Natural Nutmeg November 2014 by Natural Nutmeg Magazine/Essential Naples Magazine

November/December 2014

Natural Nutmeg Connecticut's Resource For Essential Living

Does Your Expanding Waistline Convey Metabolic Syndrome? Dana Lapointe, ND

Enlightenment Bernie Siegel, MD

The Strange New Face of Diabetes Jessica Pizano Tui Na Massage: A Medical Treatment without Side Effects Ming Wu, Ph.D

Manage Stress, Fatigue and Anxiety with Reiki Jo Homar

The Secret in Room No. 9 The Waybury Inn www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2014

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Featured Content Does Your Expanding Waistline Convey Metabolic Syndrome? Dana Lapointe, ND 12

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.

Tui Na Massage: A Medical Treatment without Side Effects Ming Wu, Ph.D 22 Manage Stress, Fatigue and Anxiety with Reiki Jo Homar 30

DIR. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Christopher Urso Curso@naturalnutmeg.com

Departments The BUZZ 6 BERNIE 10

PREVENTION 21 REMEDIES 23 SELF 29 HAPPENINGS 37 RESOURCES 41 4

Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2014

ADVISORY BOARD Ann Aresco, N.D. Deanna M. Cherrone, MD Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. (Pend.) Debra Gibson, ND Lauren Gouin, ND Kenneth Hoffman, LAc, CCH David Johnston, DO Vicki Kobliner, MS, RD, CD-N Donald Piccoli, DC Paul Tortland, DO DISTRIBUTION Greater Hartford and surrounding counties, please contact Natural Nutmeg. FFC - Tom Cossuto, Man In Motion, LLC

DOCTORS NOTES 16 INSPIRE 19

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deb Percival Deb@naturalnutmeg.com ADVERTISING Dan Yevin Dan@naturalnutmeg.com

The Strange New Face of Diabetes Jessica Pizano 32 The Secret in Room No. 9 The Waybury Inn 35

PUBLISHERS Dr. Diane Hindman Chris Hindman Publisher@naturalnutmeg.com

Natural Nutmeg Magazine P.O. Box 447, Avon, CT 06001 Phone (860)508-0894

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) 206-9500 or email to publisher@naturalnutmeg.com. © 2007-14 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.

“When you are grateful fear disappears and abundance appears.” - Anthony Robbins

PUBLISHER'SLETTER

thought it would be fitting this month in the spirit of Thanksgiving to talk about gratitude. How many opportunities do we have on a daily basis to practice gratitude and how often do we do it? The simplicity of gratitude and the powerful effect it has on our lives is incomparable to any other practice of its kind. There is a special kind of magic in gratitude for it raises our consciousness, boosts our energy, and enhances our self-worth. It’s possible to attain great wealth, the best education, and an exceptional quality of life and still be unhappy. This commonly occurs when people live with an absence of gratitude. A successful life requires ongoing personal growth and gratitude. Think of all the opportunities you have to show gratitude every day. You could thank your spouse for getting up early with the kids so you can sleep in. You could thank your kids for cleaning up their room. You could show gratitude to your assistant for helping you run a successful business every day. You could thank the server who waits on you for dinner. You could show gratitude to the person who bags your groceries at the market. You could thank the person who held the door for you to go into the post office.

When you think of all the roles that complete strangers play in your daily existence and the connections that happen between people, you will immediately understand how important a role gratitude plays in the creation of a happy, productive life. We live in a world where we have much to be grateful for if we would just stop and look around. Practicing gratitude is a fundamental component of the law of attraction and learning how to manifest and create your ideal life. The theory is that in order to bring what you want into your life you have to be grateful for what you already have. And you have to give thanks for what you receive in the future. This enables a constant flow of positive energy into and out of your life. If you are not thankful for what you receive, it will block the flow and you will have a difficult time attracting what you want. Whether you believe in the law of attraction or not, the act of practicing gratitude makes us better people. Take a minute to see how you feel after the next time you thank someone for something. Doesn’t it give you a nice, warm feeling? And check in with how you feel after you should have said thank you for something and didn’t? Not as nice a feeling, right? Practicing the fine art of gratitude is not only among our most important positive emotions, but one that links directly to physical and mental well-being. In health and happiness,

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THE BUZZ Toys for Tots Drop Off at The Coffee Trade of Avon

o you have a new, unwrapped toy that you can donate to brighten the holidays for a child or teen in need? If so, you can drop off the toys at The Coffee Trade, located at 21 W. Main St. in Avon. The Coffee Trade is accepting donations until December 19th. This is a wonderful way to give back during the holidays and while you’re there, why not enjoy their amazing, fresh-roasted coffee, exotic teas and gourmet baked goods! The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. Please remember that there are many older children (ages 10-13) in need as well when thinking of gifts to donate. The Coffee Trade is located at 21 W. Main St. in Avon. To locate other Toys for Tots drop off locations in Connecticut, visit http://www.plainville-ct.toysfortots.org. See ad on page 28.

Peace of Mind is Just a Breath Away

ave you ever noticed what happens to your breath when you’re upset or angry? It becomes quick and forced. What about when you’re sad? There is more of a sigh, an exhalation. Every emotion brings about a corresponding rhythm in the breath. That rhythm changes as our emotions change. If we are calm then our breath is quiet and smooth and in turn, our mind is as well. The Art of Living Happiness program teaches breathing techniques that use rhythms of breath to enable the body to energize and at the same time-release deep stresses that are embedded in our systems. Using these powerful techniques on a regular basis brings about inner strength, focus and energy. When the mind and body are in harmony, life moves with greater ease. A greater inner connection within you brings aboutiskeener Peace of Mind Just a Breat awareness. Greater awareness of who you are leads to better decisions in life and with greater understanding and inner calm comes better relationships, better abilities and our own gifts and skills grow and expand. We learn many things in school and throughout our life, yet where do we learn how to live and more importantly how to live well? We all need tools and techniques to calm our minds and connect both our bodies and minds. Art of Living Have programs offerever just that; concrete you noticed what tools that bring about greater calm and connection from within.

becomes quick and forced. Every emotion b For upcoming courses go to:http://www.artoﬂiving.org/hartford or call 8602491AOL. Art of Living Hartfordexhalation. Center, 2074 Park St. #301, Hartford, CT 06106. See ad on page 15. rhythm changes as our emo smooth and in turn, our mind

The Art of Living Happiness breath to enable the body to are embedded in our system brings about inner strength,

When the mind and body ar connection within you brings are leads to better decisions comes better relationships,

We learn many things in sch live and more importantly ho our minds and connect both concrete tools that bring abo 6

Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2014

For upcoming courses go to 8 6 0 2 4 9 1 A O L . Art of Livin

HealthyCT and Sow Fresh Organics Expand Healthy Eating Initiative Across State

ealthyCT, Connecticut’s non-profit health insurance CO-OP, and Sow Fresh Organics are pleased to announce a partnership that expands the health insurer’s ground-breaking healthy eating initiative to Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven, New London and Tolland counties. In July, HealthyCT enhanced its wellness program with a national pilot to provide discounts and free delivery on locally grown and produced food products to residents in Fairfield County. With the Sow Fresh Organics partnership, Connecticut consumers in the state’s largest population centers along the I-91, I-95 and Route 9 corridors now can benefit from the same 10% discount and free delivery simply by accessing Sow Fresh Organics through the HealthyCT website at www.HealthyCT.org. Middletown-based Sow Fresh Organics works with organic and all-natural farmers and food producers across Connecticut to provide weekly deliveries of baskets of locally produced goods. Shoppers place orders online for a bushel basket of produce and can add dairy, meats, artisan specialties and other products to their orders. Food deliveries occur on Thursdays and can be delivered to a home or business. The initiative aims to remove barriers to accessing fresh, local food for HealthyCT members and non-members. Farmers’ markets and produce stands may not be open or accessible due to their hours, location or other reasons. HealthyCT’s healthy eating project provides free delivery of goods and a 10% discount to anyone in the distribution area who purchases through www.HealthyCT.org. HealthyCT can be found at www.healthyct.org; across social media @HealthyCTPlan and at 35 Thorpe Avenue in Wallingford. HealthyCT’s toll-free phone number is 1-855-HLTHYCT (458-4928).

Bountiful Blessings Hosting Open House on November 7th

o Homar has moved her practice and is now seeing clients at her Spiritual Growth and Healing Center located at 1177 Silas Deane Highway, 3rd Floor, Wethersfield. The Center allows for workshops, certification teachings, meditations, energy healings and mediumship readings in a caring environment. Join her at the new location Open House on Friday, November 7th from 5pm - 7pm. More information on upcoming events and workshops can be found on website: www.bountifulblessingsct.com or call 860.202.8269. See ad on page 27.

Classes begin Spring 2015

Helping Others…One Downward Dog at a Time

t 6:00pm on Saturday, November 8, WHY Outreach, Inc. will host Cocktails off the Mat, a fundraising event to help bring yoga to underserved communities. The evening will take place at West Hartford Yoga and will feature a silent auction, delicious appetizers from local chefs, complimentary beverages, and music by classical guitarist, Daniel Salazar, Jr. WHY Outreach is a new non-profit organization whose mission is to increase the number, quality and accessibility of yoga classes and other holistic healing modalities offered to special populations. These populations include the impoverished; elderly; troubled youths; individuals living with cancer, AIDS, depression, emotional illnesses, and other chronic diseases; as well as others who face challenges with addiction, violence, and trauma. Tickets for the event are $60, and are available for purchase through the WHY Outreach website—www.whyoutreach.org. West Hartford Yoga is located at 23 Brook Street in West Hartford. Corporate sponsorships are available. Please contact Wendy Murphy-Graveley at (860) 402-8790 for more information. Learn more about WHY Outreach at www. whyoutreach.org.

Learn more at an Open House! Tuesday, November 18th, 5:00pm at The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Road, Bethany CT

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Making Sense of Your Health

by Lauralee Green, Cht

“

hat’s wrong with me? I just want to know so I can start working on the solution.” I hear this from many new clients who are stymied by their health issues. I felt the same way when I couldn’t pinpoint the illness that plagued me for more than three years. I had an uncanny sense that there was a solution; I just had to keep searching for it. My issue turned out to be a simple fungal infection I contracted from black mold. You might have a similar reaction to Metabolic syndrome or any illness.

The Healing Puzzle Healing can be a tough enough process but without enough information it’s like trying to solve a puzzle without all the puzzle pieces. I’ve learned through my own personal healing that not only is there an answer but that I need to treat the whole body if I want to find the source of my imbalances and depletions.

Early Warnings In my younger days I had many hints of what I might do to change my way of thinking but didn’t realize the signs for long-term health were right in front of me. My mother mentioned that she was going to cut back on baking desserts because we were getting fat! I never heard my mom judge like that before so I knew she was on to something. Giving up sweet things wasn’t something I really wanted

Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2014

to do but just cutting back a little made a big difference for me. I hadn’t realized that the baked goods were part of my weight gain.

Your Actions May Not Be Healthy Ones After I discovered I had a fungal infection, I needed to give up all sugars, even fruit, for a few weeks in order to let my body naturally heal itself. I thought I was doing myself a favor by eating well and having a fruit smoothie every morning with wheat germ and vitamin B powder. I was actually feeding the infection without realizing it. The answer was so simple but yet not that obvious. I encourage others to keep seeking the solution for their symptoms. I believe there is a solution even if it doesn’t seem to be what you thought it should be. As an intuitive, I want to stay my sharpest so I can tune in and find answers for other people, but if my body is clogged in any way then I find that I have to work harder to be connected. It took me many years to discover what foods make me feel better and keep my mind clear. Here is a simple three-step process, called AIM, to discover your own answers about your health.

An Intuitive Approach to Healing 1. Ask: Sit quietly, take a deep breath and ask yourself “What’s wrong with me?” I know it sounds quite simple, but just asking, set-

ting your intention, activates your higher self to reflect back to you what those imbalances might be. Think of it like sending out a radio signal and then waiting for a response. Example: I want to know about metabolic syndrome. 2. Interpret: Translating those intuitive impressions you receive is the hard part. You will need to get the analytical part of your brain out of the way. Stop thinking about what you know something to be and just relax. Let your understanding of what your intuition revealed come to you easily. It’s like day dreaming; there is no effort involved except listening to the thoughts that pop into your mind. Example: Healthy lifestyle changes are the first line of treatment for metabolic syndrome. 3. Make a list of action steps: By the time you get to this step the issue has been revealed and clarified and now you can act on it. Determining which actions you want to take may be the easiest part of the puzzle. You also have practiced using your intuition in steps one and two to figure out what your issue is; now you can use the same process to find out what action steps to take. Sit quietly, ask for action steps, listen, and then take action. Example: These healthy lifestyle changes may include adopting good eating habits, losing weight, increasing physical activity, following a heart healthy diet, nutritional supplementation, and avoiding smoking, alcohol and toxins in general.

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Simple, Easy, Basic Remember, your intuition doesn’t have to deliver cryptic messages to be authentic. Just set your intention and then the next thing you receive is your intuition because you indicated that you want to ‘receive’ from your intuition and not to ‘retrieve’ from your memory. For more information about natural therapies recommended for metabolic syndrome go to: http:// www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART03193/MetabolicSyndrome.html. *Remember to check in with your doctor regularly to confirm your findings. Lauralee Green is a full time psychic currently working out of the Center for Progressive Therapies at 192 Hartford Rd, Manchester, CT 06040. Lauralee has been teaching psychic development classes throughout New England since 1988. She specializes in clairvoyant readings, Reiki energy healings, past life regressions, deep tissue bodywork, empowerment coaching, and counseling (including 12 step program methods). For more info about intuitive self healing you may request to purchase a copy of her latest Ebook “How to Develop Your Psychic Senses.” She can be reached at 860-288-7033 or online at www. asklauralee.com. See ad on page 31.

Could One Conversation Change Your Life? Nutrition & Personal Training Genetics/Nutrigenomics Autoimmune Disease Food Allergies/Sensitivities Elimination Diets/Leaky Gut Syndrome Depression/Anxiety Digestive Disorders Detoxification Programs Back/Neck Pain Musculoskeletal Injuries Thyroid Disorders Weight Loss

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BERNIE

By Bernie Siegel, MD

Enlightenment

ost people I know only find enlightenment through their emotional or physical difficulties. That is a sad statement. Wouldn’t it be far better to be educated about life and prepared for its difficulties by the wisdom of others, rather than to need your own break down in order to become strong? Many painful events become our blessings because of what they teach us and the voids they fill in our lives. I believe it is better to be blessed by wise parents, teachers and spiritual leaders than by adversity. Others learn the hard way that the darkness leads them to the light just as charcoal under pressure becomes a diamond. Again a painful journey through the tunnel of darkness seeking the enlightenment. My writing and today’s books have nothing new to say. We may have new stories but they are only repeating ancient wisdom. So read the wisdom of the sages and learn from those who have gone before us. Which path you take makes little difference. The themes of all the great spiritual leaders of the past have much in common. So if you seek enlightenment get started by paying attention to what has been said and don’t wait for a personal disaster to bring you the gift of enlightenment. You may know the saying, "If you seek enlightenment, seek it as a man whose hair is on fire seeks water". It takes that kind of desire to truly face the light. What has helped me most was my search for the answer to why we have a world filled with pain and difficulties. As a physician I saw much suffering that seemed to make no sense. Ultimately I realized it was to give our acts of compassion meaning and that what was evil was to not respond to the person with the affliction. We have free will, and when we choose to love, it is a choice that is meaningful. The free will allows us the opportunity to become co-creators and, hopefully, some day we will create a family of man and our own Garden of Eden. As a surgeon I know we are one family, despite our actions, because we are all the same color inside.

