN & J. Erika Dworkin

Can Your Genetics Cause Estrogen Dominance? Jessica Pizano

All Your Questions about Spirituality, Energy and Health Answered! Ron D’Amico

28 4

Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2016

In Every Issue 8 The BUZZ 10 NUTMEG NUGGETS

37 HAPPENINGS 39 RESOURCES 42 BERNIE

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PUBLISHER'SLETTER

here is a great story in Marci Shimoff’s book, “Happy For No Reason”, that truly exemplifies what it means to be happy with what you have now, in the present. She tells of a high school graduate that took a year off to travel and study anthropology. This young girl went to Bangladesh and while there discovered there was a widespread famine that was causing illness and death across the country. She was on a bus and was traveling through the countryside when it started raining heavily and flooding so bad that the bus had to pull off the road. In this area, there were hundreds of people, mostly children, barefoot and dressed in rags, lying on the ground dying. She got off the bus and was approached by a man who looked like everyone else in Bangladesh except that he was smiling broadly. The girl asked this man how he could be smiling in such a situation and he replied, “A smile is all I have to give.” The man coaxed her to follow him and the two spent the next ten hours walking through the field singing to one person after the other as they lay dying. Without a penny, this man eased the suffering of hundreds of people by offering his love and joy and she named him the “Smiling Man”. In the years since, she vowed to make it a priority to be as happy as possible and to share that happiness with everyone she met. Stories like that really make you pause and consider how lucky you really are. You may not have the perfect job, perfect house, perfect relationship, or perfect body, but at least you are not lying on the side of the road dying. We forget how privileged we are to be in this country and even if we are struggling to make ends meet or we don’t know where or when our next paycheck is coming – very few of us will wind up homeless on the street. That is something to be thankful for, because things almost always work themselves out and we have to trust that the money will come when we absolutely need it. I can’t tell you how many times I didn’t have enough money to make it through the month when I was in grad school, yet somehow, the money would come. Treating each day as a gift will allow you to truly appreciate what you have now. In celebration of Mother’s Day, Natural Nutmeg is focusing on all things relating to the women in our lives. Looking for some healthy indulgences for the special woman in your life? Bring your Mom to the New England Women’s Show on April 30th/May 1st in Hartford! And check out the amazing offerings we have in this issue – everything from spas to life coaching to healthy eating! Pictured above is me and my beautiful mom at Quercibella in New Hartford last Mother’s Day. 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 MARKETING DIRECTOR Jane Beup Jane@naturalnutmeg.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashley Frament layout@naturalnutmeg.com ADVISORY BOARD Ann Aresco, N.D. Deanna M. Cherrone, MD Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. (Pend.) Debra Gibson, ND Lauren Young, ND Kenneth Hoffman, LAc, CCH Vicki Kobliner, MS, RD, CD-N DISTRIBUTION Greater Hartford and surrounding counties, please contact Natural Nutmeg. FFC - Tom Cossuto, Man In Motion, LLC

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In keeping with our concern for the environment, Natural Nutmeg is proudly printed on recycled paper with soy based inks. Natural Nutmeg is a free publication supported solely by our advertisers and distributed throughout Connecticut. Please call for a location near you. (860) 508-0894 or email to publisher@naturalnutmeg.com. © 2007-15 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 2016

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THE BUZZ

Putting Out the Fire! Free Lecture on May 17th

ntegrative Wellness & Physical Therapy will be presenting a free lecture on Tuesday evening, May 17th, at 6:30-8:00pm called Putting out the Fire. During this lecture, Holly Niles, Licensed Clinical Nutritionist, will be discussing how inflammation is the root of pain, discomfort, and disease. During this free lecture, Holly will talk about the causes of inflammation and ways to use diet and lifestyle to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a natural byproduct of our body’s defense system. In a healthy body, this response occurs quickly and efficiently to resolve an acute problem. The challenge comes when this inflammatory response becomes chronic. During the free lecture on May 17th, Holly will discuss the inflammatory process and how to manage chronic inflammation to reduce pain and illness. Holly Niles is the Nutrition Director at Integrative Wellness in Bloomfield. In addition to being a Licensed Clinical Nutritionist, specializing in Functional Medicine and Functional Nutrition, she is also an Integrative Health Practitioner and Wellness Educator. Her approach is to help clients find practical ways to enjoy making healthy changes to create wellness in their body. Prior to running the nutrition department at Integrative Wellness, Holly worked full time with Dr. Mark Hyman and his team at the Ultra Wellness Center in Lenox, MA. Her many years of experience in natural health and nutrition has given her an expertise in what it takes to make lifestyle changes to create a healthy body.

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For more information about the free lecture on May 17th and to learn more about Holly Niles, you can visit www.IntegrativeWellnessAndPT. com or call (860)519-1916. See ad on page 21 and 30.

The Raw Foods Institute Immersion Retreat August 2016

f you’re looking for a life-affirming, healing and uniquely delicious experience, look no further than The Raw Food Institute. This Connecticut business is the brainchild of raw food educator Lisa Wilson, who runs workshops, online courses, raw food educator certification programs and rejuvenating retreats which introduce and immerse fellow foodies into the raw lifestyle. Through her many educational programs, Wilson shares her extensive knowledge of the raw food lifestyle, including the endless mental and physical benefits of eating raw which include: increased energy, weight loss, decreased stress, a reduced risk of many diseases and illnesses (including cancer, diabetes and heart disease) and creating a connection to your food as well as to your mind and body. Through The Raw Food Institute’s healing and energizing 7-day immersion retreat, as well as through their distance learning online program you can learn how to detoxify both your body and your life, simply by changing what you eat. If you’re looking for a way to feel healthier, happier and “turned on to your own life”, visit The Raw Food Institute’s website at therawfoodinstitute.com and learn how to take advantage of their many exciting programs, educational tools and helpful tips for eating your way to a better you. Register now for the next Raw Food Institute Immersion Retreat August 21st-26th 2016. Visit www.therawfoodinstitute.com or call (888)799.9147. See ad on page 13. 8

Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2016

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Spring for Dandelion Greens By Julie Wern

always find myself craving fresh spring greens as the weather warms. Something about the bracing bitterness of the greens awakens my palate and promises a cleansing after a long season of heavy foods. Dandelion greens are the most ubiquitous of these spring greens, emerging on our lawns almost as soon as the snow melts. Most of us opt not to harvest our own dandelions, even though the entire plant, from root to flower, is edible and chock full of incredible nutrition. In fact, we do our best to kill these “nuisance weeds,” while opting to buy our bitter greens from the supermarket. Foraging for your own dandelion greens is not only fun, but uber-nutritious when you consider that most produce purchased from a supermarket is about one week old, traveling from continents away and losing precious nutrients along the way. If you care to try harvesting your own, choose only those plants that have not been exposed to even errant wisps of herbicide or road treatments, seeking plants well away from the roadside and off of treated lawns. For the most tender and least bitter leaves, pick young plants. Once the plant buds the leaves become increasingly bitter. Also, harvest in early morning, giving the leaves a quick cold-water bath to freshen them up before serving. As greens go, dandelions earn top grades for nutrition. They contain a whopping 525% percent of the daily-recommended amounts of vitamin K, thus making them one of the best plant sources for bone health. They also contain 112% of the recommended daily requirement of carotenoids, a precursor to vitamin A, important nutrients for skin and vision. Just one serving of dandelion greens provides 32% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C. But that is not all. Dandelion greens contain many other important vitamins and minerals, as well as key flavonoids thought to aid in the prevention of disease such as cancer and Alzheimer’s. The plants have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties, including blood cleansing, liver detoxification, and gall bladder and kidney health. They are also thought to aid digestion, as the bitter components in the greens stimulate the release of digestive enzymes and beneficial bile. Dandelion greens are wonderful served raw in salads, or steamed, sautéed, or braised. Their bitterness is wonderfully offset with bracing acidity (vinaigrettes) or rich fatty flavors (cream sauces, bacon fat). Young, fresh leaves make great salad greens, while older leaves are best for cooking. To temper some of their bitterness, try blanching the leaves for 20 seconds in boiling water, followed by a dip in ice water. Blanched greens are great mixed into grain salads, sautéed with plenty of fat, or added to casseroles, stews or soups. If you find the leaves are just too bitter for your palate, try mixing them in with other greens like kale, spinach or chard. Julie Wern is a psychologist turned stay-at-home-mom turned caterer. She is currently in training at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition to become a nutrition and wellness coach. She is the author of Holcomb Farm CSA’s Simply Fresh blog (http://holcombfarm.org/blog)and currently teaches cooking and cookie decorating classes. Contact Julie at jwern@comcast.net for comments and inquiries.

The following recipe works for several reasons. The richness of the egg yolk and the butter, along with the tartness of the Dijon, nicely cut the bitterness of the greens and make a delicious combination. If you wish to minimize the bitterness of the greens further, first blanch and pat them dry, then saute as directed. Dandelion Green, Bacon and Egg Breakfast Bruschetta Serves 2. Ingredients: • 2-3 slices bacon, chopped into small pieces • 2 large eggs, preferably organic pastured • 6 cups dandelion greens, bottom third of stem removed, leaves roughly chopped • 1 large clove garlic, minced • 2 sourdough bread slices • 1 tablespoon softened butter • 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard • Salt and pepper to taste 1. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper-towel lined plate. Return pan with reserved bacon fat to heat. Reheat pan. Carefully crack and set down each egg, being gentle so as to prevent whites from spreading out too much. Sprinkle eggs with salt and pepper. Cook until whites are firm and cooked through but yolks are runny. Transfer eggs to a plate. 2. Return pan to heat. Add mustard greens, garlic and bacon. Cook, stirring frequently, until greens are wilted and tender, about 5 minutes, adding small amounts of water or oil if greens seem dry or start to stick. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 3. Meanwhile, mix butter and Dijon mustard. Spread evenly across tops of each piece of sourdough. Toast until lightly golden brown and crispy. Place half of greens on each piece of bread and top with fried egg. Serve immediately.

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Nutmeg “Nuggets” A Solution for Postpartum Hair Loss

h the joy of being a new Mom! There must be a million and one thoughts running through your head as you experience this new change in your life. If one of those thoughts happen to be why your hair is shedding, you’re not alone and it is not uncommon. It is called Postpartum Hair Loss, the sudden shedding that many new mothers experience between three and six months after they give birth. If you were excited about a spurt in hair growth during your pregnancy, the hair loss you may experience after is the reverse effect. Your hormones are dropping back to normal and that may mean a number of physical changes for you including lots of shedded hair. If you’re breastfeeding, the side effect may not show up until you stop and switch to a formula. But, rest assured that once your body adjusts, so should your hair. What You Can Do About It Restock those vitamins! And, be sure that you continue to take them daily. When caring your tresses, be very gentle. Wash only when necessary and always follow up with a nutrient-rich conditioner. When detangling or styling, use a wide-tooth comb and keep in mind during this fragile state, tight do’s are don’t’s. If you can, stay away from excessive blow-drying and straightening, in addition to chemically-based treatments (dyes, perms, relaxers) as this can contribute to heat and chemical damage. If you do your best to maintain all aspects of your health and hair care, yet you’re still worried … keep a journal of your symptoms. Keep track of what vitamins and supplements you’re taking, what foods you are consuming and the level of hair shedding you notice. Recording these things will be able to help determine if this is just a phase of the post-partum period, or if it’s something more such as post-partum thyroiditis. Submitted by Donyelle V. McBride , Trichologist, Certified Natural Health Practitioner, 92 Weston St, Suite 13, Hartford 860.985.2081

Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2016

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Skip Being the Good Mom and Get Naughty By Natalie Griffin

spent years trying to be the Good Mom. One year I grew Roma tomatoes in clay pots that I hand painted with the kids handprints. I blanched, peeled, blended, stewed and canned my way to the top of the neighborhood-mom-food-chain by making home-made organic pasta sauce for everyone to feed their kids.

I lost weight. Not because I had a goal, but yoga felt really good and beer and TV didn’t. When I was sad, I took a hot bath or meditated instead of Amazon shopping and spending more money than I had. Tips for Being a Naughty Mom

Everyone asked me, “How do you do it all?” They would tell me that I was the most amazing mom! Amazing. And fat. And depressed. And miserable. In order to achieve Good Mom status, I abandoned my needs to gain the approval of others. I didn’t really know who I was or how to really care for my soul, so I just maniacally cared for others as I slowly lost myself. Conventional wisdom often applauds women who put themselves last. While we may not be conscious of the priorities that drive our actions and choices, how we spend our time, energy and money will illustrate our true values. These are the priorities that I learned. 1. Kids 2. Parents 3. Other moms 4. Pets 5. House 6. Partner 7. As for yourself... it doesn’t matter. I was living a double life. In public, I was happy, perky and perfectly of service and behind closed doors, I cried, yelled, and neglected myself and others. Weighing almost 200 lbs. I grew resentful and angry. After all of my sacrifice, this is what I got? I had hit rock bottom. Therapy, medication, nail appointments and new shoes just weren’t helping. I needed to see that it was my choices that got me here and my choices that would help me change. I started a high velocity healing journey through the study and practice of yoga and shamanic energy healing. And in this process, I discovered my Naughty. Why is Naughty Good? naugh·ty ˈnôdē/ adjective: To be badly behaved or disobedient. Exactly whose woman-mom-rules are we supposed to be obedient to anyway? I wasn’t sure. I realized that I can make my own rules. To be a Naughty Mom is to value caring for your body and soul first, so that you can joyfully care for those around you. The Question What do I do, that makes me feel good? I didn’t know the answer to the question. I had to experiment. I tried many things and some of them really worked. Yoga, shamanic healing, dancing in the kitchen, discovering new music, reading, writing, hot baths and sleep are all things I can do that make me feel good. So I started doing them more often.

