Natural Nutmeg May 2021 by Natural Nutmeg Magazine/Essential Naples Magazine

May/June 2021

Natural Nutmeg Connecticut's Resource For Essential Living

Massage Therapy: Self-Care or a Luxury?

Kristina Mozzicato, LMT, BCTMB

Healthy Aging with Bioidentical Hormones Meghan Chafee, APRN, and Alina Schneider, APRN

Unexplained or Unexplored Infertility? Nicole Kerr, ND, LAc

Natural Ways to Address the Complexities of Fibromyalgia Erika Dworkin, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®

My Journey with Lyme Disease

Sharon Sklar, Certified Advanced Rolfer

The Ups and Downs of Perimenopause: Tips for a Healthier Transition

Veena Verma-Dzik, ND, FIAMA

Celebrating 15 Years of Publishing www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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PUBLISHER'SLETTER

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 Diane@naturalnutmeg.com ADVERTISING advertising@naturalnutmeg.com DIR. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Christopher Urso Curso@naturalnutmeg.com MARKETING DIRECTOR Heather Zundel heather@naturalnutmeg.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashley Frament layout@naturalnutmeg.com EDITOR Lori Emelander essentialeditorlori@gmail.com ADVISORY BOARD Adam Breiner, ND Mark Breiner, DDS Deanna M. Cherrone, MD Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. Kenneth Hoffman, LAc, CCH Vicki Kobliner, MS, RD, CD-N Lauren Young, ND 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. © 2007-21 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 2021

ccording to many energy healers and spiritual teachers, we are in a time of great transition. It may appear like there is total chaos on the planet–earthquakes, unstable weather patterns, corporate corruption and disease. However, these teachers are saying that this is a good and necessary thing for us all to evolve to a higher level of consciousness. This year has been predicted as a momentous time for great change, in which many of us will reach a decisive turning point in our careers and personal life. We are being told that our circumstances may change dramatically and to prepare for life to take a quantum leap forward. Change for many brings elements of fear. Sometimes it may feel as if things are being ripped away from us, even if it’s something we’ve asked for or have outgrown. As creatures of habit, we feel more comfortable when things stay the same and when we know what to expect. But that doesn’t allow for growth. In order for us to evolve, we must accept that change is necessary and we must look at it as a beneficial thing. We must learn to allow people and things to flow in and out of our lives without trying to hold on too tight. It’s holding on and resisting change that creates drama and causes us turmoil and pain. But the letting go part…that’s easier said than done, right? One of my favorite quotes by Richard Bach that I repeat to myself whenever I’m in a situation of thinking I might lose something or someone-is this, “If you love something, set it free. If it comes back to you, it’s yours. If it doesn’t, it was never meant to be.” If you can fully step in to the belief that all you have is what is in this present moment and begin to stop worrying about the future or replaying the past, then you will accept change gracefully and easily. I can think of a number of experiences in my life when I held on and resisted the flow and every time it caused me pain. From the death of my father to a broken engagement to leaving a job I loved, each time I would dwell on the “why” and evoke a deluge of pain and heartache. The “why” is not for us to know even if we spend our lifetime asking the question. Instead of focusing on trying to figure out why this happened, wouldn’t it be better to ask, “How can I learn or benefit from this situation?” What doors are opening as a result of the loss?

Change is fearful and learning to live without someone or something you love and have grown accustomed to is hard. But if you can sit with it, lean into it, and let the feelings flow through you, then you begin to accept change and in time can see the amazing opportunities that it brings. Wishing you health and happiness

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

In This Issue 9

Smudging: Self-Care Spring Cleaning

Liz Kametz

How Can You Transform Your Relationships?

Kristina Mozzicato, LMT, BCTMB

Donna R. Baker-Gilroy, PsyD, LPC and David Gilroy, PsyD, LPC

Is Your Vision Board Working for You? Joyce Logan, PhD

The Basics of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement (BHRT) Henry C. Sobo, MD

Change Your Diet for Younger-Looking Skin Elisabeth Johnson

Healthy Aging with Bioidentical Hormones Meghan Chafee, APRN, and Alina Schneider, APRN

Massage Therapy: Self-Care or a Luxury? Ask Dana! A Column Where Personal Finance and Life Intersect Dana R. Mascalo CFP®, RLP®, AAMS®, C(k)P®

Natural Ways to Address the Complexities of Fibromyalgia Erika Dworkin, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®

Unexplained or Unexplored Infertility? Nicole Kerr, ND, LAc

Tomato Plants and Trusts

Reveal Your Past & Heal Using the Akashic Records

Caroline Wetzel, CFP®, CDFA®, AWMA®

Eilis Philpott

Herbal Broth Hot Flash Relief Steven R. Frank

The Ups and Downs of Perimenopause: Tips for a Healthier Transition Veena Verma-Dzik, ND, FIAMA

The Potential Use of Acupuncture in Long COVID Patients

Searching for the Mystic Within Lauri Ingram

Matt Maneggia, LAc

My Journey with Lyme Disease Sharon Sklar, Certified Advanced Rolfer

In Every Issue 6 8 41 42

BUZZ NUTMEG NUGGETS HAPPENINGS RESOURCES

Find more articles and search our web archive at naturalnutmeg.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com

THE BUZZ

Celebrating 40 Years of Rolfing® in May and June

ontinuing to acknowledge her milestone 40th anniversary, Sharon Sklar, Certified Advanced Rolfer, is choosing favorite themes for each month. Due to COVID, a big party or celebration is not happening, so the theme of the month is to draw attention to a cause or causes that Sharon wishes to showcase. Giving back to the community is very important and is the basis for her Pet Therapy Team at Hartford Hospital, which was recently re-instated from the COVID shutdown.

Wethersfield Farmers’ Market Opens May 20

he Wethersfield Farmers’ Market opens for the season on Thursday, May 20th. We feature more CT farmers than most markets. To be considered a Farmers’ Market, you have to have at least two farmers present. We have 9–10 every week plus an equal number of non-farmer vendors. We open early as many of our farmers grow year-round in high tunnels and greenhouses. The Market features organic fruits and vegetables, micro-greens, meats and fermented foods plus local cheese, milk (goat and cow), yogurt, honey, maple syrup, goat milk soaps and lotions and cut flowers, holistic health practitioners, artisans and specialty food vendors. Live music, food trucks. The Wethersfield Farmers’ Market opens for the season on Thursday, May 20, 3–6pm. 220 Hartford Ave., Wethersfield. wfmarket.org facebook.com/wethersfieldfarmersmarket wethersfield.farmersmarket@gmail.com

Weight Loss Hypnotherapist Hypnosis takes the willpower out of weight loss. “ I a m d o w n 1 2 p o u n d s i n l e s s t h a n a m o n t h . Y o u ’ r e a n a n g e l ! ” - M e l i s s a P.

“Love Your Mother” May includes so many things: showing appreciation and love for your mother, sending a contribution in memory of her, or, if you love Mother Earth, volunteer to weed a garden (www.elizabethparkct.org/support/volunteer) or plant a new garden of your own. Help clean up the environment. Sharon’s favorite organization for this month is “The Ocean Clean Up.” They sell sunglasses made from captured and recycled plastic from The Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The sale of each pair of sunglasses promotes the cleaning of the size equivalent of 24 football fields of garbage floating in the sea, which would otherwise eventually affect our ecosystem around the globe. Check them out at www.TheOceanCleanUp.com. “Just Do It” June is about taking a stand in your life, creating a goal, and making it happen (www.mindtools.com/personal/ goal/setting). Take steps to accomplish that goal: lose weight; take up jogging, hiking, or kayaking; clean out the garage—anything that lightens the load. Invite people back into your life; end the isolation. June is a wonderful month to shake free, adjust your mind, and set new goals for a better YOU! Sharon Sklar is in her 40th year of private practice as a Certified Advanced Rolfer. State licensed and the only Rolfer in Central CT, Sharon works with direct manipulation of the soft tissue of the body and movement re-education over a ten-session series to help her clients feel freer, get more balanced, and reduce chronic pain. Great for athletes, children, and adults recovering from injuries, stress, and traumas of life. Call 860.561.4337 for more info or to schedule a consultation. SharonSklarRolfing.com. See ad on page 34.

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THE BUZZ

Celebrating Mother’s Day Alcohol Free

he story goes that Anna Jarvis put Mother’s Day on the calendar on May 12, 1907, as a day dedicated to expressing love and gratitude to mothers, acknowledging the sacrifices women make for their children. This day is often celebrated with beautiful flowers, perhaps an adorable gift made by our children, or by gathering together with family for a special meal. These holiday brunches spotlight mimosas or bloody Marys for the guests of honor, and it is almost unheard of to consider celebrating your special day without a cocktail…or three. Alcohol use among women has been steadily on the rise for the past three decades, with rates of heavy drinking skyrocketing by 41% over the past year, leading to more days of drinking per week, binge drinking, and day drinking. Between 2019 and 2020, the online sales of alcohol rose by a whopping 262%. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that excessive use of alcohol during the pandemic could negatively impact health, threatening immunity and raising cancer risk. As awareness grows about gray area drinking—falling somewhere illusive between “black out” drinking and occasional drinking—more women are choosing an alcohol-free life, recognizing how empowering and life enhancing it is to be alcohol free. This Mother’s Day, allow yourself to indulge in genuine selfcare, using these suggestions as a guide. 1. Treat your skin and nervous system with a full-body coconut oil massage. 2. Soak in a hot bath by candlelight, with Epsom salts infused with your favorite essential oils and rose petals. Lock the door, sip herbal tea, and listen to a podcast or relaxing music. 3. Take a walk in the woods, noting all five senses as they delight in your surroundings. 4. Listen to a recorded yoga nidra practice from InSight Timer, then enjoy a catnap. 5. Nurture yourself with herbal medicine through the wonderful world of organic herbal tea and local honey. Joy Herbst MSN, NP-C is an AANP board certified nurse practitioner and gray area drinking sober coach. She specializes in recovery coaching for women who suffer from depression, anxiety, and problem drinking. She offers Sober Woman meetings, Women’s Circles, Yoga of Recovery and movement classes at the Women’s Community Wellness Center in Fairfield, CT. joyherbst.com | wcwcct.com | sober-woman.org See ad on page 27.

Soul Care as an Aspect of Well-Being

everal years ago, after years of unexpected life changes and health crises, I realized there was one aspect of my overall well-being that needed attention: my soul, my essence, my spirit. While we tend to many parts of our well-being through exercise, eating, and community activities, we may not give voice to our inner core, our soul, or whatever that may mean for you. As I entered a part of my life where I was seeking to know myself, deepen my connection with Spirit, and live an authentic life, I embarked on a journey that brings me to where I am today. Through over 40 years of corporate IT experience, combined with years as an ordained interfaith/interspiritual minister and spiritual counselor, I guide my clients from all walks of life and belief systems through an exploration of their true divine nature. My offerings of spiritual direction (or companionship) inspire you to experience authenticity in your life through a connection and exploration of the ground of all being, that deepest of truths that is beyond life and death and goes by many names, and no name at all. You may consider yourself religious, or perhaps spiritual but not religious. Regardless, spiritual direction is a process of quiet contemplation, questioning, and exploration that draws upon many modalities and is tailored for each client. Through time in reflection and guided meditation, creative activities, or deep inquiry and prayer, spiritual counseling creates a sacred space for you to take care of your soul. Sessions are offered via Zoom, and in person when health guidelines permit. All are welcome and I am honored to bring my offerings to you. You can learn more about me at www. lauriingram.com or reach me at lauri@lauriingram.com. I am happy to offer a complementary 30-minute consultation to see if spiritual counseling is a fit for you. Lauri Ingram is an ordained interfaith/interspiritual minister from One Spirit Seminary in New York City. Based in Hamden, Lauri is a certified Interspiritual Counselor (May 2021), Crystal Dreaming practitioner, certified color therapist, and Tibetan Bowl sound healer as well as the co-founder of Etheric Elements, offering crystal, light, and color therapy products to practitioners. You can learn more about Lauri at www.lauriingram.com and schedule a complementary exploratory virtual call. See ad on page 16.

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Nutmeg “Nuggets” infertility. Nettles helps the liver to remove toxins that can also hinder fertility. Evening Primrose Oil: Evening primrose oil is from the seeds of the evening primrose plant and is a great herbal supplement for women in childbearing years. One of its notable effects is helping to balance hormones. It relieves many PMS symptoms such as irritability, breast tenderness, and headaches. Besides taking this regularly, when you are ready to get pregnant, EPO is beneficial in increasing cervical mucus, which is needed for sperm to travel to the egg successfully.

6 Herbal Teas to Support Fertility

any women in the U.S. and the world experience fertility issues and often resort to invasive techniques and using drugs to stimulate ovulation. Before going that route, it’s a good idea to prepare the body for pregnancy by addressing diet, reducing stress, and using herbal medicine to create the ultimate environment for that baby to live. Here is a list of teas and supplements you can take on your own to help prepare your body for pregnancy. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea: One of the best herbs for enhancing fertility is red raspberry leaf tea as it is known as a uterine tonic. Drinking this tea regularly can help regulate your menstrual cycle as well as strengthen the uterine walls. Red Clover Tea: Studies have found that red clover blossom creates an estrogen surge, which can assist in follicle and egg production and preparing the body for ovulation. I used to walk in fields and pick off the tops of red clover blossoms! Stinging Nettles Tea: Stinging nettles is another safe herbal tea that acts as a uterine tonic. It is full of calcium and magnesium, which add to its properties of calming and stress reduction. Many women get stressed while trying to get pregnant, which can cause

Cinnamon: Common cinnamon bark is used in Chinese medicine to control heavy bleeding and to warm the uterus and eliminatecold, which is a condition that can prevent pregnancy, according to this ancient system of medicine. It has been shown to reduce insulin resistance, which may be a cause in PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). Milk Thistle: Milk thistle is a great herb for detoxing, protecting, and renewing the liver. Toxins in the body and liver can prevent fertility, so it is of utmost importance to keep the body in a healthy state. I suggest a healthy, food-based cleanse, eliminating coffee, alcohol, sugar, and processed foods, as well as dairy and refined carbohydrates. This will help the liver to detox toxins that can build up in the body, which can prevent, or at least make difficult, the goal of fertility. Try some of these easy ways to prepare your body for pregnancy. Donna Bunte, MSOM, L.Ac. is a Chinese medical practitioner, licensed acupuncturist, certified herbalist, and qigong and meditation teacher, and has been in practice since 1996 helping her patients to achieve their ultimate health goals. Her office is in Stamford, CT, and she also works via phone and Zoom as well as teaching group classes online on important health topics. donnabunte.com, health@donnabunte.com, 203.698.0793. See ad on page 20.