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2014

A veterinarian friend of mine listed five points necessary to train animals properly. As I listened to her list I realize it is what the enlightened give to each other. They are Love, Trust, Respect, Consistency and Commitment. So the enlightened treat people as well as they do their pets. The questions I would ask you to consider to help yourself awaken and see the light are: 1. What is evil? 2. Who can you hate? 3. Who can you love? 4. Who is the enemy? 5. Who is the Lord you work for? 6. What do you need to say that you haven’t said? I won’t answer for you, but as you seek enlightenment the correct answers will make themselves apparent. The last point is that when you are enlightened you will understand the power of love. So ask yourself why we say kill with kindness, torment with tenderness, love is blind, love thine enemies and love thy neighbor as thyself. Therein lies the answer to life and enlightenment. Several years ago I fell from our roof, hit my head and developed amnesia, which improved my marriage and family life dramatically. I learned a great deal from the benefits of amnesia. When my memory came back I had a difficult time with my wife and children because now I remembered all their faults. A therapist friend said she could save me from years of therapy. I asked her how. She handed me something and said go home and read this and live what it says. What she handed me was I Corinthians 1:13 which describes all the benefits of amnesia and more through love. I tell you this so that until you are enlightened and capable of loving try amnesia in your relationships and daily life. It will help. Or if that doesn’t appeal to you, the next time you don’t know what to do and seek to make the enlightened choice ask yourself, "What would Lassie do now?" If you prefer denominational or religious figures as choices there are a few I can recommend but choose wisely because animals are complete and man is not. Or so the Bible tells us. Bernie currently a cancer support group the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of the month at Coachman’s Square on Bradley Road, Woodbridge. If interested contact Lucille Ranciato at lranciato2@ yahoo.com or call 203-288-2839. For information on Bernie’s books and tapes please call Wisdom of the Ages in Simsbury, CT. Wisdom of the Ages is a special place to nurture your spiritual side. It’s filled with items to calm the mind, heal the body & empower your spirit. Wisdom of the Ages is owned by Bernie’s son & daughter- in-law, Keith & Jane Siegel. Located at 1414 Hopmeadow St. Simsbury, CT. (860) 651-1172, www.wisdomoftheages.biz. See ad on page 27.

To Sleep... perchance to Dream

e all know about our need to sleep and the consequences of not getting enough of nature’s precious elixir. Many of my clients report that they have difficulty falling and staying asleep. I recommend being mindful about preparation for your daily recharge.

Don’t Do That! Are you eating foods close to bedtime that may haunt you? Do you consume alcoholic beverages prior to sleep? If you answered yes and can’t sleep, then don’t do that! Alcohol in small quantities is a stimulant and larger quantities can disturb a healthy night of sleep.

A Peaceful Setting Is the bedroom dark and peaceful? If not, then try to make it so. Try playing a soothing nature CD of ocean waves ebbing and flowing, a rain forest, or a peaceful babbling brook. Are you pondering all your chores and searching for answers to all of life’s questions and problems while lying on your back in your pajamas, staring at the ceiling at midnight? Is this rational?? Are you really going to solve life’s problems here and now? You’ve heard the phrase; sleep on it. How many times have you awoken in the morning with an answer to your problem? We process problems and conflicts in our sleep.

problems and conflicts can be better addressed during and after a good sleep and that tomorrow’s another day for tackling the issues weighing heavy on your mind.

Guided Imagery Start with ‘Take Ten’ breathing. Then let your mind wander to a pleasant and safe place like a secluded beach you have been taken with in the past. Envision yourself walking along the deserted beach barefoot in the warm soft sand. The sun embraces your face, arms and shoulders like a warm blanket out of the dryer on a cold morning. Listen as the ocean hushes a gentle roar as it ebbs and flows. The sun glistens off the tiny peaks of the ocean like shimmering yellowwhite diamonds. The smell of the saltwater is in the air and the mist feels calming on your face. Some playful cotton candy clouds drift by. A lone seagull peacefully glides by, coming from nowhere and going to the same. You continue to slowly stroll by, going nowhere in particular as you mindfully explore your deserted beach. The more senses you incorporate into the thought process, the more real it becomes and the more you are there and not in bed wrestling with your demons.

Another method is to ‘Go with the Flow’, where you ‘Take Ten,’ close your eyes, and simply let your mind go blank and consciously watch and listen to the variety of fleeting subconscious images and sounds that pop before you, without judgment or analysis, just observe and think, “cool” or “interesting” and absolutely nothing more and continue to follow them as you quickly and unnoticeably bridge the gap between consciousness and the unconscious realms and drift into a peaceful sleep. Most of my clients have reported to have fallen asleep within about ten minutes of doing this fascinating exercise. And the obvious, don’t drink coffee, caffeinated beverages, or a lot of liquids late in the day. Don’t watch television in bed. Don’t take your arguments with your mate to bed. Agree to talk about and discuss problems in the morning over breakfast. The bedroom should be a safe haven, conducive to peaceful rest and retirement from the tumult of the day. Sweet Dreams! Jody Koval, LPC is a psychotherapist in Glastonbury. He works with people to help them cope with life’s adjustments, so they can function better and live life to its fullest. For more information call (860) 657-6123 or see his listing on PsychologyToday.com.

‘Take Ten’ Breathe in slowly through the nose to a four count. Hold it a moment or two and then, very slowly and mindfully, pace yourself to exhale out the nose (not mouth) on a six count. This can be done as often as needed or when you need to find calm elsewhere in the day. This will relax the body and mind and help to internalize stray thoughts. Remind and reassure yourself that www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Does Your Expanding Waistline Convey Metabolic Syndrome?

Dana Lapointe, ND

full one quarter of the entire world’s population has Metabolic Syndrome. (International Diabetes Federation, 2005) Almost 34% of US adults have it, and their risk increases with age. Almost 70% of Americans who are overweight already fall into the category of “pre-diabetic”. Worse, 2/3 of American adolescents already show at least one metabolic abnormality, and 1 out of every 10 kids already has full-blown Metabolic Syndrome.

So, What is Metabolic Syndrome? Metabolic Syndrome, also called Syndrome X, is a collection of the most most dangerous risk factors for heart attack (diabetes, prediabetes, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and abdominal obesity), as well as cancer. Other names have been used to describe this same basic metabolic phenomenon—a modern epidemic of abnormal biology that ranges along a continuum from mild blood sugar imbalance to full-fledged diabetes. It might be referred to as insulin resistance, prediabetes, dysmetabolic syndrome, adult-onset diabetes, Type II Diabetes or the newest, and possibly most comprehensive of terms, diabesity. Other signs that are closely associated with the syndrome include: • fatty liver (along with obesity) • acanthosis nigrans (a skin condition marked by diffuse darkened areas of skin pigment, usually found in body folds like the armpit or groin) • increased incidence of “skin tags” (benign outgrowths of skin that often appear in creases like the neck or armpits) • psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis The risks associated with Metabolic Syndrome are hefty. Compared to people without the syndrome, those with Metabolic Syndrome: • have five times the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes • are three times as likely to have a heart attack or stroke, and • are twice as likely to die from that event

Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2014

What are the Symptoms? Usually, there are no immediate physical symptoms, but those with Metabolic Syndrome tend to be overweight, especially around the middle. But even thin folks, might have a low percentage of lean muscle in comparison to their percentage of fat. (these are the “underlean” rather than “overweight” folks). And since this condition is associated with insulin-resistance, some of the signs associated with an increase in insulin production might be found. For example, chronic inflammation resulting in artery damage, reduced excretion of sodium by the kidneys, and thickening of the blood. Women may have irregular periods or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS. And men might complain of erectile dysfunction. Problems associated with Syndrome X usually develop slowly and get worse over time if left untreated.

Do I have Metabolic Syndrome? Amazingly, 90% of the people with Metabolic Syndrome don’t even know they have it, and are left undiagnosed and untreated. This is because, in conventional medicine, there currently aren’t any national screening recommendations, treatment guidelines, or even medications for the syndrome, so most physicians don’t know how to properly diagnose it. Physicians are not trained, paid, or even expected to treat the single most common chronic disease syndrome there is—which, in addition to smoking, leads to most of the chronic degenerative diseases of our time. No reimbursement is given to healthcare providers for diagnosing or treating prediabetes, or abdominal obesity, which are the most insidious factors within the syndrome. Syndrome X is a disorder of the body’s ability to use and store energy. The American Heart Association’s criteria for diagnosis is having 3 of the following 5 conditions: • high fasting blood sugar • high triglycerides • low HDL (the “good” cholesterol) • high blood pressure • central obesity (high “belly fat”, a “spare tire” or a “beer belly”)

Are You a Walking Time-Bomb? Take this quiz to find out your risk; any yes answer may mean you are headed for, or already have, Metabolic Syndrome: • Do you have a family history of heart disease, diabetes or obesity? • Do you have heart disease? • Do you have high blood pressure? (equal to or greater than130/85mm Hg, or use of a blood pressure medication) • Do you crave sugar and refined carbohydrates? • Has your PCP told you your blood sugar is a little high (equal or greater than 100mg/dl), or have you actually been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, diabetes, or put on blood sugar medication? • Do you have high levels of triglycerides (equal or greater than150mg/dL) • Do you have low HDL cholesterol? (for men: less than 40mg/dL; for women: less than 50 mg/dL • Do you have trouble losing weight no matter what you try? • Are you of African, Hispanic, Asian, Indian, Native American, Pacific Islander or of Middle Eastern ancestry? • Are you mostly sedentary? (getting less than 30 min. of exercise every other day) • Have you had gestational diabetes or polycystic ovarian syndrome? • Do you suffer from infertility, low sex drive or erectile dysfunction? • Are you overweight? (have a BMI > 25) • Do you have extra belly fat? (for women, is your waistline greater than 35 inches; and for men, greater than 40 inches?) The increasing prevalence of abdominal obesity, particularly among female adults, highlights the urgency of addressing abdominal obesity as a healthcare priority. And it should be emphasized that pre-diabetes is not a ‘non-condition’ awaiting a true condition, but a serious health condition in its own right, that should be treated as quickly as possible. Today’s medical model typically treats each symptom, or out of range lab result, with a separate medication. High blood pressure will get an anti-hypertensive drug, high cholesterol will usually be treated with a statin, and high blood sugar will be treated with drugs for diabetes), all while ignoring the underlying cause. The prevailing opinion that hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, and high cholesterol (with its related cardio-vascular diseases) are genetic disease, is only partially true. This list of dis-eases, along

with the rest that make up the syndromes of Diabesity and Metabolic Syndrome, are the direct result of dietary and lifestyle errors, compounded by environmental toxins, in an interplay with your unique genetic propensity.

The True Cause of Metabolic Syndrome Some of the dietary and lifestyle factors that lead to Syndrome X are as follows: • Too many quickly absorbed empty calories that are full of sweeteners, and highly processed carbohydrates, which cause a surge in blood sugar (sodas, energy drinks, candy, processed foods full of highly processed grains and high fructose corn syrup) • Too few naturally nutritious whole foods (which slowly digest and deliver nutrition in a more sustained manner) • Too little physical activity (sedentary desk jobs, computer games and long commutes, for example) When a high sugar diet is combined with low activity, blood sugars rise. Optimal fasting blood sugars should fall in the range of 75-95 mg/dL. Normal post-meal spikes in blood sugar rise to about 125 mg/ dL for a short time, with the peak about 45 minutes after eating. After-meal spikes in blood glucose above 140 mg/dL can have severe consequences. Prolonged exposure to elevated blood sugars above 140/mg/dL cause irreversible damage to the beta cells (the pancreatic cells that produce insulin) and nerve damage (the classic diabetic neuropathy and blindness, for example). Blood thickens causing capillary damage and circulatory problems in the parts of the body

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furthest from the heart first (toes, feet, lower legs). When blood glucose rises above 160 mg/ dL, cancer rates, cardio-vascular disease and stroke rates increase by 25% for every 18 mg/ dL above 160 mg/dL. These diet and lifestyle factors all lead to a condition known as “Insulin Resistance.” All of these have in common the effect of increasing the production of insulin, the hormone that the body uses to control blood glucose levels by: 1. Signaling the liver, muscle and fat cells to take in glucose from the circulating blood 2. Signaling the body’s cells to utilize glucose for energy, or if the body has enough energy, to 3. Take in glucose from the blood by signaling the liver to transform glucose to store it as glycogen for fuel reserves Metabolic Syndrome, Diabetes and Diabesity are a problem of too much insulin rather than not enough. The more insulin that circulates in the body, the greater the appetite and the more oxidative stress and inflammation (which has dire effects on blood lipids and neurological health). In addition, the insulin receptors become less sensitive, or “resistant”, leading to even greater output of insulin to bring down the levels of circulating blood sugar. This cycle is the single most significant phenomenon leading to premature aging and chronic degenerative disease.