1. Be Self-Full. Explore ways to fill yourself up so that you have more to give and can give more joyfully. If you are depressed, broke, think this sounds selfish or are sick, then you need to get yourself back on track before focusing too much on others. 2. Say No. Over the course of our lives some of us learn only to say yes to other’s requests, demands, or expectations. Stop. Own your ‘No’ because saying ‘No’ to the jewelry party so that you can slip into a bath and read, is saying yes to you. (See Rule #1) Be Naughty and do what feels good to your body and soul. Maybe you need a nap. Do Yoga. Remember dancing? Move your body and learn its wisdom. For movement you can do at home, check www.Qoya.com 3. Re-Wild Yourself. Get outside. Dance in the kitchen! Don’t brush your hair for a day. Skip the make up. Remember your natural face, movement, thoughts and natural self. When we re-wild ourselves, we increase healthy hormones and can be present with less anxiety and judgement. With re-wilding we remember that we belong here in the natural and wild process of life. For Shamans, embracing your wild nature by working with a Power Animal can re-awaken your natural, instinctual nature. 4. Stop Saying You’re Sorry. If you hit someone’s car, please apologize. But do not apologize for taking care of yourself. If people are unhappy that you are taking good care of yourself so you can better care for those around you, then they likely need to start taking better care of themselves. If you live by these four Naughty rules, you will feel good about being you and you will not be driven to the thousands of busy distractions that are keeping you from enjoying your kids, your time and your life. Natalie Griffin is a life artist, international spiritual teacher, writer and rock and roll star (at least in her own mind). She is the founder of Naughty Shaman, LLC, home of the Dharma School which helps students identify their Soul’s Truth and release the fear holding them back from stepping into their Calling. Once a Director of Executive Development at a Fortune 100 Company, it appeared that she had it all. After a series of life changing events, concluding with her mother’s death, she couldn’t deny her Soul’s Calling any longer and started a high velocity journey inward through yoga and shamanism. Let’s create an awesome life. Start here: www.NaughtyShaman.com. See ad on page 29.

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Swimsuit Season is Almost Here…A Solution for Cellulite

ou’re probably thinking… ”seriously…this sounds way too good to be true.” And over the years, you’ve probably seen and tried many “miracle” cures for cellulite, but none of them worked. Liposuction or plastic surgery is an option, but both are very expensive, invasive and carry medical risks. Finally, an alternative is here and it’s called the Synergie® Aesthetic Massage System (AMS). Not only is it proven safe and effective by the FDA, but there is research behind the technology to boot! So, what exactly is cellulite and how does it form on the body? Cellulite is mostly made up of fat, but it isn’t an ordinary fatty tissue. This tissue has been damaged as a result of aging and malfunctions in the body’s systems. Cellulite is a combination of fat, water and toxins trapped in a net of collagen and elastin fibers. When the body’s circulation and elimination processes become impaired, connective tissue loses its strength and unmetabolized fats and wastes become trapped just beneath the skin instead of being eliminated. Over a period of time, these wastes enlarge, harden and push through spaces in the connective fiber bands that anchor the skin and keep it looking smooth. These wastes cause bulges which appear as dimples and form the puckering, distorted skin effect we know as cellulite. It is most commonly found in areas of fat deposits such as on the thighs, hips, buttocks and abdomen of most women and some men, too. Factors that may increase your chances of having cellulite include: stress, an inactive lifestyle, and using hormonal contraceptives. In addition, heredity, skin thickness, gender, the amount and distribution of body fat, and age can all influence the extent to which cellulite is present or visible. Many treatments have been promoted, ranging from dietary changes to cellulite creams. Methylxanthines are a group of chemicals that include aminophylline, caffeine, and theophyilline. These chemicals are present in many cellulite creams and are promoted as treatments for cellulite because of their known ability to break down 12

Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2016

fat stores. However, skin creams cannot deliver the required concentration of these chemicals for the length of time required for significant fat breakdown. While studies have shown a small reduction in thigh measurements with some of these preparations, they do not promote significant loss of cellulite. Even dietary supplements such as ginkgo bi“I have been getting Synergie treatments with Melissa and her staff for over five years now! I have had excellent results with Synergie - it has helped me stay slim and cellulite free so I can continue to wear my skinny jeans with confidence! It really works! In addition to cellulite control, it has given me many additional health benefits, such as improved circulation and a decrease in spider veins! Melissa is wonderful - I would never go anywhere else! She is so warm and welcoming - as well as all of her staff - as soon as you enter the spa you are greeted with a warm hug and a smile, and made to feel like family! I highly recommend the Synergie treatments at A New You - as well as all of their services! Treat yourself - you’ll have the best!” Camille P.,Simsbury CT loba, sweet clover, grape-seed bioflavonoids, bladder wrack extract, oil of evening primrose, fish oil, and soy lecithin have been marketed as anti-cellulite treatments. These claim to have positive effects on the body such as boosting metabolism, improving circulation, protecting against cell damage, and breaking down fats. Melissa Martin Wallace, esthetician and owner of Anew You Skincare & Wellness Center, in Avon, has been using the Synergie® AMS for years and witnesses amazing results in her clients. “I was always a skeptic when it came to cellulite treatments, but having personally experienced and seen the changes in mine and client’s bodies, I know this treatment works, not only with the reduction in cellulite and tightening of the skin, but also in circumferential body measurements. The results are amazing!” says Melissa. The Synergie® AMS uses revolutionary vacuum massage technology to improve

the appearance of skin while improving circulation. It is an easy and effective non-surgical alternative for body sculpting, resulting in lost inches. First introduced in Europe in the 80s, the original purpose of this technology was to soften burn scars. However, people began showing improvement in skin tone and spot reduction. The treatment provides optimal stimulation, stretching and pressure to subcutaneous tissues offering a type of subdermal tissue massage not possible through traditional massage techniques. A typical treatment program consists of twice-weekly sessions, followed by maintenance visits. Treatments last about 30 minutes and the number of treatments given is typically between 8 and 16, however, it is customized for each person. It is also important to note that Synergie® works with lymphatic system, so it’s important to drink plenty of water during your treatment plan. So, what’s a treatment feel like? Imagine a deep, invigorating massage. Although it seems like you’re being “vacuumed,” it’s actually quite relaxing. Had I not been asking Melissa a million questions for this article, I might have even fallen asleep! The entire body is treated, paying extra attention to each client’s areas of concern. It uses positive and negative pressure and “I am a huge fan of the synergie treatments! In addition to easing the aches of sore muscles, it keeps my skin tight and toned, and minimizes any cellulite I may have. It’s a great way for me to take 30 minutes out of the day for myself to relax, and look and feel better. “ -Caroline B, West Hartford suction to manipulate the tissue below the skin and expel toxins into the lymphatic system, which is then eliminated by the body. Melissa explained that noticeable changes can often be seen within 4-6 treatments, although most people can either see or feel a difference in the skin’s appearance after the first treatment. In Melissa’s experience, clients who have done 16

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treatments have lost a full pant size. She referenced a few studies, one of which reported that 36 women treated twice a week over an eight-week period showed a loss of inches in 100% of the participants and visible reduction in the appearance of cellulite in 91% of the participants. In some individuals, almost three inches were lost after treatment. For me, I noticed a smoothing out of my skin around the hip and thigh area after about four treatments. Melissa explained that other benefits of the Synergie® AMS treatments include: detoxification, relief from edema, reduction in muscle pain, stress relief, increased circulation, skin tightening, and body reshaping. And even though this sounds like a miracle cure, don’t make the mistake of thinking this can replace diet and exercise. Just like any other weight loss strategy, if you’re not eating right and staying active, the results will not be as quick or effective.

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Trouble Getting Pregnant Again? Using Mind-Body Techniques for Secondary Infertility By Melissa Kelleher, LCSW

ouples look forward to growing their families and can be in for a shock when baby No. 2 is not so easy to conceive, especially when they had no trouble before. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, an estimated 3 million women suffer from secondary infertility, a condition defined as the inability to conceive after having had at least one live birth. There are several different reasons that secondary infertility can occur. One of the most natural and inevitable is age. Our bodies change over time and our fertility decreases. We also can’t discount the effects of stress on our bodies when coping with secondary infertility. We can’t say with absolute certainty that stress directly causes secondary infertility. But we do know that dealing with infertility almost always results in added stress on a woman and her family. That in turn can make coping with infertility treatments that much more difficult. What makes secondary infertility especially stressful is that patients have to juggle raising their families while going through time-consuming fertility treatments. Patients also may not be on the same page as their significant other about how far to pursue treatment for a second or third child. There is a false belief that women who have secondary infertility are not as depressed or sad as women who have primary infertility. According to Dr. Sofia Gameiro, a lecturer at the School of Psychology at Cardiff University in Wales, women who still wished to have children were up to 2.8 times more likely to develop clinically

Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2016

significant mental health problems than women who did not. Her study showed that it doesn’t matter whether it’s primary or secondary infertility but whether or not a patient wishes to have a child or more children. Utilizing a mind-body approach for stress relief can counter the variety of factors that promote stress. What is a mind-body approach? A mind-body approach is utilized to counteract the effects of the “fight or flight” response. Our bodies are conditioned to respond to a real or perceived threat with a physiological response. For instance, when a patient is nervously waiting the results of a pregnancy test, she may have a physical reaction to that stress, such as dry mouth, nervous stomach or her hands can become sweaty. Prolonged or chronic stress can manifest in several physical conditions, including high blood pressure, suppression of immune system, irritability, anxiety, depression, anger management issues, and can have an effect on how well a patient can cope with infertility. Stress management through mind-body techniques leads to a reduction in these physical conditions. A mind-body approach can be an exceptionally useful tool as part of the treatment for secondary infertility. To counter the stresses of my patients’ daily lives and infertility, I frequently recommend the following techniques.

Mindfulness: Secondary infertility patients have their attention divided between their treatment, their children, their responsibilities at home and frequently with their careers. Being “in the moment” can seem like an impossible challenge. However, I encourage patients to focus on what is in front of them: the sights, sounds, and smells that surround them; the topic being discussed; the ideas being shared. In terms of their fertility treatment, it also means focusing on today, trying not to linger on the negative results of the past or outcomes that have not yet been determined. Focus on today, find enjoyment in the here and now, the present moment.

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Breathe: The most simple, most portable, most accessible stress management tool is breathing. Many people don’t realize that when they are under stress, their breathing is affected. By taking slow, deep breaths patients can learn to control and alleviate anything that the body is holding on to. There are several different breathing techniques that can be done in a matter of moments and can be utilized wherever. The most basic example is to breath in slowly to a count of four, and then breath out again to a count of four. After repeating this four to five times, there is a greater sense of calm. Find good in each day: Most couples are apart all day, and when they reconnect, it is common for them to vent about a difficult co-worker, bad traffic, a fussy child or annoying salespeople. It is more beneficial – for both spouses – to share something new, something good. This piece of information can be something small in the day that sparked a smile, such as the opportunity to catch up with an old friend, a funny meme shared on social media, a momentous moment with a child, or even an interesting news article. This will help set the tone of communication for the rest of the evening. Prayer or Meditation: Taking several minutes to slow down and focus inward can be incredibly rewarding. Some of my religious patients are most comfortable with prayer or may even seek help from their religious leader to help lead them in prayer. For others, I suggest trying guided meditation. There are several good meditation apps available for smart phones such as Headspace or Mindfulness. Not every mind-body technique is going to be right for everyone, and in our practice, we encourage our patients to find the one that is right for her. Stress has not been definitively proven to decrease the likelihood of pregnancy through clinical trials; how-

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ever, several clinical studies indicate that stress management techniques can have a positive effect. Furthermore, there is no downside to learning and practicing stress management, and the upside is promising. The benefits can have a positive and everlasting impact on our quality of life. 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. In addition to being a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), Melissa has trained under Alice D. Domar, PhD, a pioneer in the application of mindbody medicine to men’s and women’s health issues. Melissa works with patients in one-on-one settings and in workshops. To find out more, please go to www.rmact. com. See ad on page 30.