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Smudging: Self-Care Spring Cleaning

By Liz Kametz

s we approach the spring season, we think of opening the windows to get fresh air, putting our winter clothes away, and doing a deep cleaning of our homes. Since the majority of us have been staying home far more than usual in the past year, the spring season can bring a chance to renew our spirits, both inside the home and out. Because we’ve been inside so much recently, it’s only natural to expect that on some days your home has been a place where arguments ensue, conflicts arise, and negative emotions run high. Our home can hold onto these negative energies without us even being aware. Have you ever noticed after a nice sunny day when you’ve been able to get outside, you may come home to a heaviness cast over you? This doesn’t happen all the time, but some people—especially the empaths out there—are very sensitive to the energies that surround us. One way to help shift toward the positive spring energy is to add smudging to your spring-cleaning regimen. Smudging is a ritual used to help remove the negative energies that may be trapped in the home, purifying and cleansing your space. Renewing the energy in your home is a great way to take care of yourself.

“Smudging is a ritual used to help remove the negative energies that may be trapped in the home, purifying and cleansing your space.” What You Need Be sure to gather all of your materials before you begin the smudging ritual. Sage smudge sticks are most commonly used but many other materials, or combinations of materials, can be used as well, including cedarwood, lavender, rosemary, sweet grass, and thyme. You should have a lighted candle handy to relight your smudge stick should that be necessary during the ritual; a glass, ceramic, or similar dish to hold beneath the smudge stick to catch any embers or ashes; and a bowl of sand to completely extinguish the smudge stick when you finish the ceremony. The Smudging Ceremony Remember that the purpose of smudging is to purify and renew your space, so before you begin and throughout the ritual, be sure to focus on what you want to accomplish. Starting at your front door, light your smudge stick with your candle and start slowly and deliberately moving clockwise around your home. The smoke should be allowed to reach small, less-accessible spaces such as closets, basements, and attics. Ascend or descend

stairs as you come across them and continue to move clockwise on that floor until you approach the stairs again. Then head back to the main floor and continue your clockwise path until you arrive at the front door where you started. Again, focus deliberately on your goal for your smudging ritual, imagine your space filled with light and emptied of negativity, and extinguish your smudge stick in your bowl of sand. As you clean your windows and open them up for the fresh spring air, I encourage you to smudge your house at the same time. It doesn’t take much, but it will help reset your home for the new joy spring can bring. Liz Kametz’s vision of Just Be came from her own lack of self-care and the recognition that the epidemic of chronic stress is real and needs to be addressed. justbethejourney.com liz-kametz.com info@justbethejourney.com. See ad on page 24.

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How Can You Transform Your Relationships? By Donna R. Baker-Gilroy, PsyD, LPC and David Gilroy, PsyD, LPC

e are social beings. Relationships to ourselves and to others are essential for our very survival. This last year of isolation during the pandemic, in which some of us have been alone and others more confined to home with partners, children, or relatives, has been a test of these relationships. Here, we offer a roadmap for navigating conflict that can arise in these important relationships. We are sustainable systems. We need all of who we are. A relationship starts to destroy itself when we throw out the parts of ourselves we judge to be unacceptable. Can you imagine how different your life would be if you treated the parts of yourself you liked the least with love and compassion, instead of carrying forward a pattern of non-acceptance and self-hatred? Understanding Our Human Feelings As human beings, we are in the challenging and paradoxical position of living in the now yet carrying the “then” of our past with us. Our bodies record and hold the memory of all that we have experienced. This is important to know because it offers a route toward understanding our feelings, which then allows us to take responsibility for how we feel. This, in turn, allows for a greater depth of humanity and meaning in our lives. The feelings, fantasies, and dreams that reside in and emanate from our bodies contain the truth about who we are. For many of us, the notion that we carry our history in our bodies is not a welcome idea. We would rather believe we’ve made it through our lives unscathed and successfully learned to let nothing bother us. Others of us realize we are still deeply impacted by our childhood but need help to detach from those memories and feelings 10

Natural Nutmeg May/June 2021

and the behaviors that mirror our parents’. The knowledge that we carry our history in our bodies allows us to expand our experience beyond the purely intellectual, where we may remain stuck. Accepting our feelings allows us the option to contain our behaviors and have a choice about how we live our feelings. With this knowledge, we catalyze change. Our Sacred Selves What is true is that we have learned to survive, each of us in our own individual way, given the unique story of our life. What is also true is that we are deeply impacted by our childhoods. As our individual, unique ways of surviving become clearer to us and we learn new, simple, and direct ways of expressing ourselves, we become more aware that we are either supporting our aliveness with caring and compassion or, in subtle or not-so-subtle ways, living a life of denial. We believe our bodies are intrinsically sacred, not intrinsically evil, and that our feelings and thoughts cannot possibly be wrong. We can only choose whether to accept or reject them. It is how we project our feelings and thoughts that impacts others in a loving or hurtful way. When we accept ourselves we naturally tend to love others, and when we reject ourselves we tend to hurt them. The truth is, we are all capable of becoming off-center, behaving clumsily, and making mistakes. Our perceptions can be way off because as children, in order to stay safe and to belong in our families, we learned to shift, distort, or dismiss our own perceptions entirely, in order to see only what was acceptable to see. This is how we felt we could belong in our family.

Come As You Are The most common misconception that many of us have about relationships and the process of transformation is that we need to change who we are and get rid of what is “bad” in us. Many of us believe that some of our feelings are bad or even evil, and that we must somehow learn to have different ones. It is not our feelings of anger, hate, or contempt that create societal wars or wars within our relationships—it is what we do with these feelings that has the potential for war or peace. We create peace by softening out of our defensiveness and considering the ways we resemble those we most react to. Living in this way, we no longer have to repress or deny our feelings and project them onto others. We no longer have to live as if parts of us are unacceptable and need to be thrown out. We learn that we can “come as we are,” and that all of our feelings have meaning. We need acceptance for every emotion to feel whole and alive. David Gilroy, Psy.D., LPC and Donna R. Baker-Gilroy, Psy.D., LPC, are Partners at Hartford Family Institute. Donna and husband David provide therapy and workshops for couples in conflict. They have developed a specialty that combines psychotherapy with a Buddhist form of conflict resolution called “Beginning Anew” and are authors of the book Transforming Relationships: Come As You Are. They also provide training to psychotherapists in the HFI Professional Program. See ad on page 32.

Is Your Vision Board Working for You? By Joyce Logan, PhD

hortly after the documentary film The Secret, based in part on principles developed by Esther Hicks, came out in 2006, a mass of people were suddenly buying and creating vision boards. These same people, however, soon became terribly disappointed that their pot-of-gold visions didn’t magically appear on their front steps or show up in their bank accounts. They simply gave up and said, “this doesn’t work.” However, vision boards do work when you develop a vision or journal that is filled with images that make you feel good. The “secret” has always been about the way something or someone makes you feel, rather than material objects that can actually cause you anxiety, as they may remind you of what you don’t currently possess. There’s a great quote from “Abraham,” a group of entities interpreted by Hicks, that sums this all up: “I stopped worrying about having the thing I didn’t have, and I started finding the feeling of why I wanted it, and as I focused upon the feeling of it, it was as if I had it and then before I turned around, there it was.” Yes! That is The Secret in a nutshell! As you feel the way you would like your life to be, even for a few minutes in the morning and at night, you will begin to generate and incorporate that vibration of peace and happiness into your life—and that’s the true magic of it all. Here’s my own example with this: I had wanted my credit cards paid off for years, but the ever-growing finance charges made it impossible. I had used the cards to repair a fixerupper house I was able to purchase and $45,700 later, I had this rolling debt that I couldn’t free myself from. Oh, how I hated to see those bills come in each month as I could barely pay the minimums, which added a lot of negative energy to this monthly ritual.

Then I remembered to stop feeding the negative and creating more of what I didn’t want. From that moment on, every night before falling asleep I would enter into a very grateful mindset of how wonderful it feels that my debt was paid off. I didn’t wonder how it would be…I just savored these few minutes knowing that it was. I felt it in the present each night—not how good I will feel, but how good it feels now. It became a very pleasant way to fall asleep. The first thing I began to notice was that I was just happier during the day. I watched my words and didn’t speak about my debt, and only thought about it as if I were free from it. The bills still came in; however, instead of having negative thoughts, I paid them with gratitude that I had a house, food on the table, and the feeling that I was lucky and blessed. Every night I made certain to feel how great it was that I was debt free. During this time, my husband passed away. I had always counted on his small pension check to cover most of our mortgage payment. We had tried many times to borrow from his pension when he became ill, but because he had previously signed off on these monthly payments, which would end when he passed on, we were always told that there was no lump sum, no borrowing permitted. So, on top of the mortgage and credit card bills, I had the sadness of losing my husband. I didn’t waiver, though—I kept true to my course of being grateful and feeling free from these bills, as well as how blessed I was to have had this wonderful man in my life for so many years. About three months after my husband’s death, I received a very unexpected check in the mail from his previous employer, stating that it was a “pension death benefit” that we never knew was available—never mentioned in any paperwork for over 20 years. The check was for…$45,700! Wow! The exact amount of debt I had been imagining and feeling that I had already paid off! Coincidence? I think not! www.NaturalNutmeg.com

You are a walking vision board with your thoughts, words, and feelings. Stay true to that course and do not give energy to what you don’t want, keep your feelings only on what you do want. Vision boards should be filled with images that make you feel good. If you want financial abundance and love horses, put an image of a beautiful horse on there. Don’t stare at a cut out of a lump of money, as it may remind you of what you don’t yet have. Instead, fill that board—your mind—with images that make you happy and you’ll find riches everywhere you are: in sunrises, flowers, and smiles. Then, somehow, things simply tend to work out in your favor. As the Director of Communications for The Graduate Institute in CT, I am blessed with the support of like-minded people, and I wish that for all of you as well. Surround yourself with those who will lift you up when things get challenging. I visited The Graduate Institute five years ago and was so impressed with the positive impact I witnessed with their students and amazing faculty that I never left. Coincidence that I happened to stop in? No way! I highly recommend that you follow your heart and check out their programs that will transform your life—it’s my guarantee to you! Joyce Logan, PhD, is a certified, clinical hypnotherapist, author of Starving Your Fears: From Panic to Peace in 10 Easy Steps and Director of Communications for The Graduate Institute for Holistic Studies in CT and virtually online. To learn more about The Graduate Institute, visit learn.edu. Also visit joycelogan.com. See ad below.

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Natural Nutmeg May/June 2021

The Basics of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement (BHRT) By Henry C. Sobo, MD

oth women and men suffer from a wide array of symptoms that occur when our hormone levels naturally fall as we age. Synthetic pharmaceuticals prescribed as “hormone replacement” therapy are among the most widely prescribed medications in the U.S. They are prescribed most commonly at menopause for symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats, but have been recommended as a preventive measure for osteoporosis and other health problems that occur with aging as well. There are side effects and concerns about the long-term safety of taking these synthetic hormone replacements, information that is readily available on the package insert included with any prescription. Many women with perimenopause and menopausal symptoms refuse therapy they might otherwise benefit from, fearing the possible negative consequences of being treated with hormones. The field of bioidentical hormone replacement has emerged to address these safety concerns.

• Aches and pains • Weakness • Fatigue • “Burned-out” feeling • Thinning skin • Headaches • Bone loss • Decreased stamina • Sex-specific symptoms • For men, prostate problems and erectile dysfunction • For women, vaginal dryness and painful intercourse

Why Bioidentical Hormones? When being treated with bioidentical hormones, a person’s low hormonal levels are improved by a prescription of the same hormone that the body naturally produces, which has become deficient. When a person’s hormones become too low, there is a long list of associated symptoms that may occur. The problem of hormone deficiency is important not just for women but for men as well. Consider how many symptoms overlap between the sexes: • Low libido • Depression • Forgetfulness • Sleep disturbances

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In his classic book Natural Progesterone, John Lee, MD, enumerates the following effects of natural progesterone for women prescribed not just in menopause but pre-menopause for PMS and associated menstrual difficulties as well. • Natural diuretic • Natural antidepressant

hormones that needs to be addressed, as well as their basic levels standing alone, and addition of progesterone to estrogen is even more crucial in this situation. When estrogen becomes the dominant hormone and progesterone is deficient, estrogen can have the following harmful effects on the body:

• Improved libido

• Water retention

• Facilitates thyroid hormone action

• Breast swelling

• Stimulates osteoblasts for bone building

• Fibrocystic breasts

• Helps protect against the formation of fibrocystic breasts

• PMS

• Helps normalize blood sugar regulation

• Decreased libido

• Helps prevent against clotting

• Uterine fibroids

• Helps use fat for energy

• Weight gain

Doctors practicing BHRT utilize the benefits of progesterone and its ability to balance estrogen, whereas in common gynecological practice estrogen is often given alone. Additionally, a bioidentical hormone prescription may be ordered from a compounding pharmacy and tailored to the exact dose the doctor is prescribing for the patient. Not only are bioidentical hormones prescribed individually, but it is the general practice of doctors using BHRT to occasionally monitor the patient’s hormone levels and adjust doses, if needed, for the patient’s maximal results and benefit. Testing for and Treating Hormone Imbalance What are the hormone imbalances that should be checked? As a practitioner, I routinely check the following before starting treatment: the bioactive levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and cortisol. The best approach takes into account not just each hormone level, but the balance between them. In particular, the balance between estrogen and progesterone is very important. Estrogen dominance, a condition and concept of great importance that describes what millions of women suffer, displays as estrogen hormones being too high relative to the progesterone levels. Estrogen dominance can occur even when a woman develops estrogen deficiency at the start of menopause, causing symptoms such as hot flashes. This can happen because even though the production of estrogen is dropping, the production of progesterone drops even more, resulting in comparatively more estrogen than progesterone circulating in the system. It is the balance between these

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• Cravings for sweets Response to Treatment and Disease Prevention Most people will see the benefits of bioidentical hormones quickly. Within several days a patient will begin to sleep better, and hot flashes and night sweats will start improving. Libido will begin to return and weight control will be noticeably improved over time. Follow-up by the physician should include monitoring the person’s response, retesting for hormone levels after a reasonable period of time, and adjusting the treatment on an individualized basis. The compounding pharmacy can then be instructed by the doctor to change prescriptions as per the unique needs of each patient. Ideally, a BHRT regimen is accompanied by improved nutrition and fitness as well as lifestyle changes. If hormones are deficient and/or out of balance, the body will not respond as well as it will when these lifestyle measures are implemented. Taking all of these factors into account enables an individual to feel rejuvenated, with a better opportunity for healthy longevity. Dr. Sobo is a member of A4M—The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, The Age Management Medicine Group, and is also a pioneer member of the new medical organization, the Clinical Peptide Society. For more information see www.drsobo.com or call 203.348.8805. See ad on page 30.