There’s Good News! The good news is that because insulin resistance is the result of lifestyle and dietary habits, simple changes to diet and lifestyle will have profoundly positive effects toward optimizing health. For most people, diet and lifestyle changes alone can be extraordinarily effective at quickly reversing Metabolic Syndrome, Diabesity and even full-blown Type II Diabetes. Dr. Dana Lapointe is a naturopathic physician, and the founder of Sustainable Health & Wellness Center located on Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury, CT. She specializes in Restorative Medicine and provides highly-effective Weight Loss and Optimal Aging programs and natural treatment of endocrine disorders including Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes and Diabesity. She can be reached at Sustainable Health & Wellness at their new location at 760 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury, CT, or by calling 860-217-1171, or online at www. SustainableHW.com and on Facebook. Look for her books on Amazone and Kindle. See ad on page 10

How To Effectively Diagnose and Reverse Metabolic Syndrome, Diabesity and Diabetes • First, get the right type of lab tests-Most doctors focus on fasting blood sugar but the better way to test is a fasting insulin, plus an insulin response test, which follows the body’s response to a measured glucose drink. Find out if your PCP is open to ordering tests to see where you stand in regards to insulin resistance. If not, find a doctor who specializes in this area in order to get an appropriate physical and a complete workup for metabolic syndrome. • Detoxify your body-Environmental toxins contribute to Diabesity (Hyman, 2012), Diabetes (Sharp, 2009), and Atherosclerosis and Metabolic Syndrome (Andreassi, 2008). Find a doctor who can oversee a raw vegetable juice fast &/or prescribe appropriate lifestyle modifications to help to detoxify your body. This might include herbal medicines to support the liver’s ability to detoxify the body, a fiber supplement to support the elimination by the colon, or full-spectrum infra-red sauna to allow the body to sweat out toxins. • Optimize your organs of elimination-Look for a practitioner who is trained in BioTherapeutic Drainage, German Biological Medicine, or advocates other lifestyle habits that optimize your own body’s processes of detoxification. Some examples include deep breathing exercise to optimize the lungs and dry skin brushing for the lymphatic system. • Eat only real food-Consider following a Paleo diet, a raw foods lifestyle, or any plan that focuses on simply eating whole, unprocessed foods. Either way, eat a lot of non-starchy veggies like tomatoes, dark leafy greens, asparagus, radishes and cabbage, every day. Your blood type can help you determine which foods are most appropriate for you. • Eat small, frequent meals in order to keep blood sugar within a healthy range. • Increase your magnesium-Research shows higher magnesium correlates with a lower incidence of metabolic syndrome. Take a high quality supplement or eat plenty of leafy green vegetables, avocados, beans, almonds, cashews and other nuts and halibut. • Lose weight-So many struggle with weight loss in general, and especially that “stubborn belly fat.” Find a doctor who specializes in effective methods of weight loss, who can help you jumpstart your metabolism, lose the abnormally-stored abdominal fat, and help you find your ideal food plan to keep your ideal weight for life. • Exercise-but not specifically to “lose weight,” (as the calories-in vs. calories-out method tends to be more frustrating than effective), but for its positive effects on insulin sensitivity and utilization of circulating blood sugar. The most effective forms of exercise to combat Metabolic Syndrome are HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) and Metabolic Training to help promote fat loss, balance hormones, and reset your metabolism. At the very least, start every day with the “7 Minute Workout”. (www.7-min.com) • Eliminate alcohol to bring elevated triglycerides back down. • Relax-Find a way to de-stress that you will do regularly. For some, it might be as simple as adopting the habit of taking a hot Epsom salt bath at the end of each day, or getting massage or reflexology on a regular basis. Most folks will benefit from some form of regular mind-body practice such as yoga, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, or meditation.

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Doctors Notes

Dr. Eric Kusher

The Full-Circle Paradigm Shift in Healthcare Delivery

eldom do I meet a patient, colleague, or friend who has not been directly affected by the direction in which the current healthcare system is headed. Exorbitant deductibles, ever-rising co-pays, limitation of covered services all contribute to the devastating effect healthcare is having on our wallets, our health, and in a broader sense, the state of the economy. The Affordable Healthcare Act was supposed to address this, right?

The Unaffordable Healthcare Act As both a physician and a patient, I have an opportunity to perceive this state of affairs from both sides; as a patient, a couple of procedures occurred within my family, which a few short years ago might have required a small out-of-pocket expense, but that now set me back $6,000 in one fell swoop. Phew! At least now my deductible’s been met right? Well, yes, but there’s a $30$50 copay for each office visit, and there are out-of-pocket expenses for non-covered services, and for out-of-network providers. Quite frankly, the Act has made healthcare Unaffordable. So, I now take off my patient hat and replace it with my doctor hat…and try to figure this out. How can I best release my patients from the nightmare I’ve experienced as a patient, while offering the

absolute best care possible, without cutting corners? (Keep in mind I’d like to make a living in the process.) Let’s get a little creative—I take it as a given that the current healthcare delivery system has reached a tipping point, and judging from past history, cannot be effectively administered by the U.S. Government. Furthermore, it is my belief that quality healthcare cannot be effectively rendered under the watchful eye of the insurance carriers, as their sole motive is to maximize profits by paying providers the absolute minimum for services rendered, and denying as many claims as humanly possible. I can’t blame them for this; they are for-profit businesses, not charities—but please—not at my expense. That being said, where does this leave us as far as options go? 1. We can opt for a fee for service model again, where the patient pays the provider directly for services, without the intrusion of the insurance carrier or the government. Of course, some level of coverage would be necessary for catastrophic illnesses, hospitalizations, etc. but the balance may be effectively negotiated between the doctor and the patient. 2. We can choose a Concierge Medicine model, whereby the patient pays a regular retainer (monthly or annually),

which affords him or her all the basic care needed from their doctor. This model is in place and working right now, but is generally directed toward the patient population who can afford a hefty fee to have the doctor at their disposal. Good idea, but not for the masses. 3. Consider a hybrid model – in this case, several offerings can be made available to the patient base: a) A true Concierge model whereby the patient pays a monthly or annual fee for all services rendered, with few exceptions. b) A ‘lighter’ version, whereby a more affordable monthly fee is charged to the patient which covers office visits and many of the day-to-day services provided. Exceptions to this may be laboratory charges, x-rays, etc. (in our offices and under this type of plan, these additional services are provided to the patient at our cost, without mark-up). This can be further broken down to offer several versions to fit patient budgets as well as a family plan, which covers all members for a single flat fee. Also, some providers may choose to continue to offer insurance-covered services to some patients, but history shows this is usually offered as a temporary transition until the provider can shift the entire patient population to one of the fee-for-service plans.

Advantages & Disadvantages Here are what I see as the pros in adopting this type of patient-care model: 1. Lower insurance cost by choosing a catastrophic care/hospitalization only policy. 2. You and your doctor make your healthcare decisions without the oversight of a profit-motivated insurance entity. 3. Your doctor provides the care s/he deems right for you, not the care s/he will get paid for by a third party. 4. More time with and more access to the doctor, as s/he can now see fewer patients.

Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2014

5. You know going in what your fixed expenses will be, and can budget accordingly. Additional services may be a slight exception to this. 6. This one is often overlooked, but quite significant…when you are making a small regular payment for care, you are able and more likely to see your doctor whenever needed, thereby taking much better control of your own health. You also are more likely to comply, to avoid as best you can the big expenses which can arise from neglecting your health. Frankly, I see only one disadvantage to shifting to this type of model: 1. For those patients, and only those patients who have such good coverage (which may be paid for by an employer), that they have little or no deductible or copay required, this model may be less cost effective. However, even these folks will reap all the other benefits as stated above.

December 31, 2014

Real-Life Examples I’ll use my personal situation to illustrate the above; I am a chiropractic physician, and although I do specialize in Functional Medicine, and don’t do as much structural work these days, the model applies equally to both. Walk into a chiropractor’s office (or most any other doctor), and unless you’re one of those lucky few with perfect coverage, you’ll be paying an average copay of $35, as well as any additional charges not yet met by your deductible. Add to this any ancillary services provided (therapy, acupuncture, nutritional supplementation, etc.) and your wallet is significantly lighter than when you arrived.

More Visits, Fewer Dollars Now contrast this with an office which has adopted a fee-forservice plan; you walk in, get the services you need (not only the ones the doctor knows he will get paid for by your carrier), and leave paying nothing on that day, unless you did purchase any additional items (not services). For the monthly fees most doctors charge under this plan, you can usually come in for treatment two to three times

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per month and come out paying less than your previous copays. This works out even better in the kind of medicine I practice, where I spend quite a bit of time with each patient delving deep into their history to uncover root causes of chronic disease states. If I had to run a practice like this under the insurance-based model, I either could not survive, or each patient would get a few minutes of care (as seen in most current practices). I choose not to tolerate either. My patients pay a flat, affordable monthly fee and get to communicate with and see me as much as they need to without restriction. Any additional laboratory tests that are necessary are charged at my cost without markup; the only other possible charges to my patients are for any nutritional supplements I may prescribe, many of which are available through physicians only, and cost roughly the same as quality products purchased elsewhere.

Looking Ahead It’s not my intention to get on my soapbox here, but rather to outline systems and processes which can and do work for the benefit of all. The current healthcare system is headed for bankruptcy, and will drag many other government services down with it as it goes. It puts a significant and undue strain on the economy, and takes untold spendable dollars out of the pockets of those who may need them the most. The time has finally come when folks will have to take responsibility for their own health…your doctor, insurance company, or government can’t and won’t do it for you. As with many other necessities within our society, these tipping points are finally reached when necessitated by finances, and here we are. Accrue the knowledge and implement the processes to design your own optimal health without dependency. I and other Functional Medicine doctors are here to walk the walk with you…it is, in fact, our mission in life! Dr. Eric M. Kusher is a chiropractic physician licensed since 1983, specializing in Functional Medicine, and the founder and lead practitioner at the Kusher Functional Medicine Center with offices throughout Connecticut. He may be reached at (800)-735-2281 or via his website at www.drkusher.com. See ad on page 3.

Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2014

INSPIRE

By Kristen Werblow, MA

Alignment For a Thriving Practice

ave you ever wondered why some people have a thriving business practice while others do not? Is it luck? No, it is alignment. Wealth and success stem from a clear and powerful belief system, alignment with the infinite mind, and determination that demands nothing less.

What is Alignment? Within each individual is a genius; an inner wisdom or intuition that can guide one toward success on every level. This genius can relay information in the form of spontaneous insight or brilliant ideas. It can help create six-figure businesses in less than a year and provide direction to get there. The power of this inner genius is available to anyone at anytime. One reason that certain people are successful in business is that they have discovered how to utilize their inner genius. If you are a business owner, how often do you rely on your intuition and inner wisdom?

As soon as the desire is formed, the genius within works to direct them toward achieving it. Feelings such as fear, doubt, and worry, however, block the access to the inner guidance system, preventing intuition from being heard. What prevents most people from success? Old, repetitive belief systems based on fear. If these negative

Business Success When I left a tenured teaching position to start my own business, many family and friends thought I was crazy, stating that it was going to be tough to succeed in this economy. Fear and doubt filled their minds. My belief system was tested, but at the same

“If we all did the things we are really capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” -Thomas A. Edison belief patterns are not identified and transformed, they will continue to hold a person back from a developing and maintaining a thriving practice.

time, I understood the power and illusion of fear and was not disillusioned by it. After strengthening my own belief system and alignment, I began to experience immediate success with my business and that of my clients’ businesses. Clients increased, classes began to fill, money ap-

Belief Systems Everything in this universe, including our thoughts, is energy. Our thoughts grouped together become our belief system, which has a magnetic-like vibration that affects our reality. When we want to succeed, we must look at our belief system and how it is affecting us. Thomas Edison believed in his ability to create electricity. Shortly before finding the solution to the light bulb, Edison said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” He looked at each ‘failure’ as a chance to improve his strategy and make it better. Imagine how your business would shift if you viewed ‘failure’ in this way. Many business owners desire more money, more clients, and more success. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

peared in mysterious ways, and more. Do I believe that we all can connect to our higher self and achieve success? Absolutely! Try the following exercises for at least one week. Hold yourself accountable to doing them and take note of what begins to happen in your life. If you believe, you will succeed.

Essential Tips For A Thriving Practice 1. Strengthen Your Belief System Whether you want more money or more clients, believe in your ability to achieve it. State both in the morning and the night, “I believe in my ability to (fill in the blank)…” In the beginning, recite your statement aloud for at least 10 minutes until you

really do believe it. You may need to work through some of your doubts or fears with a coach or on your own if this is not easy for you.

2. Desire Statements and Visualization You must know what you desire and have a plan of action in order to achieve it. Write down exactly what you desire and how you can begin to achieve it. Be as specific as possible. Move forward by taking baby steps each day and spend time visualizing yourself already living what you desire. See the money in your hand, the clients at your door, your success.

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2014

3. Meditate Lastly and most importantly, build a relationship with your inner guidance system or intuition. Meditate daily and ask for alignment with your higher self to receive the guidance needed to achieve success. Be aware of the messages you receive and build your self-confidence so that you can take the appropriate action when presented with opportunities. For best results, meditate both morning and night and recite your belief statement either before or after meditation. Learning to align with your inner guidance system to build a thriving practice takes faith, patience, and dedication. This relationship will not only change your business, but it will change your life. Try it for yourself. It’s not luck; it’s alignment. Kristen Werblow, M.A. is a Certified Life Coach. For help building and maintaining a thriving practice through alignment with a powerful belief system, contact Kristen at: Kristen@balancedlivingnow.com, visit her website at www.balancedlivingnow.com or call 860-707-0908. See her ad on page 26.

PREVENTION

By Carolyn Gundell, M.S.

Robbing the Cradle: Insulin Resistance

Diabetes affects the body’s overall function and health, including male and female fertility and the chances of having a successful, healthy pregnancy. Many, many years before diabetes is diagnosed, this far-reaching disease is impacting the health of people nationwide as diabetes’ precursor: insulin resistance. Both insulin resistance and diabetes lead to fertility challenges. Insulin is a hormone and is responsible for getting glucose energy into every cell in the body. When the body becomes resistant to insulin, the beta cells of the pancreas pump more and more insulin to maintain glucose control. This overproduction of insulin can be present for years without raising glucose, but may be contributing to weight gain, heart and liver disease, hormonal imbalance, PCOS, ovarian dysfunction in women, and reduced sperm quality in men. Without treatment, the resistance of the cells will increase over time, the pancreas will no longer produce enough insulin, and diabetes will develop.

insulin resistance and diabetes. At RMACT, we recommend that patients who have diabetes or who have high insulin resistance and impaired glucose control, alter nutrition and physical activity behaviors to optimize overall health before even starting fertility treatment. This is a bold recommendation, considering the role that time plays in infertility. However, rushing into treatment can lead to failed cycles and unhealthy pregnancies. Improving insulin resistance and overall health has a positive effect on a patient’s likelihood of getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy. Ignoring the warning signs can lead to difficulty getting pregnant, miscarriage, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, birth defects, and even stillbirth. I work with patients to help them understand insulin resistance, its effects on the body and how to improve their health. When I initially meet with patients, it is common for them to share their frustrations— weight gain and great difficulty losing weight; frequent fatigue; flatulence and stomach bloat after eating a meal; mood swings and feelings of low blood sugar; cravings for sweets and bread products. All of these symptoms can be attributed to insulin resistance. We work together to create a realistic meal plan, including tips on what to buy at the grocery store and which foods to seek out at mealtime, an activity schedule, and a stress management plan. Use of an insulin sensitizer medication is also evaluated as part of a patient’s treatment plan.

Insulin and Ovaries

Insulin’s Effect in Pregnancy

Since I work in a fertility practice, I’ll illustrate the effects of insulin resistance as it relates to a woman’s ability to get pregnant, maintain a healthy pregnancy and the life-long effects on the baby. For a couple trying to get pregnant, hormone production and balance, insulin sensitivity, and fertility are closely intertwined. In fact the leading cause of female infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), is a complex hormonal and metabolic condition that often includes insulin resistance. Higher levels of insulin production can elevate androgens like DHEAS and testosterone, which interfere with the growth of the ovaries’ follicles. Follicles nurture egg development until it is mature enough to be released down the fallopian tubes in search of sperm cells. In summary, elevated insulin can cause irregular or no ovulation due to elevated androgen’s negative effect on follicle development.