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Avoiding Exercise – What’s Your Excuse? By Tonya Pasternak, ND

e can all agree that the benefits of exercise are endless, however despite this many of us do not have a workout routine. The reasons differ from person to person but most commonly include limited time, pain, and frustration with not seeing results. When several obstacles are in our way we become less likely to put forth the energy, and when we do we are less likely to find joy in it. In order to overcome these ruts we need to explore the various hurdles that may be preventing you from getting into a healthier routine. No Time to Exercise? Time, or lack there of, is the number one reason people do not exercise. Exerting any additional energy at the end of a long day can seem nearly impossible. Having to drive to and from a gym on top of that makes the task seem even more daunting. However, if doing the right type of exercise a person does not need a ton of time or a gym to get a good workout. Studies show that by doing interval style and resistance workouts people can get the same amount of benefits while working out half as long as if doing aerobic exercise. While interval training sounds like one must be an athlete or at least in great shape, this isn’t necessarily the case. Rest based exercise is a form of interval training that offers the same results and can be modified to accompany each individual’s fitness level. The premise of this workout out is “push until you can’t, rest until you can”. For example, if you are using a treadmill, you would “give it your all” until you reach fatigue, and then you slowly walk or stop completely until you have the energy to push yourself again. Doing this type of back and forth exertion allows the body to burn a greater amount of fat and build more muscle as opposed to exercising at a steady state for twice the amount of time. What If It’s Painful? The next major deterrent is pain. This is a catch-22 because the lack of movement can worsen discomfort within the body. When we exercise our bodies produce anti-inflammatory chemicals, which helps prevent diseases from worsening and can also lead to symptomatic control of pain. If you feel that your body isn’t in a strong enough state physically, it is worth having your physician help you explore potential causes. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, and even depression are all possible causes for muscle or joint aches. Once a proper diagnosis is made, a treatment plan can be created to control symptoms and help you get back to doing regular activities as well as exercising. Why Isn’t It Working? Ok, so what about those of us who exercise but do not see the results we are looking for? This can be extremely frustrating, especially if other people doing the same workout are losing weight and gaining muscle. How can it be that one person can have amazing

benefits when another person cannot? Well, obviously we are all unique individuals so exercise is not a one size fits all model. There is more to gaining the desired results than the type of exercise you choose. Our lifestyle factors such as nutrition, sleep, and stress levels, can play a large role in how our body recuperates after exercising. Chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and digestive health all play a part as well. When all these factors are viewed together we begin to see why choosing a holistic approach to our health is necessary to optimize the energy put into exercising and gain the best results. I’m Too Stressed Out Another major hurdle is the feeling of stress that can come with the thought of working out, however stress itself contributes to similar negative health effects as lack of movement does. Let us take a closer look at what is happening within fat cells (adipocytes) to help explain this. Within adipocytes there is an enzyme responsible for converting cortisone into its active form, cortisol. As you may know cortisol is known as the stress hormone. This is because cortisol often increases under stress, and elevated levels contribute to abdominal weight gain and impaired blood sugar levels. Therefore the more fat cells a person has means there will be a greater adipocyte production of cortisol. Add this cortisol and the increased amounts from general stress together and there is far too much at one time which can contribute to ill health effects. So what can we do about it? Exercise. Exercise will assist in breaking this cycle and counter-balancing the overexpression of cortisol. While this will help prevent the physical effects this hormone has on the body, decreasing its levels will also lessen the emotional effects of stress as well. In addition to working out, there are also herbal medicines that can help regulate cortisol. Having your levels assessed can be a helpful tool in determining if your body may need extra support. Combining exercise with herbal medicines is a natural path to balancing cortisol. While this list of obstacles is far from complete, it goes to show there are proven ways in which we can overcome them. If you have something standing in your way, discuss it with your physician. Together, you and your doctor can figure out a plan that works best for your unique position and will allow you to be successful at reaching your goals. Dr. Tonya Pasternak has a family practice in Manchester, CT at Connecticut Natural Health Specialists. All of the physicians at the clinic are in network providers for most insurance companies and are accepting new patients. For more information or questions, please call (860)533-0179 or visit ctnaturalhealth.com. See ad on page 19.

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The Weight Loss Puzzle Finally Solved!

Excerpts from the new e-book, by Drs. Frank Aieta and Diane Hayden

very year millions of books on diet and weight loss are sold in this country alone yet the statistics focusing on obesity and being overweight in America are extremely startling. According to the Center of Disease Control’s website, 69% of Americans over the age of 20 are overweight or obese. Over 20% of the younger population is either overweight or obese and this rate has more than doubled from the early 80’s until now. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of 35 major diseases including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, sleep apnea and cancer. Obviously the information in these books is not getting to the root cause of the obesity epidemic. As a naturopathic physician, I focus on diet and weight loss with virtually every patient that I see and have been able to uncover the multi-factorial reasons that people gain weight and have a hard time losing it. Over the past year, Dr. Diane Hayden and I have paired up to finally put into print a book that will aid the reader to finally take their health into their own hands and achieve their goal of optimal health and weight loss. “The Weight Loss Puzzle Finally Solved!” is now available in a downloadable e-book format. I’m excited to share with you all a little sneak peak from some of the chapters that I wrote, right now! A Naturopathic Physician’s Perspective Over the past 13 years that I’ve been in private practice as a licensed naturopathic physician, numerous male and female patients have come through my door with the same exact complaint, “Doctor, no matter what I do I simply can’t lose weight and keep it off.” They tell me that they’ve tried countless fad diets and exercise plans with minimal initial success and the eventual regaining of the lost weight with an additional 5 pounds to boot. With so much conflicting information on diet out there, it’s easy to become very confused. Our own government considers a diet that is centered on a low-fat paradigm to be a healthy one. For more than 50 years this is what we have been persistently taught despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary. More recently with the popularity and success of the Paleo diet, more people are becoming educated about the importance of the quality of food we ingest (organic, grass fed, non-GMO), the importance of good quality fats in our diet, and the elimination of carbohydrate and refined foods that have really made their way into the standard American diet. What you will learn in this book most importantly is the fact that dietary fat is not, and never has been the culprit in why we get fat! The real contributors are allergenic and inflammatory foods, nutrient deficiencies, hormonal and neurotransmitter imbalances, inadequate exercise, lack of sleep and much more. This may seem like a lot of variables to address but our goal with this book is to give the reader a very concise step-wise plan to keep the pounds off while regain18

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ing health and vigor. In order to be truly successful at losing weight and achieving optimal health, we need to look past the notion that weight gain is solely due to too many calories taken in opposed to what is burned. As many of you know, if that were the case then exercising more and eating less would work for everyone! Since every patient is a unique individual with a different genetic makeup then it makes complete sense that for a diet and lifestyle plan to be successful it needs to be individualized. This book will attempt to individualize your diet, lifestyle and nutritional supplement plan for you. Inflammation and Weight Loss Inflammation can occur in the body when you are carrying excess body fat. Inflammation is a normal process in the body that occurs when we are dealing with a trauma or insult to the tissues but when that inflammatory response becomes too great or chronic then disease will set in. Your fat cells produce different hormones and inflammatory mediators that produce chronic inflammation. One of these fat hormones is leptin, which I touched upon earlier. To reiterate, leptin works on the brain to increase satiety and tells you to stop eating while activating the metabolism to burn up some of the stored body fat. When you over consume sugar and carbohydrates in the diet, you rapidly put on body fat increasing inflammation and leptin as a response. When you flood your system with leptin, you can eventually become resistant to the actions of leptin leading the brain to think that the body is starving, while your appetite ramps up and your metabolism slows down in a confused attempt to conserve energy. When we talk about diet later in the book we will be able to use leptin levels as well as many of the other progress markers (insulin, triglycerides, blood sugar) to monitor your success. One other marker that is extremely important is C-reactive protein (highly sensitive CRP), which is a major marker for inflammation. This level can coincide directly with elevated leptin levels, insulin and body fat. As you lower leptin, insulin and body fat, this inflammatory marker goes down as well. Research has actually proven that elevated CRP levels are predictive for diseases like type II diabetes and heart disease. Chronic stress and elevated cortisol and norepinephrine levels are also linked to high inflammation, exacerbating weight gain. The test that should be run is called Highly Sensitive C-reactive protein or Cardio-CRP – optimal range is <1. The lower this number is the better. Later in the book we will discuss dietary and supplement strategies to combat inflammation and break its hold on your ability to lose weight. This is just a sample of what this book has in store for its readers. There are also chapters on weight loss and mindset and more on the proper lab tests to ask for before implementing a diet plan and

how to interpret the results. The reader will also be guided towards which diet is truly the best for them as well as choosing the ideal dietary supplements and exercise plan. There is also an entire chapter dedicated to providing the reader with healthy recipes and meal options. The true premise of this book is for the reader to finally take their health back into their own hands by arming them with the complete knowledge to do so.

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

Submitted by Dr. Frank Aieta. Please go to www.weightlosspuzzlesolved.com for more information and updates. See ad on this page.

The Weight Loss Puzzle, Finally Solved!

The Power of the Perfect (For You) Diet In Your Hands Written by Drs. Frank Aieta and Diane Hayden to help you hone in on your specific problems by creating a diet plan you love and want to live with without expensive doctor visits and by putting all the knowledge you need in your hands. What this book does: • Deciphers the culprits that are blocking your progress so you can reach the balance YOUR body needs to drop fat, raise energy levels, and handle stress like a leader • Allows you to piece your own puzzle together without expensive doctor visits that insurance doesn’t cover anyway • Illustrates the “how” in making your mind, your habits, and your food work together to create a body that yearns to jog along the beach or climb the mountains • Hands you completely within-reach actions that you’ll use to begin a new love story with your body

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Natural Relief from Constipation By Michael Dworkin, PD, CCN & J. Erika Dworkin Contrary to popular wisdom, frequency of bowel movements is not a criterion for diagnosing constipation because of the wide range of variability among individuals...Bowel movements should be fairly regular and pass with no straining or pain. ~Disease, Prevention & Treatment, 5th Ed., Life Extension

onstipation. It’s not a fun or pretty topic to discuss, but just about everyone needs to address it at one time or another, and about 14% of adults suffer from chronic constipation. Female and males of all ages (especially seniors over age 70) may experience its unpleasant, and potentially painful, symptoms. Regardless of gender, age, or cause, constipation is a gastrointestinal disorder that should never be ignored, and safe, effective natural remedies can, in many instances, provide relief without side effects. Symptoms, Causes & Risks Peristalsis (waves of muscular contractions coordinated by signals from the nervous system and neurohormones) moves fecal material through the large intestine (colon). Dysfunction in the enteric nervous system (network of nerves that control the gut) can cause dysfunction in the CNS (the brain and spinal cord), and vice versa. Researchers have determined that dysfunction in this so-called gutbrain axis not only causes insufficient peristalsis that in turn causes constipation, but also contributes to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Constipation is strained or painful bowel movements of hard/ dry/lumpy stools created when waste moves too slowly through the digestive tract. Chronic constipation generally lasts six months, with specific symptoms lasting at least three months (e.g., straining with 25% of bowel movements), and may be a sign of IBS. Other symptoms and complications of constipation, especially if chronic, can include: (1) abdominal bloating/discomfort; (2) delirium/anorexia/ general functional decline in the elderly; (3) hemorrhoids; (4) anal fissures (small tears in the anus lining); (5) rectal prolapse (a collapse and telescoping of the rectum through the anal canal); (6) sensation of incomplete evacuation, fecal impaction, or bowel toxicity; (7) bowel/bladder incontinence; and (8) acquired megacolon (extremely enlarged colon that may require surgery). Common causes of constipation include: (1) poor diet [i.e., inadequate intake of bulk-forming fiber and water (though some studies indicate fluids intake is not a risk factor); consumption of foods that cause sensitivities/allergies (see below)]; (2) inactivity and weak abdominal/intestinal muscles; (3) medications for pain [especially opioids (narcotics)], blood pressure, depression, digestion (antacids containing aluminum or calcium, dependence-causing excessive use of laxatives), allergies, and cancer; (4) emotional conditions (stress, anxiety, depression); (5) parasites and intestinal bacteria [yeast/ candida, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth(SIBO)] ; (5) hormonal 20

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fluctuations (PMS, menopause, low-T, hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism); (6) certain iron and calcium supplements; (7) neurological diseases (Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury); and (8) poor sleep. Disadvantages of Conventional Treatment Practitioners diagnose constipation based on a patient’s specific bowel habits, symptoms, and medical history. They generally first recommend regular exercise with adequate fluid (eight-8oz glasses of water/day) and fiber intake (20-35 grams/day). Both soluble (oats, apples, beans, peas, bread/cereal) and insoluble (fruit skins, brown rice) fiber contribute to increasing the size of stools, which makes it easier for the colon to move and pass them. Gel-forming soluble fiber renders stools softer and firmer, while insoluble fiber promotes colon contraction and scrapes the walls of the intestines to clean them. Though humans cannot digest fiber, the five pounds of friendly bacteria in the intestines thrive on it and use it to produce shortchain fatty acids that intestinal cells use for energy. Known as prebiotics, the fibers that feed healthy gut bacteria are fermented in the colon (and thus are not always well-tolerated) and include inulin, FOS, acacia gum, and psyllium. Conventional doctors may also prescribe oral laxatives, suppositories, and/or enemas. Abuse of any of these laxatives, widespread in the United States, can cause these health issues: (1) dehydration or water retention (edema); (2) mineral (electrolyte) imbalances (with dehydration, can cause cardiovascular problems); (3) changes in pH balance; (4) inability to produce adequate digestive enzymes; (5) poor absorption of vitamin D and calcium (can weaken bones); (6) excessive weight loss or gain; (7) damage to, and dysfunction of, the intestines; and (8) cancer and death. Nutritional Supplements to Prevent or Relieve Constipation These nutritional supplements can help relieve symptoms of mild-to-moderate constipation: Aloe Vera Juice/Gel: This extensively studied plant contains polysaccharides, electrolytes, enzymes, minerals, and vitamins that help heal the gut. Its polysaccharides have proven to support digestion by promoting a healthy stomach pH and the growth of healthy bacteria. Aloe also has potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal (including candida albicans), and antiviral properties (including herpes). Fiber: If the fiber-water combination discussed above does not provide adequate relief , try with plenty of water: (1) chitosan (a component of the shell of shellfish), which binds fat from food in the stomach/intestines, thereby rendering feces soft and smooth (3 grams chitosan + 1 gram vitamin C before each meal); or (2) glucoman-

nan (a water-soluble fiber from the konjac root that is even safe in often-constipated pregnant women), which promotes a larger, bulkier stool and generally promotes a bowel movement within 12-24 hours. Magnesium: This often deficient mineral is a well-known natural laxative, generally in doses exceeding 600mg/day. Wellabsorbed magnesium citrate or glycinate are effective options. Enteric Coated Peppermint: Menthol, the active ingredient of peppermint, is a natural antispasmodic that relaxes intestinal walls, especially when constipation is secondary to IBS. Patients with acid reflux (GERD), hypoglycemia, or gallstones, should not use this herb. Probiotics: Restoring healthy intestinal flora balance in the gut should generally be part of any regimen to improve bowel function. Beneficial strains include Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, and appropriate doses can range from 15 billion to 200 billion bacteria or more, depending on tolerance and the cause of constipation. Rotate tolerated refrigerated products to maximize propagation of various beneficial strains.