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Natural Nutmeg May/June 2021

Change Your Diet for Younger-Looking Skin By Elisabeth Johnson

ur skin is our largest organ, and it is often the first thing people notice when they meet us. Our skin takes a beating—it is exposed to all the external temperatures and substances we experience daily. It protects our muscles and organs, helps regulate our temperature, and is crucial for our survival. Our skin is always in a constant state of renewal. It renews itself every 28 days, and we are constantly shedding dead skin—we shed between 30,000–40,000 skin cells every minute. That is about nine pounds a year! Now you know where much of the dust in your house comes from and why our mattresses get so heavy after a few years. Knowing all this, where do we start in better addressing the needs of our skin? Let’s look at the nutritional aspect of skin health—how what we consume inside impacts what we see on our outside.

inflammation in our bodies and can raise insulin levels, which increases oil gland activity and thus creating more acne-related conditions. In addition, refined sugar consumption can degrade collagen and elastin—which nobody wants to see on their skin! If you suffer from acne, try cutting down on your dairy and sugar intake for a month and see the impact on your skin. I know you will be happy, and you will not miss that candy bar, ice cream, or soda once you see the results.

People who suffer from acne can often see a difference by lowering their intake of dairy, sugary foods/drinks, and high-carb foods. Refined sugar is one of the worst foods for our skin—it causes

Green fruits and veggies also play an important role in our skin health. Vitamin A can slow the production of sebum (the oily, waxy substance you may sometimes see on your skin) and flushes out toxins. Vitamin E

Want younger-looking skin? Diets that are lower in fat and carbohydrates and higher in vitamin C have been shown to help slow the signs of aging in our skin. When we have a wound, from scratches to surgical sites, extra vitamins C, D, and zinc can help speed the healing process. Vitamin C can help encourage our bodies to grow new collagen and is topically applied in serum form in many popular skin regimens.

“Our skin is the one organ that can significantly benefit from the external absorption of nutrients as well as those we absorb internally.”

helps fight free radicals, beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that helps repair and renew, lutein helps us boost hydration levels in our skin, and chlorophyll helps us with being the supreme protector against free radicals. In general, the leafier and darker green, the more stockpiled it is with these superhero nutrients for our skin. Eat up that broccoli and spinach and those green beans, kiwis, and green apples! There is also a lot of Vitamin C in those leafy greens. When we ingest foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, we’re better able to retain the moisture in our skin that helps protect us from UV rays. When our skin is dry and dehydrated, we do not have the tools we need to adequately fight off the impact of www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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UV rays. Our skin therefore ages faster; it can also crack and get chaffed and irritated. Proper hydration and intake of omega-3 fatty acids makes a positive impact on our skin. Whenever we have cracked, blemished, or irritated skin, it leaves that important protective barrier at risk for infection. Olive oil, avocados, sunflower seeds, salmon, and mackerel are all great resources for omega-3 fatty acids. Also strive to drink 6–8 glasses of water a day, but do not hesitate to drink more if your skin shows signs of dehydration. Listen to your body— it will often tell you what you need. A final important fact to consider: the nutrients we absorb internally first go to the most vital organs, such as your heart, brain, and liver. Our skin is the one organ that can significantly benefit from the external absorption of nutrients as well as those we absorb internally. Once you have tackled the nutrition side of skin care, come see one of our students in our clinic at Cortiva Institute in Cromwell for a facial, and further learn how to take care of your skin. They will analyze your skin and customize a treatment plan for your areas of concern. Elisabeth Johnson is the Campus Director of Cortiva Institute in Cromwell, CT. Cortiva offers a robust Massage Therapy and Esthetics program as well as CEU courses for advanced training. She can be reached at 860.667.1886 or at elisabethj@cortiva.edu. Elisabeth resides in the Stony Creek section of Branford with her boyfriend Chris and his three kids—Chloe, Katie, and Max— and their dog Juniper. See ad on page 29.

Healthy Aging with Bioidentical Hormones By Meghan Chafee, APRN, and Alina Schneider, APRN

ane is a 48-year-old female who presented to our clinic with complaints of fatigue, irregular menstruation, headaches, low libido, difficulty sleeping, and weight gain. After conducting a thorough medical history and physical exam, blood work revealed that Jane was low in progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. She was started on a regimen of intradermal pellet bioidentical hormone therapy and within three months, Jane’s symptoms had improved dramatically. Synthetic vs. Bioidentical Hormones Hormones, including progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone, are chemical messengers that are secreted in the bloodstream and exert their effects on various tissues and body systems. Bioidentical hormones are those that have been manufactured to be molecularly identical to those produced in the human body—typically sourced naturally from substances such as wild yams. It is important to note that “bioidentical” does not refer to the source of the hormone, but rather the chemical structure of the hormone itself. This distinction is important, as conventional or synthetic hormones such as those used in traditional hormone replacement therapy are not molecularly identical to the hormones produced by the human body, and, as such, do not convey the same actions and effects as naturally occurring hormones. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, or BHRT, is used to treat a wide variety of concerns, most notably postmenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, irritability, and vaginal dryness. In men, BHRT testosterone treatment can improve sleep, mood, and libido and decrease muscle wasting. Why Would I Need Hormone Therapy? Many hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, decline naturally as we age. And although this decline is “natural” and part of the age-related process, with the general increase in lifespan, some women may spend up to 1/3 of their lives in a hormone-depleted state. Along with the symptoms associated with hormone decline such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and

mood changes, declines in hormones are associated with risk factors for other diseases such as cognitive decline, decreased bone density, general inflammation, elevated blood pressure, and reduced glucose tolerance. In men, age-related declines in testosterone are associated with heart disease, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, and decreased insulin sensitivity. The Safety of BHRT In 2002, the largest randomized clinical trial on hormone therapy in women aged 50–79 was published. The Women’s Health Initiative, or WHI, sent shock waves throughout the medical community, as its results originally demonstrated an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, blood clots, and breast cancer in patients undergoing traditional hormone replacement therapy. These results led to a dramatic decrease in the use of hormone replacement therapy. Newer studies and analyses of the original WHI data, however, have found several flaws with the research design. For one, only one formulation of synthetic estrogen (conjugated equine estrogen, a hormone derived from horses) and one formulation of synthetic progesterone (medroxyprogesterone acetate) were evaluated. In addition, only the oral forms of these hormones were evaluated. When taking an oral form of hormone therapy, the hormone must first be processed and metabolized by the liver. This can significantly alter the chemical structure of the hormone, as well as its side effect profile. Other flaws in the research design include the limited enrollment of women under 60 years of age or fewer than 10 years from the onset of menopause. In addition, the study failed to look at other causes for its findings of breast cancer, heart disease, and blood clots, including smoking status and the presence of other chronic illnesses. A Lobo et al. (2016) follow-up study reported that the findings of the original WHI have mostly been negated. Indeed, in 2020, the New England Journal of Medicine published a review article stating that in further analyses of WHI data, there was no www.NaturalNutmeg.com

“Bioidentical hormone therapy provides women and men a holistic approach to treat a myriad of symptoms commonly associated with aging, including fatigue, brain fog, vaginal dryness, low libido, depression, anxiety, and sleep difficulties.”

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significant increase of risk in estrogen and progesterone therapy among those initiating hormone therapy before the age of 60 or within 10 years of menopause. Additionally, Cochrane review data concluded that hormone therapy is associated with a reduction in cardiovascular disease and mortality. More importantly, the WHI and several follow-up studies have failed to include bioidentical hormone therapy. Current data on bioidentical hormone safety suggests that treatment with these hormones is associated with a decreased risk of cancer, heart disease, and other medical conditions. Indeed, even women with a personal history of breast cancer may be candidates for bioidentical hormone therapy after careful evaluation with their clinician. How Do I Take Bioidentical Hormones? Bioidentical hormones are available in a variety of formulations, including topical creams and gel, transdermal patches, intradermal pellets, troches, and oral medications. Each formulation is dosed accordingly. For example, a patient may need to apply a topical cream every morning or evening, while another patient with intradermal hormonal pellets needs to have the pellets placed once every 3–6 months. It is best to have an in-depth conversation with your clinician about what formulation of bioidentical hormone therapy is right for you. How Do I Know if I May Benefit from Hormone Therapy? Prior to initiating hormone therapy, your clinician will perform a thorough history and examination, including blood, urine, or saliva testing to assess your hormone levels. However, symptoms that may suggest a hormonal imbalance may prompt a visit to your clinician. Common symptoms of estrogen imbalance include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, poor memory and concentration, insomnia, joint pain, acne, weight gain, fatigue, an increase in urinary tract infections, and fluid retention. Progesterone and testosterone imbalances in women can manifest as wrinkles, body aches and pain, loss of muscle tone, fatigue, decreased libido, anxiety, mood swings, depression, sugar cravings, headaches, brain fog, and irregular menstrual cycles. In men, symptoms of fatigue, loss of libido, depressed mood, muscle loss, insomnia, and erectile dysfunction are common symptoms of low testosterone. Bioidentical hormone therapy provides women and men a holistic approach to treat a myriad of symptoms commonly associated with aging, including fatigue, brain fog, vaginal dryness, low libido, depression and anxiety, and sleep difficulties. When prescribed appropriately, bioidentical hormone therapy is associated with few adverse effects and is even associated with lower risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Meghan Chafee, APRN, and Alina Schneider, APRN, practice at the Center for Holistic Healthcare in Glastonbury. They provide patients with a variety of BHRT options including topical creams and pellet insertion. Visit us on the web at ctrforholistichealthcare.com or contact us at 860.430.5300 for more information. See ad on page 20.

Natural Nutmeg May/June 2021

Massage Therapy: Self-Care or a Luxury? By Kristina Mozzicato, LMT, BCTMB

ow do you view massage therapy? Should it be treated as a rare indulgence or luxury or does it offer valuable health benefits? It seems there is a widespread misconception that massage should be a guilty pleasure, or a “treat” that should only be indulged in every once in a great while. In reality, massage therapy has countless benefits in addition to relaxation and feeling good. Massage Is Not a Luxury Lots of people, especially women, tend to feel guilty about taking time out to look after themselves. Sometimes, other people can try to make you feel as if indulging yourself in a massage is a waste of time and money. Your well-being is important, and self-care plays a vital role. Even if you’re a busy parent, worker, or caregiver, it is imperative to take time to do something good for yourself because if you’re depleted and exhausted, you’ll have no energy to do anything for the important people in your life who need you. Regular massage therapy should be a vital component of your self-care regimen, in addition to adequate sleep, regular exercise, good nutrition and supplementation, and other healthy lifestyle choices. Just as it is important to take good care of your vehicle with regular gas fill-ups, car washes, oil changes, and other maintenance in order to ensure smooth operation and performance, it is just as relevant to take care of you, in order to keep you healthy and prevent a condition from progressing.

According to the Touch Research Institute, which has carried out over 100 studies on massage and its many benefits, massage therapy has been proven to help treat the symptoms of conditions as diverse as depression, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and MS. Even if you’re not managing a particular health condition, you still need massage in your life. It can help keep your joints and muscles supple so you’re less prone to injury. It’s great for dealing with stress— even if you’re not actually depressed—and improves immunity and sleep, making you more present and productive at work. Massage also plays a large part in injury and disease prevention. Massage for Stress and Sleep It is widely known that living with high levels of stress for a prolonged period of time can be responsible for many physical and mental conditions, such as muscle tension (especially in the back, neck, and shoulders), headaches, insomnia, and even heart disease. Regular massage therapy sessions help to lower your body’s cortisol levels and increase serotonin and dopamine, resulting in relaxation and a positive mood. Research has demonstrated that massage can be helpful in reducing depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In particular, Swedish massage and hot stone/ Himalayan salt stone massage are very effective. MediCupping™ also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, thereby resulting in relaxation.

“Regular massage therapy should be a vital component of your selfcare regimen, in addition to adequate sleep, regular exercise, good nutrition and supplementation, and other healthy lifestyle choices.” Massage therapy also helps to combat insomnia by helping to boost serotonin levels, which have been proven to improve sleep. Deep tissue and Swedish massage have been proven to support the lymphatic system, which is your body’s defense system against illness. Research suggests that receiving regular massage increases white blood cell count, thereby strengthening your immune system. Massage for Muscles and Joints There is a saying that “sitting is the new smoking,” and the average American sits still for eight or nine hours every day. In addition to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and shortening your lifespan, excessive sitting creates even more problems. Cornell University researchers discovered that up to 90% more pressure is applied to your lower back when you sit versus when you stand. If your job means that you have no choice but to sit at the wheel or a desk, it will pull your shoulders forward and cause them to become rounded. This has the effect of weakening your upper and lower back muscles, which is why you’ll be feeling www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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that pain in your upper body. The direct muscular effects of sitting for prolonged periods are shoulder, neck, and jaw tightness, which can lead to headaches, nerve impingements, and sciatica. Your back, legs, and hips are greatly affected by that stationary position, as well. Massage therapy, in particular deep tissue massage, targets the affected muscles to relieve tension and pain. Cupping and MediCupping™ also provide a myofascial release, resulting in the release of tight areas and muscle “knots.” Regular massage can be part of your preventative therapy as a way to stop aches and pains from developing into anything more serious. Other conditions that respond very well to massage are headaches, TMJ disorder, fibromyalgia, and plantar fasciitis, as well as some digestive issues. Massage Regularly for Self-Care

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Natural Nutmeg May/June 2021

How often should you get a massage? That depends. For general relaxation or minor aches and pains, at least once-per-month sessions are typically recommended. For someone who regularly feels stressed, who sits or drives all day for work, or who is managing a chronic pain condition, sessions are recommended once a week or twice per month. Muscle knots do not develop overnight, so it should not be expected that they will be eradicated in just a few sessions. It is important that your massage therapist discusses their recommendations for your individual situation with you, in terms of frequency of massage sessions and type of massage. Receiving regular massage can be an important part of your self-care and help prevent certain health conditions from progressing. And in the long run, it could save you money on doctor’s visits, pain medication, or even surgery. Feeling better—both mentally and physically, improving sleep quality and immunity, and living with decreased pain—is not a luxury. It is a necessity. Kristina Mozzicato is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Board Certified by NCBTMB. She is a 2009 graduate of the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy. Kristina is also certified in Cupping and ACE MediCupping™. Kristina is the owner of Abundant Health Massage Therapy & Wellness in Farmington, CT and was named a Natural Nutmeg Magazine 10Best Award recipient in the category of Massage and Bodywork. For more information and convenient online booking, please visit: abundanthealthct.com or call 860.778.0315. See ad on page 8.