Insulin resistance can make patients more vulnerable to gestational diabetes, which affects the health of baby and mom during pregnancy. Pregnant women who have never had diabetes before but who have high blood sugar (glucose) levels during pregnancy are said to have gestational diabetes. Based on recently announced diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes, it is estimated that gestational diabetes affects 18 percent of pregnancies. Gestational diabetes affects the mother in late pregnancy, after the baby’s body has been formed, but while the baby is busy growing. Because of this, gestational diabetes does not cause the kinds of birth defects sometimes seen in babies whose mothers had elevated glucose or diagnosed diabetes before pregnancy. Babies exposed to excess insulin during pregnancy become children who are at risk for obesity and adults who are at risk for type 2 diabetes. Of everything that I teach my patients, here is the most important thing for them to know: insulin resistance can be improved and diabetes is not your destiny! They can change the path they are on and avoid diabetes if they make important exercise, nutrition and other lifestyle changes.

his past summer, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) announced that 40–50 percent of Americans will develop diabetes. That isn’t the population at risk. That is the estimate of how many people will get diabetes. And for most, it is completely preventable.

Insulin Resistance and Diabetes Raise Risk of Infertility

Insulin and Weight Elevated insulin contributes to weight gain, especially increased abdominal weight. Weight loss and maintenance is much more challenging with increasing insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is found in 60 percent of obese women and 40 percent of non-obese women. Another interesting fact is that 80-90 percent of type 2 diabetics are obese. Obesity can affect male fertility through changes in hormonal profiles, semen parameters and scrotal temperatures. Improving insulin sensitivity and lowering insulin levels can help support weight loss and, in-turn, fertility. A five to ten percent loss in body weight has been shown to not only improve insulin and reduce diabetes risk, but also improve fertility by resuming ovulation.

Optimize Health Before Fertility Treatments As part of every patient’s initial testing at Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT), we check all our patients’ risk for

Carolyn Gundell, M.S., leads the Fertility Nutrition Program for Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT). She has more than 25 years of experience in the fields of nutrition and in helping patients with conditions associated with infertility, such as insulin resistance, diabetes, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), lipid disorders, celiac disease, and with those who are under- or overweight. In addition to working with fertility patients and leading nutrition seminars, Carolyn implemented a full-service Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Clinic at RMACT three years ago for women 14 years and older. To find out more, please go to www. rmact.com. See ad on page 13. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Tui Na Massage: A Medical Treatment without Side Effects

hile Tui Na (twee-nah) Massage is an important treatment in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and TCM hospitals, this modality is not a visible option in traditional American medicine. Acupuncture is more familiar. In this article, a description of Tui Na, with practical uses and historical perspective, will give readers some understanding of this medical resource that can be used for treatment and prevention for numerous conditions.

What is Tui Na Massage? Tui Na Massage is a non-invasive, healing modality that’s been used in China for 5000 years. The word “massage” is misleading because Tui Na feels more like a form of acupressure. A practitioner can use numerous physical methods including pressing, kneading, rolling, grasping, trembling, and rocking in order to remove blockages and balance the body’s Qi. Stress, injury, inflammation, and disease can contribute to block energy, alter the body’s electric system, and cause pain. According to Chinese medical experts, there is no adequate translation of Qi into English. Qi seems to be a combination of bio-electricity, bio-energy, and the life force; which is found in the blood and along meridians and in points throughout the body. No test measures Qi. With this perspective, Tui Na helps the flow and balance of the body’s bio-electric and bio-energetic systems. One result is to strengthen the immune system and to promote the body’s self-healing.

Uses of Tui Na In addition to joint and muscle pains, Tui Na can be used to treat a range of problems including cancer, autoimmune diseases (ex. arthritis, asthma, allergies), hypertension, high blood pressure, digestive problems, autism, seizures, strokes, diabetes, insomnia, and constipation. Adults, children, and infants can benefit from this treatment. In TCM hospitals, pediatric Tui Na works especially well with children under 5. In fact, parents must have a Tui Na lesson before they leave a TCM hospital with their newborns. This instruction gives parents ways to deal with conditions such as night crying, fever, diarrhea, and colds. Within some Chinese families, members heal each other with Tui Na. For example, when I was seven, my father started my Tui Na training so I could work on my mom and brothers. Now, I’m teaching my six year old son, who healed his mom’s cold and eased her back pain.

Benefits of Tui Na While published information about uses and effectiveness of Tui Na is difficult to find, some research can be found online. Some studies involved children with autism. For example, in one, 175 22

Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2014

children with autism were divided into 2 groups: 130 received Tui Na treatment while 45 didn’t. Parents learned the Tui Na methods to use on their children. After 5 months, children who received treatment showed “….significant improvements in sensory and self-regulation” while the stress on their parents decreased markedly compared to those in the control group. In another article, information about using Tui Na with 60 autistic children under 10 years old was summarized. This study was conducted by members of the Thai Red Cross Society. They found that these children significantly improved with less anxiety, less hyperactivity, and better quality of sleep. Testimonials on www.wuhealing.com show ways that Tui Na has helped my patients. For example, one patient suffered with occasional grand mal seizures at night. No brain abnormalities or causes for this condition were detected on numerous tests. She didn’t take medication, despite increased frequency of seizures. When she started Tui Na with me, a blockage in C2 in her neck was discovered and removed. She was surprised when she felt pain, when I touched that area in her neck. I tell patients, “You’ve got to touch the ‘ouch spot’ to heal the root cause of a problem.” She hasn’t had another seizure for over one year.

Historical Snapshot Tui Na predates acupuncture. It’s a mystery who discovered or created Tui Na, it may have been a collective creation among Confucians, Buddhist, and Taoist monks 5000 years ago in China. These monks discovered and studied Qi. They wanted to learn how to live longer and better by creating more harmony and balance with the dynamics of yin and yang and with the changes of nature. They discovered that creating a better life involved balancing and strengthening the circulation of Qi.

What’s Happening Now Tui Na is practiced in other countries besides China. In England, there is a register of Tui Na Chinese Massage practitioners. In America, the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA) lists qualified practitioners on their website (www.aobta. org ) Dr. Ming Wu, AOBTA-CP, Ph.D. with Barbara Eler, Ph.D. Dr. Wu is a doctor of Chinese Medicine, third generation Chinese Herbalist, Master Tai Chi and Qi Gong practitioner and founder of Wu Healing Center, 45 S. Main St., Ste 100, West Hartford, 1-978-790-8888. Wu Healing.com. Barbara Eler is a retired psychotherapist. See ad on page 5.

Michael Dworkin, P.D., M.S. Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. (Pend.)

REMEDIES

Resveratrol Combats Aging & 5 Leading Causes of Death increases lifespan by switching on genes that increase the activity of protective sirtuin enzymes. This ensures survival during starvation. Even in the presence of a normal-to-high calorie diet, resveratrol mimics calorie restriction by activating the SIRT1 “longevity” gene.

You absolutely should supplement with resveratrol. Resveratrol is a good addition to any supplement regimen for anyone who is concerned about the degenerative diseases of aging . . . Of course you’ll get some resveratrol if you drink red wine, 1–2 mg per glass. But you’d have to drink dozens of bottles a day to get therapeutic levels of 100–250 mg. ~ Julian Whitaker, MD, Resveratrol Defies Aging at the Cellular Level (2014), http://www.drwhitaker.com/resveratrol-benefits/ he ability of the mind, body and spirit to thrive depends on multiple factors, including a healthy diet, stress-reducing lifestyle choices, and dietary supplements that address nutritional deficiencies. While these factors all work together, and a single multivitamin or other dietary supplement certainly cannot prevent or reverse all disease states, more than 3,000 peer-reviewed journal articles establish resveratrol as a tremendously powerful nutraceutical that covers many bases. According to Julian Whitaker, MD, “Although most of the studies have involved rodent models of human disease, they leave no doubts about resveratrol’s therapeutic potential.” He maintains that the proper dosing of a high-quality dietary supplement renders resveratrol efficacious in the treatment of diabetes, digestive disorders (e.g., colitis), heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, immune challenges, low-bone density (due to its estrogenic effect, Lin, Int J Biomed Sci. June 2005), memory problems, metabolic syndrome, vision disorders, and weight control.

In 2011, the findings of the 2010 Resveratrol Conference in Denmark were published to reveal all scientific evidence supporting that nutraceutical’s ability to prevent disease. Nearly 3,700 published studies were analyzed. The report’s experts identified 12 mechanisms by which resveratrol delays aging and combats five degenerative diseases that are the leading causes of death in the United States, namely heart disease, stroke, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes. More recent studies have clarified and amplified their conclusions. According to the conference report, resveratrol: (1) modulates oxidation/antioxidant status; (2) suppresses inflammation; (3) protects cell mitochondria; (4) suppresses fat cell formation and stimulates fat breakdown; (5) modulates cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis (programmed cell death); (6) inhibits cancer metastasis; (7) modulates cancer-related blood vessel formation (angiogenesis); (8) modulates DNA damage; (9) modulates foreign molecule and toxin metabolism; (10) modulates the metabolism of glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter); (11) modulates estrogenic and antiestrogenic activity; and (12) stimulates bone formation.

What is Resveratrol & How Does it Work?

Specific Health Benefits

Resveratrol is a plant chemical found in various amounts in red wine (1 mg per bottle, or 2mg in Pinot Noir), red grape skins, grape seeds, purple grape juice, the roots of the Chinese herb Japanese knotweed, and peanuts. Plants make resveratrol to fight off bacteria, fungi, and other microbial attackers, or to withstand drought or lack of nutrients. It exists in the cis- or transform, but the latter is the most researched and thus the most available in dietary supplements. While clinical studies of resveratrol are ongoing (as of the date of this article, 83 are being tracked by the U.S. National Institutes of Health at www.ClinicalTrials.gov), previous research shows that its efficacy primarily stems from its effects on the sirtuin family of enzymes, which are found in genetic telomeres (regions of repetitive DNA at the end of a chromosome that protects it from deterioration). Enzymes are proteins that initiate and speed up chemical reactions and, according to David Sinclair, a Harvard Medical School scholar, sirtuin enzymes are the main regulators of aging found in all living organisms that protect cells against damage and delay cell death. Since the 1930s, scientific studies in numerous species established that calorie restriction reduces age-related disease and

Heart Disease

Combats Five Leading Causes of Death

America’s number one killer is heart disease, which includes atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart attack, and heart failure. Resveratrol reduces the risks for all of these conditions by: (1) mimicking the biological effects of calorie restriction and thus directly improving mitochondrial function in energy-intensive heart muscle cells, making the heart beat more effectively and reducing cells’ vulnerability to oxidative stress; (2) helping to mitigate the cholesterol elevations from obesity and a high-fat diet by directly regulating expression of genes that control lipid metabolism; (3) inhibiting the platelet aggregation that can trigger blood clot formation; and (4) slowing/reversing the build-up of calcium in arteries that significantly contributes to atherosclerosis.

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restored (known as ischemia/reperfusion injury) after the acute blood vessel blockage is resolved. A Johns Hopkins study showed that resveratrol induces production of heme oxygenase, an enzyme that protects against oxidative stress. It also (1) protects mitochondria during ischemia/reperfusion injury, allowing them to continue providing cells with energy, and (2) significantly prevents the release of large amounts of excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate during the acute phase of a stroke, which triggers brain cell damage. The strongest and most recent evidence suggests that resveratrol used regularly in advance of a stroke creates the greatest tolerance in an ischemic event.

Cancer The first scientific study of resveratrol showed a preventive effect on skin cancer, and today’s experts refer to it as “a promising natural weapon in the war against cancer.” Studies evidence resveratrol’s potential to combat cancer by: (1) preventing dangerous DNA “adducts,” modified stretches of DNA which, un-repaired, can trigger a cell to become cancerous (cancer initiation); (2) modestly blocking proliferation of abnormal cells (a daily dose of 500 to 1,000 mg for 8 days prior to surgery in human colon cancer patients reduced tumor cell proliferation by 5%) (Patel, Cancer Res Oct 2010); (3) increasing expression and activation of p53, one important cancer cell “suicide pathway”; (4) decreasing insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1), which promotes cancer propagation once a malignancy has been initiated (one study used 2.5 grams/day, far more than the daily recommended dose, Brown, Cancer Res. Nov 2010); (5) favorably modulating liver enzymes to reduce activation of potential carcinogens and detoxify known carcinogenic molecules; (6) reducing production of cancer-promoting inflammatory molecules such as leukotrienes by inhibiting the enzymes that produce them; and (7) inhibiting angiogenesis in melanoma cell cultures and whole tumors.

Alzheimer’s Disease Studies suggest that resveratrol holds promise in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases through activation of the “longevity gene” SIRT-1. Much of resveratrol’s neuroprotection also stems from its ability to cross the blood brain barrier and interfere in the cascade of events resulting from the accumulation of amyloid-beta, an abnormal protein which triggers oxidative stress and inflammation that directly damages brain cells.

Diabetes

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2014

Resveratrol can protect against many forms of diabetic complications (e.g., diabetic foot syndrome, kidney disease, muscle wasting, deranged lipid metabolism, and eye disease from abnormal blood vessel leakiness) by: (1) activating the SIRT-1 system, and thus inhibiting cellular oxidative stress and resulting inflammation; (2) improving glucose control and insulin sensitivity (Liu, Am J. Clin Nutr Mar 2014); and (3) restoring blood vessel responsiveness (per diabetic animal studies).

The Significance of Therapeutic Doses One recent 11-year study of 783 community-dwelling men and women aged 65 years or older concluded that resveratrol levels achieved with a Western diet did not have a substantial influence

on health status and mortality risk of that population. (Semba, JAMA Intern Med, July 2014.) Dr. Whitaker, however, defends the efficacy of this nutraceutical by emphasizing that the study participants consumed levels substantially below any dose shown in the medical literature to promote health, and that the ongoing intake of a therapeutic dose is critical to obtaining its well-established benefits. Various published studies have used 100-250mg of trans-resveratrol in studying its efficacy. For example: (1) 150mg administered to obese men mimicked calorie restriction, thus lowering blood pressure and triglycerides, and improving liver function (Timmers, Cell Metabolism Nov 2011); (2) 200mg plus 320mg quercetin administered to overweight but healthy subjects (ages 50-75) improved glucose metabolism and memory (Witte, J Neurosci June 2014); and (3) 250mg of trans-resveratrol (with oral diabetes medication) significantly lowered hemoglobin A1C, a marker for chronically high glucose levels, in Type 2 diabetics (Bhatt, Nutr Res July 2012). There is an abundance of scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of transresveratrol. While some caution that it thins the blood, and is contra-indicated in women taking oral contraceptives, seeking to get pregnant, or with concerns about estrogen-driven cancer, it makes sense for others to consider adding it to a daily dietary supplement regimen according to the above guidelines. 1 The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Unless otherwise stated herein or otherwise supported by specific research, the natural remedies discussed herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Submitted by Michael Dworkin, P.D., M.S., a Registered Pharmacist and State Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CT Certification No.232), with J. Erika Dworkin, Certified Lifestyle Educator and Board Cert. Holistic Nutrition (pending). Owner of the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe (860.646.8178, 378 West Middle Turnpike, Manchester, www.cthealthshop.com), Pharmacist Dworkin has been guiding patients since 1956 and is available for consultation by appointment. Erika is available to speak to groups. All statements in this article are researchbased and references are available upon request. See ad on page 3.