prunes, kiwi/other berries) and dried fruits (more fiber than fresh fruit), certain vegetables (green leafy, high in magnesium; broccoli; sweet potatoes/skins), nuts (almonds, walnuts) and seeds (chia, flax, pumpkin), whole grain gluten free bread, coconut water, and non-dairy probiotic foods (absent candidiasis; not always well-tolerated). Also Potentially Helpful: (1) yoga – navel pumps in counts of three for as many minutes as possible, as many times per day as possible; (2) retrograde colonic irrigation (RCI); (3) chiropractic adjustments (valuable for infants); (4) perineal self-acupressure (application of external pressure to the perineum, the area between the anus and genitals); and/or (5) acupuncture. The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to take the place of a physician’s advice. Unless supported by specific cited research, the natural remedies discussed herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Submitted by Michael Dworkin, PD, CCN, a Registered Pharmacist and State Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CT Cert. No. 232), with J. Erika Dworkin, Certified Lifestyle Educator and Board Cert. Holistic Nutrition (Cand.). Owner of the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe (860.646.8178, 378 Middle Turnpike West, Manchester, CT, www. cthealthshop.com), Pharmacist Dworkin has been guiding patients since 1956 and is available for consultation by appointment. Erika is available to speak to groups. All statements in this article are based on research or clinical experience and references are available upon request. See ad on page 13.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): On an empty stomach, 2-3 grams can promote rapid evacuation of the bowels. This remedy should not be used at night/bedtime given the vitamin’s ability to support the adrenal glands and energy production. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): High doses of this antioxidant (1,000-4,500 mg/day) are well-known to relieve constipation when taken on an empty stomach. Some maintain that buffered vitamin C is as effective as non-buffered. Some Dietary & Lifestyle Choices Diet Changes: Eliminate potentially problematic foods from the diet for 30 days to determine the extent to which they cause sensitivities/allergies. One at a time, avoid these common offenders: (1) dairy (proinflammatory; slows motility); (2) eggs and meat [slow motility; red meat rots in the colon and its consumption increases the risk of colon cancer; and (3) gluten (in wheat/ barley/rye/contaminated oats; celiac disease can cause secondary constipation). Other common food allergens include soy, nuts, fish, and corn (especially GMO). Consuming certain healthy foods with a laxative effect can also be beneficial, including certain fruits (pears, plums, apples with skins,

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Can Your Genetics Cause Estrogen Dominance? By Jessica Pizano any women struggle with estrogen dominance issues and may not even realize it. Symptoms are diverse and include premenstrual syndrome (PMS), mood swings, weight gain, fatigue, breast tenderness, depression with anxiety or agitation, brain fog, headaches, infertility, irregular menstrual periods, irritability, insomnia, polycystic ovaries, sluggish metabolism, water retention and bloating, hypothyroidism, cancer (breast and uterine) and uterine polyps/fibroids. Estrogen dominance does not necessarily mean that one has elevated estrogen levels, but rather insufficient progesterone to balance out the estrogen. Additionally, estrogen dominance may also contribute to endometriosis, blood clots, weight gain, migraines, menstrual cramps, heavy bleeding, and low sex drive.

We are also exposed to xenoestrogens which are considered endocrine-disruptors that have an estrogen-like effect in the body. They come from our environment in products including pesticides, detergents, petroleum products, plastic products and cosmetics. Xenoestrogens may be stored in the fat cells of the body and contribute to estrogen dominance. Some of the more common sources of xenoestrogens are sunscreen lotions; parabens found in many skincare products; bisphenol A (BPA) often found in the lining of cans; phthalates found in plastics; polybrominated biphenyl ethers found in flame retardants; FD&C Red No.3 and the red dye phenosulfothiazine; the food preservative butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA); chlorine; and insecticides. If you are experiencing symptoms of estrogen dominance it might help to switch to organic meats and produce to avoid the various pesticides, reduce the use of plastics (particularly when using a microwave) and switch to organic cleaning and personal care products. Estrogen and the Menstrual Cycle Estrogen is found in many forms in the body. From puberty up until menopause, women move through three phases during their menstrual cycle: follicular phase, ovulation and luteal phase. In the follicular phase, the woman’s menstrual flow begins on cycle day 1 in preparation for ovulation. Here estrogen stimulates the growth of the

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Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2016

endometrium so (if fertilization occurs) the blastocyst (newly fertilized egg) may implant. Simultaneously, it allows for the growth and development of a follicle in the ovary that will mature as it leads up to ovulation mid-cycle. The first half of the cycle is also referred to as the proliferative phase and is marked by increasing levels of estrogens and gearing up for ovulation. At ovulation, the egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube. At this point, the follicle that it came from becomes the corpus luteum and produces 17�-estradiol and progesterone. This continues either until the placenta is developed in pregnancy or until the uterine lining is once again shed. The corpus luteum hormones serve to stimulate the new uterine lining allowing it to secrete a fluid rich in nutrients in preparation for possible implantation. This half of the cycle is referred to as the secretory phase for this reason. While the follicular phase may vary in length (based on each woman and stress), the luteal phase following ovulation should be exactly two weeks long. If this phase is not two weeks long it is considered a luteal phase defect which is generally caused by insufficient progesterone or when the lining of the uterus does not respond appropriately to the progesterone. If this occurs it may cause more frequent periods, early miscarriage, difficulty getting pregnant and spotting between periods. This defect may be caused by anorexia, endometriosis, too much exercise or elevated prolactin levels (the hormone responsible for milk production). Following ovulation, if a woman is pregnant she remains in the luteal phase until after birth. Otherwise, after two weeks, the cycle repeats and once again she is in the follicular phase. It is often helpful when experiencing estrogen metabolism issues to chart your cycle to understand your own body’s rhythm and to be able to more effectively communicate your issue with your practitioner. This is actually simple to do. The first day of your period is considered cycle day 1. Mark this on a calendar. Each day, you should take your temperature prior to getting out of bed. During the follicular phase, the temperature should be about a half a degree lower than in the luteal phase (post-ovulation). By doing this you are tracking your basal body temperature and it will be easy to see when and if you ovulate. Conversely, a day prior or the day your period comes the temperature should once again drop approximately half a degree. Other things that you may chart include cervical mucus and position. At the beginning of the follicular phase the mucus is generally thick, white and sticky. As you get closer to ovulation it will begin to thin and become clearer. Right around ovulation the mucus is generally clear and watery or clear and stretchy (like a raw egg white). Following ovulation, the mucus will become thicker again. Similarly, the cervical position changes as the body prepares for ovulation. It is generally low, hard and closed at the beginning of the follicular phase. As you move towards ovulation the cervix will begin to elevate in the vagina and will become softer and more open to allow sperm to enter the uterus. At ovulation the cervix should

be high, soft and open. Following ovulation, the cervix position is quite variable. Charting these changes can provide a great deal of information to you and your practitioner. It is also a great way to understand your body, plan for a pregnancy or prevent pregnancy naturally. Genetically, many of us are predispositioned to having troubles with our estrogen metabolism. We can look to the pathways that break down estrogen to determine risk and/or cause of estrogen dominance. COMT Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) is an enzyme that is most commonly known to breakdown the neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. How is this connected to estrogen, you ask? Well, most enzymes in our body have more than one function. The COMT enzyme is also a part of the estrogen pathway where it helps to breakdown estrogen. This means for those who have a genetic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP—pronounced “snip”) this will cause decreased function of this enzyme. Since the COMT enzyme is associated with anxiety, women with this SNP find that anxiety increases just before their period. Foods that require activation of the COMT enzyme including coffee, tea, bananas, chocolate, citrus fruits, vanilla, and blueberries may also exacerbate this issue. All enzymes require a cofactor to work effectively. In the case of COMT, this cofactor is the mineral magnesium. Many benefit from supplementing the diet with magnesium in a readily absorbable form such as magnesium glycinate or malate.

of enzymes that actively process toxicants. While we generally think of chemicals, drugs, and other toxicants as substances requiring detoxification, our own hormones, vitamins, and even dietary elements such as protein, cruciferous vegetables and saturated fats require detoxification. These substances require the cytochrome P450 enzymes to help their clearance. • CYP1A1 is important for the conversion of estradiol to 2-OH-estradiol which is considered the better form of estrogen. Those with SNPs to this enzyme will be less able to convert estrogen to the less toxic form and also generally have higher levels of estrogen. • CYP1B1 is involved in the hydroxylation of estrogens which helps to prevent hormonally triggered cancers. SNPs can cause an up-regulation of this enzyme causing an increase in the toxic 4-hydroxyestrone intermediary metabolite. If this is combined with COMT SNPs it can really increase the risk of estrogen related cancers and PMS. As this enzyme is also required to metabolize caffeine, I would suggest avoiding caffeine. I would also avoid the substances listed above. • CYP3A4 is also involved in estrogen metabolism as well as the oxidative deactivation of testosterone.

Since these enzymes are also responsible for detoxifying polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) found in cigarette smoke it is important to stop smoking and to avoid second hand smoke. PAHs are also found in charcoal grilled or broiled meats, so consider wet preparations for meats including poaching and stewing as an alternative. With these SNPs, if you have elevated estrogen it is imPEMT portant to avoid xenoestrogens and endocrine Phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyldisruptors found in coffee, black tea, chocotransferase (PEMT) is an enzyme that is use late, soy, dairy, flax seed, caffeine, convento convert phosphatidylethanolamine to tional meats and eggs, etc. Supporting the phosphatidylcholine in the liver. Phosphatiliver with milk thistle and N-actyl-cysteine dylcholine is required for many things in the (NAC) may also be helpful in decreasing esbody including, cell membrane structure, bile trogen levels. Many women also benefit from secretion and VLDL secretion. In addition the use of diindolylmethane (DIM) suppleto this role, PEMT is also important for the ments as it helps to gently remove excess breakdown of estrogen. Since it is also posiestrogen by allowing for better detoxification tively affected by estrogen, these mutations of the hormone. Always ask your doctor or generally affect post-menopausal women other health practitioner before starting any more strongly than pre-menopausal women. new supplements. You may learn more about Menopausal women experiencing problems your own genetics by running a genetic test including low or no sex drive, vaginal drythrough 23andme. This is a direct-to-conness, and other menopausal symptoms may sumer saliva test that would allow a qualified benefit from phosphatidylcholine supplemen- practitioner to help you investigate the SNPs tation. mentioned in this article. Cytochrome P450 Enzymes The vast amount of our natural detoxification process is done in the liver using the cytochrome P450 system. This is a group

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include genetics and nutrigenomics, general health and fitness, weight loss, food allergies/sensitivities, autoimmune disease, mast cell activation disorders, post-rehabilitative work, training/nutrition for medical conditions, obesity intervention, pre- and postnatal exercise and nutrition, and Pilates. She earned a master’s degree in human nutrition that emphasizes functional medicine at the University of Bridgeport. She is a certified nutrition specialist through the Board for Certified Nutrition Specialists. She is continuing her studies at Maryland University of Integrative Health where she is pursuing a doctor of clinical nutrition and is also an adjunct faculty member teaching nutritional genomics. She may be contacted at (860) 321-7234 or online at www.fittoyouct.com. See ad on page 16.

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All Your Questions about Spirituality, Energy and Health Answered!

am grateful for the opportunity to help people experience the world I feel we are moving through and stepping into. This column is question and answer format to provide those interested, a chance to ask questions about spiritually, energetics, health and life and how it can all come together in a grounded, functional and applicable way, so the reader can navigate life with peace, joy and compassion in a world that is changing so fast. Every month I welcome you to submit your mind, body, spirit questions directly to me at questions.rondamico@gmail.com or through my website at www.rondamico.net. Q: “I keep being told holistic healing would help me and I would like to look outside Western medicine, what is energy work and how can it help me?” A: Modern medicine approaches correcting physical imbalances using the sciences, education, training, and studies they have experienced for over many years, with good results in most cases and with incredibly wonderful and life changing result at times as well. But modern medicine as it is currently being expressed and experienced is showing the signs of its inherent limitations. Please understand that modern medicine is wonderful and very helpful, but like all things being expressed strictly from one single lens, it becomes limited in its ability to see the whole picture. For example, if you are looking at a sporting event at the playing field level you are limited in your ability to view what is influencing what is happening on the field. In this case, the field is the body and the viewing is someone on the field by most medical view points. But to get the best and most complete view of what is happening on the field, i.e. the body, it is best to look at things from a higher vantage point, i.e. the bleacher seats, skybox, or better yet in the sky

from a helicopter. Now in sporting events there are people that are part of the team that are observing from each of those vantage points and the key is that all of the team members are communicating with each other. When the lines of communication are open and fluid, the person, the athlete is given all of the best information available to make the best choices for the long term, not just for the benefit of the game, but for the lifetime of the player, the team, the league, the fans, the city, etc. If there is a health issue presenting, energy work or energy medicine, at a higher level of application, looks at not only what’s going on at the physical level but it also addresses what is occurring at the emotional, mental, energetic, spiritual, and karmic levels as well. When all levels of the person are considered in the presentation of an imbalance there is a greater potential for imbalances to be corrected and brought to resolution. For example, I had someone contact me to help clear depression, hopelessness and self sabotage. This person had been using allopathic forms of treatment for a number of years with some benefits but no long-term resolution. After an initial conversation and assessment, it was shown that while this person was about 6 months in utero his parents lost a two year old son to a bacterial infection and a few weeks later a step sister died of the same issue. The shock of the sudden loss and the grief and sadness the mother and father felt was so intense that this transferred to the fetus. Once this was recognized and we began to clear this from various areas of the body, the various energy fields and the system as a whole was supported to come back into a natural state of balance and the emotional heaviness and the physical influences began to quickly ease. There were many more levels to be addressed but this was the beginning of releasing the root imbalance that became to correct what medications and counseling was not able to bring to full resolution.