Ask Dana! A Column Where Personal Finance and Life Intersect By Dana R. Mascalo CFP®, RLP®, AAMS®, C(k)P®

i Dana: I’m divorced. Would you help me understand what social security benefits are available for divorced spouses, and any important considerations to be aware of? Navigating social security benefits if you are divorced—or thinking about divorce—can sometimes be confusing. Luckily, we have the perfect partner on our team who can review this for us. Lise Robinson, CFP®, is a CERTIFIED DIVORCE FINANCIAL ANALYST® and has extensive experience working with divorced clients as well as those considering the financial implications of getting a divorce. Hi Lise: What are some important social security highlights for divorced spouses that you would like to share with our readers today? Lise: Happy to help. The first thing to touch on is the concept of spousal benefits. Social Security was designed so that if one spouse earns significantly more than the other, the lower-earning spouse can claim benefits based on the higherearning spouse’s income. In that situation, the spousal benefit is equal to 50% of the higher wage earner benefit, and these

“Seeking personalized advice from qualified professionals can make certain decisions, such as financial implications of divorce or when to take social security, much easier and less stressful.”

benefits do not necessarily go away upon divorce. However, there are a few rules that apply in order for you to claim benefits based on an ex-spouse’s income rather than your own: • Your marriage lasted 10 years or longer. • You remain unmarried. If you remarry, your benefit will be recalculated based on your own work history along with your current spouse’s income. • You are age 62 or older. • The benefit that you are entitled to receive based on your own work record is less than the benefit you would receive based on your exspouse’s work record.

• The ex-spouse needs to be eligible for benefits and be at least age 62 before you can apply for benefits. But as long as you have been divorced for at least two years, the ex does not have to apply for benefits before you can apply for yours. If all these parameters hold true, you will be eligible for a benefit amount based on your ex-spouse’s income. It does not matter if your ex-spouse has remarried, and you do not need to know their earnings record or even their whereabouts. All you have to do is provide evidence that you were married (such as a marriage certificate) and identifying information, including the ex’s name, date of birth, and social security number (if available), and the date and place of marriage and date of divorce. From there, the Social Security Administration (SSA) can look up the ex-spouse’s record and you will automatically receive the higher of either your own work record benefit or the spousal benefit. Another thing to keep in mind is the SSA’s definition of full retirement age (FRA) for both you and your ex. Filing for benefits before either of you have reached full retirement age will result in a www.NaturalNutmeg.com

reduction of benefits. FRA is typically age 66–67, depending on the year you were born. So, for instance, if you have reached FRA of 67 but your higher-earning ex is 62, your 50% benefit will be reduced based on what his benefit at age 62 would be. Other considerations are the potential reduction in benefits if you have a government pension as well as the potential reduction in benefits due to earned income if you take early retirement benefits (prior to FRA) and are still working. In short, there are many variables regarding social security benefits regardless of marital status. Before you apply, be sure to do your homework! Thank you, Lise! Please remember, readers, that seeking personalized advice from qualified professionals can make certain decisions, such as financial implications of divorce or when to take social security, much easier and less stressful.

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Dana R. Mascalo CFP®, RLP®, AAMS®, C(k)P® is a Managing Partner with TrinityPoint Wealth, an independent SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm in Milford, CT and Charlotte, NC. Dana advises high net worth clients with complex needs and is sought after by individuals, families, business owners, and executives all over CT and the United States. Acting as their personal CFO, Dana looks at a client’s entire financial life with a visionary lens, advising on investment portfolios, retirement planning, stock options, life transitions, exit planning for business owners, customized advanced cash-flow planning, and multi-generational wealth transfer strategies. This material presented is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for personalized investment advice or as a recommendation or solicitation of any particular security, strategy, or investment product. TrinityPoint Wealth, nor its investment advisory representatives, are permitted to provide legal or tax advice, and nothing contained in these materials should be taken as legal or tax advice. See ad on page 32.

Natural Ways to Address the Complexities of Fibromyalgia By Erika Dworkin, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®

o you suffer from chronic or severe pain throughout your body? Have your traditional physicians concluded that your symptoms are psychosomatic after tests ruled out other chronic conditions? If so, you may have fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), the physical and psychological challenges of which can vary among patients but are very real. Though you should not attempt to diagnose or treat yourself, you can begin to heal by learning about your condition’s symptoms, potential causes, and available natural treatments. Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) Defined and Potential Causes FMS is often described as a musculoskeletal disorder similar to chronic fatigue syndrome that predominantly affects middle-aged women. Unlike chronic fatigue, however, an FMS diagnosis includes chronic pain or stiffness in three body locations for at least three months, in addition to at least four other symptoms, including chronic fatigue, chronic headache/facial pain, sleep disturbance, neurological and psychological ailments, joint swelling, irritable bowel syndrome/abdominal discomfort, irritable bladder, chest pain, cognitive disorders, depression, anxiety, and/or variance in symptoms due to physical activity, stress, or weather/environmental sensitivity. FMS pain generally affects the fibrous tissues, muscles, tendons, or ligaments, and the 18 “trigger points” throughout the body that can be abnormally sensitive to the touch tend to cluster around the neck, shoulders, chest, knees, elbows, and hips. Since there is no specific FMS diagnostic or lab test, practitioners diagnose it by ruling out other conditions whose symptoms can mimic those of FMS (candidiasis, chemical sensitivity, viral and bacterial infections [hepatitis C, Lyme disease], and various autoimmune diseases [lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis]). While there is no known cause of FMS, onset may be initiated by mitochondrial dysfunction (inability of cellular powerhouses to produce adequate energy, called adenosine triphosphate, or ATP), obesity, physical or mental stress, elevated inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, TNF), inflammation from co-occurring health conditions, nonrestorative sleep, injury, and/or or infections (including

Fibromyalgia (fi·bro·my·al·gi·a) is a condition that causes pain all over the body, sleep issues, fatigue, and often emotional and mental stress. People with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain. This is called abnormal pain perception processing. Fibromyalgia affects about 4 million US adults, about 2% of the adult population. The cause of fibromyalgia is not known, but it can effectively be treated, managed, and even eliminated. —Dr. Dorothy Martin-Neville, PhD

respiratory mycoplasmal infection). Current research suggests that hormonal imbalances may also play a role. FMS patients may thus suffer from deficient levels of serotonin, melatonin, or growth hormone, or a dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (primarily responsible for the stress response). No genetic component of FMS has been identified. Conventional Treatment In treating FMS, practitioners generally incorporate both drug and non-drug therapies, including education, physical therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. To address the individual symptoms, they frequently prescribe pain relievers, sleep aids, NSAIDs, antidepressants (Cymbalta®, Savella®), muscle relaxants, Botox®, and anticonvulsants (Lyrica®). Unfortunately, all of these have potential side effects and none address the complete scope of FMS symptoms. Buprenorphine is one largely unknown, minimally addictive narcotic that has shown some promise in treating chronic or severe symptoms, especially pain, insomnia, and depression. Diminishing Symptoms Through Lifestyle Changes As with all chronic conditions, wellness must begin with dietary and lifestyle changes. Both vegetarian and candida diets have demonstrated effectiveness against FMS symptoms. With the introduction of www.NaturalNutmeg.com

large amounts of antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits and reduced intake of potentially cell-damaging animal proteins, a plant-based diet can promote weight loss and reduce oxidative damage to cells. The immune-enhancing candida diet, with its focus on eliminating energy-zapping sugar and other foods that feed a yeast-like fungus, has proven able to combat the chronic fatigue that many FMS patients experience. Helpful therapies include: • physical therapy (massage, craniosacral therapy, myofascial release) • gentle exercise to increase blood flow and range of motion (swimming in a heated pool, yoga, tai chi, Pilates) • acupuncture • hot baths • nutrition counseling Nutritional and Other Holistic Therapies There are multiple non-traditional approaches to addressing FMS, both those that are somewhat controversial and those that are more widely known and accepted among holistic healers. Dorothy Martin-Neville, PhD, who received an NIH Frontier Medicine Grant to research the psychological and spiritual causes or correlates of fibromyalgia, maintains that this debilitating condition is curable, “[b] ut only if you are willing to change your beliefs, understand how you do relationships, and see a whole new way of doing your life with all of who are meant to be in it.” R. Paul St. Amand, MD, developed the Guaifenesin Protocol (fibromyalgiatreatment.com) to treat and manage FMS. Unfortunately, by his own admission, “tightly controlled and credible research is required for full acceptance” of his approach, though his Fibromyalgia Treatment Center has ample clinical evidence and testimonials proving its success. Following are some of the more frequently recommended targeted therapies for FMS symptoms. A comprehensive nutritional approach should ideally address: (1) reduction of pain and inflammation; (2) adrenal fatigue; (3) immunity; and (4) depression. • 5-HTP: The body uses this metabolite of the amino acid L-tryptophan to make serotonin, the hormone associated with healthy sleep and mood elevation. Clinical studies have indicated that supplementation with 5-HTP in FMS patients

may relieve insomnia, fatigue, pain intensity, anxiety, and tender point count (TPC). • Acetyl-L-Carnitine: This well-absorbed amino acid, found in mitochondrial membranes, supports energy production and protects cells against oxidative damage. In a 2007 study of 102 subjects, researchers noted that FMS may be associated with a carnitine deficit and found that supplementation significantly improved pain and mental health compared to placebo. • Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinol): An essential nutrient for proper mitochondrial function, this antioxidant has been found lacking in the blood cells of many FMS patients. • D-Ribose: The body requires this sugar to make ATP. Small studies have shown that the correct dose taken multiple times during the day can improve energy and exercise capacity, sleep, mental clarity and outlook, and vitality. • Magnesium: This macromineral is involved in over 300 metabolic processes in the body, and its deficiency is widespread. Some research has implicated low blood levels in the development of FMS in certain patients. In exploring natural FMS remedies, a red blood cell magnesium test is recommended, and supplementation with magnesium malate or citrate may prove most effective. • Melatonin: The body uses serotonin from the pineal gland to make this sleep hormone, which is frequently deficient in FMS patients. • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids (ideally from fish oil) combat inflammation, and supplementation has proven to improve FMS pain, TPC, fatigue, and depression. They should be balanced with appropriate intake of omega-6 fatty acids. • SAMe (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine): Studies have proven that supplementation with this natural compound, made from the amino acid L-methionine and ATP, can improve morning stiffness, fatigue, sleep quality, and depression in some FMS patients. • Vitamin D3: FMS patients are frequently deficient in this hormone, and a blood level greater than 30–50 ng/ mL could greatly relieve pain and depression. However, clinical results are mixed; researchers generally call for additional studies on the impact of vitamin D3 on symptoms and treatment should be based on an individual’s regularly checked blood level. Many disorders can cause FMS symptoms. If you suffer chronic muscular pain for a prolonged period, a holistic healthcare professional can provide you with a diagnosis and nutritional treatment regimen. The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, are for educational purposes only, and are not intended to take the place of a physician’s advice. Submitted by Erika Dworkin, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®, owner of the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe (860.646.8178), 378 Middle Turnpike West, Manchester, CT, www.cthealthshop.com), nutrition specialists trusted since 1956. Erika is available for consultation and to speak to groups, including on Zoom. All statements in this article are practice- or scientific evidence-based and references are available upon request. See ad on page 3.

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Unexplained or Unexplored Infertility? By Nicole Kerr, ND, LAc

he inability to become pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term is caused by a myriad of medical conditions and other contributing factors. Therefore, each case of infertility needs to be uniquely reviewed to identify if there is a single cause, several causes, or no identifiable cause. Both partners should be evaluated, as in the U.S. about 9% of men and 11% of women in their reproductive age experience fertility problems. Evaluating the cause of infertility in only the female partner can waste months of valuable time and result in the use of inappropriate, unnecessary, and often expensive procedures while during this time, the male partner could be identifying and correcting his fertility status as well. Even if there is an identifiable cause in the female, the male partner should still be evaluated.

WHO Semen Analysis Reference Ranges PARAMETER

NORMAL

Semen volume

>1.5 mL

7.2 or more

Sperm concentration

15 million/mL or more

Total sperm number

39 million or more

Total motility

>32% progressive motile, >40% progressive and nonprogressive

Vitality

58% or more live spermatozoa

Sperm morphology

4% or more

Male partner standard evaluations include:

Female partner standard evaluations include:

Infertility Evaluations of Both Partners

• History: prior paternity; undescended testicles at birth; trauma to testicles; medical and surgical review; sexual dysfunction; medication, alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use.

• History: prior pregnancies and outcome; medical and surgical review; sexual dysfunction; medication, alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use; menstrual disturbances.

The following standard evaluations are performed when infertility concerns arise.

• Examination: testicular abnormalities; varicocele; absences of vas deferens.

• Ovulation: urine luteinizing hormone ovulation predictor kits; mid-luteal serum progesterone.

• Semen analysis: See chart above.

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• Ovarian reserve: cycle day 3 folliclestimulation hormone; estradiol levels; clomiphene citrate challenge test; antral follicle count. • Uterine and fallopian tube: hysterosalpingogram to test tubal patency and uterine contour; follicular phase transvaginal ultrasound.

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Eumenorrhea, or normal menstrual cycles by history, is a highly accurate marker of ovulation, and anovulatory levels of serum progesterone (<3ng/mL) are found in only a very small minority of normal menstrual cycle patients. Therefore, if you do not have normal menstrual cycles and are considering conception, whether in the near or far future, it is advisable to seek out treatment for your abnormal cycles. The results of ovarian reserve testing are not absolute indicators of infertility, but abnormal levels correlate with decreased response to ovulation induction medication and lower birth rates after IVF, which is of concern when considering advanced reproductive technology treatment options. Unexplained Infertility When healthcare providers cannot find a specific or likely cause from the standard testing above, the term “unexplained infertility” is used to describe a couple’s fertility status. Unexplained infertility cases apply to approximately 30% of infertile couples and it has been shown that unexplained infertility couples have a greater rate of spontaneous conception than couples with an identifiable cause for their fertility struggles. According to the Journal of Reproduction and Infertility, spontaneous pregnancies have been reported to be 13– 15% in the first year of attempts, increasing to 35% the next two years of attempting to become pregnant, and can reach as high as 80% in younger couples in the following three years of unprotected sex. It is argued that with such a high rate of conception in unexplained infertility, no further fertility treatment is necessary. The argument to stop here and wait can seem like torture for many eager couples who urgently wish to be pregnant, leading many physicians to refer patients to advanced reproductive technologies (ART) prematurely and unnecessarily. While many unexplained infertility couples will become pregnant without assistance, it is worth taking a look at other reasons for the couple’s inability to conceive. Often these reasons are not identified or addressed by mainstream doctors; therefore, couples will need to make an appointment with a functional medicine practitioner.