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Homemade Holiday Gifts From Your Natural Kitchen

By Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD

he holiday season is a special time, filled with delicious food and family fun. Gift giving is a lovely part of this special season, however, maneuvering through our holiday shopping lists can be exhausting. But if we start now, we’ll have plenty of time to prepare, and can consider creating a new tradition this year—homemade holiday gifts! Whenever I have received a homemade gift from a friend or family member, it has always been treasured. Here are some fun ideas for making these treasures at home.

Honey Roasted Nuts

4. Spread cashews on cookie sheet in single layer. 5. Roast cashews at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. 6. In skillet, heat honey, water, and oil to boiling. 7. Add nuts and cook, stirring until syrup is gone and nuts are well coated. 8. Pour sugar and salt mixture over nuts and stir until completely coated. 9. Return nuts to cookie sheet and let cool and dry. 10. Break nuts apart (note: you can store nuts in a covered container for up to one month.)

(A dear friend of mine modified this recipe for me. It is delicious!)

Dairy-Free and Sugar-Free Fudge

Ingredients: • 2 cups raw cashews or other nut blend • 2 Tbsp honey • 2 Tbsp water • 2 tsp grape seed oil or olive oil (note: when increasing the recipe, do not increase the oil to more then 4 tsp) • ¼ cup maple sugar or palm sugar • ½ tsp sea salt

I found this great fudge recipe on a blog: http://blog.meaningfuleats.com. Fudge is always a welcome gift.

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Mix sugar and salt together and set aside. 3. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Ingredients: • 2 13.5oz cans of coconut milk • ½ cup honey • Pinch of salt • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract • 3 ¾ cups dairy-free chocolate chips (can substitute with cocoa powder but may need to modify other ingredients slightly) • ¾ cup chopped nuts of choice

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Directions: 1. Line 8x8 pan with parchment paper and set aside. 2. Pour coconut milk into medium saucepan. Heat milk over medium-high heat until boiling. Reduce to simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3. Whisk in honey and simmer for another 25-30 minutes. Reduce mixture to 2 cups liquid. After about 20 minutes, check to see how much it has reduced by pouring mixture into glass measuring cup. 4. When mixture has reduced to 2 cups liquid, remove from heat. Stir in salt, vanilla, chocolate chips until chocolate is melted. Stir in nuts. Pour mixture into prepared pan. 5. Refrigerate for 2 hours until set. Cut into squares and enjoy. Store fudge in fridge between servings.

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Pickled Vegetables Pickling veggies for family and friends can be a lot of fun, and there are so many vegetables to choose from. Here is a standard recipe that can be modified for most vegetables. Ingredients: • 2 cups apple cider vinegar • 2 cups water • 2 Tbsp maple sugar or palm sugar • Coarse sea salt • Varied pickling spice mixture: coriander, fennel, dill, black peppercorns, dried red pepper Directions: 1. Mix salt, sugar, apple cider vinegar and water in pot and bring to boil. 2. Simmer for 5 minutes. 3. Remove mixture (‘brine’) from heat and allow it to cool slightly. 4. Arrange vegetables in container large enough to hold brine. 5. Place pickling spices amongst vegetables in jar (i.e. fresh fennel or dill sprigs). 6. Vegetables should fit tightly and come within ½ inch of top of jar. 7. Fill jar with brine to top and cover. 8. Refrigerate unless following canning instructions.

Homemade Lip Balm In addition to giving foodie treats to our family and friends during the holidays, homemade body products make for a fun kitchen project and can help soothe chapped skin during the cold winter months. I found this great recipe for homemade lip balm at http:// jugglingactmama.com/. Ingredients: • 1-1/2 Tbsp beeswax organic pellets (easy find on the internet!) • 4 Tbsp organic coconut oil • 1-1/2 Tbsp honey • Dropper • Aluminum tins Directions: 1. Fill small saucepan with about 3 inches of water and bring to low simmer. 2. Place glass bowl over pot. (This will create a double boiler that will prevent burning of melted ingredients.) 3. Add beeswax pellets, coconut oil and honey.

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4. Heat ingredients for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally while pellets and oil melt and meld together with honey. 5. Remove pot from heat, but leave bowl on top so mixture doesn’t harden while you’re filling the tins. 6. Use dropper to carefully fill each tin. Note: Do not handle tins while mixture is hot or you’ll burn your fingers. The balm will harden in about 5-6 minutes, but wait about 30 minutes for them to cool completely before handling.

Homemade Bath Salts Here’s another fun gift to give! This recipe was found on http://soletshangout.com. Ingredients: • 2 cups Epsom salt • 2 Tbsp baking soda • 2 drops natural food coloring (easily found on amazon.com) • 4 drops of essential oil (i.e. rosemary) • Funnel • 1 pint Mason jar or other container Directions: 1. Measure out salt and baking soda and dump into mixing bowl. 2. Add in essential oil(s) and food coloring. 3. Mix together until color is evenly distributed throughout salts. 4. Funnel bath salts into Mason jar. Happy Homemade Holidays! Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD, PT, IMT,C is the President and Owner of Integrative Wellness and Physical Therapy in Bloomfield, CT, a wellness center specializing in holistic Physical Therapy, Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT), and nutritional wellness. She was the Dean of the Connecticut School of Integrative Manual Therapy (CSIMT) from 2007-2014. Dr. Connell-Giammatteo has taught courses in Integrative Manual Therapy nationally and internationally for over 15 years. She received her doctoral degree focusing in neuropediatrics, with a concentration in autism. See ad on page 2.

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The Skinny on Body Fat %

eight management has been debunked from the simple calories-in-calories-out calculation. We, as humans, are dynamic, eat various foods, sleep at varying amounts and have stressors of different kinds. The approach to losing weight should be just as dynamic as our own individuality.

in your blood sugar levels. Your physician can monitor your insulin levels periodically to make sure your body is efficiently managing your blood sugar.

What is Body Fat?

A lot of us are guilty of eating on the run: In the car on the way to work, while multitasking, or the dreaded mindless eating when bored. If we take the time to consciously think about chewing our food, we are less likely to overeat. Slowing down and enjoying a meal allows for the normal satiation signals to reach the brain to help us pump the breaks on food intake.

Body fat is a form of stored energy, like a reserve of calories in case of a period of famine. Body fat also produces hormones, helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins, and insulates the body. However, an over abundance of body fat, can negatively impact cholesterol, disrupt the endocrine (hormone) system and be psychologically devastating. The following explains the importance of body-fat-percentage management and ways to improve your balance.

Forget Calorie Restriction Drastic calorie restriction basically tells the body that you are under siege in some way. This makes the body go into preservation mode, storing calories as fat and using muscle mass as quick energy. Any athlete knows this is not good news for performance or physique. This does not mean we should overeat to prevent muscle wasting, this means we should to eat more of the good stuff, vegetables, legumes, nuts, etc. A latte can amp up the calories of any meal but nutrient-dense foods like kale often lack calories. The idea is to let the body know you are nutritionally sound enough to let go of stored energy, i.e., body fat.

Monitoring Muscle and Fat This is what makes monitoring body fat and muscle-mass percentage an integral part of a weight-loss program. There are several types of devices that can monitor body fat, including scales you stand on barefoot at home and hand-held devices that many gyms have. Even though testing is not always 100% accurate due to varying hydration status or time of day being tested, it is still a rough estimate of muscle and body-fat percentages. While the dreaded calorie is a part of weight management, it need not been the sole focus. What and how we eat should be the focus.

Timing Eating small meals every few hours is the best way to keep blood sugar stable. When blood sugar is unregulated, the body is signaled to store body fat, the opposite of what you want when losing weight. Eating protein and fiber can also make a difference

Chewing

Detoxification Body fat stores a plethora of toxic junk. Think pollution, including foods sprayed with pesticides, impure drinking water and poor air quality. Many of these chemicals are stored in our fat cells. This means when we loose weight and break apart fat cells, we need to address the increased detoxification burden on the body. When the body is burdened with too much sugar, too little movement and chemical overload, a detoxification plan may be a good way to improve a weight loss program. Many detoxification regimens are too low-calorie, again going back to the body fat/muscle mass balance; this is not a good idea. Also, too little protein during a detox can actually stunt the ability of the liver to detoxify the body, the main organ of cleansing in the body. Therefore, a detoxification program should be done with prudence and advice; not all programs are for everyone.

Hormones Several hormones in the body need to work in concert with one another to effectively lose body fat. Thyroid hormones, sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, and stress hormones including cortisol, can put a wrench in weight-loss plans when they are not in sync. It is always a good idea to seek medical advice prior to beginning a weight-loss program. In addition, a hormone screen can provide information that will improve your weight-management program. It can be difficult to know exactly where to begin when it comes to a diet regimen—having a team that can support your goals can be helpful. Naturopathic Doctors are trained to take into account the various aspects of weight management from food choices to hormones. Dr. Ashley Burkman is a board certified licensed naturopathic physician at Connecticut Natural Health Specialists, LLC in Manchester, CT. She is in network with most insurance companies and is now taking new patients. For appointments, please call (860) 533-0179. See ad on page 20. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Manage Stress, Fatigue and Anxiety with Reiki

By Jo Homar

re you looking for a way to manage your stress, fatigue, aches and pains, anxiety, headaches, and loss of interest? Or perhaps you are looking for self-development and personal growth. Reiki may be the answer for you. Reiki is a Japanese word meaning “Universal Life Energy.” “Rei” describes the cosmic, universal aspect of this energy and “ki” means the fundamental life force flowing and pulsating in all living things. Reiki is a natural, simple technique for transferring healing energy from a giver to a receiver. Reiki originated in Tibet, is one of the most ancient healing methods known to mankind, and is finding its way into institutional settings from hospitals to hospice, to workplace settings, and into the everyday mainstream.

What Does Reiki Do? Simply stated, Reiki activates the body’s natural ability to heal itself, and balances the body’s energies. Reiki promotes physical well-being and has a positive effect on your emotional and spiritual equilibrium. You can use it to replenish your vital energy, to

strengthen your immune system, to speed up elimination of toxins, and to ward off disease. Reiki can be used during pregnancy; is appropriate for adults, children, and animals; can be utilized during end-of-life issues to address physical and emotional symptoms and improve quality of life; and can be beneficial pre- and post-surgery. Reiki helps in the healing of ailments and illnesses such as headaches, body tensions, exhaustion, depression and fears. Reiki simultaneously treats the spiritual and mental causes of an illness, not merely the physical symptoms. You can look at Reiki as a means to replace energy which is used up in everyday life. Through the use of Reiki you can bring harmony and well-being into your life.

Reiki and Chakras The Reiki treatment hand positions correspond with the seven main chakras of the body. Each chakra is linked with a certain organ and region of the body and has an influence on its function. Chakras are simply spinning wheels of concentrated energy. Chakras take in, incorporate and emanate energy to keep us functioning at optimal

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levels. Our well-being on all levels can affect and is affected by the chakras and Reiki helps to strengthen the body’s energetic flow to bring back balance and promote well-being on all levels. Each chakra relates back to physical areas of the body as follows. Root Chakra is located at the base of the spine and is associated with the color red. The associated body parts include the bones and skeletal structure, legs, feet, and spine. The main issues in this chakra relate to survival and physical needs, and, when balanced, you enjoy high physical energy, are grounded and healthy. The Sacral Chakra is located in the lower abdomen about two inches below your belly button and is associated with the color orange. The associated body parts include bladder, prostate, womb, sexual organs, circulatory system, and sciatic nerve. This chakra relates to family, relationships, creativity, emotional balance, and sexuality. When balanced you are trusting, expressive, and creative, and attuned to your own feelings. The Solar Plexus Chakra is located between the naval and the base of the sternum, and is associated with the color yellow. This is the area where we hold our secrets and where we push our emotions down by not speaking up. The associated body parts include your digestive system and muscles. The main issues in this chakra relate to your personal power, responsibility, and self will. This is where we identify who we are and our relationship with ourselves. When balanced, you have a respect for yourself and others, are uninhibited and spontaneous. The Heart Chakra is located in the center of the chest and is associated with the color green or pink. The associated body parts include lungs, chest, heart, and circulation. The main issue in this chakra relates to creativity, self-awareness, and beliefs about love and relationships. When balanced, you are nurturing, compassionate and love unconditionally. The Throat Chakra is located at the base of the neck and shares the shoulders and arms with the heart chakra and is associated with the color blue. The associated body parts include the neck, mouth, teeth, and throat. The main issue in this chakra relates to self-expression and communication. When balanced you will find it easy to meditate and are a good communicator. The Third Eye Chakra is located above and between the eyebrows and is associated with the color indigo. The associated body parts include the base of the skull and your eyes, nose, ears. The main issue in this chakra relates to intuition and wisdom. When balanced you will be charismatic, be highly intuitive and not attached to material things. The Crown Chakra is located at the top of the head and is associated with the color gold, white or violet. The associated body parts include the upper skull, skin, central nervous system and cerebral cortex. The main issue in this chakra relates to spirituality and selflessness. When balanced you are at peace with yourself. What to Expect During Treatment: Reiki treatments are done in a safe and caring environment. You can expect your practitioner to talk to you before your treatment to discuss any areas of concern you may have. Reiki treatments are done mostly while lying down fully clothed on a massage table. Treatments can also be done while in the seated position and can be given long distance. Your practitioner will set the healing room to be relaxing with dim lights and relaxing music. You can expect your practitioner to either apply light touch along the chakras or simply hold his or her hand about one inch above your body. At the end of the session your practitioner will do a final balancing, and have a discussion with you about the session.

Five Reiki Principles Just for today, I will not be angry Just for today, I will not worry Just for today, I will be grateful Just for today, I will do my work honestly Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing Jo Homar is owner of Bountiful Blessings, LLC and a practitioner at The Healing in Harmony Center, Glastonbury, CT. She is an Integrated Energy Therapy Master-Instructor, Usui Reiki Master-Teacher, Shangra-La Reiki Practitioner, Spiritual Counselor, Medical Intuitive, and Medium. She can be reached at 860.202.8269, jo@bountifulblessingsct.com or visit her website www.bountifulblessingsct. com. Whether it is releasing old patterns; clearing emotional stored memories; or restoring balance on the physical, spiritual, emotional, or mental level she can meet you where you are in your own process of healing. See ad on page 27.

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Healthy Lifestyle Changes Work…Until they Don’t

iets work, exercise works, any effort made toward a healthy lifestyle works; for exactly as long as you can distract your conscious mind, your belief systems, and your expectations. Once the distraction is gone so is the diet, the exercise, and the healthy lifestyle. Why? Simple answer: Because it does not satisfy you. You do not believe it. If you do not believe you are taller, or shorter, or smarter, or faster, or are satisfied with healthier choices, then you will not be. Belief systems are strong and generally run under the surface of your conscious mind. Diet and weight-loss strategies work for about as long as you can remain focused and interested in the endeavor. Take a moment and think about something you are passionate about and successful in doing. Let’s take gardening for example. If you love to garden, you may take pleasure in planting straight rows, weeding frequently, and appreciating the growth of the plants. Do You Have a Gardening Problem? Chances are you do not have lifelong negative programming about gardening. You probably don’t ‘binge weed’ or ‘binge plant.’ You probably don’t sit in your garden at 10 pm and think about (or try not to think about) relationship problems with your lover or your boss. Gardening activities probably do not numb you out emotionally and you probably do not garden with a sense of despair. For most of us, eating is far more complicated than gardening. The constant attention to weight loss, or the deliberate decision to not focus on weight loss, is often caused by a false or faulty belief system.