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Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2016

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What is helpful to realize about this story is that we think the physical body is a manifestation by itself. The truth is that the physical body is an expressive creation of the Soul. The Soul projects fields of energy that organize the matter in this reality to create what we call our physical bodies. What is held in the energy fields very directly and immediately begins to impact the physical body by creating imbalances within one or more of the energy fields. When this occurs some aspect of the body, mind and emotions will be affected. It may not be noticed immediately, but if left to rest in the fields or body, it will progressively begin to influence how a person feels, thinks, acts and the body functions. One simple example is the level of electromagnetic field exposure we all are experiencing. Because we are rarely able to get away from them, people are showing increased signs of stress, anxiety, depression, headaches, migraines, heart imbalances, visual imbalances, etc. Once the body and energy fields are cleared and kept clear most of these issues begin to clear and resolve. By no means are all issues cleared immediately and there is always something to be said for using the best of all options available, in the form of a healthy blend of modern medicine and complimentary/holistic forms of support. When this is done a person is looked at and addressed as a multifaceted individual and it becomes easier to resolve issues that are not able to be addressed when we look at just one facet of the person. This is where energy work or energy medicine can become an integral part of the life of a person. When used effectively, the practitioner or the individual who is living a life with universal mind, body and spirit as the focus of how they live can be addressed and often with better results. Ron D’Amico has been supporting people in the field of holistic health for more than 25 years. He has grown to become an accurate and effective healer with his own developed forms of energy healing that support all levels of life - mind, body, spirit and soul. He holds a BS from Springfield College in Health and Fitness after which he created a personal training business with a focus of functional fitness, conditioning and post-rehab for chiropractors and physical therapists for more than 10 years. After many years of trying to resolve his own emotional and physical issues through traditional methods of medical care with little to no success, he began searching in the area of complimentary health. His practice focuses on addressing the root cause(s) of what created the imbalance within the person. By addressing the mind, body, energetics, spirit and soul, the healing process is awoken and the person is guided to become actively involved in their own healing journey. Ron D’Amico can be reached at info.rondamico@gmail.com. See ad on page 23.

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Healthy Eating for Busy Moms By Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD, PT, IMT,C

magine this scene—a day in the life of a busy mom… It’s the morning witching hour. You’ve got two kids (or more!) to corral. They’re moving ‘slowly’. You have to get them dressed, fed, and out the door in time for the bus (not to mention wake them up because they don’t seem to be stirring with your frequent requests!). You’re running back and forth from their bedroom to the kitchen to the bathroom… well, maybe ‘walking quickly’! Is this a daily weekday event in your household? It is in mine! I remember a time when I was a young child, some weekday morning during the school year, hearing the exasperation in my mother’s voice because my brothers and I were not waking up and ‘getting ready’. She literally threatened to throw cold water on us. My memory is a bit foggy so I’m not sure at the accuracy of the image, but I do vaguely remember her actually throwing a cup of cold water on my younger brother who was especially taxing on her in the early morning! Now, let’s take a step back… How are we feeling? Certainly stressed! But what about hungry? Do we even take a moment to consider ourselves? Do we ‘grab a bite to eat’, albeit in a standing position, while quickly managing to pack our kids’ lunches? We make so many efforts to create health for our family, including taking time to think about food choices for our kids. But what about us? How much of our stress is augmented by the fact that we are too busy to really sit and eat a nutritious meal in the morning (quite possibly the most important meal of the day, as much of the research is showing today)? Well, reality is always a factor. We do not have the time to sit down to a full healthy meal in the mornings. It’s just not realistic! But there are several strategies that can help us nourish ourselves through the day. Equally of importance, even if our meals are ‘nontraditionally’ timed, our food choices can help us be healthier and actually feel less stressed. Here are some ideas. Strategies for Healthy Eating in a Busy Day Find a quiet time to plan ahead for the week’s meals. For many people, the weekend is the best time for this. Maybe on a weekend morning, you can squirrel away a few moments to sit with a pad and pen. Create a shopping list for the week that includes the right amount of ‘protein’, ‘veggies’, and ‘starches’ for the week’s meals. It can be helpful to have a week’s calendar on a page, where you can list out the meals. In the absence of a calendar, you can just draw one on a pad and fill in the blanks with meal choices. 26

Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2016

My husband and I have a routine that has worked really well for us over the past couple of years (as is the case with many of you, we also have two young kids that take up most of our time!). I make a shopping list on Saturday morning and he runs to the grocery store (because, honestly, if I had alone time at the store, I would probably never come home - I might just set up a tent at Whole Foods and ‘enjoy the atmosphere’, and probably our life savings as my husband likes to joke - he’s much better than me at just buying what’s on the list!) At the store, he will pick 3-4 natural meats (more or less depending on how many nights we are planning to eat at home), equal bunches of veggies, and for starches generally, we stick to various types of sweet potatoes and winter squash such as butternut. At home, we already have various forms of grains that we can use as well. This is our base. Then comes the meal planning. Another idea is to limit the ‘recipe creativity’ during the week and either use a slow cooker which you can prep the night before, or make the dinners very basic. For example, you can season chicken thighs with sea salt, pepper, and paprika; spray them lightly with olive oil; and roast them in the oven at 425 for 45 minutes. This makes a very delicious and supremely easy protein. You can simultaneously roast veggies and starches for the dinner, such as broccoli and sweet potatoes. Chop, wash, and dry the broccoli, then toss them in sea salt, pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil, then lay them on a baking sheet with parchment paper and roast them at 425 for 20 minutes. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes and toss them in sea salt, pepper, parsley (or cinnamon instead!) and olive oil, and roast them in a similar fashion to the broccoli. I’ve found that kids enjoy roasted veggies because they’re slightly crispy and have a more robust flavor. It’s a simple meal but delicious. Also, keep in mind that as you are prepping dinner, you want to make extra to be used for lunch for yourself and your family on the following day. As a family, we don’t tend to have leftovers for future dinners because we use most of the leftovers for the following day’s lunch. This is always a consideration in our pre-week shopping list and meal planning. The process may seem daunting and a lot of work, but once you initiate it and get used to this exercise, it’s actually quite simple and can become ‘habitual’. In addition to dinners and lunches, it’s helpful to plan early to ensure that you have enough healthy snacks on hand. Here are some ideas for you and the kids: natural jerky, roasted seaweed snack packages, cut carrots and celery with humus or sunbutter, sliced apples or pears with sunbutter, an orange, natural yogurt (there are a variety of dairy free yogurt options if you avoid dairy),

trail mix (you can make it yourself with various nuts and seeds and dried fruit such as raisins and apricots), homemade granola (see the recipe below). Lastly, because sometimes this is the hardest hour to think about ourselves, here are some thoughts on breakfast… a healthy meal, quickly: 1. Morning shake: 1 cup coconut milk, 1 cup fresh or frozen berries, 15-20grams protein powder or 2 tablespoons nut/seed butter, and 1 tablespoon coconut oil or ground flax seeds. 2. Make hardboiled eggs the night before and eat one or two in the morning with sea salt, pepper, paprika, and olive oil plus a cut up avocado or cucumber and tomato. 3. Homemade granola with coconut milk and fresh berries (see granola recipe below). Healthy Food Choices When making food choices for yourself, consider that the healthiest food choices will help you feel more energy and less stress. In fact, by lessening inflammatory foods in your daily life, you can reduce pain and overall, improve how you feel on a dayto-day basis. Here is a list of inflammatory foods to avoid: 1. Gluten: wheat, rye, barley 2. Refined sugar: avoid added sugars that are listed in package ingredients 3. Processed and packaged foods and preservatives Try to eat the following on a daily basis: 1. 3 servings of natural protein daily 2. 5 servings of vegetables daily 3. 1-2 servings of fruit daily 4. Healthy fats such as coconut oil, olive oil, avocado, nuts and seeds And lastly, be sure to drink lots of water. A helpful tool is to avoid all other drinks such as fruit drinks and just drink water throughout the day. Some people have found it helpful to put out on the counter in the morning what you are wanting to drink through the day such as a pitcher (or bring with you a large thermos of water) - this can serve as a reminder throughout the day to drink water. Living the life of a busy mom obviously has its many countless benefits, especially on those very sweet moments when we can hold our children close and be grateful for having them in our lives. Taking the time to cherish ourselves equally only magnifies this very special bond with our children because it shows them how to be a healthy adult and still manage all of life’s responsibilities. Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD, PT, IMT,C is the President and Owner of Integrative Wellness & Physical Therapy in Bloomfield, CT, a wellness center specializing in holistic Physical Therapy, nutritional wellness and Functional Medicine, and Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT). 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. In addition to her IMT expertise, Dr. Connell-Giammatteo is a graduate of the Institute of Functional Medicine’s program “Applying Functional Medicine into Clinical Practice” focusing on nutritional wellness. Dr. Connell-Giammatteo is also a local of this community and has been living in the Greater Hartford area for many years, where she integrates a healthy lifestyle at home with her wonderful family. See ad on page 21 and 30.

Homemade ‘Paleo’ Granola This delicious recipe was modified from the February/March 2016 issue of Paleo magazine. I love it because it’s entirely grainfree, including no oats, and it is naturally sweetened with fruit. Ingredients: • 1 cup raw walnuts, chopped • ½ cup raw pumpkin seeds • ½ cup raw sunflower seeds • ½ cup sesame seeds • 1 tablespoon cinnamon • ½ teaspoon sea salt • 1 ripe pear, peeled, cored, and chopped • 2 tablespoons maple syrup • 2 tablespoons coconut oil or olive oil • ½ cup dates, pitted and chopped • 1 cup raisins Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. 3. In a food processor with steel blade, combine walnuts and pumpkin seeds and process until ground into coarse meal, about 15-20 seconds - then, transfer to large bowl. 4. Now add to food processor the remaining ingredients except raisins. Process until combined and then transfer ‘wet’ mixture to large bowl and mix ingredients well. Mixture will appear like clumpy dough. 5. Divide mixture between two prepared baking sheets. Spread out into even layers of small clumps. 6. Bake for about 30 minutes or until deeply golden brown and crisp, stirring every 10-12 minutes to ensure even cooking. 7. Cool completely, then stir in raisins. 8. Store cooled granola in airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days.

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The Power of Meditation and Mindfulness for Stressed Out Moms By Lara O’Neil APRN otherhood. Wow! Children add a new dimension to our lives. Our lives are full. We have unending to do lists. We multitask well. Adding meditation practices radically improves our ability to cope with and even thrive with all our responsibilities.

The Power of Meditation and Mindfulness Meditation has been a practice used for thousands of years for seekers of higher consciousness. For us, in this modern day, it is medicine for alleviating stress, managing emotions, decreasing anxiety and depression, and guiding us in good decision-making. It has physical, mental and emotional benefits. We were born as babies living in the present moment; you can witness this in your own children. Our culturization trained us to dwell in the past and worry about the future, and abandon the most important aspect of our essence - present moment consciousness. It is there that we find joy, freedom and peace. Meditation, as a practice, retrains our brain waves to restrengthen their connection with the present moment. When we have this experience, even briefly, we feel alive and clear. A few months ago a groundbreaking study was published in Biological Psychiatry. The research used the western model of scientific thoroughness to study mindfulness meditation. The amazing results showed that meditation could change the brains of ordinary people and potentially improve their health. There are numerous health benefits well-researched and documented about meditation and mindfulness. The benefits of meditation can touch many areas of your life, while becoming more present and attentive with your children. Meditation can be done anywhere, anytime and is free! Simply put, it is a vehicle toward a better life. Walking Meditation Walking meditation is a form of meditation in action. For some people, it is easier to be more aware of their bodies while doing walking meditation as opposed to sitting meditation. It is a simple tool to help us appreciate our experience. It can make walking a more intense experience as well as very enjoyable. It is easy to practice, and enhances physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. It is a misconception that the only way to meditate is by sitting, since what is most important is what is happening internally, and not how you look from the outside. Therefore it doesn’t matter if you are in a pretty “lotus position” or not. We have all seen the yoga 28

Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2016

models on the front of magazines assuming this classic position. We often have felt that if we don’t have the perfect meditation cushion or beautiful candle or peaceful area to meditate in then we are not doing it right or achieving the goal. We also have heard from someone that they, “just can’t sit still” to meditate, or they just can’t fit it into their day. Walking meditation is a great way to incorporate meditation into our ordinary lives, because you can do it anytime you are walking! This includes normal circumstances like walking from your office to your car. It is also a misconception that walking meditation is a more novice form of meditation. In walking meditation you are using physical, mental and emotional experience of walking as a basis of developing greater awareness. Styles of Walking Meditation There are several different styles of walking meditation; what follows is just what I have adopted as my own. You can find beautiful guided walking meditations online, in libraries, and in bookstores. The ever inspiring meditation teacher, Thich Nhat Hahn, has published numerous discussions about walking meditation, including his book, “Peace is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life.” In 1979, Jon Kabat-Zinn introduced an eight-week stress reduction program. Now 37 years later, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has entered the mainstream of healthcare as well as scientific study. JKZ speaks of walking meditation in one of my favorite books, “Wherever You Go There You Are.” Of course there are differences between walking meditation and sitting meditation. Especially since you have to keep your eyes open so you won’t trip or bump into something or someone! Therefore, you don’t withdraw your attention from the outside world in the same way that you might do with sitting meditation at home. There are no right or wrongs with where or how long you are going to do it. But my suggestions would be to try to find a route with less traffic, like a quiet neighborhood or park. If you have the option, by water or the woods are ideal. I would also try to carve out at least 20 minutes if possible. The Reason As a mother, you are often so busy taking care of everyone else that you often put yourself last on the list. Since your family relies so heavily on you, it is important to remember to take care of yourself. A survey from the American Psychological Association shows that women are more likely than men to experience physical and emotional symptoms of stress.