“Unexplained infertility can be even further explored through examining diet choices, lifestyle habits, and sleep disturbances/ habits, which, once corrected, can improve a couple’s chances of becoming pregnant.”

Unexplored Categories with Fertility Impacts • Adrenal Dysfunctions: The glucocorticoid (GC) cortisol has numerous studies showing high levels adversely impact health, including direct inhibition of the brain hormone, GnRH, that regulates FSH and LH release. GC also affects estrogen, progesterone, and ovulation. • Thyroid Dysfunctions: Autoimmune thyroid conditions, even without elevated TSH, are linked to infertility with increased risk of miscarriage. Most physicians stop at TSH testing and never look at a full thyroid panel. • Gut Health: Improper bacteria, poor intestinal lining integrity, and dysfunctional digestion and absorption can all indirectly influence fertility health. Your liver’s role in removing hormones is another reason to look at the health of the digestive system. • Nutritional Deficiencies: Due to genetic variants, some people are unable to create the active form of important fertility nutrients. Folate is one such nutrient and is vital for proper fetal development. Genetic mutations for activating folate into methyl folate are associated with recurrent pregnancy loss. Vitamin A is another commonly overlooked fertility nutrient. Deficiency of vitamin A can cause a genetic mutation wherein the body does not effectively convert food beta-carotene into the active form the body uses, retinol. Women with this mutation can have what is described as “golden ovaries” due to the accumulation of beta-carotene, as well as other menstrual abnormalities. • Environmental Toxins: Environmental toxins can alter immune cell function, produce inflammatory markers in the body, create progesterone

resistance and estrogen dominance, cause oxidative stress, and can result in poor egg quality and reduced sperm motility. One toxin of particular concern in regard to fertility is bisphenol A, found in soft plastics designated with #7 or PC letters, canned foods, receipts at stores, glass jar lids, and more. Another toxin that has not been made since 1977 but is found in umbilical cords of infants born today is PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls), which people are exposed to mostly through eating contaminated fish, meat, and dairy products. Heavy metal toxicity is another environmental factor that impacts time to conception and pregnancy outcomes. Phthalates found in toys, vinyl flooring, medical devices, perfumes, lotions, and cosmetics are of particular concern with male fertility health. In a recent study, 85% of women in IVF cycles had bisphenol A (BPA) in their urine, which were found to be inversely associated with the number of oocytes (eggs). Urinary BPA was also inversely

associated with peak serum estradiol levels, meaning the more BPA in the urine, the lower the estrogen peak was. This equated to the women being “poor responders” to IVF. There have been studies showing implantation failure in women with higher BPA levels undergoing IVF and increased miscarriage with higher serum levels of BPA. As for BPA’s influence on the fertility of the male partner, a five-year study showed higher exposures to BPA, measured in urine, resulted in lower-quality sperm concentration, count, and motility, and decreased sperm vitality. BPA has also been found in the follicular and amniotic fluid. PCB levels in the general public have been shown to increase the odds of implantation failure and ability to become pregnant from one cycle to the next. Additionally, phthalates in the urine are associated with decreased sperm concentration, motility, and FSH and LH, both hormones involved in sperm formation.

habits, which, once corrected, can improve a couple’s chances of becoming pregnant. These are unexplored reasons for infertility in many cases and they are known to greatly impact your overall health when not balanced. Find a trusted practitioner who will work with you through the extra exploration that may be needed to find the reason behind your infertility struggle. Dr. Nicole Kerr, ND, LAc is the owner of an all-natural fertility clinic in Wallingford CT, Fertility Oasis. At Fertility Oasis, Dr. Kerr teaches her patients the importance of preconception care and about all treatment options available to couples wanting and/or struggling to conceive. Male and female infertility factors are addressed to offer comprehensive fertility care for her patients. Fertility Oasis, 857 N Main St Ext Suite 1, Wallingford CT, 203.265.0459 fertilityoasis.com. See ad on this page.

Exploring Your Options Unexplained infertility can be even further explored through examining diet choices, lifestyle habits, and sleep disturbances/

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Searching for the Mystic Within

By Lauri Ingram

he spiritual world is full of mystics, those who have reached such a depth of spirituality and awakening that they serve as inspiration and teachers to us all. Many, centuries later, inspire the seeker through words and imagery: Rumi, St. Hildegarde, Buddha, Lao Tzu, and others have been recognized as individuals who have reached a state of union with the divine that so many seek. While some mystics are associated with religion, many are not and through their teachings, prose, and poetry, those mystics have left behind inspiring works for us all. The Mystic in All of Us While many seek that state of divine union through meditation and prayer, there are characteristics of mystics that ordinary people possess. Mystics have a different way of being, doing, and looking at this world. They are not out of touch with reality, but rather, they have connected with what is truly real. Mystics prefer to have their own experiences, to learn by doing and by evaluating those experiences themselves. Their truth comes from what they have lived, and they are deeply connected to their personal truth. One of the common threads among mystics is the search for meaning, an answer to the big question, “why am I here?” There is a natural curiosity that comes with mysticism, of questioning why each of us exists, the purpose and meaning behind life. And yet, mystics are comfortable with the unknown, in seeking the truth behind why each person is alive. Mystics are drawn by the questions, by the seeking, by the inquiry into which there is no clear answer in this world. Living Connected Personal growth is part of this exploration, part of the seeking for truth that allows the mystic to connect with parts of him or herself that may often go untouched. Though there are not necessarily answers there are countless questions, and the mystic delves deep to explore life’s most intriguing of them. The rabbit hole without any bottom, no way out of the cave—that is where the mystics live comfortably in the unexplainable. Mystics have an inner awareness of the connection between the person and all of life, of all sentient beings connected in a mysterious way. They live by that connection to each person, to nature, to animals, and to all living beings. Journey to Truth Mystical experiences are often unexplainable. The phantom tap on the shoulder, the whispers from the trees, the coincidences, the enigmatic, all weave together the tapestry of the mystic’s story. Through meditation and deep listening, there are opportunities to touch that deep part of ourselves that is mysterious but yet is our 28

Natural Nutmeg May/June 2021

true nature. Mystics do not necessarily associate with a religion, but rather feel the truth is within and that through practices and ceremonies can continue down that path to inner wisdom. The path is within, not without; the knowledge is inside, not outside, and there are many ways to find that truth. The joy is in the journey, the excitement is in the questions, the unknowing is what drives mystics to continue searching and questioning. Many people have the characteristics of the mystic. Though they may not consider themselves as such, these are people who appreciate and enjoy the uncertainty and the quest for truth. There are many ways to live the life of a mystic today. Through insightful inquiry, through meditation and stillness, through living life and exploring the interconnectedness of all things, each person can live the life of a mystic in every moment. Getting out of your own way, letting life flow, and approaching each moment with curiosity…such is the way of the everyday mystic in each person. Awaken the Mystic Within The searching can take a lifetime, or it can happen in a moment when a person realizes that there is more to life than what is experienced on the human level. It can happen through a mystical experience, it can come to someone through dreams, or perhaps through feelings that are just too subtle to explain. A day when the trees seem a little greener, the air a bit fresher, the birds a little happier, and our senses just a bit more keen, may bring a new level of wonder to an ordinary day. Wonder may be where it all begins and where the mystic that lives within begins to wake. With curiosity and willingness to question, the mystic within not only wakes, but comes alive and is birthed into the world. Find Your Inner Mystic Sessions are offered via Zoom, and in person when health guidelines permit. All are welcome and I am honored to bring my offerings to you. You can learn more about me at www.lauriingram. com or reach me at lauri@lauriingram.com. I am happy to offer a complementary 30-minute consultation to see if spiritual counseling is a fit for you. Lauri Ingram is an ordained interfaith/interspiritual minister from One Spirit Seminary in New York City. Based on Hamden, Lauri is a certified Interspiritual Counselor (May 2021), Crystal Dreaming practitioner, certified color therapist, and Tibetan Bowl sound healer as well as the co-founder of Etheric Elements, offering crystal, light, and color therapy products to practitioners. You can learn more about Lauri at lauriingram.com and schedule a complementary exploratory virtual call. See ad on page 16.

Tomato Plants and Trusts By Caroline Wetzel, CFP®, CDFA®, AWMA®

few years ago, some friends asked my family to take care of their tomato plants while they went on vacation. While they were away we could eat ripened tomatoes, and when they returned my husband and I could keep one of the plants. This agreement is a very simplified example of how some trusts work. The following is an introduction to trusts and how clients use them, as well as an explanation for the tomato plants and trusts analogy from my perspective as a Private Wealth Advisor. Introduction to Trusts: A Financial Planner’s View As a Certified Financial PlannerTM, I describe trusts as assets with instructions. Typically, trusts are fiduciary arrangements involving three parties: 1. Grantor: individual who contributes assets to the trust. 2. Trustee: legal owner of the trust; person responsible for managing the assets.

• Minimizing taxes: grantors seeking to reduce income or estate taxes. • Controlling wealth: grantors control when and to whom assets from the trust are distributed. • Retaining privacy: in the event of death, trust assets may pass to the beneficiary outside of probate. • Protecting legacy: carefully structured trusts may help protect the assets from beneficiaries’ creditors or from beneficiaries themselves. There are many types of trusts; some spouses set up trusts to provide benefits when one partner predeceases the other. Other grantors set up Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs) to be beneficiaries of life insurance policy proceeds. Charitably inclined grantors may set up Charitable Lead Trusts, Charitable Remainder Trusts, or Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts. Whether a trust makes sense for you depends on your unique needs and situation.

Trusts Equal Goals and Control Daily, clients and I talk about what is important to them and how they can use their finances to experience peace of mind over time, as life inevitably changes. We discuss the estate plans they have in place, the titling on their various financial accounts, and how they expect the assets they have worked so hard to build over the course of their lives will be transferred in the future. When different life circumstances prompt clients to ask about trusts, I like to ask two questions to guide our conversation: • What goal are you trying to achieve? • How much control do you want to retain around the assets you put into the trust? What Goal Are You Trying to Achieve? Clients owning large estates seeking to minimize taxes often set up trusts. Today, each person has an estate and gift tax exemption of $11.58 million ($23.16 million

3. Beneficiary: person who gains access to, or benefits from, the trust’s assets. In the tomato plant example, my friends were the grantors and my husband and I were the trustees, responsible for caring for the plants. While our friends traveled, my husband and I were the beneficiaries of the plants because we ate the tasty grape tomatoes. When our friends returned, my husband and I continued to be beneficiaries of the tomato plant that we were given, and my neighbors resumed being beneficiaries of the plants that they reclaimed. Trust and estate attorneys generally set up trusts for clients seeking certain benefits, including:

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for married couples). While current law decreases these levels by half in 2025, the Biden Administration has indicated that it would like to reduce these exemptions further and increase the rates at which estates are taxed. Other clients of mine who do not have children have set up living trusts to facilitate the transfer of their real estate and non-retirement investment accounts to their beneficiaries outside of probate upon their death. They want the transfer of their assets to bypass the courts and be completed privately. How Much Control Do You Want to Retain? A major distinction across the different types of trusts is whether they continue to be controlled by the grantor after the trusts are established. For instance, a revocable trust, known as a living trust, is flexible and stays in the control of the grantor throughout their lifetime. While a revocable trust may help avoid probate in the transfer of assets, it is usually treated like any other asset the grantor owns during their life and is subject to estate tax upon their passing. In contrast, an irrevocable trust moves out of control of the grantor. Once executed, the assets in the irrevocable trust are out of the grantor’s estate, with the grantor having no ability to change any terms of the trust, including the ability to dissolve it. Now back to the tomato plants where we started. The tomato plants that my neighbors resumed ownership of were like revocable trusts. And the tomato plant that my husband and I were given is like an irrevocable trust. If you aspire to experience peace of mind, optimize your financial health, and make sense of your financial planning choices today and over time in digestible ways like this, I am right here. Caroline Wetzel is one of Natural Nutmeg’s 10Best Winners for Business/Life Coach. Caroline is a Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP®) and Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor with Procyon Private Wealth Partners, LLC. Procyon Private Wealth Partners, LLC and Procyon Institutional Partners, LLC (collectively “Procyon Partners”) are registered investment advisors with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). This article is provided for informational purposes only and for the intended recipient[s] only. This article may also include opinions and forward-looking statements that may not come to pass. Information is at a point in time and subject to change. Procyon Partners does not provide tax or legal advice. https://www.procyonpartners.net. See ad on page 34.

Reveal Your Past & Heal Using the Akashic Records By Eilis Philpott

ver the past few years, I’ve noticed many more references to the Akashic Field, Akashic Records, The Book of Life, and more. I am now seeing the term akasha (akasha is Sanskrit for “sky,” “space,” or “ether”) being referred to in the five elements, so we now have earth, water, air, fire, and akasha (previously referred to as ether). What Is the Akashic Field and Records? The Akashic Field and Records are said to have existed since the beginning of time and act as a sort of library, recording everything in creation and containing memories of your past, present, and future lives. They are evidence of your soul’s journey from the time you first separate from Source until you eventually return home. The belief is that the Akashic Records were used by ancient peoples around the world, including the Tibetans, Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, Chinese, Hebrews, Christians, Druids, and Mayans. The pre-Buddhist priests of the Himalayas knew that each soul recorded every moment of its existence in a “book,” and that if individuals attuned themselves properly, they could view that book. In Egypt, those who could read the Akasha were held in high standing and often advised Pharaohs on daily activities and dream interpretation. Our Potential Is Waiting for Us Edgar Cayce (1877–1945), a famous American Christian mystic, believed that the Akashic Field/Records contained a history of every soul since the dawn of creation. When asked where the records reside, Cayce said they exist within “the skein of space and time…the records are everywhere.” He further believed that the records are inscribed on some kind of etheric energy similar in nature to the energy of thought, and that in his readings, revealing a person’s past could bring about conscious awareness of the soul’s growth. Cayce constantly emphasized that the records are written by each of us, by our own free will and choices made in the present, and he reinforced that our choices in the present allow the future possibilities to unfold in our lives from our Akashic Field.