Emotional Eating Emotional eating is built into our society on many levels. We gather together for friendship and food. We have meetings at coffee shops and restaurants. We have romantic dinners. What holiday can you think of that does not involve gathering together with food? Obviously there is nothing inherently wrong with eating. There is nothing inherently wrong with gathering with friends and family. It may become an issue when the warmth and love that you feel with social interactions translates into the way you eat. Some of us associate food with loneliness (and you can be lonely in a room full of people). Far too many people eat themselves into sleep (fill your         

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belly as you stare at the television and it seems easier to fall asleep). This is a form of self medication. A person who would never consider drinking alcohol to the point of stupor will eat until they feel full or overfull and then will nod off…night after night after night. Some of us, raised by busy or distracted parents, learned that eating is a way to ‘stuff’ anger, loneliness, or a need for attention. Have you noticed how many children have pacifiers? What is the purpose? Watch a child be vocal and watch how often he or she is offered something to place into the mouth. How often do parents give the child a cookie or a piece of candy when there is simply no time to give the child attention? We have learned very early that putting something in our mouths is often more appropriate than being vocal.

Identifying the Belief System If you are not vocalizing your emotions what are you doing with them? Can a habit learned at 6 months still be implanted and continued at 60 years? Absolutely. There are so many reasons a person would overeat. Boredom, stress, habit; the list is endless. Hypnosis, and specifically regression hypnosis, can take you back to the belief system that habitualizes our eating or exercise routine. The belief system that sabotages your healthy weight may be something you are not aware of. Hypnosis is not a magic bullet, but it can make a difference between a lifetime of dieting and weight loss obsession and having lifelong healthy eating and living habits, which can allow you to focus on many things other than on controlling your eating habits. Hypnosis can assist you in changing your belief patterns about self soothing, self medicating, and self awareness. Weight loss is one of many belief systems that can be changed and result in a happier and healthier lifestyle. Jan Bartrop-Babbitt is a licensed, certified hypnotherapist trained in multiple specialties including addictions and weight loss. Contact her at 860-861-7266 for a free fifteen minute consultation or visit her website at www.dimensions-in-time.com. See ads on page 24, 37.

Westside Chiropractic, LLC Dr. Richard Duenas

Chiropractic Physician • Board Certified Neurologist

Natural Health Care for Family and Friends West Hartford / Hartford 557 Prospect Avenue (860) 523-5833 www.westsidechiropractors.com

The Strange New Face of Diabetes

By Jessica Pizano

ears ago, the only type of diabetes you heard of was type 1 diabetes. This autoimmune disease destroys the beta cells of the pancreas, eliminating the body’s ability to produce insulin. The onset occurred during youth and meant that for the rest of the patient’s life they would have to inject insulin. The disease, was not often discussed since it was not that common. I remember when I was eight years old I went to a friend’s sleep-over birthday party. Her older brother had diabetes and I remember being in awe (feeling like I might be watching something I should not even be around) as he injected himself with insulin. The next day I cautiously told my mother what I had seen and she smiled and explained that he needed those shots and what the disease was. Type 2 diabetes was not really on our radar quite yet. Certainly it was out there, but we called it adult-onset diabetes and type 1 diabetes was simply known as juvenile diabetes. Slowly, through the 1980s, 90s and beyond, the waistline of our nation grew. Along with the large amounts of processed, fried, and high-fructose-corn-syrup laden foods that this nation adores, came a side order of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. This disease no longer is just adult onset diabetes; it now strikes children from a very young age. It would seem that type 2 diabetes has almost taken down our nation’s health. Some cases are certainly clear cut. We know who this describes. Our minds go immediately to a sedentary lifestyle filled with fast food, junk food, and sugary beverages. We see a person who is incredibly heavy, perhaps even morbidly obese. And yet, this does not describe everyone out there suffering from type 2 diabetes. So, you might ask, how do we explain the person who is a normal weight or perhaps just slightly overweight, who eats a healthy diet, exercises regularly, and shuns sugary foods?

encodes this enzyme and the GAD2-243G (rs2236418) variant is highly related to weight gain and obesity. So what do GAD problems actually look like? Well, let’s start with the first type of case. This person starts off average weight or maybe just a little overweight. Their diet is probably okay, maybe even very good. Yet they seem to struggle with elevated blood glucose levels. Their doctor will warn them to exercise more, eat better, and lose any excess weight. Perhaps they follow the doctor’s advice (given to ward off type 2 diabetes) or perhaps they do not make all of the changes because they were already living a healthy lifestyle. Confused, they watch as their blood sugars elevate no matter what they do. The doctor gets very concerned and may run a hemoglobin A1C level (the average of blood sugar over approximately 120 days) to see whether it has become elevated.

When Medication Doesn’t Help – Diabetes 1.5 Of course, since blood sugars have been elevated for some time this patient will be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and will most likely be put on medication (such as Metformin) for the disease. The patient takes the medication without fail, hoping that this will make all of the difference. Unfortunately, his or her body does not respond and glucose levels continue to soar. Eventually the problem gets so bad that s/he can no longer make insulin at all. Sounds strange, right? Type 2 diabetics should be overproducing insulin and have just lost their sensitivity to the hormone. This is what has become known in functional medicine circles as diabetes

GAD65 The answer to the question requires a mechanism that may be different from the typical type 1 and type 2 diabetes profiles. There are two case scenarios that I have seen, but both relate to an enzyme in the body called glutamate decarboxylase 65 (GAD65). This enzyme is responsible for taking the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate and converting it into the calming neurotransmitter GABA. For a long time we knew that this enzyme was connected to anxiety problems. What most people do not know is that this enzyme also works in the pancreas and is intimately related to the release of insulin in the beta cells of the pancreas. The GAD2 gene www.NaturalNutmeg.com

type 1.5. What has happened is that something triggered an autoimmune response towards the GAD65 enzyme. As the body slowly loses its ability to produce insulin, blood glucose levels sky rocket. This disease will now require daily injections of insulin to keep sugar levels at an acceptable level. The clinical difference in the case is not only the presence of autoantibodies to GAD65, but the extremely low levels of insulin.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis However, if caught early enough, those with the autoantibodies who are still able to produce insulin could be saved from the complete destruction of their insulin-making ability. Simply working to create a balanced immune system and control autoimmune triggers (such as allergens, infections, stress, gluten, dairy and other food sensitivities) can go a long way in preventing this autoimmune cascade from ultimately destroying a person’s ability to produce insulin.

Doctors Might Scratch their Heads

have an average to healthy lifestyle. They may be of normal weight or slightly overweight. They are also not the typical type 2 diabetes profile. As the person ages there is a slight increase in fasting blood glucose levels. Levels should ideally be between 85-99 mg/dL. In this population we see levels creep up to between 101-120 mg/dL. In order to be considered diabetic, levels are generally expected to be above 126 mg/dL. Again, most doctors are scratching their head since this person does not seem to make medical sense. The doctor may even think that the patient is exaggerating about his or her healthy lifestyle. Perhaps the exercise program is not so regular and the diet not so perfect? What the doctor may not know is that it is possible to have a genetic polymorphism (genetic change or mutation) to the GAD2 gene that encodes the GAD65 enzyme. Functionally, this person does not have the capacity to make sufficient insulin. Here we would find slightly elevated blood glucose levels (though not to diabetic levels), a slightly elevated hemoglobin A1C, and slightly low insulin levels.

The next case is less extreme in its presentation. This person again will generally

Diet, Adrenals, and Supplements What can be done for this person? Dietary changes to help keep blood glucose levels under control can go a long way. Similarly, keeping the adrenals under control so that they do not over secrete the stress hormone cortisol can be part of the puzzle as well. Certainly, supplying minerals such as chromium and vanadium that help control blood glucose levels might also help.

Nutrigenomics Yet, the blood sugars will often remain elevated. The reason is that we have yet to address the genetics, a process called nutrigenomics. Many practitioners will simply recommend the metabolized version of vitamin B6, pyridoxal-5-phosphate, to help with GAD65. This vitamin is certainly a necessary piece of the puzzle since it aids the GAD enzyme by serving as its required cofactor. However, we never find one single genetic change in a person. There are always many. For this reason, you must look at the intersection of key metabolic cycles including the methylation, urea, neurotransmitter, detoxification and transulfation pathways. A program that meets the individuals unique genetic and nutritional needs, together with addressing any symptoms that may be present, can then be put together to help improve their health. Jessica Pizano is the owner of Fit to You, LLC, which offers personalized training programs and nutrition/health counseling. Her concentrations include weight loss, food allergies/sensitivities, post-rehabilitative work, training/nutrition for medical conditions, obesity intervention, pre- and postnatal exercise and nutrition, general fitness and Pilates. A certified personal trainer and a corrective exercise specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, she is also certified in mat Pilates through PHI Pilates and earned her Clinical Exercise Specialist and Longevity Wellness Specialist through the American Council on Exercise. She completed her training to practice Health Coaching at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and is certified as a holistic health practitioner through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. She is currently completing a master’s degree in human nutrition at the University of Bridgeport. Jessica practices personal training and health counseling in her studio in Avon. See ad on page 9.

Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2014

The Secret in Room No. 9

or fifteen years I had carried around an article that I read in Yankee Magazine about The Waybury Inn and the Robert Frost room hoping to someday stay in that room. It finally happened this past June and was everything I imagined it to be and more. As I read this excerpt from the Yankee Magazine article written by Douglas Anderson, I was immediately intrigued by the story. “Nobody remembers when the desk first came to the Waybury Inn. The East Middlebury, Vermont landmark has been in continuous operation since 1810, so it’s a good bet that the desk, with its fold-out writing surface and dozens of small drawers and crannies, has been there for decades. For many years the desk sat quietly in the inn’s Room 9, the honeymoon suite. No doubt most newlyweds paid little attention to it, their energy focused on other things. But one couple took the time to explore the quirky antique, and their curiosity was rewarded with the discovery of a slender secret drawer, in plain view though cunningly disguised as a bit of fretwork. To commemorate the moment, the bride dashed off a note and inserted it into the secret compartment: ‘June 27, 1987. On this day Julie M. Hughes married Michael Southwick in Middlebury. VT. We spent our wedding night here. We hope you enjoyed your stay here and leave a note, as we have, for others to find in this secret drawer of the grand ol’ desk.’ Thus began the romantic and very quiet tradition of the secret drawer in Room 9. Only those lucky enough to stay in this particular room – and clever enough to discover the secret drawer – have been aware of the custom.

In time, over 200 eloquent and sometimes deeply personal messages would be left in the room. They now reside in a side table with a fliptop box compartment, waiting to be savored by a new generation of guests. The writing is by turns passionate, philosophical, comic, and profound.” I thought to myself at the time, “I have to stay in that room some day and read all these letters.” On a beautiful, late spring day in June, I arrived at the Waybury Inn. The owner, Joe Sutton, told me that not only does the Inn have quite a history due to the secret box, but the Inn was depicted in the

Bob Newhart show. In the show, Bob and his wife decide to leave their hectic life in New York City and buy a beautiful inn in Vermont. Show producers thought that the Inn captured the essence of the Vermont experience. The Inn’s accommodations, elegant dining room, casual pub, and beautiful setting continue to make it a popular destination for intimate dinners, family gatherings, weddings and receptions of all kind. The Inn sits at the base of the Green Mountain National Forest, with a nicely paved road that runs in front and slowly climbs the mountain, curving along the

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Middlebury River and twisting its way through the little village of Ripton. The road travels by the Spirit in Nature hiking trails and then past the Robert Frost Interpretive trail before heading up to Middlebury College’s Breadloaf campus, famous for its summer language school. In the winter, the Breadloaf campus is converted into Rikert Ski Center, a beautiful nordic skiing venue, with miles of groomed trails and lots of space for quality snowshoeing. All of this is on a great 15 mile stretch of road which starts at the Waybury Inn. Anyone with the slightest interest in the great outdoors can stay captivated for days. If hiking, biking, fly fishing, snowshoeing, cross country or downhill skiing are in your area of interest, there is not a better 15 mile stretch to explore. But let’s get to the reason I was there! As I read through random handfuls of notes and letters, even a first anniversary card, I was encouraged and delighted to see the promise of new love and the everlasting love between those passing through for anniversaries.

Here are a few excerpts: “The recipe that my wife and I have discovered that has made our lives to this point one happy and fulfilling main course: First and all important make sure you’re ready for the lifelong commitment of marriage to the person you have chosen; second make sure you maintain open lines of communication, no topic should be off limits;

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third don’t be in a rush to turn old together, stay boyfriend and girlfriend as long as you can; add some sugar and spice; make sure you spend quality time together; and once all ingredients are in place, mix them up with a lot of love, hugs and kisses.” “I am alone with your breath, soothed by your touch, and eased by your body.” “Our story has only a beginning. The story of us was a chance meeting late one night. It seems to have been meant to be. Our destiny, should you believe in such a thing? Time passed and before I was truly aware of all that had happened, I found myself very deeply in love with this man. He has a heart and soul that can only be found among the pages of a romance novel. This is the man that we girls dream about. And he’s here with me, next to me, making love to me, holding my hand, keeping me close. I don’t know what will happen after we leave today. I do know that the story of us began for a reason, and now it’s time to trust what is meant to be will be. He owns my heart, he lives in my soul, to be continued. Always and forever, K.” The Robert Frost Suite, or Room No. 9 offers a sitting area, four poster king bed and a bath with shower and jacuzzi. It’s decorated in rich red and chocolate tones. The Inn has a total of 15 rooms all of which are beautifully decorated with cozy and luxurious furnishings. They are implementing some nice ecofriendly practices like providing leftovers to farms, and encouraging guests to reuse towels. They buy local as often as they can for the restaurant, which offers fresh, innovative New England cuisine made with Vermont farmraised products. Beyond the elegant dinner service and exceptional pub fare for which they are so well known, the chefs at the Waybury Inn also cater to special events including weddings, rehearsal dinners, business retreats and après ski parties. The Waybury Inn is a special and romantic place, one that will never be forgotten. If you have the chance to stay in Room No. 9, plan on spending some time exploring the letters in the side table and see if you can find the secret box which still contains a few letters of its own. For more information, visit www.wayburyinn.com.

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2014

Michele Welcome - Owner 3x Figure Pro

HAPPENINGS

November/December 2014 Saturday, November 1st

Sunday, November 2nd

Order Your Organic Thanksgiving Turkey. deadline Nov 4. All-Natural turkeys will be available for pre-order through Nov 4. Thyme & Season, 3040 Whitney Av, Hamden 06518. 203-407-8128 x2; ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com.