Children are sensitive to their mother’s stress, and reportedly have higher levels of stress themselves when their moms are overworked, anxious or depressed. It is well documented that stress has numerous negative health consequences. It is ideal for busy moms to have several tools they can access to help alleviate stress and its unhealthy consequences. Healthy eating and sleeping habits are of course on the top of the list. But just as important are ways to add more joy, fun, and conscious awareness. Ever since my children have been little, one of my favorite things to do when I have a small amount of “free time” is to go for a walk. When my children were younger, if they were napping and/or I had another person in the home to watch them, I would often choose to get out of the house and just walk. My intent was to clear my mind as well as get some exercise so that after I returned I was more equipped to handle the rest of the day. But what I often found instead was that as I attacked that walk with fervor, my racing mind would ruminate about my current stresses and problems. I would ruminate about how mad I was at my husband, or beat myself up about how I overreacted to my child’s behaviors, or worry about money, etc. You get the drift. When I returned to the house, I wasn’t in a better place. In fact, I was in the same mood, if not worse, from when I left. I could feel frustrated that I didn’t feel any better, and I just “fed fuel to the fire” of my stresses. Over time I finally admitted to myself that this wasn’t healthy for anyone involved. For many years now I have been on a wonderful journey of exploring, incorporating and discovering holistic health and mind-body healing. Being a health care provider myself, it has greatly enriched my work with my patients, as well as for my family and myself. Throughout the years I have developed a walking meditation that never fails to give me a small amount of much needed tranquility and clarity. I call it my “two for one” because you get exercise and mindfulness all at the same time. In fact it is even more than that because you also get the much-needed time outside in nature as well as time alone with yourself. It has spiritual and physical benefits. It is fairly quick and it is simple. You can spend 15 minutes or you can spend an hour or 2. This meditation has come to me intuitively, and was greatly influenced by my studies of meditation over the last several years and its profound effects.

My Walking Meditation When I first set out I allow myself to have my thoughts for several minutes, or however long it takes. As I am walking I imagine these thoughts or circumstances blow off my back behind me, while I am leaving them behind as I continue to go forward. When I am feeling ready I will begin consciously and deliberately going through each of these concepts one at a time: Seeing, Hearing, Smelling, Feeling and Experiencing. As I am mindful of one sense, I block out the others, so that I can fully be present with each individual one, one at a time. 1. Seeing- close off all your other senses and look around and really take in your environment through your eyes. Look at the color of the sky, the shape of the clouds. Look at the buildings, or the trees and landscape. Look at the people or animals or cars that you pass. Look at the road or the grass or the land that you are walking on. Whatever is in your environment, look at it, without judgement, analysis or decision-making. Simply look. 2. Hearing- just listen to whatever it is that you hear. It could be the wind or the rustling of the trees. It could be the honking of the cars, bells on a church, or the noise of traffic going by. It could be people talking, or the noise of construction. It might be the sound of your footsteps on the chosen terrain. Just listen, without judgement, analysis or decision-making. 3. Smelling- smell the earthy smells or the city smells. The smell of hot steamy pavement, or the smells of the crisp cool air. The smell of what is cooking in the house that you are walking by, or the smell of the pavement being poured at the construction sight. The smell of the ocean, or the garbage from the garbage bins. Just smell the surroundings, no judgement, just smell. 4. Feeling physically- feel the temperature on your skin. Feel the sun, or lack thereof. The humidity or the dryness. Feel the precipitation. Feel the wind against you as you walk forward. Just feel, no judgments. 5. Feeling emotionally- allow yourself to feel your emotional state. Do you feel hurried or worried? Do you feel content or happy? Do you feel neutral? Are you in awe by the natural beauty around you? Do you long for more green space and natural surroundings? Do you feel inspired to incorporate more mindfulness

into your life? Or do you feel this is a silly and nonsensical exercise? Allow yourself to recognize your emotions without judgement or trying to change them. 6. Experience- now allow yourself to experience everything all at once, what you see, hear, smell and feel. Relish that your body allows you to have such a complex sensory system and that you can experience so many things at the same time. If your mind drifts off and starts thinking of other things while you are doing this exercise, just gently remind yourself to redirect back into your intention of the walking meditation, which is to fully experi-

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ence the present moment. Some days might be more difficult than others. If you feel particularly anxious or overwhelmed that day, you may find yourself redirecting your attention back several times over and over. That is absolutely fine as well. If you cannot leave your home, or if the weather does not permit it, you can still do this while sitting on your couch, your porch or even walking inside your home or in your own backyard. And guess what, if you are not a mom, you can still do this too of course! The beauty of mindfulness and meditation is there really is no “doing it wrong”. There is nobody judging you, grading you, or even watching you. Jon Kabat Zinn captured it beautifully when he said, “There are tremendous benefits that arise from mindfulness practice, but it works precisely because we don’t try to attain benefit. Instead, we befriend ourselves as we are. We learn how to drop in on ourselves, visit, and hang out in awareness.” Many mothers find that fitting meditation into their day more than makes up for the time it takes. The divine and feminine qualities- intuition, patience, wisdom, love— often depend on how rested and free of stress we are, and how aligned we are with what nourishes us.

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After this small amount of time that you gifted yourself with, you can become clearer, more mindful, more grateful, and therefore a better mother. The benefits are numerous and bountiful. Happy walking!

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Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2016

N O R WA L K

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Women’s Health: A Matter of the Heart By Kenneth R Hoffman, D.Ac, L.Ac CCH

here is an old saying: “We don’t know what we don’t know.” This phrase may be far more true than people know. Medicine today has descended into a world of symptom treatments and disease management with far too little attention being paid to early detection of disease risk and prevention. In fact while most women are relying on annual physical and routine medical tests to monitor their health, research shows they have little benefit. Dr. Ateev Mehrotra, from Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center says, “I don’t see any evidence for having every person see their doctor every year.” Mehrotra wrote an editorial arguing against the annual physical in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). In last month’s (April, 2016) Natural Nutmeg article on heart health, I mentioned that the gold standard for assessing cardiovascular health has also been called into question and may only detect heart disease when there is a blockage of more than 65%. After years of searching for the best screening of risk factors and disease prevention, I have discovered a variety of simple, cost effective methods that can literally save lives through early detection and risk prevention strategies. Arterial Pulse The Arterial pulse has been studied in China for over 2500 years. It was first mentioned in the “Internal Medicine Classics, Nei Ching” written by the Yellow Emperor, Huang Ti (698–598 BC). The principal means of diagnosis employed in the Nei Ching was in feeling the arterial pulse. From the pulses, a good practitioner can tell exactly what is happening to the body such as where there are blockages of blood flow to the organs or different tissues and why a particular area may be diseased. But this skill is more of an art, taking decades to perfect and reading ten thousand pulses before gaining accuracy. While I have felt many more than ten thousand pulses in my career, I always look for a technology that could add the solidity of objective testing to my patient experience. What I discovered was a technology called

the plethysmograph or Pulse Wave Velocity. Since the leading cause of death in women is heart disease, this tool is an essential in the assessment of cardiovascular risk. Pulse Wave Velocity The plethysmograph was first invented in the 1950’s as a means of looking at the velocity of the blood and how it flowed to the arteries (PWV). It was discovered not only that diabetics have a high velocity but that it was also associated with a high degree of risk for cardiovascular disease. But the real story doesn’t begin until the 1990’s when computers brought Pulse Wave velocity to a new level. The ability to record, in real time, the movement of the blood through the vessels gave an exceptional look at the cardiovascular system and how the blood is moving. The benefits of this early identification of risk cannot be overstated. It is in these early stages that natural solutions can be crafted to change the course of your future health. The plethysmograph and system I use was FDA approved and developed as a screening tool for cardiovascular risk. Fortunately, it never took off in the conventional settings and we now have it available to help guide women to real prevention strategies. It uses a simple clip that goes onto the finger and emits a harmless LED light that is picked up by the blood in your finger and then evaluated by a small sensor on the opposite side of the finger. It gives us specific information including: early diagnosis on arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, peripheral circulatory disturbances, blood circulation and blood vessel aging status. In other words, it can tell whether your blood vessels are the same age as your physical age. A good example would be a patient we have seen who was a 40-year-old ex-smoker. Her vessel aging status was 55 meaning that while she was only 40, she had the blood vessels of a 55-year-old woman. This is not good and meant we had to remove toxins from her, restore the damaged cells and

revitalize her heart. The other common observation that I have had is when we screen women who are medicated with hypertension or cholesterol drugs. The report often shows that they are at high risk of disease even though the numbers are “normal”. Often, hormonal imbalances such as estrogen dominance will create stiffness in the vessels and increased aging status. The outcome of our treatments is then healthy aging not accelerated dysfunction. The fact is, looking at blood pressure and cholesterol or even a stress test is not enough to prevent disease. By the time those tests change, the damage has already been done. By using an existing screening tool like Pulse Wave Velocity, you can see

what’s changing so that you can take charge and turn it around. I have had good success with acupuncture, supplements such as CoQ10 and L-Arginine as well as herbal therapies that include hawthorne, ginger and turmeric. By combining the best of natural medicine with cutting edge technologies you can avoid the surprise of discovering diseases that have no symptoms. Early detection and regaining balance is the true essence of health. Kenneth R Hoffman, D.Ac, L.Ac CCH is the medical director for Sophia Natural Health Center with locations in Brookfield and Malborough CT. Sophia Natural Health is one of the largest integrative medical centers on the East Coast and has served thousands of patients. His approach to medicine is to bridge ancient traditional healing with modern medical science and provide patients with individual care that focuses on the core of wellness. He is co-author of the book “Essential Remedies for Women’s Health” and host of the radio talk show “The Natural Medicine Connection” on 800 am WLAD. For more information, call SOPHIA Natural Health Center in Brookfield, CT 203-7409300 or visit www.inm.center. See ad on page 3.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

How I Lost My Passion in Life and Love & Exactly How I Got It Back

ave you ever woken up one day, looked around at your life and thought, “This is not my beautiful house! This is not my beautiful wife! MY GOD!...WHAT HAVE I DONE?” Yes, I’m quoting the Talking Heads, where David Byrne plays make-believe imagining himself as a suburban husband smacked with a midlife crisis. This was my life a few years ago. I was unhappy in my job (which was really bad because it was a business I created), in my relationship (which was even worse because I was married to my business partner) and just in general… my life. How did I get here? Well, let’s look back. When I was a teenager I honestly had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Does anyone really? So, off I went to college and majored in Marketing/Sales because that’s what field my father was in. After a couple years of horrendous sales jobs, I decided to go back to graduate school for Exercise Physiology and Nutrition. I’d been an avid runner and lifter for years, so it seemed to make sense to pursue Exercise Physiology as a career. Fast forward ten years and I’d had jobs as a personal trainer, weight loss coach, health club membership sales rep, college professor and director of education and sales at nutritional supplement companies.

How could I lose interest in something that I was so excited about after a few short years? Is it possible that I’m just not built to stay in one job or one relationship FOREVER…or was I afraid of long-term commitment? I began to seriously contemplate something that’s perplexed me for years… Do you become bored in a relationship because you haven’t found ‘the One’…OR…is your boredom a defense against the fear and vulnerability that comes with intimate relationships? I’m still not sure I’ve figured it out, but what I do know is that after years of studying successful people in both relationships and business, I’ve found that there are 5 essential characteristics that these people all have in common that I call the SPARK: self-confidence, passion, ambition, resilience and kindness.

But…nothing seemed to fit. After a few years, I’d be uninspired and just plain bored.

But the word SPARK came to me years ago from a friend I’ve known since 5th grade. We were both single and actively dating at the time and she used to say, “He’s got to have that spark in his eye. That’s what I’m looking for and I know it when I see it.” What she meant was that she was looking for a man who was excited and passionate about life and embodied those five essential characteristics I listed above. We would also joke about how so many people just didn’t have it. If I was talking to a guy I just met in a bar and he didn’t have the spark – as soon as I would look over at her she would give me this look – no words needed!

I thought…maybe I’m just tired of working for someone else. I’d always been entrepreneurial – having side businesses in fitness and nutrition – so I decided to take it to another level. In 2007, I completed a life coaching program at IPEC and started Natural Nutmeg. I built it to be a hugely successful statewide print publication and launched a sister magazine in Portland, Maine.

I started developing these 5 characteristics in myself and I would look for them in every guy I met who I thought might be “the One.” I’ve always been pretty self-confident, but I continued to push myself to do things that were out of my comfort zone (both physically and mentally like traveling alone, rock climbing, and silent retreats).

I was happy…but something was still missing. Coincidently (or not), my relationships seemed to follow the same path. I’d meet a guy I thought was amazing, we’d immediately start a relationship and within 2-3 years I’d be bored out of my skull with him.

I spent a year on a “Passion Quest” – where I critically studied all of my strengths, values, past experiences and things I was extremely passionate about to figure out what I wanted in my life (in a career, in a relationship, in day to day life). What was going to make me jump out of bed every day? What was it that I couldn’t not do?

Considering I’m the common denominator (in both jobs and relationships), I started to take a hard look at… ME! Did I rush into things too quickly without really thinking through if this job or this man was truly “the One” for me?

Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2016

I started meditating and really giving myself time to figure out exactly what work I was meant to do in this lifetime. I worked with (and still do) life and business coaches to help me maintain my focus and drive to pursue my ambition. I surrounded myself with positive people who were on the same journey as I was.

I built my resilience by realizing that failure is a positive thing and if you’re not failing, then your goals and dreams aren’t big enough. In order to succeed, you have to fail. I gave myself permission to make mistakes as long as I was willing to try again. I promised myself not to take any rejection personally. I implemented a gratitude practice and tried to find one thing every day that I was thankful for. I learned to forgive myself and others when we both made mistakes. I successfully ended an 8-year marriage and business partnership with my ex and we are still friends today. I became kinder to myself. And as I developed these characteristics, I found my true passion in work and my true love. I believe that if you want to live your life to its fullest potential and you want to find a partner that is doing the same, you have to develop these five characteristics. So I developed the SPARK method to teach men exactly how to do that. It works for women, too!

The SPARK Method: 5 Key Tools to Master Life & Love

avoid attracting the same kind of women that are not right for you.

S = Self-confidence/Self-knowledge Learn to move from a place of, “I can’t do it,” “I’m not good enough,” “I’ll never get there,” “What if she rejects me?” to a place of, “No matter what, I’m going to win,” “I’m not going to get stuck in feeling shameful or angry,” “I’m going to figure out how to make this work for me.” In a low self-confidence state, you are constantly releasing destructive hormones into your body that dramatically further lessens your confidence and ability to attract women. It’s crucial for every man to identify what is at the core of his negative thoughts, so he can free himself from them.

A = Ambition What do you want to accomplish in your life, what legacy do you want to leave? What do you want to do so you have no regrets in life? How can you find a partner that supports your drive and ambition to accomplish things outside of the relationship? Learn how to get more done in less time, how to prioritize and prevent overscheduling, and maintain a high energy level.

P = Passion Remember when you were the most excited about your life and bring that spark back. How can you integrate fun and adventure into your life? What makes you jump out of bed in the morning eager to start your day? Discover skills to become more comfortable with intimacy, understand what’s attractive and exciting for you, and how to

R = Resilience What is your “why” that will enable you to persevere to accomplish anything you desire? How will you develop strength to overcome obstacles without becoming hard and jaded? Discover how to deal with fear and rejection by moving toward the emotions instead of away from them. K = Kindness How will you stay open to love and compassion after you’ve been hurt? What kind of gratitude practice will you have? How will you forgive yourself and others?

• •

• • •

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Learn how to stay calm amidst chaos and quiet your mind to allow your inner guidance and intuition to be heard. Discover how to amicably end negative relationships that no longer serve you with lovers, friends or family. Develop these 5 areas and it will be impossible not to find your true calling and your true love!

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For one month, we’ll work on all of these areas to help you get your spark back! Train your mind like you train your body. Dr. Diane Hayden is the owner and publisher of Natural Nutmeg Magazine and Essential Living Maine Magazine and is an author, speaker, and workshop facilitator. She holds a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Connecticut, a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Maryland and is an Empowerment Life Coach. For 20 years, her work has focused on inspiring people to learn about the power of thought and belief systems and how that shapes their lives. Her passion centers on helping men and women break the failed relationship cycle through her proprietary SPARK method. You can learn more about her online at http://drdianehayden.com/.

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Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2016

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Peaceful, Ecofriendly Retreat at The Colonnade Hotel in Boston

ne of the great things about living in Connecticut is the close proximity to some amazing cities like Boston and Manhattan. You can easily do Boston in a day trip, but if you choose to make it an overnight stay or weekend, there are plenty of things to do like shopping on Newbury Street, exploring Faneuil Hall and outdoor farmer’s markets, walking the Freedom Trail and dining in America’s next great food town. The greater Boston area is a wonderful blend of stylish sophistication and historic New England charm. The hottest place to stay in Boston now, in my opinion, is The Colonnade Hotel. Nestled at the intersection of a quaint residential community and a short walk away from Newbury Street, it’s in the perfect location in the Back Bay. You’re also close to the Boston Symphony, Museum of Fine Arts, Fenway Park and Northeastern U. And it’s the only hotel in Boston with a rooftop pool – but we’ll get to that in a minute! The Colonnade Hotel has provided genuine Bostonian hospitality to residents and visitors for more than 40 years. The hotel won the 2012 MLA Good Earth Keeping Award, and in 2009 was recipient of Mayor Menino’s Boston Green Business Award and the Boston Business Journal’s Green Business Award winner in 2011. Brasserie JO has also been recognized as a 3-Star Certified Green Restaurant©. As soon as you enter your room you notice stunning floor-toceiling windows with unobstructed views of Prudential Center and Back Bay. To my delight, the windows actually open and flood the space with natural sunlight, fresh air and unobstructed views. You won’t likely find a fresh air experience like that anywhere else in the city! All of The Colonnade’s windows have been replaced with energy efficient, soundproof floor-to-ceiling windows with improved double panes and advanced tint technology. Energy saving climate-controlled heating and ventilating systems are activated when the guest checks-in and deactivated at checkout or when the guest leaves the room for a period of time. Thoughtfully designed, they can be maintained via a central network, eliminating any need to disturb the guest with an in-room visit.

We had an indulgent rejuvenating sleep in their luxurious beds with plush pillow-top mattresses and other in-room comforts including a 37-inch flat-screen LCD TV, Keurig coffee brewers, dimmable lighting, an abundance of outlets and complimentary ULTRA* highspeed wired & wireless Internet access which is a MUST for writers and business travelers. Now let’s talk about that rooftop pool! Known as RTP, the only rooftop pool in Boston, it offers an idyllic place for lounging and enjoying a cocktail amidst a sweeping view of the Boston skyline. You’ll think you’re in Miami with the “club-like” scene, delicious craft cocktails and lively crowd that gathers on hot summer days and nights. You can also take a yoga class on Wednesday mornings poolside. But back to their many energy saving initiatives! Underscoring The Colonnade’s environmental responsibility is its innovative new harsh chemical free cleaning system. The hotel is the first in the nation to implement the ElectroCideTM System on a property-wide basis. This revolutionary cleaning process has been proven to be 80% more powerful than chlorine bleach yet completely nontoxic to humans and the environment. It has virtually eliminated the use of bleach and other harsh chemicals within the hotel. And probably the coolest thing The Colonnade Hotel has done is adopted and introduced Boston’s First Hotel Smart Car that is used to make pick-ups and deliveries for guests. The hotel is home to the award-winning Brasserie Jo, which serves authentic French brasserie fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you’re looking for other options, you’ll find that Beantown is outgrowing its old-world food traditions and turning into a culinary force to be reckoned with. Economic growth, a rising crop of young talent, burgeoning ethnic communities, and culinary innovation from the likes of MIT and Harvard are all contributing factors working in its favor. “Boston has gone through a renaissance in development and food,” says Mary Dumont, a former Food & Wine “Best New Chef” and evangelist for modern New England cuisine at Harvest in Cambridge. “It’s a city with the best schools and hospitals, among other things, so no wonder New York chefs are trying to open restaurants here now instead of the other way around.” And from the dining we experienced, she’s right! www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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A rising generation of award-winning chefs merits close attention now. Michael Scelfo’s Alden & Harlow, Cassie Piuma’s Sarma, Jeremy Sewall’s Row 34, Will Gilson’s Puritan & Company, Joanne Chang’s Myers + Chang, Tony Maws’ Kirkland Tap & Trotter, Maslow’s Ribelle, and Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette’s Coppa and Toro have all opened in the last couple of years. As you probably know, I love tapas – so we dined at Toro and Tapeo. Both were outstanding. At Toro we had the delicious creamy and charred lime aioli grilled corn, San Sebastián style wild mushroom, farm eggs and herbs, fried potatoes with aioli and spicy tomatoes sauce and seafood paella. At Tapeo we enjoyed the roasted seasoned potatoes with aioli, beef tenderloin with chimichurri, chicken empanadas, and garlic chicken thighs in a sweet and sour sauce. Also – don’t miss the Farmer’s Market on Copley Square – I would drive to Boston just for the day to go there! Submitted by Dr. Diane Hayden. For more information, visit www. colonnadehotel.com, www.toro-restaurant.com, www.tapeo.com. 36

Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2016

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HAPPENINGS

May/June 2016

Monday, May 2nd

Wednesday, May 11th

The Empowered Heart with Jennifer Johnson. 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $45.00. Learn about the characteristics of people who possess an Empowered Heart allowing you to increase your own divine potential to live a life from the Empowered Heart energy. We will be using the IET® Blessing Bowl to draw in all the people, places, settings and circumstances that will enable you to live your Life’s Essential Action. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

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 5th BioPhoton Light and the “Chiren”: Free Talk at Thyme & Season, 7pm, with Christina Kuepper. Learning to let your own body do the healing it is empowered to do. Thyme & Season Natural Market, 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. 203407-8128 x2. No reservation, 20% coupon to all. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com

Friday, May 6th 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 7th Free Reiki at Thyme & Season 11 - 3: Tranquil Healing Reiki provided by Usui Reiki Master Anita Jones. First & 3rd Saturday of Every Month! Free, No reservation. Thyme & Season Natural Market, 3040 Whitney Ave, Hamden, (1 m south of Sleeping Giant/QU; ¼ m north of end of Rt 40 connector from I-91 exit 10) 203407-8128. Certified Nutrition Counselor to assist you M-F 9-5. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com

Tuesday, May 10th The Nuts and Bolts of Spirituality: A monthly group for Men with Ken Freschi. 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. $15.00. Join Ken Freschi each month in this spirituality group just for men. Meet with like-minded individuals to discuss a variety of life and spiritual topics. Ken’s book, Our Walk to Eternity, will be used as a guideline for the group and aid in exploring the human journey and the lessons we are here to learn. Open for all levels of spiritual seekers. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

Thursday, May 12th Feet: How To Treat Them Right, Free Talk at Thyme & Season, 7pm with Dr. Elise Panza ND. Banish your bunions, relieve plantar fasciitis, say good-bye to toenail fungus, smooth out those rough, dry heels, put the fire out of athlete’s foot, and calm foot pain! Dr. Elise will teach you about natural therapies to correct these conditions and how to care for your feet so that you are properly supported and aligned. Thyme & Season, 3040 Whitney Av, Rt. 10, Mt. Carmel section of Hamden 203-407-8128 x2. No reservation, 20% coupon to all. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com

Saturday, May 14th 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. Integrated Energy Therapy (IET)® Intermediate Level with Dan Lupacchino and Christine Cartwright. 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. $215.00. Attune to the energy ray that activates the 3rd and 4th DNA pairs and will empower you to pull energy imprints out of the human energy field. Learn to clear energy imprints from past life karma and methods to esoterically dowse and interpret the blockages. 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.

Sunday, May 15th 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.

IN-2-IT Kids: Wishes, Hopes and Blessings with Lily Holcomb. 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. $35.00. For children ages 7-12. Children will explore spirituality through basic mindfulness. Offering the idea that kindness can go much further than imagined, children will be able to put their positive thoughts into action by creating a beautiful blessing bowl. A short guided meditation is included. 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 17th Exploring the Akashic Records with Jennifer Johnson. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. $45.00. Learn about the Akashic Records and your Masters, Angels, Guides, Teachers and Loved Ones. Explore the spiritual resources available to you which will guide you in the process of fulfilling your dreams and life purpose. Learn about various methods to enter your own Akashic Records through meditation, visualization, and prayer. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com. Introduction to Astral Projection with Dan Lupacchino. 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. $45.00. Are you curious about Astral Projection? Interested in traveling the worlds with your spirit? Come for a fun night of astral adventures, as we learn simple techniques to help facilitate this natural process many of us do, even without knowing. Astral Projecting can help us expand our psychic awareness and connection to spirit. Come with questions and an open mind and see where your spirit will take you. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com. Natural Health Solutions From The Inside Out: Free Talk at Thyme & Season, 7pm, Anya Wolfenden of the Heritage Store. Psoriasis, eczema, protocols for abdominal, brain, immune and glandular systems. Thyme & Season, 3040 Whitney Av, Rt. 10, Mt. Carmel section of Hamden. 203-407-8128 x2. No reservation, 20% coupon to all. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com

Thursday, May 19th Greening Your Medicine Cabinet: Free Talk at Thyme & Season, 7pm, with Dr. Louise Sanchione, ND. Are you worried about what drinking fire engine red cough syrup, a neon blue sleep aid for insomnia or bubble gum pink liquid for indigestion can be doing to you and the environment? Do you want to know how you can replace some harmful OTC medications like cough syrups, pain killers and even antibiotics with natural OTC products that are better for you and the environment? Learn natural, effective, safe and “green” alternatives to OTC medications. Thyme & Season, 3040 Whitney Av, Rt. 10, Mt. Carmel section of Hamden 203-407-8128 x2. No reservation, 20% coupon to all. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com

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Friday, May 20th Gallery Night with Priscilla Bengtson. 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $45.00. Join us for an intimate evening of experiencing intuitive readings with medium Priscilla Bengtson. Readings will be done gallery-style with Priscilla providing messages to the audience as they come through to her. The group is kept small so that everyone receives guidance. Seating is limited and preregistration is required. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, May 21st 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 self-healing 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. Homeopathy Study Group: Sponsored by Connecticut Homeopathy. Reservation & fee required. Learn to treat yourself & your family for first aid & acute illness with homeopathy; End confusion about which blue tube is best; Prevent use of OTC or prescription meds. Study group meets every 3rd Saturday; $5.00, RSVP Required; location TBD. Email to: connecticuthomeopathy@ gmail.com Certified Nutrition Counselor to assist you M-F 9-5 at Thyme & Season Natural Market, 3040 Whitney Ave, Hamden. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com Free Reiki at Thyme & Season 11 - 3: Tranquil Healing Reiki provided by Usui Reiki Master Anita Jones. First & 3rd Saturday of Every Month! Free, No reservation. Thyme & Season Natural Market, 3040 Whitney Ave, Hamden, (1 m south of Sleeping Giant/QU; ¼ m north of end of Rt 40 connector from I-91 exit 10) 203-407-8128. Certified Nutrition Counselor to assist you M-F 9-5. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com

Wednesday, May 22nd Holistic Center Open House, 12-6pm. Refreshments and Tea Ceremony, Acupuncture and Oriental medicine, Yoga and Tai chi and Energy Medicine. Acupuncture of Greater Hartford, 645 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT 06105 860.836.1068 • www.acupuncturestanbaker.com

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

on many levels. Fee: $25 Call 860-358-9272 or email info.rondamico@gmail.com to reserve your spot. 595 Main St, 2nd Floor, Portland CT

Wednesday, May 25th

Tuesdays

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.