Cayce explained that the Akashic Field not only stores everything in our histories but contains all the future possibilities and potentials for our lives as well. He believed that we call into potential an array of possible futures as we interact in our daily lives and learn subconsciously from the data that has already been accumulated. Cayce believed that any future potentials for us already exist in the Akashic Field, simply waiting for our free will to call them into action. This viewpoint is strikingly similar to another that would emerge many decades later, in the area of science called quantum mechanics. Well-known scientist and philosopher Ervin Laszlo, PhD, published his book Science and the Akashic Field in 2004, taking quantum theories a step further by developing his integral theory of everything. In Science and the Akashic Field, Laszlo stated that the quantum vacuum essentially “generates the holographic field that is the memory of the universe”; that it conveys all information about life itself and is essentially what helps a universe know how to become a universe, how plants know how to be plants, and so forth. What Is Akashic Field Healing? Akashic Field Healing is an integral method of quantum healing that accesses information from an individual’s Akashic Field using a chart system as an interpretative tool. With Akashic Field Healing, the practitioner identifies life programs and their respective patterns that are unconsciously affecting an individual. This information is identified specifically in order to bring conscious awareness to negative, traumatic, or dissonant information patterns that are blocking a person’s full expression of their authentic self. Any unresolved traumatic experiences can create repeating patterns of behavior, emotional blocks, irrational fears, and negative beliefs. Traumatic memories create subconscious limits and blocks, which can limit and even obstruct access to future potential. Healing these identified patterns through a directed energy technique and a healing affirmation can help introduce a better quality of life for the person receiving a session. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

In an Akashic Field Healing session, the practitioner receives verbal permission from the client to access his/her Akashic Field and Records. An intention is set up to reveal which trauma is ready to be healed for the highest good during that session, and it is the task of the Akashic Field Healing practitioner to facilitate the discovery of the core issues that are blocking the growth of a client. These issues are interpreted by the practitioner who, with the use of various tools, can initiate healing, thereby removing the emotional blocks and behavior limitations the client was previously experiencing. One of the topmost important aspects of this process is revealing the soul’s growth potential—the growth experiences that an individual’s soul intended to acquire through the series of events that occur throughout their life. All of this information is really just a starting point. As with all free-will choices, it’s up to you how much further you go!

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Herbal Broth Hot Flash Relief By Steven R. Frank

irst discovered and researched a little over 100 years ago, hormones serve as communication messengers to initiate or terminate processes all over the body. Various organs make these hormones, and many bodily functions are controlled by them. When hormones are imbalanced (meaning not working correctly), many problems can occur—from temperature regulation to blood flow, digestion to skeletal maintenance. Hormones are the balancing regulators of your body. Hormone Imbalance and Herbal Remedies As we age, our organs experience the wear and tear of the life that we impose on them. The effects of modern living—eating chemicals and steroids in our foods, overstimulation from sugar, caffeine, and emotional stress—have produced a more pronounced problem for us than our previous generations. The hormone-producing organs can become overtaxed as we reach our 40s and 50s. Yet even with normal use, time alone can produce a decrease in the function of these glands and organs as well. The shift from child-bearing years in women is involved with a new bodily hormonal balance. Men as well tend to experience age-related changes in the balance of hormones in their bodies. The results of this diminution of hormone secretions have

“Hot flashes are more than just annoying—they are the overt indication of a system out of balance, the very system that handles other essential bodily functions such as digestion, vasculature, skeletal maintenance, and more.”

face, strip off extra clothes, and “deal with it” is less of a solution and more of a denial. You deserve better than that, you need better than that. How Do We Do Better than That?

Herbal history puts forth examples of early Mediterranean cultures and Egyptians using chaste tree berries to help balance hormones for women in their later years. Native American tradition offers remembrance of sage and black cohosh being used by women, while St. John’s wort was popular in Europe. Some cultures of Central America have relied heavily on the wild yam. There are as many instances of natural remedies as there are helpful herbs to assist.

No one wants to take six different capsules of herbs twice a day; that would leave very little room left for meals. Yet it would be wonderfully beneficial to have the influence of all of those herbs—and there is an easier way. All of the herbs can be combined and decocted into a water broth, which can then be sprayed on a thinned-skin area a couple of times per day. Not only is the spray itself cooling when applied, but the best part is that regular application of this herbal broth balances your hormones so that the overt adverse effects of your hormonal shift diminish in time. That translates to fewer hot flashes, and less hot in the flash. What’s more, all of the other systems in your body that are regulated by these hormones that you’ve balanced begin operating in a more normal manner.

Hot flashes are more than just annoying—they are the overt indication of a system out of balance, the very system that handles other essential bodily functions such as digestion, vasculature, skeletal maintenance, and more. To simply fan your

The estrogen-like components of Mexican wild yam have long been coveted for their ability to balance the estrogen-progesterone balance in women going through menopause. Sage and St. John’s wort have been largely tested in the last decade and

been affecting humans for thousands of years, if not more.

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have demonstrated dramatic reduction in the frequency and severity of hot flashes. Black cohosh and chaste tree berries have been the subject of numerous clinical studies that all point toward improvements in hormonal systems, from bone maintenance to digestion. Balancing all of these critical bodily functions is essential to good health and a sound transition through menopause.

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Men, it turns out, are often given testosterone blockers when they are undergoing prostate cancer treatment, which can cause an estrogen imbalance and produce hot flashes. The very same herbs that help regulate hormones and ease hot flashes in women also help men who are on testosterone suppression. In fact, the same hormone fluctuations that are associated with menopause in women also occur monthly and can cause PMS. Regular application of these herbs has been used to balance the emotional and other disturbances caused by menstruation.

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The Ups and Downs of Perimenopause: Tips for a Healthier Transition

By Veena Verma-Dzik, ND, FIAMA

nxious, depressed, angry. Bloated, can’t sleep, can’t remember, no period, then full-blown red storm. Anxious, depressed, angry…again! Why don’t more women talk about this? I’m talking about that midlife experience of perimenopause. We are being thrown into this alternate universe where our emotions, menstruation, and hormones are all over the place—and let’s not forget the appearance of male-like hairs. As much as it absolutely stinks, it is normal. We hear more about menopause than we do about perimenopause, the time of transition into menopause. There are definitely speed bumps during this time of our lives; our female hormones are up and down, causing us to experience issues such as mood swings, sleep disruption, breast tenderness, change in menstruation, incontinence, and vaginal dryness. This period of transition most often occurs in our forties, but for some can begin in their thirties, and it can last anywhere from a few months to 10 years. There are actually two stages of perimenopause: during the early part, the

menstrual cycle is more regular and still fairly predictable; during the second and final stage, the time in which we no longer have a period—that is, amenorrhea—becomes more prolonged, lasting for at least 60 days, until the final menstrual period. Perimenopause is not only a time when estrogen is fluctuating, but there are other hormones involved as well. Inhibin Inhibin is one of the first hormones to change during perimenopase and is responsible for telling the ovaries to produce less FSH. According to STRAW criteria (Stages of Reproductive Aging in Women), inhibin is at its peak during reproductive years. As the perimenopausal years go on, inhibin decreases until it is no longer detectable during postmenopause. Anti-Mullerian Hormone Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is commonly used to assess ovarian reserve when diagnosing infertility, premature ovarian failure, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. It is also an indicator in perimenopause/

menopause, when during the transition years AMH continues to decrease until blood levels drop after menopause. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone One of the hormones commonly tested when we are experiencing symptoms directed toward our hormones is FSH, or follicle-stimulating hormone. FSH is made by the pituitary gland and stimulates the ovarian follicles to produce estrogen. During reproductive years, FSH stays pretty consistent but once we hit the perimenopausal years, FSH levels begin to fluctuate. When it is high, our ovaries are stimulated to produce more estrogen; when it is low, we produce less. Estradiol Our estrogen levels are taken on a roller coaster ride throughout our transition into menopause. There are days when there is both hyperestrogenemia and hypoestrogenemia until menopause actually hits and ovarian follicles are no longer responsive. The low levels of estradiol are responsible for the increase in hot flashes and night www.NaturalNutmeg.com

sweats. Our serotonin levels are affected by the continuous fluctuation of estradiol, resulting in the changes in our sleep and moments of anger that flush through us. As perimenopause continues, eventually estradiol production drops, and we then enter menopause. Centers For Dental Medicine Saving Lives One Smile at a Time :

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shatavari, which help with both stress hormones and female hormones. •

Maintain a healthy microbiome. There are countless studies about how our gut health correlates with our digestive health, mental health, aging, and more. In terms of the gut–hormone connection, the gut microbiome is one of the principal regulators of circulating estrogen. A group of healthy enteric bacteria within the gut, called the estrobolome, is responsible for metabolizing and modulating circulating estrogen. The estrobolome, along with the rest of our microbiome, affects the levels of estrogen within our bodies, which in turn play a role in our hormonal health and mood.

•

Support your liver. The liver is a key player in detoxification and metabolizing hormones. Addressing nutrient deficiencies, along with methylation and digestive issues, is vital to the health and proper functioning of the liver. Milk thistle, artichoke, and NAC are a few supplements that help support liver function.

•

Consider gentle herbs to help manage symptoms associated with perimenopause. Herbs such as passionflower, ashwagandha, and chasteberry are very helpful. My patients especially love tulsi, also known as holy basil, which can simply be consumed as a tea.

Progesterone Along with estrogen, progesterone is produced by the ovaries. It not only helps with conception and maintaining a healthy pregnancy, but it is responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and playing a role in our sex drive as well. Naturally, as our menstrual cycle fluctuates, the amount of progesterone that our bodies produce changes; in other words, the less we ovulate, the less progesterone is produced. Now that we have a snapshot of the hormones involved, what can we do to support ourselves through this normal life transition? Due to the hormonal fluctuations and the symptoms that accompany them, perimenopause can be quite a vulnerable time. The good news is, there are ways we can help ourselves feel better. Balancing Hormones Naturally Many lifestyle changes can be made to help keep our hormones more balanced during perimenopause. •

Avoid simple carbohydrates and refined sugars; decrease alcohol intake.

•

Consume a more plant-based diet rich in antioxidants and phytochemical. I highly recommend cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and kale, which have cancer-protective benefits and, due to their sulforaphane content, help guard against cardiovascular disease.

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Add high-quality, healthy sources of fats to your diet. These include avocados, coconut oil, nuts, and seeds.

•

Avoid exposure to endocrine disruptors, which are commonly found in plastics, cosmetics, household cleaners, and pesticides.

•

Focus on self-care and manage stress. There are many ways you can manage your stress and at the same time balance your hormones. Regular exercise and meditation are two scientifically proven, highly effective ways to balance not only our female hormones, but our stress hormones as well. Creating routines focusing on self-care, walks, Epsom salt baths, and quiet time to yourself are very beneficial to your mind–body well-being. Consider adaptogens such as maca and

When you are going through any hormonal concerns or changes in your health, it is important to evaluate your nutrient and microbiome status, not just your hormones. Everything within our bodies is connected and works together. If you are going through perimenopause, remember—you are not alone. Perimenopause is a normal part of life that women go through, and we are all here to support one another. Dr. Veena Verma-Dzik, ND, FIAMA, is a board-certified naturopathic physician and certified medical acupuncturist who is highly experienced in treating acute and chronic health conditions. Some of her specialties include women’s health, ADD/ADHD, GI conditions, MTHFR, Lyme disease and co-infections, mood imbalances, allergies, fatigue, and hormonal imbalances. Each patient she sees receives personalized, individual care involving research-based treatments and therapies from her own clinical experience and success. insightcounselingllc.com 203.431.9726. See ad on page 12.

The Potential Use of Acupuncture in Long COVID Patients

By Matt Maneggia, LAc

t may seem paradoxical, but very often the patients I feel most confident working with are those for whom conventional interventions have not helped. As you might imagine, a lot of folks who find their way into acupuncture offices have pretty much exhausted all other options. And very often, with acupuncture, breakthroughs are made where before these patients only found disappointment and frustration. Therefore, when the first cases of COVID-19 “longhaulers” were reported last summer, my interest was piqued. What struck me about these cases was how similar the symptoms appeared to other issues for which acupuncture is often so effective—in particular, chronic Lyme disease. My first patient with chronic Lyme disease was actually a family friend who came to me within my first year of practice (presumably, knowing me personally helped her overcome the trepidation of working with a newbie practitioner). To be honest, at that point in my career—without the benefit of years of experience under my belt—I wasn’t sure if I could help her. This patient’s main symptoms were brain fog, fatigue, and painful swelling in her knee. Curiously, although her symptoms would wax and wane seemingly at random, she knew that every autumn she was sure to have a longer and more severe flare-up.

I was admittedly quite surprised when she came in for her third or fourth treatment (during one of her autumn flare-ups) and reported that her symptoms had gone completely into remission. Objectively, what was at the previous appointment a swollen, red left knee was now a look-alike to her “normal” right knee. At the time, I had not yet come to realize the immense ability of acupuncture to spark the body’s own anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The Birth of a Theory Since that experience, I have increasingly felt that most of the difficult cases of illness and disease are due to some inexplicable, often unmeasurable inflammation in the body. When I started hearing about the COVID-19 long-haulers, with symptoms so often mirroring other “hopeless” cases that we’ve helped with acupuncture, I became impatient to start working with them. Over the winter, I put out word that I was looking to work with a handful of long-haulers on a pro bono basis. I wanted to do my own experiment, somewhat selfishly, just to see if my idea that acupuncture could be a useful treatment option for this brand-new condition was accurate. Pretty immediately, my “cohort” was filled.