Women’s Empowerment Meditation. 10am. – 12noon. $25. This guided meditation is specifically designed to the energy of the group. We invite in our angels and guides to help us release those things that keep us stuck. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Free Reiki Healing Session at Thyme & Season. 11 – 3, Bi-Monthly: Tranquil Healing Reiki provided by Usui Reiki Master Anita Jones. First & 3rd Saturday of Every Month! Free, No reservation. Thyme & Season Natural Market, 3040 Whitney Ave, RT 10, Mt. Carmel, Hamden, 203-407-8128. No reservation. Shangra-La Reiki for Reiki Practitioners, Masters and Teachers with Dan Lupacchino. 9:30am – 6pm. $200.00. You will connect with the Ascended Masters and create a specific connection to Saint Germain. Through deep meditations for light body upgrades, working with the Masters and Angels and the Rays of Healing, you will be initiated into your own quest of personal ascension and planetary healing. Pre-requisite is Usui Reiki II. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

IN-2-IT Kids – Praying in Color. 1pm. – 2pm. $15.00. This workshop will teach kids a prayer form that will open their creative channels and teach them to pray. Using simple drawing shapes and writing, they will learn how to make a deeper connection with Spirit. No drawing ability required. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com. Gathering of Healers with Dan Lupacchino. 3pm – 5pm. $20. A Gathering place for healing practitioners to share, socialize and recharge. As healers, we are often so focused on caring for others that we neglect ourselves. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Single Women Pursuing Parenthood Brunch. 10:30 am - 12pm. Single Mothers by Choice and Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT) are hosting an event together for single women to explore their options, available resources and community support. Spencer Richlin, MD, Partner, Lead Physician of Single Moms To Be at RMACT; Lisa Schuman, LCSW, Director of Psychological Services, RMACT; Jane Mattes, LCSW, Founder of Single Mothers By Choice. Even Hotel Norwalk, 426 Main Avenue, Norwalk. RSVP: To register, please call Cori at 203-7507492 or email: RSVP@rmact.com and enter “11/2 event” in the subject line. The event is free, but registration is required. Brunch will be served.

Tuesday, November 4th Dare to be Different. 6:30pm – 8:30pm. $45.00. Are you feeling stuck? Challenge yourself to make radical changes in the way you respond to life. Understand why you are stuck, why you stay there and how to get unstuck. Insanity is making the same decisions and expecting different results. Attend this workshop and dare to be different! Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

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HAPPENINGS Wednesday, November 5th Student Medium’s Night. 6:30pm – 8pm. Love donation. Have a reading from one of our gifted student readers. Don’t let the word student confuse you as they are well versed in the art of message delivery. These nights allow them to practice their mediumship and for you to receive guidance. Sessions are 15-minutes each. No appointments. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. For more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, November 8th Psychic Saturday. 10am – 4pm. $25.00 for a 20-minute reading. Receive a private reading to connect you to guidance from your angels, spirit guides and loved ones. Check the web site for Readers. Pre-scheduling is highly recommended. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To pre-schedule an appointment, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Free QiGong class. 5:30-6:30pm. Calm your mind and energize your body with deep breathing and slow, flowing movements of ancient Chinese healing exercises. Integrative Wellness and Physical Therapy, 34 Jerome Avenue, Suite 305, Bloomfield. (860)519-1916. Info@IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com. www. IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com.

Sacred Geometry with Crystals with Lisa Wilson. 9am – 6pm. $195.00. Through a series of guided meditations, learn how to build the shapes around you so that you can experience their healing vibration and lock them into your energy field. We use the physical vehicles of your crystal sacred geometry set (included in class) to enhance and capture the vibration created through the energy of the class. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Thursday, November 6th

Saturday, November 8th

Scoliosis Treatment with the use of the Alexander Technique at Thyme & Season: Free Health Talk. 7pm. Ms. Michaela HauserWagner, certified AT. Thyme & Season, 3040 Whitney Av, RT. 10, Mt. Carmel section of Hamden. 06518. 203-407-8128 x2; ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com. No reservation, Coupon to all.

Reiki I with Jo Homar. 9:30am – 4pm. $130. Attune to the universal energy in this Level I Usui Reiki class. Participants will learn traditional hand positions, how to give a full body session and receive attunements to the universal Reiki energy for self-healing and healing others. Participants receive a manual, book and certificate. Held at Bountiful Blessings, LLC, 1177 Silas Deane Highway, 3rd Floor, Wethersfield. To register call 860.202.8269 or visit www.bountifulblessingsct.com.

Friday, November 7th Open House. 5pm – 7pm. Free. Celebrate our new location. Jo Homar has moved her Spiritual Growth and Healing Center to Wethersfield. Her new Center allows for workshops, certification teachings, meditations, energy healings and mediumship readings. Stop by for fellowship and to see our new Center. Check out our website for upcoming events and workshops. Held at Bountiful Blessings, LLC, 1177 Silas Deane Highway, 3rd Floor, Wethersfield. For information call 860.202.8269 or visit www. bountifulblessingsct.com. Meet your Angels and Guides with Priscilla Bengtson. 6:30pm – 9pm. $50.00. Receiving spiritual guidance is easier when you understand who you are connecting with. During this workshop you will learn about your primary spiritual guides and guardian angels. Through meditation, we will meet them and receive information from them on how they would like to work with you. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Free Shiatsu Massage at Thyme & Season. 11 – 1 with massage therapist Janet Fall. Free, No reservation. Thyme & Season Natural Market, 3040 Whitney Ave, Rt. 10, MT. Carmel, Hamden. 203-407-8128. No reservation,

Sunday, November 9th Vegan Tasting Day at Thyme & Season. 11 – 3pm. 7th Annual event, a time to discover alternative products, meet vendors, receive samples and enjoy tastings. Lots of info. Vegan = no meat, no eggs, no dairy, no animal products of any kind. It’s healthful and fun! Thyme & Season, 3040 Whitney Av, Rt. 10, Mt. Carmel section of Hamden 06518. 203-4078128 x2; ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket. com.

Natural Nutmeg -November/December November/December2014 2014

Integrated Energy Therapy (IET)® Basic Level with Dan Lupacchino and Christine Cartwright. 9:30 am – 6pm. $195.00. Learn IET® and attune to a powerful angelic energy ray that activates your 12-strand Spiritual DNA and then learn to heartlink to the energy of your angels and use their energy for healing. Fully illustrated training guide and certificate provided. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

Tuesday, November 11th An Otherworld Journey: Healing with Ancestral Spirits. 6:30pm. – 8:30pm. $45. Learn how to journey to the Lower World to ask your power animal to bring you to meet and work with helping ancestral spirits from your maternal and paternal family lines. This workshop requires prior participation in An Otherworld Journey: Meeting your Power Animal or an established relationship with a power animal. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, November 12th Healing in Harmony Night. 5pm. – 7pm. Free. Stop by the center for a Free healing service. Participants will sit individually with a healer and receive an 8 – 10 minute healing. No reservation required. You will be served in the order in which you enter the center. The healing services are offered one night each month. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. For more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com. Chakras with Jo Homar. 6:30pm – 8pm. $40. Join us for an evening of balancing your energy centers which are called chakras. This chakra balancing workshop will give you an understanding of your chakra system, what they are, what they do, and how they connect to certain emotions and physical ailments. A guided meditation will assist you in balancing your energy system. Held at Bountiful Blessings, LLC, 1177 Silas Deane Highway, 3rd Floor, Wethersfield. To register call 860.202.8269 or visit www.bountifulblessingsct.com.

Thursday, November 13th Family Care-Giving for a Loved One with Dementia. Free Health Talk. 7pm. Ms. Patricia Vener-Saavedra, long-time primary family care-giver. Avoid & recover from debilitating isolation and being overwhelmed. Thyme & Season, 3040 Whitney Av, Rt. 10, Mt. Carmel section of Hamden 06518. 203-407-8128 x2; ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com.

Saturday, November 15th

Thursday, November 20th

Wednesday, November 26th

Free Reiki Healing Session. 11 – 3pm. Tranquil Healing Reiki provided by Usui Reiki Master Anita Jones. First & 3rd Saturday of Every Month! Free, No reservation. Thyme & Season Natural Market, 3040 Whitney Ave, Rt 10, Mt. Carmel, Hamden. 203-407-8128. No reservation.

The Bowen Technique: deep level healing of stress, anxiety & pain. Free Health Talk 7pm. Ms. Leslie Amatruda, Licensed Massage Therapist. Thyme & Season, 3040 Whitney Av, Rt. 10, Mt. Carmel section of Hamden 06518. 203-407-8128 x2; ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com.

Psychic Fair with Jo Homar. 10am – 1pm. $20 for 15 minute reading. Receive guidance from your angels, guides and loved ones in spirit. Pre-scheduling is available or walk-in. If you’ve never had a mediumship reading before and want to know what it is all about, this is a great way to start. Held at Bountiful Blessings, LLC, 1177 Silas Deane Highway, 3rd Floor, Wethersfield. To pre-schedule an appointment call 860.202.8269 or visit www.bountifulblessingsct.com.

Contract with the Universe Online Workshop. With Colleen Morgan. 7-9pm with Remote Cord Clearing on November 19th-99:30pm-$99. Learn how to send a very powerful message to the Universe by creating a contract that states your intentions in a clear way that will be heard and responded to. It’s time to enter into the direct relationship with Source and quit taking the long way to Paradise! The cord clearing releases karmic ties. To register or learn more: www.thespiritoflight.org.

Home Message Circle. 6:30pm – 8pm. $15.00. The session is open to anyone who wishes to practice their mediumship message delivery in a group. Your ability doesn’t matter as we are all here to get some practice and learn from each other. A group facilitator will help you stay on track with your message if needed. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Monday, November 17th

Friday, November 21st

Healing Angels of the Energy Field with Jo Homar. 6:30pm – 8:30pm. $100 (two-nights). This two-part class is for anyone who loves angels and/or healing practitioners who would like to increase their angel consciousness. By learning how to call upon the Integrated Energy Therapy® Healing Angels, you will be able to understand how each one represents a divine quality that touches one’s soul and spirit. Workbook & Certificate provided. The second night of this class is on Monday, November 24. Held at Bountiful Blessings, LLC, 1177 Silas Deane Highway, 3rd Floor, Wethersfield. To register call 860.202.8269 or visit www.bountifulblessingsct.com.

Gallery Night. 6:30pm – 8:30pm. $45. Enjoy an intimate evening of learning about angels and guides and experiencing intuitive readings with medium and certified Angel Therapy Practitioner®, Priscilla Bengtson. Everyone in attendance will receive a message. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Tuesday, November 18th Using Guidance Cards and Automatic Writing to Connect with the Angels. 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $45.00. Using Guidance cards you will learn how to prepare the cards for use for readings, do a variety of spreads and how to give a reading for yourself or someone else. We will also explore Automatic Writing, the process of writing material that does not come from the conscious thoughts of the writer. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, November 19th Art of Inspired Wellbeing with Barbara Evans. 6:30pm – 8:30pm. $35.00. Feel uplifted and inspired as you experience the beautiful energies of Barbara’s own high vibrational art, crystals and the healing sounds of crystal singing bowls; they all interweave perfectly to immerse you in Love and Joy. The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, November 22nd Spiritual Counselor Certificate Program. Also Sunday, Nov. 23rd. 9:30am – 6pm. $300.00 (financial assistance and payment plan available). This course is designed for people who are being called to service and ministry. Participants will earn how to assist people in moving past sticking points in their lives and help them view life from a higher, spiritual perspective. The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Tuesday, November 25th Crystal Healing Meditation with Christine Cartwright. 6:30pm – 9pm. $50. Accelerate your spiritual growth by learning about the Chakra system, corresponding crystals and related Ascended Masters. Feel the power of the crystals and your Ascended Masters during a guided meditation as they work in unison to provide additional physical, emotional, mental and spiritual healing. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, November 29th Printing Sacred Prayer Offerings. 10:30-4pm. Monoprinting imagery in the seasonal spirit of gifting to yourself and others. Guided meditation, breath awareness and simple chanting help our mind & heart become quiet and open prior to creating. No previous art experience needed! Facilitated by Elisabeth Moss BFA Certified Expressive Art Facilitator. To register Call 860-550-0882. 12 Old Farms Rd. Avon, CT, 06001. www.elisabethmoss.com. Spiritual Spa Day. 9:30am – 6pm. $120.00. This 90-minute treatment is specifically tailored with YOU in mind. Your package includes a 30-minute Psychic/Mediumship Reading; a 30-minute channeled Energy Healing, and a 30-minute Massage. Receive guidance and support to strengthen your spirit, mind and body. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To pre-schedule your appointment, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Sunday, November 30th Integrated Energy Therapy (IET®) Basic Level with Jo Homar. 9:30pm – 4pm. $195. IET training classes are powerful days of self-healing and energy therapy certification training. You will be attuned to a powerful angelic energy ray that activates your 12-strand Spiritual DNA and then learn to heartlink to the energy of your angels and use their energy for healing. Fully illustrated training guide and certificate provided. Held at Bountiful Blessings, LLC, 1177 Silas Deane Highway, 3rd Floor, Wethersfield. To register call 860.202.8269 or visit www.bountifulblessingsct.com.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

HAPPENINGS

ONGOING Mondays Meditate Through The Madness. 6pm. Hosted by Torin Lee-Lewis. Call to confirm attendance 860-467-6518. Fee: $10 Oneida Holistic Health Center 16 West Rd Marlborough, CT www.theocenter.net. Transforming Life’s Transitions. 6:30- 8pm. 8 week women’s therapy group meeting every other Monday. Cost $45 per session (insurance accepted). Life is full of change....loss, empty nest, changes in employment, relationship status, etc. How do we flow through these waves of change? What opportunities are there for us as we experience these often difficult transitions? In a safe supportive group of women we will explore these and other questions. Facilitated by Kathleen Zecchin, MA, LPC Crossroads Wellness Center, 10 Crossroads Plaza, West Hartford. To register call 860-3064199 or kzecchin22@yahoo.com.