Cranial Sacral Study Group, 7:00-9:00pm. Joe Belanger, PT, has created this ongoing study group as a way to further support practitioners of cranial technique after their cranial class(es) have finished. This group is designed to answer any questions you may have as well as review, re-learn and practice whatever is helpful to you. No one gets quizzed on what they know or don’t know. The focus is to embody helping someone heal using Cranial Sacral Therapy versus just trying to get rid of their symptoms. Location: Ron D’Amico, LLC, Center for Integrative Healing and Education, 595 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Portland, CT. Fee: $20. To register, call 860.316.5604 or email joeb.pt@snet.net. 595 Main St, 2nd Floor, Portland CT

Thursday, May 26th Ayurveda: Doshas and Gunas Free Talk at Thyme & Season, 7pm with Kellie J. Codianna, Ayurveda Wellness Counselor. An in-depth explanation of the 3 doshas (characteristics) as well the 20 gunas (qualities of nature). I will offer suggestions as to how to get to know your unique constitution through the Ayurvedic lense. By the end of the lecture, you will have some insight on how to keep yourself in balance through physical activity, stillness, food and herbs. 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. www. ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com

Saturday, May 28th ChakraDance! With Anne Stamatakis. 4pm to 5:30pm $23. Awakening, honoring & integrating your chakras through spontaneous movement & dance. A wonderfully liberating & fun experience utilizing vibrationally attuned music for each chakra. Sacred Rivers Yoga Center, 28 Main St, E Hartford/Glastonbury line. 860-657-9545 or Anne 860-808-8264

Tuesday, May 31st ChakraDance! With Anne Stamatakis. 4pm to 5:30pm $23. Awakening, honoring & integrating your chakras through spontaneous movement & dance. A wonderfully liberating & fun experience utilizing vibrationally attuned music for each chakra. Sacred Rivers Yoga Center, 28 Main St, E Hartford/Glastonbury line. 860-657-9545 or Anne 860-808-8264

ONGOING

Tuesday, May 24th

Mondays

Angelic Crystal Meditation with Christine Cartwright. 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $35.00. Discover and explore some of the Archangels and learn specific crystals and their properties to strengthen your connection to these powerful beings. You will then experience a meditation using crystals to clear your energy body and connect with the angelic realm. Held at The

Sound Healing Concerts, 6:30-8:00pm, 2nd Monday of each month. These healing events will have a blend of channeled messages, energy work, voice, Alchemy Crystal Bowls, brass bowls and gongs to create the necessary environment to support an evening of transformation. All of these tools will be chosen in advance based on the energetics and the requirements of the group for that evening. Each Concert will be unique and will be an environment full of potential to heal, change and grow

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Wednesdays The Feldenkrais Method ®Awareness Through Movement® Classes with Karen Emerick, A powerful way to eliminate stress and pain while dramatically increasing flexibility. Through stress and injury we develop habitually chronic tight muscles and stiff joints leaving us feeling older than we are. Through slow, deceptively simple and ingeniously designed movements done on the floor, these chronic old patterns ingrained 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. Shamanic Theory- 7:00-8:00 Hosted by Naughty Shaman. Join Nicole Lewis exploring shamanic practices and teachers. You will be able to compare and contrast various methods to develop your unique medicine. A key element of shamanism is honoring those teachers who came before us. You will be exposed to teachers to serve as a launch pad for discussion of shamanic concepts and how they apply to your life. naughtyshaman.com 860-430-1788 Stones - 7:00-8:30 April 6th-27th Hosted by Naughty Shaman. For a shaman, every stone is sacred. Each stone was once at the bottom of the sea and a part of the highest mountain. For this reason, stones are used in healing and ceremony. Join Beth Reel and learn how to use the natural tools of the Earth of remove heavy energy from the body, reduce fear, and anchor new destinies.naughtyshaman.com 860-430-1788.

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

HAPPENINGS $25 Call 860-358-9272 or email info.rondamico@ gmail.com to reserve your spot. 595 Main St, 2nd Floor, Portland CT

Saturdays Homeopathic Study Group. 1:00 - 2:30PM. Third Saturdays. Come and learn the principles of homeopathy and how to use the homeopathic remedies for different acute conditions so you can treat yourself, family and friends. Small fee TBD for photocopying etc. Group Leader: Louise Sanchione, ND, CCH, MA, MS. Held at: CT Alliance to Advance Homeopathy, 299 Washington Ave. Suite 18S, Hamden, CT. Please RSVP your interest at connecuticuthomeopathy@gmail.com Mindful Self-Compassion Workshop. Saturdays, 2/6-4/2, 9:30-11:30 AM for 9 weeks. Learn how to be less critical of yourself, handle emotions with more ease and deal with relationships more effectively. Co-led: Theresa Nygren, LCSW & Angela Mazur, LCSW, LLC. Fee: $475, most insurance accepted. Farmington location. Please call 860-676-1193, email mindfulscway@gmail.com

CLASSIFIED Beautiful Office Space, Portland. Integrative healing center looking for holistic practitioners who have their own practice, interested in sharing space with other like-minded professionals. Seeking naturopath, nutritionist, life coach, yoga therapist, acupuncturist, energy healer or other healing modality. Includes waiting room, internet and break room. Also available - 1000 sq ft class room space. Very accessible building, ample parking close to Rte 9 in Middletown area. www.rondamico.net Contact Angela at 860-358-9272 or info.rondamico@gmail.com Workshop/Class Space - Holistic Healing Center in Portland has a large and newly renovated workshop/classroom space available in beautiful 1000sf open well lit room, can seat up to 60 comfortably, also good for Yoga/Tai Chi type classes, call Angela at 860-358-9272 or email angela.rondamico@gmail.com. www.rondamico.net

RESOURCES ACUPUNCTURE Acupuncture of Greater Hartford Stan Baker, LAC 645 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT 06105 860.836.1068 • www.acupuncturestanbaker.com See ad on page 16. Mayflower Acupuncture, LLC Chinese Medicine services and herbs Steve Paine, OMD, L.Ac., Ginger Harris, L.Ac. 536 Hopmeadow Street. Simsbury, CT 06070 860-413-2118 • www.mayfloweracupuncture.com

CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY Holistic Family Medicine, Domenick J Masiello, DO Board Certified in Homeopathy, Osteopathic Manipulation and Family Practice. Midtown Manhattan and Ridgefield, CT 212-688-4818, 203-826-3582. www.drmasiello.com

DENTISTRY Livingstone Dental Excellence Dr. Thomas Livingstone 3 Railroad St. North Canaan, CT 888-888-SMILE www.livingstonedentalexcellence.com See ad on page 25. Dr. Steven Hinchey 2249 New London Turnpike South Glastonbury, CT. (860) 633-6518 www.dentistryfordiabetics.com/drhinchey See ad on page 40.

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

Holistic Family Medicine, Domenick J Masiello, DO Board Certified in Homeopathy, Osteopathic Manipulation and Family Practice. Midtown Manhattan and Ridgefield, CT 212-688-4818, 203-826-3582. www.drmasiello.com

HYPNOSIS Diane Bahr-Groth, C. Hy., TFT, Dir. 1177 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT. (203)595-0110 • mindbodytransformation.com See ad on page 3. 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 Michele P. Rousseau, MA, CH 267 William Street, Middletown, CT 06457 860-704-9054 • mprousseau@sbcglobal.net www.micheleprousseau.com

INTEGRATED MEDICINE ProNatural Physicians Group 120 Webster Sqr Rd.Berlin, CT 06037 (860) 829-0707 www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 36.

HEALTH FOOD STORES Parkade Health Shoppe Manchester Parkade, 378 West Middle Tpke, Manchester, CT • 860.646.8178 M-Sat 8am-9pm • Sun 9am-6pm See ad on page 13.

HOLISTIC CENTERS Integrative Wellness and Physical Therapy 34 Jerome Ave, Suite 305 Bloomfield, CT 06002 (860) 519-1916 info@IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com See ads on page 21 and 30. Naughty Shaman Center for Shamanic Arts 2450 Main Street Glastonbury, CT 06232 naughtyshaman.com 860-430-1788. See ad on page 29. Ron D’Amico, LLC Center for Integrative Healing and Education 595 Main St., 2nd Floor, Portland, CT 860-358-9272 info@rondamico@gmail.com www.rondamico.net See ad on page 23.

HOMEOPATHY CT Alliance to Advance Homeopathy Awareness - Education - Consultations 299 Washington Ave., Suite 18S, Hamden, CT Contact: Louise Sanchione, CCH, ND, MA, MS Email: connecticuthomeopathy@gmail.com VM: 413-320-9158 (CT Based)

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INTEGRATIVE APRN’S/ NURSE PRACTITIONERS ProNatural Physicians Group Lara O’Neil, Pediatric APRN Amanda Swan, Adult/Women’s Health APRN 120 Webster Square Road Berlin, CT 06037 • 860-829-0707 ProNaturalPhysicians@comcast.net See ad on page 36.

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

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

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

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE CT Natural Health Specialists Dr. Lauren Young, Dr. Ashley Burkman, Dr. Tonya Pasternak and Dr Craig Fasullo 315 E. Center St., Manchester, CT 06040 (860) 533-0179 • www.ctnaturalhhealth.com See ad on page 19. Debra Gibson, ND 100 Danbury Road, Ste. 102 Ridgefield, CT 06877 • (203)431-4443 See ad on page 16. 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 Stacey Munro, N.D. Nature’s Helper Medical Clinic 340 Broad Street Ste.300, Windsor, CT 06095 info@natureshelpermedical.com www.natureshelpermedical.com 860-688-2275 The Wellness Institute Marvin Schweitzer, ND 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT (203) 847-2788 See ad on page 34.

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West Hartford Naturopathic Medicine Frank Aieta, ND 301 N. Main St., West Hartford, CT (860) 232-9662 • www.DRAIETA.com See ad on page 25. ProNatural Physicians Group Dr. Ann Aresco, Dr. Ann Aresco, Dr. Summer McAllister, Dr. Sarah Zambarano 120 Webster Sqr Rd.Berlin, CT 06037 P: 860-829-0707 - F: 860-829-0606 E: ProNaturalPhysicians@comcast.net www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 36.

RESOURCES The Graduate Institute Mike Hayes, Director of Admissions & Recruitment. (203) 874-4252 • www.learn.edu

SKINCARE Anew You Skincare & Wellness Center Melissa Martin, 16A Ensign Drive, Avon. (860)284-9730 • www.anewyouskincare.net Melissa@anewyouskincare.net See ad on page 15.

NUTRITION

THERMOGRAPHY

Holcare Nutrition Vicki Kobliner MS RD 3 Hollyhock Lane, Suite 2A, Wilton, CT 06897 203-834-9949 • www.holcarenutrition.com See ads on page 34.

Sophia Natural Health Center 31 Old Route 7, Brookfield, CT 06804. (203) 740-9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.com

Holly Niles, MS, CNS, LDN Licensed Functional Medicine Clinical Nutritionist Integrative Wellness 34 Jerome Avenue, Suite 305 Bloomfield, CT 06002 (860)519-1916 HollyNiles@IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com www.IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com See ads on page 21 and 30.

Sacred Movement Yoga 10 Sims Road (Bishop’s Corner) West Hartford, Connecticut 06117 860.990.2555 • www.mysacredmovement.com. Visit our Facebook page! See ad on page 41.

PHYSICIANS, M.D.

YOGA / PILATES CENTERS

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

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

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

Centers For Dental Medicine Saving Lives One Smile at a Time :

PSYCHOTHERAPY

Why Dr Steven Hinchey?

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

Listen to YOU - Non judgmental assessments - Respect for you and your time

SCHOOLS Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies Laura Mignosa, NCCH 912 Corbin Ave, New Britain, CT 06052 (860) TCM-2705 • www.ctherbschool.com. Dharma School - Energy Healing Certificate Naughty Shaman Center for Shamanic Arts 2450 Main Street Glastonbury, CT 06232 naughtyshaman.com 860-430-1788. See ad on page 29.

Both he and his staff

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

860-633-6518 www.dochincheydmd.com

intuitive readings  angel therapy®  medical intuition  reiki workshops development circles  certificate programs

Priscilla Bengtson Scan with your smart phone to learn more

99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury www.healinginharmonycenter.com860.430.9801

CITRUS ORGANICS & ESSENTIAL OILS Featuring Organic Way and Shear Miracle Organics Products Sacred Rivers Yoga Center 28 Main Street East Hartford, CT 06118 Phone: 860.657.9545 Fax: 860.657.3161 www.sacredriversyoga.com Paula Scopino ~ Owner/Director

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

Yoga Alliance 200 & 500 Hour Teacher Training Yoga Therapy Workshops

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

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

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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 2016

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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