Based on my experience with similarly strange presentations of inflammatory conditions, I determined that if acupuncture was going to help, we would know within about eight treatments. Since the effects of acupuncture are cumulative, it’s usually best to get treatments in closer together at the beginning, so with each new patient we scheduled them twice a week for the first two weeks. What struck me most in first working with these folks was the range of (often bizarre) symptoms each one experienced, and how different each case was—not only in terms of how they were experiencing the chronic after-effects of COVID-19 infection, but how they had experienced the infection itself. I was prepared to deal with the symptoms of “long COVID” that I had heard about in news reports—headaches, body aches, fatigue, and so on. What I was not prepared for was how uniquely personal each case would be, with symptoms ranging from insomnia to recurrent breast infections to spontaneous outbursts of sobbing in otherwise happy and well-adjusted people. The Start of the Study I will admit that my “experiment” did not start off promisingly. Had I bit off more than acupuncture could chew? After a few treatments, none of my patients were www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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experiencing any significant improvement in symptoms. While of course it can take a series of treatments before improvements can be realized, I’m personally a bit impatient and expect results after one or two treatments in many cases. Since none of my long-haulers were noting improvements, some doubt started creeping into my mind. Serendipitously, during her fourth treatment one of the long COVID patients—I’ll call her Kelly—remarked to me how she just read an article based on the premise that the sympathetic nervous system (what controls the “fight or flight” response) may be involved with people who have chronic symptoms post-COVID. This premise made sense to me, considering that one common thread I kept hearing from my long-hauler patients was a strange sense of anxiety. This was described to me not as an “oh my god, I had COVID-19” anxiety, but as a strange sense of unease, mainly experienced physically in the chest, and previously not experienced by any of the patients. In some patients, this anxiety persisted throughout the night, causing insomnia and sleep disturbances— again, in people who had no issues with sleep previously. With this information in mind, I targeted Kelly’s treatment that day toward helping regulate the autonomic nervous system, with a specific treatment aimed at decreasing the sympathetic nervous system activity while stimulating parasympathetic nervous system activity. The day after this treatment, Kelly had probably the worst episode of post-COVID symptoms she had ever had, with a severe migraine keeping her bedridden for the entire day. When she started recounting this to me at her next appointment, my heart sank a bit; however, when she went on to say that when the migraine resolved, she felt better and more herself than she had since her active COVID-19 infection, my hope that we had actually made a breakthrough elevated.

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Very often, patients with any issue will have symptoms worsen before they get better. That is exactly what I was hoping was the case with Kelly, but of course it was too early to tell. Sure enough, however, as she returned for her appointments over the next six weeks or so, the “COVID-19 migraines” remained at bay. By the end of our series of treatments, Kelly reported feeling the same, if not better, than she had before she contracted the virus.

Acupuncture as Long COVID Treatment Kelly was not alone in her positive experience with acupuncture. After I started using this nervous-system-regulating technique in other long-haul patients, similar breakthroughs occurred—thankfully, with no one else having to suffer a major flare-up before experiencing relief. I was expecting acupuncture’s anti-inflammatory properties to be the main mechanism of relief; I was not expecting acupuncture’s autonomic nervous system regulating effects to be what really delivered. I should emphasize here that this article is in no way intended to claim evidence that acupuncture is an effective treatment method for long COVID. This was admittedly a very unscientific study, and I did not employ any sort of controlled methodology. Please take this article for what it is— the anecdotes of one starry-eyed acupuncturist who was convinced that acupuncture could be an effective treatment option for long-haulers and emerged from that experience even more convinced. All of my patients in this “study” were also enrolled as patients in the long-hauler clinics within the conventional medical world. I was struck with how many different specialists they were shuffled off to, between the cardiologist, the pulmonologist, the rheumatologist, the neurologist, and on and on. While all of these specialists are of course essential to work with, I strongly believe that acupuncturists should be added to that list when it comes to long COVID. Matt Maneggia, LAc. is a licensed acupuncturist and the founder of Connecticut Family Acupuncture, with offices in Glastonbury and Coventry. As a board member of the CT Society of Acupuncturists, Matt advocates for increased access to acupuncture through insurance coverage and the integration of acupuncture into the mainstream healthcare system. He can be contacted through his website at CTfamilyacupuncture.com or via the main office at 860.633.6022. See ad on page 40.

My Journey with Lyme Disease By Sharon Sklar, Certified Advanced Rolfer

don’t suppose you can call it lucky, but I knew I had Lyme disease within the first few days. No rash, no bull’seye. I made some mistakes but also found some amazing truths throughout this adventure that I’d like to share with you. Every Sunday for the past six years, I hike with a group of friends and our dogs. We are out in the deep forests; temperatures usually don’t matter for our regular Sunday morning romp, but I do draw the line at pouring rain! I am always careful, especially in the warmer months, to spray my boots, my clothes, and my dogs with tick preventative. In the shower one day after a particular June hike a few years ago, my hand rubbed against something near my groin. It didn’t move. I tried to look closer while at this awkward angle; it appeared to be a small black something stuck to my skin. I casually scraped it off my body with my fingernail, oblivious to the danger ahead. I later put it under a magnifying glass and saw it was a tick. Erg!—scraping it off was the wrong thing to do. I knew I should instead have handled it with tweezers. I dropped by my doctor’s office later that day and to my surprise, they told me they don’t test ticks. Rather, I was told to wait and see if I got any symptoms or a bull’s-eye. That seemed very wrong to me, but I felt I had no other recourse, as I was totally new to this experience.

After a few days, I began to feel like I had the flu—achy, uncomfortable, with a headache that felt like I was being squeezed with a vice-grip. Not my usual self, I waited a couple of days in case I had merely caught some kind of flu. If that were the case, it would resolve quickly as things typically do for me. Instead, it only got worse. I called my doctor, who knows me and knows I am not a medication person. She listened to me, heard about the tick I had removed a few days before, and gave me the standard dose of three weeks of amoxicillin. However, I am not your uninformed consumer. I have had many clients and friends who have experienced Lyme disease, and some of them have chronic Lyme. The window is around a month to receive treatment after the tick bite, before the disease begins to take effect. Unfortunately, some people have been misdiagnosed early on, and the disease progressed for years without proper treatment. These individuals live with many forms of inflammation and distress. One woman I know could, on a good day, get out of bed and get dressed by herself. On a bad day, could barely get out of bed and spent the day in her nightgown. She realized she was very ill when, while driving home from work one day, she saw something on the side

of the road and didn’t connect with what it was. She realized as she pulled into her driveway, that what she had seen had been a stop sign, but she’d had no idea what it meant as she drove by it. That’s when her chronic Lyme turned the corner. She had such brain fog she had to stop working, take to her bed, and seek out care to preserve what was left of her brain. This was not going to be my future. I read everything I could on Lyme disease, interviewed those I knew with chronic Lyme, and had the opportunity to engage with recordings from a national conference with leading experts in the alternative field around that same time. Everything they said was against the traditional three-week course of antibiotics—they suggested four to six weeks as a minimum for an early diagnosis of Lyme. The cycle of the spirochetes, the spiralshaped, slender bacteria that causes Lyme disease (and other diseases such as syphilis and relapsing fever—a tropical disease) is mostly complete after three weeks. But, in cases where there are some replicating forms of spirochetes still present, the problem is not solved and the spirochetes again begin to multiply. This can create neurological, cardiac, and/or joint abnormalities and chronic infection. Another considerable variable is the host’s immune system.

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I was not going to let suffering from Lyme disease be part of my story. I didn’t survive breast cancer and crippling Bell’s palsy—both of which were accompanied by many complications and surgeries—to be taken down by Lyme. I got back in touch with my doctor, stated my findings, and basically insisted that she double my dose of antibiotics to make up six weeks of treatment. I told her that I didn’t want to see myself in five years, chronically ill with all that Lyme brings, knowing that I could have had a different outcome if I just spoken my truth. She agreed. She had to! I was insistent. The raging vice-grip headache took four days to let go and the body ache soon followed. I took my pre- and probiotics to combat the effects of the amoxicillin and got lots of rest. Six weeks of a strong antibiotic was a long time, but worth it. Moral of the story: Be aware, stay awake, do your homework, and live by your convictions. Surround yourself with medical people who will listen to you. After all, it is YOUR body, YOUR life and ultimately YOUR responsibility to be your most healthy and whole self. As a Rolfer, I can take people to a place where they can make choices to change how they live in their physical world, find their physical neutral, become more aware of their bodies, and use them more effectively. My clients heal themselves; I just show them the way. Sharon Sklar is in her 40th year of private practice as a Certified Advanced Rolfer. State licensed and the only Rolfer in Central CT, Sharon works with direct manipulation of the soft tissue of the body and movement re-education over a ten-session series to help her clients feel freer, get more balanced, and reduce chronic pain. Great for athletes, children, and adults recovering from injuries, stress, and traumas of life. Call 860.561.4337 for more info or to schedule a consultation. SharonSklarRolfing.com. See ad on page 34.

Natural Nutmeg May/June 2021

HAPPENINGS

May/June 2021

Saturday, May 8

Monday, May 24

Sunday, June 20

Inner Wisdom Circle with Spiritual Scientists Dr. Diane Hayden and Mary Anne Costerella, MA, LADC 9:30–11am. Free. Join us for an enlightening discussion about soul purpose and how to align with your career, health, finances, and relationships using the Ancient Wisdoms of Astrology, Numerology, Cardology and Personology. If you are feeling unfulfilled and undergoing a transition, these skills will help increase your confidence and intuition to find and pursue your destined path. Online via Zoom. Register via email diane@naturalnutmeg.com.

Tea with a Homeopath. 7pm. FREE. Grab a cup of your favorite tea (or coffee!) and join me, Abby Beale, in an informal conversation about homeopathy focusing on how it can help with everyday ailments safely, effectively and inexpensively. Register here to receive login information: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ tZ0pf-qtpzwpHdWOeO3Q5aDst7_OK5vJS-y3

Celebrate the Summer Solstice. 9–10:30am $30 includes workshop kit. Join us for a sacred celebration of the solstice. We will create an altar honoring the earth and the sun as we enter the summer season. Online via Zoom. RSVP by June 13 to allow time for mailing. Contact Rev. Lauri Ingram; lauri@lauriingram.com; lauriingram.com/live-events

Other questions, please contact me through www.homeopathyhealings.com/contact.

ONGOING

Wednesday, June 9

Tuesdays

Psychic/Spiritual Development with Joyce St. Germaine, M. Ed., CHt., RYT-200. 6:30–8 PM. There is a strong connection between spiritual growth and psychic development. Every session starts with a positive, light-filling exercise and includes topics such as palmistry, oracle cards, pendulums, remote viewing, and spirit guides. Reclaim your natural gifts, assist others, and live your life more joyfully! We will meet on the second Wednesday of every month via zoom. $20 Join our email list at www.thesacredjourney.biz.

Qi Gong class. $15. 6–7 pm. Qi gong translates to the practice of moving energy. Qi gong focuses on breath and movement to open up the energy flow in the body. There will be a brief meditation integrating breathwork with a combination of chanting, singing bowls, and aromatherapy, and an inspirational reading at the end of each class. For more info go to chiforhealing.com.

Wednesday, May 12 Psychic/Spiritual Development with Joyce St. Germaine, M. Ed., CHt., RYT-200. 6:30–8pm. There is a strong connection between spiritual growth and psychic development. Every session starts with a positive, light-filling exercise and includes topics such as palmistry, oracle cards, pendulums, remote viewing, and spirit guides. Reclaim your natural gifts, assist others, and live your life more joyfully! We will meet on the second Wednesday of every month via zoom. $20 Join our email list at www.thesacredjourney.biz. Shifting to 5D Living. 7–8:30pm. $20 Explore the soundscape of Gary Chamber’s 5th World Emerging. When we meet in a group the energy is amplified for each person participating. There will also be additional energy downloads of light codes and light language to assist you as you move more fully into living from the 5D world. eilis@soulhealingjourney. com, 203.767.5954. www.Shifting to 5D Living

Sunday, May 16 Monthly Spiritual Gathering. 9–10am. Cost by donation. Join us in sacred space for an interfaith/ interspiritual gathering where we explore spiritual resilience, renewal and restoration in these changing and challenging times. Our time together is spent in reflection, meditation and contemplation. Via Zoom. Contact Rev. Lauri Ingram; lauri@lauriingram.com; www.lauriingram.com/live-events

Wednesday, May 19 Shamanism with Joyce St. Germaine, M. Ed., CHt., RYT-200. 6:30–8pm. $20. In this group, you will develop an understanding of cross-cultural shamanism and become adept at journeying into non-ordinary reality and work with animal allies and spirit helpers, ancestors, and elemental energies. All dedicated and compassionate people who wish to initiate positive change in the world are invited. We will meet on the third Wednesday of every month. Join our email list at www.thesacredjourney.biz.

Sunday, May 23 Blooming! An exploration of the Sacral Chakra. 1–2:30pm. $25 (includes workshop kit). Join me for an experiential workshop as we explore the sacral chakra: gateway to creativity and passion for living! We will explore through meditation, crystals, tea, incense and creative play. RSVP by May 18 to allow time for mailing. Online via Zoom Contact Rev. Lauri Ingram; lauri@lauriingram.com; www.lauriingram.com/live-events

Sunday, June 13 Monthly Spiritual Gathering. 9–10am. Cost by donation. Join us in sacred space for an interfaith/ interspiritual gathering where we explore spiritual resilience, renewal and restoration in these changing and challenging times. Our time together is spent in reflection, meditation and contemplation. Via Zoom. Contact Rev. Lauri Ingram; lauri@lauriingram.com; www.lauriingram.com/live-events

Tuesday, June 15 Soul’s Journey. 7–8:30pm. $20. While exploring the soundscape of Gary Chambers, Journey of the Soul Medley, contemplate your journey from the very beginnings of your existence to where you are now. Spend time exploring all aspects of the dimensional realms in which you vibrate, hold frequency, resonate—Exist. Encoded information will be released from your DNA codex to reveal more about your joy, passion, purpose and mission while here on Planet Earth. Location—via Zoom. Contact info— eilis@soulhealingjourney.com, 203.767.5954 or https://academyforsoulhealing.com/soul-s-journey Human Relations Program Introductory Workshop. 7pm. Free. Find deeper meaning and purpose in your life, improve your relationships, make positive changes to your health, work life and finances, and so much more with Hartford Family Institute’s Human Relations Training Program. Join for a free introductory session on Tuesday, June 15 at 7 PM. Learn more and register at https:// hartfordfamilyinstitute.com/hrp-intro/. Virtual via zoom. Hartford Family Institute. 860.236.6009

Wednesday, June 16 Shamanism with Joyce St. Germaine, M. Ed., CHt., RYT-200. 6:30–8pm. $20. In this group, you will develop an understanding of cross-cultural shamanism and become adept at journeying into non-ordinary reality and work with animal allies and spirit helpers, ancestors, and elemental energies. All dedicated and compassionate people who wish to initiate positive change in the world are invited. We will meet on the third Wednesday of every month. Join our email list at www.thesacredjourney.biz.