Tuesdays Acupuncture Happy Hours. 12-5pm. $30 minute sessions for $30.Community acupuncture in a small group setting. Dr. Miller uses points below the knees and elbows so just remove your shoes and socks, roll up your pant legs and sleeves and balance your body, mind and spirit. Call 860-467-6518 or visit www.theocenter.net to reserve your spot. Oneida Holistic Health Center 16 West Rd Marlborough, CT. Relaxation Break. 12-6pm. Treat yourself to a relaxing or therapeutic Chair Massage. $1 per minute. You decide how long. Walk-ins welcomed. Reservations accepted. Call 860-467651o or visit www.theocenter.net to reserve your spot. Oneida Holistic Health Center 16 West Rd Marlborough, CT. Hyperbaric Oxygen Club Support Group at C4PT. 7pm. Cost is free. The benefits of Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen are far reaching. This Therapy raises the levels of oxygen in the blood plasma, resulting in higher amounts of oxygen delivered to the tissues, organs, & brain. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy appears to be effective at restoring cell function to tissue everywhere in the body—including the brain (stroke & TBI). We discuss the many benefits and learn how to use our self-serve unit. Please call Jim Cowles at 860 649 9600, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Club Manager| more info a www.C4PT.org See us in the Library at C4PT 192 Hartford Rd Manchester, CT 06040

Women’s Empowerment Group. First Tuesday of Every Month. 6-7:20pm. Come gather with like-minded women who are motivated to raise their consciousness. Drawing from the law of attraction, mediation, and life coaching techniques, you will deepen your connection to who you truly are, experience powerful meditations, set intentions for your life, and evolve consciously. Limited seating. To register, please call: 860-707-0908 or email: kristen@ balancedlivingnow.com 36 Chamberlain Highway, Berlin. 06037. $20.00 suggested donation Yoga. 6pm. Yoga classes. $7. Center for Progressive Therapies, 192 Hartford Road. Manchester, CT 06040, 860-649-9600, programs@ c4pt.org, www.c4pt.org. Community style Acupuncture. Sustainable Health & Wellness offers community-style acupuncture at just $20-25/session. Community acupuncture is offered every Tuesday and Thursday, and appointments can be requested online at www.SustainableHW.com.

Wednesdays Chakradance at C4PT. 7:30pm. $5 class startup special for November! This is a small group dance (limited to 12) of Body Freeing Meditative Music. Designed to Connect Imagination, Feelings Senses & to Explore. Chakradance is a dance for healing & self-discovery. Blending free-flowing movements with particular frequencies of sound, Chakradance will free the energy in your body & open you to a deeper experience of life. Come & explore. Have Fun. Find meaning. Let go. Contact Barbara (certified instructor) at See us in the Yoga Studio at C4PT 192 Hartford Rd Manchester, CT 06040 860-836-6665 info; www.C4PT.org www. chakradance.com. Artmaking& Spiritual Practice – Hundreds of Ways To Kneel and Kiss the Ground. 5:45-8:30pm. $220. Drop ins welcome $40. Creative expression in this 6 week class, flows from an intuitive inner voice; inviting surprise, exploration & joy. Paint, collage, drawing materials & mono printing are used. No previous art experience needed! Facilitated by Elisabeth Moss BFA Certified Expressive Art Facilitator. To register Call 860-550-0882. 12 Old Farms Rd. Avon, CT 06001. www.elisabethmoss.com. Coffee With The Coach. 7am. Facilitated by Life Coach Torin Lee-Lewis. Learn ways to handle stress, navigate change and make each day count. Refreshments provided. Please call 860-467-6518 to confirm attendance each week. Fee: $10 Oneida Holistic Health Center 16 West Rd Marlborough, CT. www.theocenter.net.

Natural NaturalNutmeg Nutmeg November/December - November/December2014 2014

Thursdays Thyme & Season Free Talks. Thursdays, 7pm through Nov 20th. 32nd Series of Wellness Outreach Health Talks. Sept 4, Dr. James Sensenig: Cranial Sacral issues; Sept 11, Dr. Lindsay Chimileski: Infertility; Oct 2, Dr. Matthew Robinson: Celiac & Gluten Free Eating and Gluten Free Shopping ‘til 9pm. Free Reiki Massage Sat Sept 6 & 20 11am-3pm. Always: Free Nutrition Counseling with Certified Nutrition Counselor Linda Myers, M-F 9-5. Thyme & Season Natural Market, 3040 Whitney Ave, Hamden. 06518. 203-407-8128 x2. www. ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com. Community style Acupuncture. Sustainable Health & Wellness offers community-style acupuncture at just $20-25/session. Community acupuncture is offered every Tuesday and Thursday, and appointments can be requested online at www.SustainableHW.com.

Fridays Low-cost Naturopathic Medical Visits at Sustainable Health & Wellness. Sustainable Health runs Community Naturopathic Clinic on the 2nd Friday of each month, from 10a – 2p. Call 860-217-1171 for details or to make an appointment. The center is located upstairs in the Mill at 2 Tunxis Road, Tariffville (historic Simsbury). Walk-ins are also welcome. Dr. Dana Lapointe, along other ProNatural member physicians, holds the clinic monthly. At $50, the visit cost is around the cost of a typical insurance specialist copay. Relaxation Break, 10-6pm.Treat yourself to a relaxing or therapeutic Chair Massage. $1 per minute. You decide how long. Walk-ins welcomed. Reservations accepted. Call 860-467651o or visit Oneida Holistic Health Center 16 West Rd Marlborough, CT. Yoga. 6:00pm. $7 ,Center for Progressive Therapies,192 Hartford Road. Manchester, CT 06040, 860-649-9600, programs@c4pt.org, www.c4pt.org. Nutrition for Health, Weight Loss & Diabetes at C4PT. 7pm. Cost - $10.00. Learn What to Consume, What to Avoid & Necessary Supplementation for a HEALTHY Diabetes changing & Cancer Free Life & how to avoid Inflammation, the aging response. Janice Messino facilitates this series who has earned a master’s degree from The Graduate Institute; integrative health & healing with a focus on nutrition. Call 860 871 4470 more info at www.C4PT.org

Saturdays Yoga. 10:30am. $7 ,Center for Progressive Therapies,192 Hartford Road. Manchester, CT 06040, 860-649-9600, programs@c4pt.org, www.c4pt.org.

ACUPUNCTURE Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND, LAc. Dipl. NCCAOM 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037 860) 829-0707 • www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com. See ad on page 25. Mayflower Acupuncture, LLC Chinese Medicine services and herbs Steve Paine, OMD, L.Ac., Ginger Harris, L.Ac. 536 Hopmeadow Street. Simsbury, CT 06070 860-413-2118 • www.mayfloweracupuncture.com Sophia Natural Health Center Kenneth Hoffman, L.Ac., CCH 31 Old Route 7, Brookfield, CT 06804. (203) 740-9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.com

ALLERGY TREATMENT Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037 860) 829-0707 www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 25

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

CHIROPRACTIC Westside Chiropractic 557 Prospect Avenue, West Hartford,CT (860) 523-5833 • westsidechiropractors.com See ad on page 33.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY Constance Jones - Colon Hydrotherapy Center for Progressive Therapies 192 Hartford Road, Manchester, CT 06040 860.287.4558. www.cleanmycolon.com

DENTISTRY The Canaan Gentle Dentle & Implant Center Dr. Thomas Livingstone 3 Railroad St. North Canaan, CT (860)824-0751 • www.livingstonedental.com See ad on page 14.

DENTISTRY Dr. Steven Hinchey 2249 New London Turnpike South Glastonbury, CT. (860) 633-6518 www.dentistryfordiabetics.com/drhinchey See ad on page 15.

FELDENKRAIS Margo Hennebach, GCFP, GSM(MT) Sound Moves Studio, Bloomfield, CT 860-206-2746 • www.margohennebach. com. Specializing in voice, musicians, chronic pain.

FINANCIAL PLANNING Conscious Capital Wealth Management, LLC Lawrence Ford 381 Hubbard St. ste. 300, Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860) 6598299 • Lford@consciouscapitalwm.com www.consciouscapitalwm.com See ad on page 8.

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

HOLISTIC CENTERS Integrative Wellness and Physical Therapy 35 Jerome Ave, Bloomfield, CT 06002 (860) 519-1916 info@IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com See ad on page 2.

HYPNOSIS Diane Bahr-Groth, C. Hy., TFT, Dir. 1177 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT. (203)595-0110 • mindbodytransformation.com See ad on page 25.

RESOURCES HYPNOSIS Mind Matters Hypnosis Center Lisa Zaccheo, MA, BCH, BCI Board Certified Hypnotist & Instructor 12 Waterside Court, Avon, CT 06001 (860)693-6448 • MindMatters@comcast.net www.mindmattershypnosis.com See ad on page 20. Michele P. Rousseau, MA, CH 267 William Street, Middletown, CT 06457 860-704-9054 • mprousseau@sbcglobal.net www.micheleprousseau.com

INTEGRATIVE HOLISTIC PSYCHIATRY David London, MD 567 Vauxhall St. Ext. #218, Waterford, CT (860) 443-5822 - davidlondonmd.com See ad on page 27.

LIFE COACH PEAK Results Coaching Jeff Forte, CSIC, CME 2389 Main St., Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860)633-8555 • peakresultscoaching.com See ad on page 11. Balanced Living Now Kristen Werblow, M.A., CPC 36 Chamberlain Highway, Berlin, CT 06037 (860)707-0908 • kristen@balancedlivingnow.com www.balancedlivingnow.com See ad on page 26.

MASSAGE All About You Massage Therapy, LLC Cindy Strickland, LMT 396 Lewis Hill Road, Coventry, CT 06238 www.allaboutyoumassagetherapy.net (860)742-5285 • (860)573-6526 CT Lic#006649. Member: AMTA & NCBTMB Elisabeth Moss 12 Old Farms Rd, Avon, CT 06001 860.550.0882 www.elisabethmoss.com elisabethmossart@gmail.com

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE CT Natural Health Specialists Lauren Young, ND, Ashley Burkman, ND & Tonya Pasternak, ND 315 E. Center St., Manchester, CT (860) 533-0179 • www.ctnaturalhhealth.com See ad on page 20.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com 41 NaturalNutmeg.com 41

RESOURCES NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE Debra Gibson, ND 100 Danbury Road, Ste. 102 Ridgefield, CT 06877 • (203)431-4443 See ad on page 34. Kensington Naturopathic Medical Center Dr. Ann Aresco 355 New Britain Rd, Kensington, CT (860) 829-0707 • drannaresco@comcast.net kensingtonnaturopathic.com See ad on page 25. 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

NUTRITION

SCHOOLS

Holcare Nutrition Vicki Kobliner MS RD 3 Hollyhock Lane, Suite 2A, Wilton, CT 06897 203-834-9949 • www.holcarenutrition.com See ads on page 20.

The Graduate Institute Leslie Cahill, Director of Admissions & Recruitment. (203) 874-4252 • www.learn.edu See ad on page 6.

Complimentary Nutrition Counseling. Thyme & Season Natural Market. Mon Fri 9 - 5 with Certified Nutrition Counselor Linda Myers. 3040 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Call 203.407.8128 x2. Email: Supplements.Thyme@gmail.com. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com. And, at our new sister store The Common Bond Market. Complimentary Nutrition Counseling Tues, Wed & Thurs 9–12 with Dr. Elise Panza, ND. 40 Huntington St., Shelton. 203-513-8200. TheCommonBondMarket.com.

PHYSICIANS, M.D.

Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND, LAc. 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037 860) 829-0707 • www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 25.

Natural Health & Healing, LLC Deanna M. Cherrone, MD 61 S. Main St, Ste 210, West Hartford, CT (860) 677-4600 • naturalhealthandhealing.net See ad on back cover.

The Wellness Institute Marvin Schweitzer, ND 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT (203) 847-2788 See ad on page 30.

Tamara Sachs, MD Functional Medicine & Integrative Care 15 Bennitt St., New Milford, CT (860) 354-3304 • www.tsachsmd.intranets.com

West Hartford Naturopathic Medicine Frank Aieta, ND 301 N. Main St., West Hartford, CT (860) 232-9662 • www.DRAIETA.com See ad on page 25.

Optimal Health Medical, LLC Henry C. Sobo, M.D. 111 High Ridge Rd. ,Stamford, CT 06905 203-348-8805 • www.drsobo.com

ProNatural Physicians Group LLC 355 New Britain Road Kensington, CT 06037 • 860-505-0702 www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 25.

PSYCHOTHERAPY

ProNatural Members Dr. Ann Aresco 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037 P: 860-829-0707 • F: 860-829-0606 E: draresco@comcast.net • See ad on page 25. Dr. Ginger Nash 260 Amity Rd. Woodbridge, CT 06525 203.777.7911 • Fax: 203.777.7796 drgingernash@gmail.com Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND, LAc. Dipl. NCCAOM 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, Ct. 06037. 860) 829-0707 www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 25.

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

RELATIONSHIP COACH PEAK Results Coaching Jeff Forte, CSIC, CME • Relationship Coach 2389 Main St., Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860)633-8555 • peakresultscoaching.com See ad on page 11.

SCHOOLS Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies LauraMignosa, NCCH 912 Corbin Ave, New Britain, CT 06052 (860) TCM-2705 • www.ctherbschool.com. See ad on page 33.

42 Nutmeg October 2014 42 Natural Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2014

SKINCARE Anew You Skincare & Wellness Center Melissa Martin, 16A Ensign Drive, Avon. (860)284-9730 • www.anewyouskincare.net Melissa@anewyouskincare.net See ad on page 19.

SPA/FLOATATION SERVICES iFloat 163 Main Street. Westport, CT 06880 Phone: 203-26-7378 Website: ifloatspa.net • Email:info@ifloatspa.net

THERMOGRAPHY Sophia Natural Health Center 31 Old Route 7, Brookfield, CT 06804. (203) 740-9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.com X to Rays, LLC Suzanne Pyle, MS, CCT 35 Boston Street, Guilford, CT 866.986.7297 or 203.331.2878 www.xtorays.com • See ad on page 36.

WEIGHTLOSS HCG Weight Loss Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND, LAc. 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037 860) 829-0707 • www.pronaturalphysicians.com See ad on page 25.

YOGA / PILATES CENTERS Cyndi Roberts Yoga RYT-200, Certified Therapeutic & Prenatal Therapeutic, Gentle, or Prenatal Yoga. One-on-one yoga sessions. By appointment only. 1426 Boulevard, West Hartford, CT 860-517-9322. www.yogawithcr.com See ad on page 24. Sacred Movement Yoga 10 Sims Road (Bishop’s Corner) West Hartford, Connecticut 06117 860.990.2555 • www.mysacredmovement.com. Visit our Facebook page! West Hartford Yoga 23 Brook Street, West Hartford, CT 06110 PH: 860.953.9642 • www.westhartfordyoga.com info@westhartfordyoga.com www.westhartfordyoga.com Offering 70 weekly classes

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Deanna Cherrone, M.D.

Internal Medicine Functional Medicine practitioner

“Do you believe you should feel better than you do?” I help restore balance so that you can look, feel and function your best. Areas of Focus: • Adrenal Fatigue • Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy • Bone Loss • Detoxification • Food Sensitivities • Heavy Metal Testing & Oral Chelation • Leaky gut • Menopause & Andropause • Mind Body Medicine

Many of my patients are simply looking for someone who will listen.

Functional Medicine explores the root cause symptoms: Fatigue • Brain Fog • Sugar Cravings • Headaches • Depression • Stress & Anxiety • Decreased Libido • Aches & Pains • Decreased Stamina • Constipation • Allergies • Inability to Lose Weight • Insomnia Dr. Cherrone, founder of Natural Health & Healing, provides Functional Medicine with emphasis on patient education and self care for optimal health.

CALL DR. CHERRONE TODAY AT (860) 677-4600

• Neurotransmitter Testing • Nutritional & Lifestyle Counseling • Thyroid • Weight Loss

61 S. Main St., West Hartford, CT • www.naturalhealthandhealing.net

Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2014