Wednesdays Akashic Field Healing from the 13th Octave. 7–9:30pm weekly. 20 consecutive weeks. All weeks required. $1600 or $400 monthly. Payment plans available. Akashic Field Healing is a profound modality where we access the quantum field or Akashic Records of each individual. These records are a collection of all information, individually and collectively, including past, present and all future potential. Through Akashic Field Healing, we have the ability to access any trauma that is stored there and that is directly impacting your life and limiting your access to your future potential. Spend 20 weeks with Eilis Philpott, Advanced AFT Practitioner and East Coast AFT Director, and learn a powerful and integral method of trans-personal psychology with quantum healing processes. Anyone can learn to use AFH as a personal and spiritual tool! Location—via Zoom. Contact info— eilis@soulhealingjourney.com, 203.767.5954 or https://academyforsoulhealing.com/akashic-fieldhealing-from-the-13th-octave Qi Gong class. $15. 9:30–10:30am. Qi gong translates to the practice of moving energy. Qi gong focuses on breath and movement to open up the energy flow in the body. There will be a brief meditation integrating breathwork with a combination of chanting, singing bowls, and aromatherapy, and an inspirational reading at the end of each class. For more info go to chiforhealing.com

Thursdays Community Acupuncture. First and third Thursdays at 6:30–8:30pm. $30. Socially distanced and Covid safe! Performed by a board certified licensed acupuncturist specializing in chronic pain, anxiety and more. Please call to schedule at 860.430.5300 or visit ctrforholistichealthcare.com/for more information. Center for Holistic Healthcare, 1420 Main Street, Glastonbury. Tong Ren Distance Healing Class. $10. 7–8pm. Tong Ren Therapy is based on the power of our mind creating energy for healing. Using the hammer technique, we hit points on an acupuncture doll to focus the energy on a person. During the Tong ren class people will sit and receive energy. 3 things will be tapped on for each person. Group energy healing will be received and we will send distance healing also. This class utilizes meditation, sound healing, and inspirational readings. For more info go to chiforhealing.com.

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Community Resources ACUPUNCTURE Acupuncture of Greater Hartford Stan Baker, LAC 91 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06107 860.836.1068 acupuncturestanbaker.com Collaborative Natural Health Partners Nick Edgerton, ND, LAc & Diana Zitserman, ND, LAc 315 E. Center St., Manchester, CT 06040 860.533.0179 • www.ctnaturalhhealth.com.

CBD STORE Nature’s Gifts 304 W Main St, Avon • 860.995.4444 naturesgifts-usa.com/ Nature’s Gifts is an independently owned family run CBD Store in Avon CT. Stress, Sleep and Pain solutions available. Our knowledgeable staff will happily guide you through our gummies, tinctures, capsules, topicals and raw flower offerings to find the perfect CBD product for your needs. Don’t pay too much for your CBD, stop in, say hello, and let us help you feel like you again.

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 3.

FINANCIAL PLANNING Dana Mascalo CFP®, RLP®, AAMS®, C(k)P® Managing Partner, TrinityPoint Wealth 612 Wheelers Farms Rd.Milford, CT Office: 203.693.8521 Fax: 203.693.8524 dana@trinitypointwealth.com See ad on page 32. Caroline Wetzel, CFP®, AWMA® Procyon Private Wealth Partners, LLC 1 Corporate Drive Suite 225 Shelton,CT • 475.232.2713 cwetzel@procyonpartners.net www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-wetzel/ www.procyonpartners.net See ad on page 34.

HOLISTIC COUNSELING James Osborne, MS, LPC, BCPC ProNatural Physicians Group, LLC Berlin, CT • 860.829.0707 pronaturalphysicians.com James Osborne is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Board Certified Professional Counselor, Board Certified PTSD Clinician and a Fellow in the American Psychotherapy Association with over 40 years of clinical experience. I am honored and grateful to receive this recognition for a second year. I thank all who have shared their lives and stories with me See ad on page 38.

Natural Nutmeg May/June 2021

HOLISTIC DENTIST Dr. Mark A. Breiner, DDS, FAGD, FIAOMT Fairfield, CT • 203.371.0300 WholeBodyDentistry.com A recognized authority in the field of holistic dentistry, Dr. Breiner treats patients for a myriad of dental concerns including Sleep Breathing Disorders, TMD, Mercury Toxicity, hidden Infections from Cavitations and Root Canals. “If you have unexplained symptoms that won’t go away, the answer could be in your mouth.” See ad on page 40. Dr. Steven F Hinchey, DMD South Glastonbury 860.633.6518 • drhinch@agd.org dochincheydmd.com Thank you to our wonderful patients who trusted our team to care for their improved oral health. Please let your family and friends know that a healthy disease-free mouth will help your overall health—it is all connected—the mouth and the body. And we can help you get there. See ad on page 36.

HOLISTIC PSYCHIATRY David London, MD 567 Vauxhall St. Ext, #218, Waterford, CT 06385 Ph: 860.443.5822 Fax: 860.444.0581 davidlondonmd.com

HOMEOPATHY Abby Beale, CCH RSHom(NA) Homeopathy Healings HomeopathyHealings@gmail.com HomeopathyHealings.com • 413.426.1024 Want to get to the root cause of your chronic symptoms? Homeopathy can relieve the symptoms of depression, anxiety, women’s issues, headaches, digestive troubles, child behavior problems, and so much more. Contact Abby to see if homeopathic care is appropriate for you. Appts over Zoom and Skype possible.

HYPNOSIS Diane Bahr-Groth, C. Hy., TFT, Dir. 1177 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT. 203.595.0110 • mindbodytransformation.com Joann Dunsing Hypnosis 204 Cherry Street, Milford CT 06460 203.907.7710 • joanndunsing.com I am passionate about enabling you to get the changes you want! This is accomplished by empowering you through the skillful use of NLP Neuro-linguistic programming, EFT Emotional Freedom Techniques also known as Meridian Tapping and the relaxed focused state of Hypnosis. Thea Litsios, Certified Hypnotist 203.693.1493 • thealitsios.com Thea is offering a 4-week hypnotism program, Body, Mind, Spirit Smoking Cessation, to help you finally quit smoking. This program includes 4 one-hour online classes plus one 30-minute personal hypnosis session. For more information go to thealitsios.com or call 203.693.1493. CT based. Working remotely.

Michele P. Rousseau, MA, CH 267 William Street, Middletown, CT 06457 860.704.9054 • mprousseau@sbcglobal.net www.micheleprousseau.com

LIFE COACH Thea Litsios, Certified Hypnotist 203.693.1493 • thealitsios.com Thea Litsios, a Certified Life Coach, is a specialist in assisting people in reinventing themselves. Need to make major changes in your life and unsure of how to go about it? Let Thea assist you. For more information see www.thealitsios.com or call 203.693.1493. CT based. Working remotely.

INTEGRATED MEDICINE Collaborative Natural Health Partners Kate Zachau, DO, Julia Vitali, DO, Brad Brooks, DO, Amy Smith-Bassett, nurse practioner 315 E. Center St., Manchester, CT 06040 860.533.0179 • www.ctnaturalhhealth.com ProNatural Physicians Group 120 Webster Sqr Rd.Berlin, CT 06037 860.829.0707 • www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com Sophia Natural Health Center 31 Old Route 7, Brookfield, CT 06804. 203.740.9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.com Tamara Sachs, MD Functional Medicine & Integrative Care LLC 15 Bennitt Street, New Milford CT 860.354.3304 • tsachsmd.com Dr. Sachs prevents and treats chronic illness by uncovering and correcting the underlying root causes of your health concerns, while remaining respectful of the uniqueness and complexity that make us human. She comprehensively and thoughtfully creates personalized plans explaining why and how each area of your healing will be addressed.

MASSAGE THERAPY Abundant Health Massage Therapy & Wellness Farmington, CT • 860.778.0315 abundanthealthct.com Kristina Mozzicato is Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork by the NCBTMB and has been practicing massage for the past 12 years. She provides professional, therapeutic, customized sessions. In addition to massage, she offers cupping, medicupping, body contouring, Himalayan salt stone massage, and Reiki sessions. Convenient Online Booking. See ad on page 8.

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE Dr. Adam Breiner, ND Fairfield, CT • 203.371.8258 WholeBodyMed.com Focusing on brain health and Lyme Disease, Dr. Adam Breiner offers cutting-edge therapies that include Hyperbaric Oxygen, Neurocognitive Therapies including sophisticated brain-imaging equipment to evaluate brain injuries and brainwave patterns associated with Metabolic Imbalances,

Infections, and Allergies. Conditions treated include Concussions, TBI’s, Stroke, PTSD, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression and more. See ad on page 34. Collaborative Natural Health Partners Dr. Lauren Young, Dr. Ashley Burkman, Dr. Tonya Pasternak, Dr Craig Fasullo, Dr. Carolina Padilla, ND, Dr. Carissa Fioritto, ND 315 E. Center St., Manchester, CT 06040 860.533.0179 • www.ctnaturalhhealth.com Other locations: 107 Wilcox Road, Ste 103, Stonington, CT 06378 74 Park Road, West Hartford, CT 06119 Naturopathic & Acupuncture Health Center Dr. Marie Mammone, Dr. Renee Mammone, NDs John Mammone, Licensed Acupuncturist 274 Silas Deane Hwy., Wethersfield, CT 06109 860.529.1200 • www.NAHcenter.com The Wellness Institute Marvin Schweitzer, ND 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT • 203.847.2788 See ad on this page. West Hartford Naturopathic Medicine Frank Aieta, ND 301 N. Main St., West Hartford, CT 860.232.9662 • www.DRAIETA.com See ad on page 22. Tara Tranguch, ND 16 Sherman Hill Road, Woodbury, CT 203.707.1163• drtaratranguch.com facebook.com/drtranguch Personalized health care for men, women and children that is effective and transformative. Dr. Tranguch is a licensed naturopathic physician focused on preventive care, digestion and environmental medicine. Specialized treatments include nutrigenomics, homeopathy and hydrotherapy. Experience health care that offers vitalism and joy. In-person and telehealth appointments available. See ad on page 26.

NUTRITION Holcare Nutrition Vicki Kobliner MS RD 3 Hollyhock Lane, Suite 2A, Wilton, CT 06897 203.834.9949 • www.holcarenutrition.com See ad on page 30.

PHYSICIANS, M.D. Natural Health & Healing, LLC Deanna M. Cherrone, MD 41 N. Main St, Ste 207, West Hartford, CT 860.677.4600 • naturalhealthandhealing.net Optimal Health Medical, LLC Henry C. Sobo, M.D. 111 High Ridge Rd. ,Stamford, CT 06905 203.348.8805 • www.drsobo.com See ad on page 30.

ROLFING® Rolfing®- The Art and Science of Body Change Sharon Sklar, BFA, MsT, Cert. Adv. Rolfer West Hartford • 860.561.4337 sharonsklarrolfing.com Rolfing®-The Art and Science of Body Change. A dynamic 10 session bodywork series that eases pain, improves movement and restructures your body when you feel "out of whack". A hands-on and educational approach which establishes order and balance after life's injuries, stress and accidents. Since 1981. See ad on page 34.

SCHOOLS The Graduate Institute 171 Amity Rd, Bethany, CT 06524 203.874.4252 • info@learn.edu See ad on page 12.

SPAS/WELLNESS CENTERS Imagine Float 290 West Main St., Avon 860.255.7771 • imaginefloat.com See ad on page 36.

DID YOU KNOW THAT

ARE OFTEN THE ROOT CAUSE OF

SPIRITUAL COMPANIONSHIP Lauri Ingram Hamden, Connecticut • 203.435.5650 www.lauriingram.com Services available in person, and via Zoom/Skype. Lauri Ingram is an ordained interfaith/interspritual minister, offering spiritual counseling, Crystal Dreaming, Crystal Light and Color Therapy along with workshops and ministerial officiant services. See ad on page 16.

THERMOGRAPHY April Beaman, RDH, CTT CT Thermography Farmington & Glastonbury, CT 860.415.1150 • ctthermography.com CT Thermography specializes in Medical Thermal Imaging. Breast Thermography is a compression and radiation-free screening tool that’s used to monitor breast health to detect physiological changes that may be early warning signs of a disease process. As a Certified Thermographic technician, I help empower women to take a proactive approach following their thermography screening for optimal breast health. See ad on page 14.

YOGA STUDIO Sacred Rivers Yoga East Hartford, CT • 860.657.9545 sacredriversyoga.com Paula Scopino, E-RYT 500 hour, CIAYT, CT Licensed LMT, YACEP is the Owner/Director of Sacred Rivers Yoga and Allied Health Therapies and ‘Sacred Rivers Yoga for Every Body’, a Yoga Alliance 200 and 500 Hour Registered School, as well as a member of IAYT (International Association of Yoga Therapy.) See ad on page 13.

TOXINS

INFLAMMATION? Toxins drive neurological, metabolic (including weight gain), immune and cardiovascular illnesses – not to mention any disease ending in “itis”. We have the knowledge and technology to help your body heal itself. For 25+ years, our patients have enjoyed remarkable success with naturopathic treatments which cleanse, detox, nourish, repair and balance. Contact us for more:

DrMar v i nSc hw ei t z e r. c o m 2 0 3 . 8 4 7. 2 7 8 8

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Are You a Natural Nutmeg Hero? Tell Us Your Success Story & Be Featured in Natural Nutmeg

PURPOSE

Marikit Lawson 49, Founder of Not Your Granny’s Tea

started my CBD tea company the summer after my father passed away as a way to keep busy, fill a void, and help heal myself through a difficult time. That was 2018-the year Not Your Granny’s Tea started, a one-woman company blending premium aromatic tea and herbs infused with US-grown CBD flowers. Fast forward to 2020 and the pandemic nearly wiped us out. I reached out to my loyal customers and offered my teas at a discount, free shipping, or contactless delivery right to their mailbox. I am once again delivering “happiness without the high” to those who can really use it.

FINANCE

RELATIONSHIPS

HEALTH

Jose Gonzales

Lisa Conboy

Jeff Williams

48, Early Retirement

42, Freedom

52, Reversed Diabetes

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The Natural Nutmeg community is made up of real heroes, and we want to take pause and celebrate your success stories. Please go online and tell us of your own success, to be featured in an issue of Natural Nutmeg.

Natural Nutmeg May 2021

Articles inside

HAPPENINGS

My Journey with Lyme Disease

The Potential Use of Acupuncture in Long COVID Patients

Reveal Your Past & Heal Using the Akashic Records

The Ups and Downs of Perimenopause: Tips for a Healthier Transition

Tomato Plants and Trusts

Unexplained or Unexplored Infertility?

Natural Ways to Address the Complexities of Fibromyalgia

Searching for the Mystic Within

Ask Dana! A Column Where Personal Finance and Life Intersect

Massage Therapy Self-Care or a Luxury?

Change Your Diet for Younger-Looking Skin

Healthy Aging with Bioidentical Hormones

The Basics of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement (BHRT)

BUZZ

How Can You Transform Your Relationships?

Smudging: Self-Care Spring Cleaning

Is Your Vision Board Working for You?

NUTMEG NUGGETS